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Mauritanian officials hail 60 years of China-Mauritania ties as model partnership

Xinhua) 10:23, July 20, 2025

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)

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
A Palestinian, wounded by Israeli army fire while waiting for humanitarian aid in the northwest of Gaza City, is seen at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on July 20, 2025. At least 73 Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire while waiting for humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip, the health authorities in Gaza said on Sunday. In a press statement, the authorities said 67 of the victims were killed in the northern part of the territory. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 73 Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire while waiting for humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip, the health authorities in Gaza said on Sunday.

In a press statement, the authorities said 67 of the victims were killed in the northern part of the territory.

Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli forces opened fire on thousands of Palestinians gathered near the Zikim area, northwest of Gaza City, as they awaited aid trucks.

Hamas demanded an urgent international investigation into "the dubious U.S.-Israeli mechanism for distributing aid, which has become a mechanism for the systematic killing of civilians."

The current aid distribution points in Gaza are run by Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) backed by the United States and Israel. Contrary to established international humanitarian norms for distributing relief in local communities, the GHF set up only four sites in the whole of Gaza in restricted Israeli military zones, where starving civilians enter through fenced lanes under the eyes of armed security contractors. Chaos results in gunfire.

Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, which received most of the victims, said in a press statement Sunday that Gaza is witnessing "mass killing" through starvation.

He added that medical staff and patients in his hospital have not eaten a single meal for an entire day.

In a separate incident in the southern Gaza Strip, Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis reported that at least six Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire near an aid center north of Rafah.

The Israeli army did not comment on the two incidents. 

A Palestinian, wounded by Israeli army fire while waiting for humanitarian aid in the northwest of Gaza City, is seen at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on July 20, 2025.

At least 73 Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire while waiting for humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip, the health authorities in Gaza said on Sunday.

In a press statement, the authorities said 67 of the victims were killed in the northern part of the territory. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
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Army leaders have launched an inquiry after the identities of soldiers in the SAS were revealed in a fresh data breach.

Details about the elite unit, part of the UK special forces, are usually kept so secret that its members are barred for life from discussing their involvement unless they receive prior approval.

News of the breach comes just days after it emerged the Ministry of Defence (MoD) had taken out an unprecedented superinjunction after up to 100,000 lives were put at risk of reprisals from the Taliban in a catastrophic data leak.

Around 18,700 Afghans who applied for sanctuary in Britain following the withdrawal of Western forces in 2021 had their names and contact details exposed after an MoD official emailed a secret database to trusted contacts in February 2022. A number of SAS members and MI6 operatives were also compromised in the major leak.

open image in gallery General Roly Walker has ordered an immediate review ( PA Archive )

In yet another data lapse, The Sunday Times reported that details of at least 20 special forces soldiers recruited from the Grenadier Guards have been publicly available online for a decade.

In response, General Sir Roly Walker, the head of the army, has ordered an immediate review of the data-sharing arrangements that led to the incident.

At least 20 SAS members have been named by two different regimental publications over more than a decade, according to the newspaper.

The Grenadier Guards in-house publication included a roll call of the names and current deployments of its most senior officers.

In the latest edition, published last year and available online, the names of 10 men in the regiment allegedly appeared next to the codename MAB  shorthand for MoD A Block, which is the site of the UK special forces headquarters at the Regents Park Barracks in London.

The codename is well known in military circles and means enemies would know which soldiers were linked to an elite unit.

open image in gallery Soldiers whose details were compromised have been notified and protected ( PA Wire )

The breaches were first reported in April, and while another regiment removed similar publications, the remaining information on the Guards was only taken down on Friday.

Those whose details were compromised have been notified and protected, it is understood.

Gen Walker said: The security of our people is of the utmost importance and we take any breach extremely seriously.

[As a result of this incident,] I have directed an immediate review into our data sharing arrangements with our regimental and corps associations to ensure appropriate guidance and safeguards are in place to best support the vital work they do.

The Independent approached the MoD for further comment.
Rachel Reeves is facing a fresh rebellion, but this time, the opposition is coming from Britains biggest supermarkets, not the Labour back benches.

Tesco and Sainsburys have joined forces with pubs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses to warn the chancellor against a planned 1.7bn tax raid on the industry.

The Independent looks at what the businesses are worried about, and whether their warnings are likely to be heeded.

What is the tax raid?

The grocery giants intervention focuses on the chancellors plans to overhaul the business rates system.

The chancellor outlined the reforms in last Octobers Budget ( Getty )

Changes outlined by Ms Reeves in her Budget last October will lead to higher payments for department stores, big supermarkets and other businesses with larger sites.

At the time, the chancellor said she was creating a fairer business rates system by permanently lowering payments for high street retail, hospitality and leisure properties.

To fund lower rates for businesses worth less than 500,000, Ms Reeves outlined plans for those worth more than 500,000 to pay a higher rate. The government is also scrapping a relief enjoyed by the companies, granting them 40 per cent off their business rates bills up to 110,000, which currently costs the Treasury 1.7bn a year.

This measure will provide certainty and support for the high street, the government said at the time.

What do critics say?

Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy told The Telegraph that the changes will threaten investments in customers, colleagues and communities.

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, the retail chief added.

And Sainsburys boss Simon Roberts said big retailers, already struggling with higher national insurance contributions and the minimum wage hike, would pull away from our high streets.

He told the paper: 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 British Retail Consortium (BRC) estimates that around 4,000 large retailers will be hit by the changes. It argues that these anchor stores drive footfall and help sustain surrounding businesses and communities.

What do they want changed?

The BRC wants the government to exclude shops from the higher rate payment, the level of which is set to be unveiled in the autumn Budget and take effect from next April.

Funding the exemption of shops would require smaller retail, leisure and hospitality firms to pay slightly more.

Will the government listen?

It is rare for the likes of Sainsburys and Tesco to publicly speak out against government policy, and the intervention is a sign of the growing frustration among retail and hospitality bosses at Ms Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer.

The industry has already been hit with national insurance hikes, a minimum wage increase and is bracing for the imposition of Angela Rayners employment rights shake-up.

Pub bosses have warned they are already seeing record closures and the business rates reforms will cause more to shut down.

Labour came to power with a promise to govern as a party of business, and the Treasury will certainly take note of the retailers calls.

However, with the chancellor already under pressure to raise as much cash as possible in her next Budget, any move that critics could paint as a bung to big business will prove politically difficult.

A Treasury spokesperson said: We are a pro-business government that is creating a fairer business rates system to protect the high street, support investment, and level the playing field. To deliver our manifesto pledge and provide certainty and support to the high street we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from next year.

Unlike the current relief for these properties, there will be no cash cap on the new lower tax rates, supporting some of Britains most loved high street chains to continue to create jobs and grow the economy. The tough but necessary decisions weve taken on tax mean we could protect working peoples payslips from higher taxes, invest record amounts into the NHS, defence and other public services while keeping bus fares at 3 and expanding free school meals.
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Rachel Reeves is eyeing up a 5bn pre-Budget windfall as the government considers selling off seized cryptocurrency to plug a hole in the public finances.

The Home Office is reportedly working with police forces to offload at least 5bn worth of bitcoin and other currencies taken from criminals.

It is planning to develop a storage system for the currencies to handle their sale, it has emerged, as concerns about Labours spending plans mount ahead of the autumn Budget.

open image in gallery Rachel Reeves needs to find billions to balance the books ahead of her Budget this autumn ( Reuters )

Home Office plans for a crypto storage and realisation framework would allow law enforcement to securely store frozen digital currencies and sell them, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Ms Reeves has been left with a gap of at least 5bn to fill when she sets out the governments spending plans this autumn, with the governments chaotic U-turn on planned benefit cuts raising the likelihood of tax hikes.

The chancellor and Sir Keir Starmer have left the door open to a wealth tax to cover the shortfall.

As well as the 5bn black hole left by the welfare climbdown, the impact of sluggish economic growth and Donald Trumps trade war could leave the Treasury scrambling to find as much as 20bn in tax hikes or spending cuts elsewhere.

It is not known how much cryptocurrency law enforcement agencies currently have, but one 2018 raid saw 61,000 bitcoins seized from a Chinese Ponzi scheme. The value of bitcoin has surged since Mr Trumps return to the White House, meaning the haul could be worth more than 5.4bn.

Responding to the suggestion, Ms Reeves could sell the reserves, Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf said: This would be a terrible decision. The UK should be implementing Reforms crypto bill and increasing its bitcoin reserves.

Selling now will go down as a far worse decision than Gordon Browns fire sale of our gold.

The Westminster class are dinosaurs who dont get the future.

open image in gallery Zia Yusuf said selling bitcoin would be a terrible mistake ( PA )

But Aidan Larkin, the chief executive of seizure company Asset Reality, told The Sunday Telegraph: There is oil under our feet in terms of digital assets, from an illicit perspective, that could have hundreds of millions of pounds coming back into the UK each year.

Bitcoin investors have been spurred on by Mr Trump, who has lent his support to the market both by promising new legislation and regulatory changes, but also even launching his own digital currencies.

The leading cryptocurrency reached $120,000 (89,472), marking both an all-time high and an important landmark for those who believe that bitcoin is undervalued.

The Treasury was approached for comment.
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Steve Reed has said he is not at all surprised Reform UK is consistently beating Labour in the polls.

The environment secretary said Nigel Farages party poll lead is a reflection of peoples disenchantment with politics.

 I am not at all surprised, because we just had 14 years where people were promised so much, and all of those promises were broken, he told BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

open image in gallery Steve Reed said that the British public will see the change they voted for over the coming months and years ( PA Wire )

Mr Reed said: Through austerity, through Brexit, after the pandemic with Build Back Better, none of it actually happened.

The public want to see the change they actually voted for become real.

He went on to outline Labours plan to leave Britain with the cleanest rivers on record by rebuilding crumbling sewage pipes and overhauling the regulation of water firms.

Reform is currently leading in the polls with 29 per cent of the vote, with Labour trailing in second place on 23 per cent.

A recent mega poll by YouGov put Mr Farages party on course to comfortably gain the most MPs in a general election, winning 271 seats compared to Labour on 178. Reform would not have a majority, but would be the largest party by far and unseat cabinet ministers Angela Rayner, Yvette Cooper, Bridget Phillipson and Jonathan Reynolds.

Asked about the poll deficit and how Labour plans to turn it around, Mr Reed said: This government is making change for this country, but it takes time for that to feed through.

Im proud of what were doing. Im proud of this government, and the British public will see the change they voted for over the coming months and years.

open image in gallery Nigel Farages party is on course to win the most seats in a general election ( BBC )

Labours first year in power ended disastrously, with headlines dominated by the chaotic U-turn over Sir Keir Starmers planned 5bn benefit cuts.

And polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice said Sir Keir had the worst start for any newly elected prime minister, Labour or Conservative.

He said Labours landslide victory last summer had masked vulnerabilities in the partys support and its policies.

Labour only won 35 per cent of the vote  the lowest share ever for a majority government. Keir Starmer was never especially popular, and the public still dont know what he stands for, he told Times Radio.

The only vision hes really presented is: Well fix the problems the Conservatives left us. But its not clear how he wants to change the country.
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Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has tendered his resignation three days after he was seen in a loving embrace with the head of the companys HR department.

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 companys statement released Saturday reads.

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, the press release concluded.

Software company Astronomer has launched a formal investigation after its CEO Andy Byron and head of HR Kristin Cabot were caught being intimate at a Coldplay concert, engulfing the internet in rumors of an alleged affair between them ( TikTok @instaagraace )

The company also moved to quash rumors online that other employees were at the concert with the duo, and thus knew about the affair.

Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video, the company wrote in its statement.

Social media went into meltdown after footage circulated showing two people - later identified as Byron and his companys Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot - awkwardly jumping out of each others arms as they flashed up on a kiss cam during the bands show in Boston Wednesday night.

A company official reportedly told Axios that Cabot has also been put on leave pending their internal investigation.

Byron, who had his arms wrapped around Cabots waist from behind, quickly let her go as his HR chief covered her face with her hands. He then crouched down, trying to hide from the camera.

Oh, what...either theyre having an affair or theyre just very shy, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin quipped as the pair ran away from where they were standing.

In its statement immediately following the incident, the company sought to clarify several details, including Byrons alleged response.

Andy Byron has not put out any statement; reports saying otherwise are all incorrect, the statement read.

Though Byron has kept mum on the incident, Astronomer co-founder Ry Walker, who was CEO himself from 2015 to 2019, and worked with him briefly, spoke out on X. Ive found Andy to be professional, Ive only ever been on a call with him once, he wrote.

Everyone on the team has praised his leadership to me. So I think this is an unfortunate development that comes as a big surprise, he added.

Byron has been CEO of Astronomer, a New York City-based data orchestration platform that empowers data teams to bring mission-critical analytics, Ai, and software to life, since 2023, according to the companys LinkedIn page.

Meanwhile, Cabot joined the team nine months ago, according to her LinkedIn.

Despite the official investigation, hundreds cracked jokes online about the awkward situation, speculating that the two were cheating on their spouses.

:ol if theyd have just stuck it out and smiled for the camera this would never have surfaced as virally as it did, one internet user wrote. Their spouses would have left them anyway once they learned of their Coldplay fetish, another joked.
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Go to any city in America, and its a good bet people will be talking about the transplants moving in.

The new ideas and businesses and cultures they bring. The rents they push up. The errors they make while ordering bagels.

In some places, like California, which struggled with population loss during the pandemic, rebounding population stats in recent years are even a source of bragging rights.

So, what does the data actually tells about who is moving where?

open image in gallery U-Haul data isnt an exact science, but it can point to trends about how people are moving across the country so far in 2025 ( AP )

This week, rental company U-Haul released its midyear migration trends report, compiling the top cities and states from which movers are packing up and striking out for somewhere new. Heres what you need to know about whos moving to Americas largest five cities.

New York, New York

open image in gallery Lady Liberty getting set to welcome the newest wave of gentrifiers to the city ( Getty/iStock )

New York, the countrys largest city, drew mainly from the Northeast, with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maryland making up the top five states sending new movers to the Big Apple.

Unsurprisingly, these areas contained the out-of-state cities with the most transplants heading to New York.

On this count, Philadelphia topped the list of U-Haul renters moving to New York, followed by residents of Central New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Boston, and New Haven.

Los Angeles, California

open image in gallery Not even the horror wildfires of the beginning of the year could stop new people wanting to move to the city of angels ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

A similar trend played out in Los Angeles, where recent emergencies including devastating wildfires at the beginning of the year and tense protests against federal immigration raids this summer have complicated life in a region already beset with a high cost of living.

As Governor Gavin Newsom continues his alleged soft-launch of a 2028 presidential campaign, the California Democrat felt compelled to go on The Shawn Ryan Show podcast to push back against the California exodus myth.

Residents of nearby states  including large, high-growth areas in the Sunbelt  still came marching in, with residents of Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Washington, and Oregon leading the way.

Las Vegas, Vegas, Seattle, Portland, and Denver, meanwhile, were the top five metros sending people across state lines to L.A. so far this year.

Chicago, Illinois

open image in gallery Midwesterners are staying in the Midwest  theyre just moving to Chicago ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In the Midwest, this strong regionality continued for the most part, with Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, and Ohio topping the list for transplants heading to the Windy City.

Similarly, people from Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, St. Louis, and Dallas were most likely to move from out of state and into Chicago, according to the U-Haul data.

Houston, Texas

open image in gallery Beyonces hometown has Californians moving to it in droves ( Getty Images )

Houston, meanwhile, drew mostly from its Southern neighbors like Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma, though one cant fail to notice California ranked number four in the list of states U-Haul customers left behind to go to Texas. (Sorry Gavin!)

As for cities, New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami, Baton Rouge, and Oklahoma City were most likely to be the starting point for out-of-staters heading to Houston.

Phoenix, Arizona

open image in gallery The heat of Phoenix is not enough to stop people from all over the country moving there ( Brandon Bell/Getty Images )

Last but not least, Phoenix drew residents from all around, with California, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington state sending the most movers.

Metro areas including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Seattle rounded out the list of out-of-state cities where U-Haul renters began their journeys to Phoenix.
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Donald Trumps White House is doing everything it can to make sure Kilmar Abrego Garcia never steps foot on U.S. soil as a free man  even if that means setting him free in another country while he faces criminal charges in this one.

Federal prosecutors want to bring his smuggling case to trial as soon as possible. But if hes released from pretrial detention, immigration officials intend to arrest and deport him before a trial even begins, according to government lawyers.

Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is set to begin January 27, 2026. He could be in another country by then.

The administration spent weeks insisting Abrego Garcia would never be allowed back to the country after admitting he was wrongfully deported in March. Yet he was abruptly flown back to the United States from El Salvador last month to face a criminal indictment in Tennessee. At a press conference announcing his return, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Abrego Garcia would face American justice.

In recent court hearings in two different states, where judges are presiding over a criminal case and his wrongful removal lawsuit, Justice Department lawyers said they would only move forward with his criminal prosecution if he remains in custody while awaiting trial.

open image in gallery Supporters rally for Kilmar Abrego Garcia outside a court hearing to decide whether the Salvadoran immigrant at the center of Trumps anti-immigration agenda could be deported, again, before a criminal trial ( Getty Images )

If he is released on bail, they would let Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest him and send him out of the country, again.

Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis hauled Trump administration officials to court this month to understand what, if anything, the government intends to do with Abrego Garcia when hes released from pretrial custody.

Department of Homeland Security officials admitted that ICE intends to arrest him, but they dont yet know where he will be deported. Government attorneys had previously announced plans to deport him to a third country instead of his native El Salvador.

Theres been no decision made, as he is not in ICE custody, Thomas Giles, assistant director for ICE enforcement and removal operations, testified last week.

ICE intends to take custody of Abrego Garcia as soon as possible, Giles said.

Where he will await his removal from the country will depend on available space in immigration detention centers, according to Giles.

Last month, Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes determined there is no legal basis to keep him in pretrial detention. She set potential conditions for his release, including wearing an ankle bracelet and living with his brother in Maryland.

The federal judge overseeing his criminal case will decide next week whether to uphold that ruling.

open image in gallery Abrego Garcias attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg has accused Trump administration officials of trying to deport him to a third country after he was abruptly brought back to the United States to face a criminal indictment despite fighting off court orders for his return ( Getty Images )

On July 16, Tennessee District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr. said his decision will not be determined by what ICE wants to do. Frankly we dont know what is going to happen to him in that regard, the judge said.

But he said he was having a hard time understanding arguments from federal prosecutors that there were no conditions under which Abrego Garcia  who does not have a criminal record  could be out of jail while awaiting trial.

Holmes also appeared to reject the governments characterization of Abrego Garcia as a dangerous MS-13 gang member, human trafficker and serial abuser following claims from administration officials and government attorneys that defy common sense.

Under cross examination from defense attorney Sean Hecker, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Peter Joseph admitted that he did not know that one of the governments central informants in the case gave conflicting statements about Abrego Garcias alleged gang ties in several interviews with federal agents.

He also testified that he didnt know that the informants were in contact with other potential cooperators  at least three of whom sought deals with the government to legally remain in the United States in exchange for their testimony.

Three of the witnesses are related, and Joseph admitted it was always a possibility that they coordinated their stories to secure a better deal for themselves.

Theyre family, Crenshaw shot back. Family talk.

But it wont be Crenshaws decision that decides whether Abrego Garcia walks free.

That will be up to Judge Xinis in Maryland. She is expected to decide whether to block the Trump administration from deporting him a second time.

Xinis has signaled that she will order the government to give him at least two days notice, should the judge overseeing his criminal case release him from pretrial custody.

open image in gallery Abrego Garcia says he experienced torture and abuse inside El Salvadors CECOT prison, while emails and text messages from a Justice Department whistleblower appear to show officials trying to figure out how to get him back to the United States before switching gears after the case became a major scandal for the White House ( via REUTERS )

Abrego Garcia was 16 years old when he fled gang violence in El Salvador and illegally entered the United States in 2011.

Abrego Garcia, now 29, was living and working in Maryland with his wife and child, both American citizens, and two children from a previous marriage, when ICE agents arrested him in March.

After government lawyers admitted in court documents that he was removed from the country due to a procedural error, federal judges and a unanimous Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return. A 2019 order from an immigration judge had blocked his removal to El Salvador over humanitarian concerns, and Supreme Court justices unanimously agreed the Trump administration had illegally defied that order.

Still, the government spent weeks battling court orders while officials publicly said he would never step foot in the United States as they characterized him as a serial abuser and criminal gang member.

But emails and text messages provided to members of Congress appear to show Trump administration and government lawyers were sympathetic to his wrongful removal and made efforts to get him out of El Salvador before the case made headlines causing major headaches for the White House.

Erez Reuveni, a 15-year veteran of the Justice Department who was working in the Office of Immigration Litigation, was closely involved with several high-profile immigration cases in the first months of Donald Trumps presidency when he was fired in April.

He supplied members of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a massive trove of internal messages showing the lengths the administration was taking to label Abrego Garcia a member of MS-13 as they tried to figure out if they were violating court orders by keeping him in El Salvador.

Before the case exploded into a national story at the center of the presidents anti-immigration agenda, administration officials spent several days discussing the feasibility of returning Abrego Garcia or ensuring that he would be protected from the gang violence he fled as a teenager.

The messages also revealed simmering tensions between Justice Department attorneys who worked the cases in court and lawyers for Homeland Security who were directed to advance the presidents agenda, regardless of legal risks.

Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia was suffering inside El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center, according to his legal team. His attorneys alleged he experienced severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation, inadequate nutrition, and psychological torture while locked up inside.

Last time they put Kilmar Abrego Garcia on a plane, he didnt know where that plane was going until it landed at the airport in El Salvador, his attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg told reporters last week. Thats more or less what they want to do again, and thats what were here to stop.
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Elon Musk rushed to Donald Trumps defense after a damning Wall Street Journal report detailed a lewd birthday letter the president allegedly presented to Jeffrey Epstein.

The tech billionaire has repeatedly demanded the release of the unredacted documents related to the disgraced financiers sex-trafficking case since dropping the really big bomb last month, a baseless claim that Trump was withholding the files because they implicated him.

After the Journal described on Thursday a birthday card that appeared to be signed by Trump for Epsteins 50th birthday, Musk abruptly shifted gears, coming to the former presidents defense.

Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret, the message read, according to the newspaper. The report states text is surrounded by a drawing of a naked woman, punctuated by a squiggly Donald mimicking pubic hair.

Hours after the reports release, the presidents former first buddy said: It really doesnt sound like something Trump would say tbh.

open image in gallery Elon Musk has said that the alleged Epstein birthday card doesnt really sound like Trump ( Getty )

Musk retweeted a summary from his AI tool, Grok, casting doubt over the authenticity of the birthday card. In another similar Grok summary, he replied with a fire emoji.

Trump denied having anything to do with the card, claiming, I never wrote a picture in my life.

I dont draw pictures of women, he told the Journal. Its not my language. Its not my words.

He also threatened to sue the Journal if the story was published  a threat he has now vowed to act upon. In a Truth Social post on Thursday night, the president stated that he plans to sue the newspaper, its parent company, News Corp, and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, soon.

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, Trump wrote, referring to himself in the third person.

open image in gallery The president lashed out at the Wall Street Journals report, threatening to sue the paper, Newscorp and Rupert Murdoch ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images )

Mr. Murdoch stated that he would take care of it but, obviously, did not have the power to do so, he continued. The Editor of The Wall Street Journal, Emma Tucker, was told directly by Karoline Leavitt, and by President Trump, that the letter was a FAKE, but Emma Tucker didnt want to hear that. Instead, they are going with a false, malicious, and defamatory story anyway.

The president also described several lawsuits he has filed against the press, including ABC and CBS, which were settled.

The report comes as the Trump administration continues to face backlash after a Department of Justice and FBI memo released last week stated that there was no evidence that Epstein had a client list.

Trump has since dismissed Epsteins case as a hoax, a scam, and bull****.

He has accused his Democratic predecessors and former officials of fabricating documents related to the case, while chastising some of his MAGA base calling for the files release, branding them as weaklings.

As constituents apply pressure on the GOP to provide more transparency around the Epstein files, House Republicans voted down a Democratic amendment Thursday night.

Lawmakers attempted to advance a bipartisan bill calling for the full release of documents related to the convicted sex offenders case.

Early Friday morning, Musk admitted on X that it would be hard to accept a clean bill not going to a vote.
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The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has retracted a tsunami warning for Russias Kamchatka Peninsula after two quakes struck in the sea nearby on Sunday.

The larger quake with a magnitude of 7.4 was at a depth of 12 miles and was 89 miles east of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which has a population of 180,000.

A few minutes earlier, a quake with a magnitude of 6.7 was recorded nearby.

open image in gallery ( Pacific Tsunami Warning Center )

Initially the US National Weather Service also issued a warning for Hawaii, but this was later cancelled after further investigation indicated there is no longer a threat to the island.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency reported that waves of up to 60 cm could reach the sparsely populated Aleutsky District on the Commander Islands.

But the PTWC later downgraded its warning, before finally saying the danger had passed.

open image in gallery Panorama of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky ( Getty Images )

A message on the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had warned that tsunami waves reaching 1 metre above tide level were possible for some Russian coasts.

It said waves were forecast to be less than 0.3 metres above tide level for the coasts of Hawaii and Japan.

Measurements of earthquakes often vary in the first hours after they occur. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) indicated twin earthquakes of over 6.5 magnitude struck near the coast of Kamchatka, in Russia's far east, early on Sunday.

It measured the quakes at 6.6 and 6.7 and the depth of both at six miles.

On November 4, 1952, a magnitude 9.0 quake in Kamchatka caused damage but no reported deaths despite setting off 30-foot waves in Hawaii.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center describes a tsunami as a series of waves, with the time between wave crests varying from five minutes to and hour. It says the hazard of a tsunami wave may persist for many hours after the initial wave.

It warned people caught in the water of a tsunami are in danger of drowning, being swept out to sea or being crushed by debris in the water.
Vehicles drive through a flooded area in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Sunday upgraded its emergency response for flood and typhoon control to Level III in the southern provinces of Guangdong and Hainan in response to Typhoon Wipha.

It maintained the Level IV emergency response to the typhoon in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

According to meteorological forecasts, Wipha is likely to bring rainstorms and heavy downpours to parts of Hainan and Guangdong from Sunday to Monday.

Meanwhile, a batch of relief supplies had been dispatched to Guangdong and Hainan by central authorities including the office of the national commission for disaster prevention, reduction and relief, the Ministry of Emergency Management, and the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration. These supplies comprise 33,000 items such as folding beds, quilts and lamps.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response. 
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Vladimir Putin is open to peace after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky suggested fresh ceasefire talks, Moscow said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russian president was ready to negotiate, but that Russia remained committed to achieving its goals.

It comes after Mr Zelensky offered Moscow another round of peace talks for next week, saying he wanted to speed up ending the conflict, following US president Donald Trumps 50-day deadline of ceasefire or sanctions.

President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy, Mr Peskov said.

The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear, he added. The Kremlin has insisted that any peace deal should see Ukraine withdraw from the four regions that Russia illegally annexed in September 2022.

open image in gallery Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russian president was ready to negotiate but Russia remained committed to achieving its goals ( AP )

Meanwhile, Moscow continued to intensify its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities, launching more drones in a single night than it did during some entire months in 2024.

And in Russia, at least 140 flights were cancelled and Moscows four major airports were forced to close after Ukraine launched a drone strike across the country.

The Kremlin 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.

In his nightly address on Saturday, Mr Zelensky said his officials have proposed a new round of peace talks this week.

Russian state media reported on Sunday that no date has yet been set for the negotiations, but said Istanbul would likely remain the host city.

open image in gallery A man films in front of a damaged apartment building after the shelling in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine ( Reuters )

On 14 July, Mr Trump threatened Russia with steep tariffs and announced a rejuvenated pipeline for American weapons to reach Ukraine, hardening his stance toward Moscow.

Mr Trump said he would implement severe tariffs unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days. He provided few details on how they would be implemented, but suggested they would target Russias trading partners.

In addition, Mr Trump said European allies would buy billions and billions of dollars of US military equipment to be transferred to Ukraine, replenishing the besieged countrys supplies of weapons.

Included in the plan are Patriot air defence systems, a top priority for Ukraine as it fends off Russian drones and missiles.

Elsewhere, Ukraines air force said it shot down 18 of 57 Shahed-type and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight into Sunday, with seven more disappearing from radar.

Two women were injured in Zaporizhzhia, a southern Ukrainian region partly occupied by Russia, when a drone struck their house, according to the regional military administration.

Two more civilians were injured in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv province after a drone slammed into a residential building, local Ukrainian officials said.

Meanwhile, Russias defence ministry said its forces overnight shot down 93 Ukrainian drones targeting Russian territory, including at least 15 that appeared to head for Moscow.
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Pope Leo XIV has condemned the barbarity of the Gaza war and called out collective punishment as officials said dozens more Palestinians were killed queuing for aid on Sunday.

The pontiff renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect international laws and the obligation to protect civilians.

It came as Gazan officials said 85 refugees were killed after witnesses claimed Israeli soldiers and tanks fired on crowds queuing for food in northern Gaza.

I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Pope Leo XIV said.

I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law, as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations.

open image in gallery Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Nuseirat on Sunday ( Reuters )

Around 67 of those killed were gunned down trying to reach aid entering through the Zikim crossing with Israel, according to the health ministry and local hospitals.

Tanks surrounded us and trapped us as gunshots and strikes rained down. We were trapped for two hours, said Ehab Al-Zei, who had been waiting for flour. "I will never go back again. Let us die of hunger, it's better.

Israel's military said soldiers had shot at a gathering of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza who posed a threat, and it was aware of some casualties.

On Saturday, witnesses said at least 32 Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops while queuing for food distributed by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

The shootings occurred near hubs operated by the US and Israeli-backed GHF, which launched operations in May this year.

open image in gallery Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli army airstrike in Khan Younis on Saturday ( AP )

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 since May.

The organisations four sites are in military-controlled zones. Israel's army secures them from a distance, but does not operate them.

Pope Leo also expressed his "deep sorrow" for the Israeli attack on the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, which killed three people and wounded 10 others, including the parish priest.

The shelling of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza also damaged the church compound, where hundreds of Palestinians have been sheltering from the Israel-Hamas war, now in its 21st month.

Israel expressed regret over what it described as an accident and said it was investigating. We need to dialogue and abandon weapons, the pope said earlier on Sunday, after presiding over Mass at the nearby Cathedral of Albano.

Gaza's population of more than two million Palestinians are in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, now relying largely on the limited aid allowed into the territory.

Many people have been displaced multiple times. Hamas triggered the war when militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage.

Fifty remain in Gaza, but fewer than half are thought to be alive. Israel's military offensive has killed more than 58,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry.
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Sectarian clashes escalated in Syrias predominantly Druze region of Sweida as the countrys new Islamist regime struggled to implement a ceasefire after days of bloodshed.

Shelling and firing were heard as Druze fighters reportedly pushed out Bedouin gunmen from Sweida city on Saturday.

The regime in Damascus announced that it had deployed forces in the southern region to maintain peace and urged all parties to stop fighting after hundreds of people were killed in nearly a week of clashes.

The interior ministry claimed late on Saturday that clashes had stopped after Sweida was cleared of Bedouin tribal fighters.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group based in the UK, said clashes since last week around Sweida had killed at least 940 people.

Interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Isis and Al Qaeda leader who took power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad late last year, said "Arab and American mediation had helped restore calm, only for the clashes to escalate on Sunday.

Mr Sharaa criticised Israel for launching airstrikes in Syria during the week. The attacks targeted Sweida as well as the new regimes defence ministry headquarters in Damascus.

Israeli forces had previously conducted a series of devastating attacks on military installations across Syria and invaded the border regions just as the Shaara regime was taking over last December. The attacks on Syrian military facilities have continued in the seven months since and Israel has said it wants areas of Syria near its border to remain demilitarised.

open image in gallery Bedouin fighters ride in a truck in Mazraa village on the outskirts of Sweida city in southern Syria on 19 July 2025 ( AP )

The Sweida province has been engulfed by almost a week of violence. It began with clashes between the Druze  a religious minority native to southern Syria, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and parts of Lebanon and Jordan  and Bedouin tribes. Government forces arrived to try and quell tensions, clashing with Druze gunmen and attacking the community.

The Bedouin clans announced on Sunday that they had withdrawn.

Mr Sharaa appealed to the Druze community for calm and urged the Bedouins to leave the city, saying they "cannot replace the role of the state in handling the country's affairs and restoring security".

The Druze religious sect began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shia Islam. More than half of the nearly one million Druze worldwide live in Syria.

Mansour Namour, a villager from 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 the 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," Omar Obeid, director of the hospital, told the Associated Press.

open image in gallery Soldiers inspect the Syrian defense ministry building after it was struck by Israeli warplanes in Damascus on 16 July 2025 ( AP )

US secretary of state Marco Rubio demanded an end to "the rape and slaughter of innocent people" in the Mideast nation. "If authorities in Damascus want to preserve any chance of achieving a unified, inclusive and peaceful Syria free of ISIS and of Iranian control they must help end this calamity by using the security forces to prevent ISIS and any other violent jihadists from entering the area and carrying out massacres, he said on Saturday.

"And they must hold accountable and bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities, including those in their own ranks."

US envoy Tom Barrack earlier announced that Syria and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire. Mr Barrack, who serves as Americas Syria envoy as well as its ambassador to Turkey, said the truce was supported by Turkey, Jordan and other neighbouring countries.

The Syrian presidency announced an immediate ceasefire and urged an end to hostilities. Mr 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.

The leader appeared to blame Druze gunmen for the latest clashes, accusing them of revenge attacks against Bedouins.
A car dramatically crashed into a barn roof in Bohmte, Germany, on Saturday, injuring several people, including a seriously hurt seven-year-old boy.

Police reported the vehicle veered off the road around 8pm, breaking through a hedge before striking the boy on a trampoline. It then careered into the barn roof, approximately three metres high.

The boy sustained serious injuries, as did a 43-year-old woman, a passenger in the car. A 42-year-old man was driving, accompanied by their two sons, aged 11 and 12, and a 13-year-old passenger.

The vehicle was later removed from the roof by crane and seized by police.
What now after your Leaving Cert results? Heres how to plan your next steps  whether you got top points or not
Partner Content

Despite ongoing challenges in the global business environment, disruption can often serve as a catalyst for innovation, new opportunities, new business models, new innovations, and new ways of thinking and working.

At Enterprise Ireland, our priority continues to be supporting Irish-owned companies at every stage of their business journey, helping them create jobs, attract investment, and compete in global markets.

To continue to grow in new international markets and find new opportunities, Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting and fostering the next generation of Irish startups, and we will work to support SMEs to become more profitable, productive and competitive by harnessing AI, innovation and sustainability, and to accelerate Irish businesses to scale and become global leaders in their field.

Technology and services reached 3.13bn, while industrial and life-sciences exports totalled 2.48bn. Photo: Stock image/Getty

Irish exporters are agile, and they continue to show their strength and resilience, and this was reflected in the strong export results recently published by Enterprise Ireland. Despite economic headwinds, geopolitical uncertainty and rising costs, exports from Irish-owned companies supported by Enterprise Ireland reached a record 36.75 billion in 2024, a 7pc increase on the year before.

This growth was broad-based, with strong growth recorded across all overseas territories. Exports to Europe rose by 4pc to 10.63bn, making it the largest export region for the first time, surpassing the UK. This milestone is a direct outcome of our post-Brexit diversification strategy.

While diversification has been a strategic focus in response to the changed trading relationship, the UK  our closest neighbour remains a strategically important market, and a priority for Enterprise Ireland. Exports to the UK reached 10.52bn in 2024, up 4pc year-on-year, and exceeded 1bn for the first time.

High-tech construction exports increased by 20pc to 4.66bn

Notwithstanding recent challenges, the United States also saw significant gains, driven by strong trading relationships and sectoral growth. Exports to the US reached 6.66bn, with non-food exports accounting for 5.61bn. Technology and services reached 3.13bn, while industrial and life-sciences exports totalled 2.48bn.

Sectoral performance was equally robust. Food and sustainability exports rose 5pc to 16.25bn. Non-food exports increased 8pc to 20.5bn, with industrial and life sciences up 9pc to 11.46bn. High-tech construction exports increased by 20pc to 4.66bn.

The technology and services sector grew by 7pc to 9.05bn. And within this portfolio, digital tech exports rose 9pc to 3.16bn, and fintech, financial, and business services increased 5pc to 2.90bn.

With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global trade, Irish businesses have time and again proven their agility, and ability to diversify across markets when facing challenges. And these impressive export results demonstrate the resilience of the Irish enterprise base, and the global demand for their cutting-edge innovations and solutions.

It is our ambition that exporting Irish businesses become the primary driver of the Irish economy

Enterprise Irelands expert teams in Ireland and across our network of 42 international offices remain committed to supporting companies to start, compete, scale and connect, and to grow in international markets.

A priority for our team is to support companies to develop potential mitigation strategies and build out new market positions to navigate any challenges on the horizon, including any potential challenges resulting from the ongoing tariff and trade discussions.

Enterprise Ireland supported companies are economic cornerstones in towns and communities across the country, and last year these companies employed a record 234,454 people. They also made a substantial impact on the Irish economy last year, spending 42.65bn, including 13bn on payroll.

It is our ambition that exporting Irish businesses become the primary driver of the Irish economy. We believe we are stronger together, and Enterprise Ireland will continue to work with our partners from across the ecosystem to support companies to deal with change, to find opportunities and to drive resilience and growth.

Joe Healy is head of Global Markets at Enterprise Ireland
New Dalata owner considers expanding its Scandic hotel brand into the Irish and UK market

1.4bn agreement to buy Irish hotel group represents the highest market cap for the firm since its IPO in 2014

The Scandic hotel in Taby, Sweden. Photo: Scandic

Sean Pollock Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 06:30

The new operator of the Dalata Hotel business is considering bringing its Scandic-branded hotels to Ireland, as it looks to close a 1.4bn agreement to acquire the countrys largest hotel group.
Irish hauliers are being forced to pay an unfair 40m levy for driving in Britain and Northern Ireland, they claim.

And the truckers have demanded that the Government here make its financial backing of the key A5 motorway plan in Northern Ireland contingent on the removal of the levy.
The wholesale price of coffee rose 47pc in a year  is nothing sacred?

With hedge funds driving volatile coffee bean markets to record highs in recent months and a growing taste for cold coffee brews amongst young people, the coffee sector is facing big changes.

Prices have fallen back a little in recent months  but right now, the green coffee beans that are the basic raw material for your flat white are 47pc more expensive than they were a year ago, says Sheila Dowling, commercial director at Bewleys, the countrys best known bean roaster.
Meta rejects EUs code of practice for AI

Mark Zuckerbergs tech giant, which has its European headquarters in Dublin, says that the EU is heading down the wrong path on AI

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg

Adrian Weckler Fri 18 Jul 2025 at 16:06

Meta has said it will not sign up to the EUs AI Code of Practice, claiming it represents regulatory over-reach and introduces legal uncertainties for companies trying to build AI services in Europe.
Doctor Tian Congliang (C) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University discusses a premature baby case with his colleagues at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Doctor Tian Congliang (front) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University discusses a premature baby case with his colleagues at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Doctor Tian Congliang (L) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University discusses a medical treatment plan with his colleague at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Doctor Tian Congliang (2nd L) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University discusses a premature baby case with his colleagues at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

This photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a general view of Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Doctor Tian Congliang (2nd L) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University examines a patient at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
Wild West drone launch sites for meal deliveries ordered to close

But operator Manna Air Delivery says law must adapt to support innovative business

Entrepreneur Bobby Healy started up Manna. Photo: Mark Condren

Mark Tighe Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 06:30

A drone company that runs a food delivery service in west Dublin has been hit with enforcement action over its use of two unauthorised sites.
Jonathan Dowdall being prepared for new post-prison life overseas in witness protection

Dubliner who testified against Gerry The Monk Hutch is expected to be joined abroad by family members following his imminent release

Jonathan Dowdall is expected to be 'spirited away' to begin a new life overseas

Ali Bracken Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 06:30

Former Sinn Fein councillor turned state witness Jonathan Dowdall is planning his move overseas as he enters the Witness Security Programme in the coming months.
Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan told by staff to emphasise gardais soft skills when questioned about child deportations

Q&A briefing sheet released under FoI also show minister was advised to say forced removals are the last option, not the first

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan was told to say forced deportations 'are the last option, not the first'. Photo: PA

Ken Foxe Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 06:30

Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan was told to emphasise the interpersonal skills of gardai as controversy flared over the deportation of families and young children from Ireland.
Obituary: Cathal MacLiam, activist who helped ensure Irish voters had a bigger say on European issues

Equality campaigner played an active role in the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement and supported the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland

Cathal MacLiam was heavily involved in political activism throughout his life

Deaglan De Breadun Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 06:30

A lifelong activist and organiser who campaigned for equality and justice in Ireland, north and south, as well as overseas, Cathal MacLiam has died at the age of 93.
Obituary: Father Patrick Ryan, priest known as the Devils Disciple for his work as a bomb-maker with the IRA

Curate showed no remorse for the men, women and children whose murders he facilitated

Fr Patrick Ryan was quartermaster of an IRA murder squad

Telegraph obituaries Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 06:30

Father Patrick Ryan, who has died aged 94, was a curate in London during the early days of the Troubles who moonlighted as a robber, money launderer and the IRAs linkman with the Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Gifted and arrogant, he refused to join the IRA, but ploughed his own furrow as a bomb-maker responsible for hundreds of deaths, earning the nickname the Padre from his allies  and, from the press, the Terror Priest and the Devils Disciple.
Once youre gone, youre gone: Carole Coleman on leaving RTE for career change

Former Washington correspondent was reminded of her fractious exchange with George W Bush after US ambassador Mike Huckabees recent Guinness comments

Carole Coleman is leaving her RTE job to teach journalism. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Donal Lynch Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 06:30

Carole Coleman is moving on from RTE. After decades as one of the most recognisable and respected journalists in the country, the broadcaster is now taking up a post teaching journalism at the University of Galway.
'I love to see peoples reactions when I tell them how old I am'  Kris Jenners neck lift sparks surge of interest among Irish women

Dublin-based cosmetic surgeon says 69-year-old reality TV stars work has people talking, while one Irish woman who has had the operation hails it a game-changer

Michelle Gavigan speaking about her neck and face lift

Niamh Horan Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 06:30

Its the latest beauty treatment on offer to image-conscious women. In the wake of reality TV star Kris Jenner sporting a newly defined jawline, Irish women are now showing growing interest in neck lifts and facelifts.
Former broadcaster Olivia OLeary has dismissed rumours she will run for the presidency.

Ms OLeary, who has worked for RTE, the BBC and the Irish Times, told the Sunday Independent she has not been approached by any party and has no interest in running.
Afghan children are seen at a makeshift camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, July 20, 2025. More than 1,500 Afghan refugee families returned to their homeland, Afghanistan, from the neighboring Iran and Pakistan in a single day on Saturday, reported the state-owned Bakhtar news agency on Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, July 20 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,500 Afghan refugee families returned to their homeland, Afghanistan, from the neighboring Iran and Pakistan in a single day on Saturday, reported the state-owned Bakhtar news agency on Sunday.

A total of 1,576 refugee families returned to Afghanistan on Saturday, and out of these, 81 families returned from Pakistan and the remaining 1,495 families returned from Iran, the official media outlet added.

All the returnees have received necessary assistance at the crossing points, the news agency further said.

The return of Afghan refugees has gained momentum over the past couple of months as the host countries have asked the undocumented migrants to leave.

More than 1.3 million Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland over the past year, and only in June, some 600,000 Afghan refugees reportedly returned from Iran. 

An Afghan child is seen at a makeshift camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, July 20, 2025. More than 1,500 Afghan refugee families returned to their homeland, Afghanistan, from the neighboring Iran and Pakistan in a single day on Saturday, reported the state-owned Bakhtar news agency on Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Afghan children are seen at a makeshift camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, July 20, 2025. More than 1,500 Afghan refugee families returned to their homeland, Afghanistan, from the neighboring Iran and Pakistan in a single day on Saturday, reported the state-owned Bakhtar news agency on Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Afghan children are seen at a makeshift camp in Kabul, Afghanistan, July 20, 2025. More than 1,500 Afghan refugee families returned to their homeland, Afghanistan, from the neighboring Iran and Pakistan in a single day on Saturday, reported the state-owned Bakhtar news agency on Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Coffee lovers under 35 are driving an explosion of iced beverages  even when the weather isnt warm, a new report has found.

Almost three-quarters (74pc) of consumers in this category buy iced drinks regularly, almost double the proportion (40pc) of over-55s.

The findings emerge in the latest Spring and Summer Trends and Insights Report by UK-based coffee syrup manufacturer Beyond the Bean, which looked at stores across Ireland, the UK, US, Canada, Denmark and Poland.

It highlights that iced beverage consumption has surged by 26.7pc since 2023, driven mainly by Millennials and Gen Z.

The report shows that this generation drinks cold drinks all year around  not just during the summer, said Sheila Dowling, Bewleys Commercial Director.

There is speculation that younger people will eventually revert to hot coffee, but I dont think that will be the case.

If we look at sales data on Starbucks in the US, 80pc of their coffee is now served cold.

The trend analysis found that under-30s who drink iced beverages make a purchase every week, with winter consumption six pc higher than average across all other age categories.

Despite the price of coffee soaring to global highs this year, Dowling suggests coffee may be an affordable luxury for younger people.

Where people have disposable income is in colleges and university  they are more likely to spend their income than save for the rainy day, she said.

This year, the industry price of coffee rose higher than wed ever seen in the Bewleys history of coffee - it more than doubled in price compared to this time last year.

This has implications for the retailer and the customer  the price is going to affect peoples pockets.

Anecdotally, we hear that so many things have gone up in price, but coffee is seen as an affordable luxury.

Separately, the Allegra Project Cafe Ireland 2025 report, published in April, shows that 18.7pc of male and female respondents order iced coffee on a weekly basis, compared with 25.2pc of males and 21.7pc of females who buy hot coffee.

Those living in Dublin are more likely to go iced, with 23.5pc ordering it weekly versus 16. pc outside the county.

Over a third of people (31.7pc) aged under-35 in Ireland said they buy iced coffee monthly, with just 10.2pc choosing hot coffee over the same time period.

To meet the growing demand for cold brew, Bewleys has spent 18 months sourcing the best cold brew product to bring to the Irish coffee market.

The Bewleys Columbian Fairtrade Cold Brew process involves coffee grounds being slowly steeped in cool water, which extracts a less acidic flavour from the bean.

The chemical profile and flavour are unique from conventional brewing methods because the ground coffee beans never come into contact with heated water.

It isnt that the hot espresso over ice option is bad, but it is like comparing pink lady and granny smith apples  they're very different, said Dowling.
Letter from Cairo: Leaving Gaza was not an escape  it was an act of desperate survival

Madeline Hanona fled for Cairo, leaving her husband Fady behind, to raise their children away from the bombs  but exile is painful too

Madeline and Fady's children, Hossam (8) and Naya (6)

Madeline Hanona Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 06:30

I am writing these words from a small rented apartment in Cairo  far from my husband, my family and from Gaza, the land that once felt truly mine.
Naoise Dolan: For nearly two years, we have witnessed the worlds first fully televised genocide  what will it take for EU to act?

Israel has been allowed to perpetrate mass slaughter and displacement with virtual impunity, but the West continues to dither

A girl runs from the scene after Israeli strikes on a school sheltering displaced people at the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on July 17.

Naoise Dolan Sat 19 Jul 2025 at 14:30

Israel has been violating international law for decades, with a new round of atrocities intensifying in Gaza over the past 21 months. This week the EU gave the green light for the ethnic cleansing and murder to continue.
The presidential hopeful showed either naivety or ideological blinkers in visiting the dictatorial regime

It came from an Irish person I assumed had some kind of contact with Bashar al-Assads ultra-brutal and dictatorial regime, then governing Syria. He might have contacted me because I think I said somewhere that Syria might suffer the same fate as countries like Libya and Iraq after their dictators fell  that is, if Assad went, it could descend into even greater violence. Sometimes something very bad can be replaced with something worse.
Almost 100 pubs have closed in Kerry since 2005 according to a new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI).

A decline of 19.7 per cent (99 pubs) in 19 years is reflective of a worrying trend, nationally, that has led to 2,100 pubs closing during the same time period.

DIGI say the high cost of doing business was a major contributory factor to the alarming rate of closures with research showing a further 1,000 pubs could close over the coming decade.

It added that without immediate action, many villages and small towns will soon lose their last remaining pub, dealing a devastating blow to the economic and social fabric of communities.

DIGI has called on the government to use the upcoming budget to introduce a 10 per cent cut in excise. Ireland currently has the second highest rate in the European Union.

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 between 2005 to 2024. The highest decrease was in Limerick (-37.2 per cent), followed by Offaly (-34.1 per cent) Cork (-32.7 per cent), Roscommon (-32.3 per cent), Tipperary (-32.0 per cent), Laois (-30.6 per cent), Longford (-30.1 per cent) and Westmeath (-30.0 per cent).

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

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, said report author, Professor Tony Foley.

DIGI secretary, Donall OKeeffe said government could improve commercial viability overnight by cutting excise.

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 per cent VAT rate. The time for the Government to act is now before it is too late, said Mr OKeeffe.
Oisin, Sadhbh and Faolan Kirwan at The Fringe Fleadh 25 Tunes in Gorey Town Park. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Joe Dixon, Cathaoirleach Donal Kenny and Liz Stanley at The Fringe Fleadh 25 Tunes in Gorey Town Park. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

John Furlong singing in The Fringe Fleadh 25 Tunes in Gorey Town Park. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Students from Scoil Rince Furlong Irish Dancing performing at The Fringe Fleadh 25 Tunes in Gorey Town Park. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Traditional tunes blared through Gorey on Saturday July, 12 as Ferns Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE) were welcomed in Gorey Town Park to play music for this years Fringe Fleadh.

Wexford County Council organsied the tunes to anticipate the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2025 this August. Wexford County Council announced a series of traditional music and dance events taking place throughout the county.

Multiple events will take place this July, to celebrate the cultural heritage that lives and breathes in the Wexford region. The Fringe Fleadh 25 programme invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy a range of free, family-friendly performances and sessions featuring talented local musicians, dancers, and cultural groups.

Locals gathered to perform on the street with singing from John Furlong, and traditional dancing from students at Scoil Rince Furlong Irish Dancing.

John Furlong singing in The Fringe Fleadh 25 Tunes in Gorey Town Park. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

The events are open to all and free to attend, inviting everyone to celebrate the culture, music, and dance that make Wexford so special.

The Fringe Fleadh will return to Gorey next Saturday July 19, with CCE Gorey / Ballygarrett and Caroline Fleming School of Dance to celebrate some traditional tunes during the Gorey Market House Festival.
The New Ross Historical Society is preparing for its upcoming lecture which will focus on emigration from New Ross.

On Thursday, July 24 at 8 p.m., the lecture will highlight those who emigrated from County Wexford and helped build Savannah in 19th Century. Kehoe, Rossiter, Doyle, Corish, Furlong and many more household names who are descendants of Wexford families are acknowledged as emigrants to that area and New Ross, Irelands furthest inland port in Ireland was the centre of emigration, before and after the famine.

Wealthy ship owning families like the Howlett, Graves, Doyle, and Galavan families traded from New Ross, which further links the historical town with various places all over the world.

Dr. Howard J. Keeley PhD. is Assistant Professor and Director of the Irish Research and Teaching at Georgia Southern University in USA and Director of the Wexford Campus Initiative in Wexford, who is also well known for his vast research into emigration from the southeast of Ireland over the last two centuries, is due to appear at the lecture and give an insight into the topic while on his trip to Ireland.

The society described the upcoming event as an illustrated lecture not to be missed.
Enda Kelly of Wicklow town has been shortlisted this year in the Out of This World planetary category for his entry titled Moon Opposition Season from October to April.

Wicklow photographer Enda Kelly has once again been selected for the next stage of the prestigious Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).

The competition aims to find the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the past year.

Edna Kelly from Wicklow town has a longstanding history in the competition and has been shortlisted this year in the Out of This World planetary category for his entry titled Moon Opposition Season from October to April.

Each frame in this composite captures Mars on a different night, revealing how its apparent size, brightness, and surface detail evolved over time. The central image shows Mars at opposition in January 2025, when it was at its most striking. Arranged chronologically, the sequence also hints at the subtle arc of retrograde motiona visual illusion caused by Earth overtaking Mars in its orbit, making the red planet appear to reverse direction in the sky before resuming its path.

In 2023, Enda was awarded the runner-up prize in the Out of This World category for his image When the planets align. Lunar occultation of Mars, which depicted the full moon as it concealed Mars from view by passing in front of it, and captured Mars just before it disappeared behind the moon from our perspective on earth.

Enda also had two of his images selected last year as part of the competition to feature in an outdoor exhibition organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

While a high-profile judging panel will select the overall winning entries, an online vote is open for members of the public to view the images and vote for their favourite in the Public Choice Award. Enda will be looking for plenty of Wicklow support and you can visit www.reachforthestars.ie/exhibition in order to cast your vote. Voting is open until 5pm on Thursday, July 24, and is restricted to one vote per person.

Alongside the Public Choice Award, the overall winners will be chosen by the judging panel which includes Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS; Michael McCreary, president of the Irish Astronomical Society; Dr Lisa McNamee co-founder Space Medicine Ireland and Alan Betson, Irish Times photographer and multiple winner of the Press Photographer of the Year award.

The winning images selected by the judging panel and the Public Choice Award will be announced in August with an accompanying outdoor exhibition being held at DIAS HQ on Dublins Burlington Road, for a limited time.
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.
Our columnist found out about some fab new aesthetic treatments in London, along with the latest make-up essentials

Being a busy beauty reporter means going to lots of launches to find out what we need to keep us all looking good, so off to London I went with InMode to find out all about their fantastic new machines and treatments. InMode is the pioneering brand behind ground-breaking technologies such as skin-tightening Morpheus8, which all the celebs swear by, as well as BodyTite, microneedling and VTone for pelvic floor rehabilitation, among others. Renowned for their cutting-edge light, laser and radiofrequency devices, InModes innovations are crafted by some of the industrys top doctors and scientists.

Anyone who has had an InMode treatment will know that their aesthetic treatments for the face and body use minimally invasive radiofrequency energy to address concerns like skin laxity, fat reduction and skin rejuvenation. You can check out where they are in a salon near you by looking up inmodemd.com.

Secrets Out

If you have a party to go to while youre in the UK, you need to know about Secret Spa (secretspa.co.uk), a service I use to do my hair and make-up. It provides beauty and wellness treatments in your own home  or hotel room in my case, getting everything from tan to facials and nails, to massage and IV drips  with appointments available from 6am-10pm. The service uses vetted therapists and leading brands in London, Manchester and Brighton, and its such a good service to use if youre away for a weekend with the gals in the UK.

Dust + Rock The Barrel Bag, 32, dustandrock.com

Theyre my Rock

When Im travelling, I keep my make-up and skincare perfectly organised with Irish brand Dust + Rock The Barrel Bag (32, dustandrock.com). The drawstring bag has loads of room for my beauty essentials and has raised sides to prevent products from rolling out. It has two inner pockets for added organisation. Its not the only product from the brand thats a lifesaver, as when I want to bring my bling with me when I travel, I always use my Dust + Rock Jewellery Wrap (28, dustandrock.com). It stops my chains from getting tangled, and has loads of room for my rings, earrings and bracelets, too.

Glow on the Go

Why not pick up a travel pack from Irish brand Seavite and glow on the go with their Seavite Face Travel Set, (85, seavite.com). This set features an award-winning cleanser, toning sea spray, serum, and moisturiser, all in chic, refillable packaging. Powered by organic seaweed and skin-loving botanicals, so perfect for sensitive skin.

The Ritual of Karma Shimmering Body Oil, 25.90, rituals.com

Treat

Shimmer time

If youve been looking for a shimmer oil that doesnt make you feel greasy, then you need to know about The Ritual of Karma Shimmering Body Oil (25.90, rituals.com) which has a whole set of sparkly new products to help you feel like youre still on holiday even when youre back home in rainy old Ireland. I love getting my glow on with this product, which is enriched with three nourishing oils, subtle pearlescent minerals and the summery scent of lotus flower and white tea.

Treatment

Fabulous facial

My bestie Mary was home from America recently, so while we were in Dublin, I whisked her away for a fab facial with the award-winning aesthetician, Elaine Butler-Doolin of Bespoke Beauty in Donnybrook. The clinics clientele includes Hollywood A-listers and top beauty icons (bespokebeauty.ie). Mary indulged in the exclusive Cloud9 Hydra Cell Facial (135), starting with a thorough cleanse and exfoliation using luxurious Simone Mahler products. Butler-Doolin then worked her magic with infrared light Cryotherapy and soothing cool steam, boosting collagen while banishing fine lines and enhancing skin tone. Next came a delightful Facial Sculpting massage with icy tools, relaxing the face, neck and eyes  culminating in a hydrating mask that locked in all that goodness. Mary left with a radiant glow, feeling like a true star!

Trick

Aloe cool

No matter how careful we are with the SPF and suntan lotion, someone always ends up getting a little scorched on holidays. If you or someone in the family accidentally ends up getting a bit sunburnt, this little trick can help. Just freeze an aloe vera-based gel into ice cube trays, and pop one out when you need it. It will feel amazing on your burnt skin while helping it to heal too. Just make sure not to accidentally pop one into your pina colada!
COLOMBO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Ltd. has banned kite flying near international airports due to safety concerns for aircraft and passengers, state media reported Sunday.

According to the state-owned Sunday Observer, authorities have prohibited flying any object above 300 feet within a 5-km radius of any international airport in Sri Lanka. Violating this rule is considered a punishable offense.

The ban applies to all five international airports across the country, and officials issued the warning to highlight the risks that kites and other airborne objects pose to flight operations and passenger safety.

Flying kites is a popular hobby in Sri Lanka. 
The content creator and daughter of popstar Ronan on her hopes for her horse Sam who will make his debut at the Dublin Horse Show

Im sitting in the kitchen in my home in Kildare right now and, when I look out, I can see Sam in the field just beyond the railings. This is his home too. Hes a bit of a sweetheart and really easygoing. Hes kind of like a dog in ways; you could imagine just bringing him out for a walk!

He lives out on the land here with the other horses  its more relaxing for them being together  but Sam really is just like a pet.

He has such a cute little head and a very kind eye, and hes brown in colour; we call it bay in horse terms. Ive had him since he was just a baby, and hes four years old now. After we got him, he just kept growing; hes at 15.2 hands at the moment. And still growing!

The thing about Sam is that I wasnt meant to get him at all. We were supposed to be going to my grandmothers for dinner one evening, but then we got a call about going to look at a horse in Birr. We put the family dinner off but, because shes from Birr herself, my grandmother came with us.

"This year will be Sams first time at Dublin Horse Show; well be in whats called the Working Hunter Horses class and well be competing on the Sunday, the last day of the event." Photo: Frank McGrath

The horse we went to see just didnt suit in the end but then we spotted another one. That was Sam. Hed been bred by a priest so we were hoping that that connection would make him a bit lucky! So we went to Birr to look at one horse that day and came away with Sam instead.

Ive been riding horses since I was about five, attending riding schools until the age of 10 or 11. Then, when I was 12, I was privileged to get Red  my first pony. A week after I got him, though, I broke my arm and it was actually because of my fall that my mum, Yvonne, went back to riding horses again.

When Red retired, I got Jacko, another great pony  I was so blessed to have two amazing ponies to start me off. I ride Sam every day, bringing him out on hacks along the roads, and sometimes to a beach. When we lived in Malahide, the strand there was great for horses, but in Kildare it takes a bit more effort to get to a beach  but Im fortunate to still be able to do that sometimes. Galloping a horse on a beach is the most fantastic feeling.

This year will be Sams first time at Dublin Horse Show; well be in whats called the Working Hunter Horses class and well be competing on the Sunday, the last day of the event.

In other competitions, Sam has so far overcome every obstacle put in front of him but I honestly dont know how this will go  at Dublin the horses really are up there on a world stage. Sam might be a little small, as well  he is 15.2 and there will be horses measuring up to 17 hands in his competition. That can make a difference.

No matter what happens, though, entering Sam this year has given us both a real goal to work towards. Now that its almost here, Im looking forward to it, and I really hope that Sam enjoys his first time at Dublin Horse Show.

Dublin Horse Show, August 6-10, see dublinhorseshow.com

As told to Roslyn Dee

My Pet: Anton Savage and his golden retriever
Shootings occurred near hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

At least 73 people were killed while attempting to access aid at locations across Gaza on Sunday, the health ministry in the Palestinian territory said.

The Israeli military said that soldiers had shot at a gathering of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza who posed a threat, and that it was aware of some casualties. But it said that the numbers being reported by teams in Gaza were far higher than the militarys initial investigation found.
Bank holidays 2025: If you're planning any banking tasks next week, be aware that banks will be closed for three consecutive days  July 26, 27, and 28  in several parts of India. These bank holidays are part of the RBIs official calendar and are based on national, regional, and religious observances. Here's a detailed look at the holidays next week and what services will remain available.

Why are banks closed on July 26, 27, and 28?

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the following closures will take place across the country and in specific states:

July 26 (Saturday)  Banks will remain shut across India as it's the fourth Saturday of the month.

 Banks will remain shut across India as it's the fourth Saturday of the month. July 27 (Sunday)  Sunday is a weekly off, all banks will be closed across the country.

 Sunday is a weekly off, all banks will be closed across the country. July 28 (Monday)  Banks in Sikkim will be shut on account of Drukpa Tshe-zi, a Buddhist festival that marks Lord Buddhas first sermon.

These closures could affect your banking plans, so its best to make important transactions in advance.

What services will be available during bank holidays?

Even though physical branches remain closed during bank holidays, most digital banking services continue without interruption. You can still:

Use internet banking and mobile apps

Make UPI payments and money transfers

Withdraw cash through ATMs

However, in rare cases, some digital services may be temporarily down due to technical maintenance. Always check for bank notifications beforehand.

RBI's role in declaring bank holidays

The RBI, in coordination with state governments, releases an official bank holiday calendar every year. These holidays are declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which governs instruments like cheques and promissory notes. Hence, transactions using these instruments cannot be processed on declared holidays.

It's also important to note that bank holidays vary by state, depending on local festivals, regional events, and government observances.

Bank Holidays in July 2025: Full state-wise list

Heres a comprehensive list of bank holidays in July 2025, including both national and state-specific holidays:

July 3 (Thursday)  Kharchi Puja  Banks closed in Agartala (Tripura)

 Kharchi Puja  Banks closed in Agartala (Tripura) July 5 (Saturday)  Guru Hargobinds Birthday  Banks closed in Jammu and Srinagar

  Banks closed in Jammu and Srinagar July 6 (Sunday)  Banks closed nationwide

 Banks closed nationwide July 12 (Saturday)  Second Saturday  Banks closed nationwide

 Second Saturday  Banks closed nationwide July 13 (Sunday)  Banks closed nationwide

 Banks closed nationwide July 14 (Monday)  Beh Deinkhlam  Banks closed in Shillong (Meghalaya)

  Banks closed in Shillong (Meghalaya) July 16 (Wednesday)  Harela  Banks closed in Dehradun (Uttarakhand)

 Harela  Banks closed in Dehradun (Uttarakhand) July 17 (Thursday)  Death Anniversary of U Tirot Singh  Banks closed in Shillong

  Banks closed in Shillong July 19 (Saturday)  Ker Puja  Banks closed in Agartala

  Banks closed in Agartala July 26 (Saturday)  Fourth Saturday  Banks closed nationwide

 Fourth Saturday  Banks closed nationwide July 27 (Sunday)  Banks closed nationwide

 Banks closed nationwide July 28 (Monday)  Drukpa Tshe-zi  Banks closed in Gangtok (Sikkim)

Things to remember during long bank holidays

Plan Ahead: If you need to visit a bank branch, make sure to complete your work before the weekend starts.

If you need to visit a bank branch, make sure to complete your work before the weekend starts. Check State-Specific Holidays: Local holidays may not be observed across the country, so confirm with your nearest branch.

Local holidays may not be observed across the country, so confirm with your nearest branch. Keep Cash Ready: Though ATMs usually work, having some emergency cash is always a smart idea during extended holidays.

Though ATMs usually work, having some emergency cash is always a smart idea during extended holidays. Use Digital Payments: UPI, mobile wallets, and card payments will work as usual in most cases.

With a long weekend approaching due to bank holidays next week, its wise to stay informed and prepared. Whether its scheduling payments, depositing cheques, or withdrawing funds, a little planning can save you from last-minute issues.

For the most accurate information, check with your local branch or visit the official RBI website to confirm your area's holiday list.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
JUST IN: A federal judge has barred Washington state from enforcing a law that would have required priests to report evidence of child abuse learned during confession.



The Trump administration had intervened on the side of the Catholic clergy.https://t.co/CkAt8urSd4pic.twitter.com/nP2rL2tBD9  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) July 18, 2025

Trumps Department of Justice opposes child abuse law

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.  George Leroy Tirebiter (@MarkKepes) July 19, 2025

The case will likely escalate to the Supreme Court

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.

Donald Trumps Department of Justice (DOJ) has inserted itself into a contentious legal battle with the state of Washington over a recently passed law, SB 5375, that mandates reporting for child abuse, even from the clergymen who discover it under the seal of confession. The Washington law was signed into effect by Governor Bob Ferguson in May of this year but has been beset by a number of legal challenges from religious advocacy groups, as well as local representatives of the Catholic church, who oppose it on the grounds of religious freedom.Donald Trumps administration has made it clear it stands firmly against the Washington law as well, with Attorney General Pam Bondi launching a First Amendment probe against the legislation. This has culminated in the DOJ formally intervening in the lawsuit between the Seattle, Spokane and Yakima Catholic dioceses against the Washington Governors office, known as Etienne v Ferguson.This Friday, Judge David G. Estudillo granted a preliminary injunction blocking the laws enforcement. Advocates for stronger laws against child abuse have spoken out against this development, with Senator Noel Frame saying, Children will continue to suffer because religious leaders they trust are not reporting when children tell them they are being hurt.Donald Trumps Department of Justice is working to invalidate Washington states law as part of a broader conservative agenda to protect religious institutions. Weighing in on the Etienne v Ferguson lawsuit, the DOJ claimed that the law "deprives Catholic priests of their fundamental right to freely exercise their religious beliefs, as guaranteed under the First Amendment".Child abuse has been a recurring stain on the Catholic churchs reputation ever since the church was embroiled in scandal after scandal throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Advocates of the Catholic church have claimed that the church has reformed as a consequence and can police itself, but these arguments have repeatedly been called into question in recent investigations such as the 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report.The legal battle regarding Washingtons child abuse law is likely to be appealed all the way to the Supreme Court. Given that Donald Trump himself has appointed the majority of the Supreme Court justices, there is considerable pessimism on the laws ability to hold up to legal challenges.
Andy Byrons fall from grace isnt slowing down anytime soon. After going viral for getting too cosy with his HR chief, Kristin Cabot, during a Coldplay concert, the former Astronomer CEO, who recently tendered his resignation, is being called out from yet another direction. While internet sleuths dig into his personal life, a former employee has come forward with damning claims about Byrons business past, painting a much broader picture of manipulation and exploitation.

Ex-employee goes off at Andy Byron in a brutal TikTok takedown

In a now-viral TikTok, a former employee of Andy Byron spoke out and shared his personal experience. They opened the video by saying, If you think his marriage is the only thing Andy Byron ran into the ground, Ive got a funny story about karma for you, revealing a scathing account of his time as an executive at a previous software company.

The ex-employee explained that Byron, then serving as chief revenue officer, made bold promises to potential hires. He told us we were building the next big thing in tech, they said. He made it sound like we were all getting in on something hugea no-brainer opportunity. A lot of us joined based on what he said. Some even invested their savings into company stock.

According to the video, Byron painted a glowing picture for both employees and investors, encouraging them to believe in long-term success. But when the company eventually collapsed and was sold off for far less than expected, it was the lower-level employees who took the biggest financial hit. He walked away with millions while the rest of us lost tens of thousands, the former employee said.

They also brought up the now-infamous Coldplay concert moment, using it as an example of Byrons persuasive charm. The same way he convinced his own Chief People Officer to go to that concert with himthats how convincing he was with all of us. He knew how to sell a story.

The video ended with a dry, sarcastic sign-off: Sometimes that Karma is called Chris Martin of Coldplay. Viva la vida.

Reddit users react to the claims

The TikTok quickly made its way to Reddit, where users had mixed reactions. While many Redditors agreed that Andy's career has definitely been suspicious, many added that investing in startups is a risky business to begin with.

One user wrote, "Yeah, this whole mess and the recent Titan submersible documentary have really cemented that your average CEO or admin official is there for their sociopathic tendencies. Intelligence is rarely a factor."

"I feel for the guy, but we can't depend on karma for this shit; there are plenty of rich arseholes who die of old age in billion-dollar houses and are treated to the best medical care on Earth.

We have justice systems to ensure justice in a world without karma or other supernatural means of balancing scales or punishing wrongdoing, and they need to be better," another said.

A third person noted, "Okay, the CEO guy sucks as well as his actions here But why the fuck would you put your life savings into stock options of a company you work for?? Some money, sure but life savings?"

"Eh, this is the same with any stock. I wouldnt call this a scandal," another shared.

Andy Byron officially steps down as CEO

Just hours after Astronomer confirmed Byron was suspended over the Coldplay incident, a spokesperson announced he has now officially stepped down from his role as CEO.

Whether thats the end of the fallout remains to be seen, but with the internet watching and more people speaking up, Andy's professional woes (and personal, of course) seem far from over.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
BTSs maknae, Jungkook, surprised ARMY worldwide on Sunday with a cosy Weverse livestream, where he revealed some candid updates, including his newfound admiration for Justin Biebers latest album, insights on turning 30 (Korean age), and an adorable nod to officially becoming an uncle.

From Bieber Swag to the Changes Cover

During the livestream, Jungkook shared how much hes been enjoying Justin Biebers new album, Swag. Calling Bieber "hyungnim" (an affectionate term for older brother), he even performed a gentle cover of the track Changes, showcasing his smooth vocals and deep appreciation for the pop icon. ARMYs immediately flooded social media with praise for his rendition.

Jungkook says he's officially an uncle now

Jungkook opened up about his age, noting that he will officially turn 30 next year in Korean age. He shared mixed emotions; while acknowledging his maturity, he admitted it hurts a little to be the youngest in BTS (the maknae) and yet now be called an uncle.

"If it's next year, since I'm 30, I was always the youngest too. I'm always the youngest. It's a bit; I'm heartbroken. I don't want to be Lunar New Year. Of course I'm the youngest in the team, but Uncle Jungkook, that's right. He's an uncle now," he said.

Jungkook: if its next year since im 30, i was always the youngest too. Im always the youngest. Its a bit, im heartbroken. I dont wanf to be lunar new year. Of course im the youngest in the team, but uncle jungkook, thats right. He's an uncle now. pic.twitter.com/yozQZ9BKQw  hope (@winnttaebear) July 20, 2025

Though Jungkook kept much of the livestream sound only, he surprised viewers by briefly showing his face for a brief moment. He leaned into the camera with playful expressions that ARMY will surely cherish.

Jungkook showed his face pic.twitter.com/Fyq51LaJNT  hope (@winnttaebear) July 20, 2025

Fans demand a Jungkook X Justin Bieber collab

Following his Weverse session, posts and comments exploded across X (formerly Twitter) and fan pages. Most fans demanded that he collaborate with Justin Bieber.

Notably, this isnt the first time Jungkook has covered a Bieber song. Back in 2020, the K-pop idol went viral for covering 10,000 Hours by Dan + Shay featuring Justin Bieber. Moreover, he has been vocal about his love for Bieber, and fans have long been demanding a collab between the two pop stars, highlighting how their vocals would blend together perfectly.

we need a jungkook and justin bieber collab is it not clocking to you pic.twitter.com/KCaj7N68Bw   (@dailycuntykoo) July 20, 2025

Jungkook's solo world tour rumours reignited

After making his Instagram comeback, Jungkook recently updated his profile picture and unveiled a sleek new logo, instantly sparking excitement across fan communities. The minimalist design, paired with the sudden profile refresh, has led many to believe that his long-awaited solo world tour might finally be on the horizon. Fans are now speculating that this visual update is a strategic hint, possibly signalling a new era of music and branding for the BTS star.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
After introducing a new feature, 'Ani,' the gothic anime girl AI (artificial intelligence) chatbot Grok on X (formerly called Twitter) on Monday, July 14, tech billionaire Elon Musk is working on a kid-friendly version of its Grok chatbot, he said in a post on X.

On Sunday, Musk took to his X and announced that they are going to make BabyGroke@xAI, an app dedicated to kid-friendly content. According to ET, this is going to be the new version, which is expected to launch as a separate application tailored for young users; however, further details are still awaited.

On the other hand, Musk also hinted at a new capability that would enable Grok to create viral videos by expanding its other creative tools.

Working on a new way to make creative viral videos fast called 



 Imagine   Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 18, 2025





Comparative performance of Grok AI

The Artificial Intelligence Index, a benchmark suite that evaluates models across a variety of capacities, recently saw Grok 4 at the top:

Multitask language comprehension (MMLU-Pro) and graduate-level problem solving (GPQA Diamond)

The Final Examination of Humanity: Existential and General Thinking

LiveCodeBench: Programming in real time

SciCode: Modelling and computation for science

Olympiad-level mathematical reasoning (AIME)

Math-500: Complex problem-solving in mathematics.

Educational benefits and potential

According to ET, which shows promising results, "A large-scale AI technology intervention across 5,000 government schools showed 20-40 per cent overall gains in learning outcomes, with teachers also reporting improved skills."

The study involved 1 million children and 15,000 teachers, indicating the substantial positive impact AI can have on educational achievement. A look at the positive impacts in the Indian context:

Intelligent tutoring systems can help mitigate the teacher shortage in India by delivering virtual instruction and mentorship through interactive support and personalised feedback.

While 65 per cent of Indians have used generative AIover twice the global average of 31 per centnotable disparities still persist.

Educational tools powered by AI, such as Appu, developed by Rocket Learning with support from Google.org, highlight how homegrown innovations can tackle challenges unique to India.

 South Korean AI Lab Upstage AI has just launched their first reasoning model - Solar Pro 2! The 31B parameter model demonstrates impressive performance for its size, with intelligence approaching Claude 4 Sonnet in 'Thinking' mode and is priced very competitively



Key details: pic.twitter.com/UjlVD4vuZx  Artificial Analysis (@ArtificialAnlys) July 17, 2025

Concerning the negative impact and risks

The implementation of kid-friendly AI apps raises safety concerns that are particularly relevant in the Indian context.

Screen time: In India, the average screen time of children under 5 is about 2.2 hours daily, double the expert-recommended limit.

Excessive screen time is linked to:

Delayed language development

Reduced cognitive skills

Poor social behaviour

Increased obesity risk

Sleep disturbances

Cultural and social risks: AI cannot teach values, ethics, and emotional intelligence or offer a human experience that is essential for moral development.

Content moderation: Content moderation often fails to account for India's linguistic diversity and sociocultural nuances.

Age-appropriate design: Different interfaces and content for various age groups within the 5-15 range.

Human oversight: AI interactions should complement, not replace, human guidance.

Grok's 4 anime companions raised concerns as it has an NSFW mode

Meanwhile, the current new AI feature is exclusively available to the iOS app, and there are three companions available: a 2D goth anime girl with blonde pigtails named Ani and a 3D cartoon fox named Bad Rudy. This feature is likely powered by Grok 4 and a new one that is inspired by 50 Shades of Grey and the Twilight Saga.

Amid the launch of 'Ani,' the girl anime companion that may include a not safe for work (NSFW) mode, allowing users to undress the characters and reveal them in lingerie. This led to major trolling and became a part of the online backlash.

Following this, the question of whether there should be kid-friendly AI applications for children aged 5-15 in India is both timely and complex.

Also Read: Elon Musks Grok AI anime avatar 'Ani' goes viral for NSFW mode; sparks debate over flirtatious and adult responses
Good Boy Episodes 16 online: Fans of the popular Korean drama Good Boy can stream Episode 16 online, July 20, 2025, at approximately 10:40 PM KST (7:10 PM IST), as per the official release schedule.

Park Bo-gum returns to the screen with Good Boy, a gripping follow-up to his acclaimed performance as Yang Gwan-sik in When Life Gives You Tangerines. Combining emotional intensity with high-stakes thrills and unexpected twists, the drama has quickly gained buzz. Here's everything you need to knowfrom the plot and cast to the release schedule and episode guide.

Park Bo-gum in Good Boy. Credit: X

Good Boy: Release date and time for Episodes 16

Episode 16 airs on Saturday, July 20, 2025, at 10:40 PM KST on jTBC in South Korea. It will also be available for international viewers via simultaneous streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Viki at 4 PM (GMT) / 12 AM (ET) offering English subtitles to make the series accessible to a global audience.

Where to Watch Good Boy Episodes 16 Online?

Episode 16 is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Viki, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. In South Korea, it airs on jTBC . For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and the UK, the series will be also available on Disney+, Netflix, Viki, Amazon Prime Video, TVING and Coupang Play.

Good Boy: Plot highlights of Episodes 16

In the previous episode, it begins with Leo confronting Joo-yeong but getting fatally shot by his men. As Yeon-ha rushes to his side, he learns her real name and dies in her arms. It's revealed Joo-yeong manipulated Leo into killing Han-na's father - but when Leo hesitated, Joo-yeong did it himself. The murder was caught on camera, now in Han-na's possession.

Meanwhile, Jong-hyeon fights Mr. Baek in an elevator, shedding his fear and gaining the upper hand. Dong-ju, Man-sik, and Jae-hong fight off henchmen at the construction site.

In the penthouse, Han-na storms in with a gun. Yeon-ha casually walks in with a grenade, helping them escape before an explosion. Another blast later injures Yeon-ha, who is taken to the hospital. Joo-yeong escapes, and Han-na suspects an insider tip-off.

Later, the team learns the mole is rookie officer Lee Jong-hun. But Ju-yeong silences him - and is later seen in the Commissioners office, hinting at more corruption. Dong-ju chases Joo-yeong to the parking lot but is knocked down by Jong-gu. Just as he tries to fight back, his health fails him - he starts hallucinating, signaling serious trouble ahead.

Good Boy episodes 16: Spoilers

Here are the spoilers for Episodes 16 of the Korean series Good Boy based on the YouTube preview:

In the next episode, tensions reach a boiling point as Jungu launches a brutal attack on Dong-ju. Jon Haien leaps in to shield him, and though Dong-ju is barely standing, he grips Haiens sleeve, silently pleading with him not to reveal the truth to Han-naespecially about the fading vision that's slowly robbing him of his world.

At the hospital, the commissioner lies unconscious. A furious Man-sik confesses he cant just stand by and watch everything unravel. But the commissioner, weary and defeated, admits he no longer has the strength to make a differencetrapped between lost authority and helplessness.

Good Boy cast. Credit: X

Elsewhere, Dong-ju pulls Manik aside and confides his lingering doubt: he no longer believes Jon Haien was ever the mole. That quiet revelation sparks a secret search within the team for the real traitor in their midst.

Meanwhile, Jang conceals his rage behind a cool exterior. Beneath it simmers a growing hunger for revenge against Dong-ju, and he's preparing to strike.

Han-na finally uncovers the truth about Dong-jus health. The revelation devastates her, leading to a heated, emotional confrontation. But as their argument cools, anger gives way to vulnerabilityand the pair begin to repair what was broken.

As the dust starts to settle, Jang makes his move. All hell breaks loose, and the team must act quickly to stop him before everything comes crashing down.

Good Boy: Cast and Characters

Park Bo-gum takes the lead as Yoon Dong-ju, joined by a stellar ensemble cast that includes Kim So-hyun, Oh Jung-se, Lee Sang-yi, Heo Sung-tae, and Tae Won-seok.

FAQs

1. When will Episodes 16 of Good Boy be released?

Good Boy Episodes 16 will be released on July 20, 2025, at 7:10 PM IST and will air in South Korea on jTBC at 10:40 PM KST.

2. Where can I watch Episodes 16 of Good Boy online?

Good Boy Episodes 16 will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Viki, both platforms offering English subtitles.

3. Does Good Boy have English subtitles?

Yes, Good Boy is fully subtitled in English on Amazon Prime Video, including Episodes 16.

4. Is Good Boy available on Netflix?

Yes, Good Boy is available on Netflix in certain countries. The drama officially streams on Amazon Prime Video and Viki.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
An unexpected moment unfolded at ISKCON's Govinda restaurant, a popular pure vegetarian eatery in London, when a British man of African descent walked in and asked if they served meat. The video clip of the incident has been going viral on social media since Sunday morning and has created massive outrage.

After being told that the restaurant serves only vegetarian food, the man boldly took out a box of KFC chicken and started eating it inside the premises. Not only this, but he also took a step further by offering non-vegetarian food to both the customers and the staff.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage and sparked debate over whether his actions were driven by racism or anti-Hindu sentiment.

Shocking incident causes massive outrage on social media

As soon as the video surfaced on the internet, netizens strongly condemned the man's blatant disrespect for the restaurant's principles, labelling the act as racist.

Some even suggested that his behaviour may have stemmed from ignorance, while others think it was a deliberate move to insult the culture and religious sentiments of the Hindu community.

An African boy entered ISKCONs Govinda restaurant and confirmed if it is a vegetarian restaurant.



He then took out his KFC Chicken and started eating it and offered them to other people to mock them.



Totally expecting more of this from Sadiq Khan's London. Hate for Hindus in pic.twitter.com/TD9mMGZcSV  Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) July 20, 2025





Netizens react to the viral video

One X user (formerly called Twitter) said, "It was perfectly planned. He even came in with a cameraman. Let's see if the London Police takes any action against them."

It was perfectly planned. Even he came in with a cameraman.



Let's see if London Police takes any action against them.  Swapna Kumar Panda (@swapnakpanda) July 20, 2025





"This is outrageous! An African boy mocking ISKCONs Govinda restaurant by eating KFC chicken after confirming its vegetarian is a blatant disrespect to Hindu values. Expecting more under Sadiq Khans watch, with some calling London Londonistan, hints at rising anti-Hindu sentiment. Time for stronger action against such hate!," another added.

This is outrageous! An African boy mocking ISKCONs Govinda restaurant by eating KFC chicken after confirming its vegetarian is a blatant disrespect to Hindu values. Expecting more under Sadiq Khans watch, with some calling London Londonistan, hints at rising anti-Hindu  Anonymous :) (@insatiablenitin) July 20, 2025





While one believes that it is not a joke, "This incident isnt just a joke  its a clear sign that some people have zero respect for others faith and sentiments. Such behavior inside a religious space like ISKCON isnt casual; its a deliberate provocation and mockery.

If actions like these are ignored, then in the name of tolerance, disrespecting culture and belief will become the new normal."

Netizens slam the racist act | Credit: X | @Hindustani0707

"These western people will never understand what is culture and feelings."

"Only to hurt and disrespect someones faith and sentiments this crackhead did this . How someone can carry this much hate , urge and courage to perform such an ugly act . Hes not a human hes worst than animal," another added.
KABUL, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Police have busted a gang of thieves in the western Afghanistan Herat province and arrested three individuals, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said Sunday.

During the operations against the gang, police recovered firearm, cash and vehicles, the ministry said in a statement posted on social media. 
One bride marries two brothers: In the remote and scenic villages of Himachal Pradesh, a centuries-old, unique wedding tradition is still being followed in select tribal communities. Known as Jodidara, this custom allows a woman to marry two brothers, a practice that may sound unusual to the outside world but is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and regional history.

A Wedding Like No Other in Shillai Village

In a recent example from Shillai village in the Trans-Giri area of Himachals Sirmaur district, a woman named Sunita Chauhan tied the knot with two brothersPradeep and Kapil Negifrom the Hatti community. The three-day-long celebration, held from 12 July, was conducted openly with traditional rituals, music, and festivities. There was no secrecy surrounding the ceremony, as it was a proud public display of an age-old custom known as Jodidara, according to NDTV.

What is Jodidara and Why Do Women Marry Two Brothers?

Jodidara, also referred to as Ujala Paksha, is the traditional practice of polyandry in which a woman marries two or more brothers. This form of marriage is still observed among the Hatti tribe, a close-knit community living along the Himachal PradeshUttarakhand border.

The practice is believed to help preserve family unity, prevent division of ancestral land, and maintain economic stability in the hilly terrain where agriculture is the main livelihood. Under Jodidara, the wife spends time with each husband based on a mutually agreed arrangement, such as rotating nights or weeks. The family raises the children collectively, and while the eldest brother is legally recognised as the father, all brothers share parenting duties.

A Decision Made Freely and with Honour

Bride Sunita, who hails from Kunhat village, shared that she made the decision to marry both brothers willingly and with full awareness of the tradition. Groom Pradeep, a government employee, expressed pride in following his community's heritage. His younger brother Kapil, who lives and works abroad, said that this marriage symbolises their unity, transparency, and shared support for their wife.

A Custom Supported by Regional Law

One bride marries two brothers in Himachal Pradesh | Credit: Gautam Seth

While polyandry is generally not permitted under Indian law, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has recognised and upheld this tribal custom under whats locally referred to as the Jodidar Law. This gives legal support to such marriages within tribal groups like the Hattis.

The Hatti community, which was granted Scheduled Tribe status three years ago, is spread across approximately 450 villages in the Trans-Giri region. Although the tradition of Jodidara has declined over time due to modern influences, it remains alive in certain pockets. In fact, at least five similar marriages have taken place in Badhana village over the past six years.

Historical and Cultural Roots of Polyandry

The tradition of a woman marrying two brothers has roots that some believe go back to the Mahabharata era, where Draupadi was married to the five Pandava brothers. In the context of Himachal Pradesh, village elders claim that such marriages have long existed, though earlier they were often performed discreetly.

The key reason behind Jodidara lies in land ownership. In mountain regions where farmland is limited and precious, families prefer not to divide the land among sons. By marrying one woman to all brothers, the property remains intact, supporting the survival and prosperity of the joint family system.

Cultural Significance in Modern Times

Although rare today, Jodidara continues to be a respected practice among some Hatti families. It provides both emotional and economic stability. Brothers sharing a wife often develop stronger familial bonds, working together on the land, sharing responsibilities, and maintaining unity within the household.

Is Jodidara Legal in India?

Technically, polyandry is not legal under general Indian law. However, tribal traditions like Jodidara are protected under customary law in Himachal Pradesh. This legal exception allows tribal communities to maintain their age-old traditions, even if they differ from the rest of the countrys legal framework.

The Jodidara tradition of Himachal Pradesh is more than just a unique wedding tradition; it is a glimpse into the regions cultural richness and social resilience. While modern influences are reshaping societal norms, this age-old practice of a woman marrying two brothers still finds relevance in the hills of Trans-Giri. For the Hatti community, Jodidara is not just a marriage customit is a symbol of unity, survival, and tradition.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, famously known as the Sleeping Prince, has sadly passed away on Saturday, 19 July 2025, after remaining in a coma for 20 years. The Saudi royal was just 36 years old at the time of his death. His tragic story has captured attention not only in Saudi Arabia but around the world.

Born in 1990, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. His life took a devastating turn in 2005 when he was met with a serious car accident at the age of 15 in London. At the time, he was training as a military cadet. The accident caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, which left him in a coma for two decades.

Why Was He Called the Sleeping Prince?

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled AKA Sleeping Prince | Credit: X/Khaled bin Talal

Due to his long-term coma, the Saudi royal was often referred to as the Sleeping Prince. Despite his condition, his family held on to hope. Occasionally, they reported subtle physical responses like finger or hand movements, which they believed were signs of improvement. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, frequently shared videos of these small gestures on social media, keeping his sons story alive.

Medical Care and Familys Efforts for Recovery

After the accident, Prince Al-Waleed was flown to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he was placed on a ventilator. His family went to great lengths by inviting international medical experts to assess his condition and attempt recovery. However, despite advanced treatment and constant care, the Sleeping Prince never regained full consciousness.

Announcement of His Passing and Familys Tribute

Prince Khaled bin Talal, the father of the late Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, announced his son's death on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, "With hearts full of faith in Allahs decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him."

The message reflected the family's emotional journey and their unshaken faith during these past 20 years.

Funeral Arrangements in Saudi Arabia

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  pic.twitter.com/QQBbMWGOOG        (   ) (@allah_cure_dede) July 19, 2025

According to reports from Khaleej Times, the funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled are set for Sunday, 20 July 2025, and will be held separately for men and women:

Men's prayers will be held after Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

Women's prayers will take place after Dhuhr prayer at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.

Condolences will be accepted for three days, from 20 July to 22 July. Male mourners can visit Prince Alwaleed bin Talals palace in the Al-Fakhriyah district, while female mourners are welcome after Maghrib prayer.

The Legacy of the Sleeping Prince

Despite being in a coma for two decades, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled remained a symbol of hope and resilience in Saudi Arabia. His story brought attention to the power of faith, medical science, and the bond between family members in the face of tragedy. His passing marks the end of a deeply emotional chapter for the Saudi royal family.

FAQ:

Q. Who was Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal?

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, also known as the Sleeping Prince, was a Saudi royal and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. He remained in a coma for 20 years following a car accident in 2005.

Q. Why was he called the Sleeping Prince?

He was called the Sleeping Prince because he spent two decades in a coma after a serious car accident in London. His family reported slight physical movements over the years, which gave them hope that he might recover.

Q. How did Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled fall into a coma?

In 2005, Prince Al-Waleed was met with a serious car accident while training as a military cadet in London. He suffered a major brain injury and internal bleeding, which left him unresponsive and in a coma for 20 years.

Q. When did Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled die and how old was he?

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled passed away on Saturday, 19 July 2025, at the age of 36. He had spent the last 20 years on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q. When and where were Prince Al-Waleeds funeral prayers held?

The funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled took place on Sunday, 20 July 2025.

For men: After Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh

For women: After Dhuhr prayer at King Faisal Specialist Hospital

Condolences were accepted from 20 to 22 July.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Senator Cory Booker emphasized the necessity of strengthening the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) and raised concerns about Turkeys ongoing challenges to Greek sovereignty
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri chapter, has strongly rejected the recent move by President Bola Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri after the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The union described the decision as politically motivated and ill-advised, calling it an attack on the institutions legacy and academic autonomy.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, ASUU UNIMAID Chairperson, Abubakar Mshelia Saidu, criticized the decision announced two days earlier during a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa.

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He warned that the renaming effort had ignited a firestorm of outright rejection and vowed that the unions response would be unequivocal, forceful, and commanding.

This action is not merely shocking; it represents a brazen affront to the sanctity of our alma mater, the statement read.

The legacy of UNIMAID, painstakingly built for five decades, will not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

The union insisted that any such move should not be made without broad-based consultation, particularly with the university community and stakeholders.

We must articulate our adamant opposition and demand the immediate reversal of this ill-conceived and deeply offensive decision, Saidu stated, adding that the union would mobilize its veterans, executive council, and Congress for a coordinated resistance.

Founded in 1975, the University of Maiduguri has earned national and international acclaim for resilience in the face of terrorism and insecurity in the Northeast.

ASUU warned that renaming the school would erode its identity, noting that even Buharis supporters had criticized the decision online for being unnecessary and excessive.
Political activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has dismantled the widely held belief that late former President Muhammadu Buhari left behind a legacy of integrity, describing it as a myth crafted by propaganda rather than truth.

In an interview with news men on Saturday, Sowore declared that Buhari ruled Nigeria with detachment, arrogance, an iron hand and incompetence.

According to him, the narrative of Buhari being incorruptible was one of the biggest lies ever sold to Nigerians.

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The myth of Buharis integrity was one of the most dangerous propaganda projects ever sold to the people, he said.

He argued that Buhari institutionalised corruption by surrounding himself with individuals he described as some of the most corrupt figures in Nigerian history.

Rather than fighting corruption, Sowore accused the former president of using it as a weapon against his political enemies, while shielding loyalists.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/withdraw-your-comments-apologise-to-nigerians-lp-senators-tell-gov-okpebholo-for-threatening-obi.html

Sowore said Buharis tenure was marked by rising insecurity, economic failure, and a complete lack of empathy for Nigerians.

He was never really present physically or mentally for the job, he stated, adding that Buhari handed power to unqualified individuals and weakened Nigerias institutions.

On claims that Buhari upheld the rule of law, Sowore rejected such sentiments, calling them not just false, but insulting.

He alleged that Buhari routinely ignored court orders and weaponised agencies like the DSS to intimidate and harass citizens.

He also slammed Buharis naira redesign policy, describing it as an economic disaster used to interfere in the 2023 elections.

Sowore concluded, We must stop canonising failed leaders simply because they are no longer here to defend themselves Buhari came to power on the wings of hope and left on the wings of despair.
Femi Oladele, popularly known as Tallex, one of the suspects linked to the abduction and murder of two students from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has died after a brief illness while in police custody.

Oladele was arrested alongside two others following the disappearance of Andrel Okah and John Abbaboth 200-level students from the departments of History and International Studies, and Economics, respectively.

The two friends had gone missing on campus, prompting concern among colleagues who eventually reported the case to the police after three weeks.

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The Ondo State Police Command launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of the suspects. Oladele, reportedly the landlord of one of the victims, was among those apprehended.

According to the police, one of the suspects later confessed that the missing students had been killed, with their bodies dumped at separate locations in Ekiti State.

Okahs body was subsequently recovered and deposited in a morgue, while efforts to locate Abbas remains are ongoing.

While in detention, Oladele reportedly fell ill and was taken to the hospital. A source told PUNCH that the suspect (Oladele) was sick in the custody where he was kept by the police. When his health condition was getting worse, he was quickly rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

His death was confirmed on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Mrs. Olayinka Ayanlade.

Yes, he is dead. He had been under medical supervision since his arrest and had been in and out of the hospital. He passed away yesterday (Friday), she said.

Ayanlade also reaffirmed the commands commitment to pursuing justice, stating, We urge the public to disregard any attempt to twist the facts. The command remains fully committed to justice. Everyone involved will face the full weight of the law.
A 27-year-old ex-convict, Mohammed Usman of Kofar Wambai Quarters, has been arrested by the Kano State Police Command for allegedly deceiving women across the state and stealing their mobile phones under the pretense of offering government assistance.

Usman was arrested on July 14, 2025, after a woman from Ahmadiyya Brigade Quarters accused him of tricking her into giving up her phone by falsely claiming he was offering aid through a government initiative.

SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, spokesperson for the command, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that at least 17 more women have come forward with similar allegations against Usman.

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READ MORE: Suspected Bandit Leader Nabbed In Kaduna After 11-Year Manhunt

Investigations also resulted in the arrest of three suspected buyers of the stolen phones and the recovery of eight mobile devices.

The suspect called unsuspecting women, claimed to be offering support from a government programme, gained their trust, then made away with their phones, Kiyawa said.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, advised residents to remain vigilant against suspicious offers and assured the public of the commands ongoing commitment to combating fraud and theft across the state.
Content creator Olaoluwa Segun has issued an apology to actress Dayo Amusa after falsely claiming that she is living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Segun stirred controversy on Friday after releasing a video in which he accused five Nigerian actors of being (HIV) positive.

He specifically named Hanks Anuku and Dayo Amusa among the five actors he accused.

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READ MORE: Dayo Amusa Threatens Legal Action Against Blogger Over Damaging HIV Video

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Dayo Amusa refuted the claim, stating that she is HIV negative. She noted that a 2019 post about her HIV status was shared solely for educational purposes and not a personal revelation.

She expressed shock that Segun dug up the old post and, without proper investigation, falsely included her in a list of individuals alleged to be HIV positive.

Amusa criticised the content creator for spreading false information across social media platforms, questioning the reasoning behind sharing such a defamatory claim without verifying the facts.

I want to address a video that has been going viral across all major social media platforms over the last 24 hours, she said.

This video was posted by someone I dont know, but I started getting tagged in it, and I believe it relates to a post I made in 2019 regarding my HIV status, which was negative.

The purpose of that post at the time was to educate people on the importance of knowing their HIV status. And even if, for any reason, youre positive, its important to seek medical help and take the necessary steps. After all, its not the end of the world.

Its shocking that someone picked up on that post and enlisted me with others, claiming we are all HIV positive, without doing any proper investigation.

This person went on to share the video on major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X, where it has attracted several likes and comments.

Do people even use their brains when putting out content? Do you realise how far that video has travelled? Do you understand the level of defamation to my person and character caused by the falsehood you foolishly posted without fact-checking?

She went on to threaten that the content creator would be made a scapegoat, serving as a warning to others who circulate unverified and harmful information.

Reacting on his Instagram page on Saturday, Segun responded to Amusas strong warning by acknowledging her anger and offering an apology in a lighthearted tone. He referenced her intention to make him a scapegoat, saying: Being made a scapegoat does not feel good! I want to be THE GOAT, not a scapegoat. Somebody play me is it too late now to say sorry  I am sorry mama @dayoamusa.

In a follow-up post on Sunday, which coincided with Amusas birthday, Segun took a more respectful approach. He extended a formal apology for the harm caused by his earlier post, praising her character and wishing her well: Happy Birthday mama. While I honestly didnt know you until a couple of days ago. My ears are filled with noble things about you. I deeply apologize for the unintended harm one of my recent posts may have done to your brand and public image. It is genuinely love and light from my quarters. Big respect maam @dayoamusa.

SEE POST:
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has finally arrested a 60-year-old drug kingpin, Okpara Paul Chigozie, after evading capture for over seven years.

His arrest was made on Sunday, at his hideout in the Isheri area of Lagos State, following the interception of a major drug shipment.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.

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According to Babafemi, the agency acted on intelligence after intercepting one of Chigozies couriers, Achebe Kenneth Nnamdi, who was en route to Onitsha with 7.6kg of cocaine and 900g of methamphetamine concealed in a Toyota Sienna.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/atiku-should-step-aside-for-obi-to-unseat-tinubu-in-2027-obidients-beg-coalition-group.html

A follow-up operation was promptly carried out at Okparas hideout in Isheri, where an additional 1.8kg of cocaine and 1.3kg of methamphetamine were recovered from his residence, Babafemi stated.

In addition to Chigozies arrest, the NDLEA recorded a series of successful operations across the country, including Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Bayelsa, and Gombe.

In Lagos alone, the agency raided Sarah Sam Hotels in Kosofe on Saturday, July 19, where various party drugs and vehicles were seized.

Babafemi added that NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport intercepted a suspect with 7,790 pills of tramadol and rohypnol, while another shipment containing skunk hidden in cereal boxes and headed to Pakistan was seized.

Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers for their efforts, saying: These arrests reflect our relentless pursuit of justice and commitment to drug supply reduction nationwide.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to resume legislative duties at the Nigerian Senate next Tuesday, despite ongoing opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central District, made the announcement on Friday, following a court decision that upheld her reinstatement, stating that her return to the Red Chamber is backed by law. She confirmed that she has already notified the Senate of her intention.

I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that Im resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God, Natasha said during an interview with Channels Television.

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She stressed that her return is rooted in the law, not an ongoing legal tussle. Now, they argue that its an order. Its not an order; it is a decision. The court made a decision, and I am acting on that decision, she explained.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/nigerias-constitution-wont-help-lg-autonomy-to-function-better-fashola-insists.html

Expressing frustration over her suspension, the senator said it has disrupted her legislative obligations.

I was elected to represent my people, and being absent from the floor has hindered me from moving motions or sponsoring bills that directly affect my constituents.

She continued, This is not just about me. Its about the people of Kogi Central who have been denied effective representation for months.

While the Clerk to the National Assembly reportedly advised her legal team to await Senate action, Natasha insisted that delay tactics would not deter her.

Im not asking for a favour; Im demanding my right. The court has spoken, and I will act accordingly.

Support for her reinstatement has also come from other lawmakers, including Senator Seriake Dickson, who described her suspension as unjust and legally questionable.
BAMAKO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Malian army announced on Sunday that at least 70 terrorists were killed during operations earlier this week in northern and central Mali.

According to a statement from the army, the first operation took place on July 15 in coordination with air forces from the Alliance of Sahel States, resulting in the elimination of around 40 terrorists in the Anderamboukan area in the north.

The second operation, conducted two days later, led to the destruction of a terrorist logistics and training base in the Niono area in central Mali, and the death of about 30 terrorists, the statement added.

Mali has been facing a multifaceted crisis since 2012, marked by separatist rebellions, jihadist incursions and intercommunal violence that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. 
Two suspected kidnappers were fatally shot by the Ogun State Police Command during a gun battle in the Owode-Egba area of the state.

The operation came shortly after three kidnap victims from the Ajebo community, abducted on July 16, were rescued unharmed from a nearby forest.

Omolola Odutola, the state Police Public Relations Officer, said in a statement to PUNCH Metro on Saturday that the suspects had invaded the community earlier in the week and kidnapped three residents.

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Odutola stated that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, immediately dispatched the commands Anti-Kidnapping Unit to the forest following ongoing intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.

She said, The Ogun State Police Command, in its continuous commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and maintaining a firm stance against violent crime, recorded a significant breakthrough in a kidnapping case reported on 16th July, 2025.

The incident involved the abduction of three individuals around Ajebo, under the jurisdiction of the Owode-Egba Division.

Following expert monitoring, on 18th July, 2025, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed intelligence surveillance in the area and rescued the three victims unharmed at about 2100 hrs.

During the operation, the kidnappers engaged the police team in a gun duel. In the ensuing exchange of fire, two of the kidnappers were fatally wounded, while others escaped deeper into the forest with gunshot injuries.

Odutola revealed that items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle with breech number 5005584, loaded with 139 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition; a magazine; a cutlass; a chain and padlock believed to have been used to hold the victims; a mobile phone; and a cash sum of 1,200,035 suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Ogunlowo applauded the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for their timely and well-coordinated operation, adding that a manhunt is ongoing to arrest the other suspects who escaped.

The Command remains resolute in its zero-tolerance approach to kidnapping and other violent crimes in Ogun State, Odutola added.

She also referenced a previous operation earlier this year, where five suspected kidnappers were shot dead during an exchange of gunfire along the Lagos-Ibadan Motorway.

During that operation, recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, 10 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, 5.2 million suspected to be proceeds of crime, and three mobile phones.

Speaking on the commands recent successes, Odutola said, Since his assumption of office, CP Ogunlowo, who works tirelessly behind the scenes, has remained consistent in keeping kidnappers out of Ogun State and maintains a track record of going after criminal elements.
Labour Party caucus in the senate has condemned the comments made by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on the visit of Peter Obi, the partys presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, to the state.

Recall that during a public event on Friday, Governor Okpebholo warned that Obi must not visit Edo without prior security clearance, alleging that violence followed the LP leaders last visit to the state.

Reacting to the development on Saturday in a joint statement, Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, members of the LP senate caucus, described Okpebholos statement as disturbing and shocking.

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The caucus cited section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for freedom of movement and expression for all Nigerian citizens.

The Senators urged Okpebholo to quickly withdraw his unguarded statement and tender an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Nigerian Constitution, which he swore to uphold.

The statement reads: Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria, and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer Executive lawlessness and impudence.

READ MORE: Youll Be Responsible, If Anything Happens To Peter Obi  Obidient Movement Tells Edo Gov For Threatening His Life

As a champion of democracy, nation-building and sustainable development, Mr Peter Obi deserves protection and support from the law and all who share the vision for a better Nigeria.

The Inspector General of Police and the Director General, Department of State Services, to take note of this threat.

The Nigeria of this century cannot afford to condone executive rascality and abuse of office by public officers for the peace and harmony of our dear Country, Nigeria.
Adam Brunner, director of Temple University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, teaches the non-credit class "Let's Live as Long and Healthy as Possible." Read more

The lecture on a recent afternoon at Temple Universitys Center City campus was on passion and purpose and the importance both play in leading a happy, healthy life.

I dont care if you only have one day or one week to live, instructor Adam Brunner, 66, told his class. I would contend it would be far better spent doing what you are passionate about and doing it with a sense of purpose.

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For his students, many of them in their 60s and 70s, nurturing their passion for learning is at least part of what brought them to Brunners class, titled Lets Live as Long and Healthy As Possible.

All are enrolled in Temples Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where a main requirement for taking classes is being age 50 or older. The institute this year is, quite fittingly, celebrating its 50th anniversary at Temple.

The classes are not for credit. There are no exams or final papers. And the cost is minuscule compared with college tuition. Students can take as many classes as they want for an annual fee of $290; there are also less expensive options to take classes just in the spring, or fall, or summer.

Youre never too old to learn, and you learn something new every day, said Phyllis Sledge, a retired public assistance caseworker from Philadelphia.

Beside her in Brunners class was fellow retiree Sylvia Williams, who had spent 34 years working at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

I needed some structure after I retired, something to do to get myself out of the house, she said.

For both women, its their second time at Temple. They got their bachelors degrees from the university decades ago.

Teaching to share passions

Those who teach do it for free and find it just as fulfilling.

I call it my encore career, said James Pagliaro, who spent decades as a trial lawyer in Philadelphia, for a time leading the product liability division of Morgan Lewis & Bockius. I have a passion for sharing my love of art with people.

Pagliaro, 73, of Rydal, for the last 25 years also has worked as a docent at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and after retiring from the legal profession, he earned a masters degree in art history from Oxford University. His art history classes typically attract 20 to 25 students in person and as many as 90 online.

Nancy McDonald, 72, of Philadelphia, was one of his students.

Its really enjoyable to learn more about the artists and their work from the research that Jim has done, said McDonald, an adjunct professor at Wilmington University, who also has taken Osher classes on the law and creative writing.

McDonald, who spent much of her career at DuPont and Accenture, a technology consulting company, also teaches courses in information technology at the institute. Those who teach in the program can take classes for free.

People can choose to take classes in areas they know about, or its an opportunity to take a class you dont know a thing about, said Lynn Marks, 76, a retired public interest lawyer who previously served as executive director of Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts and Women Organized Against Rape.

Since 2017, she has taught a class called Hot Topics in Justice and Law  which Brunner said is one of the institutes most popular, drawing about 300 students a semester.

Marks co-taught with Phyllis W. Beck, the first woman to sit on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and former vice dean of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, until two weeks before Becks death in March at 97. Their class on Zoom included panels of prominent speakers, with Beck and Marks using their ties to bring in former judges, politicians, scholars, and advocates, from former Gov. Ed Rendell to Jeffrey Rosen, CEO of the National Constitution Center, and Sister Mary Scullion, who founded and ran Project HOME.

Marks, who lives in Center City, said she will continue to teach the class on her own.

Beck was not the oldest instructor the institute has had. That distinction goes to Sol Glassberg, who taught until his death in 2023 at age 100, Brunner said.

A nationwide network

Temples Osher program is part of a nationwide network. Other area colleges, including Pennsylvania State University, the University of Delaware, and Rutgers University, also have them.

At Penn State, nearly 2,000 students participate at sites in York, Harrisburg, and University Park, accounting for 18,500 course registrations in a year. More than 1,600 students are enrolled at Rutgers, which offers 158 courses throughout the year.

At Temple, more than 1,000 students participate over the course of a year, said Brunner, who has led Temples program for 16 years. At one time, close to 1,400 were enrolled  so many the program had to stop advertising because it could not accommodate more  but numbers fell during the pandemic when classes, all of which had been in person, had to go virtual. Students missed in-person interaction, he said.

Some classes have moved back in person, but there are instructors who prefer to teach from home. Brunner said he is hoping to boost participation again by piloting a new course delivery method in the fall, which will allow instructors teaching from home to be streamed into classrooms.

There are four full-time employees for the program, which runs on its own revenue and interest from its $2 million endowment, provided by the Bernard Osher Foundation. (Temples program predates its involvement with Osher  it originally was called the Temple Association for Retired Persons  and at that time its expenses were covered by membership revenue and the university.)

In addition to the classes, members get free access to Temples online library and access to tech tutoring, provided by Temple undergraduate and graduate students.

You could schedule an appointment online with one of our Temple students, Brunner said, and you will get a one-on-one session for an hour. They can answer any questions you have about your computer or your smartphone.

A social outlet for seniors

With fostering socialization among seniors as a goal, the institute also allows Osher members to start and run shared interest groups.

Youre not a teacher, but youre more like a facilitator, and then once you start it, we will advertise your shared interest group to all our members, he said.

Those interested in teaching must submit their course proposals and resumes to a curriculum committee for review. The committee gauges whether would-be instructors are knowledgeable about the subject and able to manage an active group of learners. They dont need to have teaching experience, or even a college degree, though most do.

Teaching older students is radically different from teaching younger students, Brunner said. Typically, younger students are more reticent to ask questions or make comments.

Older students may not be as shy and have more life experience, he said.

About 20 students attended Brunners class in person that afternoon, with more than a dozen watching virtually, including a group from a senior living community near Jenkintown.

Brunner discussed research that showed the physical and mental benefits of pursuing passion-driven activities and knowing ones purpose.

He said that even if a person is bedridden, he or she could choose to lead a life of passion and purpose, possibly by smiling at everyone and calling loved ones to express all they have meant.

If you did, I am certain that the quality of your life, whatever is remaining, would rise exponentially, he told the class.

Sitting in the back, often with a pleasant smile on his face, was J.J. Broderick, 70, a retired real estate attorney from Northern Liberties who spent much of his career as senior partner at Morgan Lewis. His wife, Colleen Broderick, suggested he take the Temple courses after he was diagnosed a couple years ago with primary progressive aphasia, a neurological condition that impairs the ability to speak, understand, read, and write.

Broderick, who got his undergraduate degree from Yale and law degree from the University of Texas, struggles with speech but still can understand, read, and write, his wife said. He enrolled in the classes last fall, she said, and has gone every week since then.

With him, she said, its been a life preserver.
Temple University in a communication to staff and students last week warned that SEPTAs planned rollback in service could substantially impact the campus and they should start exploring alternative transportation options.

A 2022 survey showed that 12,000 students, faculty and staff commute to campus by SEPTA bus, Regional Rail and Metro. Thats nearly a third of the total. Temple enrolls over 30,000 students and employs about 8,000, both full and part-time.

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The first round of cuts are expected Aug. 24, just as the university begins its fall semester, with another round in January.

 READ MORE: From alerting riders to changing Google Maps, heres how SEPTA is preparing for service cuts

Our expectation is these cuts would result in an additional 2,000 people driving to campus each day, further limiting parking on and around campus, wrote David Marino, vice president and interim chief operating officer, and David Boardman, interim provost.

Both Regional Rail and the Broad Street subway line have stops on campus, and there are bus stops, too.

Marino and Boardman directed students and staff to explore alternative bus and rail lines near them or potential car pools with classmates and colleagues. Campus parking will become available for sale on Monday and awarded on a first-come basis, they said. Temple offers more than 5,000 parking spaces throughout its campuses.

The university is exploring ways to help manage the additional costs that students and staff may face, they said.

Drexel University and Community College of Philadelphia also are monitoring the situation, their spokespeople said Saturday.

Reliable and affordable public transportation is essential for educational access, economic opportunity, and everyday life in our city. As such, we remain hopeful that state and local leaders will identify sustainable funding solutions that protect and strengthen this vital public service, said CCP interim president Alycia Marshall.

We will continue to keep our College community informed of developments as they unfold. In the meantime, we stand with our fellow Philadelphians in advocating for equitable transit access for all, Marshall said.

SEPTA, which is projecting a $213 million structural deficit in its operating budget, has said without additional state funding it would have to implement cuts. State lawmakers are still working on the 2025-26 budget.

The first phase of cuts in August would entail a 20% reduction in service, including the elimination of some bus routes. In January would come more service cuts, including the elimination of the Chestnut Hill West, Paoli/Thorndale, Trenton, Wilmington/Newark and Cynwyd Regional Rail lines.

In addition, all remaining rail services would stop running at 9 p.m.

These cuts, along with the curfew, would drastically impact the Broad Street Line, regional rail and buses for our students, faculty and staff, Marino and Boardman wrote.

SEPTA also plans to raise its rates 21.5% on Sept. 1.
Concerned residents, healthcare workers and lawmakers protested the decision to close bankrupt Crozer Health in May. Now they are are adapting new approaches to address the healthcare holes in Delaware County that it left behind. Read more

When responding to a shooting in Chester, VMSC Emergency Medical Services providers begin preparing bags of blood for a transfusion.

They have an hour to get gunshot victims to an operating room for their best chance of survival. Ambulances used to race patients to Crozer-Chester Medical Center, a few minutes away.

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But after Crozer closed in May, starting a blood transfusion is one of the few options to improve the odds that patients will survive the 20- to 60-minute ride to the nearest high-level trauma center.

The technique is one of the ways healthcare providers, lawmakers, and other stakeholders are adapting new approaches to cover gaping healthcare holes left in Delaware County after the demise of its largest health system, Crozer Health.

Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland operated the countys busiest emergency department, its highest-level trauma center, and its only 24-7 crisis center for mental and behavioral health. Crozer ambulances served about 60% of the county.

Delaware County was left scrambling to cobble together replacements for these services when Crozers bankrupt for-profit owner, Prospect Medical Holdings, shut down Crozer and its sister facility, Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.

Nearby hospitals, including Riddle Hospital in Media and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, have added staff and temporary beds to accommodate a sharp increase in patients.

But lawmakers, hospital administrators, and healthcare stakeholders say the county needs a more permanent, stable solution to ensure residents have access to critical health services. Moving forward, they will need to think differently about how to serve densely populated communities that are increasingly far away from high-level care, despite their location outside one of the largest healthcare-rich cities in the country.

The county is reviewing proposals for a freestanding mental health crisis center. Several of the two dozen townships that relied on Crozers ambulances to respond to 911 emergencies are finalizing shared emergency-response contracts.

In addition to offering blood transfusions onboard its ambulances, VMSC is expanding its community education program, to train residents on what to do to stop bleeding and respond to an emergency.

When we look at healthcare deserts, mostly this affects rural communities. Were seeing this within 20 miles of Philadelphia, said Shane Wheeler, CEO of VMSC. We have to look at pre-hospital care more broadly.

 READ MORE: Crozer patients in limbo as Delco health systems future remains uncertain

Rethinking ambulance services

Beginning in August, 24 townships that relied on Crozer for emergency response will need to establish their own contracts for services. The grants that supported a temporary fleet of 16 ambulances are due to expire.

Townships often make plans independently, but the experience of sharing services over the last few months proved that a joint contract could work, said Monica Taylor, chair of the Delaware County Council. A group of municipalities along Chester Pike, including Glenolden, Prospect Park, Norwood, Tinicum, Eddystone, and Ridley Park, have decided to partner on an ambulance contract, she said.

This kind of forced them to think outside the box and do things in a way they hadnt, Taylor said.

Lawmakers found that even though townships were sharing ambulances, the service was more reliable than Crozers fleet, which was often missing vehicles because of repairs or staffing challenges. Months before closing, Crozer had reassigned some of its ambulances to cover nonemergency transports after Prospect failed to pay another transport contractor.

New approaches to emergency care

The new ambulance contracts mean there will now be EMS vehicles to respond to emergencies, but it is still taking much longer to get patients into a hospital.

The nearest emergency departments  Riddle and Mercy Fitzgerald  are overwhelmed. Ambulances must wait outside until a bed becomes available, further delaying when the ambulance can respond to its next call.

Two new micro-hospitals with emergency departments are planned for Aston and Springfield, which Taylor hopes will help relieve the strain on other hospitals.

ChristianaCare plans to open a 10-bed hospital in Aston in 2026 and expects a Springfield location to open in 2027.

The Delaware-based health system won an auction for Crozers outpatient facilities and recently announced that it is exploring a merger with New Jerseys Virtua Health.

In the meantime, EMS providers are expanding their on-the-road capabilities.

VMSC Emergency Medical Services, which began working in Chester after Crozers closure, has equipped its vehicles to provide blood transfusions to critical patients, such as gunshot wound victims.

The organization began its blood transfusion program earlier this year in Montgomery County, where most traumas involve car accidents.

In Chester, blood transfusions are single-handedly one of the biggest things we can do to reduce trauma-related deaths, said Wheeler, VMSCs chief executive.

Seeking mental health services

Emergency departments at Riddle and Mercy have been strained by patients experiencing psychiatric emergencies that staff are not accustomed to handling.

Riddle used to see about 20 psychiatric patients a month. The day Crozer closed, volume quadrupled, and the hospital has seen about 140 psychiatric patients a month since then, said Deborah Cunningham, vice president of behavioral health at Main Line Health.

The hospital opened an overflow area, extending its emergency department by eight beds dedicated to behavioral and mental health, and hired some of Crozers crisis workers.

But thats just a short-term fix, Cunningham said.

Main Line Health is working on expanding its mental health services for patients who need ongoing medication maintenance and talk therapy.

But that wont replace Crozers 24-7 crisis response center, which offered specialized services for people experiencing a psychiatric crisis, substance abuse issues, and other emergencies.

The county is reviewing proposals for a freestanding crisis response center and hopes to select a contractor soon, Taylor said.

The center should have eight beds, a mobile crisis unit, and a crisis response line that accepts calls around the clock, according to a request for proposals.
Carlos Obrador Garrido Cuesta, head consul of Mexico stationed in Philadelphia, holding his copy of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States. Read more

If it feels like ICE arrests have become a daily occurrence, its not an unfounded hunch.

On July 16 alone, more than a dozen ICE agents took 14 people into custody at Super Gigante food market near Norristown. Half of them were Mexican, the Mexican consulate reported.

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The volume of that roundup was consistent with the 13 average daily ICE arrests in Pennsylvania since President Donald Trump took office for the second time and launched a crackdown on undocumented immigrants. According to an investigation by the New York Times, average daily arrests in Pennsylvania from Jan. 20 through June 10 increased 249% compared with the average daily rate in all of 2024.

While some countries refused to accept their immigrants back, the Mexican consulate has an extensive network to support, by its estimates, the 192,500 Mexican people living in Pennsylvania, particularly the 39,270 believed to be undocumented.

With a worn-out U.S. Constitution book in hand, Carlos Obrador Garrido Cuesta, the head consul in Philadelphia, sat down to answer how things have changed since Inauguration Day, the importance of consular assistance, and what is happening to the undocumented community. His answers were edited for clarity and brevity.

What is the Mexican consulate doing?

Mexico has 53 consulates in the United States, most are in Texas (11) and California (10). Here, we are the only ones.

From Philadelphia, we handle Pennsylvania, Delaware, and eight counties in southern New Jersey (from Lakewood to Cape May). This consulate has been here for 200 years.

We have a permanent community outreach program called Know Your Rights to prioritize protecting and defending the human rights and dignity of our people.

Last weekend we were in Pittsburgh with our mobile consulate. This is crucial in the current immigration climate, so that our community doesnt run any risks trying to get to our headquarters.

You can see the wear and tear in my Constitution book because every day we tell our people that until the U.S. Constitution changes, all people, regardless of their immigration status, have rights enshrined in it.

In the reality that we are living in, its important for people to know their rights because the current narrative can be confusing.

We are adhering ourselves to the [U.S.] Constitution, but also to the Vienna Convention on consular relations that establish the right of a person in another country to request consulate assistance.

There are countries whose agreement with the U.S. is that when a detention happens, ICE has an obligation to report it to the persons consulate. That is not our case. Only if the person in custody requests it, [agents] have the obligation to inform us.

Why does it matter to alert the Mexican consulate of an ICE raid?

Consular notification may be what tips the balance toward either possible deportation or staying with your family. If no one notifies the consulate, we may not learn that there was a detention there.

The clearest example we have is what happened at the car wash.

On Jan. 28, right at the beginning of [Trumps second term], the largest raid we had ever had in Philadelphia took place. Agents arrived without a warrant, responding to a tip-off that there were undocumented workers.

They detained everyone they could catch, among them a U.S. citizen who was handcuffed, the son of one of our fellow countrymen. A relative notified us, within minutes we were there accompanying his wife and son.

Seven people, six of them Mexican, were detained. Two decided not to request consular notification. When the agents gave them a voluntary departure document to sign, those young men did so, because they had very little hope of being able to stay.

The other four men didnt sign and requested consular notification. Thanks to that, three are now free, waiting to go to immigration court, with their family, reunited, here.

In other cases, we also talk to the employers because it could be that when the worker was detained, the employer kept their compensation money. It happens often. We make sure to recover it so they can have it even if they are deported.

What happens after Mexican people are taken into ICE custody in Pennsylvania?

The person is going to be transferred to the ICE office [in Philadelphia], which is what happened with the people from Gigante.

They are fingerprinted. Officers check their records, do their job, and then see where to send them, maybe Moshannon [Valley Processing Center] or the federal prison in Philadelphia.

[Immigrants] have the right not to sign anything, especially if its in a language they dont understand. They have the right to ask for consular notification, because thats when we come in.

We have a 24-7 number ICE can call: 215-266-3740. (People can also report ICE raids there).

Many times they might be undergoing medical treatment, are cancer survivors, or require constant medication. Identifying these vulnerabilities is crucial because many times, out of ignorance or fear, they dont say anything. We can get their medication for them.

We have a Program of Legal Advice Abroad (PALE) that is completely free. It is a legal aid fund that the Mexican government has earmarked for all consulates. The program already existed, but President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is allocating more resources so that the consulates have options for hiring lawyers and no limit when it comes to defending Mexicans.

We are not going to give them lawyers if they say I want to go back. If they want to fight their case, we will put them in contact with our immigration lawyers. They will go to court, and the deportation will be halted.

What happens to Mexican people when they are deported?

Consular assistance ends with deportation, but we have the Mexico te abraza program.

When a person is deported, they often arrive without shoelaces, belts, and other things that were taken at the detention center. Agents give them a white bag with some of their belongings, but they arrive with practically nothing.

On the Mexican side, they are given a card with 2,000 pesos (a little more than $100). Another agency pays for their free transportation wherever they need to go in the republic.

The private sector offered 65,000 jobs for returning immigrants. People from the labor administration can help them apply for jobs on the spot. And folks from the Social Security Administration register them for free healthcare, medicines and doctors.

After everything, where does the relationship between ICE and the Mexican consulate stand?

We have to have good communication with ICE authorities in the region because we have to do our work. It is not collaborating. They respect my work, I respect their work.

Our priority is the Mexican community. We are here to serve them and we have to protect them, their rights and their dignity. To do our job is to defend our community.
Police and fire crews at the scene of a plane crash north of Lancaster Airport in Warwick Township, Pa., Sunday morning. Read more

One person is dead after a plane crash near Lancaster Airport on Sunday morning.

A Piper PA-46 crashed into a field in Warwick Township just north of the airport shortly after takeoff around 8 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. No further details have been released.

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One person aboard  a male pilot  was killed in the crash, according to Sgt. Adam Webber of the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department. The mans identity had not been made public.

The pilot was the only person aboard the airplane when it crashed, according to the FAA. There were no reports of any other injuries, Webber told reporters.

David Welden, who lives near Lancaster Airport, told local NBC affiliate WGAL he was on his porch reading the newspaper when he heard the plane go down. He said he drove down to the crash site to offer his assistance but was shocked to come across the pilots body.

Its a horrific thing to witness, Welden told WGAL.

At this point, theres no indication of what caused the plane to go down. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

The airport, which has operated since 1933, is about six miles north of Lancaster in Lititz. Two smaller commercial airlines offer flights out of Lancaster Airport  Breeze Airways (to Orlando) and Southern Airways Express (to Pittsburgh and Washington-Dulles).

Five were injured in a fiery crash in March

Back in March, five people aboard a single-engine Beechcraft A36TC airplane were injured when the aircraft crashed near the parking lot of Brethren Village, a retirement community in Lititz.

There was an immediate fireball, a witness who filmed the wreckage told the Associated Press at the time. He said the plane narrowly missed striking a three-story building in the retirement community.

All five people survived the crash, which the FAA said took place shortly after takeoff. There were no injuries on the ground, but about a dozen cars were damaged, according to Manheim Township Police Chief Duane Fisher.

On Thursday, a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport due to a landing gear malfunction, according to the FAA. There were no injuries, and the agency is currently investigating the incident.
Sherry Chen, a law librarian, grew up in Shanghai. Her husband, Robert Streijl, a telecommunications engineer, is from the Netherlands.

They met while in Atlanta, where Chen was a graduate student, and moved to Chicago and Ann Arbor, Mich., and then Boston. But they have finally found their nesting place in a Tudor house on a wooded lot in Wynnewood with easy access to Suburban Square.

Chen had found a new job in the area, and this was the first house we saw, she said.

She had grown up in an urban setting, but she and Streijl both loved the secluded feel of the lot, its closeness to Suburban Square, and the Tudor architecture, which was very popular in the neighborhood.

They closed in February 2023 and were starting to look for an architect to make renovations when they saw an Inquirer article about a project by Lauren Thomsen Design and reached out to her.

It was a serene and a beautiful lot, Thomsen said, yet the house was dark despite being painted white both inside and out. The layout was compartmentalized and didnt have flow.

A redesigned house would allow people to move around more easily than in the original.

But what really struck Thomsen was the turret with no roof access, a lost opportunity when the house was built in 1940.

She set out to make major renovations that started in January 2024 with Chen and Streijl moving from one short-term rental to another for six months. Very messy was Chens description.

The turret, common to Tudor-style homes but rare in this area, was key.

We raised the roof, Thomsen said, and this allowed for a new vaulted ceiling and a row of clerestory windows. Why have the turret if you cant appreciate the geometry from the interior?

We didnt change the footprint, she said, but a wall blocking the view was cut out and an entirely new configuration showcases the original staircase. Old and new railing styles were matched.

The kitchen was opened up with the removal of a bearing wall dividing it from the dining area. What had once been a stairway to the maids room now leads past the refrigerator into a light-filled study/office.

And what had been a three-bedroom house became a four-bedroom.

The Tudor style often features small windows, but Thomsen replaced many of them with larger windows to let in more light.

Amid all the remodeling, key assets remained. The sunken living room allowed for a higher ceiling.

Thomsen made maximum use of colorful light fixtures and plants in a first-floor sunroom added by a previous owner.

The Tudor style is very intriguing, she said. The houses are very unique.

Once an architect has the vision, Thomsen said, the next step is translating it to the client. Chen and Streijl caught on quickly.
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Khankendi, AZERBAIJAN, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday hailed Azerbaijan-China ties as grounded on high level of mutual trust.

Speaking at a media forum held in the city of Khankendi, Aliyev recalled recent milestones in bilateral ties, including an agreement that elevated the ties to a strategic partnership in 2024 and another one to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2025.

"This is a high level of mutual trust between two nations," Aliyev said.

Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's unwavering support for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Azerbaijan has always openly supported the one-China policy," he said.

The president noted the active political dialogues with Chinese officials at all levels, and growing people-to-people exchanges bolstered by visa exemption programs, saying this will "enhance contacts between students, entrepreneurs and citizens."

Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan's strong support for the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, noting that Azerbaijan has developed the necessary transport and logistics infrastructure to facilitate connectivity.

On economic cooperation, Aliyev highlighted the rapidly increasing trade and transport links between the two countries, anticipating that trade volumes will multiply in the near future.

Energy collaboration is also growing, with Chinese companies involved in renewable energy projects from solar to wind. "The solar panels used in Azerbaijan are of Chinese origin," Aliyev said. 
The Israeli military has published new evacuation warnings for parts of central Gaza, in one of the few areas the military has rarely operated with ground troops.

The evacuation cuts access between the city of Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis in the narrow enclave.

The announcement comes as Israel and Hamas have been holding ceasefire talks in Qatar, but international mediators say there have been no breakthroughs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stressed that expanding military operations in Gaza will pressure Hamas to negotiate, though negotiations have been stalled for months.

The area of Gaza under the evacuation order is also where many international organisations attempting to distribute aid are located.

Military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned the military will attack with intensity against militants. He called for residents, including those sheltering in tents, to head to the Muwasi area, a desolate tent camp on Gazas southern shore that the Israeli military has designated a humanitarian zone.

The Israeli people overwhelmingly want an end to the fighting and a comprehensive agreement that will return all of the hostages

Gazas population of more than two million Palestinians are in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Hamas triggered the 21-month war when militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Fifty hostages remain, but fewer than half are thought to be alive.

Israels military offensive that followed has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. It does not say how many militants are among the dead but says more than half of those killed have been women and children. The ministry is part of the Hamas government but the UN and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties.

The Hostages Family Forum, a grassroots organisation that represents many of the families of hostages, condemned the evacuation announcement and demanded that Mr Netanyahu and the Israeli military explain what they hope to accomplish in the area of central Gaza, accusing Israel of operating without a clear war plan.

It said: Enough. The Israeli people overwhelmingly want an end to the fighting and a comprehensive agreement that will return all of the hostages.

On Saturday night, tens of thousands of protesters once again marched in Tel Aviv to call for an end to the war.
Syrias armed Bedouin clans announced on Sunday that they had withdrawn from the Druze-majority city of Sweida after week-long clashes and a US-brokered ceasefire.

The clashes between militias of the Druze religious minority and the Sunni Muslim clans killed hundreds and threatened to unravel Syrias already fragile post-war transition.

Israel also launched dozens of airstrikes in the Druze-majority Sweida province, targeting government forces who had effectively sided with the Bedouins.

Syrian government security forces blocked Bedouin fighters, pictured in the background, from entering Sweida province (Omar Sanadiki/AP)

The clashes also led to a series of targeted sectarian attacks against the Druze community, followed by revenge attacks against the Bedouins.

A series of tit-for-tat kidnappings sparked the clashes in various towns and villages in the province, which later spread to Sweida city, the provincial capital.

Government forces were redeployed to halt renewed fighting that erupted on Thursday, before withdrawing again.

Interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa, who has been perceived as more sympathetic to the Bedouins, had tried to appeal to the Druze community while remaining critical of the militias.

Dozens of Bedouin fighters, right, remained on the outskirts of the city and were cordoned off by Syrian government security forces (Ghaith Alsayed/AP)

He later urged the Bedouins to leave the city, saying that they cannot replace the role of the state in handling the countrys affairs and restoring security.

We thank the Bedouins for their heroic stances but demand they fully commit to the ceasefire and comply with the states orders, he said in an address broadcast on Saturday.

Dozens of armed Bedouin fighters alongside other clans from around the country who came to support them remained on the outskirts of the city and were cordoned off by government security forces and military police.

They blame the clashes on the Druze factions loyal to spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and accuse them of harming Bedouin families.

We will not leave until he turns himself in alongside those with him who tried to stir sedition. And only then will we go home, Khaled al-Mohammad, who came to the southern province alongside other tribesman from the eastern Deir al-Zour province, told The Associated Press.

We reaffirm that we have no dispute with anyone on any religious or ethnic basis. Shame and disgrace be upon all those who seek to sow discord and hatred in the minds of young people

The Bedouins withdrawal brought a cautious calm to the area, with humanitarian convoys on their way.

The Syrian Red Crescent said on Sunday that it had sent 32 trucks loaded with food, medicine, water, fuel and other aid, after the fighting left the province with power cuts and shortages.

Syrias state news agency SANA reported that the convoy entered Sweida on Sunday, but accused Mr al-Hijri and his armed Druze supporters of turning back a government delegation that accompanied another convoy.

The foreign ministry in a statement said the convoy accompanying the delegation had two ambulances loaded with aid provided by local and international organisations.

Mr al-Hijri did not directly respond to the accusations but said in a statement that he welcomed any assistance for Sweida and slammed what he claims were distorted campaigns against him.

We reaffirm that we have no dispute with anyone on any religious or ethnic basis, the statement read.

A convoy of vehicles loaded with food and other aid en route to Sweida (Omar Sanadiki/AP)

Shame and disgrace be upon all those who seek to sow discord and hatred in the minds of young people.

The UN International Organisation for Migration said 128,571 people were displaced during the clashes, including 43,000 on Saturday alone.

Washingtons special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, said the clashes and atrocities overshadowed an initial cautious optimism about the countrys post-war transition and the international communitys lifting of sanctions.

All factions must immediately lay down their arms, cease hostilities and abandon cycles of tribal vengeance, Mr Barrack said on X.

Syria stands at a critical juncture  peace and dialogue must prevail  and prevail now.
PHNOM PENH, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's national flag carrier, Air Cambodia, has launched its first direct flight between northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province and southern China's Shenzhen city, the airline operator said in a press release.

Air Cambodia flight K6929 landed at the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) on Friday from Shenzhen, carrying a full load of passengers.

"This marks the inauguration of the first direct flight route between Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Shenzhen," the press release said.

The SAI held a water salute to welcome the inaugural flight under the presence of Chea Aun, standing secretary of state at Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Siem Reap Deputy Governor Ngouv Sengkak, and Hang Sandap, undersecretary of state at Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism, among others.

Zhan David, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Air Cambodia, said the launch of this new route is expected to significantly boost tourist flows from China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to Cambodia.

"It not only facilitates tourism from the Greater Bay Area and beyond but also encourages large numbers of European and American tourists currently in Siem Reap to travel to China," he said.

Zhan added that the new route will also inject fresh momentum into the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025.

According to the press release, the direct flight is operated weekly, departing Siem Reap every Thursday at 9:30 p.m. local time and returning from Shenzhen to Siem Reap at 6:20 a.m. on Friday.

The flight includes both business and economy class, with a one-way journey time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. 
This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: Israels military is continuing to attack civilians across the Gaza Strip, with at least 93 Palestinians killed over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in Gaza to 58,000, most of them women and children. This number is believed to be a vast undercount. At least 10,000 are believed to be buried under the rubble. The U.N. estimates approximately 92% of all residential buildings in Gaza, around 436,000 homes, have been damaged or destroyed.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, an emergency meeting of the Hague Group convened in Bogota, Colombia, to discuss the conflict. It concluded with the announcement of a series of measures aimed at halting Israels attacks on Palestine and ending the, quote, era of impunity. The Hague Group came together in January as a bloc of Global South countries committed to coordinating legal and diplomatic measures in defense of international law and solidarity with the Palestinian people. There are now 30 member states. The action steps announced at the conclusion of the summit include banning arms sales to Israel and reviewing ties with companies who profit from the occupation of Palestine. So far, only 12 states have agreed to implement the steps. The summit was co-chaired by South Africa and Colombia. This is Colombias President Gustavo Petro.

PRESIDENT GUSTAVO PETRO: [translated] We need to leave NATO. We need to form an army of light with all the peoples of the world who want to. And we need to tell Europe that if it wants to be with Latin America or Africa, it must stop helping the Nazis. And we need to tell the American people of all colors, because they are now of all colors, to stop helping the Nazis.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: The Hague Groups joint statement affirms the commitment to, quote, Comply with our obligations to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law through robust, impartial and independent investigations and prosecutions at national or international levels, in compliance with our obligation to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes, end-quote.

AMY GOODMAN: Well, theres perhaps no greater crime than genocide. Our next guest, Omer Bartov, is professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University. He is an Israeli American scholar whos been described [by] the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum as one of the worlds leading specialists on the subject of genocide. And hes just written an op-ed for The New York Times headlined Im a Genocide Scholar. I Know It When I See It. Professor Bartov joins us from Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Well, why dont you, Professor Bartov  and thanks for joining us again  lay out your case?

OMER BARTOV: Well, thanks for having me again.

The case that I made in the article and that Ive been making for a while is that at the beginning, immediately after October 7th, the Hamas attack on October 7th, Israeli political and military leaders made a series of pronouncements which could be interpreted as calling for genocide. But there was still no  at that point, there was no evidence that this was being implemented.

Over time, and I would say by May of 2024, it became apparent that these statements were not only made in the heat of the moment following the massacre by Hamas, but were actually being implemented in a manner that would make it impossible for people to live in Gaza, make the entire Gaza Strip uninhabitable and make life there impossible, as well as destroy all the institutions that would be there for that group to reconstitute itself as a social, cultural, political group once the violence was over. Of course, its not over yet. I started thinking that in May. In August that year, I wrote an article that explained that.

But the violence has only continued, and the attempt, as you just reported, to destroy Gaza entirely has continued since. And it is now clear that Israel is trying to concentrate the population of Gaza in the southernmost parts of the strip, to enclose them and to enforce, eventually, either that they would just die out there or that they would be removed from the Gaza Strip altogether.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: And, I mean, obviously, the points that youve made, Professor Omer Bartov, makes it completely indisputable, the argument that you make in the piece, indeed, that there is a genocide ongoing and that that is the long-term plan of Israel. You point out in the piece, though, that genocide scholars are often hesitant about applying the term genocide to contemporary events, in part because, as you write, quote, it often serves more to express outrage than to identify a particular crime. Of course, there are people who believe that thats the case even today with respect to Gaza. If you could respond to that?

OMER BARTOV: Correct. So, this is one reason that I did not come out right after October 7th and say, Well, Israel is about to commit genocide, because, despite those statements, one had to observe and see what was actually happening on the ground. And yes, it is true that the term genocide has been used more as an expression of outrage when seeing massacres, mass killings, but that does not necessarily mean that what youre watching is genocide. Genocide is well defined in a U.N. convention from 1948. And under international law, only events that can  that conform to the definition can be seen as genocide. And that means that you have to show both that there is an intent to destroy a particular group, in whole or in part, as such, and that that intent is being implemented. And that, obviously and unfortunately, takes time to adjudicate.

I think that the term, while problematic, is very important, because it does identify a very particular crime. It talks about the attempt to destroy not simply people in large numbers, but to destroy them as members of a group. The intent is to destroy the group itself. And it doesnt mean that you have to kill everyone. It means that the group will be destroyed and that it will not be able to reconstitute itself as a group. And to my mind, this is precisely what Israel is trying to do. And many of its spokespersons, to this day, keep reiterating that, to the extent that its somewhat bizarre that so much of the rest of the world is not taking them seriously.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: Professor Bartov, could you also talk about  I mean, you are an Israeli American scholar and are in touch with people in Israel. How do you see perceptions of Israels ongoing assault on Gaza changing within Israel? And where are people getting their information there? Theres been talk of basically self-censorship of the mainstream media, but, of course, so many of these images and information are circulating not in the mainstream press, but on social media.

OMER BARTOV: So, look, I should say first I am  I was born and raised in Israel. I spent the first half of my life in Israel. I served in the Israeli military. And for me, to see what is happening is personally, not only just as a mere human being, but also as an Israeli, heartbreaking.

What I see in the Israeli public is an extraordinary indifference by large parts of the public to what Israel is doing and what its done in the name of Israeli citizens in Gaza. In part, it has to do with the fact that the Israeli media has decided not to report on the horrors that the IDF is perpetrating in Gaza. You simply will not see it on Israeli television. If some pictures happen to come in, they are presented only as material that might be used by foreign propaganda against Israel. Now, Israeli citizens can, of course, use other media resources. We can all do that. But most of them prefer not to. And I would say that while about 30% of the population in Israel is completely in favor of what is happening, and, in fact, is egging the government and the army on, I think the vast majority of the population simply does not want to know about it. And that goes back both to the inability to see anything on their own TVs and, in response to October 7th, a sense that after that  and thats a widespread sense in Israel  after that, there is no way of finding any solution with the Palestinians, and the only way to deal with that issue is to eradicate it.

AMY GOODMAN: Professor Bartov, can you talk about the genocide scholars across the world who have come to the same conclusion?

OMER BARTOV: Yes. So, as I wrote in the op-ed, over time, many genocide scholars who are  and legal experts, experts in international law, who, like me, have been very cautious about applying this term, have gradually come to the conclusion that what were watching is genocide. And thats important, in the sense that there is now, I think, a growing consensus over that view.

As I wrote in the piece, unfortunately, scholars and institutions dedicated to researching and commemorating the Holocaust have generally, with few very courageous exceptions, have generally refused to say anything, to express themselves in any way, about what is happening in Gaza. And to my mind, by doing that, they, first of all, betrayed the very idea of never again, because never again was never about never again the Holocaust, it was never again genocide and such other crimes against humanity. So, theres now a rift between genocide scholars, who have generally come to agree on Gaza being an Israeli genocidal operation, and Holocaust scholars and institutions that have remained mum.

AMY GOODMAN: Can you talk about how the term genocide came into use? Can you talk about the Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin?

OMER BARTOV: Yeah, so, Raphael Lemkin was a Polish Jewish lawyer who, already in the 1930s, was trying to find some kind of terminology that would describe and legally define that particular crime of trying to destroy a group. And the example that he had at the time was the genocide of the Armenians during World War I by the Ottoman Empire. During World War II, he had to escape Poland as a Jew. Most of his family was murdered. He ended up in the United States. And in 1944, he published a book in which he defined what he understood as the crime of genocide, a term that he coined, which is a combination of Greek and Latin, meaning killing a group or an ethnic group. And he struggled for a few more years to have the U.N., the United Nations, just established in 1945, to recognize that crime, and he succeeded in doing so in 1948.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: Professor Bartov, I want to ask you about a question, indeed, that you ask in your piece, which is, quote, How will Israels future be affected by the inevitable demolition of its incontestable morality, derived from its birth in the ashes of the Holocaust? Whats the answer to that question?

OMER BARTOV: Look, I mean, this is beside the horrific killing of human beings in Gaza. And I should just say, because you mentioned the distribution points of food, that between late May, when this so-called humanitarian group started distributing food, and today, more Palestinian civilians have been killed at these distribution groups than Israeli civilians were killed in the Hamas attack.

Now, what is the  what does all this mean for Israel? As I suggested in the piece, first of all, I think Israel will no longer be able to draw on the credit, if you like, of having been the state that was created after the Holocaust as an answer to the Holocaust. It will no longer be able to say, We can do whatever we like, because we were a nation subjected to genocide. You cannot continue to use this argument following the mass killing of another group.

I hope  and I write that, too  I hope that future generations of Israelis, who will not be clean of that stain  that stain will remain  but will at least be liberated from this shadow of the Holocaust and will start to look at reality as it is, and start to think of how can they reconstitute their own nation, not as a response to the genocide against the Jews, as a response to the Holocaust, but rather as a nation that knows how to share this land, where 7 million Jews and 7 million Palestinians live side by side between the Jordan and the sea, to share it with them with equality and dignity, and not with the use of bombs and violence.

AMY GOODMAN: Can you talk about this plan to make, build a so-called humanitarian city  the defense minister, Israel Katz, has proposed this idea  on the rubble of Rafah, and the opposition of two former prime ministers? You have Ehud Olmert, you have Yair Lapid. Theyre saying if there is no exit, this is a concentration camp. The significance of these men saying this?

OMER BARTOV: Well, I think its very important that Lapid, whos been sort of on all parts of this debate, said something and that Olmert spoke out, although Olmert no longer has any political power in Israel.

The plan itself, again, using the typical euphemisms that are used by organizations and states that carry out such crimes, calling that a humanitarian city, which would be a vast concentration camp, a sort of combination of ghetto and concentration camp, that would be built, as you said, on the ruins of Rafah  Rafah has been completely destroyed, theres nothing there  build a tent city on top of it, bring in initially 600,000 people, who would be brought back from the Mawasi area, from the beach area, to which they were displaced when the IDF went in to destroy Rafah, enclose them there. The plan does not say that Israel would supply them with any humanitarian assistance in the camp, but some other international organizations yet to be determined. But they would not be able to leave unless they leave the Gaza Strip altogether. So, this is  and in continuation to that, the rest of the population is supposed to then join this camp, with a goal of removing them. So, this is extraordinary. The state of Israel publicly is speaking about the creation of a vast concentration camp whose goal is removal of the population to countries that have unanimously said they are not going to take them in.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: Well, Professor Bartov, I want to ask about the U.S.s position on this, of course, their continuing support for Israel, which has enabled the assault to continue. I want to go back to the former president, Biden, his administration, the State Department spokesperson at the time, Matt Miller, who admitted earlier this year, in May, that he believes Israel committed war crimes in Gaza. This reversal came after more than a year, as the face of the Biden administrations foreign policy, repeatedly defending Israel against allegations of war crimes and genocide. This was Miller speaking earlier this year  last year.

MATTHEW MILLER: We have been very clear that we want to see Israel do everything it can to minimize civilian casualties. We have made clear that they need to do every  that they need to operate at all times in full compliance with international humanitarian law. At the same time, we are committed to Israels right to self-defense.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: But during an interview with Sky News last month, in June, Matt Miller says he believes Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza and that Israeli soldiers are not being held accountable.

MATTHEW MILLER: I dont think its a genocide, but I think the  I think it is, without a doubt, true that Israel has committed war crimes.

MARK STONE: You wouldnt have said that at the podium.

MATTHEW MILLER: Yeah, look, because I  I mean, when youre at the podium, youre not expressing your personal opinion. Youre expressing the conclusions of the United States government.

NERMEEN SHAIKH: So, Professor Bartov, your response to that, and also your perception of how the Trump administration has both broken with and continued Bidens policies on Gaza?

OMER BARTOV: Well, you know, in November 2023, I published an op-ed in The New York Times in which I said that war crimes and crimes against humanity were clearly happening in Gaza, and that if this continued, it would become a genocidal operation. I was hoping at the time that someone in the administration would actually pay attention, because the United States, in November or December 2023, could have stopped all of this. It was not very difficult to do. Israel cannot act as it has without constant supply of arms from the United States and Germany  these are the two major suppliers; the U.S. supplies between 70 and 80% of all munitions to Israel  and without diplomatic cover  Israel has a diplomatic Iron Dome created by the U.S. veto in the Security Council. That did not happen. And, of course, the evidence was there. And so, first of all, one has to say that the Biden administration is complicit in what happened in Gaza.



H/t Department of History, Brown University.

Secondly, when Trump came in, curiously, the first thing that happened, the day before he came into office, was that he forced a ceasefire on Israel. And that ceasefire, in January this year, made it possible to exchange Palestinian prisoners for a large number of hostages, but not all of them. The plan was to complete that exchange and to stop the fighting. But in March, Israel unilaterally broke that ceasefire without any interference from the United States, and, since then, has continued. And what is particularly galling is the fact that when Trump floated his plan, if you recall that, that the population of Gaza would be removed, and then Gaza would be made into a beautiful resort area, he later on didnt really repeat that. But in Israel, that was seen as license to do exactly what is being done now  that is, using hundreds of bulldozers, engineers, explosives to systematically destroy every building in Gaza so that nobody would be able to live in, in that area, and then, well, maybe turn it into a resort area, more likely be an area for Jewish settlers.

AMY GOODMAN: I wanted to name names here, that you do in your piece. In November, a little more than a year into the war, the Israeli genocide scholar Shmuel Lederman joined the growing chorus of opinion that Israel was engaged in genocidal actions. The Canadian international lawyer William Schabas came to the same conclusion  and has recently described Israels military campaign in Gaza as absolutely a genocide.

Other genocide experts, [like] Melanie OBrien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, and the British specialist Martin Shaw (who has also said  the Hamas attack was genocidal), have reached the same [conclusion], while the Australian scholar A. Dirk Moses [of] the City University of New York described these events in the Dutch publication NRC as a mix of genocidal and military logic. In the same article, Ugur Umit Ungor, a professor at the Amsterdam-based NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, said there are probably scholars who still do not think its genocide, but I dont know them.

Professor Bartov, as we begin to wrap up, can you talk about this consensus and whether Holocaust museums, which often address a number of holocausts, will be taking on what Israel has done in Gaza?

OMER BARTOV: Well, so, as I said before, I think there is a growing consensus among genocide scholars and legal experts. William Schabas is a very good example, because hes a highly respected expert. Hes very conservative. He took a long time to reach that conclusion. And he has. I just spoke with him recently in Europe, and he very strongly believes that what Israel is doing now is genocide.

But the other side of it, as you indicate, is the tragedy that most Holocaust scholars and all of the institutions that I know that are dedicated to commemorating and researching the Holocaust have refused to say anything. And some, again, a minority of Holocaust scholars, have come out and claimed that genocide scholars speaking about genocide in Gaza are antisemitic, that this is an antisemitic argument. And that use of the term antisemitism, which, as you know, of course, and we spoke about, was also a tool to silence any protest last spring on American campuses, this abuse of the term is now creating a rift between Holocaust scholars and genocide scholars.

And what I fear  and thats what I write at the end of this piece  what I fear is that this will mean that the Holocaust, which had come, over decades, to be recognized as an event of universal importance, as an event that we have to learn from, because of the silence, because of the betrayal of the notion of never again by these institutions and these scholars, will go back to become a sort of ethnic enclave, only something that the Jews talk about among themselves.

AMY GOODMAN: Omer Bartov, we want to thank you for being with us, professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University and an Israeli American scholar, described by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum as one of the worlds leading specialists in the subject of genocide. His forthcoming book, Israel: What Went Wrong? His previous books, Genocide, the Holocaust and Israel-Palestine. Well link to your piece in The New York Times, Im a Genocide Scholar. I Know It When I See It.

Up next, Adam Shatz. Stay with us.

[break]

AMY GOODMAN: The late, great Randy Weston playing the blues for Democracy Now!

Via Democracy Now! .
After decades of armed struggle, the PKK is laying down its weapons and beginning a new nonviolent chapter in the Kurdish independence movement.

( Waging Nonviolence )  On July 11, in the hills of Northern Iraq, a scene unfolded that would shake even the most experienced disarmament activist. Walking down a steep clearing to a makeshift staging area surrounded by several hundred community members and supporters, 30 heavily armed guerrilla fighters  at least half of them women  made their way towards a large grey barrel to surrender their weapons.

They were part of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, a paramilitary and political group formed in 1978 to unite the Kurdish populations living in Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey to fight for independence. The PKK decided to lay down their arms in a ceremonial burning of a stockpile of weapons carried by each of the guerrilla combatants. They hope that this unilateral act of ceasefire will begin a new political process with the unresponsive Turkish government.

The day and the decision that preceded it were not without their deep roots in the struggle for Kurdistans freedom. In 1923, when the region was ruled by Sheikh Mahmoud, the king of Kurdistan, the British army tried to protect their recent mandate over the Mesopotamian region and all the rich oil reserves that entailed. Mahmoud took refuge in the Jasana Cave, where the ceremony on July 11 took place. He asked his followers to move to the region for safety and helped publish the first modern Kurdish anti-colonial resistance newspaper from the cave. Over the last century, the cave was used as an important refuge for armed and nonviolent resisters facing anti-Kurdish forces, including the genocidal Anfal campaign of Saddam Hussein.

Beloved Kurdish leader, theoretician and long-standing political prisoner Abdullah Ocalan, who founded the PKK, called for its dissolution on Feb. 25, over 26 years since his capture and ongoing imprisonment. The careful follow-up to that call by groups within the PKK  and a subsequent call by Ocalan for PKK fighters to lay down their weapons  led to the July 11 disarmament events.

There was also a broad statement by a Group for Peace and Democratic Society that has emerged over the past months. Formed out of recent meetings with the jailed Ocalan, the group is working to bring together Kurdish peoples from all major regions and countries, as well as from diverse political and strategic viewpoints. Its members issued a broad and bold statement at the Jasana Cave ceremony, the sole communication allowed that day.

The group noted that the act of voluntarily destroy[ing] our weapons, before your presence was taken as a step of goodwill and determination. They asserted that they did so in accordance with Ocalans pronouncement in the belief not in arms but in the power of the people. They said that their disarmament act was taken with great pride and honor in doing what is necessary for this historic principle.

The statement was dramatically read aloud in Kurdish by Bese Hozat, the co-chair of the Kurdistan Communities Union Executive Council and active proponent of feminism and womens leadership. It was also read in Turkish and distributed in English and other languages to all those assembled. Given the rising fascist pressure and exploitation around the globe and current bloodbath in the Middle East, the statement reads, our people are more than ever in need of a peaceful, free, equal and democratic life.

Though there are still some open questions about how they will help fulfill these needs locally, it is likely that the shifts will take place through projects and campaigns on education, health care, literacy, womens empowerment and learning about democratic practices. Programs of this type have already been very successful in the Kurdish communities of Syria, in the area that has come to be known as Rojava.

Beyond the significance of these words and actions for the people of Kurdistan, Turkey, Iraq and Syria, the Kurdish freedom struggle and its current initiatives signal vital challenges for global resistance movements everywhere. Here are three elements of the Kurdish movement that have been central to their popularity and success and could benefit progressive forces around the world.

1. The centrality of women in all areas of struggle

Far more than simply an isolated local phenomenon, the Rojava resistance movement has long been an example of womens rights exercised even in the midst of active war and deep patriarchal practices. For some analysts and activists who have been part of or studied Rojava, the Kurdish region in contemporary Syria  controlled by the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, or DAANES  has the most gender equity of any government in the world.

In a recent article by British feminist and environmentalist Natasha Walter, the life-affirming slogan Women, Life, Freedom is held up not just as a rhetorical rallying cry but as a celebration of changes taking place even beyond the Kurdish communities that developed the phrase. While researching a book on feminist resistance movements, Walter came to one clear conclusion about the women of DAANES and throughout the different Kurdish communities: These women are probably the most determined feminists that I have ever met.

Its not hard to figure out where some of these ideas took shape. Here again, Ocalans role is important. His assertion that a country cant be free unless the women are free has guided practice throughout much of Kurdistan for more than a decade. In a 2013 pamphlet, Liberating Life, Womens Revolution, he wrote: The extent to which society can be thoroughly transformed is determined by the extent of the transformation attained by women. Similarly, the level of a womans freedom and equality determines the freedom and equality of all sections of society.

The transformation of relationships in the Rojava region has been noted by many leading internationalist feminists, including the academic and activist Meredith Tax. She wrote clearly that Rojava and its related Kurdish movements were the best place in the Middle East to be a woman and an active experiment worthy of global study and support.

2. The changing nature of the nation-state

The idea that states need not be the main way people relate to one another is not unique to anarchist thinkers or to the Kurdish movement. Examples of prior challenges to nationalist models include the Black Panthers and Mexicos Zapatista movement. Many decades have passed since the time when radicals could assume that all major struggles were based on national liberation. None of this is to suggest that the vital centrality of land is diminished, or that a persons national identity is unimportant.

However, the era of successful national liberation struggles based on the winning of new or newly liberated states is long gone. Even those progressive new nation-states that have emerged, say South Sudan for example, were borne more of mediation and compromise than of effective liberation struggles. The Kurdish introduction of Democratic Confederalism must be seen in this larger context. The ideals embedded within democratic confederalism include direct democracy, autonomy, political ecology, feminism, multiculturalism, self-defense, self-governance and cooperative economies.

Here, the work and words of Bese Hozat are again instructive. In commenting on the July 11 action, she noted that the Kurdish guerrillas who gave up their arms didnt want to just come down from the mountains and lay down their weapons. We want to become pioneers of democratic politics, she noted, in Amed, Ankara and Istanbul. Political power, autonomy and democracy, in Hozats analysis and that of many in the Kurdish movement, do not mean they want to build a new nation-state.

A state system will not be to the benefit of the Kurdish people but a thorn in the side, she told New Internationalist in 2017. It would deepen the fight with our neighbors and bring decades of war against the Arabs as well as chaos and suffering.

With Kurdish people spread out through at least four existing nations (some in great conflict with one another), the idea of crossing the existing borders to re-unite artificially separated communities seems especially appealing  and not just in the Kurdish context. Moving beyond our current borders and boundaries has been discussed in Pan-Africanist, Pacific Island and other diverse decolonizing circles. This includes the Occupied Peoples Forum, which brings together still-colonized resistance leaders from Kurdistan/Rojava, Kashmir, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Western Sahara, West Papua, Tibet and Ambazonia.

The strategic and tactical initiatives of the Kurdish movements that transcend any given region or single Kurdish organizational structure are instructive for all these active struggles. In Hozats succinct framework for the future: The era of the nation-state is over.

3. The dialectics of nonviolence, revolution and armed struggle

There is little historical evidence to suggest that pacifist principles or a scientific review of the research on civil resistance led to the Kurdish decision. Rather, the Kurdish movement is exploring options based on experiences and conditions today, looking ahead at what tactics will best suit the movement and its peoples. As Hozat put it: For a movement that calls for democratic politics, weapons are now an obstacle. We want to remove these obstacles with seriousness and responsibility.



Photo by Ngar Amini on Unsplash

The Group for Peace and Democracy and the leadership of the Kurdish movement are hardly the first to conclude that new methodologies are needed for the new conditions they are confronting.

In 2018, Western Saharas Polisario Front helped coordinate the Sahara Rise conference, which brought together diverse sectors of Sahrawian society to examine and shift their policies towards nonviolent civil resistance
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Israeli squatters on Palestinian land in the militarily occupied West Bank conducted a pogrom against the Christian-majority village of Taybeh, setting fires and desecrating the ruins of the ancient Christian Church of St. George that dates back to 400s CE, to only a century after Roman Emperor Constantine began backing Christianity. Taybeh, in Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, has a Christian majority. Americans for the most part dont realize that a substantial number of Palestinians is Christian even if the majority is Muslim.

No greater supporter could have been found of Israeli squatter-settlers of the sort who have been stealing Palestinian land, burning their crops, and conducting pogroms against indigenous Palestinian villagers than former preacher and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, now Trumps ambassador to Israel. Another irony is that the squatters have become increasingly brutal in their attacks on local Palestinians, with many, many pogroms committed in recent months.

Heres the irony. Huckabee may have been all right with the daily predations against Muslim villages, but he is a Christian nationalist and the Taybeh pogrom was a bridge too far.

On Saturday, he actually went to Taybeh and saw the damage to the venerable church himself, and said, To commit an act of sacrilege by desecrating a place that is supposed to be a place of worship, it is an act of terror, and it is a crime. There should be consequences, and it should be harsh consequences because it is one of the last bastions of our civilization, the places where we worship.

Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends.

He doesnt want an apology. He wants the perpetrators prosecuted. He thundered, Not just reprimanded, thats not enough. People need to pay a price for doing something that destroys that which belongs, not just to other people, but that which belongs to God. That is a sacrilege. Its against the Holy.

I dont think that the militant religious Zionists who now control West Bank policy believe that Christian churches are holy. They routinely spit on Christians in the street in places like Jerusalem. (This is not a general Jewish but an ultra-Orthodox custom with origins in eastern Europe.

The Syriac press says of Taybeh that it

remains predominantly Christian to this day. The population is predominantly Greek (Rum) Orthodox, Melkite Catholic and Latin Catholic. French explorer Victor Guerin visited Taybeh in 1863 and reported around 800 residents60 Catholics and the rest Orthodox Christians. An Ottoman list from around 1870 recorded the village population at 283 males, reflecting its Christian character even then. Near the village stands the ruined Church of Saint George, as well as remnants of a destroyed fortress.

Huckabees surprisingly vehement reaction to this routine squatter-settler pogrom points to one of the downsides of the current Israeli governments attempt to cultivate white Christian nationalists as allies. Ultimately, the government of Benjamin Netanyahu wants to ethnically cleans all Palestinians, including the Christians.



Huckabee Preaches Hellfire, Digital. 2024.

In the past, people like Huckabee havent seemed to count Palestinian Christians as real Christians. But it seems that is changing.

At the same time, some white Christian nationalists, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, want to DOGE Israel just as the Trump administration has made deep cuts for other aid recipients. Greene said in a letter to her Republican colleagues,

Israel bombed the Catholic Church in Gaza, and that entire population is being wiped out as they continue their aggressive war in Gaza. My amendment would strike $500m in funding for nuclear-armed Israels missile defence system. The US already provides Israel with $3.8bn annually in foreign aid. 3.8 billion. Thats a lot of money.

As the Christian Right becomes more powerful and self-assertive under Trump, its leaders increasingly have reason to criticize the policies of the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which includes hard line Jewish fundamentalists who deeply dislike Christians.

It remains to be seen if this weeks fissure will become a canyon. One thing is sure: the longstanding Israeli government tactic of allying with and supporting virulent white Christian nationalists could easily boomerang not only on Israel but on Jews more generally. Historian Melani McAllister once suggested that Americans idolized Israel for the same reason they liked the Rambo films. In a time when America was losing wars in the global south, Israel was winning them, and so the Israelis could be adopted as symbols of white nationalist dominance. But now that the white Christian nationalists are in the catbird seat, they may decide they can embody hegemony quite well on their own, and dont need Israel.
PHNOM PENH, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The number of suspects arrested in crackdowns on online scam centers in Cambodia has increased to 2,767, Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Sunday.

Pheaktra, who is also a member of the Ad-Hoc Committee to Combat Online Scams, said the authorities have raided a total of 52 locations in 15 cities and provinces out of the kingdom's 25 cities and provinces.

"After the Royal Government issued a strict order to crack down on online scams, as of July 19, 2025, the authorities in cities and provinces had detained a total of 2,767 suspects," he said in a text message sent to the media by telegram.

Pheaktra said some suspected ringleaders have been sent to courts for prosecution, as most of the suspects will be deported back to their birth countries.

The Southeast Asian country launched an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on cyber scam networks on July 14, aiming to maintain and protect security, public order, and social safety.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered the armed forces to be prepared to give support to these crackdown operations and warned to dismiss any officials who hinder these operations.

The Ministry of Justice said it had suspended one deputy prosecutor of the Pursat Provincial Court pending a probe after he released several online scam suspects. 






Saturday, July 19, 2025 - Kenyan human rights activist, Boniface Mwangi, and his Ugandan counterpart, Agather Atuhaire, have filed a lawsuit against the Tanzanian Government at the East African Court of Justice, accusing it of grave human rights violations, including abduction, torture, and s3xual assault.

The case was officially filed on Friday, July 18th, with the two demanding at least $1 million (approximately Ksh129 million) each in compensation.

They also called for public apologies and accountability from the Governments of Kenya and Uganda, whom they accuse of complicity in their unlawful detention.

The pair alleges they were tortured over three days in Tanzania by individuals believed to be Tanzanian state agents.

Their arrest came while they were in Dar es Salaam in solidarity with opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges.

Mwangi, who was arrested on May 19th and detained at an undisclosed location, was released and deported to Kenya via road on May 22nd, turning up in Ukunda.

Atuhaire was found a day later at the Mutukula border, in poor condition.

Both have since been receiving medical and psychological care.

Supported by at least seven civil society groups, the legal case seeks not only justice but also broader regional attention to the dangers faced by activists.

In a statement, Mwangi said, What happened to us was evil and meant to silence us, but we refused.

We are going to court to fight for justice and expose what happened in the dark.

The activists accuse Tanzanian President Samia Suluhus Government of enabling their abuse, with Mwangi detailing physical injuries and threats of public humiliation.

Atuhaires lawyers allege she too was severely abused while in custody.






Saturday, July 19, 2025 - A stunning display of confidence by a Form 3 student at a local school has left social media buzzing after a video of her commanding the runway during a school talent show went viral.

The teenage girl, dressed in a stylish outfit and walking with the elegance of a seasoned model, had the entire hall captivated as she flaunted her modelling skills.

Her runway walk was so fierce that even professional models would take notice.

In the video, spectators were heard cheering and screaming in the background, some even rising from their seats to capture the moment on their phones.

Many online users are already calling her Kenyas next supermodel, urging modelling agencies to scout her immediately.

Others praised the school for giving learners a platform to shine outside the classroom.

Watch the video.

Kenyas next supermodel.......in Form 2 pic.twitter.com/H0nM4XE86F  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) July 19, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, July 19, 2025 - Notorious gold fraudster, Robert Ajwang, popularly known as Money Bior, has flaunted his multi-million palatial home in the village as he eyes a political seat.

In the video, Ajwang is seen hosting a campaign strategy meeting at his luxurious village home, located in Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay County.

The palatial residence, complete with high-end finishes and manicured grounds, rivals some of Nairobis finest suburban homes, sparking debate over the source of his wealth.

Despite being widely linked to multi-million shilling fake gold scams that target both local and foreign investors, Ajwang has now declared his political ambition to succeed the late Ongondo Were, whose tragic murder left the Kasipul seat vacant.

Watch the video.

He is called Money Bior he wants to be the next MP for Kasipul! pic.twitter.com/Rkqrs1lAbD  The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) July 19, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, July 19, 2025 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed receiving four formal requests seeking the recall of sitting Members of Parliament.

Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa County, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon stated that the Commission would assess the petitions based on their constitutional merit.

He emphasized that the right to recall a legislator is enshrined in the Constitution and must be exercised within the confines of the law.

Kenyans are actively discussing the subject of recall.

So far, we have received about four applications, and we will evaluate them once we return to the office, Ethekon said.

As the electoral body, we are committed to acting strictly within the law.

Ethekon also announced that the Commission would soon begin conducting pending by-elections across various sub-counties.

He noted that IEBC is working closely with Parliament and political parties to address these electoral gaps, adding, This is our priority.

His remarks come amid an active recall campaign in North Imenti Constituency, where residents have begun collecting signatures to oust MP Rahim Dawood.

Among their grievances are his vote in support of the 2024 Finance Bill, perceived failure to represent constituents, and support for the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Chinese company starts pile drilling in Tunisian bridge project

Xinhua) 10:49, July 20, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
DAMASCUS, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Syria's interior authorities said Saturday night that through their extensive efforts to implement a newly-reached ceasefire agreement, Bedouin tribal fighters have fully withdrawn from the southern Syrian city of Sweida.

"After intensive efforts ... and following the deployment of internal security forces in northern and western Sweida, all tribal fighters have been evacuated from the city and the clashes have ceased inside its neighborhoods," interior authorities spokesperson Noureddin al-Baba said in a televised statement.

Earlier on Saturday, a three-phase ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, Turkiye, Jordan, and other regional actors to halt the violence in Sweida that has claimed at least 940 lives since July 13, took effect.

Hours later, fierce fighting erupted in Sweida between Druze armed groups and Bedouin tribal fighters.

According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Druze fighters launched a counteroffensive late Saturday, reclaiming Sweida city after hours of clashes.

Tribal forces, withdrawing from the city, responded with mortar attacks that caused material damage and possible civilian injuries, said the SOHR.

In a statement released earlier Saturday evening, Syria's Druze spiritual leadership accused Bedouin tribal militias of violating the newly reached ceasefire in southern Sweida province and committing "crimes that shame all humanity."

The statement said international guarantors should enforce the ceasefire and stop "a campaign of terror and collective punishment" against Sweida's residents.

The SOHR said Sweida is facing a looming humanitarian catastrophe, citing widespread infrastructure damage, medical supply shortages, and a complete collapse of the main hospital.

According to Syria's information chief Hamzah Mustafa, the ceasefire agreement involves deploying the country's Internal Security Forces to separate warring factions and halt hostilities in the first phase, opening humanitarian corridors between Sweida and southern Daraa province in the second, and restoring state institutions and ensuring the gradual return of law enforcement in the third.

"This is the path Sweida needs today after months of tension and exhaustion," Mustafa said in a press conference, "The state remains committed to protecting all Syrians and restoring national unity."

Noting that 21 shelters have been established in Daraa, with 20 more underway, Syria's emergency management chief Raed al-Saleh also demanded the release of kidnapped civil defense official Hamzah al-Amarin to resume humanitarian operations.

The nearly week-long fierce clashes in Sweida, which prompted fears of a broader regional escalation, started after armed members of a Bedouin tribe in the countryside of Sweida, a predominantly Druze area, reportedly assaulted and robbed a young Druze man near the town of al-Masmiyah, along the Damascus-Sweida highway.

The brutal attack sparked retaliatory kidnappings, spiraling into full-scale clashes between local Druze fighters, government troops, and Bedouin militias. 






Saturday, July 19, 2025 - Nairobi Countys Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has offered controversial content creator, Alicia Kanini, a monthly salary of Ksh 50,000100,000 to quit OnlyFans.

Mosirias offer follows his sharp criticism of Kaninis viral content, which he labels as a form of "online pollution" that he insists falls within his environmental mandate.

Earlier, Mosiria had called for the arrest of the Alicia Kanini, describing her content as morally degrading.

Mosiria invoked 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?

MOSIRIA offers controversial content creator ALICIA KANINI 50K100K monthly job to quit OF pic.twitter.com/D2o1DA973L  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) July 20, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, July 19, 2025 - An event organized to celebrate the matatu culture turned tragic at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) after a young man, identified only as Mavela, was fatally run over by a flashy matatu during a stunt performance.

The event, organized by George Ruto, son of President William Ruto, had drawn a massive crowd of youth and matatu enthusiasts.

It was meant to showcase creativity and innovation in the matatu industry but instead, it ended in tragedy.

Eyewitnesses say the incident occurred when a matatu dubbed "Restoration" was performing high-risk stunts in front of the crowd.

Mavela, a tout on one of Nairobis busy routes, was reportedly standing too close to the performance area when the driver lost control during a spin and ran over him.

Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

This tragedy has cast a dark shadow over what was supposed to be a celebration of urban culture and youth creativity.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
TWO women driving around Ireland in a restored 1960s Renault 4L, hosting a series of artistic and cultural events, art installations, performances, talks and live broadcasts under the banner of Tour de Force, came up close and personal to the mummified right arm of 19th-century pugilist Dan Donnelly last week. The history of the arm was scheduled to be part of a talk on sport, medicine and grave-robbing during that period, by historian Barry Kehoe in Muine Bheag Arts.

Barry Kehoe was with artist Liliane Puthod and writer Ingrid Lyons to view the arm, made available by appointment with the late Des Byrne's family, who have been custodians of the famous sporting relic since 1953, when it was displayed in The Hideout following the An Tostal re-enactment of the fighter's famous 1815 contest with English champion George Cooper on the Curragh. It remained on display until 1996 when the family sold the pub.

The historian brought an interpretive page based on a magnetometry scan of the Bully's Acre burial ground at Kilmainham's Royal Hospital. It was shortly after Donnelly was buried there that his grave was robbed and the body sold to a Dublin surgeon named Hall for anatomical research. Hall retained the arm after being forced to return the body to Donnelly's angry fans and it subsequently was used for medical teaching before eventually taking a tortuous and lengthy route to The Hideout, via Edinburgh, London and Belfast.

Barry Kehoe noted that while many human remains have been found in the Bully's Acre  once the main burial ground for Dublin city  there's no trace of an individual grave related to Donnelly. "I understand that there was a wooden memorial erected to him at the time of his burial, but that's no longer around."

The Renault 4L car which is carrying the Tour de Force duo will be making 'pit stops' in 11 counties around the island of Ireland until the 23 August. Liliane Puthod, who has lived in Ireland for the past 12 years, told the Diary how she decided to refurbish the car, belonging to her father, which had languished in a shed for as long as she could remember. Last year, she and Ingrid drove it from France to Dublin, via Rosslare, which had been an assembly centre for Renault cars, including the 4L model, between 1965 and 1986. At the start of their current trip in Dublin yesterday, they were presented with some examples of his work by Ireland's last remaining tin-smith, James Collins, including a specially made tin-smith's lamp as a talisman of good luck for their journey.

During their Kilcullen stop, Ingrid Lyons showed her fiddle, which is of a similar age to Donnelly's Arm, and which she will be playing at a number of the Tour de Force events.
Eva Osborne

Gardai have opened an investigation into an alleged assault in Tallaght in Dublin.

The incident happened on Parkhill Road at around 6pm on Saturday evening.

A man in his 40s was taken to Tallaght Hospital for treatment.

Organiser of Dublin South West Together, Laura O'Reilly, said locals are in shock over what is believed to have been a hate crime.

Speaking on Newstalk, she said: "The community are just really shocked and horrified that this has happened in our community in Tallaght.

"We've always been a diverse community, and people in Tallaght have always fought for equality and a safe space for everybody with no exceptions.
Guests attend the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

MEXICO CITY, July 19 (Xinhua) -- A forum on China-Mexico civilization exchanges and mutual learning was held here Friday, where participants agreed that China-Mexico civilization exchanges and mutual learning, as well as cultural and people-to-people ties are deepening.

At the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico," the participants emphasized the need to strengthen traditional friendship, enhance cultural connectivity and elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua said at the forum that China and Mexico share a long-standing tradition of friendship. He expressed the hope that both countries will carry forward the friendship, actively implement the China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative, and push for new achievements in China-Mexico cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He also wished that the two sides will enhance friendship and mutual trust through civilization exchanges, enrich the world's civilizations through mutual learning, and promote the common progress of human civilization through the blending of civilizations.

Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Chen Daojiang said both Chinese and Mexican civilizations are splendid treasures of humanity, have shown their beauty in the long river of history, and have been rejuvenated through exchanges and mutual learning.

The "benevolence and harmony" advocated by the Chinese nation echoes the wisdom and arts bred by Mayan and Aztec civilizations across time and space, Chen added.

Diego Prieto, head of the Unit of Living Cultures, Intangible Heritage and Interculturality, under the Secretariat of Culture of Mexico, said both Mexico and China originated from ancient civilizations, enjoying a long-standing and splendid cultural tradition.

The two countries have always upheld the concept of peace, advocated for properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation, and actively intensified international friendship and cooperation, the official said.

At present, the Mexican government is committed to advancing social transformation. In this process, Mexico and China can learn from each other's experience and share wisdom, injecting new vitality into deepening their friendship and cooperation, Prieto said.

Raymundo Vazquez, president of the Mexico-China Friendship Group of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico, said that Mexico and China understand their differences through mutual respect and cherish their commonalities through mutual appreciation, with their relationship becoming a model of international cooperation.

In face of global challenges, Mexico-China cooperation is not only of strategic significance, but also a necessary condition for achieving common prosperity and a fair future, said Vazquez, adding that such dialogue will further consolidate friendship, expand cooperation, and open up broader development prospects for the two peoples and future generations.

Enrique Dussel, head of the Centre for China-Mexico Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said that China has been Mexico's second-largest trading partner for many years.

In recent years, Mexico-China cooperation has gone far beyond economy, trade, investment and infrastructure construction, and gradually expanded to such fields as cultural exchanges, scientific and technological innovation, educational cooperation, academic exchanges and sports, etc., the scholar said.

It is expected that more people from all walks of life in Mexico and China will engage in efforts to further deepen bilateral ties and contribute to the development of relations in the years ahead, Dussel said.

A think tank report named Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization was released at the forum.

The report reviewed the long historical context and magnificent evolution of Chinese cultural subjectivity, and analyzed the key role of cultural subjectivity in the development of human civilization.

It also expounded the successful practices of Chinese modernization in upholding and activating the subjectivity of Chinese culture, offering fresh insights to help global audiences better grasp the essence of Chinese cultural identity.

The forum, jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attracted nearly 100 guests from the cultural, academic, media, industrial, commercial and political circles of China and Mexico.

Since 2022, the "Hongting Forum" global dialogue has been successfully held across Africa, Latin America and Europe, serving as a vital platform for exchanges between Chinese and international think tank experts and media professionals. 

A guest addresses the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Guests attend the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

This photo shows a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization." The "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" was held in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on Friday. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Participants read a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

This photo shows copies of a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization." The "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" was held in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on Friday. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A participant reads a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)
Eva Osborne

Ryanair staff can earn up to 80 a month in bonuses for catching passengers with oversized luggage.

It comes after around 200,000 Ryanair passengers were hit with a 75 fine last year, and it has now emerged that staff can earn 1.50 for every oversized bag they catch.

The airline said the scheme helps reduce delays, but insists most passengers follow the rules.

Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Conor Pope, doubts the policy will put people off from flying with Ryanair.

Speaking on Newstalk, he said: "They have rules. They're not considered the most friendly airline in the world, but people know what they're getting, and they're happy with the service that Ryanair provides, generally speaking."
James Cox

Tony Holohan could be making a bid to enter the race to become the next President.

It is reported the former chief medical officer has plans in progress to announce his candidacy.

The Irish Mail on Sunday quotes the Covid-era CMO as saying he could "neither confirm nor deny" if he was preparing to put his hat in the ring to replace Michael D Higgins at this time.

Yesterday Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley suggested he may run for the Aras saying "somebody has to speak for the Irish people".

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae has ruled himself out of the running.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, former minister Ivan Yates said Mr Healy-Rae could be a "dark horse" in the presidential race.

However, when this was put to him on RTE radio on Saturday, Mr Healy-Rae said he was focused on his role as a TD for Kerry.
There is a potential avalanche of developments on the horizon for derogation farmers following the events of the last week, particularly the layering of the Habitats Directive on top of the Nitrates and Water Framework Directives as part of the process of securing Irelands next nitrates derogation.

Macra President, Kilkenny woman, Josephine ONeill stated: This comes at a time when the family farm model is already under pressure from layers of compliance and the additionality of measures to be implemented at the family farm level, notwithstanding any additional future burdens.

READ MORE KILKENNY VIEWS AND OPINION HERE

The EU Commission is championing simplification, freedom to farm and protecting diversity of farm models across Europe while at the same time throwing down the gauntlet to both the Departments of Agriculture and Housing to layer more complexity for farms, greater compliance and additionality that could potentially drive farm families out of business and further impact generational renewal, the Macra President said.



We face a crisis in generational renewal and now the government wants to create more uncertainty at such a critical point! This process will impact the viability of some of our family farms, stripping away the opportunity for succession within these family businesses and reducing their ability to provide a livelihood for the next generation.

Farmers, especially young farmers, have upskilled and embraced many new practices to help improve water quality, which is now trending favorably in the right direction. This new proposed development of layering more directives on our family farms ability to secure derogation could be the straw that breaks the intergenerational family farm model for many small to medium-sized farms relying on derogation.

If these new regulations come into effect, there will be nothing left for farmers to pass on to the next generation, as this will have a direct impact on the family farm model, Ms ONeill said.

To end up with a scenario where nitrates derogation will be reliant on appropriate assessment of the closest water catchment to a farm would provide little to no security for individual farmers, especially young farmers. This is inherently unfair as we could end up with individual farmers being impacted by forces outside of farming that impact water quality, factors that these farmers have no control over.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CRIME UPDATES AND COURT REPORTS



We are in a situation where we must proceed with caution. This is a critical time for defending the sustainability of our family farm model, securing generational renewal on these farms, protecting our environment for future generations and demonstrating our progress on the environment and our unique circumstances and grass-based system to the EU Commission.
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The An Garda Siochana Kilkenny Facebook page has once again got people talking, both locally and across the border in Tipperary.

The Premier County are All-Ireland champions again, after a remarkable second half showing steered them past Cork. However, gardai are warning Tipp supporters there are still some unwanted points on offer.

"Remember any fans driving through Kilkenny on their way home from Croke Park that a speeding ticket is three points and you can get more than one ticket in 35 minutes," their latest post reads.

"Well done to to our Neighbours in the Premier County but drive carefully as you have got enough points already today," they added.

READ NEXT: "I'd sooner cut out my tongue" - Kilkenny fans rule out supporting Tipp suggestion

Social media users commented in huge numbers with All-Ireland fever certainly in the air across the country.

"Three points would be more then what cork got in the 2nd half," one person said.

Another person posted, "Not to worry, the sight of the Tipp colours on the garda car will slow then down."

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
MACAO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) declared an "immediate prevention stage" Sunday morning due to the approach of Typhoon Wipha.

The Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau hoisted the tropical cyclone Signal No. 8, the third-highest level, and a yellow storm surge warning was in effect. Classes of secondary, primary, infant, and special education were suspended.

According to the SAR's Civil Protection Operations Center, the Border Gate Checkpoint, the Qingmao Checkpoint, and the Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone Checkpoint were temporarily closed.

The Macao Marine and Water Bureau announced earlier that ferry services were suspended after the departure of the last ferry on Saturday night, and all local sea tour routes in Macao were suspended throughout Sunday. 
The Herald reported:

Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Kiwi diplomat pleads for MIQ space to attend world democracy forum

Auckland diplomat and consultant Andrew Lesa is desperately trying to secure an MIQ spot so he can attend the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, France next month.

The 30-year-old policy consultant for the Asian Development Bank and board member of various Crown entities, has been trying for months to secure a place in MIQ so he can represent New Zealand and the Pacific at the forum.

Lesa points out that one of the criteria for an emergency MIQ space is based on matters of national interest and argues that attending a forum with high-level officials at a time when New Zealand is negotiating a free-trade agreement with the European Union is important. 

Over the past few months Lesa has tried repeatedly to book an MIQ place.

Im always at the very rear of the queue. Its absolutely frustrating.

He has also contacted ministers, senior MBIE staff, and his local MP and pleaded his case with an MIQ co-ordinator. 

Last week Lesa, who is fully vaccinated as are his family, managed to get in touch with the office of the Prime Minister.

They are prepared to write a support letter for my emergency MIQ application. 

The forum is not the first time Lesa has represented New Zealand in an official capacity. In 2012 he was the youngest member of a delegation on a state visit to Samoa, led by then Prime Minister John Key. And in 2019 he accompanied Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods to energy meetings in Canada.

Describing himself as a diplomat, he is a director of the Crown, sits on a string of boards including charities, Unitec, Manukau Institute of Technology, the New Zealand Maritime School, Emerge Aotearoa, and holds various community appointments.
What a bright idea! A flock of bright pink sheep on the Xilingol grassland in Inner Mongolia owes its vibrant new look to a local herdsman. The locals jokingly refer to this flock as the "flame sheep."
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JERUSALEM, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Nearly two years into a multi-front conflict, Israel has made apparent military gains: crippling Hamas' infrastructure in Gaza, striking deep into Iran, and dealing blows to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Yet the country remains stuck in a prolonged war, with no clear exit strategy in sight.

Analysts say that while Israel's military campaign has made some progress, the absence of a coherent political strategy has left its broader objectives undefined. The government's push to deepen ties with Arab states has come alongside a deliberate sidelining of the Palestinian issue, limiting prospects for long-term regional reconciliation.

The war in Gaza has caused widespread destruction, decimated much of the enclave's infrastructure, and killed at least 58,895 people, according to Gaza-based health authorities. The humanitarian toll has drawn international concern, but shows little sign of prompting a shift in Israeli policy.

Critics argue the war's continuation primarily serves the interests of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition, which includes far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties. Netanyahu, who is standing trial on corruption charges, has faced internal divisions and consistently poor polling. Recent surveys suggest his coalition partners would not win enough seats to form a government if elections were held today.

"The coalition now is actually committed to continuing the war," said Roee Kibrik, head of research at Mitvim - The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies. "Its survival depends on the war's continuation."

Kibrik said the government appears willing to pursue only limited hostage deals that would avoid ending the war. "If we analyze whether peace or diplomacy is possible under this government, the answer is no," he said.

Talks are ongoing in Doha over a possible hostage deal with Hamas. Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel was discussing the release of captives and a potential 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, but blamed Hamas for not engaging seriously.

Also on Friday, Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, said in a televised address that Hamas had repeatedly offered to release all hostages as part of a comprehensive ceasefire deal, but Israel had rejected it. "If the enemy obstructs or withdraws from this round, as it has every time, we cannot guarantee a return to partial deals," he warned.

Opposition leaders and families of hostages have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political survival. Demonstrators regularly hold signs reading "The war is killing the hostages," and describe the conflict as politically motivated to preserve Netanyahu's rule.

"The current ruling coalition is focused on staying in power," said Eyal Zisser, vice rector of Tel Aviv University and a Middle East expert. "Early elections would be disastrous for all coalition members: every poll shows they would lose."

To maintain the alliance, he said, Netanyahu must accommodate competing demands: far-right factions insist on continuing the war, while ultra-Orthodox parties seek expanded budgets and draft exemptions.

Both Zisser and Kibrik believe that the government is not only avoiding diplomatic progress but actively undermining it. "There can be no Palestinian state," Zisser said, summarizing the coalition's position. "They oppose even granting autonomy."

"Israel wants peace with Arab countries but is not prepared to give anything in return regarding the Palestinians," he pointed out.

Genuine progress toward a two-state solution could unlock broad regional cooperation and opportunities, Kibrik said, "but with this government, that option is off the table." Enditem

(Nick Kolyohin contributed to this story.)
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A 35-year-old man has been arrested after police said he threw a liquid which scalded an officer in east Belfast.

It came after the PSNI received a report from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service about a man armed with a knife inside an apartment at around 2.15am on Sunday.

Police said firefighters were responding to a report of a deliberate fire inside the property in the Coates Row area when the occupant threatened them with a knife at the door.

Officers, including members of the armed response unit, attended the scene a short time later in an attempt to detain the suspect.

Detective Inspector Harvey said: While doing so, the man threw a liquid substance over one officer  causing scald injuries to his chest and chin region.

Another officer was also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Both officers required hospital treatment and are being appropriately supported at this time.

The PSNI said the suspect was subsequently detained and arrested at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, arson to endanger life, and other related offences.

He remained in custody on Sunday evening.

DI Harvey said: Our officers responded swiftly to this report to protect both the public and our emergency service partners.

Threatening and violent behaviour towards emergency workers is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Our enquiries are ongoing today  and we would appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist us, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 187 20/07/25.
A 21-YEAR-old woman was fined 200 at Carlow District Court for damaging a hotel room, causing 140 worth of damage, when a shower was left running after checkout.

Jade Burns, with an address at Beatty Park, Celbridge, Co Kildare, appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy, charged with criminal damage to property at the Seven Oaks Hotel in Carlow town on 11 January 2023.

The court heard that Ms Burns and her then-partner had booked a room for the night at the hotel. Following checkout, hotel management discovered the room had been deliberately and maliciously damaged, according to evidence given by the hotel manager.

The shower in the bathroom had been left running, resulting in flooding that cost 140 to clean up.

Ms Burns, who has no previous convictions, brought 150 compensation to court. Through her solicitor Joe Farrell, she explained that the incident was part of trouble with her ex-boyfriend. While the room had been used by both parties, it was booked in her name, making her responsible for the damage.

In mitigation, Mr Farrell told the court that the incident happened quite some time ago and that Ms Burns is no longer in contact with the other party. He said she is currently living with her grandparents, is engaged to someone else and her life is more positive. Ms Burns is actively seeking employment and would like to avoid a conviction.

The garda reading the evidence noted that it had taken considerable time for the case to come to court, because Ms Burns was given an opportunity to pay compensation but didnt.

Judge Carthy enquired about the possibility of local community service but was informed that Ms Burns doesnt live in or near Co Carlow. The judge convicted and fined the defendant 200, giving her 90 days to pay.
See more photos from The Fort show in a two-page feature in this week's Laois Nationalist, in shops and online on Tuesday 22 July

PORTLAOISE rocked to the sounds of summer when talented young musicians gave fantastic live performances at a memorable show in The Fort, the ideal outdoor event space in the grounds of Laois Music Centre.

The sizzling show was the culmination of a week immersed in music at the annual Music Generation Laois (MGL) Summer School of Rock and Pop.

The school from 7-13 July gave young people aged 10-18 access to high quality equipment and a team of experienced music mentors, in a creative and fun opportunity that could lead to future fame.

The group got a chance to develop original music, perform solo or become part of bands and take part in masterclasses with guest musicians.

The action-packed week included a visit to the legendary Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, busking at Portlaoise Farmers Market, open mic sessions and listening to informative and enjoyable stories from MGL alumni.

The final show at The Fort was a real rocker, with great performances from local bands ranging from Pancoga to The Bass Brothers and many more.

More information about the annual summer school, which is supported by the Music Generation/Arts Council partnership creativity and collaboration fund, is available from musicgenerationlaois.ie.

Thriving MGL is part of Music Generation, a national music education programme initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds together with the Department of Education and local music education partnerships.

Locally, MGL is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) as lead partner and is supported by Laois Co Council.
Sean McCarthaigh

Concern has been voiced about the impact of a Government scheme for housing refugees from Ukraine on the private rental sector, as new figures show the number of private properties being used has increased by 17 per cent since the start of the year.

A record number of over 21,800 dwellings are currently being used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees under the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme, according to the latest figures from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

It represents an increase of over 3,100 additional properties being involved in the ARP scheme since January.

Owners or tenants of such properties were entitled to claim a monthly payment of 800 for housing Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive but the sum has been reduced to 600 per month since June 1.

A total of 21,803 properties are now being used as part of the ARP scheme to provide homes to almost 39,600 Ukrainian refugees with 16,900 hosts in receipt of monthly payments.

The figures show that over 339 million has been paid to date to 26,100 recipients for hosting 56,700 temporary protection beneficiaries since the scheme was launched in July 2022.

The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question by Sinn Feins justice, home affairs and migration spokesperson, Matt Carthy.

Not surprisingly, the largest number of properties involved in the scheme are located in Dublin with almost 3,300 currently housing refugees from Ukraine.

The second highest number is in Donegal where 2,070 private properties are in use followed by Cork (1,611) Mayo (1,425) and Kerry (1,308).

The smallest number is 128 in Roscommon.

The figures indicate that approximately 1 per cent of the Republics 2.1 million housing stock is being used to house Ukrainian refugees with varying differences across the country.

The proportion ranges from an estimated 2.4 per cent of all dwellings in Donegal to just 0.4 per cent of all homes in Roscommon.

Other counties with a high proportion of their housing stock being used to accommodate refugees from Ukraine are Leitrim (2.2 per cent), Mayo (2.1 per cent) and Carlow and Longford (both 2.0 per cent).

Less than 1 per cent of residences in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Kilkenny, and Wicklow are involved in the scheme.

The number of properties being used to house Ukrainian refugees has risen by at least 10 per cent since the start of the year in all counties with the exception of Kildare and Kilkenny where the increases were at a slower rate.

Mr Carthy said Sinn Fein has never received a satisfactory answer from the Minister of Justice about the impact of the ARP on the private rental sector.

The Cavan-Monaghan TD has sharply criticised how the EU Temporary Protection Directive has been operated in Ireland and claimed the ARP is deeply unfair and caused huge divisions within communities.

It gave Ukrainians access to housing supports without a means test that was available to no other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing, said Mr Carthy.

He claimed the measure was also driving up rents particularly in parts of the country that traditionally had lower rents.

Mr Carthy said the numbers in some areas like Donegal were huge with over 2,000 properties being used for the ARP.

He added: These figures also show that there are significantly more properties than property owners coming under the scheme. There are 21,803 properties being provided by 16,900 owners which clearly means that a significant number of people have more than one property under this scheme.

It indicates that landlords are availing of this scheme because it financially benefits them while avoiding the normal obligations and responsibilities regarding tenancies, said Mr Carthy.

Asked by the Sinn Fein TD about the impact of the ARP scheme on the private rented sector , the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim OCallaghan, said his department was awaiting the outcome of an analysis being carried out by the Department of Housing in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Board.

There is ongoing engagement by my department with the Department of Housing in respect of the scheme, said Mr OCallaghan.

Property owners or tenants were originally paid a rate of 400 per month when the scheme was introduced before it was increased to 800 per month in December 2022 and lowered to 600 last month.

Accommodation must be provided for at least six months and meet the required standards in relation to structural condition, fire safety, ventilation and various facilities.

The ARP scheme has been extended to March 31st, 2026, in line with the extension of the EU Temporary Protection Directive

Separate figures provided by Mr OCallaghan earlier this month show that the State had contracts with 670 different commercial properties including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation at the start of July to provide temporary accommodation to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine in addition to the ARP scheme.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Increased spending on defence is envisaged within billions of additional funding on infrastructure under a revised National Development Plan (NDP).

The revised NDP, which will be announced on Tuesday, will include up to 30 billion in additional capital expenditure for infrastructure projects over 2026-2030.

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers, who is responsible for the delivery of the NDP, said Government would be setting out a trajectory of 200 billion in spending over the next 10 years to help bridge the infrastructure deficit we have in the Irish economy.

That deficit is acting as a key constraint on the delivery of critical areas to the economy like housing.

Mr Chambers had previously said 20 billion was available to allocate across critical areas in the economy, with the Government identifying housing, energy, transport and water infrastructure as priority areas.

Asked on Sunday where the additional 10 billion for the short-term plan to 2030 had arisen, he said the Government is prioritising capital investment in its medium-term economic planning.

Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien (Brian Lawless/PA)

He explained the 10 billion had been ringfenced for specific strategic investment, such as the electricity grid, water infrastructure and the Dublin metro project.

Pressed on the timeline for the metro project, the deputy leader of Fianna Fail said it would be dependent on the planning system.

Meanwhile on transport, Mr Chambers said the Government is no longer governed by the 2:1 ratio of public transport to roads which was a feature of the previous coalition.

Speaking on RTE's This Week radio programme, he said the revised NDP would contain a major uplift in commitments to public transports, road projects and active travel.

But we also need to ensure that in regions across our country  whether its in the west or the south-west or elsewhere  that roads projects which have been on the table for many years are progressed.

Tanaiste Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA)

Asked if this would include road projects in the constituencies of independents which supported the Programme for Government, Mr Chambers said it would not set out a list of particular projects and the focus was on driving delivery.

However, he said Transport Minister Darragh OBrien would have flexibility to ramp up funding for road infrastructure, as well as public transport projects.

Mr Chambers also said the profile of defence spending is set to increase, adding Tanaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris would provide further details on the specifics after Tuesdays announcements.

Meanwhile, the Government is also set to outline its Summer Economic Statement, which sets out the expenditure package for the Budget.

The Public Expenditure Minister said: Were approaching budget 2026 with significant caution.

We have serious economic uncertainty surrounding our country, but we are coming at this from a position of real strength.

He said Government would be seeking to moderate the level of increases in current expenditure.
New laws that would allow gardai to monitor WhatsApp messages and a potential presidential bid from Tony Holohan are among the stories on Sunday's front pages.

Gardai will have the power to intercept and monitor live conversations on private messaging apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage and Instagram under a reform of surveillance laws used by Irish security services, The Sunday Times reports.

Amid worries over a recession, the Coalition is planning a fund to help businesses who are hit the hardest by US tariffs, the Sunday Independent reports.

Denis O'Brien has criticised the State's reliance on foreign investment, the Business Post reports.

Our front page today. Pick up a copy in stores or subscribe at https://t.co/mkmooAFIsZ for these stories plus:  Denis OBrien on Irelands FDI overreliance  The former Stripe staff founding billion-euro firms  All the analysis on the Dalata deal pic.twitter.com/FroimMmarC  Business Post (@businessposthq) July 20, 2025

Former chief medical officer Tony Holohan is set to launch a bid for the presidency, the Irish Mail on Sunday reports.

The Irish Sunday Mirror leads with a story on the Tina Satchwell murder investigation.

The UK front pages feature a range of stories.

The Sunday Times leads with a story on an inquiry after SAS identities were leaked.

THE SUNDAY TIMES: Inquiry after SAS identities leaked online#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/6uZhwtHTT1  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 19, 2025

Harry Redknapp is being lined up for a return to I'm A Celebrity in a special edition of the reality show, the Sun on Sunday reports.

SUN ON SUNDAY: I'm a Celeb Harry...Get me back in there#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/mRhwKv0kfe  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 19, 2025

Danny Dyer has criticised UK prime minister Keir Starmer, Daily Star Sunday reports.

An aide to UK prime minister Keir Starmer was paid for 'spy ops', the Mail on Sunday reports.

THE MAIL ON SUNDAY: Top Starmer mandarin's firm is paid for spy ops#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/gKu0QOW9ti  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 19, 2025

The Sunday Mirror leads with a story on the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Tell the truth on my son's murder#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/XqxRdZoZG6  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 19, 2025

The Sunday Express leads with a story on 'NHS tourists'.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: NHS 'tourists' fleecing our hospitals for 200m#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/BltYZ5NxSo  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 19, 2025

The Sunday Telegraph leads with a story on water bills.

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Middle class face higher water bills#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/RQtka6B0Fc  Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) July 19, 2025

The New York Times leads with a story on Donald Trump's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
MEXICO CITY, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A news photo exhibition, co-organized by Xinhua News Agency and the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, kicked off here on Friday.

The event, held in the Mexican Chamber of Deputies and attended by more than 100 guests from various sectors in Mexico, highlighted key moments in China-Mexico and China-Latin America exchanges, providing a panoramic view of the development of China-Latin America relations and the historical milestones in the process of Chinese modernization.

In his speech, President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mexico over half a century ago, especially since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013, political mutual trust between the two countries has deepened, and friendly exchanges in various fields have been strengthened.

The tree of friendship between China and Mexico has flourished, bearing rich fruit and bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries, he said.

As the two countries move forward together, Xinhua News Agency and its Mexican branches have faithfully recorded touching stories of friendly exchanges and win-win cooperation between China and Mexico with pens and lenses, presenting to the world the profound friendship of the people of the two countries who understand each other and stand together through thick and thin, he added.

Dolores Padierna, vice president of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, said this exhibition, through the lenses of Xinhua journalists, showcases the rapid development of China's society and economy and the vitality of Chinese culture on the global stage.

The images not only document the practice of the one-China principle, but also present the genuine interaction of mutual appreciation between the two major civilizations of Mexico and China, said Padierna.

As an important witness and participant in the bilateral exchanges, Xinhua has played an active role in promoting cooperation and people-to-people bonds between the two countries, she added.

Chen Daojiang, Chinese Ambassador to Mexico, said that the vastness of the Pacific Ocean has never hindered the communication between the people of China and Mexico.

These photos are the witnesses of political mutual trust, the footnote of economic complementarity, the outcome of cultural integration, and above all, the most direct and touching expressions of people-to-people friendship, the ambassador noted.

They are like mirrors, reflecting the historical development of the bilateral relations, Chen added.

Lidia de la Vega, president of the Culture and Film Commission of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, said Mexico and China have enjoyed longstanding friendship and adhered to mutual respect and open dialogue. The exhibition has built a "visual bridge" for the two countries, which will help deepen the understanding, cooperation and friendship between the two sides, she said.

Raymundo Vazquez, president of the Mexico-China Friendship Group of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, believes that the photographs record touching moments and life experiences in human history, which show vivid stories of the friendly exchanges between Mexico and China, and reflect the shared feelings and friendship of the human society. 
There were several food and product recalls for the week of July 14-20 that you might have missed, including recalls for deodorant and chicken sausages. Canva

Every year, thousands of products, ranging from packaged food to common household items, are subject to recalls.

These recalls are issued when they pose a safety risk, whether its contaminated food or not meeting federal safety regulations.

While recalls can be a scary subject, it is best to know about them to stay informed and protect your safety.

Here is a list of four recalls you need to know more about this week to keep you safe.

4 food and product recalls between July 14 and 20

Item Detail Start Date July-14-20 Whos affected? Shoppers who purchased New Mexico Pinon Coffee pods, Kayem ready-to-eat chicken sausage, Power Stick deodorant and CasaClean Handheld Steamers. Many of the items were sold at Walmart, Costco, HSN and Kroger as well as online on Amazon. Whats changing? See each specific food or product recall for more information. What will happen? People will have to stop consuming or using the products, return them to their place of purchase, and/or throw the products out.

Coffee pods sold at Walmart, Costco recalled: Throw out ASAP

New Mexico Pinon Coffee is recalling its Single Serve 10-count cups of coffee pods sold nationwide due to a defect where the ink from the coffee pods can leak when exposed to high temperatures.

No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported to date.

The only affected New Mexico Pinon Coffee products involved in this recall are its Dark Pinon Single Serve 10-Count Cups products with a lot code of 251749.

The products were sold in Walmart, Kroger and Costco stores nationwide, according to Newsweek.

Consumers with these products should throw them out or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund.

For more information about this recall, check out our article.

24K pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage recalled: Throw out ASAP

Kayem Foods Inc. is recalling more than 24,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage because they might be contaminated with plastic, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The fully-cooked chicken sausage called called All Natural al fresco Chicken Sausage Sweet Apple was shipped to retailers nationwide, and was produced on June 28, 2025.

The 11-ounce vacuum-packed packages have four pieces of the chicken sausage with a label that says ALL NATURAL al fresco CHICKEN SAUSAGE SWEET APPLE with Vermont made syrup, the lot code 179 and a USE/FRZ BY date OCT 01 2025 printed on the back.

No injuries have been reported.

Consumers who have purchased these sausages should throw them out or return them to their place of purchase.

For more information about this recall, you can read the FSIS notice.

67K Power Stick deodorant cases recalled due to manufacturing error

More than 67,000 cases of Power Stick deodorant was recalled due to manufacturing errors that failed to comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, according to the FDA.

The company A.P. Deauville recalled several brands of deodorant, including power fresh-scented Power Stick for Her Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant, spring fresh-scented Power Stick Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant and Power Stick Original Nourishing Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant.

The deodorant was shipped nationwide and sold at Walmart, Dollar Tree and online on Amazon.

For more information on the deodorant recall, check out the FDAs enforcement notice.

23K CasaClean Handheld Steamers recalled due to burn injury risk

More than 23,000 CasaClean Handheld Steamers were recalled due to burn injury risks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

About 26 people reported leaks of water or steam from the products, with 13 of those people reporting burn injuries.

The steamers from manufacturer Deale International came in white/gray and blue/gray colors and were sold on HSN from November 2024 through April 2025, retailing at about $40. Model number DF-958 is listed on a large black bar on the product rating sticker on the bottom of the machine.

Consumers should immediately stop using the handheld steamers and contact Deale for instructions on how to get a refund.

Deale has a website with instructions about how to obtain a refund here.

You can find out more about which models are affected by reading the CPSC report.

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An archived photo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. (Associated Press) Associated Press

A man from Honduras was arrested in Easton to face murder charges in his home country, according to a news release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The release issued Thursday says Yobani Bonilla-Bonilla, 29, will remain in ICE custody pending prosecution for unlawful reentry and pending a decision whether to deport him to Honduras.

Details about the murder werent included in the news release. A request for more information wasnt immediately answered by ICE.

The news release says a court in Honduras issued an arrest warrant on Jan. 4, 2016, for Bonilla for homicide. The release says hes wanted under the alias Gilberto Perez-Alvarado.

It says he was arrested near Hidalgo, Texas, on June 9, 2015, after he allegedly entered the United States illegally, and then was served with a notice of expedited removal on June 15, 2015.

The release says Bonilla-Bonilla was arrested Sep. 13, 2024, for drunken driving in Wilson Borough. Those charges are pending, according to the release.

The news release doesnt say where Bonilla-Bonilla is being detained or whether he has an attorney. It doesnt list his next court date. A request for more information wasnt immediately answered.

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Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
Portlaoise District Court was told teenage girls had been terrified by a burglar who stole 1,200 in goods and urinated in a washing machine.

David McDonagh (28) of Ballyfin Road, Portlaoise, admitted burgling two neighbouring houses in Jessop Street, Portlaoise, on February 11, 2024.

Judge Andrew Cody described the incidents as terrifying burglaries which left two girls who were 16 and 19 traumatised after they woke to find this man standing over them at 3am. He noted the man had 68 previous convictions.

These are serious matters. In addition he stole 1,200 of goods and urinated in a washing machine, said Judge Cody.

Andrew Dunne BL brought produced documentation from a counsellor and a letter from the defendant to the injured parties. He said the man is intending to engage with psychological services with the Irish Prison Services.

Judge Cody asked about the defendant's previous convictions.

Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the man had five previous convictions for burglary and the most recent dated to June of 2023.

Judge Cody said the offending in this case happened just eight months later.

Mr Dunne said his client was a member of the Travelling community who left school after his junior cert and had boxed professionally for a time. He said the man had an incredibly difficult childhood and began to abuse drugs.

The man had serious addiction issues and now wants to engage in rehabilitation, said Mr Dunne. He said his client had also suffered with mental health difficulties. He explained that the offending had occurred after the man took illicit substances and alcohol and he doesnt have a great memory of the offences.

He is very regretful and very remorseful, said Mr Dunne. He acknowledged that there were young victims in the case and he said his client told him he would be very upset if anything of that nature happened to his daughter.

Mr Dunne explained that his client was brought to the second house by someone who thought that that was where he was staying.

He said the man had some family support and he asked that he be given a chance to turn his life around. He suggested a suspended sentence and said his client would be happy to abide by any conditions imposed by the court.

Judge Cody described it as very serious offending. He said it was very serious for the four injured parties but in particular, the two girls who were aged 16 and 19. He said the man entered their homes at 3am and they did not know what was going to happen.

He sentenced the man to six months for the first burglary and backdated the sentence to June 26. He ordered that the man be placed on post release supervision by the probation service for two years. He imposed a consecutive ten month sentence for the second burglary and suspended the final four months for two years. Judge Cody said in total the sentence amounts to 12 months in prison and four months suspended. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.
A family of swans and cygnets remain under special care after an oil spill into a Portlaoise housing estate lake.

They are among some 100 wild birds that were polluted in one of Kilminchy housing estate's wildlife rich drainage lakes, after an oil spill on Thursday evening, July 10.

Kildare Wildlife Rescue who came to rescue the birds, say they cannot be returned until the lakes are clean. However as yet Laois County Council has not confirmed if it has found the source of the pollution.

There is further concern for more wildlife in the third of Kilminchy's lakes.

Despite barriers placed by Laois County Fire & Rescue Service, the pollution has entered the next lake.

Kilminchy resident John Cowhig who alerted the authority to the oilspill, now reports that the lake is flowing with its oil into the second lake, which he claims was already polluted.

"After the heavy rain on Monday night and yesterday the booms and pads at the weir of the second lake which were replaced by the fire brigade on Monday evening have been dislodged.

"Waters last night were now flowing over the weir into the third lake. Some of the oil pads have also been washed through into the third lake," Mr Cowhig told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Soakage pads floating in the third lake at Kilminchy. Photo: John Cowhig

Kilbogget Park near Cabinteely. Meanwhile Bank of Ireland has apologised for polluting a Dublin lake, which the dedicated volunteers of Kildare Wildlife Rescue (KWR) also rescued a family of swans from this week, at

Their rescue coordinator spoke to RTE Radio 1 on Friday at lunchtime.
Former Labour party leader Pat Rabbitte has said he is open to considering a run for president.

Mr Rabbitte was leader of the party between 2002 and 2007 and served as minister for communications, energy and natural resources between 2011 and 2014.

The Co Mayo man is currently chairman of Tusla.

Asked on Newstalk radio on Sunday if he would rule out running for president, Mr Rabbitte said: No, one should always keep ones options open.

He went on to say he would entertain a bid if he was approached by a broad cross-section of moderate opinion.

However, he added: I better kill this quickly before it gathers feet: I am very, very happy to leave this challenge to others.

The Labour party has yet to formally back a candidate.

So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race.

Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West, has received the support of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, as well as independent TDs and Senators.

Ms Connolly resigned from Labour after being turned down to be a running mate of then incumbent TD Michael D Higgins in 2007, and later entered the Dail as an independent.

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.

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.

Meanwhile, The Irish Mail On Sunday reported former chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has also not ruled out seeking a nomination.
A call was made for Leitrim County Council to adopt a rights-based Ethical Procurement Policy (EPP), ensuring they work only with companies that uphold human rights guidelines.

The motion, proposed by Cllr Roisin Kenny, called for every effort to be made to align Council tender processes with the principles of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the Global Sullivan Principles.

These frameworks promote respect for human rights in corporate practices.

Cllr Kenny described EPP as a positive motive for councils engaging in commercial transactions and partnerships with businesses.

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The initiative will ensure ethical procurement policies are in place as a framework to ensure no council in Ireland will be able to financially aid businesses and companies investing or practising in human rights abuses, she remarked.

She also noted that the initiative would help ensure international human rights standards are upheld at the local level.

Cllr Kennys motion received unanimous support. I think in light of whats going on globally, its important who were interacting with on a daily basis, commented Cllr Gilmartin.

In response, the Council stated that it is currently developing a comprehensive Corporate Procurement Plan.

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As part of this process, it is considering several key priorities, including Green Procurement, Ethical Procurement, Value for Money, and Compliance with OGP Frameworks.
President Joseph Boakai (right) on Thursday, July 17, disclosed that LPRC, headed by its Managing Director Amos Tweh (left), would soon commence the importation of petroleum products.
DAMASCUS, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Heavy clashes broke out Sunday between Druze fighters and the interim government-aligned Bedouin tribal forces in the countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, further threatening a fragile ceasefire in the region, activists reported.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said large reinforcements from tribal fighters gathered in the villages of Bustan, Dama, and Najran, amid signs of preparations to storm neighboring Druze-populated areas.

Fierce fighting erupted in the towns of Areeqa and Umm al-Zeitoun along the Damascus-Sweida highway, during which tribal gunmen reportedly burned homes and looted properties. The violence led to the closure of two key roads, further escalating tensions in the already volatile area.

An anticipated prisoner exchange between the two sides was called off after mortar shells, allegedly launched from tribal positions, landed near the site of the scheduled handover.

The observatory reported that at least 1,120 people have been killed since the fighting began on July 13, including over 100 civilians and dozens of government troops. 
A PLANNED new bus service on Friday and Saturday nights will help to combat long, lonely winter nights for some in south Limerick.

The proposed TFI Local Link bus route will serve the people of Kilmallock, Bulgaden, Martinstown and Kilfinane. It has been welcomed by Minister Patrick ODonovan and Minister of State Niall Collins.

It is encouraging to hear that procurement will begin shortly, in order to provide an evening service bus on Friday and Saturday, said Mr ODonovan who is hopeful of a start date in September.

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Mr Collins said as the nights begin to close in for the winter the new service will help to combat isolation among the farming community and those living in rural south Limerick.

I have worked hard to secure this with my colleague Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien. We met with TFI Local Link Limerick Clare management Anne Gaughan and Marie OConnor to progress this new route.

"There is no doubt that the communities in Bulgaden, Martinstown and Kilfinane will use this new route as they have expressed a growing demand for it.

"The service will operate on Friday and Saturday evenings, operating three times each evening and hopefully if there is the demand it will continue to expand further, said Mr Collins.

He continued: I look forward to this being further expanded once the pilot phase of this project is completed. This new evening service will cater to people wishing to do basic tasks like shopping, along with others who may wish to socialise later into the evening.

"Local Link have provided our county with a fantastic service providing many new non-traditional routes which are proving very popular.
ROCK legends Cry Before Dawn have returned with their first new material in 14 years, and will launch their new EP in Limerick.

The single Open Water, is a taster of what fans can expect from the band's EP of the same name.

The launch event for the EP  which is set for release on August 1  will take place in Dolans on Saturday, August 2.

Cry Before Dawn first formed in Wexford in 1982. Masterfully combining the intensity of guitar-driven rock with the rich heritage of traditional Irish pipes and whistles, this fusion creates a powerful and dynamic sound that sets them apart in the music scene.

Cry Before Dawn first formed in Wexford in 1982. Masterfully combining the intensity of guitar-driven rock with the rich heritage of traditional Irish pipes and whistles, this fusion creates a powerful and dynamic sound that sets them apart in the music scene.

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The band has reached incredible heights with two double platinum-selling albums and a collection of prestigious national awards. Among these, they won Best Newcomer in 1987 and Best Irish Group in 1989, showcasing their widespread acclaim and popularity across the nation.

Renowned for their passionate and electrifying performances, they gained a dedicated following through extensive live shows in Ireland, the UK, and the USA, and sold-out Ireland's National Stadium on two separate occasions.

After a break, Cry Before Dawn reunited in 2011, marking the occasion with the release of a Best Of CD, the new single Is This What You Waited For, and a live album titled Live at the Opera House. Their return was met with excitement, and they subsequently embarked on tours throughout Ireland and the UK.

In 2023, a rejuvenated Cry Before Dawn returned to the stage, performing at key festivals and sell-out headline shows across the country, earning rave reviews from the press that celebrated their return.

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As they entered 2024, the band launched an extensive nationwide tour, selling out major venues across the country, including two consecutive nights at the Wexford Spiegeltent and three unforgettable nights at the iconic Whelans Main Venue in Dublin. Their explosive performances at prominent international festivals like Forest Fest and Night & Day further reinforced their status as one of Irelands premier live acts.

To coincide with their 2025 Irish Tour dates, the band have recently completed recording their first new material in over 10 years, produced by Grammy nominated Chris OBrien and Graham Murphy at The Production Suite Dublin.

The EP launch kicks off at 8:00pm in Dolans, on Saturday, August 2, with tickets available online now.
On March 17, 2024, the body of Kelly Marie Lynch was found in the Ulster Canal in Monaghan, 30 hours after the last confirmed sighting of her.

Kelly was found with 93 injuries on her body, yet her death has never been treated as suspicious, no one was ever questioned about her untimely death and no one has been held accountable.

For the last 15 months, Kelly's mother Julieanne has been working tirelessly to get justice for daughter and to get some answers for what happened.

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A GoFundMe page has been set up by Kelly's family to help with the rising legal costs that Julieanne says they are not entitled to as Kelly's death is not being treated as a criminal case.

"We are getting absolutely no help from any government organisation whatsoever", says Julieanne, "We've had no help from anyone since Kelly's body was found and we have no idea why.

"We have reached out to politicians on both sides of the border. I've contacted human rights on both sides of the border with both parties telling me that they can't get involved with this.

"I was told that the Human Rights and Equality Commission in Dublin does not get involved or offer advice on cases like this and the Human Rights Commission of Northern Ireland say they have no jurisdiction across the border, although it clearly states on their website that they do, they do cross border jurisdiction, but either way we're just getting no help whatsoever."

Kelly was in a relationship with a young man from Monaghan. On March 13, Kelly received a phone call to let her know that her boyfriend's brother had died, and that his body had been found. Understandably, Kelly was devastated and left Armagh to go to Monaghan to be with her boyfriend and his family.

Kelly left shortly before 8pm on March 13 and that was the last time her mother Julieanne saw her alive.

"It'd been an absolute horrendous year," says Julieanne.

"There have been quite a few articles on Kelly's case over the past year and some reporters have tried to help but Kelly's story still remains under the radar. There was never any appeal for information with details until Kelly's one-year anniversary. The guards put out an appeal on the 17th of March, a year to the day when Kelly's body was found.

"Why was that not put out in the days after her body was found? Why was there not a request for immediate information or for anyone to come forward when Kelly was found? These are the issues that I'm raising and it's like I'm banging my head against a brick wall and we're getting nowhere fast.

Speaking on those horrific first days when Kelly's body was found, Julieanne says she has been quite vocal about it. Speaking about it doesn't trigger her because she's living with it every day. "It's a part of my everyday life".

Julieanne said she spoke with Kelly a few times in the 48 hours after she left her home, but on the morning of the 16th, she had woken to several missed calls and a 23 second voicemail from Kelly.

"We talked over the next 48 hours and on Saturday the 16th, I had received a lot of missed phone calls during the night, but I hadn't heard them."

In the voicemail, which has not been made public, Julieanne said: "You can clearly hear she's very hurt, she's been injured and she can't breathe and she's doing a lot of crying, and it lasts for 23 seconds. So I tried to contact Kelly all day on the Saturday into Saturday evening, even went as far as messaging her boyfriend on Facebook."

Kelly had been with her boyfriend on and off for 15 months, said Julieanne, and Kelly would travel to Monaghan twice a month to visit him and stay with his family. Julieanne would drive her there as Kelly didn't drive.

Julieanne said she had never met Kelly's boyfriend, but when she would drop Kelly to his house, they would beep horns to acknowledge each other.

Julieanne wasn't friends with Kelly's boyfriend on social media, but the message was never opened. Julieanne said it wasn't until November when she found out that that particular account was no longer in use.

By Sunday morning, March 17th, there was still no contact from Kelly: "I just knew something was really really wrong, I just had a gut feeling", said Julieanne.

Before 12.25pm that afternoon, a call came from the PSNI to Julieanne's then 18-year-old son's phone, looking for Kelly's next of kin. The phone was passed to Julieanne where an officer told her that Monaghan Gardai were trying to get in contact with her.

"I remember asking was everything ok but the officer told me she couldn't tell me anything and I was to keep the phone line clear."

Julieanne said she got her two youngest children (4 and 12 at the time) into the car and after driving around 3 miles down the road another phone call came through just after 1pm from Monaghan Garda station.

"I asked them was she OK and I remember silently praying that maybe she was detained overnight for being drunk and disorderly, even though Kelly had never been in trouble with the law before, but I was hoping that was the case.

Speaking to Julieanne, the officer on the phone told her that he was really sorry to have to do this over the phone, but her daughter Kelly Marie Lynch was deceased.

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Kelly's two younger siblings, sitting in the back of the car, heard what the officer had just said to their mother.

"It was just life-altering, life-changing", said Julieanne. "It was the most devastating news, it just felt surreal, too real to comprehend. I just felt so much pain and I just wanted to be with Kelly, I just couldn't understand. We didn't know any details of how she had dies or where she was. I just kept asking the officer where is she and can I see her.

"I can imagine it was an uncomfortable call for the officer to have to make but can you imagine how it was for me with my two young children in the car? I had to race home to make sure that my two older boys who were in the house hadn't heard the news on social media. It was just absolute chaos and pure devastation.

"It's every parents worst nightmare and the one thing we all fear as mothers."

Kelly was exactly 23 and 6 months when she died on the 16th of March. She had been laying dead for over 30 hours before she was eventually found by her boyfriend and his cousin.

There was no canvassing of the scene where Kelly died until five days after her body was found, nor did Gardai receive any CCTV footage of the area in time from people's properties so it had been overwritten.

There was never any explanation given as to why CCTV was not checked immediately.

"No protocols or procedures were followed in accordance with Garda protocols when a body is found," said Julieanne: "The normal procedures just weren't followed. It's something that we have raised with The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC)."

Julienne has since lodged 13 complaints with GSOC.

The Superintendent overseeing Monaghan Garda station requested the State pathologist to do an autopsy on Kelly's body but didn't request her to come to the scene. It was the locum technical branch that was meant to be collecting evidence at the scene. The area where Kelly was found wasn't preserved.

Kelly was found between half 8 and 9 o'clock that morning, she was pronounced dead by a GP at 11am and then she was quickly taken away by 1pm. The road wasn't cordoned off until that evening.

Julieanne's sister, who lives 20 minutes away in Navan, went to the scene shortly after 2pm on her way up to see Julieanne. Upon her arrival to the bridge at the canal, she questioned Gardai who were on patrol for the St Patrick's Day Parade, telling them that her niece had been found dead a few hours earlier and asked them why the area wasn't cordoned off. Gardai told her to "move on".

When Kelly's aunt left Julieanne's house that same evening and went back to the bridge, the road was then cordoned off.

"But why hadn't it been cordoned off earlier on? Why hadn't State forensics been called up from Dublin to preserve the scene and collect as much evidence as possible?," Julieanne asks.

She then said the area was being used during the St Patrick's Day Parade to divert traffic.

"We were told over the phone that Kelly was dead. Nobody came and nobody still has ever came to our home, nobody has offered any support to us."

Julienne said that the family had been assigned a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) who then left over a month later because complaints were lodged to GSOC.

"Nobody told us that we had to get a certificate of death for Kelly which was needed for bank accounts and other such instances. I had to source all of that myself and had to look online for a coroner.

"We should have had assistance with all this stuff. Can you imagine trying to come to terms with your daughter dying and then having to choose a coffin in between identifying her body and then arranging her funeral?

"It just completely upended our lives. Life has completely changed, for all of us, and we feel it every day. And the more stonewalling that we get from An Garda Siochana in Monaghan, the harder they're making it for us.

"But I am being very proactive in my campaign, probably making enemies for me within the guards but at the end of the day, they're a public body who are meant to be there to help families and they've hindered everything."

Kelly's phone has never been pinged or triangulated, it has never been forensically checked to come up with a timeline of who she was last in contact with, because Gardai say her death was not criminal or suspicious.

Nobody has ever been taken in for questioning or have even been under suspicion for any part in Kelly's tragic death.

"They did not bring anyone in, there was no arrests made. Anybody that did go in to give a statement, did so three weeks after Kelly died."

Julieanne has been in contact with an investigator in Monaghan asking the question, why wasn't due process followed?

"The two people who found Kelly should have been brought in immediately for questioning and maybe checked for any marks on their body to rule anything out.

"Kelly had 93 injuries on her body when she was found and Gardai say they are a result of a single fall event. It doesn't add up. I'm not disputing that Kelly's cause of death was drowning, but what happened to Kelly to get those 93 injuries before drowning?"

Julieanne said her daughter would never be the type to be on her own and that Kelly was almost "afraid of her own shadow".

"It had been first assumed that she had taken her own life, but that was quickly redacted. Kelly would never had taken her own life. I know that if Kelly would have done something like that she would have done it at home, in her own bed and would have just gone to sleep forever. She wouldn't put herself through trauma.

"I have posted videos recently of Kelly making notes of what she wanted for the future and she had written one for the new year. If that doesn't tell people that Kelly wanted to live.

"I think it's so easy for people to say 'oh she was a woman who was depressed so she committed suicide'."

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The state pathologist concluded that drowning was the cause of Kelly's death but an independent pathologist doesn't believe drowning to be the single cause of Kelly's death. Because of the inquest, Julieanne was unable to go into more detail on this.

Shockingly, Julieanne said she has been told that the inquest into Kelly's death could take anywhere from 18 months to 6 years.

Julieanne said the impact of the last year has affected her and the entire family "horrendously". Her youngest, who had only turned four when Kelly died, hasn't slept on his own since it happened and is "very confused by it all".

Her other child, who had turned 12 just before Kelly died, the 13th of March, has been in therapy for the last year and has been referred to CAMHS.

"She doesn't sleep, she doesn't eat right", said Julieanne, "She's very much stuck within the trauma of it all. She's afraid to talk about Kelly because she says that if she talks, all she's going to do is cry, she can't face knowing that she's never going to see her big sister again."

Julieanne said that although she has a good support system around her, she hasn't received any grief counselling and is currently on a waiting list.

"I just don't sleep because when I do I have nightmares about Kelly. I just keep seeing her in that room in Navan. We couldn't even touch her when we identified her. We had to look at her through a glass window.

"Identifying Kelly was just horrific, all we could see was from the tip of her nose up, we couldn't see her mouth or anything else, she was covered by a purple fleece blanket."

The post-mortem had not concluded when Julieanne went to identify Kelly's body.

"Just knowing that my daughter was lying there, cut open, no longer whole and complete, just haunts me.

Julieanne said she knows she is never going to see Kelly again, and that she will never have her back in her life, but she tries to remain strong and create a life for the rest of my children, creating memories for them in the future so that their whole life hasn't just been trauma and devastation from Kelly's death. Julieanne admits it's so hard without any kind of answer or closure over what happened her daughter.

"I listen to Kelly's voicemail daily, and it haunts me all the time", she said, "I was the last person that she contacted, it's horrifying.

"And then there's the wealth of guilt that come from hearing the phone calls. But she was 23 years of age, I had no reason to believe that she was going to be in danger. She had never come to harm any other time, and she was thee to support a grieving family.

"I just don't understand how a young man was found dead on the Wednesday and then my daughter was found dead four days later. It just does not make sense and yet the guards don't find that suspicious."

Julieanne met with the Garda Commissioner in October 2024. She said that he was shocked to hear that Kelly's belongings had been returned to Julieanne just eight days after her death and because there was a break in the chain of evidence it would be hard for the court to resubmit them.

The peer review team took Kelly's belongings back, including her clothing, into their custody in November 2024, but the review has been going on for the last six months and as Julieanne understands, they have only just begun to test the clothing.

"Why is it taking so long?2, asks Julieanne, "Did they give the peer review to detectives who were so busy he knew he wouldn't be able to devote all of his time to it?

"Everything just feels so underhanded. I'm being suspicious, but I think I have grounds for my suspicions."

Having demanded a meeting with the Gardai after their FLO had become unresponsive to her messages, Julieanne said she was told that her FLO was on annual leave but when she checked on the Garda website, she realised they should have been appointed a new FLO as a replacement, but that never happened.

When she put this to the Garda, their response was "Maybe in the cities, but not in rural areas".

"That's the whole point of having a family liaison officer, for them to be the in-between and keeping us updated on what's going on, but we don't have anyone", said Julieanne.

"We were told that the Superintendent in Monaghan would act as our FLO, but again, isn't the whole point of a FLO is that they're assigned to you with that specific role, to give you the support and to relay any information and answer our questions. Why do I need to be emailing a superintendent who's not always obligated to reply?"

"I honestly do believe that the Gardai didn't think that we would ask the questions and that I would make as much noise as I have. They probably expected me to accept my daughter's death, sit back and cry myself stupid and not ask for reasonable answers to my questions and I think that has really annoyed them. It's institutional."

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Julieanne said she has contacted the Minister for Justice and the Taoiseach, and that she is receiving some support from Sinn Fein TD for Cavan and Monaghan Matt Carthy, but his involvement is limited until after the inquest.

Julieanne, who already has a solicitor in Dublin, said she will need one up north too in order to apply for an exemption with exceptional circumstances for legal aid to see if they can help in any way, but that will have to be financed by Julieanne.

"There's just so much red-tape", said Julieanne, "And I don't know anybody who has thousands and thousands sitting in their bank ready to bury a 23-year-old child and then fight for inquest and fight for a case, we're just normal people.

"It's so difficult, but I'm so driven to get some kind of answers. It might take me the rest of my life but even my eldest boy said we will get the truth and they'll keep fighting long after I'm gone."

"There's days that I just cry and cry and cry but then I get it out of my system, I put my big girl pants on and start all over again"

Once a writer, Julieanne is now a full-time carer for her son who suffers from autism. She also has three other children to look after.

"My solicitor has also contacted Apple to get access to Kelly's phone data, I do believe her data will answer a lot of questions like who was the last person she was talking to on social media or WhatsApp, snapchat etc. these things should have been investigated.

"That phone would be a blueprint to Kelly's life, but it was never investigated, so if Apple would release it without a court order it would be great but if they don't we'll have to go through a court order route, which will be quite expensive so any donations that we get will be going towards that.

"Every letter we get from a solicitor costs money, every time we send a letter it costs money, all those small little things add up and we just can't do it ourselves, otherwise we won't be living either

"I still have to feed and clothe the children. It really is through the generosity of others and the community coming together to make this all possible."

Julieanne has been very vocal on social media, particularly on TikTok, highlighting and creating awareness of Kelly's death and the family's constant fight for justice.

Julieanne admits it's nothing something she ever thought to do and that she wouldn't be overly confident to speak online but the responses she has gotten back from those watching her videos, that have resonated with her and Kelly's story, has been overwhelming.

"It felt like all the power had been taken from me when Kelly died", she added, "The silence dulled my role in Kelly's life, so me documenting her story was me taking my power back. It's been good, it's been cathartic in a way and it has also brought so may people into my life."

Julieanne went on to say that a fundraiser is planned in Kelly's honour by a couple from Dundalk who she met on TikTok this coming September, a week before what would have been Kelly's 25th birthday.

"We want to mark it with happiness and community while also raising important funds and awareness", said Julieanne, "We really want to give back to the community who have helped us by asking them to come out and meet us, have a drink and a dance and bring the kids along because Kelly loved children, and to honour her name as well.

On the power of social media, Julieanne said it has been incredible over the last 15 months for the awareness she has been able to bring to Kelly's case and for the support her followers have given her.

"I'm doing it for awareness, but not just for Kelly, "but every other woman that this has happened to and for every other child and every other family, and I really want to encourage other families to not be afraid to speak up against an institution that's been around a long time.

"At the end of the day, we have voices, our voice is our power and if we don't use that, there's never going to be change or reform. I'll never let this go and I just hope that other families, if they're currently going through this then, they need to start shouting."

We reached out to An Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), now Fiosru, who told us the investigation is still ongoing and they would be unable to give us any update at time of publication.

We also reached out to An Garda Siochana who sent us back the following statement,

"Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern, Louth-Cavan-Monaghan Division, met with the family of Ms Kelly Lynch on 21st October 2024, and listened carefully to their concerns.

"Following this meeting, Commissioner Harris directed that a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) from a Division external to the Louth-Cavan-Monaghan Division conduct a peer review of the investigation into the death of Ms Lynch.

"An Garda Siochana is currently conducting that peer review of the original Garda investigation. The SIO is keeping the family up to date with the progress of the review. An Garda Siochana is also assisting the Coroners Inquest and fully co-operating with the GSOC investigation. These processes are ongoing.

"The timing of a Coroners Inquest is solely a matter for the Coroner. An Garda Siochana appeals to anyone with information on the death of Ms Lynch to contact Gardai."

As was mentioned in the above statement, "The timing of a Coroners Inquest is solely a matter for the Coroner", we also reached out to the coroner. We found out they were still awaiting the file from the Gardai along with a deposition in order to set a date for the inquest. We were told this could arrive in their office tomorrow or another year from now.

You can donate today to The Kelly Marie Lynch Legal & Investigation Fund

Donations from the Gofundme page will go towards legal fees and towards the investigation into Kelly's death.
New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) Coworking firm Indiqube Spaces Ltd, which will soon launch an initial public offering (IPO), has posted a net loss of 139.61 crore during the last fiscal on higher expenses.

The net loss of Indiqube Spaces, which provides managed office spaces to corporates, stood at 341.50 crore during the 2023-24 fiscal.

Its total income rose to 1,102.93 crore in 2024-25 from 867.66 crore in the preceding year, according to its red herring prospectus (RHP) filed with Sebi.

Indiqube Spaces said the company has incurred losses during the last three fiscal years.

Indiqube Spaces manages a portfolio of 115 centres across 15 cities, covering 8.40 million square feet of area under management with a total seating capacity of 1,86,719 as of March 31, 2025.

Bengaluru-based Indiqube Spaces will hit the capital market on July 23 to raise up to 700 crore through its IPO.

The company has fixed a price band of 225 to 237 per share for its IPO that closes on July 25.

The company is raising 650 crore through the issuance of fresh issue and promoters will offload shares worth 50 crore under the offer for sale (OFS).

Out of the total net proceeds of the IPO, Indiqube Spaces will utilise 462.6 crore towards funding capex for setting up new centres, 93 crore for repayment and the rest for general corporate purposes.

The company, which was incorporated in 2015, had raised 324 crore in two funding rounds during 2018 and 2022.

Amid the rising demand for flexible workspaces, co-working operators are looking to expand their business across major cities in India. They lease office spaces from landlords and then sub-lease the areas to corporates of all sizes.

To support their expansion plan, they are looking to raise funds through various routes, including an IPO.

Already, Awfis and Smartworks have listed their companies on stock exchanges, while WeWork India recently received Sebi nod to launch its IPO.
Mumbai: Importers are finding ways to bypass the 12% safeguard duty on steel imports levied in April this year, leading to a rout in domestic prices, even as the import volumes come down, said Jayant Acharya, the joint managing director of JSW Steel.

One of the workarounds is the misuse of the Advance Authorization Scheme, which allows duty-free imports of raw materials for export-linked production. Importers get 18 months to export the finished product to prevent paying the safeguard duty.

Some non-automotive importers are using this scheme to buy cheaper steel from overseas and sell the finished goods in the domestic market, alleged Acharya. They are betting on the domestic prices softening during the 18-month window allowed under the scheme before eventually using local steel to make products for export, he said.

Other workarounds include buying semi-finished steel, which doesnt attract the safeguard duty, and then processing it further domestically, he said. Such imports have risen particularly from countries like Russia as well as the Asean bloc, he said.

If there are any leakages which happen, we need to block (them)," Acharya said in an interview.

Also Read | JSW Steel starts FY26 on a high but remains cautious

The JSW Steel executives comments come as prices of steel in the domestic market continue to fall despite strong demand and decreasing imports. Prices of benchmark hot-rolled coils (HRC) of steel, which is used in cars and consumer durables among other things, fell to a four-month low to 50,700 for a tonne in June, as per data from BigMint, a market intelligence firm.

The price fall was in tandem with a fall in international steel prices, even as Indias imports came down. The country imported 1.4 million tonnes of finished steel during the April-June quarter, a third less than the preceding quarter, as per an investor presentation from JSW Steel. During this period, Indias steel consumption is estimated to have grown by about 7% compared with the preceding quarter at about 38.3 million tonnes.

Acharya argued that the headline trade figures do not convey the full picture. Considering steel imports arrive 1-2 months after an order is placed, the official import data fails to reflect real-time market sentiment around pricing, he said.

Sentiment is determined by the booking of imports which happen in the month of operation. So if the booking of imports is at a lower level, that becomes a reference point for discussion with the domestic (steel producers)," he said.

Moreover, the import prices continue to influence the domestic market regardless of the quantities, he said. This means, even as import volumes narrow, the prices of domestic steel were likely to remain under pressure.

There are other countries also which are now coming into India," he said, indicating a surge in imports from Russia and the 10-narion Asean bloc in recent months. This was because of the high tariffs in markets like the US and Europe, forcing these countries to export more to India, he said.

The steel industry contributes nearly 2% to Indias GDP. JSW Steel is the largest domestic steelmaker by capacity, followed by Tata Steel, Steel Authority of India and Jindal Steel and Power.

Also Read | Paintmakers are already battling to protect turf. JSW has fired a fresh salvo

During a post-earning interaction with analysts last week, JSW Steels management said that it expects a favourable decision when the government reviews the safeguard duty on steel imports, both on the duration and rate. The government imposed a 12% safeguard duty on steel imports on 21 April for a period of 200 days.

Steel is a capital-intensive industry, Acharya said, pointing to the need for long-term stability in terms of tariffs to avoid exposure to global market uncertainties before making long-term investments in steel plants.

JSW Steel tripled its profits in June quarter of FY26, supported by higher production and sales volume along with easing coking coal costs, a key raw material. The steelmaker reported a profit of 2,209 crore compared to 867 crore in the same quarter a year ago. The consolidated revenue for the first quarter of FY26 was 43,147 crore, compared to 42,943 crore from the same period last year.

The Supreme Courts ruling on Bhushan Steel and Power Ltd (BPSL) wont impact their expansion plans, said Acharya. On 2 May, SC rejected JSW Steels 19,700 crore acquisition of BPSL and ordered its liquidation.

The company is waiting for the apex court hearing on their review petition before undertaking a 0.5 million tonne expansion at BPSL. However, that has no bearing on their target and they are on track to achieving its 50-million-tonne-capacity by 2050.

Archarya also reaffirmed that steel demand in India is strong and is set to see an incremental growth of around 13 -14 million tonnes in FY26. This would be a rise from 144 million tonnes in FY25, as per BigMint estimates. With additional volumes kicking in from the ramp-up at JSW Vijayanagar Metallics Ltd (JVML) and the Blast Furnace 3 upgrade post-shutdown will aid the steel maker's ability to meet this growing demand.

JSW Steel is expanding its Vijayanagar plant in Karnataka by adding 5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) through its subsidiary JVML, which will bring the total capacity of the plant to 18 mtpa.

JSW Steel has a consolidated capacity of 35.7 mtpa including domestic capacity of 34.2 mtpa and 1.5 mtpa in the US.

On the cost front, the steelmaker expects to see some benefit due to the strategic steps taken, particularly in areas like coking coal. In the current quarter coking coal prices were softer but they are stabilizing now, said Acharya.

Also Read | PSUs eye UAE market for steel and aluminium sectors

Coking coal is a key ingredient used to make steel besides iron ore. It is heated without air and turned into coke, which is used in blast furnaces to help turn iron ore into liquid iron. This liquid iron is then used to make steel.

On the raw material side, we continue to look at startup of the new mines which we have got in the captive in Karnataka and Goa," he said, adding that their domestic coking coal mines are expected to be operational in the next few years, which will further support cost efficiencies.

The companys overseas operations are expected to improve, driven by a more favourable international pricing environment.

The steelmaker has a 1.5 mtpa electric-arc-furnace-based steel manufacturing unit in Ohio, US and a 1.75 mtpa plate and pipe production mill in Texas. In Italy, it has a 0.32 mtpa rail manufacturing unit, which is undergoing an expansion in capacity to 0.6 mtpa.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)- based airline company Air Arabia announced on Sunday, 20 July 2025, that it has received approval from Saudi Arabia to establish a new low-cost carrier, according to an official social media post.

The company also disclosed that the new low-cost carrier will be based in Dammam, a major city in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

We're proud to announce that Air Arabia has been awarded to establish a new low-cost airline based in Dammam by Saudi Arabias @ksagaca. We thank #GACA for their trust and support. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new venture! said the company in a social media post on platform X.

A low-cost carrier is a stripped-down version of a traditional full-service airline. The service provider does not include additional services in the ticket fare, resulting in cheap flight booking rates. This business model is used in the aviation sector around the world, helping airlines connect people from one city to another at an affordable rate.

A low-cost carrier usually has stricter baggage policies, and food and drinks are not complimentary or included in the ticket price. If a passenger wants to opt for one or more services, this extra service comes at an added cost.

Also Read | IndiGo begins flight operations from Hindon Airport

Fleet Size Plans The local news portal Gulf News reported that Air Arabia plans to launch a 45-aircraft fleet by the year 2030.

The report also cited the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, which stated that the UAE-based carrier was among an alliance of three other companies that won the bid to operate the new low-cost airline.

Also Read | Air India Express flight to Phuket turns back to Hyderabad 16 min after takeoff

Media reports suggest that the new low-cost carrier will operate both domestic and international flights to and from the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The flight operator aims to cater to 24 domestic routes and 57 international routes and transport 10 million passengers every year.

The local news portal also reported that the launch of the low-cost airline is expected to create more than 2,400 direct job opportunities and raise the service quality across the Saudi Arabian aviation market.
The internets latest obsession, an awkward kiss cam moment featuring Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Chief Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert has garnered massive attention  not just from netizens but also from several top brands.

What began as a cozy moment between the two colleagues, captured by the concerts kiss cam and magnified by Coldplays lead vocalist, Chris Martins playful commentary has now inspired a wave of cheeky corporate homages.

Brands capitalise on the scandal Global giants like Tesla and IKEA are leading the charge, cleverly fitting the Dont get caught narrative into their own marketing campaigns, proving that even an HR-adjacent scandal can be turned into marketing gold.

Several other companies have also used the kiss cam scandal to their advantage and released some hilarious advertisements of their products.

IKEA and Teslas take on the incident Furniture retail brand, IKEA posted a picture of a stuffed panda hugging an orangutan from behind, mimicking the viral colleagues on their Instagram page. The caption read, "Don't get caught... without these! Drama-free cuddles guaranteed." The phrase "HR approved" was placed in the image.

On the other hand, Elon Musk-owned brand Tesla posted on X, humorously stating Posting a pic of you enjoying your loaner Tesla while your own one is in service is the equivalent of taking it to a Coldplay concert. Your car will know.

Tesla's post

Other companies too join the trend Frido, a popular pillow and mattress company, photoshopped Andy Byron onto their cuddle pillow with the caption, Bro could've just used our Cuddle Pillow and avoided all that embarrassment.

Frido's post

Even airlines did not miss out on the trend as Private jet charter service GlobeAir reposted the viral clip by adding a twist. "The quickest escape after a Coldplay concert," the text read, featuring a Boston-to-Hawaii escape.

Mixed opinions While most of the comments on the brands' marketing campaigns have been full of jokes and praises for the companies' marketing teams, some also showed concern about humourising a serious incident of adultery and broken families.

Commenting on the Frido's satirical post based on the viral incident, an X user said, You and your team should be ashamed of this,@ganeshunwired. It's a new low, taking someone's personal life to hawk a product.

Another user commented, Pathetic to make fun of someones relationship to sell your stuff.

What is the buzz all about ? The Astronomer CEO Andy Byron faced widespread backlash after a video involving him with his colleague, Kristin Cabot went viral.

In the footage, he was seen sharing an intimate moment with the companys Human Resources (HR) head in a Kiss Cam segment during a Coldplay concert, despite being married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, who has mostly avoided social media after the work affair surfaced.
(Bloomberg) -- Metrics Credit Partners Pty said its unaware of any investigation by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission into the company after Bloomberg News reported last week that the regulator was probing it.

The corporate watchdog is scrutinizing the private credit manager because of concerns over loan valuations and governance practices that have emerged as part of a broader industry probe, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

Metrics is not aware of any ASIC investigation related to specific practices or transactions in our business, the firms representative said in an emailed statement on Sunday. The representative did not respond specifically to questions on whether Metrics was facing additional attention by ASIC because of its practices and in light of its large exposure to real estate.

The probe is part of a two-year review of private markets that ASIC is conducting across the industry. ASIC obtained over 3,000 documents from Metrics last year as it sought more clarity into the firms operations, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential communications.

A spokesperson for ASIC said last week that the commission is increasing its surveillance of private equity and private credit funds, but declined to comment on Metrics specifically.

ASIC has been particularly concerned about risks in the property sector, where private credit firms have expanded aggressively in recent years. Metrics has invested a large portion of its around A$30 billion ($19.5 billion) asset portfolio in residential and commercial property.

We operate with robust governance standards  this includes disclosing industry exposures, and detailed performance and portfolio risk settings provided regularly to the Australian Securities Exchange, Metrics said Sunday. In relation to loan valuations, we use independent and highly experienced professionals to verify the market value and any potential impairment across our portfolio.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) Capital markets regulator Sebi has disposed of 4,415 complaints in June through its online grievance redressal platform SCORES.

The regulator received 4,959 fresh complaints in the month, and a total of 5,107 grievances remained unresolved at the end of June, slightly higher than the 4,563 charges that were pending as of May 31, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a public notice on Friday.

The regulator also highlighted that the average resolution time taken by the entities to submit the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) in June was eight days, while the average time taken for complaints under First Level Review was four days.

SCORES, or Sebi Complaint Redressal System, is an online platform which facilitates investors in lodging and tracking complaints against listed companies and registered intermediaries.

Under the SCORES 2.0 mechanism, complaints are automatically forwarded to the respective entities, which are required to respond within 21 days. If an investor is not satisfied, they have 15 days to seek a First Level Review.

A similar review opportunity is available at the Second Level with the designated body and subsequently with Sebi, each within a 15-day window.

Complaints are also treated as resolved if the investor chooses the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism.
Nokia Technologies, a subsidiary of Finnish multinational Nokia Corp., has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the Indian Patent Offices refusal to grant its patent for an enhanced registration procedure designed to support its advanced 5G network slicing technology in India.

On 17 July, Justice Saurabh Banerjee issued notice to the assistant controller of patents and designs, directing a response to Nokias plea. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in November.

Network slicing lets telecom companies divide one network into many separate parts, like creating different lanes on a highway. Each slice is used for different things, such as faster internet for phones, special connections for hospitals, or smooth gaming. This makes the internet faster, safer, and more reliable.

The counsel for the patent office sought six weeks to file a reply, according to the court order. Any rejoinder, if required, can be filed within four weeks after that, the order said.

We respectfully disagree with the decision of the Indian Patent Office regarding our patent application for an enhanced 5G network slicing registration and user authentication method. We believe this is a novel invention, and patents covering it have been granted in other countries around the world, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea. We look forward to the court hearing later this year, Nokia Technologies said in response to Mint's query.

Nokias petition challenges the 8 January order of the assistant controller of patents, which rejected its invention on the grounds of lack of novelty, stating that the innovation already exists.

Filed on 19 October, Nokias patent claimed a faster, more secure method for devices to register on dedicated 5G network slices by immediately invoking third-party authentication during the registration (attach) process.

This approach, Nokia argued, ensures smoother and more secure connections, especially for enterprise-owned slices needing additional checks. The company said its method avoids devices attempting to access slices without proper authentication, enhancing overall network efficiency and security.

Nokia also informed the patent office that similar patents had been approved in the United States, Japan, and South Korea, proving its international recognition

However, the Indian Patent Office rejected all claims. It cited 3GPPs technical standard document D1 as prior art, stating that similar methods were already described, making Nokias idea neither new nor inventive.

The office added that the invention was purely software-based without any new hardware implementation, thus non-patentable under Section 3(k) of the Patents Act.

Further reasons included unclear claim language, multiple dependent claims creating ambiguity, and failure to file updated disclosures within prescribed timelines.

Due to these issueslack of novelty, obviousness, software-only nature, unclear claims, and documentation non-compliancethe patent was refused despite Nokias arguments

Network slicing originated as a concept developed by telecom industry researchers and was standardized by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) as part of global 5G standards (from Release 15 onward).

3GPP is a global collaboration of telecom standards organizations that develops technical standards for mobile networks.

And this | Vodafone Ideas 5G rollout comes with a side of satellite internet FOMO

Leading telecom vendors including Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, and Samsung have developed commercial network slicing solutions. Major operators such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, BT, Deutsche Telekom, China Mobile, and SK Telecom are actively deploying or testing it worldwide.

Recently, Google Fiber announced that its customers may soon get more control over their home internet. On 30 June, Google Fiber said it has partnered with Nokia to test network slicing, which lets users create dedicated lanes for specific activities like gaming or video calls.
TEHRAN, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday that Britain, France, and Germany (E3) should not undermine the credibility of the UN Security Council (UNSC) by triggering the snapback mechanism to reinstate sanctions on Tehran.

In a post on X, Araghchi said the E3 lacks the "legal, political, and moral standing" to invoke the 2015 nuclear deal's provisions or the UNSC Resolution 2231, which permit the reimposition of international sanctions if Iran is found in non-compliance with the agreement.

He noted that after the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, Iran exhausted dispute resolution mechanisms before taking remedial measures, while the E3 failed to honor their commitments and even backed the U.S. "maximum pressure" policy.

"The E3 must refrain from any action that would only deepen divisions in the Security Council or that would have serious adverse consequences on its work," Araghchi said, noting that Iran is ready for "meaningful diplomacy," but will resist hostile measures.

Earlier in the day, a media report said Iran and the E3 have agreed to resume negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program.

Quoting an "informed source" without giving the name, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said Iran and the E3 are holding consultations on the date and venue of the negotiations. The upcoming negotiations are expected to be held at the level of deputy foreign ministers, it said. 
Bridget Moynahan is set to reprise her role as Erin Reagan in the premiere episode of Boston Blue, the much-anticipated spinoff of the long-running CBS police drama Blue Bloods.

The network confirmed Friday that Moynahan will also direct an episode later in the first season, continuing her behind-the-camera work from the original series.

The news was also shared by the lead actor Donnie Wahlberg via his Instagram, who wrote, So excited to have my dear friend, and TV sister @bridgetmoynahan, join me for a special guest appearance in the premiere episode of #BostonBlue! (sic).

Her guest appearance will reunite her with Donnie Wahlberg, who returns in the lead role as Detective Danny Reagan. The spinoff series shifts the franchise's setting from New York City to Boston and focuses on Dannys transition to the Boston Police Department, alongside a new cast of characters.

More About Boston Blue Boston Blue will also introduce Sean Reagan, Dannys son, as a new patrol officer in Boston. However, in a surprising move, the role of Sean  played by Andrew Terraciano across nearly the entirety of Blue Bloods 14-season run  has been recast.

Mika Amonsen, known for roles in Suits and Reacher, will take over the character. No reason has been given for the casting change, and both CBS and Terraciano have remained silent on the matter. The actors only public comment was a farewell message shared after filming wrapped in 2024.

More About the Cast Joining Wahlberg and Amonsen in Boston Blue are Sonequa Martin-Green as Lena Silver, Maggie Lawson as Sarah Silver, Marcus Scribner as Jonah Silver, Gloria Reuben as Mae Silver, and Ernie Hudson as Reverend Peters. The Silver family appears set to play a central role in the new drama.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has offered a rare glimpse into the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe during a press roundtable at Marvel's headquarters in Burbank, California. Pointing toward a set of sealed doors, Feige hinted at what lies ahead for the powerhouse studio.

Kevin Feige Teases Seven-Year MCU Plan at Marvel HQ

While the exact titles remain under wraps, Kevin Feige's comment confirms Marvels long-term planning remains ambitious and flexible  even after recent pivots in tone, talent, and characters.

Its a seven-year plan, teases Feige, I think it goes to 2032. Its on magnets, it can move around.

On Bringing Back Fantastic Four Following the commercial disappointment of the 2015 reboot, Marvel Studios is preparing to reintroduce Fantastic Four  this time under Feiges own creative leadership.

With expectations running high, the producer spoke candidly about why Marvels first family is finally being restored to their rightful place in the MCU.

Why Fantastic Four? Because its Marvels first family. Its in the history of our characters; they deserve to be A-listers. They were A-listers in the comics. Every crossover movie weve made in the Infinity saga, Civil War, leading to Infinity War and Endgame, which is really the Infinity saga from the comics, the Fantastic Four were huge players in those comics and obviously we couldnt do that then, explains Feige on the reasons for another redo.

The upcoming film will be the first time Marvel Studios  not 20th Century Fox  takes full creative control of the characters, and fans are hopeful it will mark a true return to form.

On Bringing Dr Doom into the MCU With Fantastic Four back in the fold, attention has naturally turned to one of Marvels most iconic villains: Doctor Doom. Feige confirmed that the infamous Latverian leader is no longer sidelined.

There was only one character that could be that because he was that in the comics for decades and decades, and because of the Fox acquisition, we finally had it, and thats Dr. Doom, says the studio boss.

We had started talking about Dr. Doom even before we officially pivoted from Kang, he says, In fact, I had started talking with Robert about this audacious idea before Ant-Man 3 even came out.

This marks a significant narrative shift for the MCU, especially in the wake of Jonathan Majors exit and uncertainty around the Kang storyline. Doctor Doom now appears to be the central villain moving forward.

Also Read | Jonathan Majors' removal by Marvel throws years of plans into disarray

On the Future of Blade in the MCU Feige also addressed the future of Blade, a project that has faced multiple delays and creative reshuffles. Despite being removed from the release calendar, the film remains in active development, with Mahershala Ali still set to star.

Feige revealed that while there were four versions of Blade in the works, two of them period (one of them set in the 1930s), we landed on modern day and thats what were focusing on.

Feige acknowledged the exits of directors Yann Demange and Bassam Tariq, saying the delays were necessary to protect the integrity of the story and the vision.

He added, We didnt want to put a leather outfit on him and have him start killing vampires.

You can start and have a good script and make it a great script through production, but we didnt feel confident we could do that on Blade. We didnt want to do that to Mahershala and didnt want to do that to us, he continued.
New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) India's naturally coloured cotton, which thrived commercially in the 1940s, is struggling to stage a comeback despite rising global demand for sustainable textiles and decades of government's efforts in research.

The specialty crop is currently grown on just 200 acres across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, fetching 240 per kg, 50 per cent more than regular cotton at 160 per kg. However, farmers are hesitant to expand cultivation due to significantly lower yields.

"The productivity of light brown cotton is very low at 1.5-2 quintals per acre, compared to 6-7 quintals per acre for normal cotton. This discourages farmers from expanding the area under this crop," Ashok Kumar, Principal Scientist at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), told PTI.

Annual production from these limited acres stands at merely 330 quintals, underscoring the challenge facing this specialty crop that could potentially transform India's textile sustainability profile.

ICAR-CIRCOT is currently focusing on light brown coloured cotton.

Coloured cotton has ancient roots in Indian agriculture, with cultivation dating back to 2500 BC. Before independence, red, khaki and brown varieties of Cocanada 1 and 2 were grown commercially in Rayalseema, Andhra Pradesh, with exports to Japan. Traditional varieties were also cultivated in Assam and Karnataka's Kumta region.

However, the Green Revolution's emphasis on high-yielding white cotton varieties pushed coloured cotton to the sidelines. The crop's inherent limitations - fewer bolls, lower weight, poor fibre strength, short staple length and colour variations - made it economically unviable for large-scale cultivation.

Indian agricultural institutions have developed improved varieties, including DDCC-1, DDB-12, DMB-225, and DGC-78 by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur, created Vaidehi-95, considered the most prominent among 4-5 available varieties.

Between 2015-19, ICAR-CIRCOT processed 17 quintals in demonstration batches, producing 9,000 metres of fabric, over 2,000 jackets and 3,000 handkerchiefs, proving commercial viability.

The environmental benefits are significant. Traditional cotton dyeing requires approximately 150 litres of water per metre of fabric, while naturally coloured cotton eliminates this requirement, potentially reducing toxic waste disposal costs by up to 50 per cent.

"Naturally coloured cotton has huge export potential. More government support is required to enhance production and value addition," Kumar said.

Despite premium pricing and environmental advantages, expansion faces hurdles including lack of seed systems, pest vulnerability, and high pesticide requirements typical of cotton cultivation.

"Nobody develops varieties as production is low and the market is not visible. Even textile mills are not ready to procure small quantities," Kumar explained.

The global market shows promise with growing demand from environmentally conscious brands, particularly in Europe, USA and Japan. Australia and China are investing heavily in research using traditional breeding and genetic engineering.
HONG KONGChinas exports of rare-earth magnets last month increased nearly threefold from the previous month after the country lifted some export controls on the critical industrial inputs following a deal with the U.S.

Still, export levels remain significantly lower than in previous years, prompting some Western companies to seek longer-term alternatives.

In year-over-year terms, total export volumes of rare-earth magnets from China decreased 38% in June from a year earlier, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of Chinese customs data released on Sunday.

Though such a large decline is hardly cause for celebration among Western manufacturers that have come to depend on Chinese rare-earth magnets to keep their production lines humming, the figure marks something of a recovery from May, when exports of these magnets tumbled 74% from a year earlierthe biggest such percentage decline in more than a decade.

In June, China exported 3.2 million kilograms of rare-earth magnets, nearly three times the 1.2 million kilograms exported in May. However, exports of rare-earth magnets are still far below last years levels, when monthly shipments averaged 4.8 million kilograms.

Chinas dominant position in supplying rare-earth magnets and metals has proven a powerful trump card in trade negotiations with the U.S. After years in which China took market share from the West, the country now produces about two-thirds of the worlds rare-earth minerals, and processes around 90% of the supply. Rare-earth magnets are essential in products such as car motors and missile-guidance systems.

Chinas exports of rare-earth magnets to the U.S. in particular continued to fall sharply in June, dropping 52% from a year earlier to roughly 353,000 kilograms. As steep as that fall is, it represents an improvement from Mays 93% year-over-year plunge in Chinese rare-earth magnet exports to the U.S.

As U.S.-China trade tensions soared in early April, Beijing said it would begin requiring licenses for export of certain rare-earth metals, including dysprosium and terbium. Following a truce between the U.S. and China in Geneva in mid-May, Beijing pledged to ease exports of rare-earth magnets.

However, Western companies said that they still werent receiving enough magnets for their factories, and Chinese authorities continued to take weeks to scrutinize their applications, the Journal reported. Further, applications for raw rare earths, which are used to make magnets, have rarely been granted.

Beijing is increasing domestic oversight by addressing the smuggling of rare-earth materials. Chinas Ministry of Commerce recently asked rare-earth companies based in China to list employees with technical expertise, research background and personal information, the Journal has reported. The aim is to prevent the unauthorized sharing of trade secrets.

The latest government body to join in is the countrys powerful spy agency. In a social-media post Friday, Chinas Ministry of State Security accused overseas intelligence agencies from unnamed countries of stealing restricted rare-earth materials.

Western manufacturers are increasingly preparing for a scenario in which Chinese rare-earth export restrictions are here to stay.

To prepare for potential near-term shortages of magnets and production shutdowns, some Western companies have shelled out for expensive airfreight shipments to receive rare-earth product supplies as soon as licenses are granted. Some manufacturers are also exploring ways to make their products with less-powerful magnets that dont include any controlled rare earths.

Earlier this month, Americas largest rare earths miner, MP Materials, said that it had reached a deal under which the Pentagon would take a 15% stake in the company. As part of the deal, the U.S. government committed to invest billions of dollars in the Las Vegas-based company and purchase its output. MP Materials is called to build a new facility by 2028 to make rare-earth magnets at a scale that exceeds current U.S. magnet production.

Write to Rebecca Feng at rebecca.feng@wsj.com
When a Hong Kong conglomerate set plans this year to sell its global network of shipping ports to an American-led investment group, two facilities in Panama got most of the attention. But the real action is in Europe, where Chinese business interests have spent decades accumulating port holdings.

Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison agreed in March to sell more than 40 ports in 23 nations to an investor group led by American financial firm BlackRock, and the parties had aimed to reach a definitive agreement on the $23 billion deal at month-end. Now, Beijing is trying to muscle into the deal and carve out a stake for its giant shipping group Cosco, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Politics have hung over Hutchisons container-handling facilities at either end of the Panama Canal since it first began operating them in the 1990s. The sales plan came together after President Trumps vow to bring the canal under U.S. control.

The most substantial impact on Chinas ambitions from the port deal might be in Europe, a continent crucial to Beijings trade and diplomatic ambitions. Nearly half of the facilities on the block are in Europe or North Africa. Trumps trade tariffs, meanwhile, have Europe bracing for a deluge of Chinese goods that have been rerouted away from the U.S.

Shipping volumes of items including electric vehicles are already up in places such as Spain.

If the Hutchison deal goes through, the American-led investors would gain significant market share in a continent where the Chinese presence has grown large in recent years. Under the announced plan, BlackRocks Global Infrastructure Partners unit is buying the Hutchison ports with an investment partner, Italys Aponte family, which runs giant MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and its Terminal Investment Ltd. unit.

Whether the deal goes through as planned or with Coscos participation, Chinas port foothold in Europe would be concentrated under government-run companies similar to Cosco, which U.S. authorities consider a military-aligned enterprise. Exiting the region would be Hutchison, a private company controlled by the family of the 96-year-old Hong Kong billionaire capitalist Li Ka-shing, who hasnt always seen eye-to-eye with Beijing.

China accelerated port investments after outlining the Belt and Road Initiative to modernize land and sea trade routes and reprise the Silk Road, which for centuries linked China with Europe through cities such as Valencia, Spain.

The change in control of a port can alter trade routes and indicate economic power, not least of all because fewer than 10 shipping groups including Cosco, Swiss-based MSC, Frances CMA CGM Group and Denmarks A.P. Moller-Maersk move nearly all of the worlds containers.

Ports with Chinese investment now dot the globe, according to a database produced by Zongyuan Zoe Liu at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

Spain illustrates how Chinese business interests expanded port holdings in Europe, and what happens now.

The southern European country was booming in 2006, when the government awarded Hutchison a contract to build and operate a new container terminal for the Port of Barcelona.

Hutchisonwhich traces its origins to Hong Kongs own docks from the first days of 19th-century British colonialismbegan investing in European ports in the 1990s. Its European holdings span the U.K., the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Germany and Poland, plus Spain.

The British managing director of Hutchison ports, John Meredith, called Barcelona our key port in southern Europe."

The story was different with Spains Port of Valencia in 2017, when a Chinese group took control. Cosco got 51% as a result of a Spanish debt crisis and U.S. private-equity investors looking for a profit.

Chinas port expansion strategy in Europe has primarily featured opportunistic acquisitionsa possible reason the Hutchison sale looks inviting to Cosco.

The European ports are the best in terms of asset and infrastructure, of international importance for trade," said Liu of the Council on Foreign Relations, making them appealing investments.

Government-run China Merchants took one of the boldest steps in 2013, buying 49% of a port business called Terminal Link from CMA CGM for 400 million euros. The deal gave China Merchants a minority share in a range of facilities, especially in Europe, and slivers in Miami and Houston.

In developing countries throughout Africa and Asia, and more recently in South American nations such as Peru and Brazil, Chinas government-run companies have established wholly new shipping ports. Some of the construction deals have saddled host countries with large amounts of debt and were designed as gateways to haul away mineral commodities.

Liu said China has adopted a build-it-and-they-will-come strategy in many developing nations based on its domestic infrastructure model of integrating new ports into new networks of expressways and railroads.

Cosco first entered Europe as a ports investor in 2004.Cosco bought a concession to run operations in Piraeus, Greece, and turned it into a world-class facility.

Cosco itself first entered Europe as a ports investor in 2004 with a minority stake in a container facility in Antwerp, Belgium. Cosco then made inroads starting in 2008 buying a concession to run facilities south of the Greek capital Athens at Piraeus, which it transformed into a world-class port.

Pertinent to todays situation, Valencia in the 1980s was quick to adopt containerized shipping, which has been crucial to spurring world tradeand helped make China the worlds top exporter for 16 years.

Beijing gained control of the Port of Valencia in a European financial crisis. Wall Streets 2008-09 financial crisis had sparked major debt problems for corporate Europe, including for Spanish construction giant ACS Group.

In 2010, ACS sold its interests in the Spanish ports of Valencia and Bilbao, plus various logistics operations, to a group led by J.P. Morgan Asset Management for 720 million euros, around $950 million at the time. As a private-equity investor with little interest in owning ports over the long-term, J.P. Morgan approached Cosco about buying, in part because of Coscos success in Greece, a former executive involved said.

Cosco agreed in 2017 to pay 200 million euros for 51% of the Valencia and Bilbao ports venture. Cosco called Valencia the natural port for Madrid and a perfect strategic fit" for its plans at developing a global terminals portfolio."

A spokeswoman for J.P. Morgan declined to comment.

As if to underscore Beijings designs on Spain, a year after the deal Xi Jinping flew to Madrid to meet Spains King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the first visit to the country for a Chinese leader in 13 years. He discussed the Mediterraneans role in his Belt and Road Initiative and pledged China would import goods worth $70 billion over the next five years. In fact, Chinas imports were closer to $45 billion in that period, nearly as much as it exports per year to Spain.

Today, Valencia sits in the middle of a European network of Cosco ports that includes some of the regions biggest, including Greeces Piraeus, Italys Genoa, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Belgiums Zeebrugge and Germanys Hamburg.

As Coscos own ships began calling at Valencia, the port emerged as a busier container facility than its vaunted Piraeus operation, last year handling 5.47 million TEUs, or shipping container equivalents, versus the Greek ports 4.22 million. Also huge on the Mediterranean are Spains Algeciras and Moroccos Tanger Med ports, though they are still smaller than northern European ports.

Valencia now also ranks as the most connected port in the Mediterranean, based on its integration with container lines, according to a United Nations index.

China is the largest trading economy in the world," said Liu of the Council on Foreign Relations and, if you want to export more, you need the infrastructure."

Write to James T. Areddy at James.Areddy@wsj.com, Daniel Kiss at daniel.kiss@wsj.com and Ming Li at ming.li@wsj.com
For nearly 50 years, Anamarie Hurt trusted her husband, Craig, to manage their finances. And he did a good job of it, making investments that grew into a comfortable nest egg.

Then Craig walked into a bank in Tulsa, Okla., and began moving their retirement funds into cryptocurrency investments that turned out to be fake. A year later, after losing more than $5 million, the Hurts life savings were gone.

At first, Anamaries anger was directed at Craig. But it soon found another target: the bank that she said helped him send wires as high as $300,000 at a time to scammers.

Now that investment scams, sometimes called pig butchering, are booming global operations, some Americans are demanding their banks and financial advisers do more to prevent the scams from happening. Pressure is also spreading to telecoms and social-media platforms such as Facebook, where scammers find their marks.

In 2023, Anamarie sued Arvest Bank, the Arkansas-based regional lender that processed Craigs wire payments. Similar lawsuits have sprung up around the country, seeking damages from the likes of JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo and alleging they didnt do enough to investigate their customers suspicious behavior or to block payments to scammers.

A lawyer for Arvest, which hasnt publicly responded to the Hurts claims, declined to comment on the lawsuit. The dispute is now in arbitration.

Operating from compounds in Southeast Asia and West Africa, criminal gangs have mastered the art of building trust with victimsor fattening up their pigs." Scammers cultivate romantic connections with victims while posing as savvy investors with knowledge about how to strike it rich. Victims are often elderly or otherwise vulnerable, and many end up losing their life savings.

The scams have put banks in a difficult position. If banks dont try to stop fraudulent payments, victims and their advocates argue, scammers will continue extracting tens of billions or more each year from vulnerable Americans.

But holding payments and trying to talk victims out of being scammed, as some states now allow, can provoke a backlash from customers. Bankers argue that they already have their hands full trying to thwart money laundering, terrorist financing and other types of fraud and have put considerable resources into such efforts. They say they cant be expected to protect their customers from making ill-advised decisions.

Those who sue their banks face an uphill battle. Federal law requires banks to reimburse people whose credit cards are stolen or who have their accounts infiltrated by fraudsters. But theres little protection for the growing ranks of Americans who are tricked into turning over their money.

For Anamarie, the episode has come with one haunting twist after another. As she worked to get to the bottom of what happened, she faced death threats from scammers, who repeatedly told Craig they would track down and kill him and his wife if he didnt comply with their requests. Look Im given you 1 hour to send my money to my wallet otherwise I dont mind spending extra money driving down to your house and gun you and your fing wife down instantly and nothing will happen," one message said.

The scammers also tried to blackmail Anamarie, sending her photos Craig had taken of her in the shower at their behest and without Anamaries consent.

She also made unsettling discoveries about Craig, the person she thought she knew better than anyoneincluding a medical issue that helped explain why he was vulnerable to the scam and why his judgment deteriorated so quickly.

New breed of fraud

In August 2022, Anamarie was shopping at Walmart when her credit cards were declined. When she brought up the issue at home, Craig said he would take care of it. But Anamarie was worried. Are you being scammed?" she finally asked him.

Flustered, Craig admitted it was possible.

They went to the police, where Anamarie, in shock, started understanding the severity of the situation. She and her sister would spend months unraveling what had happened and learning the extent of the damage.

A year or so earlier, Craig had responded to an online ad about investments and later received a text message from someone calling themself Tiffany, according to his hazy account. The person struck up a flirtatious exchange and was soon telling him about a lucrative opportunity. All he needed to do was wire money from his bank account.

Craigs early efforts to wire money to scammers had raised alarm bells at the Bank of Oklahoma, where the Hurts had banked for their entire marriage, Anamarie would learn. The bank closed Craigs accounts after he made at least one suspicious payment. Another bank where he opened an account quickly did the same.

Banks have a legal obligation to screen for and report potential money laundering activity by their customers. If a customer continues to engage in suspicious activity, banks will sometimes close the account.

The law that requires banks to report suspicious money laundering activity was passed in 1970. Later that decade, as electronic payments such as debit cards and ATMs became ubiquitous, Congress also passed a law requiring banks to screen for fraudulent activity and reimburse customers for stolen funds.

Fraud, however, was defined by lawmakers at the time as an unauthorized transfermeaning when a criminal impersonated a customer or got access to an account without the customers help. The pig-butchering scams of today often slip through the cracks of banks anti-money laundering and fraud detection programs, since victims are tricked by scammers into authorizing the fraudulent transactions themselves.

Craig plays fetch with his dog, Joy.Family photos at the Hurts home.

In April 2021, Craig landed at Arvest, opening a checking account at a branch a five-minute drive from the Hurts home. There he began sending more wires to the scammers, starting with a payment of $25,000 and quickly escalating to larger amounts.

Craig sent the wires in-person and with the help of Arvest employees, according to the Hurts lawsuit. To fund the transfers, he liquidated the Hurts retirement funds at Raymond James. He also drained his mothers trust and, after being told he need to pay additional fees to access his fake investment earnings, the funds from a $350,000 home-equity loan on the Hurts home.

Anamaries lawsuit would later cite the federal anti-money-laundering laws that require banks to screen for suspicious activity. Despite what the suit calls obvious red flags, such as the size of the transfers and the suspicious names of the recipients, the Arvest employees who assisted Craig didnt investigate his wire payments or alert Anamarie, whose name was on the account.

Those failures constituted a form of legal negligence, Anamaries lawyers argued. They also questioned Arvests approval of the home-equity loan, because taking out such a loan usually requires signatures from all owners of the residence. But Anamarie hadnt known about the loan and didnt sign any documents for it, according to her suit.

Other lawsuits by scam victims accuse banks of failing to sufficiently vet bank accounts opened by scammers to launder pig-butchering funds or cite state laws, including a California statute that allows victims to bring suit against institutions or individuals who assist in elder abuse. In an ongoing lawsuit there, an 80-year-old widow named Alice Lin has accused JPMorgan Chase and several of its employees of aiding pig-butchering scammers who defrauded her of nearly her entire life savings.

Lin, who hadnt sent a wire transfer in more than six years, was scammed into wiring $720,000 over the course of three weeks, according to the suit. In a victory for Lin, a federal judge last year denied a motion by JPMorgan to dismiss the case.

A JPMorgan spokesman said the bank disputes her claims and that employees warned her the payments would be irreversible.

During the Hurts visit to the police in 2022, an officer told Anamarie to get power of attorney over Craig. The next day Craig refused to go along with it and threatened to kill himself. She sought psychiatric help for Craig, and got a court to appoint her his legal guardian. The Hurts dont have children.

At Arvest just days later, Anamarie and her sister discovered that only a few hundred dollars remained in the Hurts checking account.

Oh, we know Craig," Anamarie recalled the bank manager saying. Hes in here all the time."

Its their money

In some states, a bank like Arvest might have been able to pause the payments that Craig was making, and been required to report his behavior to authorities or make a reasonable attempt to contact Anamarie or another family member.

That wasnt the case in Oklahoma. The state has some requirements for investment advisers and broker-dealers such as Raymond James, but none for banksoften the last stop before a victims money is sent to scammers and lost forever. For joint accounts, banks arent typically required to notify another account holder of any suspicious withdrawals.

More than 20 states do have laws that provide banks with a safe harbor from legal action for delaying transactions if they suspect a client is the victim of financial exploitation. More than 40 have a similar safe harbor for investment professionals such as broker-dealers.

Manybut not allof the state laws specifically apply to clients over the age of 60 or 65. In some cases, the laws also require a report to state authorities or permit banks to contact a trusted third party such as a family member.

Anamarie searches through binders of credit card statements and bank statements.

In Alabama, safe harbor rules have allowed the state to prevent millions of dollars from being siphoned from seniors, said Amanda Senn, director of the states securities regulator. A rule enabling investment professionals to delay a payment for up to 25 days went into effect in 2016, and a parallel safe harbor for banks was created in 2021.

Banks and financial advisers have filed a growing number of reports of potential exploitation since Alabama created the twin rules. The Alabama Securities Commission received 37 reports in the first full fiscal year after the first rule went into effect. In its most recent fiscal year, the commission received 319.

Financial professionals are looking out for their customers, but its getting increasingly harder for everyone," said Senn.

Calls for federal legislation that addresses banks responsibilities around elder fraud and investment scams have been growing. Last year, Democrats in Congress introduced a bill that would have expanded the 1970s era fraud laws and forced banks to cover losses in cases where consumers are tricked into sending payments.

Some industry representatives have argued for regulatory guidance that would allow banks to better share information with each other about customers impacted by scammers.

Plaintiffs lawyers and victim advocates have also pushed states to go further than current hold laws, which allow banks to delay transactions if they wish, by requiring banks to do so if they have a reasonable suspicion of fraud.

Last year, Californias legislature voted to pass a law that would have required banks and other businesses to create an emergency contact program and delay suspicious transactions for elderly account holders age 65 or older. The California Bankers Association opposed the legislation, arguing that banks were ill-equipped to second-guess their customers decision," and the bill was eventually vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The argument is that its the customer whos doing it," said Ken Palla, a financial security expert and former director at MUFG Union Bank. Its their money, and they can direct us where to send it."

Victims can be adamant and refuse to believe family members or authorities who tell them they are being scammed. They really wrap these people around the axle," Palla said.

Craig and Anamarie head upstairs to Craigs den, where he spends much of his time.

On at least one occasion, Craig upbraided an Arvest customer-service representative over the phone after he was questioned about a suspicious $1,000 Zelle payment, according to a recording of the call reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

The representative told Craig it was a red flag that the name on the Zelle account where he was trying to send money didnt match the name in the email address he was given. Craigs Zelle account had been frozen as a result.

I dont need an overseer," Craig responded. If you dont want to do it, just cancel the transaction, and Ill do it somewhere else."

The Arvest representative ultimately declined to unfreeze the account, according to the recording. You can get employee of the year," Craig told him sarcastically.

Death threats

Shortly after discovering the scam, Anamarie learned something else about Craig that helped explain what had happened. His doctor told her that Craig had vascular dementia, likely due to a brain injury from a fall he took in 2015 while walking his brother-in-laws dog.

Someone with vascular dementia can be completely articulate and appear normal to their friends and family, but also be impaired in their ability to assess risk and make decisions. Anamarie had been aware of the injury, but was under the impression that Craig had mostly recovered after being given medication.

Her lawyers also uncovered more about how scammers manipulated Craig into wresting control of his funds from his longtime financial adviser at Raymond James. The adviser had repeatedly tried to convince Craig that Tiffany" was scamming him, to no avail. While Oklahoma doesnt have a law enabling banks to pause transactions, it does provide a safe harbor for broker-dealers to do so.

Around August 2021, Raymond Jamess compliance department placed restrictions on Craigs accounts and alerted the states adult protective services agency about his behavior, according to emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal and a person familiar with the matter.

But Craig still insisted on withdrawing money from his Raymond James accounts for fake cryptocurrency investments. Eventually he moved his funds to a Fidelity brokerage account, where they were cashed out and transferred to Arvest.

You do not want to be the one who effectuated his request for a scam and likely immense losslet him do it elsewhere," a compliance executive told Craigs financial adviser in an email. We all tried our best to help him."

Whether the firm fully alerted Anamarie is unclear. Anamarie said she recalls one phone conversation with their adviser at Raymond James but said the adviser was vague and that the call left her confused. The adviser said he fully informed Anamarie of what was happening.

In an email following that call, she told the adviser that she had confronted Craig about whether he was being scammed after coming home and finding him on the phone transferring funds from Fidelity. I cannot convince him hes being scammedHe has it in his head he knows what hes doing," Anamarie wrote.

She said she later forgot about the email and the incident and that to her knowledge adult protective services never reached out. Oklahoma Human Services declined to comment and said all cases are confidential. Raymond James still manages a separate IRA fund that is solely owned by Anamarie.

In the months that followed the Hurts visit to the police station, the scammers proved reluctant to let go of Craig. They infiltrated their devices, revealing on one occasion that they knew Anamaries exact location: Right now you at the dance at the senior center."

Anamarie eventually took Craigs phone away completely. For a year, she slept with her laptop, phone and wallet under her pillow so he couldnt get hold of them.

The arbitration with Arvest is scheduled to take place later this year. Other lawsuits against banks have faced dismissal or been settled on undisclosed terms, which has the effect of preventing the suits from creating legal precedent.

Thanks to Anamaries measures, Craigs behavior has normalized somewhat. He has stopped trying to sneak off to local convenience stores to buy gift cards for women he is chatting with online. He now sleeps for 18-20 hours a day, Anamarie said, often in the recliner where he still searches for his phone.

He has never apologized about the damage he caused, Anamarie said. Given the opportunity, he seems to think he could make everything right, she said, saying he has told her, All I need is one more investment."

Write to Dylan Tokar at dylan.tokar@wsj.com
Elon Musk joined President Trump in the Oval Office in May as his role at the Department of Government Efficiency drew to a close.

For the U.S. government, breaking up with Elon Musk is easier said than done.

Just days after President Trump in early June raised the prospect of cutting ties with Musks businesses, the Trump administration initiated a review of SpaceXs contracts with the federal government, according to people familiar with the matter. The review was intended to identify potential waste in the multibillion-dollar agreements the company has with the government, the people said.

But administration officials determined that they couldnt eliminate most of those contracts because they are critical to the Defense Department and NASA, the people said. The early assessment underscored the companys dominance as the worlds pre-eminent rocket launcher and a major satellite-internet provider.

A White House official said the review of government contracts focused on a range of companies with lucrative government contracts.

Musk and SpaceX didnt respond to requests for comment.

Space Xs scorecard

Musk was once one of Trumps closest advisers, overseeing the cost-cutting effort known as the Department of Government Efficiency. But the relationship between the two men ruptured after the billionaire publicly criticized Trumps signature tax-and-spending bill.

On June 5, as Musks social-media attacks turned personal, Trump posted on Truth Social that the easiest way to save federal dollars was to terminate" the government contracts for Musks companies.

Days later, a senior General Services Administration official asked the Defense Department to fill out a spreadsheet with all of its current SpaceX contracts and other transaction agreements, according to an email described to The Wall Street Journal. The June 9 email was sent by Josh Gruenbaum, the GSAs commissioner for the Federal Acquisition Service. In the email, Gruenbaum said he planned to share the data with the White House.

Gruenbaum also made similar requests for information about SpaceX contracts to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and nearly half a dozen other federal agencies, according to an administration official. The spreadsheets, which are known as scorecards," included the value of the SpaceX contracts and whether a competitor could do the same job more effectively, this official said.

Instead of terminating SpaceX contracts after reviewing the data, White House and agency officials, including those at the Pentagon, determined that most of the deals were vital to the missions of the Defense Department and NASA, according to some of the people familiar with the matter. One of the people said some SpaceX contracts could face continued scrutiny.

SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell met with White House officials in recent weeks as the review was ongoing, people familiar with the matter said.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk gave Donald Trump, then the president-elect, a tour of the companys Starbase facility in Texas before a launch last November.

Musks dominance in space

In struggling to find ways to reduce the governments dependence on SpaceX, the Trump administration highlighted how much agencies rely on the companys sophisticated technology. At least for now, the government has limited alternatives for many rocket launches and low-Earth-orbit satellite services, a situation that continues to give SpaceXand Musk himselfan outsize role in space.

The government has been aware of this dynamic for years, and the Trump administrations review is the latest sign that policymakers are wrestling with the situation. SpaceXs dominance has also sparked frustration among industry rivals.

Government officials have expanded agencies work with SpaceX because of the companys technology and prices. They have also pushed other space companies to step up and designed some contracts to stoke competition. Many rivals still have hurdles to overcome as they develop their own space vehicles and satellites, and race to get them into service.

Several companies have faced delays and technical challenges as they worked on products that would compete with SpaceX. Setbacks are common as engineers try to mature complex hardware designed for space, and Musks company has faced its own problems of late with a new vehicle.

SpaceX executives have said the company believes strongly in competition, and its rockets often launch rivals satellites to space. At an investor event in November, Shotwell said that the company has earned its contracts with the government by offering the best prices and executing.

This year, the company has won more government contracts and continued working on major missions following the spat between the president and Musk.

In April, SpaceX was awarded the most money and launches under a closely watched Pentagon contract, winning 28 national-security flights in a new deal valued at $5.9 billion. It launched an upgraded GPS satellite for the Space Force in May. NASA is planning to have SpaceX fly a new crew to the International Space Station at the end of this month.

The companys Falcon rockets, which rely on reusable boosters, have emerged as workhorses for government space missions. SpaceXs Crew Dragon spacecraft is the only U.S. vehicle certified to fly people to and from the space station.

Musks threatlater walked backto decommission Crew Dragon during his feud with Trump last month sparked worry inside NASA, the Journal previously reported. The agency has long wanted to have two different options for astronaut space-station missions.

SpaceX also has a growing business providing high-speed internet to government agencies through its Starlink satellite fleet. A SpaceX division called Starshield provides several national-security satellite capabilities, and secured a major classified deal a few years ago from the intelligence agency that operates U.S. spy satellites.

Write to Brian Schwartz at brian.schwartz@wsj.com, Shalini Ramachandran at Shalini.Ramachandran@wsj.com and Micah Maidenberg at micah.maidenberg@wsj.com
Jaipur, Jul 20 (PTI) About 1,190 MW capacity decentralised solar plants were installed in the last one year in Rajasthan under the PM-KUSUM scheme, an official statement said.

A total of 684 decentralised solar plants with a combined capacity of 1,305 MW have been set up in Rajasthan so far, of which 592 plants (1,190 MW) were installed in the past 12 months.

Unlike conventional large-scale solar parks, KUSUM scheme promotes small-capacity, grid-connected plants installed by farmers themselves or in partnership with developers on barren land. The plants are set up within 5 km of a grid substation and offer electricity at a significantly lower rate , 2.09-3 per unit compared to thermal power.

As a result, the scheme is now being seen as a dual solution for clean energy and rural livelihood, with farmers turning into power producers while discoms benefit from low-cost, low-loss distribution, the statement said.

The scheme's implementation, previously handled by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation, has now been handed over to power discoms as per central guidelines.

Officials said that procedural bottlenecks were addressed by setting up dedicated officers, issuing SOPs, and facilitating land and loan-related issues to speed up installations.

Among the state's three discoms, Jodhpur leads with 997.5 MW, followed by Jaipur (169.22 MW) and Ajmer (137.33 MW). Nationally, Rajasthan ranks first in the KUSUM scheme's Component-A and third in Component-C, after Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The state government has said it aims to provide daytime electricity for agriculture to all farmers by 2027, with around 1 lakh already benefiting from the scheme.
CoinDCX, one of Indias largest crypto exchanges, confirmed a major security breach after hackers wiped out approximately $44 million from the platform.

The attack happened early Saturday.

However, CoinDCX founders have assured customers that their assets are safe and losses will be covered by treasury reserves.

Does hacking impact CoinDCX customers ?

The Mumbai-based crypto exchange clarified that the attack does not impact wallets used to store customer assets.

The compromised account was used "exclusively" for liquidity provisioning on a partner exchange.

"Today, one of our internal operational accounts - used only for liquidity provisioning on a partner exchange - was compromised due to a sophisticated server breach, said CoinDCX Co-founder, Sumit Gupta, on X.

He also said that the losses will be covered by the companys treasury reserves, which are sufficiently healthy to cover the amount.

Update on the platforms operations Shortly after the announcement, the company said that the Coindcx Web3 trading was temporarily shut as a precaution, but now its live again.

The platform has not stopped trading and INR withdrawals on the crypto exchange, though it urged investors not to panic sell.

A gentle reminder: Dont panic sell your assets. It often leads to poor prices and unnecessary losses. Let the markets settle. Stay calm, stay confident," says Gupta in another X post.

Recovery process underway The company stated that the internal security and operations teams have been working along with leading cybersecurity partners to investigate the matter, patch any vulnerabilities and trace the movement of funds.

We are collaborating with the exchange partner to block and recover assets, including coming out with a bug bounty program soon.

Also Read | Crypto Mixer Co-Founder on Trial as Trump Embraces Digital Assets

The bug bounty program is a deal offered by companies to individuals, often ethical hackers, to report software vulnerabilities and security breaches in exchange for recognition and monetary rewards

Gupta also assured that though the scale of this incident is not huge, the company will work hard to recover its funds. "We will share all the details of the incident as the team validates all the facts.

Crypto platforms on high alert This is not an isolated incident of an attack on a crypto exchange platform, as almost a year ago WazirX, which was once India's biggest crypto exchange, went through a similar ordeal.

WazirX faced a major security breach where hackers stole over $230 million in crypto assets due to compromised private keys linked to self-custodied wallets managed by the exchange.
New Delhi: Moscow-headquarteredRosneft Oil Company on Sunday described the European Unions (EU) latest sanction on Nayara Energys 20-million tonne refinery in Vadinar, Gujarat as unjustified and illegal.

The Nayara Energy refinery is a strategically important asset for the Indian energy industry, providing a stable supply of petroleum products to the countrys domestic market, the Russian state-owned energy major said in a statement on Sunday. The imposition of sanctions against the refinery directly threatens Indias energy security and will have a negative impact on its economy.

Rosneft also said that Nayara Energyin which it holds 49% stakewill take steps to protect the interests of its shareholders and consumers. We are counting on the fact that Nayara Energy will take measures to protect the legitimate interests of its shareholders and consumers, which will be supported by the governments of Russia and India, it said.

Also Read | Nayara refinery to be hit hard by EU sanctions on Russian oil

Rosneft emphasized that it is not a controlling shareholder of Nayara Energythe companys share in the authorized capital of the enterprise is less than 50%. The enterprise is managed by an independent board of directors, it said.

EU sanctions On Friday, in an attempt to target Russias ability to raise revenues from its oil and energy sector as it wages war with Ukraine, the EU unveiled sanctions on Nayaras Vadinar refinery and also lowered the price cap on Russian oil by 15% to $47.6 per barrel from $60. Among other steps, it also imposed sanctions on more shadow fleet ships, which are largely used for moving crude oil from Russia.

Rosnefts statement on Sunday further said that the EUs grounds for imposing sanctions are completely far-fetched and false in content. Nayara Energy is an Indian legal entity whose economic activity is aimed at the development of its asset. The entity is taxed entirely in India, it said, while adding that Nayara Energy shareholders have never received dividend payments and the accumulated profits have been used exclusively for the development of the refinery and petrochemicals and the companys retail network in India.

The statement added that these sanctions are examples of extraterritorial implementation of politically motivated restrictions that blatantly violate international law and infringe on the economic interests of a sovereign state.

To be sure, Nayara has the largest private sector retail fuel network of the country with about 6,500 fuel bunks, out of the total of about 90,000 petrol pumps in Indiaa market dominated by state-owned oil and gas companies.

The statement further said such actions of the EU demonstrate complete disregard not only for international law, but also for the sovereignty of third countries.

Rosneft views these sanctions as part of the EUs destructive policy aimed at destabilizing global energy markets. The restrictions on Nayara Energy are yet another example of the EUs use of unfair competition practices, said the Russian energy major.

The statement by the Council of European Union had also said on Friday: The bloc will ban the import of 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 Russias crude oil from reaching the EU market through the back door.

Following the EUs move, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, said in a statement late on Friday night that India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures. We are a responsible actor and remain fully committed to our legal obligations, he said.
CAIRO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad has resigned to take up her new role as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Egyptian cabinet announced Sunday.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly accepted Fouad's resignation and assigned Local Development Minister Manal Awad to temporarily carry out the environment minister's duties in addition to her current role, according to a cabinet statement.

Madbouly said Fouad's appointment is "a testament to her capability to assume major responsibilities to support the international organization's efforts" and "a culmination of her long-standing efforts and expertise in the field."

In a separate statement, the Environment Ministry said Fouad expressed gratitude for President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi's support for environmental efforts, highlighted her cooperation with Madbouly and relevant ministries, and voiced confidence in Awad's ability to continue advancing Egypt's environmental work.

She also highlighted Egypt's progress over the past years in integrating environmental priorities into national development policies, including waste management, air quality, and biodiversity conservation.

Fouad had been serving as Egypt's environment minister since 2018. Her appointment as UNCCD executive secretary was announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in May. 
Buy or sell: This week, the Indian equity markets witnessed significant profit booking, with the Nifty 50 ending at 24,968, marking a weekly decline of 0.76%. The index broke decisively below the consolidation range of 25,20025,600, which it had maintained for the past two weeks. Heavy selling pressure on Friday, triggered by concerns over a potentially weak earnings season and disappointing quarterly results from Axis Bank, led to the breakdown. Despite the weakness, Nifty managed to sustain support near the 24,800 level, which coincides with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the recent corrective move.

Weekly market outlook Nifty 50 From a technical perspective, a sustained close above the 25,00025,200 zone would reinforce bullish sentiment and pave the way for a potential rally toward the 25,600 levels in the coming weeks. Conversely, a breach below 24,800 could indicate a short-term pause or minor correction in the ongoing uptrend. The broader market trend remains constructive as long as the index holds above the 25,00025,200 range. Notably, the 24,90025,000 zone now stands out as a strong support area, backed by the highest Put Open Interest (OI), suggesting that dips toward this level may present buying opportunities. On the upside, immediate resistance lies at 25,200 and 25,500, where the highest Call OI is concentrated. A sustained move above 25,600 would be required to confirm the resumption of bullish momentum. Until then, a stock-specific trading strategy is advisable.

Bank Nifty Bank Nifty also closed the week on a weak note at 56,283, weighed down by subdued earnings from Axis Bank and lackluster commentary. The index continues to exhibit weakness and now faces immediate resistance at the 57,000 mark. A decisive breakout above this level could trigger a fresh uptrend, with upside potential toward the 58,50059,000 range. On the downside, any dip toward the 56,000 level is likely to attract buying interest, making it a crucial support zone for the index.

Market Strategy & Key Levels On a broader timeframe, both Nifty and Bank Nifty ended the week above their respective monthly support levels23,800 for Nifty and 55,000 for Bank Niftyindicating a continuation of the prevailing bullish sentiment. For the upcoming week, key levels to monitor include support at 24,80025,000 and resistance at 25,600 for Nifty, while Bank Nifty holds support at 55,00055,500 and faces resistance at 58,000. Traders are advised to remain vigilant to global cues and geopolitical developments, which may influence short-term market direction. While the underlying market trend remains constructive, a breakout above the mentioned resistance levels would confirm the resumption of upward momentum.

Weekly stocks to buy or sell Buy Pidilite Industries at 2950-2960; Stop Loss at 2900; Target Price of 3030.

Buy Tata Steel at 160-162; Stop Loss at 155; Target Price of 168.

Buy Interglobe Aviation at 5840-5860; Stop Loss at 5780 ; Target Price of 6100.
The first quarter of FY26 kicked off with a bang as global tariff threats and geopolitical jitters sent shivers through the markets. While big institutional players turned defensive, some individual investors were busy making audacious moves, picking up stakes in select small cap and mid cap counters.

A Mint analysis of 1,335 BSE-listed firms that have disclosed their shareholding details for the June quarter showed that retail shareholding rose in more than 44% (595 firms) of these companies. Of these, 38 stocks saw a simultaneous drop in foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and mutual fund holdings. Many of these companies operate in sectors such as capital goods, infrastructure, auto components, and pharma.

The surge in retail inflows into small and mid cap stocks in Q1 FY26 reflects momentum chasing, mobile trading access, and online investor conviction even as institutions turned cautious. FPIs and mutual funds shifted to large caps, highlighting a classic late-cycle divergence in sentiment and positioning," said Smit Dasani, research analyst at Invasset PMS.

A look at five such companies  M M Forgings, Kesoram Industries, Anant Raj, Transformers & Rectifiers, and Jyoti Structures  reveals a striking divergence between institutional and retail moves in Q1FY26 on a sequential basis. Retail investors seem to be betting big on them while institutions are fearful.

Also Read | Indias IPO boom cools in 2025

M M Forgings: A comeback story

Retail investors returned to M M Forgings, a small cap auto components company, in a dramatic way. Retail shareholding jumped nearly 16 percentage points (pps) in the June quarter after a near exit in the previous quarter, data sourced from Capitaline showed. Individuals (holding nominal share capital up to 2 lakh) held a share of 13.9% as of December 2024.

Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) trimmed their stake by 1.25 pps to 3.4%, and mutual funds cut holdings by 0.61 pps to 7.2%. Interestingly, the company delivered a 13% return in Q1FY26, possibly leading to profit-booking by institutional investors.

The company registered a 9.6% fall in net profit for FY25 and trades at a P/E ratio of 16.9, below its five-year median of 18.9. Analysts at Anand Rathi have maintained a 'buy' rating on the stock with a reduced 12-month target price of 480, citing steady earnings growth and 11% earnings-per-share growth over FY25-27.

Kesoram Industries: Cement exit, retail entry

Kesoram Industries, a BK Birla Group company, recently demerged its cement business, which was subsequently merged with UltraTech. It will now focus on its rayon and transparent paper businesses. Retail ownership in the company rose 5.5 pps sequentially to 13% in Q1FY26.

Meanwhile, mutual funds completely exited the stock and FPIs reduced their stake by around 200 basis points (bps) to 2.4%. This follows a steady FPI selloff since June 2024. The stock rewarded investors with a 43.4% return in the quarter, despite a widening net loss of 99.3 crore and a 9% drop in revenue from continuing operations.

The demerger of the cement business to UltraTech may have sharpened investor focus on the core segments. While institutions exited on earnings pressure, retail seems to be banking on the restructuring story playing out," said Dasani.

Anant Raj: Betting on data center growth

Real estate firm Anant Raj saw retail investors raise their stake by 260 bps to 13.15% in Q1FY26. Meanwhile, FPIs cut their holding by 2 pps and mutual funds pared their stake by 0.5 pps, continuing the institutional selloff since March.

The stock, however, posted a negative return of 8.1% during the quarter, weighed down by rich valuations. It trades at a P/E of 47.7, slightly above its five-year medianof 44.05.

Despite this, brokerage Emkay research is optimistic, maintaining a buy rating with a target price of 800. The company recently commissioned its second data center at Panchkula and plans to ramp up total capacity to 63 MW in two years. Analysts expect data centre revenue to grow 15-fold by FY27, funded largely via internal accruals, keeping debt levels in check.

Transformers & Rectifiers: Capacity expansion, retail confidence

Transformers & Rectifiers India, a key supplier of high-voltage transformers, saw a 1.5 pps rise in retail holding in Q1FY26 to 15.9%. FPIs and mutual funds cut their stakes by 0.36 and 1.03 pps, respectively.

The stock declined 2.8% during the quarter even as FY25 revenue grew 56% year-on-year to 2,016 crore and PAT jumped nearly 360% to 216 crore, leading to margin expansion.

According to an Anand Rathi report, the companys ongoing capexincluding 37,000 MVA of additional capacitycould turn it into a market leader. A 550-crore investment is being fully funded through a recent qualified institutional placement (QIP) and internal cash flows, with no major debt planned. The brokerage has initiated coverage with a 'buy' rating and a target of 670, even though the stock trades at a huge P/E of 70.1.

Also Read | Indian Hotels posts steady Q1, but high growth may be tough to sustain

Jyoti Structures: Quiet rise in retail interest

Jyoti Structures, a small-cap heavy electrical equipment firm, saw its retail holding rise by 1.26 pps to 36.66%, marking its highest addition in three quarters. Institutional investors were net sellers; FPIs reduced their stake by 1.07 pps, while mutual funds trimmed their stake by 0.06 pps.

The stock posted a modest Q1 return of 6.4% and is trading at a P/E ratio of 49.1, below its five-year median of 64.3, indicating possible room for a re-rating. The company has been steadily improving execution and financials after emerging from the corporate insolvency process a few years ago," said Dasani.
Indian stock market indicesthe Sensex and Nifty 50 ended on a weaker note on Friday, July 18, marking their third straight week of losses. The Nifty 50 slipped below the crucial 25,000 mark. Over the last three weeks, the Sensex has shed about 2,300 points, or nearly 3 per cent, and the Nifty 50 has seen a similar 3 per cent decline.

On July 18, the Nifty 50 declined by 143 points, or 0.57 per cent, settling at 24,968.40, while the Sensex dropped 502 points, or 0.61%, finishing at 81,757.73.

Markets edged lower on Friday, losing over half a percent, primarily due to weak earnings. A sharp decline in Axis Bank following its results made participants cautious ahead of upcoming earnings from other banking heavyweights, namely HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, which are scheduled over the weekend. Additionally, the results of another index heavyweight, Reliance Industries, expected after market hours on Friday, further added to the cautious sentiment. As a result, the Nifty index nearly tested the support zone of 24,900 before settling at 24,968.40 level, said Ajit Mishra  SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.

Also Read | Buy or sell: Ganesh Dongre of Anand Rathi suggests 3 stocks to buy on Monday

Indian stock market trends Markets continued to decline for the third straight week, as investor sentiment remained cautious amid a weak start to the earnings season and persistent uncertainty over the US-India trade agreement.

Like the previous week, the benchmark indices initially showed some strength in the first three sessions, but the momentum shifted downward in the latter part of the week.

By the end of the week, both the Nifty and Sensex closed near their weekly lows at 24,968.40 and 81,757.73, respectively.

On the Nifty outlook next week, brokerage firm Bajaj Broking said,  Nifty on the weekly chart formed a bear candle with a lower high and lower low signaling continuation of the corrective decline for the third consecutive week. Market activity was largely stock-specific, awaiting concrete cues on both macro and micro fronts. The market is expected to be volatile in Mondays session, driven by the quarterly results of key index heavyweightsReliance Industries, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank. These earnings will serve as a crucial trigger to watch. Key level to track remains at 24,900. A sustained breach below the same could prolong the corrective phase towards 24,60024,400. Conversely, holding above may trigger a technical rebound towards last week high (25,255). However, only a breakout past last weeks high would confirm a pause in ongoing correction and open upside potential towards 25,50025,600 in the near term.

Meanwhile, on the Bank Nifty outlook, it added,  Bank Nifty formed a sizable bear candle signaling profit booking at higher levels for the second session in a row. The index on Fridays session breached the last 10 sessions consolidation range 56,500-57,600 signaling extended decline. A follow through weakness will open further downside towards 55,000 levels. Key short-term term support is placed at 56,00055,500 region, representing a confluence of the 50-day EMA and the key retracement level.

Here are the key triggers for stock markets in the coming week: US-India trade deal India and the United States have completed the fifth round of discussions for the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in Washington. The four-day talks, held from July 14 to 17, were headed by Indias chief negotiator and special secretary in the commerce department, Rajesh Agrawal.

This round of negotiations is especially significant as both countries are working to finalize an interim trade pact before August 1. This date marks the conclusion of the suspension period for the Trump-era tariffs, which had introduced additional duties of up to 26% on imports from several nations, including India.

Trump's tariffs According to reports, Donald Trump has increased pressure in trade talks with the European Union by insisting that any agreement include a minimum tariff ranging between 15% and 20%.

Macroeconomic data On the macroeconomic side, key data indicators like Indias Infrastructure Output and HSBC Flash PMI figures for Manufacturing, Services, and Composite sectors will be closely monitored.

Q1 earnings The focus will stay on the ongoing earnings season as a number of major results are expected. In the coming sessions, several leading companies such as Infosys, Dr. Reddys Laboratories, Bajaj Finance, Nestle India, and Cipla are set to release their quarterly earnings.

IPO Activity The IPO buzz in the primary market is all set to continue as 10 new public issues, including four in mainboard segment, are scheduled to open for subscription next week.

Apart from new issues, the market will also witness three listings of IPOs in the coming week.

FII Activity Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) offloaded shares worth 3,694 crore in Indian equities, whereas Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) made net purchases amounting to 2,820 crore, as per provisional data from the NSE, on Friday, July 17.

DIIs bought shares totaling 13,523 crore and sold shares worth 10,702 crore. Meanwhile, FPIs purchased stocks worth 11,633 crore but sold 15,327 crore during the day.

Cumulatively for the year, FPIs have been net sellers of equities valued at 1.32 lakh crore, while DIIs have emerged as net buyers with a total of 3.67 lakh crore.

Crude Oil Prices Crude oil futures remained largely steady on Friday amid mixed signals from U.S. economic and tariff developments, along with concerns over supply due to the European Unions newest sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Brent crude slipped by 24 cents, or 0.3%, closing at $69.28 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined by 20 cents, or 0.3%, finishing at $67.34. Both benchmarks ended the week roughly 2% lower.

Gold Prices Gold prices climbed on Friday, supported by a softer U.S. dollar and persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainties that increased the appeal of the safe-haven asset. Meanwhile, platinum prices dipped after touching their highest levels since 2014.

Spot gold was up 0.4% at $3,351.18 per ounce, rebounding after a 1.1% decline in the previous session.

Technical View According to Ajit Mishra  SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, market indices to remain in a consolidation phase with a negative bias in the near term, driven by a weak start to the earnings season and prevailing global uncertainties.

" Nifty ended the week below the key psychological mark of 25,000, indicating sustained caution. The index remains vulnerable to further downside if it breaks below the immediate support zone of 24,900. A breakdown could drag the index toward the 24,45024,700 zone in the coming sessions.

On the upside, the 20-day EMAcurrently acting as a short-term hurdlemay restrict recovery around the 25,250 mark. A decisive move above this level is essential for any bullish reversal. Until then, the broader trend is expected to remain under pressure," Mishra said.
Vittorio De Sica walks on to the set, a vast expanse of sand. Handsome, hair perfect, dressed in a suit, he graciously acknowledges the crew clapping, and says, Please, save the applause for when Im finished." He sets up the shot: Moses leading the slaves out of Egypt. As a crane lifts his chair up, he says through the megaphone, I need more sand in the desert," an instruction his assistant dutifully repeats.

This is the kind of the joke youd expect in a film written by Neil Simon and starring Peter Sellers. But what might surprise some is that After the Fox is directed by De Sica himself. In the 1940s, he was one of the central figures of the neorealist movement in Italian cinema, which prioritised location shooting, non-professional actors and social themes. His unadorned, emotional films, which included Shoeshine (1946), Bicycle Thieves (1948) and Umberto D. (1952), made him one of the most famous directors in the world.

Also Read | Disturbing the peace to dispel the fog of war

How did De Sica end up making a silly slapstick caper? Well, the star asked for him. Simon, already a successful New York playwright, found his maiden screenplay about a fake director in Italy optioned by British actor Peter Sellers, who wanted to work with De Sica. But its also true that De Sica, though best known for his neorealist films, was a wide-ranging director with a particular fondness for comedies. He came aboard the project with Cesare Zavattini, writer of Rosselinis Rome, Open City and many of De Sicas own 1940s and 50s classics.

Aldo Vanucci, played with fake Italian accent and real gusto by Sellers, is a master thief in semi-retirement. Tempted by the thought of one last job, he agrees to help move the goldarriving by ship in Italyfrom a recent robbery in Cairo. The trouble is, hes only just broken out of jail and the police are looking for him. Hiding from the Carabinieri in a movie theatre, he stumbles upon a solution. Aldo and his cronies turn up in the seaside village of Sevalio (with equipment stolen from the De Sica Moses film), telling everyone the famous director Federico Fabrizi is there to shoot a film with Hollywood star Tony Powell (Victor Mature) and new sensation Gina Romantica", actually Aldos cinema-mad sister (Britt Ekland). The plan is to use the production as cover until they get hold of the gold bars and escape.
Cramps, mood swings, food cravings and more, periods come with a horde of symptoms. If its anxiety and depression for some, it's headaches and acne for others. Yet, periods and the mental load that accompanies it is never really discussed. A report released by period panty brand Mahina, Beyond Blood: The Unseen Burden of Every Cycle in May, states that with every cycle, not only do women feel the cramps and changes in mood, they also experience a mental load, an emotional strain, that is often carried in silence. The report surveyed 1,000 menstruators across eight major cities, aged between 18-45 years.

The mental period charge is the often unwritten emotional expense that womens periods cost them, says Dr Prachi Sarin Sethi, senior obstetrician, gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon. As Sethi explains, its bigger than tolerating physical symptoms like pain or fatigue. Its the emotional expense of planning life according to a fluctuant cycle, ignoring the pain at the workplace and social spaces, and experiencing hormone fluctuations which have the potential to impact mood, confidence, and attention. It includes a silent arithmetic where one learns how its possible to perform normally when one feels far from it."

Also Read | How to deal with the real struggle of menopausal brain fog

Period mental load is an often unacknowledged burden that women carry every cycle. Its the constant mental effort of planning, adjusting, and worrying about leaks, and yet, no one sees it. The silence (masking symptoms to appear normal) is deeply ingrained in how we view periods; its time we change the narrative and give women the space to be honest about their experiences," says Natasha Jamal, founder of Mahina.

Citing data from the report conducted by her company, Jamal says, 2 out of 3 women feel like men expect them to hide the physical and mental toll of menstruation, even if they share a close relationship."

When I first got my periods, they werent a huge deal apart from the cramps. But over time, the mood swings kicked in, and now they hit hard. Today, I can tell by when Ill be getting my periods as even the smallest things  the tiniest sound, a comment, a glance  get under my skin," says Sony Anand, a 35-year-old Kochi-based IT professional. Pointing out to memes that make light of things with lines like, I know my periods coming when everything my husband does annoys me", Anand rues, We might laugh it off but it's really not funny when youre experiencing it. Its messy, overwhelming, and no one really talks about how draining it is."

A 2024 study by Mpower Minds, a mental health organisation and Ujaas, a menstrual health initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, that spoke to over 2,400 women revealed that 55 percent women had trouble focusing on or completing work and other everyday chores while on their periods.

Poonam Patkar, head of Ujaas says, To me, the period mental load is the invisible burden that menstruators feel. Its a constant calculation of: Do I have enough pads for the day?" What if theres a stain?" Can I ask someone for help without feeling ashamed?" Should I speak up about my pain, or just push through like always?"" Patkar talks of interactions she has had with young girls and women about the lack of conversations and support around them during their cycles. Young girls, especially during their first few cycles, express a deep sense of fear, confusion, and self-consciousness. Theres the normalizing of this strainhow so many women shrug off their discomfort as just part of being a woman. That silent acceptance, passed on from one generation to the next, is a reflection of how deeply embedded this mental load is in our lives," she notes.

Despite increased awareness, silence around menstruation persists across cities, classes, and generations, says Payel Chakraborty, psychologist at Mpower Minds. Women may hesitate to talk about period struggles, fearing it will be seen as a sign of weakness or an excuse. The workplace, in particular, rarely offers psychological safety around these topics, reinforcing the need to mask pain and fatigue."

Menstruation is a fundamental part of life for at least 50 per cent of the population. Yet, it is treated as something shameful and taboo. The struggle is real, says Jamal, sharing staggering statistics from the research conducted by her company 41% women avoid long-distance travel while on their periods, 38% wake up in the middle of the night just to change products, and for 34%, social interactions are reduced. PMS (premenstrual symptom) or PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) can significantly affect the mental health of a woman, which can trigger mood swings, depression, anxiety, feeling lonely etc. Many women also feel a bit disconnected at this time, and here the role of her support group also matters, whether her partner, family, friends understand her situation, are aware of this and do something to minimize their experience," Sethi adds.

This quiet pressure on women to be resilient" to the point of invisibility normalizes suffering and pushes menstruators to ignore their bodies rather than listen to them. Women shouldnt hesitate talking about it," says Patkar adding that at Ujaas, one of our goals is to create space for these conversationsto say out loud what so many feel."

Recalling a time when she wanted to just curl up and rest, but forced herself to sit through long hours and work, pretending everything was fine because talking about periods felt almost embarrassing," Neha Badlani, a 39-year-old Mumbai-based PR professional believes it is high time safe spaces were created where women can vocalise that they aren't okay while on their period and be heard. The shift needs to start now with more women speaking up."

The Mahina report talks about the need to raise awareness and drive a period revolution  one that challenges taboos, demands safer and more inclusive products, and reclaims the narrative around menstruation. We hope to spark deeper conversations and encourage innovation that centres the lived experiences of menstruators in Indiastarting with intuitive, body-positive solutions like period panties, which prioritise comfort, ease, and confidence throughout the menstrual cycle," says Jamal.

Sumitra Nair is an independent journalist based in Kochi.

Also Read | Your guide to effective period pain relief products to buy today
Indias Income Tax Act is getting its biggest rewrite in over six decades. The Select Committee of Parliament has unanimously adopted the draft Income Tax Bill, 2025, which proposes 285 amendments to the original draft tabled in the Lok Sabha on 13 February.

The government has accepted most of the committees recommendations, paving the way for its likely passage in the ongoing monsoon session.

At first glance, the new Bill appears to simplify Indias notoriously dense tax code. Its shorter, cleaner, and more intuitively laid out. But scratch the surface, and questions emerge: does a change in language truly make for a simpler law?

Also Read | Income tax filing: How to deal with inaccuracies in annual information statement

A clean slate

While the new Income Tax Bill boasts a significantly reduced word countalmost half of the existing Income Tax Actthis brevity is largely a result of smart formatting and presentation rather than a fundamental simplification of the law.

Much of the detailed content that previously existed as dense prose in long-winded sections, sub-sections, provisos and explanations has now been streamlined into clearer tables, schedules, and structured sections.

For instance, the existing bulky sub-clauses containing saving and investment avenues in section 80C have now been moved into a separate Schedule XV. This reorganization enhances readability and accessibility, but the underlying legal complexity and scope of the law largely remain intact.

Words that matter

The Bill replaces traditional legal expressions like notwithstanding anything" with irrespective of anything." While the latter may sound simpler, it lacks the legal clarity that decades of judicial interpretation have attached to the former. Notwithstanding" indicates overriding powerirrespective" does not carry that settled meaning, potentially reigniting legal disputes courts had already resolved.

Moreover, for a common taxpayer, both phrases remain equally opaque. Replacing legalese with plain language doesnt necessarily make the law easier to followcertainty in interpretation matters more than tone.

Theres no change in the fundamental classification of income. The new Bill retains all five heads of incomesalaries, house property, business or profession, capital gains, and other sources. These are simply presented in a neater layout.

Key provisions, such as tax slabs, standard deductions, and the 12 lakh threshold under the new regime, remain as defined in the Finance Act, 2025. This ensures continuity and avoids compliance shocksbut also means that long-standing complexities such as capital gains computation, valuation rules, and transfer pricing remain intact.

Also Read | If you are trading in stocks or F&O, know these tax rules

Provisos reimagined

A major shift lies in how the Bill handles provisos. The 1961 Act used them to carve out exceptions to main provisions, often viewed as subordinate. The new Bill, however, replaces many of these with separate sub-sections.

While this improves visual clarity, it can change legal interpretationturning what was once an exception into a standalone obligation or right. This could reopen settled positions and generate fresh litigation, particularly when courts try to interpret these new standalone sub-sections.

In an unexpected move, the new Bill dials back the codified certainty around faceless assessments and appeals. Instead of clear statutory mandates, it leaves much of the process to be prescribed via future government notifications or schemes. This opens the door to discretionary interpretations and potential confusion around procedure.

The Bill explicitly grants tax authorities powers to access digital devices, cloud storage, and social media during search and seizure operations. Though these were often exercised informally, they now gain legal footing. This raises privacy concerns and the urgent need for clear procedural safeguards to prevent misuse.

The real test ahead

To its credit, the Bill streamlines definitions, introduces logical sequencing, and replaces dense legal blocks with structured tables and sub-sections. It also adopts more intuitive terminologysuch as replacing previous year" and assessment year" with tax year."

These changes will certainly help professionals and users navigate the law more easily. But true simplification requires more than a cosmetic faceliftit must reduce ambiguity and litigation, not merely restructure it.

The Income Tax Bill, 2025 brings welcome clarity in format and a future-ready design. But tax law isn't just about how it readsits about how it works. The laws strength lies in the continuity of judicial interpretation, and rewriting it without preserving this context risks making it unpredictable in practice.

The real test wont be readability. It will be how well the new law holds upin assessment proceedings, in courts, and in reducing taxpayer disputes.

Also Read | How to calculate tax if capital gains are your sole income in FY25

Mayank Mohanka is founder, TaxAaram India, and a partner at S.M. Mohanka & Associates.
Hong Kong lowered its storm alert further as tropical cyclone Wipha moved past the city, with Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. resuming flights.

The Hong Kong Observatory lowered the signal to No. 3 at 7:40 p.m. local time. It had raised the alert to No. 10 Sunday morning. Wipha was forecast to move west at about 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) per hour across the vicinity of western Guangdong province in China, the weather agency said on its website.

Also Read | Over 280 flights cancelled as Typhoon Wipha approaches Hong Kong

Wipha made landfall in Guangdong province at around 5:50 p.m. local time, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Nearly 280,000 people in Guangdong had been relocated as of 9 p.m. Saturday, according to a state media report.

Cathay Pacific said in a statement that it was continuing to monitor the weather forecast and will inform passengers if there are any further changes to their flights. The airline had earlier delayed or canceled all flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from Hong Kong between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Hong Kongs Hospital Authority said in a statement that 21 people had sought medical treatment during the typhoon. The Education Bureau suspended all special classes and other school events on Sunday.

Also Read | Chinas Resort Island Hainan Braces for First Typhoon of Season

In neighboring Macau, the government planned to lower its alert signal further between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. local time, according to the citys meteorological bureau. Major hotels in the city including the Venetian, the Parisian, the Londoner and the Four Seasons remained open.

In Vietnam, 38 people died in Halong Bay, in the northern part of the country after a boat capsized on Saturday afternoon amid bad weather, according to a post on the Vietnamese governments website. Dozens of flights were canceled and rerouted as the storm was forecast to hit Vietnams northern provinces from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa, according to a separate post on the governments website.

The Philippines government, meanwhile, warned heavy rains of up to 200 millimeters (7.87 inches) may persist until Tuesday in the main island of Luzon. Three people were left dead by the storm, three are missing, while more than 370,000 people were affected.

Hong Kong last raised its No. 10 signal in September 2023 when it was pummeled by Typhoon Saola, which caused flooding across the territory.
Calling the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash reports published by the western media as their vested interests, the Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Sunday said that there was no point jumping to conclusions before the AAIB report comes out.

AAIB has made an appeal to all, especially Western media houses, which may have a vested interest in the kind of articles they are trying to publish, Naidu said.

I believe in AAIB. They have done a wonderful job in decoding the black box in India itself. Making any comments until the final report comes out is not a good exercise. There is no point in jumping to conclusions at this point, he added.

The civil aviation minister was referring to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report, released on July 12, on the crash of Air India's Boeing 787-8 plane that killed 260 people, including 241 people onboard. The aircraft, which was operating the flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into a building soon after takeoff.

What the AIIB report revealed Seconds before Air India flight 171 crashed while ascending from Ahmedabad, the fuel control switches of both its engines were cut off, according to the preliminary investigation report, suggesting a catastrophic pilot error in the cockpit of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

A 15-page preliminary investigation report into the disaster revealed that fuel-control switches of the two engines moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position, within the space of one second, leading to immediate loss of altitude.

In the cockpit voice recording, one pilot is heard asking the other why he cut off the fuel. The other denied having done so.

The report by the AIIB neither concluded any reason for the switches moving nor apportioned explicit blame for the crash. It also did not identify the pilots in the voice recording. But it also said no fault was found in the aircraft.

Reports not based on factual content The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) President Captain CS Randhawa on Saturday called out The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, accusing them of not basing their reports on factual content while highlights the AIIB's preliminary report on the AI-171 plane crash.

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.

Also Read | NTSB slams media reports on AI-171 crash investigation

Also Read | Pilot Federation seeks apology from Reuters, WSJ over AI plane crash report

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.
New Delhi: The health ministry is set to deregulate the sale of common household liquid antiseptics, with a new policy in the works for easing wholesale licensing requirements for these products.

Currently, only retail sales of household antiseptics bought from licensed wholesalers are exempt from licensing, two officials and documents reviewed by the Mint said.

Household liquid antiseptics are those used for cleaning wounds or sanitizing surfaces at home such as Dettol and Savlon.

Also read | India restricts sale of TB drugs to government channels to curb resistance

This proposed change, supported by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC), aims to make hygiene products both more affordable and easier for consumers to access. It will also benefit companies that produce and sell liquid antiseptics, which are frequently used in homes for first aid on living tissues and have historically faced stricter regulations.

The move comes in the backdrop of the Centres plan to allow non-prescription drugs sales at neighbourhood stores.

Matter discussed

A discussion on this matter took place at the 66th meeting of the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) held last month chaired by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

Currently, there's a difference in how antiseptics and disinfectants are treated. While disinfectants, typically used for general cleaning purposes, are usually exempt from requiring special sales licenses, antiseptics, which are specifically designed for application to living tissues, have always been more regulated.

Also read | Centre asks states to tackle over-the-counter sale of prescription drugs

This issue is in consideration from 2022 to make household liquid antiseptics easier to buy. They were allowed to be sold without a special retail license, as long as they were purchased from a licensed wholesaler or manufacturer. Now, the industry is pushing even further, asking to remove the need for a wholesale license altogether for these products," said the official familiar with the matter.

A meeting was also held in May 2025 with the pharmaceutical companies and associations to take this matter forward.

Clearer approach

The official said that the government has suggested a clearer approach, i.e. divide antiseptics into two main groups. One group would be "household/daily use" antiseptics, and the other would be "hospital grade" antiseptics.

The idea is that the stronger, hospital-grade versions would still only be sold in licensed medical stores. But, everyday household antiseptics could be sold in regular shops, much like other common household items," the official added, adding that the matter will be taken up by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), a key advisory body.

A draft rule was even prepared to change the existing regulations. However, the ministry recommended getting more input from various interested parties and discussing it further," a second official aware of the matter said.

Also read | Govt doctors told to give suggestions on over-the-counter drugs in 3 months

The DTAB will now consider all these points and make its recommendations on the matter. If approved, this could mean that picking up a bottle of household antiseptic might become as straightforward as buying other daily necessities from your local store," the official added.

Krishna Khatwani, Head of Sales (India), Godrej Consumer Products Ltd said that dedicated antiseptic brands may benefit from increased distribution following deregulation.

Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson, DCGI, and antiseptic makers ITC, Reckitt, Apollo Pharmacy and HUL remained unanswered.
Brothers Pradeep and Kapil Negi from Himachal's Shillai village married the same woman named Sunita Chauhan, while embracing the tribal tradition of polyandry. Their videos have quickly gained widespread attention from social media. Netizens have found its origins from Mahabharata.

The trio stated there was no pressure on them when they finalised their decision. Traditional folk songs and dances brought vibrant energy to the ceremony, which started on July 12 and continued for three days in the Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur district.

What do the trio say? Originating from Kunhat village, Sunita expressed that she knew about the tradition beforehand and made her choice freely, highlighting her respect for the connection they share.

Pradeep, a native of Shillai village, holds a government job, whereas his younger brother Kapil is employed abroad.

Although Kapil lives overseas, he said that through this marriage, we're ensuring support, stability and love for our wife as a united family, adding, We've always believed in transparency.

"We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it and it was a joint decision," PTI quoted Pradeep as saying.

Netizens react One of the users said, Believe it or not - This is true. Origins of it are from Mahabharata. They follow the tradition of Droupadi having 5 husbands - the Pandavas! All brothers from a household marry the same girl! Another said, Just because its some old custom. Doesnt mean it has to be a good on. A third quipped, are zameen vivaad se bach jaynge. Polyandry was common in some parts of India and still prevalent. It was basically to avoid division of land due to poverty, commented a fourth user.

Hatti, a close-knit community located on the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border, was officially recognised as a Scheduled Tribe three years ago. Polyandry was a longstanding custom within this tribe for centuries. However, due to increasing literacy among women and the economic development of communities in the region, reports of polyandrous marriages have become rare.

Village elders noted that such marriages still occur, but they are conducted discreetly and socially accepted, although these instances are fewer in number. Experts explain that a primary reason behind this tradition was to prevent the division of ancestral land. Despite this, the issue of tribal womens share in ancestral property remains a significant concern.

The Hatti community consists of nearly 300,000 people residing across approximately 450 villages in the Trans Giri area of Sirmaur district. Polyandry continues to be practiced in some of these villages. The tradition was also common in Jaunsar Babar, a tribal region in Uttarakhand, as well as in Kinnaur, a tribal district in Himachal Pradesh.
NIAMEY, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerien army announced Saturday that it apprehended 21 individuals suspected of terrorism on July 13 while traveling in five vehicles in the Zinder region in the southeast of the country.

According to a military statement broadcast on national television, initial checks revealed that 13 of the suspects are foreign nationals, while the remaining eight are Nigerien citizens.

A search of the vehicles uncovered various items with potential military use, including camouflage gear, communication equipment, surveillance devices, fuel containers, cash and a substantial quantity of food supplies, the statement said.

The suspects and the confiscated materials have been transferred to Niamey and handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation. 
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar boldly asserted that no power on the planet can dictate India on how to handle its affairs, and that all the country's decisions are taken by its leadership.

Dhankhar made the remarks while addressing the officer trainees of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) 2024 batch at the Vice-President's Enclave, on Friday, July 19.

The Indian Vice President's comments come amid the mounting pressure from the Opposition for answers following US President Donald Trump's claims of brokering a "ceasefire" in the recent India and Pakistan conflict.

Also Read | US designates Pak group's proxy TRF as terrorists over Pahalgam attack

Don't be guided by narratives outside. All decisions in this country, a sovereign nation, are taken by its leadership. There is no power on the planet to dictate to India how to handle its affairs, the vice president said, according to ANI.

What did Donald Trump claim? The POTUS has repeatedly claimed that he played a key role in negotiating a ceasefire between the two arch enemies  India and Pakistan  on May 10, and even tying it to a trade deal offered to both the neighbours by him.

We stopped a lot of fights, very, very big one was India and Pakistan. We stopped that over trade," Trump had told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu while meeting over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

India, however, has pushed back, firmly stating that the decision to de-escalate came through direct military-level talks between India and Pakistan's Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs)with no foreign involvement.

Also Read | Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian airlines until August 24

Adding to his series of claims, Trump also claimed earlier this week that five fighter jets were shot down during the conflict between India and Pakistan in May, without explicitly mentioning whose jets were downed.

Operation Sindoor is not over Stating that Operation Sindoor  as part of which India retaliated to Pakistan's attack in Pahalgam on April 22  is not over, Dhankhar claimed that there will be challenges to create divisiveness.
The Bhopal Police arrested a Bangladeshi man, Abdul Kalam, who was living in India under the alias Neha for decades. He was held in the intervening night between Monday and Tuesday, during a crackdown on illegal migrants.

Who is Abdul Kalam aka Neha? According to several reports, Abdul Kalam, who is aged around 30-32 years presently, was arrested in Bhopal. He was living as transgender woman, Neha.

Sources told India Today TV that Abdul entered India at the age of 10 and spent nearly 20 years in Mumbai before moving to Bhopal. He had been living in Bhopal for the past 10 years under the assumed identity of Neha Kinnar, the New Indian Express (TNIE) reported.

Sources revealed that Abdul had reportedly maintained the identity of a transgender woman for years in Bhopal to avoid detection by local authorities. He was widely known as "Neha Kinnar" in the locality where he was staying.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs from a specialised unit tracking foreign nationals residing illegally in the state, Abdul Kalam alias Neha Kinnar was traced to the Mangalwara locality in old Bhopal.

A senior Bhopal police official told TNIE, The third gender individual was recently traced and has since then been questioned by a dedicated team of cops.

Abdul has been placed under 30-day detention while the authorities initiate formal deportation procedures, India Today reported.

As per TNIE sources, the process of Abdul Kalam aka Neha Kinnar's deportation to Bangladesh is likely to start over the next few days, once the entire probe about the 10-year-long illegal stay in Bhopal is over.

Forged identity cards Bhopal police found that Abdul had constructed a false identity as an Indian citizen after forging documents including an Aadhaar card, voter ID, and even a passport.

According to TNIE, Abdul Kalam managed to get the new identity of Neha Kinnar by getting various identity proof documents to give legal sanctity to the false identity.

However, it remains unclear whether these documents were procured in Madhya Pradesh or elsewhere to legally him as an Indian citizen.

It's alleged that Abdul had made multiple visits to Bangladesh during his decades-long stay using the forged Indian passport.

Police official Shalini Dixit told India Today, We received credible information through a confidential informant, which led to his identification and subsequent arrest.

Also Read | Chinese AI is catching up, posing a dilemma for Donald Trump

Initial questioning revealed that Abdul Kalam has lived in various parts of the country, including West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra and MP.

"He has been residing in Bhopal for nearly a decade, but prior to that, he lived in Maharashtra. During this time, he had also returned to Bangladesh, which he managed to do using forged Indian credentials," Dixit added.

The official said the investigation is ongoing, and "we are closely coordinating with central agencies."
Renowned as the "Sleeping Prince", Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud died after spending nearly two decades in a coma following a tragic car accident in London in 2005, confirmed the Royal Court on Saturday through the Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who is a prominent Saudi royal and nephew of billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal.

"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," the mourning dad wrote in Arabic on X.

He added that the funeral service would be held on Sunday.

About Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled: Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud was born in April 1990 and was nicknamed Dede by his family. He was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud.

In 2005, he was injured in a car accident in 2005 while studying at a military college in London, reported the Mirror. At that time he was just 15-years-old.

In the accident, Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud sustained several severe brain injuries and internal bleeding. He fell into a coma and later transported to King Abdulaziz Medical City in the Saudi city of Riyadh. He remained in a coma until his death.

His father opted to keep him on life support and used to often share social media footage.

These post went viral over the years and garnered millions of views as he prayed for his son.
Kolhapur/Mumbai: The mood in room number 46 of the Bombay High Court, a vaulted, brightly lit affair, was rather dark on 16 July. Chief justice Alok Aradhe and justice Sandeep Marne, who made up a two-judge bench of the court, were handling public interest litigation (PIL) filings that morning. And their patience seemed to be wearing thin. After summarily dealing with two PILs, they turned to a third one.

What is this? Kolhapuri chappals? You want an injunction in a PIL?" asked one of the judges, grilling advocate Ganesh Hingmire, who had filed the petition.

The case had been filed after Italian luxury fashion house Prada had showcased a pair of toe-ring" sandals on a Milanese runway in its Mens Spring/Summer 2026 collection last month. At the receiving end was an array of respondents: Prada S.p.A; its India arm; the Maharashtra governments department for social justice; and Lidcom, a public sector undertaking to promote the states leather industry and support its artisans.

Hingmire, a Pune-based expert on geographical indicators and intellectual property rights, wanted the high court to stop the sale of Kolhapuri sandals abroad. He also wanted an apology from Prada for violating the geographical indication tag protecting the chappals.

Hingmire, along with a battery of lawyers, pointed to the history of western brands exploiting Indian heritage. The community is suffering from this cultural appropriation," he argued. These foreign companies like Prada will just continue (this cultural appropriation) with a word of appreciation."

Across from Hingmire was celebrated senior advocate Ravi Kadam, who was representing Prada. The latters defence was short and biting; he asked why Hingmire had filed a PIL at all, given that he did not own the rights of the Kolhapuri chappal. Besides, he said, Prada had never claimed the shoes on its runway were Kolhapuris.

After some back-and-forth between the lawyers and the judges, the court dismissed the case, saying that there were clear legal mechanisms to settle geographical indication tag infringements, and that a PIL wasnt needed to protect the artisans of Kolhapur.

View Full Image An artisan adds finishing touches to a pair of Kolhapuri chappals in Chappal Gully. (Devina Sengupta/Mint)

Needless to say, the ruling did not leave Hingmire feeling ecstatic. Will assess and may go to SC (Supreme Court)," he texted one of the writers of this story. I have tried my level best in the interest of our nation. Our intention is pure and clean."

The ruling also caused some disappointment 400 km away, in Kolhapur, the birthplace of the eponymous sandals. The court case and the interest it had aroused in the districts most famous export, had given the 100,000-strong community engaged in the business of making the slippers there hope that their flagging business would get a shot in the arm.

Kolhapuri chappals are a miniscule part of the countrys total footwear exports. And, theyre declining. In 2024-25, India exported over 21,000 crore of footwear and related goods; of that, Kolhapuris made up just 1.3 crore.

Thanks to the catwalk in Milan and the court case in Mumbai, Kolhapuri chappals are now enjoying a rare moment of global glory. But, just how did these humble chappals become Indias most recognisable traditional footwear, and what is holding the trade back?

Mint visited Kolhapur and spoke to artisan families there, as well as designers in Mumbai, to piece together the story of the Kolhapuris.

Designer limelight

Most of Indias shoes, including Kolhapuri chappals, are sold in small, local shops even today. But, in the last decade, independent designer brands have begun to experiment with traditional Indian footwear and sell them at a mass-premium and higher prices.

Much of that action has happened in the business of juttis and mojris, close-toed flats native to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat. Delhi-based Fizzy Goblet and Needledust are among Indias best known jutti brands. They posted annual revenue of 33.1 crore and 15.2 crore, respectively, in 2023-24, per research agency Tracxn.

Today, these brands and other mass-market labels, such as Bata and Metro, have begun selling designer Kolhapuri chappals. But, there are few designers dedicated to working with Kolhapuri and similar toe-ring chappals.

One such brand is by Mumbai-based designer Aprajita Toor, who started her studio in Chembur a decade ago, inspired by her mothers penchant for the chappals.

The Kolhapuri chappal is a liberating design," she told Mint. In an orthopaedic sense, it is an open shoe and not contained. If you think about it, the original chappal was so thoughtfully made. It is a visionary design," says Toor.

Her eponymous label is best known for innovative versions of the sandals, including those with pencil and wedge heels, strong pastel contrasts, and contemporary patterns adorning the classic T-strap. Toors offerings are largely for the premium domestic consumer, with a basic pair starting at 4,500.

For designers, however, the biggest challenge in inventing new forms of Kolhapuri chappals is material. The leather the artisans use is buff (buffalo) leather, which is not easy to work with," Toor said. It is also not easy to wear. But it is what defines these chappals."

Toor has experimented with newer materials such as memory foam cushioning and softer Napa leather to make her shoes more comfortable.

View Full Image Shoes inspired by the classic Kolhapuri design on display in an upscale store at Bandras Linking Road market, Mumbai. (Soumya Gupta/Mint)

Another Mumbai-based shoe label, Tiesta, best-known for elaborate bridal sneakers, also found a niche in innovative Kolhapuris. Growing up, wearing heels was the standard (for women)," Janvi Jogatar, designer and co-founder of Tiesta, told Mint. But Kolhapuris are not just fashion. The toe ring in the sandal separates the big toe from the rest of the foot, making it much more comfortable (than closed-toe shoes)." However, Jogatar ran into the same problem that her fellow designers didthe traditional Kolhapuri, although beautiful, is not always easy on the feet.

Jogatar launched Tiestas Kolas collection in 2019, switching out the regular buff leather for a vegan alternative that is cheaper, easier to work with, and softer on the feet.

The company also added a small innovation: changeable T-straps with different designs so that customers could keep changing the look of their pair. Tiesta priced these at around 3,000 a pair for changeable flats and 6,500 for changeable heels, even adding a few Baby Kolas for kids. Theyre a fast mover, but havent beaten Tiestas signature bridal sneakers.

Despite their popularity across India, the market for Kolhapuri chappals has remained largely unorganized and outside of the purview of Indias biggest fashion designers. Those who do sell designer Kolhapuris often manufacture in Mumbai or elsewhere outside the Kolhapur and Belagavi districts. Two public sector undertakingsLidcom in Maharashtra and Lidkar in Karnatakawere set up in the 1970s to train Kolhapuri chappal artisans and retail their products. Their financial filings are not publicly available on their websites; instead, visitors are greeted with placeholder text.

A community creation

At ease in his home in Kolhapur, Shashikant Tulsidas Vhatkar, 56, told Mint about how generations of his family and others in the district have dedicated themselves to the iconic chappals.

Making the Kolhapuri chappal is a community business, with each member of the family contributing to the end product. The women stitch thin strips of leather into the braid connecting the sandals T-strap to the toe ring. The men polish and shape the shoes from the leather hides.

View Full Image Bare sandal soles at a workshop in Kolhapur districts Karlee village. The workshop owner displays a sample of the finished chappal on his mobile phone. (Devina Sengupta/Mint)

Its how the craft has been kept alive by generations since medieval times, when the chappal is first said to have been created in the neighbouring districts of Kolhapur and Belagavi. Over time, locals developed variants of the chappals, each named after the village that designed them. By the 18th century, local satraps had taken to the Kolhapuri chappal, along with prominent rulers like Shahu Maharaj, and tanneries flourished in the area, boosting production.

For old timers such as Vhatkar, making Kolhapuris is an art, and even reverencehe refused to sit on the heaps of buffalo leather. I cannot. This is our mother," he said.

Among the prized leather hides is a six feet high, chrome-yellow piece that Vhatkar holds up in a dank, sweaty room. Traditionally, this buffalo hide is dyed with vegetable extracts.

Typically, the artisans of Kolhapur use all kinds of leather to make chappals across price points. But over time, they have turned to softer, lower quality leather to make footwear for the mass market. Chappals made from these cheaper materials retail for 300-400 while those made with traditional leather and stitching techniques start at 2,000-3,000 a pair.

Most of these artisans belong to a few castes, traditionally discriminated against in the social hierarchy. Apart from the burden of caste discrimination, they are also struggling with a ban on cow slaughter in Maharashtra. Without the traditional means of securing cow and buffalo hides, used by leather workers to make shoes and other goods for centuries, the cost of sourcing materials for Kolhapuri chappals has gone up. Apart from cheaper leather from Chennai and Kanpur, traditional Kolhapuri artisans are experimenting with artificial leather too.

View Full Image A pair of Kolhapuri chappals for children in the storage room of trader Shashikant Tulsidas Vhatkars home in Kolhapur city. (Devina Sengupta/Mint)

In a corner of his courtyard, Vhatkar also stores heaps of a thin leather parchment sourced all the way from Chennai. These are cheaper, and pale coloured, meant for the eminently wearable and affordable Kolhapuri chappals one finds street shopping in India. Usually, these are dyed chemically, and the bells and whistles of the Kolhapuri style are pasted on, rather than stitched.

Vhatkar alone buys 10-15 tonnes of leather from Chennai every month, and hands it over to shoemakers in his area. He invests 25 lakh in the business annually, and has a turnover of 1 crore. However, Vhatkar insists, it is the artisans who take home all the money and leave him with little.

Kolhapurs shoemakers, however, say they earn just about 25,000 a month, on average. One family can produce about 100 pairs of cheap chappals that dont require hand stitching in one week, but can make only 20 of the pricier variety in that time. This is a difficult trade to scale up, the artisans say.

A whiff of oxygen

Since news of the Milan catwalk controversy broke, Prada has become a buzzword all over Kolhapur. Sambhaji Shivaji Powar, a Kolhapuri chappal maker from Kale village near Kolhapur city, says the Italian brand has sparked a kind of renaissance for the traditional sandals.

We got to know that Prada was using Kolhapuri shoes when everyone spoke about it in the market," he told Mint. Our customers come from all over the world but we never get the credit for it." One such customer, for instance, found the shoes Powars wife Shobha makes on an Instagram page run by his son. He bought two pairs for 8,000, a handsome sum. But, the man later told Powar he was selling them to a customer in Australia. He would have sold it for a higher price but the maker goes unnoticed," he adds.

View Full Image Balkrishna Gavali, owner of Tip Top Footwear, a store in Chappal Gully. (Devina Sengupta/Mint)

Designer Toor also says she has international customers for her Kolhapuri inspired sandals, including buyers in Chile. But, she added, the controversy with Prada has had no impact on her sales. I think the current rise in interest in Kolhapuri chappals is a fleeting trend," she said. For mass-priced brands, there may be a bump in sales."

Some artisans in Kolhapur agree with Toor. The hype is temporary and in a few days, everyone will forget," 40-year-old Mahesh Suhas Kamble told Mint. He is part of the fourth generation in his family in the traditional trade.

Anurag Chandrakant Kokitkar, 33, also worries that the Prada impact will fade away as just another hashtag. He is hoping that thanks to the fight with Prada, there will finally be a serious push to upgrade the chappal trade. In 2013, Kokitkar had set up a manufacturing unit called Paytaan (slang for Kolhapuri slipper), but shut it down during the pandemic.

Appropriation debate

Together, artisans and traders like Vhatkar make up a community of roughly 100,000 professionals living and working in the villages and towns of Kolhapur district.

This is the community that advocate Hingmire says needs to be helped, despite the protections that Indias geographical indication tag provides to the product. Legally, only a sandal made in the toe-ring style in the districts of Kolhapur (Maharashtra) and Belagavi (Karnataka) can be called Kolhapuri chappals. But, he told Mint, foreign brands routinely get away with appropriating Indias traditional handicrafts without so much as an acknowledgement, let alone compensation.

Some are now trying to address these allegations of cultural appropriation. Last week, employees of Prada S.p.A visited Mumbai and Kolhapur to meet artisans and leaders of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (MCCIA). They promised to work with the Kolhapuri artisans on future designs.

We want to bring in a revenue sharing model, get them to purchase from our artists. Prada has added glamour to our work," Lalit Gandhi, president of the MCCIA, told Mint. We need to build on that." Gandhi also said he is working with other Indian sourcing firms.

Among those interested in sourcing authentic Kolhapuris for markets abroad is Asmara Group, an Indian apparel multinational. Asmara wrote to the MCCIA evincing interest" in the sandals. Among Asmaras buyers are American retailers Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Free People. Mint could not independently verify the claim.

Prada did not respond to Mints request for a comment, nor did Asmara Group.

There is scepticism regarding what Prada and other fashion powerhouses can really do for the Kolhapuri chappals. After all, homegrown designers and exporters, too, have had no lasting impact on the way the chappals are made and sold.

The Prada controversy has, however, reignited an old debate on what constitutes cultural appropriation. Some designers, such as Tiestas Jogatar, believe Prada missed an opportunity to work with local designers and artisans and lend credibility to its collection. Others, including Toor, disagree.

Designers around the world have drawn inspiration from Indian art and handicrafts like ikat, kalamkari, and bandhani for years," she said. The idea of cultural appropriation or giving credit to someone is a very subjective issue. It is all about a brands ethos. But drawing inspiration is at the heart of design. At the end of the day, I am just happy that the rich tradition of the Kolhapuri chappal is on the global stage. That, too, with a big name like Prada."
Actor Luke Evans has shed light on how he met King Charles in his 2025 memoir Boy from the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey. The incident, which took place back in 2014, at Princes Trust gala dinner held at The Savoy Hotel in London, led the actor to learn some "fascinating" royal family history, reports People.

The actor, who had been named an ambassador for the charity, which the King founded in 1976 to support disadvantaged youth, was meeting the monarch for the first time.

The meeting also saw the two exchange what Evans describes as a good, strong handshake before the King casually inquired about his latest project, which had a Vlad the Impaler connection.

Evans had just wrapped Dracula Untold when he met the King. He portrayed Vlad the Impaler, the brutal 15th-century Romanian ruler who inspired Bram Stokers iconic vampire in the film. But little did he know that the King would reveal a distant family link to the real-life Dracula himself.

King Charles revealed his connection to Vlad the Impaler When Luke mentioned his role as Vlad the Impaler in Dracula Untold, the Kings eyes lit up, Evans wrote. The royal then said, I will tell you an interesting story. I am actually related to Vlad Tepes. To Evans surprise, he then proceeded to talk me through his entire lineage, all the way back to the 1400s, and added, He told me he now owns a number of properties in Romania, where Vlad was ruler. Charles then smiled, saying, Yes, and not a lot of people know it.

"I noticed he had stayed a little longer with me than he had with other guests, probably because we had this fascinating thing to talk about," Evans wrote.

Also Read |

Luke Evans' experience meeting King Charles In his memoir, Evans has also shared his first impression of meeting King Charles, noting the monarchs rare ability to truly engage. "Charles makes you feel as if hes genuinely interested in what you have to say, which is remarkable when you consider he has to do this several times a day," Evans wrote.

"You imagine hed become robotic, just going through the motions every time, but he really seems to engage," he added. Evans also expressed deep pride in being part of a fantastic institution.

For those unaware, long before his conversation with Luke Evans, King Charles had publicly claimed a distant link to Vlad the Impaler during a 2011 TV special focused on forest conservation in Romania. The genealogy shows that I am descended from Vlad the Impaler, he said, adding, So I have a bit of a stake in the country. Luke Evans' memoir Boy from the Valleys, released in the US on April 22.

FAQs 1. How is King Charles related to Vlad the Impaler? Through distant royal ancestry, King Charles claims to be descended from Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century Romanian ruler who inspired the legend of Dracula.

2. What did Luke Evans say about meeting King Charles? Evans said King Charles was genuinely engaged in conversation.
At least 30 people were injuredseven of them seriouslyafter a vehicle rammed into a crowd waiting outside an East Hollywood nightclub early Saturday (local time), Los Angeles Fire Department said, CNN reported.

Upon arriving at the location, emergency responders found that the car had collided with a sizable crowd assembled outside the Vermont Hollywood concert venue.

"They drove through a taco stand, through the valet podium, and then through the crowd of people that were waiting to go inside," Captain Adam VanGerpen, public information officer for the Los Angeles City Fire Department told CNN.

"It was a very chaotic scene," VanGerpen added.

Jeff Lee, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department, stated that once the vehicle stopped, people nearby dragged the driver out and started attacking him. Amid the altercation, one individual shot the driver.

Police believe the driver was intoxicated, a law enforcement official briefed on the situation told CNN.

There is no indication beyond the impaired state of the driver that there was any other criminal intent or connection to terrorism, the official said.

Victims were between mid-20 to early 30s Seven victims were transported in critical condition, six in serious condition, and 10 in fair condition, the LAFD said. Seven patients refused transport after being assessed on scene, according to the department. The victims included 18 women and 12 men in their mid-20s to early 30s, according to Lillian Carranza, a commander with the LAPD.

Also Read | 2 Indians killed and one abducted in terrorist attack in Nigers Dosso region

Los Angeles police officers were initially dispatched to the scene on a report of an assault with a deadly weapon and found a vehicle had driven into the crowd "for reasons unknown," with the driver being assaulted by bystanders, according to police, as per CNN.

Police said that when first responders reached the driver, they administered medical care and found that he had sustained a gunshot wound.

According to VanGerpen, individuals with fractures and soft tissue injuries were taken to designated trauma centers and nearby hospitals, with one of the victims also suffering from a gunshot wound.
Israel said Sunday its moving for the first time into a town in the heart of the Gaza Strip that it had avoided for fear of harming hostages, as it accused Hamas of stalling at US-brokered ceasefire talks.

The Israeli military told Palestinians in parts of Deir al-Balah to immediately evacuate southward to a tent city for civilians displaced by the 21-month-old war.

The previous truce expired in early May, plunging the conflict into a deeper crisis. Israel shuttered traditional aid distribution channels in favor of a US-backed alternative, known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation , which it argued would help sideline Hamas. The UN has called it discriminatory and insufficient to stave off famine for many of the enclaves residents.

In parallel, the army launched a set of operations with the declared aim of taking Palestinian territory  an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages from its Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war.

Deir al-Balah Plan

But while Israel now controls some 75% of Gaza, the Iran-backed Islamist group has stuck to its demand that any ceasefire and hostage release be tied to a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. Thats been rejected by Israel.

Deir al-Balah is one of a few pockets in the Gaza Strip where Israels forces havent maneuvered and entire buildings remain standing. Thats because Israeli intelligence assessments were that hostages were held there. Its unclear if that remains the case as the new operation starts.

The Hamas attack in 2023 killed 1,200 people in Israel, with another 250 abducted and taken to Gaza. Some 50 hostages remain, of whom 20 are thought to be alive. Hamas hasnt commented on the locations of hostages, whom its threatened to execute if enemy troops approach.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the largest advocacy group pushing for a negotiated hostage release, voiced concern at the Deir al-Balah plan.

For the hostages, this is not a negotiating bargaining chip, but a clear and present danger to their fates. Enough! A sweeping majority of the nation of Israel wants the war ended in a comprehensive deal that returns all of the hostages, the forum said in a statement.

Hamas Stonewalling

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 6 sent negotiators back to Qatar, a Hamas intermediary, ahead of a White House visit during which he and US President Donald Trump voiced hope for a diplomatic breakthrough that would enable the return of 10 living and 18 deceased hostages.

Gila Gamliel, a minister in Netanyahus security cabinet, accused Hamas of stonewalling and anticipated that Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy, would fly in to join the talks.

The moment he runs things in Doha, we will see what the ramifications are, Gamliel told Israels Army Radio, referring to Witkoff. Our negotiating team is still there, in hope of coming back with good news.

Hamas, which is on terrorism blacklists in much of the West, has warned that the latest deadlock endangers the hostages. We have sustained their survival as much as possible, until now, Abu Obeida, Hamas armed wing spokesperson, said on Friday.

If the criminal enemy obstructs or withdraws from this round, we cannot guarantee a return to partial deals or to the proposal for the release of 10 captives, he said.

Israel says it wants to free as many hostages as possible but also wants to destroy Hamas as a military and governing institution. That would entail disarming Hamas and exiling its leaders, Israel says. Hamas has rejected those conditions.

The war has killed 58,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-affiliated health ministry in Gaza, which doesnt distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties. Israel has lost more than 400 troops in Gaza combat.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
A boil-water advisory remains in effect for more than 11,000 residents in Prince Georges County after a 16-inch water main ruptured near the Cheverly Metro Station late on Friday, causing widespread drops in water pressure and sparking a health alert.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water) issued the advisory on Friday night, urging residents to boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing their teeth. The advisory impacted residents in Hyattsville, Cheverly, Seat Pleasant, Capitol Heights, and surrounding communities, reported ABC News.

Water service restored but may not be safe for consumption While water service has now been restored to most residential consumers, WSSC officials, according to a NBC news report, have warned that the water may not be safe to consume until laboratory test results confirm its quality. The results are expected by Sunday, July 20.

Officials, the report added, have said the break, which occurred near 5540 Columbia Park Road in Hyattsville, close to Cheverly Metro Station, which remained without water as of Saturday morning.

The WSSC, the ABC report added, said that the repair crews were currently unable to reach the broken pipe due to access issues and were working on constructing a temporary road to the site.

The agency further said in their statement that there was currently no estimated timeline for when the repairs would be completed and added that they will provide an update once the pipe is exposed and evaluated.

In their advisory, the WSSC said that residents affected by the pipe rupture should boil water and allow it to cool before they use it for drinking, brushing teeth, cleaning fruits and vegetables, preparing baby formula and food, or giving water to pets.

They added that water used for showering, washing hands, laundry, or dishwashing does not need boiling as long as none is consumed.

WSSC set up water distribution centers WSSC has set up a water distribution center at the Judith P Hoyer Early Childhood Center at 2300 Belleview Avenue, Cheverly. Residents can get bottled water from 9:00 am-5:00 pm, with overnight distribution from midnight to 2:00 am, stated the ABC news report.

Residents can check if they live within the advisory area on WSSC Waters website interactive map.

FAQs Q: What caused the advisory? A 16-inch water main broke near the Cheverly Metro Station, affecting water pressure in the area.

Q: Who is affected? Approximately 11,200 customers in Hyattsville, Cheverly, Seat Pleasant, Capitol Heights and nearby areas.

Q: Is it safe to shower or wash hands? Yes, as long as water is not consumed during the activity.

Q: What should I boil water for? For drinking, brushing teeth, washing produce, preparing baby food, making ice, and giving to pets.
Around 73 Palestinians were killed while trying to access humanitarian aid at different locations across Gaza on Sunday, reported news agency Associated Press.

The maximum number of casualties were reported from northern Gaza, where at least 67 people were killed while entering the region through the Zikim crossing with Israel, the report said citing the health ministry in the Palestinian territory and local hospitals.

It is not clear yet whether they were killed by the Israeli army or armed gangs or both.

However, some witnesses claimed that the Israeli military shot at the crowd, said the report.

According to health workers, hundreds of people have been killed by Israeli fire while trying to access the Gaza Humanitarian Funds, or GHF, a US- and Israel-backed group, distribution sites.

Over 150 people were also wounded in the attacks, with some of them in critical condition.

Evacuation Warnings Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced new evacuation warnings for areas of central Gaza on Sunday.

The announcement came amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks in Qatar.

The evacuation cuts access between the city of Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis in the narrow enclave.

The United Nations has asked Israel to clarify whether UN facilities in southwestern Deir al-Balah are included in Sundays evacuation order, AP report said citing an unnamed UN official.

The evacuation announcement covers an area stretching from a previously evacuated area all the way to the coast and will severely hamper movement for aid groups and civilians in Gaza.

Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned that the military will attack with intensity against militants. He called for residents, including those sheltering in tents, to head to the Muwasi area, a desolate tent camp on Gazas southern shore that the Israeli military has designated a humanitarian zone.
A Vietnamese survivor of the Ha Long Bay tour boat tragedy recounted his escape from the overturned vessel.

According to Vietnamese state media, at least 35 people lost their lives in the incident, while the search continues for four others still missing.

The boat, Wonder Sea, set out on a three-hour sightseeing trip in Ha Long Bay on Saturday afternoon with 46 passengers and three crew members on board.

But a storm quickly covered the sky, bringing high winds and pouring rain, survivor Dang Anh Tuan told The Associated Press.

Tuan said the passengers asked for the boat to turn back to shore, but the crew reassured them they were almost at their destination and kept the boat moving forward.

It rained for about 15 minutes, and then the boat started to shake vigorously, tables and chairs were jostled around and seconds later the boat overturned, the 36-year-old fire extinguisher salesman said. Water gushed in and I lost all orientation.

I tried to breathe. But more water came in. I took a deep breath, got rid of my life vest and dove down. I saw a streak of light and followed it to swim out, escaping the boat, and then I climbed on the overturned boat to look for help, he said.

Tuan and several other people survived by clinging on to the capsized boat and its propellers, waiting another two hours before the rain stopped and rescuers arrived.

The Wonder Sea boat was later towed to a shipyard for investigation. Images showed the vessel with shattered windows, a damaged roof, and broken handrails, as police and officials examined the scene.

According to VNExpress, rescue teams recovered 11 survivors, though one later died in the hospital from injuries. Nine others from the group perished, including a man who was travelling with his wife and 3-year-old son, both of whom also drowned.

Meanwhile, a tropical storm named Wipha is approaching the region.

I tried to breathe. But more water came in. I took a deep breath, got rid of my life vest and dove down.

Vietnams national weather service has forecast that the storm could make landfall along the northern coast, including Ha Long Bay, next week.
Interview: China-Mauritania ties remain rock-solid after 60 years, says Chinese ambassador

Xinhua) 10:52, July 20, 2025

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."

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
ADDIS ABABA, July 19 (Xinhua) -- African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has welcomed the signing of a declaration of principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) on Saturday in Doha, Qatar, to end the conflict in the eastern DRC.

In a statement issued Saturday, Youssouf described the declaration as a "major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region."

Appreciating the invaluable contributions made by all stakeholders, including the regional facilitators from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, Youssouf said the declaration offers a renewed hope for regional cooperation and sustainable peace.

The chairperson of the 55-member continental organization also commended the spirit of dialogue, compromise, and political will demonstrated by the governments of the DRC and Rwanda.

The AU remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the declaration and to contribute to sustainable peace, security, and development in the DRC and the region, the statement added. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is suffering from food poisoning and will continue to carry out his duties while resting at home for the next three days.

A Reuters report, which quoted the PM's office, said that the 75-year-old PM fell ill overnight and was found to be suffering from intestinal inflammation and dehydration, for which he is receiving intravenous fluids.

In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will manage state affairs from there, his office added.

Concerns after Netanyahu missed Cabinet meet The Israeli PM had missed the weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday after which his office released a statement that he was unwell. His condition was declared good after further testing, his office said.

The Times of Israel quoted his office as saying, In accordance with his doctors instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will conduct state affairs from there.

Past health scares for Israeli PM Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker in 2023 and last December he had his prostate removed after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, the report said.

A week before his heart surgery, Netanyahu had been hospitalised for what he had said at the time was dehydration. Doctors subsequently revealed that the prime minister has had a heart conduction problem for years.

A medical report released in January 2023, the last shared with the public, said Netanyahu was in a completely normal state of health, that his pacemaker was working correctly and that there was no evidence of heart arrhythmia or any other problematic conditions.
In a brutal terror attack in Nigers Dosso region, two Indian nationals were killed and one was abducted, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Niamey.

The embassy is coordinating with local authorities to arrange the repatriation of the victims bodies and to secure the safe release of the abducted individual. Indian nationals in Niger have been advised to remain alert and exercise heightened caution.

Also Read: Nigeria says US pressuring Africa to accept Venezuelan deportees

In a post on X, it said, In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger's 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 safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant.

(WiW(Arab News reported citing local sources 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 city of Niamey.

Previously in March, Niger had seen a terrorist attack by the Islamic State in Great Sahara in Kokorou, which had resulted in the deaths of at least 44 civilians and had left 13 severely injured, as reported by UN Security Council Press.

The members had issued a statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms and had underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.

Significantly, the members had underscored the importance for all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate with the authorities of Niger as well as all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The statement further highlighted, "The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts."

US State Department's 2023 Country Report on Terrorism for Niger had observed that terrorist organisations exploited Niger's extensive borderlands and sparsely populated regions to attack and recruit among populations where access to government services was weak and economic opportunity negligible.

Due to the small size of its "defence force, ineffective coordination among security services, budget shortfalls, and instability in Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, and the Lake Chad Basin", Niger's efforts to fight terrorism were hampered.

Niger is in the midst of a political upheaval as a military coup has taken control, ousting the democratically elected President.

In July, 2023 President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by the Presidential Guard and General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself the new leader. This event led to widespread international condemnation.

The Niger coup is the seventh such event in West and Central Africa since 2020, highlighting a concerning trend of military interventions in the region.
Dan Rivera, a 54-year-old paranormal investigator and US Army veteran, was found dead in his Gettysburg, Pennsylvania hotel room this week. His death occurred just hours after he completed a sold-out performance of the Devils on the Run Tour at the Soldiers National Orphanage, an event that featured the reportedly cursed Annabelle doll, New York Post reported.

When first responders arrived Sunday night, they discovered Riveras body but noted that the infamous doll was not in the room, according to Adams County Coroner Francis Dutrow, who spoke to People on Friday.

The cause of Rivera's death remains uncertain, with autopsy results still awaited to be released.

About Dan Rivera Rivera gained recognition as a paranormal investigator on the Travel Channels Most Haunted Places and worked as a producer on several other programs, including Netflixs 28 Days Haunted".

As part of his tour, Rivera travelled across the United States alongside members of the New England Society for Psychic Research, an organisation established in 1952 by renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, to showcase the Raggedy Ann Doll figure.

In 1970, the Annabelle doll became linked to a series of alleged hauntings after being given to Donna, a nursing student in Connecticut. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren stated that the doll moved its arms on its own, followed individuals around the apartment, and exhibited other terrifying and hostile behaviours.

The Warrens, whose experiences inspired the The Conjuring horror film franchise, also asserted that Annabelle was demonically possessed. They claimed the doll once stabbed a police officer and caused a car accident involving a priest before being placed in their museum in Connecticut.

A psychic medium involved in the case believed the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a deceased six-year-old girl named Annabelle.

Since then, conspiracy theorists have connected Riveras unexpected death to the supposedly haunted artifact, even though state police confirmed on Wednesday that there was nothing unusual or suspicious discovered at the scene.

Despite the sudden loss of their lead investigator, the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) announced plans to carry on with their supernatural tour.
Ticker is a weekly newsletter by Vijay L Bhambwani. Subscribe to Mint's newsletters to get them directly in your email inbox.

Dear reader,

Last week, I wrote optimism was giving way to desolation. Bulls were showing a lack of conviction not seen for months. Traded volumes shrank sizeably, and take-home profits shrank significantly. It became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Traded volumes were poor because profits were meagre, and profits were meagre because traded volumes took a hit. This vicious circle will be broken only after traded volumes rise significantly. Where yields on theta decay (collecting premiums) on option writing are concerned, the low-hanging fruit has been picked already. The road ahead seems to be mildly uphill. That means increased capital intensity and lower take-home profits. That means a small portion of present traders may exit the markets, atleast temporarily.

US president Trump continued to threaten nations with additional tariffs and kept markets on the edge. Particularly noteworthy was the threat to impose sanctions on Russian oil exports and nations that bought Russian oil and gas. That includes India. Overseas institutional investors continued to press short sales on Indian markets inspite of announcements of a near breakthrough in India-US trade deal. That was an overhang of overhead supply for retail traders who were stuck with purchases at higher levels. This phenomena of overhead supply occurs when a sizeable number of traders are waiting in the wings to offload their open trades as soon as they reach break-even levels. This usually acts like a speed-breaker for a bull market.

That means buyers must not only buy in large volumes but they must continue to buy in large volumes till all the overhead supply is absorbed and selling pressure subsides. That is a challenging task. It will show up on your trading terminals screen on the snap quote window. If the bid/offer spreads (difference between the best buyer and best sellers limit orders) narrow to within 5-6 ticks, you know liquidity is improving. The value of a tick is 5 paise per share for stocks trading above  250.

In the commodity markets, industrial metals may see month-end short-covering lifting prices. That can have a trickle-down effect on stock prices of some metal mining companies stock prices. Much will depend on the overall market sentiment prevalent this week. If sentiments are cautious or weak, the rally in these stocks may be subdued as well. Public sector undertakings (PSUs) will continue to witness hectic activity in two-way trades as traders are heavily invested in this segment. Banks will attract greater attention among PSU stocks as this segment commands the heaviest weightage in the Nifty.

Precious metals witnessed profit-taking at higher levels as the US dollar index gained strength. Safe-haven buying eased mildly. If you are a patient long-term investor, look beyond 2025 and the bullish story is still intact.

In the energy space, the markets continue to remain adequately supplied, and rallies are proving to be seasonal and short-lived. Higher levels are running into a wall of selling. While geopolitical and/or natural events (June to October is the hurricane season in the US) can trigger short-covering, it is likely to be short-lived.

Fixed income investors should continue to keep the powder dry as market indicators points towards little or no room for actual rates to fall. While headline (policy announcement) rates may fall, borrowers are unlikely to access availability of funds at those rates.

Trade light as markets lack depth and bid/offer spreads are too wide for comfort. Maintain tail risk (Hacienda) hedges on your trades to protect your capital from sudden shocks.

A tutorial video on tail risk (Hacienda) hedges is here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AunGqXHBfk

Rear View Mirror

Let us assess what happened last week so we can guesstimate what to expect in the coming week.

The fall was led by the Bank Nifty whereas the Nifty brought up the rear. The US dollar index (DXY) firmed up and exerted pressure on emerging markets including India. A strong dollar dragged bullion and oil prices lower too.

The rupee fell against a firm dollar and that made banking stocks more volatile. Indian 10-year bond yields eased marginally, which cushioned declines in the Bank Nifty. The NSE's market capitalization rose mildly, which indicates mild optimism present in the markets even as headline indices remain under pressure. Market wide position limits (MWPL) rose routinely, but gains were marginal.

US markets rose and provided tail winds to our markets and limited the downsides.

View Full Image Change in Asset Prices Prognosis  A strong dollar dragged emerging markets Data Source  Vijay L Bhambwani

Retail Risk Appetite

I use a simple yet highly accurate yardstick for measuring the conviction levels of retail traders  where are they deploying money. I measure what percentage of the turnover was contributed by the lower and higher risk instruments.

If they trade more of futures which require sizeable capital, their risk appetite is higher. Within the futures space, index futures are less volatile compared to stock futures. A higher footprint in stock futures shows higher aggression levels. Ditto for stock and index options.

Last week, this is what their footprint looked like (the numbers are average of all trading days of the week):

The high-risk and capital-intensive futures segment saw no change in turnover contribution for the week. In the relatively lower-risk options segment, turnover rose in the lowest-risk segment in the derivatives category  index options. These are also the least capital-intensive to trade.

Overall, risk appetite fell off the cliff in the derivatives segment.

View Full Image NSE F&O Component Turnover Breakdown Prognosis  F&O traders were on the back foot last week. Data Source  Vijay L. Bhambwani

Matryoshka Analysis

Let us peel layer after layer of statistical data to arrive at the core message of the markets.



The first chart I share is the NSE advance- decline ratio. After the price itself, this indicator is the fastest (leading) indicator of which way winds are blowing. This simple yet accurate indicator computes the ratio of number of the rising stocks compared to falling stocks. As long as gaining stocks outnumber the losers, bulls are dominant. This metric is a gauge of the risk appetite of 'one marshmallow' traders. These are pure intraday traders.



The Nifty clocked smaller losses last week and the advance-decline ratio climbed marginally. At 1.11 (prior week 0.75) it shows 111 gainers for every 100 losers. That shows intraday traders shower improved optimism last week. As long as the reading stays above 1.0 sustainably, bulls still have a chance.

A tutorial video on the marshmallow theory in trading is here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFNKvtsCwFY

View Full Image NSE Advance Decline Ratio Prognosis  Intraday traders showed improved buying conviction Data Source  Vijay L Bhambwani

The second chart I share is the market wide position limits (MWPL). This measures the amount of exposure utilized by traders in the derivatives (F&O space as a component of the total exposure allowed by the regulator. This metric is a gauge of the risk appetite of 'two marshmallow' traders. These are deep-pocketed, high-conviction traders who roll over their trades to the next session/s.

The MWPL reading edged higher mildly, but was lower than the reading in the comparable week last month. That tells us optimism, though present in the market, was lower as traders were cautious about enhancing their exposure levels.



A dedicated tutorial video on how to interpret MWPL data in more ways than one is available here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2qbGuk7qrI



View Full Image Market Wide Position Limits Prognosis  Optimism was tampered with caution last week Data Source  Vijay L Bhambwani

The third chart I share is my in-house indicator impetus. It measures the force in any price move. Last week both indices fell with rising impetus readings. That tells us the selling momentum was higher and traders willingly participated in the selling process.

Ideally prices and impetus readings must rise together to indicate a sustainable bull market.

View Full Image Nifty and Bank Nifty Impetus Prognosis  Both indices fall on higher selling momentum last week Data Source  Vijay L Bhambwani

The final chart I share is my in-house indicator LWTD. It computes lift, weight, thrust and drag encountered by any security. These are four forces that any powered aircraft faces during flight; so, applying it to traded securities helps a trader estimate prevalent sentiments.

The Nifty clocked smaller losses last week and the LWTD reading was flat. That tells me fresh buying support is unlikely to change radically this week. Short-covering can cushion declines but it takes aggressive fresh buying to overcome overhead supply and trigger a new high.

A tutorial video on interpreting the LWTD indicator is here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yag076z1ADk

View Full Image Nifty and LWTD Indicator Prognosis  Fresh buying is likely to remain mild this week Data Source  Vijay L Bhambwani

Nifty's Verdict

The Nifty's weekly candlestick chart shows a third consecutive week of declines. The magnitude of the fall was, however, smaller. The peak made three weeks ago was marginally lower than the previous peak in September 2024. The support I specified last week at the 24,800 mark held, and that tells me bulls still have a fighting chance as long as they can defend this threshold.

The price is above the 25-week moving average, which is a proxy for the six-month average of an average investor. The medium-term outlook remains optimistic as long as this level holds. A fresh reliable upthrust is possible only after the 25,750 recent high is overcome forcefully. That will confirm that the overhead supply has been absorbed.

View Full Image Nifty Spot Prognosis  Watch 24,800 threshold keenly as an immediate support. Chart source  www.tradingview.com

Your Call to Action

Watch the 24,800 level as a near-term support. Only a break out above the 25,750 level raises the possibility of the bull market resuming.

Last week, I estimated ranges between 58,075  55,450 and 25,750  24,550 on the Bank Nifty and Nifty respectively. Both indices traded within their specified resistance levels.

This week, I estimate ranges between 57,500  55,050 and 25,525  24,400 on the Bank Nifty and Nifty respectively.



Trade light with strict stop losses. Avoid trading counters with spreads wider than 8 ticks.

Have a profitable week.

Vijay L Bhambwani

Vijay is the CEO of www.Bsplindia.com a proprietary trading firm. He tweets at @vijaybhambwani
There is a difference between power and influence. Confusing the two lies at the heart of the gamble of several American billionaires who are covertly or overtly backing Donald Trumps war against Western values. Trumps America is somewhat familiar to people outside the West.

For what he has changed about his nation is that he has brought third-world practicality to an unnatural but exquisite idealthat no one is above the law, not even if most of the nation endorses one man to be above it.

An odd thing about democracy is that its best parts are meant to counter the will of the people in case the collective will turns out to be morally corrupt. This is the role of institutions like the judiciary.

Democracy is wary of the fact that voters can come under the sway of popular leaders. And the majority need not always be right, at least not more right than the dead people who founded democracy.

What Trump has done, and what we thought could never happen in America, is that he has made institutions submit to a president. He has done this through threats against those who do not toe his line.

Also Read: Manu Joseph: What Elon Musk can learn from the richest man ever

Not only Elon Musk, but several American billionaires have backed Trump in the probable hope of benefiting from aligning with an authoritarian. Some may feel his policies are good for them and the country, even if democratic values get battered.

But they have no idea what is going to hit them. They risk losing their true power, which may lead them to realize that influence is just a henchman of power.

The whims of an authoritarian, as Musk has discovered, can change fast. Maybe Trumps billionaires assume that if things go wrong, they can cut their losses. After all, they are powerful too and could try to fight back even if key institutions are compromised.

The irony is that they have been spoilt by a true democracy for so long that they seem to take their fortunes for granted. They should learn from third-world countries that a billionaire is no match for a popular authoritarian.

In backing Trumps transformation of America, the super-rich have sacrificed their true power for mere influence.

Influence is a kind of currency. It can be bought, and it buys. It is an investment, and can increase in value. Gains can be made by acquiring assets like media vehicles or funding political campaigns.

Once, influence meant a force so independent that the political class had to woo it. Consider the New York Times. Now, influence chiefly means something that has submitted to politics. The influential today are interchangeable.

Power is very different. It comes directly from people. Power arises from the misconceptions of millions vested in one person. Misconceptions are important in mass movements.

Through these, people build the myth of a leader in their own image. That is why some people cant be mass leadersthey are too clear to be misunderstood.

Also Read: Manu Joseph: Trumps victory has exposed the worst argument of the West

The larger the number of people from whom ones power comes, the more powerful one is. A hugely popular politicians power comes from hundreds of millions of people. A billionaires power comes from one person or a few in the hierarchy.

Even in proper democracies, most politicians themselves do not have power. What they have is influence. They are not popular enough to have true power and frequently have to depend on people misunderstood as legends.

A hallmark of a mature democracy is that extreme popularity is not concentrated in a single person. A society where no one has amassed political power but some have amassed vast wealth is a paradise for the latter. This is what the West is and what America was until Trump.

Outside a mature democracy, a billionaire is vulnerable. The world is full of authoritarian regimes that have shown how billionaires seem powerful until the day when suddenly they are not.

Consider Jack Ma, the co-founder of Alibaba. A way of the world is that if a man has a billion dollars, everything he says is taken as wisdom. And Jack Ma was full of that. He was an articulate Chinese entrepreneur. Until suddenly he went missing. When he re-appeared, he seemed transformed and restrained.

China might be filled with billionaires, but the world is in no doubt who holds power there. In Russia, oligarchs like Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who mistook their influence for power and tried to take on Vladimir Putin, were ruined.

In Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman detained billionaires, including some members of royalty, at the Ritz-Carlton in 2017 until they pledged their loyalty and wealth to him.

In backing a non-Western regime in America, its rich have set in motion a process that the third world knows well. In an autocracy, wealth must choose a side. It cannot remain neutral.

America is not there yet, but a path has been charted. Several billionaires seem to have fallen in line. You may argue that they had no choice. But the disenchantment and resistance of the wealthy is the very foundation of political revolutions.

Also Read: Manu Joseph: Why Trump is right about student activism in America

Political reform occurs in a society not because good triumphs over evil, but when an old elite is relegated to the second rung and fights back by sponsoring the rise of more convenient morals.

The third world offers proof that when the second rung doesnt manufacture a revolution, and a strongman wins, society begins to decay.

In contrast, good things happen when aristocrats bring down the ruling class. The foundations of European democracy are about thatwealthy merchants asking a rogue king to follow the rules.

Also Read: Dani Rodrik: How ideology sometimes trumps material interests

The author is a journalist, novelist and screenwriter. His book, Why the Poor Dont Kill Us, will release in August.
In early 2019, a committee I headed as secretary, department of economic affairs, proposed a law for digital currencies that would lay down the statutory base for a blockchain-based crypto assets ecosystem.

There was no follow-up on it and India still has no statute or regulation that defines crypto assets and the rules of running a crypto business in the country.

In the meantime, the world has moved rapidly towards mainstreaming crypto assets and crypto-currencies. The US Senate recently passed the GENIUS Act, legalizing privately issued dollar-backed stablecoins.

The market value of cryptocurrencies now exceeds $3.25 trillion. If all cryptocurrencies are taken as a single currency, it would be the worlds tenth largest by value.

Can India continue to ignore crypto assets? Why should India not go about building a sound statutory and regulatory ecosystem for them?

Also Read: Defence alert: Crypto is turning into a geopolitical weapon

The consequences of inaction: I have closely watched Indias crypto ecosystem over the past decade. Despite the absence of regulations, many crypto exchanges were set up.

Operating outside the law or in a grey zone without a legal framework, they flourished for some time by conducting an incoherent mix of legitimate and illegitimate transactions. Then crypto gains were brought under the tax net, trading almost collapsed and some frauds came to light.

GainBitcoin, a Ponzi-style multi-level marketing scheme that ran from 2015 to 2018, allegedly duped thousands of investors of an estimated 6,600 crore by promising fixed monthly returns of 10% on Bitcoin deposits, leaving scheme subscribers with worthless market capitalization tokens.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has been investigating it and conducting raids.

Also Read: The triumph of crypto bros: Dont just shrug and move on

WazirX, Indias largest crypto exchange, faced Enforcement Directorate searches in August 2022, which led to the global exchange Binance publicly distancing itself from WazirX despite an earlier ownership claim, causing widespread confusion.

In 2024, WazirX suffered a massive hack that resulted in the loss of 45% of the user assets (worth $230 million) held by it. There is no recourse in sight for the investors who lost their crypto assets. In a Singapore court, WazirX proposed a restructuring plan to distribute the remaining user assets.

The proceedings reveal a tale of compromises, hidden actors and regulatory violations, including operations conducted without a digital token service provider (DTSP) licence. They also exposed an offshore entity registered in Panama that held effective operational control.

Under the radar are numerous fly-by-night operators with various schemes aimed aggressively at retail investors in small cities. Some online exchanges are fake; others end in rug pulls, leaving asset buyers clueless once these platforms vanish.

To prevent such fraud, India needs smart, enforceable and investor-centric crypto regulations.

Also Read: Reduce friction: Let regulated stablecoins transform Indias remittance economy

Let crypto crises not go waste: All the crypto crises we have faced, involving substantial erosion in the wealth of crypto investors, have reinforced what I have long maintained: Indias approach to crypto assets has been piecemeal, passive and systemically unsustainable.

We must bring crypto-asset operations in India within the ambit of a defined and enforceable legal and regulatory framework that would help create a fair and transparent system of ownership and trading.

We should break the existing legal and regulatory logjam by separating trading, custody, lending, broking and technical services. This will help eliminate problems of groupthink and moral hazard (risky actions taken in the belief that someone else will bear the consequences).

We also have to provide legal recourse to investors if a platform fails or causes them other forms of suffering.

Also Read: Agentic payments are here: Why India needs a rupee-based stablecoin

This is a moment of reckoning: We can avoid the flawed models of early crypto adopters. We know how to build large-scale digital systems. We built Aadhaar for identity, the Unified Payments Interface for payments and the goods and services tax network for taxation.

We can surely build a reliable governance framework for digital assets and exchanges that operate as marketplaces for trades. These exchanges would ensure liquidity under the watch of independent custodians and a comprehensive regulatory mechanism.

We can lean on global experiences. The EUs Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, for example, lays down clear responsibilities for operators and custodians. The GENIUS Act of the US focuses on regulating stablecoins.

Even Pakistan is currently establishing a crypto-regulatory authority. India, a country that pioneered innovative infrastructure for fintech and digital payments, must not remain on the sidelines. We need to create space for well-regulated digital assets to thrive.

Also Read: Rupee-backed stablecoins could complement RBIs digital currency

Indias new crypto assets ecosystem should have four cornerstones:

First, clearly segregated functions for crypto exchanges, brokers, aggregators, custodians and other entities: These must be recognized as distinct players with defined roles.

Second, compulsory licensing: All entities in the ecosystem must operate within sound financial regulatory oversight.

Third, full and functional transparency: Institute regular audits, disclosure norms for operational structures and mechanisms for incident reporting.

Fourth, insistence on Indian jurisdiction: Asset ownership and contractual agreements must be legally enforceable under a specific Indian law.

In addition, we need strong penalties for fraud and false advertising to deter all actors with any mala fide intent.

If we build a strong statutory and regulatory ecosystem for crypto assets, Indians would be able to participate in this market with confidence in the safety of their investments.

Global investors will see India as a sound market. With clear obligations to meet, operators would focus on responsible innovation and safeguarding investor interests.

Delays are costly, but India still has a leadership opportunity here. The time to act is now.

The author is former finance secretary of India.
When schools returned to in-person learning in the fall of 2021 after the pandemic, parents scrambled to find Lunchables to put in their childrens backpacks.

Today, the meal kit of processed meats and cheese may be off the menu amid the desire for healthier food, but its manufacturer, Kraft Heinz, is firmly on it.

The company is exploring spinning off the division that makes Lunchables, alongside Kraft cheese and Oscar Mayer hot dogs from its faster-growing arm that makes ketchup.

A split could deliver modest value for shareholders. The biggest upside, though, would come from tempting bidders to pay up for each of the individual companies.

To recap: Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway and private equity firm 3G Capital acquired J.H. Heinz for $28 billion, including debt, in 2013. Two years later, they merged it with Kraft Foods, the US grocery business that had been spun out of what would become Mondelez International (more on that later).

Also Read: Face the M&A truth: Mergers are glitter but grit is gold

But Kraft Heinz has grappled with changing consumer tastes and, most recently, the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. As sales have come under pressure, its shares have lost 70% since 2017.

Little wonder then that the company said in May that it was evaluating potential strategic transactions" to boost its stock price.

The logic for a split is straightforward. Kraft Heinzs sauces, spreads and condiments business, which generates annual sales of about $11 billion, is growing faster than processed meat and cheese.

People are seeking more flavour in their food, particularly if their appetites shrinkeither because they are getting older or taking obesity treatments. Freed from their more sluggish sibling, brands like Grey Poupon mustard and Lea & Perrins sauce could command a higher valuation multiple.

There is a precedent hereironically from Mondelez. After Kraft was spun off, Mondelez retained the sexier international, confectionary and snacking segments.

It has delivered a total return of over 200% since October 2012, almost double the S&P 500 Packaged Foods Index, and trades at a forward enterprise value-to-ebitda multiple of about 15.

Kraft Heinzs slower-growing grocery arm, which could have sales of about $14.5 billion, would be valued less generously. It would still be highly cash generative, though, so it could appeal to an investor looking for a steady dividend payer.

Analysts at T.D. Cowen estimate that the sauces, spreads and condiments division could be worth $29.5 billion and the grocery arm about $25 billion. Together, thats only just ahead of Kraft Heinzs enterprise value of $51 billion.

Also Read: To split up or not? Conglomerates should never go by off-the-shelf answers

Given that much of the upside might be swallowed by the higher costs of operating both companies, why bother with a breakup? Because both companies might prove tantalizing to a bidder.

This is exactly what happened in the case of Kellogg. The company spun off its North American cereals business as W.K. Kellogg Company in late 2023. The racier snack-foods arm, maker of Cheez-It and Pringles, was renamed Kellanova.

Almost a year ago, Mars paid $36 billion, including debt, for Kellanova, a 44% premium to the share price in the preceding 30 days.

Last week, privately held Ferrero International, maker of Nutella, agreed to buy W.K. Kellogg, whose brands include Froot Loops and Corn Flakes, for an enterprise value of $3.1 billion. The $23-a-share cash offer equated to a 40% premium to the share price in the preceding 30 days.

Kraft Heinzs sauces, spreads and condiments arm would fit in McCormicks portfolio, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence told me, although there may be competition concerns. And now that Unilever is offloading its ice-cream business, might it be interested in bulking up in dressings?

Also Read: The Godrej split holds valuable lessons for family businesses

As for the grocery business, it could appeal to a private equity buyer drawn to its cash flow. One complication is that Kraft Heinz is expected to have net debt of just over $18 billion at the end of this year, and much of that is likely to be allocated to the food maker.

This might make it harder for a financial buyer to load up on borrowings. Still, if this hurdle could be overcome, there could be scope to add other low-growth but cash-generative food businesses to build scale.

If both of Kraft Heinzs component parts are as successful in selling themselves as Kelloggs, this would certainly be a tasty treat for investors.

Since news of Kraft Heinz potentially doing the splits broke at the weekend, there has been much discussion of de-consolidation in the consumer sector. But like Lunchables leaving school bags, this looks more like a prelude to a corporate disappearing act. Bloomberg

The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering consumer goods and the retail industry.
Amid rumours of a rift with the Congress party, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that nation comes first and parties are the means of making the country better.

Which is your first loyalty? To my mind, the nation comes first. Parties are a means of making the nation better. So, to my mind, whichever party you belong to, the objective of the party is to create a better India in its own way, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said while speaking at a private event in Kochi on 'Peace, Harmony and National Development'.

WATCH:

Tharoor also said that he will stand his ground regarding supporting the nation's armed forces and the government as he believes this is the right thing for the country.

According to a PTI report, Tharoor said that politics is unfortunately or otherwise, in any democracy, about competition. "As a result, when people like me say we respect our parties, we have certain values and convictions that keep us in our parties, but we need to cooperate with other parties in the interests of national security, sometimes the parties feel that its disloyal to them and that becomes a big problem," he said.

Nation first was always my philosophy Later, on the sidelines of the event, he told reporters that "nation first was always my philosophy".

He said that he came back to India only to serve the nation in whatever he can, through and outside politics.

"I have tried to do that," he said.

Also Read | Shashi Tharoor drops a Shabash for Air India crew on Kochi flight

Remaining tight lipped when asked whether he has any problems with the Congress high command, he said he was not here to discuss any politics or problems.

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.

Tharoor urges political parties to stay united 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."
Perplexity AIs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aravind Srinivas has called on youngsters to stop wasting time on doomscrolling on social media and spend more time on Artificial intelligence (AI).

"Spend less time doomscrolling on Instagram; spend more time using the AIs," Srinivas said in an interview with technology enthusiast Matthew Berman that was published on Thursday.

"Not because we want your usage, but simply because that's your way to, like, add value to the new society," he added.

AI chip giant Nvidia-backed Perplexity (the AI-powered search and answer engine that offers real-time responses to users in a conversational language) is positioning itself to challenge the dominance of Alphabets Google.

Srinivas' take on how AI will affect the job market Aravind Srinivas also said that some people would lose their jobs because AI would reduce head counts across industries, but those who will master AI tools will have the advantage in the job market.

"People who really are at the frontier of using AIs are going to be way more employable than people who are not," the Perplexity CEO said. "That's guaranteed to happen."

Raising a concern that most people are struggling to keep up with AI, Srinivas said: "Human race has never been extremely fast at adapting."

"This is truly testing the limits in terms of how fast we can adapt, especially with a piece of technology that's evolving every three months or six months," he added.

Also Read | Weekly Tech Recap: Perplexity Pro goes free for Airtel users and more

Srinivas further said: "Either the other people who lose jobs end up starting companies themselves and make use of AIs, or they end up learning the AIs and contribute to new companies."

Perplexity in talks with smartphone makers to pre-install Comet browser Perplexity is in talks with mobile phone makers to pre-install its new Comet AI browser on smartphones, Aravind Srinivas told Reuters on Friday.

The move is likely to boost the AI startups reach by capitalising on browser "stickiness".

"It's not easy to convince mobile OEMs to change the default browser to Comet from Chrome," Srinivas said.

Currently, Comet is in beta version and available only on desktops.
Elon Musk on Sunday, July 20, announced that his artificial intelligence startup (xAI) will develop a child-focussed app called Baby Grok. This comes after his earlier warning to kids stating that the social media is bad for them.

Were going to make Baby Grok @xAI, an app dedicated to kid-friendly content, he posted on X. He said it's inspired by Baby Groot, a character found in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He didn't disclose other details though regarding this.

Musk on May 23 last year said, A lot of social media is bad for kids, as there is extreme competition between social media AIs to maximize dopamine! He had urged parents to limit the amount of social media that children can see because they're being programmed by a dopamine-maximizing AI.

Internet users are divided on his new move as some say it's a great idea, whereas others state that children should stay away from screens.

Netizens react One of the users said, That's a really good idea. Another remarked, Maybe you should focus on getting the kids away from screens Awesome idea. Would be great for educational purposes, remarked a third. One of them asked Musk, Can you make an educational version and make it for people who want to homeschool their children?

A user reacted, Why do you want children on the internet? Some told him, We love you Elon but kid-friendly content is not on the internet. Its reading books and playing outside. One asked, Free for children?

Prior to his announcement, Google had stated that it was developing a dedicated Gemini app for children, aimed at assisting them with homework, answering questions, and helping them create stories. Additionally, parents will have control over their children's access to Gemini through the Family Link app, which allows them to disable the feature if desired.
DAKAR, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Saturday visited several military sites recently handed over by France, in what the Senegalese presidency described as "a major step" in the reconfiguration of bilateral military cooperation.

According to an official statement, Faye inspected the sites of Ouakam, Bel Air and the Naval base, all now fully under Senegalese sovereignty. The visit aimed to assess the condition of infrastructure related to accommodation, logistics and operations, and evaluate their potential for future use.

"The handover of these facilities, the result of bilateral dialogue based on mutual respect, opens a new era of strategic cooperation focused on training, interoperability and the strengthening of national capacities," the presidency said, adding that the move reflects Senegal's calm but firm assertion of full sovereignty over strategic military installations.

On Thursday, France formally transferred its last two military installations in Senegal to the Senegalese authorities, marking the end of its permanent military presence in the West African country. The installations included Camp Geille, the largest French military base in Senegal, and the French air detachment at Dakar International Airport. 
A judge has directed that a probation report is compiled on a county Longford man, who called his mother a 'scumbag' and put her in fear after she observed him carrying a knife in their home.



The defendant (27), who cannot be named to protect the anonymity of his mother, appeared in Longford District Court last week and pleaded guilty to the offences.

Read more: Longford Judge sets marker as sensitive evidence in sexual assault case shared online



Sergeant Mark Mahon, court presenter, said on November 25 and 26, 2024 a mother reported her son was smoking cannabis and she asked him to stop.



"He got aggressive towards her and the son subsequently stormed off up to his bedroom.



"His mother confronted him and on two separate occasions he told her to 'Get the f**k out of his room', and he slammed the door in her face.



"The son also took a knife upstairs to his bedroom and she feared he may harm himself or others in the house.



"The mother felt threatened and she was afraid of her son."



Sgt Mahon said this was a breach of the order that was in place and the defendant was arrested and conveyed to the garda station.



The prosecuting officer said the second breach occurred as the son was being brought away by Gardai on the same date November 26 shortly after 12pm.



"The son was leaving the house following his arrest and he turned around and he shouted abuse at his mother in the presence of Gardai."



The defendant had no previous convictions.



Solicitor Frank Gearty, defending, addressed Judge Bernadette Owens and said the knife was being used to pierce holes in tinfoil which his client had been using while smoking the cannabis and he read a written submission from the young man. "I was not intending to harm anyway and I certainly never intended to put my mother in fear.



"I now recognise she could have been afraid and I am very sorry, the defendant added.



Mr Gearty said following the incident his client spent two weeks in St Loman's in Mullingar as an inpatient.



"He has engaged in a very full way with the process of his recovery and the relevant people.



"He hadn't taken cannabis before the event so it would appear it was a probable affect of the cannabis induced issues that led to this.

Read more: Arson accused to be tried in Longford following refusal of application to transfer case

Judge Bernadette Owens heard he the son had now moved back into the house with his mother and relations have improved significantly.



She requested that a probation report be compiled on the defendant and she adjourned the case until November 11 next.
Fire boats perform during the inauguration ceremony of the new container terminal in Walvis Bay, Namibia, Aug. 2, 2019. (Xinhua/Zhang Yu)

Chinese collaboration in Namibia's maritime sector has positively impacted the Namibian economy and the livelihoods of its people, said Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) Andrew Kanime.

SWAKOPMUND, Namibia, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese collaboration in Namibia's maritime sector has positively impacted the Namibian economy and the livelihoods of its people, said Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) Andrew Kanime.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Thursday, Kanime emphasized the pivotal role of the Walvis Bay container terminal, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) and commissioned in 2019, which has revolutionized Namport's cargo handling capabilities.

"It has been a very impactful project, not only on Namport, but also for Namibia and the region at large, because that particular terminal has enabled us to double our cargo handling capacity," he said.

Kanime told Xinhua that before the commissioning of the new terminal, Namport's annual capacity was 350,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), but it has now more than doubled to 750,000 TEUs.

Beyond the construction of the container terminal, Kanime underlined the dredging of the entrance channel as another milestone.

"That was just recently deepened to minus 17 meters, enabling us to attract and handle the largest container vessels in the world," he said, adding that this combined effort has significantly bolstered Namport's standing.

The ports of Walvis Bay and Luderitz are Namibia's two primary seaports. Managed by the Namport, they act as vital gateways for landlocked southern African countries, especially Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia.

A trader sells seafood during the annual crayfish festival held in the southern town of Luderitz, Namibia, May 3, 2024. (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua)

Kanime said that the project will continue to positively impact the Namibian economy and the livelihoods of many people, including not only port workers but also those who will benefit from the industries created by the significantly increased cargo volumes now handled through the Port of Walvis Bay.

Kanime highlighted that Namibia is on a growth trajectory, with the need for Namport to continue expanding its port capacity.

"China Harbor Engineering Company, as in the case of other competent contractors, is obviously welcome to partner not only with us but with other businesses in a tender that will soon be launched to the market for new structures for the oil and gas," he said.

Looking at bridging the skill gap in the labor market, Kanime said a crucial aspect of international collaborations is skills transfer.

"Skills transfer is a critical component of any project and, more specifically, any organization," he said. "With the construction of this new terminal, we also deployed new STS (ship-to-shore) cranes, which we procured from ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited), also a Chinese manufacturer," he said.

Kanime lauded the success of the skills transfer process. "Those ZPMC engineers have gone back, but they have transferred skills to our local team. Those machines are now being fully repaired and maintained by our own team."

Concluding the interview, Kanime underscored Namibia and China's good relations that span years, highlighting the great scope for the two countries to continue collaborating.

"Those sisterly collaborations have been carried through to post-independent Namibia. And therefore, the sky is actually the limit," he said. 
AGAWAM  Pastor Daniel Cohen and his wife Christine are the first couple of Agawam Congregational Church. They are a multi-racial, multi-ethnic pair with radically divergent religious backgrounds, but they are leading their church community in lockstep with each other.

I grew up in a Jewish household and I was bar mitzvahed when I was 13. We celebrated the high holy holidays, and I was raised by Jewish parents who didnt believe in God, the Rev. Cohen. told The Republican.

Cohen, now 62, said he was a journalist and is now an author, private practice psychotherapist and spiritual leader.

He turned from Judaism to Buddhism in college before having a spiritual awakening at a Southern Baptist Church in Connecticut in 1993.

At the end of the service, the pastor said, Raise your hand if you felt anything special. I raised my hand because I was feeling tingly. I thought maybe they pumped something in the air vent thats making me feel this way, Cohen recalled.

Realizing that was unlikely because he was the only one with his hand in the air, Cohen concluded he had encountered the Holy Spirit.

That was the beginning of my relationship with Christ, he said.

Cohen said he became a Christian, preached in African American churches for 25 years, met and married his wife on one of those assignments, and landed in Agawam five months ago.

Christine Cohen, 57 was born in Jamaica and came to America in 2002. She has been a high school teacher, is now a registered nurse and sees religion as the foundation of both her marriage and life.

There is a church on every street corner in Jamaica. I grew up in the church and sometimes, even when your parents dont go, youre always going to Sunday school. Religion keeps you in check. It teaches you to love, respect and care for each other, she said.

Married for 21 years, the Cohens have two sons, 19 and 30. While the couple has varied backgrounds, Christine says that has been a blessing, not a challenge. But, she added, the relationship got off to a slow start.

When I first met him, I was not impressed, she laughed. But I grew to love him, and his family loved me. I respect their beliefs, and they respect me.

You never think of that as a challenge. In Jamaica, our motto is out of many there is one. You can find every race and ethnicity there. Ive never looked at being married to a Jew or Caucasian as anything but family, she added.

The Rev. Daniel Cohen presents flowers to his wife Christine, thanking her for making all of the Jamaican food for the 60 people who attended the Agawam Congregational Church's Family and Friends event on Sunday, July 13. Their granddaughter, Miracle London Reid, 6, looks on. Staasi Heropoulos

Agawam Congregational Church had spent five years searching for a pastor before Cohen took the job. He has authored a book, Its Not All About You, which he says teaches humility. It is a message he delivers in his sermons.

Im trying to show them Christ through me. Ive been called to serve them, and Im at my best when I think about that, rather than my own wants and needs, he said. Jesus said the law comes down to basically two things  loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself.

Cohen says corporate America instills endless need and desire in consumers. He believes people feel unfulfilled unless others value them. The pastor said he tries to refocus their belief in how God values his parishioners.

Im worth much more to God because my soul is going to live on forever when all the gold in the Earth is gone. You are worth so much more than your weight in gold to God even though in America, you may not be worth more to other people. America thinks about money a little too much, he said.

The Cohens work alongside their parishioners in local soup kitchens, feeding people in need as part of the churchs mission. By living in the parsonage at the church, they feel embedded in the community. In the past, they have lived up to an hour from their flock.

Christine said she is happy to be living in this small Western Massachusetts city. Like her husband, she felt a tingling, but hers was for Agawam.

When I visited Agawam for the first time, I fell in love with the town. When my husband got two other job offers, I said, Wait until you hear from Agawam because this is the one you should take.
Campus police from across Massachusetts attended a two-day course at the Massachusetts State Police headquarters covering bias and hate crimes. Massachusetts State Police

Last year, a student at Berklee College of Music told a Jewish classmate that Jews belong in the oven. And at Smith College, a spray-painted Israeli flag with a swastika replacing the Star of David was found on campus.

The incidents were both part of an increase in antisemitic incidents across Massachusetts, a rise that included college campuses.

As campuses work to better address antisemitism and other hate crimes, college administrators and police chiefs from across Massachusetts got a crash course in understanding trauma and how to confront hate through a program designed in part by Massachusetts State Police.

The program spanned two days at the state police headquarters in Framingham last week, and comes as college campuses across the state prepare to welcome students back amid crackdowns on higher education from the Trump administration and lingering tension over the war in Gaza.

For Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, or MACLEA, President Kerry Ramsdell, the chief of the Endicott College police department, the training couldnt have come at a better time.

Weve seen a lot here in Massachusetts on our campuses, and thankfully, weve done a lot of training and investigating and collaboration already, but its just sort of continuing to learn and broaden that as we come back, she said in an interview following the first of 10 modules the program will cover.

State police designed the program with experts from the Rutgers University Miller Center on Policing and Community Resilience and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.

On the first day of the program, numerous officials from the agencies responsible for setting it up spoke to participants, including state police Col. Geoff Noble and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan.

We are here to provide any resources that we can, that we have, Noble told the crowd.

There are challenging days ahead, Ryan said, adding that antisemitic incidents surpassed race-based hate crimes in Massachusetts last year. But you have the privilege of working in some place where people are there to learn, where they bring really great minds together.

You, as part of that institution, can address these problems, Ryan added.

The states Executive Office of Public Safety and Security documented 466 hate crimes in Massachusetts last year, down from 561 the year before. But incidents of religious bias went up, with 153 documented in 2024.

Of the 153 incidents involving religious bias, 85% reflected anti-Jewish bias, according to the states data.

The Anti-Defamation League gave multiple Massachusetts colleges a failing grade for their handling of antisemitic incidents in 2023. In 2024, the organization bumped up the institutions grades, but indicated more work needed to be done.

Campus police from across Massachusetts attended a two-day course at the Massachusetts State Police headquarters covering bias and hate crimes. Massachusetts State Police

On Thursday, much of the first module, led by Robert Czepiel Jr., a former prosecutor in New Jersey, and Brian Christensen, a former hate crimes investigator there, focused on defining trauma and hate crimes for the roughly 100 participants.

Christensen and Czepiel emphasized that not all hate incidents rise to the level of a crime, particularly given freedom of speech.

When youre dealing with hate crimes, you gotta go that extra step, Christensen said. To prove a hate crime is very difficult. You would have to prove that person did it because of one of the protected characteristics.

As an investigator, Christensen preached being proactive, trying to step in before incidents of hate rise to the level of a crime. He also stressed the importance of creating relationships in the community, which Ramsdell, the Endicott chief, said was one of the key lessons her department learned amid student protests in the spring of 2024 over the war between Israel and Hamas.

There is a lot of work any department can do before reacting to an incident, she explained.

Building those trust factors and building those relationships on our campuses and outside ... to help support that if we did react or have something, it would all be about that sort of collaboration is a lesson learned, Ramsdell said.

While Ramsdell acknowledged it can be difficult to get students to the table, she said engaging directly with them is a major part of the job.

Campus law enforcement officers are trained to go meet and interact with students from the first year theyre on campus, rather than waiting for them to come to the department, she explained.

Thats the unique part of our campus law enforcement culture, is that we sort of do that, but I think its still evolving. Its not perfect and I dont think anyone has the perfect answer to it, she said.

Tufts University Police Capt. Mark Roche, the organizations vice president, said simply, the standard is to be a human first.

Establish those relationships before the crisis, so that youre not working to establish those relationships and try to build that trust while theres an ongoing crisis, he said. Were all just lifelong learners.
On August 1, 2025, a new law in Massachusetts takes effect, prohibiting landlords from requiring new tenants to pay broker fees. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Moving to a new home is usually a stressful  and expensive process, but starting Aug. 1, its going to look a little different for renters across Massachusetts.

As of that date, renters will no longer be required to pay a fee to the realtor who brokered their lease  which is often a couple thousand dollars or more  as long as they are not the ones who hired the broker.

The change is due to a new law signed by Gov. Maura Healey on July 4, as part of the state budget for the next fiscal year. Housing advocates say the change will help renters with the cost of moving to a new home, which is critical at a time when rents are at record highs.

When moving into a new apartment, tenants are generally expected to pay four times the monthly rent before getting their keys, including first and last months rent, a security deposit and a broker fee, the latter two each typically equal to one months rent.

Thats despite the fact that in many cases, the tenant is not the one who hired the broker, and in some cases, barely communicated with them until the end of the leasing process.

Renter-paid brokers fees have added to an up-front cost that can put moving into a new apartment out of reach for individuals and families even when they can afford the rent, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus said earlier this month.

Many landlords, however, are not enthusiastic about taking on additional costs. Some predict that the change will only lead to higher rents to compensate, even if the upfront costs of moving decrease.

Will new law cause rent increases in Mass.?

Multiple people in the real estate industry who spoke to MassLive for this story cited a New York Post report that, after New York City implemented a similar ban on renter-paid broker fees on June 11, rents in the city increased by 15%.

Landlords are probably going to raise the rent to cover costs, said Demetrios Salpoglou, CEO of real estate website BostonPads, adding that property owners have many other increasing costs already.

Taxes have gone up. Utility costs have gone up. Electricity costs have gone up, he said.

However, an analysis released last week by StreetEasy, an apartment search platform, differed from the 15% estimate. Data from the websites listings showed that the average rent on properties that had previously been listed with required broker fees increased by less than 1% more than rentals that had not.

Some in Massachusetts argue that the new rules will have little to no effect in the state.

Doug Quattrochi, executive director of MassLandlords, noted that even previously, state law technically only allowed landlords to collect first and last months rent, a security deposit, and payment to change the locks when signing a new tenant. That didnt stop brokers fees from being common throughout the state, he said.

When you look at the problem that people were experiencing in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and other really tight real estate markets, it was noncompliant behavior, Quattrochi said.

The only thing the new law would do, aside from clarifying the requirements, he said, was scare some people who werent following the law already into compliance.

Mass. broker-fee law spurs confusion

One of the most significant problems for real estate agents, according to Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, is confusion over how their jobs will change come Aug. 1.

Vasil and his organization initially supported the ban as a way to improve affordability for tenants. However, he told MassLive on Thursday that the law  only two sentences within the 2026 state budget signed on July 4  didnt provide much time for preparation.

In New York City, the FARE Act, as the law governing broker fees is known, went into effect about seven months after it was passed, giving brokers, landlords and property managers time to learn its requirements. In Massachusetts, the turnaround was less than 30 days.

Were basically trying to educate a whole lot of people in three weeks. Its a monumental task, Vasil said. And because its two sentences, theres a lot of questions, and were concerned that theres going to be a number of lawsuits to respond to this instead of giving everybody a chance to work on this, educate people and try to flesh out a whole bunch of issues.

While some conversations about the change have implied that it will completely ban renter-paid broker fees, the rule, as written, says only that the party who initially engaged and entered into a contract with the broker should pay the fee. In most cases, but not all, it is the landlord who hires the broker, and they would therefore be responsible for the fee.

Some of the confusion arises from the phrase entered into a contract, which fails to specify whether this means the broker must have a written contract with the landlord or tenant, or if an informal, oral contract would also be applicable, Vasil said.

The law also complicates situations where both the landlord and the tenant are represented by a broker: Who pays then? Typically, each party pays half of the total fee to their respective broker; however, the new law does not clarify how these situations will be handled.

Theres a couple of things like that, that depending which attorney you talk to, you might get a different interpretation, Vasil said. Thats what worries us, because Sept. 1 in Boston is a crazy, crazy moving day.

Increase housing to bring down rents

Instead of focusing on broker fees, Salpoglou said Massachusetts should concentrate on increasing the supply of housing to bring costs down.

He often hears from property developers who seek to sell a project before it is even completed, because they believe the costs of the development will outweigh any future financial benefits, making it difficult to create new housing.

Housing advocates, too, say the change is only one small step in bringing down housing costs to a level that residents can afford.

While reforming broker fees is a positive step forward, its far short of the significant relief that struggling Massachusetts renters need, Carolyn Chou, executive director of Homes for All Massachusetts, said. Broker fee reform wont do much to help you if youre pushed out of your apartment by an excessive rent hike so your landlord can flip the property and turn your unit into high-end housing. And it wont help you much if you then cant find an affordable apartment in the community you call home.
Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello delivers during the first inning against the Cubs on Saturday. (AP Photo/Matt Marton) AP

CHICAGO  Instant reactions from the Red Sox 6-0 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday:

1) Boston dropped to 53-47. The Cubs improved to 59-39.

2) The Red Sox offense has scored just one run in two games since returning from the All-Star break. Cubs starter Shota Imanaga tossed 7 scoreless innings. Boston went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.

3) The Sox fell behind 2-0 in the first inning Saturday after immediately falling behind 3-0 in the first inning Friday.

Michael Busch crushed Brayan Bellos first pitch, a 96.3 mph sinker, into the left-center field bleachers. Kyle Tucker went back-to-back with Busch, sending a 95.9 mph four-seam fastball from Bello into the right-center field bleachers.

4) Bello eventually settled in like Lucas Giolito did after his bad first inning the night before. The 26-year-old posted his eighth straight quality start, a career high. He pitched 6 innings, giving up three runs, six hits and one walk while striking out four.

5) Connor Wong is batting .144 with one RBI and no extra-base hits this season. But manager Alex Cora did not pinch hit for the catcher with runners at the corners and two outs in the seventh.

Wong, who represented the tying run with Boston trailing 3-0, swung at the first pitch and flied out to second baseman Nico Hoerner in shallow right field.

Youve got to trust your players, Cora explained. Hes playing today for a reason. I felt like it was a good matchup  lefty against him. And it just didnt work out."

6) Lefty reliever Chris Murphy didnt allow a run in his first 7  innings this season after returning from Tommy John surgery. But he gave up three runs today on three solo homers. Matt Shaw, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ took him deep.

7) Former Red Sox reliever Ryan Brasier pitched a perfect ninth inning for the Cubs.

8) The Red Sox and Cubs will play the final game of their three-game series Sunday at 2:20 p.m. eastern. Ace Garrett Crochet (10-4, 2.23 ERA) will start for Boston opposite Cubs righty Cade Horton (3-3, 4.45 ERA).
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FLUSH. WASH. PROTECT. Insights into hand hygiene practices among patients and guests in a hospital setting. - (https://osf.io/befvt)

Nearlyaccording to a new study from the University of Surrey, raising major concerns about hygiene practices in high-risk healthcare settings ().The 19-week study, conducted in collaboration with Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark, used sensors attached to toilet and sink pipes to discreetly monitor handwashing behavior. Findings revealed thatDr Pablo Pereira-Doel, lead author of the study and Human Insight Lab co-lead at the University of Surreys Business School, said:"People may assume handwashing is second nature by now  especially in hospitals and post-Covid-19  but our data paints a different picture. In medical settings, not washing hands can directly affect patient safety. We need well-timed reminders and campaigns to get people back on track."The study used advanced Aguardio pipe sensors to measure temperature changes in pipes, detecting water flow from both toilets and sinks. If taps werent usedOut of 2,636 flushes monitored from two public hospital toilets, 1,153 were not followed by handwashing. Non-compliance was especially high at the start and end of the day, as well as during typical mealtimes, indicating potential windows for targeted interventions such as signage, prompts, or behavioral nudges.Professor Benjamin Gardner, co-author of the study and MSc Behavior Change Programme Lead at the University of Surreys School of Psychology, said:A key strength of this study is that it uses accurate data obtained using sink sensors, rather than relying on people being willing and able to report whether they wash their hands. Strategies that raise awareness at the crucial point in a bathroom visit and easily understood messaging about how to wash effectively  like singing Happy Birthday twice over  can help people form handwashing habits that last.Professor Carrie Newlands, Lead for Clinical Skills at the University of Surreys School of Medicine, added:"These findings are worrying but not surprising. Even simple behaviors like handwashing can lapse without reinforcement. In hospitals, lapses like these can have serious consequences  for patients and for the wider healthcare system. Its time we moved beyond posters and hand gel stations to more effective behavioral strategies."Source-Eurekalert
Protesters rally at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan, Aug. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

TOKYO, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government's 2025 Defense White Paper, which was released recently, once again exaggerates the "security threats surrounding Japan." Meanwhile, for the first time, the defense ministry this year distributed a children's version of the annual report to elementary schools nationwide, fueling widespread concern.

According to NBC Nagasaki Broadcasting, a private broadcaster in Nagasaki Prefecture, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has distributed some 6,100 copies of the children's version to 2,400 elementary schools nationwide.

According to the defense ministry website, the children's version of the defense white paper consists of four sections. In the first section "Why the Self-Defense Forces are necessary," the publication emphasizes that "deterrence" is of vital importance for preventing wars.

The second section, "What is happening in Japan's surrounding areas," portrays some neighboring countries as "military threats," claiming that "the region where Japan is located is not safe."

The third section, "What should Japan do," further explains why Japan needs to increase its defense spending and enhance its defense capabilities, pointing out that the so-called "counterattack capability" is the key to strengthening its defense, while the fourth section introduces the disaster relief functions of the Self-Defense Forces.

People lay flowers in commemoration of atomic bombing victims at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan, Aug. 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

An online version of the children edition, based on the Defense White Paper published annually, has been released on the Internet by the defense ministry since 2021, but this year marked the first time that it has been made in the form of a book and sent to elementary schools.

The move has raised concerns among people from all walks of life in Japan as it is believed that elementary school students have not yet fully developed their independent thinking skills, and schools should be places that foster values such as respect, peace, kindness and diversity, rather than places to create crises and incite hostility.

Ukeru Magosaki, a former Japanese foreign ministry official, told Xinhua that "school education has a significant influence on the formation of students' ideas. If this trend (of 'threat theory' entering schools) continues, it will foster belligerence and hostility toward foreign countries among the younger generation," noting it is a regrettable phenomenon.

Japanese historian Atsushi Kouketsu believes that instilling in children the notion that a neighboring country is a "threat" will cause them to develop prejudice against that country, thereby weakening their curiosity and interest in learning about that country.

"What is important is to foster an awareness of understanding and respect and deepen a sense of friendship and goodwill through exchanges and learning of historical and cultural knowledge," said Kouketsu in an interview with Xinhua.

"The children's version of the Defense White Paper is the most inappropriate textbook." Koketsu emphasized that to cultivate historical awareness, one must first learn the correct historical facts.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which is an opportunity for Japan to deeply reflect on its historical responsibilities, scholars said. However, in recent years, Japan has been constantly making moves in the compilation of textbooks.

The right-wing forces have frequently advocated denying the Nanjing Massacre, selectively ignoring the germ warfare, downplaying the history of aggression and glorifying the war of aggression. A series of moves have allowed historical revisionism to distort the historical views of Japanese students.

Protesters march on the street in downtown Tokyo, Japan, on May 15, 2022, the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan from the control of the United States. (Photo by Christopher Jue/Xinhua)

The introduction of the children's version of the defense white paper into elementary schools makes people even more worried that the Japanese government is further pushing for a "rightward shift" in the education sector and even the entire country.

Japanese modern and contemporary history scholar Ryuji Ishida told Xinhua that due to historical reasons, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces have their uniqueness, and if the responsibility for the war of aggression is disregarded, it will be impossible to accurately understand the Self-Defense Forces.

However, the Japanese government has been attempting to remove these historical constraints, and this trend has spread to the field of education, Ishida said, "This children's version of the 'Defense White Paper' downplays the historical background and only allows children to understand the 'positive' side of the Self-Defense Forces, which is an act that undermines postwar (peace) efforts."

According to local media reports, civil groups including the Nagasaki Prefecture chapter of the New Japan Women's Association on Tuesday submitted a request to the Nagasaki Prefecture Board of Education, hoping that the defense ministry's distribution of the children's version of the "Defense White Paper" to elementary schools would be withdrawn.

They argued that the Japanese government, disregarding the fact that children are in the process of growing up, is forcibly instilling its own viewpoints into them, which is an unacceptable behavior.
TOKYO (AP)  A Nagasaki cathedral has blessed the final piece to complete its restoration nearly 80 years after being destroyed by the second U.S. atomic bomb dropped on Japan: a reproduction of its lost bell restored by a group of Americans.

The new bell was blessed and named the St. Kateri Bell of Hope, by Peter Michiaki Nakamura, archbishop of Nagasaki, at the Urakami Cathedral in a ceremony Thursday attended by more than 100 followers and other participants.

The bell is scheduled to be hung inside the cathedral, filling the empty bell tower for the first time, on Aug. 9, the anniversary of the bombing.

The U.S. bomb that was dropped Aug. 9, 1945, fell near the cathedral, killing two priests and 24 followers inside among the more than 70,000 dead in the city. Japan surrendered, ending World War II days later.

The bombing of Nagasaki destroyed the cathedral building and the smaller of its two bells. The building was restored earlier, but without the smaller bell.

The restoration project was led by James Nolan Jr., who was inspired after hearing about the lost bell when he met a local Catholic follower during his 2023 visit to Nagasaki. Nolan lectured about the atomic bombing in the southern city and its history about Catholic converts who went deep underground during centuries of violent persecution in Japan's feudal era, to raise funds for the bell restoration.

I think it's beautiful and the bell itself is more beautiful than I ever imagined, Nolan, who was at the blessing ceremony, said after he test-rang the bell. He said he hoped the bell "will be a symbol of unity and that will bear the fruits of fostering hope and peace in a world where there is division and war and hurt."

Kojiro Moriuchi, the follower who told Nolan about the bell, prayed and gently touched it.

I'm so grateful, he said. I hope Urakami Cathederal will be a place for peace-loving people from around the world to gather.

A sociology professor at Williams College in Massachusetts, Nolan is the grandson of a doctor who was in the Manhattan Project  the secret effort to build the bombs  and who was on a survey team that visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki shortly after the bombings.

Nolan wrote the book Atomic Doctors, about the moral dilemmas faced by medical doctors who took part in the Manhattan Project, based on materials his grandfather left behind.
12:37PM: The Astros officially placed Paredes on the 10-day IL due to a right hamstring strain, and also optioned catcher Cesar Salazar to Triple-A. Whitcomb was called up and Singletons contract was selected, and Brendan Rodgers was moved from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL to create a 40-man roster spot for Singleton.

8:11AM: Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes left Saturdays 7-6 loss to the Mariners with what was described as right hamstring discomfort. The injury occurred in the third inning, when Paredes hit a line drive off the left field wall that resulted in only a single, as he started limping partway down the first base base line.

Paredes is going from Seattle to Houston today to undergo testing, and a trip to the injured list seems inevitable. MLB.coms Brian McTaggart reports that infielder/outfielder Shay Whitcomb and first baseman Jon Singleton are joining the Astros from Triple-A Sugar Land prior to todays game, so the club is already arranging its next set of roster moves. Singleton isnt on the 40-man roster, so another transaction is forthcoming apart from the shuffle of Paredes for Whitcomb.

This isnt the first time Paredes has dealt with hamstring problems this season, as some soreness in his left hamstring forced him to miss three games last month but he was able to return none the worse for wear. This new injury hurts more than the other one, Paredes told the Houston Chronicles Matt Kawahara and other reporters, as he said I just feel like it pulled as I started running and I couldnt run anymore.

While the Astros maintain a three-game lead in the AL West, the club has lost seven of its last eight games, as a mountain of injuries may be catching up to the roster. Assuming Paredes will indeed be sidelined, hell become the 16th different player on Houstons IL, and the ninth position player. The long list of injuries includes arguably Houstons three top hitters in Paredes, Yordan Alvarez, and Jeremy Pena.

Acquired from the Cubs as part of last winters blockbuster Kyle Tucker trade, Paredes has hit .259/.359/.470 with 19 homers over 409 plate appearances in his first season in Houston. Since his .362 wOBA significantly outpaces his .332 xwOBA, some good fortune has been involved in Paredes performance, and he isnt making much hard contact. On the plus side, Paredes is making a lot of contact overall, and posting very strong strikeout and walk rates. It all added up to Paredes second straight All-Star nod, as he also made the Midsummer Classic last year when he was still a member of the Rays.

In short, Paredes is basically just about the last player the Astros could afford to lose, but it now looks like hell be out of action for (in a best-case scenario) at least the next 10 days. Any of Whitcomb, utilityman Mauricio Dubon, or rookie Brice Matthews could get time at third base with Paredes out, and if Dubon ends up getting the bulk of time at third base, Zack Short will probably take over at shortstop until Pena is able to return. Matthews has primarily played second base since making his MLB debut last week, and the keystone could remain his primary position if Jose Altuve is needed more in left field to help cover the Astros long list of outfield absences.

Some good news may be on the horizon, as Alvarez is with the team in Seattle and has started taking swings. Alvarez hasnt played since May 2 due to what was initially described as right hand inflammation, though follow-up tests in late May revealed a slight fracture in the sluggers right ring finger. He received two injections after a consultation with a hand specialist at the start of July, and while Alvarezs IL stint has gone on much longer than expected, his return could be on the horizon.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents removed 13 crew members with valid work visas from cruise ships docked in Detroit. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

DETROIT, MI  U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents removed 13 crew members from two cruise ships docked in Detroit, according to USA Today.

All of the crew members had valid work visas and were cleared to work in the United States, USA Today reported.

The crew members were removed from Victory Cruise Lines Victory I and Victory II vessels docked in the Port of Detroit. Eight crew members were removed from Victory I on July 11 and five were removed from Victory II on July 9, USA Today reported.

We are actively cooperating with federal authorities to clarify the circumstances, and my priority is always our crew and the experience for our guests, said John Waggoner, founder and chairman of Victory Cruise Lines, according to USA Today.

Crew members were also taken off other ships, including Viking and Pearl Seas Cruises vessels, in the region, according to Travel Weekly.

Customs and Border Patrol is involved in an ongoing operation on the Great Lakes, a spokesperson told USA Today, but did not provide further details.

Since he took office, President Donald Trump has promised mass deportations and prioritized immigration enforcement and border security.
Invasive sea lamprey control in the Grand River is getting a boost thanks to a $2.1 million federal grant, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, announced July 15. (John Kuntz |cleveland.com) John Kuntz, cleveland.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  The fight against invasive sea lampreys in the Grand River is getting a boost with a $2.1 million federal grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The funding to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) was announced by Congressman Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, together with the other House Great Lakes Task Force co-chairs, in a press release.

Sea lampreys are highly invasive and are a significant danger to the native fish of the Great Lakes and the entire Great Lakes ecosystem, Dingell said in the July 15 statement.

The Great Lakes fishery supports billions of dollars in the economy and hundreds of thousands of jobs, and we must protect this critical natural resource, she said.

The funding will be used to:

Develop and implement new sea lamprey control techniques.

Design a new sea lamprey barrier and conduct pre-barrier-construction work on the Grand River in Grand Rapids. This project will protect more than 4,000 river miles from sea lamprey.

Aid in the recovery of native fish species.

Sea lampreys, sometimes referred to as vampires of the Great Lakes, are native to the Atlantic Ocean and its tributaries.

The fish invaded the upper Great Lakes in the 1920s and has been wreaking havoc on the native fishery ever since, especially whitefish and lake trout, according to the GLFC. One sea lamprey can kill up to 40 pounds of fish.

To combat the invasion, the U.S. and Canada established the GLFC in 1954. The Great Lakes fishery is estimated to be worth more than $7 billion per year.

So far, control efforts have been successful, but sea lamprey populations can bounce back quickly.

The work of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission has reduced sea lamprey populations by more than 90%, Dingell said in the statement. We must continue to support their efforts to sustain healthy fish and lakes for generations to come.

The GLFC did not immediately respond to a request for additional information about the project.
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. 
CALHOUN COUNTY, MI  Tucked away in the back 40 of Brooke Bronsinks family farm is a unique place for healing.

A view of a pond, nature all around and the sound of ... goats.

Yes. Goats.

Ten years ago, while facing a time of turmoil in her life, Bronsink found peace in her baa-ing, tooting pets.

That peace eventually cultivated itself into East Leroy Goats and Yoga, which has offered the community a space to relax and let go for seven years.

The why was to help people, Bronsink said. Ive had a lot of help and this farm is such a gift, I knew it needed to be shared.

Related: A goat made this mom laugh again following sons tragedy. Now its a business helping others.

In class, an instructor leads groups (which can be booked both publicly and privately) through an hour-plus yoga session.

Its awkwardly funny, but relaxing, Mary Nowlin, a longtime attendee, said of her experience. It feeds my soul.

Nowlin started attending the first season of classes in East Leroy and hasnt looked back.

Aimee Cook, who was the first instructor hired by Bronsink and initially the only applicant, emphasizes the very soul-feeding relaxation Nowlin speaks of.

I feel like the goats really help soften and take away some of the harshness that comes from staring in the mirror, Cook said. They are the nature part of it. Allowing you to be present in your own practice.

Her soothing voice, coupled with an occasional baa, creates an immersive experience.

During cooldown, Cook asks her class to lay down and close their eyes.

To imagine a ball of light traveling through their body, one part at a time.

Mark Hoffman, a new customer on July 1, said by the time he imagined the light, he was fast asleep.

He woke up to a goat staring him right in the face.

To unite mind, body and goat at East Leroy Goats and Yoga, visit their webpage and book a session for $20.

To see the goat yoga in action, watch the mini-documentary at the top of this page or by clicking this link.

58 1 / 58 East Leroy Goats & Yoga offers space for unique healing, relaxation

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
Surveillance camera images of an armed robber holding up Independent Bank in Bangor Township the afternoon of July 14, 2025. Cole Waterman

BAY CITY, MI  A Bay City man has been federal charged for allegedly robbing a bank at gunpoint.

Meanwhile, a different Bay City man will be heading to prison for what has been described as crime against nature.
Gayatri Rani

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Akshay Kumar snaps at fan for filming him without consent in London, watch here

Palak Vij

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Bigg Boss OTT fame Sana Makbuls flight makes emergency landing in Ahmedabad: I dont know what is happening with the world...

Palak Vij

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Kapil Sharma to reopen his Kaps Cafe for dine-in after targeted gunfire: The lights are on, the coffees warm...

Gayatri Rani

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Shah Rukh Khan was NOT injured on the sets of King; here's the truth

Gayatri Rani

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ISLAMABAD, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Nine terrorists were killed and eight others arrested during a joint operation in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province over the last four days, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said on Sunday.

The ISPR said in a statement that the intelligence-based operation was conducted by the security forces along with the paramilitary force and the counter-terrorism department of police in Malakand district of the province.

During the operation, security forces surrounded and effectively engaged the terrorists' location, and after multiple intense fire exchanges, nine terrorists were killed, while eight others were apprehended, said the ISPR statement.

It added that two hideouts used by the terrorists were also busted and a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered, adding that a sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. 
Untamed Review: Eric Bana shines in this gripping and atmospheric murder mystery set in Yosemite

Gayatri Rani

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Wall to Wall Movie Review: This gripping Korean Netflix thriller finds terror in thin walls and thick tension

Gayatri Rani

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101Reporters

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Anthem Biosciences shares expected to list with up to 25% premium; experts suggest this post-listing strategy

Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers.

Paras Bisht

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Chartist Talks: These 2 stocks likely to generate significant alpha compared to broader markets

Sunil Matkar

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sells $50 million in shares in a week as company eyes China comeback for AI chips

Aishwarya Dabhade

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All-party meet ahead of Monsoon session: Opposition speak in one voice, Amit Malviya's big jibe at Congress

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Apache edge for Indian Army: How induction of three AH-64E attack helicopters will sharpen India's combat power

Tamal Nandi

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COLOMBO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Sri Lanka more than doubled in the first half of 2025, rising by 101 percent compared to the same period last year, state media reported on Sunday, quoting a senior official.

Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Arjuna Herath said that FDI inflows reached over 507 million U.S. dollars during the first six months of 2025, up from 252 million dollars in the same period of 2024.

Herath said that realized local investment from January to June 2025 stood at 285 million dollars, representing a 13 percent increase from the previous year. The combined total for foreign and local investments in the first half of 2025 amounted to 792 million dollars.

The BOI approved 57 new projects in the first six months of this year. He said that these projects are expected to create more than 14,000 new jobs.

Key sectors driving investment growth include port development, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, as well as services such as hub operations, Herath said. 
Aishwarya Dabhade

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BJD seeks discussion in Parliament on 'deteriorating' law and order situation in states

Yeeshu Yadav

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Continuous failure has plunged Rahul Gandhi into an abyss of ideological emptiness: Dharmendra Pradhan

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Siddharth Chakravorty

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India News Live: Puri girl, who was set on fire by 3 men, airlifted to AIIMS Delhi

Minor girl set ablaze by miscreants in Puri | A patient with 75% burns, was airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar and received at AIIMS New Delhi at 4:20 PM. She is currently admitted to the Burn ICU in the Burns and Plastic Surgery block. Her condition is critical, and she is on oxygen support. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition: AIIMS Delhi
Yeeshu Yadav

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Deblina Halder

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SOFIA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian law enforcement authorities at the country's Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint near the border with Turkiye have seized 205.94 kg of cocaine hidden in a diplomatic car, officials said on Sunday.

This was the largest amount of cocaine seized at Bulgaria's land borders, the National Customs Agency (NCA) said in a press release.

The Land Rover with diplomatic license plates, driven by a 43-year-old Bulgarian citizen, arrived at the checkpoint on Friday.

Two other passengers were traveling in the car from Belgium via Bulgaria to Turkiye, -- a 40-year-old man, citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo with diplomatic status, and a 54-year-old woman with Belgian citizenship, born in the Republic of Congo, the NCA said.

The vehicle underwent a thorough inspection involving a drug-sniffing dog, who pointed to four suitcases in the trunk and one in the back seat behind the driver.

The suitcases were scanned with mobile X-ray equipment, which noted unusual densities. After opening, it was discovered that instead of personal luggage, they contained a total of 179 packages of cocaine with a total gross weight of 205.940 kg.

The illicit substance had an estimated court value of 22.1 million U.S. dollars, the NCA said.

The driver and his two companions were arrested. An investigation is underway. 
NDRF to soon commission cadaver dogs to assist in disaster operations

Yeeshu Yadav

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Private entry into nuclear was tougher than space reform: Jitendra Singh on Indias civil atomic power push

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Ria Kapoor

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Seeking sexual favours to defrauding New Jersey Medicaid: Probe report on how an Indian-origin doctor in US acted with impunity

Siddharth Chakravorty

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S Jaishankar reveals what he was asked in his UPSC interview | Watch

101Reporters

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'Will teach you a lesson': NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar booked for shouting at Mumbai cop

101Reporters

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Ankita Sengupta

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Nvidia's Jensen Huang was bullied in school for his poor English skills: 'Kids were really tough'

Ankita Sengupta

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Perplexity CEO says his AI browser could replace recruiters, admin assistants in companies

Ankita Sengupta

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BELGRADE, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Serbia's national weather service has issued a high-temperature warning on Sunday, saying that a new heatwave is set to hit the country from Monday, with temperatures expected to reach up to 42 degrees Celsius in parts of the south and east.

The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia said the heatwave will last through Saturday, July 26, with extreme fire risk due to prolonged drought and dry soil conditions. Strong southwesterly winds are expected to worsen the situation in hilly and mountainous areas.

Authorities will send SMS alerts to residents in the most affected southern and eastern districts, including Toplica, Jablanica, Pcinja, Pirot, Nisava, and Zajecar.

The Ministry of the Interior has urged the public to observe fire safety regulations, warning that open burning of vegetation, waste, or crop residue is prohibited and punishable by fines.

More than 3,500 wildfires have been recorded across Serbia since the beginning of July, which represents a record high, including over 1,400 in the past 10 days alone, the ministry informed in a press release.

Authorities have called on citizens to stay alert, limit outdoor activity, and report any fires immediately.

In late June, Serbia was under a red-level weather alert as temperatures in some eastern cities exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. 
Transwoman living in MP for 8 years turns out to be a man from Bangladesh: Report

Ankita Sengupta

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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.

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Aabhas Sharma

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Perplexity AI wants to install Comet browser on smartphones to rival Google Chrome, Apples Safari

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.

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Aabhas Sharma

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Calm reported in Syria's Sweida as tribal fighters said to withdraw

Arindam Roy

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Arindam Roy

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Iran N-sites destroyed in US strikes, any new facilities will be obliterated, reiterates Trump

Deblina Halder

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Quads Rare Earth push: How India, US, Japan and Australia aim to counter Chinas critical mineral monopoly

Pragya Trivedi

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This photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows an exterior view of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, Britain. (Xinhua)

Expert says any sense that these treaties pave the way for Britain to rejoin the single market, let alone the EU, is misplaced.

by Xinhua Writers Zheng Bofei, Larry Neild

LONDON, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Standing in the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), draped in the national flags of both nations, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday signed a wide-ranging bilateral agreement covering areas such as defense and migration.

The summit followed on the heels of French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit last week. Together, these developments mark a quiet but significant revival of the trilateral group known as the E3 -- comprising the United Kingdom, France, and Germany -- amid mounting global turbulence.

Originally formed as an ad hoc coalition focused on Iran's nuclear program, the E3 is now re-emerging as a core pillar of European security diplomacy. As British think tank Chatham House noted on Friday, the group is "back at the heart of European security."

POST-BREXIT PIVOT

To many observers, this shift signals a new strategic direction under the Labour government, as Starmer seeks to stabilise and rebuild once-fractured ties between Britain and the European Union (EU) in the aftermath of Brexit.

As Iain Begg, professor of the London School of Economics observed, the sequence of events -- beginning with the "reset" with the EU in May, followed by Macron's state visit in early July, and culminating in the UK-Germany "Kensington Treaty" -- augur well for better relations overall between the UK and the bloc after the divisions precipitated by Brexit.

"The E3, a flexible diplomatic forum between the UK, France, and Germany, has regained significance in the wake of Brexit," said the Chatham House article.

This trend also reflects a shift in public opinion, which was showcased in a survey conducted by the London-based independent think tank British Foreign Policy Group on Thursday. The survey result said the British public is increasingly disillusioned with the once-hailed "special relationship" with the United States, especially under President Donald Trump. Facing strategic uncertainty and erratic U.S. policies, many British are once again looking across the Channel.

Public trust in the United States has fallen sharply, from 53 percent in 2024 to just 38 percent in 2025, while over 60 percent of British now support closer ties with the EU, driven in part by concerns over Trump's leadership.

Dubbed the Kensington Treaty, the new UK-Germany accord reaffirms cooperation across a range of issues: a shared commitment to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels; strengthening bilateral trade within the framework of existing EU-UK agreements; and advancing security and defense cooperation, including joint military exercises, countering cyber threats and information warfare, and coordinating arms exports.

Though smaller in scope than the UK-France agreement signed last week, which included an unprecedented joint nuclear statement pledging coordination of the two countries' independent nuclear deterrents, Thursday's treaty nonetheless "anchored the E3 as a central pillar of European security," according to Chatham House.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) shakes hands with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on July 17, 2025. (Xinhua)

COUNTERWEIGHT TO UNPREDICTABILITY

Dan Hough, professor of politics at the University of Sussex, told Xinhua that there is now "a real push to work constructively on issues where they didn't have to work constructively in the past because the American influence was so strong."

"However, given Donald Trump's behaviour in the White House, we can't rely on that anymore," he added.

With American commitment to NATO no longer guaranteed, particularly under Trump's influence, the E3 is increasingly seen as a self-reliant "circle of friends" capable of acting in Europe's strategic interest, said John Bryson, a professor and expert in economic geography at the University of Birmingham.

Vasilis Petropoulos, research fellow at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy and a Fletcher School alumnus at Tufts University, also observed, "If Trump's first tenure offered the Europeans any necessary reality check, it was the disillusionment with the viability of their dependence on the United States."

However, unlike formal treaties or supranational institutions, the E3 remains a deliberately flexible arrangement. However, the E3 allows Europe's three largest military and economic powers to coordinate rapidly on foreign policy, defense, and migration, without the procedural burdens of Brussels, said the think tank UK in a Changing Europe.

Hough also noted that from youth exchange schemes and visa reforms to joint defense planning and support for Ukraine, "the current phase of British diplomacy is defined by realism, not nostalgia."

"It cannot by itself cover the gaps between the EU and NATO that were created by Brexit," said Chatham House.

Begg also noted that any sense that these treaties pave the way for Britain to rejoin the single market, let alone the EU, is misplaced. 
Trump administration weighed dropping SpaceX contracts after Musk feud, but found most too crucial: Report

Pragya Trivedi

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Vladimir Putin open to peace talks with Ukraine, but Russia will pursue strategic goals: Kremlin

Tamal Nandi

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Tamal Nandi

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BMW to launch first China-based IT R&D center, eyes AI-powered innovation

Xinhua) 11:03, July 20, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
KIEV, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that Kiev has proposed to hold a new round of peace talks with Moscow next week.

Rustem Umerov, who headed the Ukrainian delegation in the previous two talks in Istanbul, had sent the Russian side the offer to hold the meeting next week, Zelensky said in his evening address to the nation.

"The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up," Zelensky said. "Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire."

Umerov, the former defense minister, was just appointed by the Ukrainian president as secretary of the National Security and Defense Council on Friday.

Russia on Tuesday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's 50-day ultimatum to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire, dismissing the threat of "severe tariffs" as unacceptable.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that Moscow favors a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict and is ready to negotiate. 
Reporter

Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post.
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Members of emergency services work at the scene after a vehicle plunged into a crowd outside a nightclub, on Santa Monica Boulevard in the East Hollywood of Los Angeles, California, July 19, 2025.

Screen grab obtained from social media/AXN NEWS/via REUTERS
Golden Mussel -- STF photo View Photo

One of the states best investigators was on the hunt for golden mussels  a dangerous new invader in Californias waters, with a reputation for destruction.

Wearing a collar and a tongue-lolling grin, Allee, a Belgian Malinois, sniffed along the glittering hull of a bass boat at an inspection station in Butte County.

The dogs handler, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Mark Rose, pointed at the outboard motor and the dog delicately nosed the propellers. She stretched up on her hind legs to get a good whiff of the port side before Rose led her away. She yawned. Nothing here.

The dog was searching for any hint of the thimble-sized mussels hidden in the nooks and crannies of boats headed to Lake Oroville, the states second-largest reservoir, or two smaller reservoirs nearby. Her human counterparts at the Department of Water Resources inspection station combed the boats interior for standing water that could harbor larvae.

Mandatory boat inspections are among the few weapons in Californias arsenal for protecting its thousands of lakes and reservoirs from the invasion. The mussels prolific growth and voracious appetites can upend entire ecosystems, encrust underwater surfaces, choke off water supplies and damage dams and power plants.

We have been on high alert, said Tanya Veldhuizen, special projects section manager in the California Department of Water Resources environmental assessment branch, which operates the states water delivery system. Its not just on our doorstep, its in our house.

State water managers made the alarming discovery last October that golden mussels, which are native to China and Southeast Asia, had invaded the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta  the core of Californias massive water delivery systems. It marked the first detection in North America.

The mussels, first discovered encrusting a float near the Port of Stockton, have already infiltrated Californias two major state and federal water systems, which export water from the Delta to supply 30 million people and millions of acres of farmland. Their larvae are spreading through the network of pumps, pipes and canals.

To everyones horror, it was in many, many more places than we expected, said Ted Grosholz, a professor emeritus with the UC Davis Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute. The further they looked, the further they found them.

Now the mussels are here to stay. They cannot be eradicated. Water suppliers bracing for the onslaught have instead turned their efforts to shoring up pipes, pumps and treatment plants against the infestation.

Golden mussels, a destructive species from Asia, are concentrated in the Sacramento-San Jaoquin River Delta, according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife surveys.

The states most immediate priority is protecting the small pipes at upstream pumping facilities that keep water deliveries flowing, then theyll move their efforts downstream, Veldhuizen said.

It is a huge undertaking, Veldhuizen said. Were not looking at removing mussels from all the water, because its just not feasible.

The race is on to keep the mussels and their microscopic larvae from infesting untainted lakes by stowing away on hulls or inside damp, internal cavities of boats.

But resources are stretched precariously thin. There is no funding dedicated to fighting invasive golden mussels in the states budget. And each new infestation means one more place from which they can spread.

Boaters statewide are warned to clean, drain and dry anything that touches water before moving it to another lake or river. Microscopic larvae can survive in tiny amounts of trapped water. Adult mussels may survive for around a week or longer with no water at all.

Water managers in some lakes and reservoirs now require inspections, quarantine periods and decontamination with hot water before boats can enter. Others have closed or limited access to boating. But a patchwork of oversight leaves many lakes with no protection at all.

Oh, look what we found  the hunt for mussels

Allee, with her sensitive snout and devotion to Rose, is one of the states more finely-honed weapons against this invasion. But she is one of only 14 dogs with the wildlife agency trained to detect invasive mussels, Rose said. And she is also tasked with sniffing out the guns, ammunition and kills of wildlife poachers farther north in Tehama County, where Rose is the only game warden for nearly 3,000 square miles.

A state and federal mussels task force released recommendations in April, including mandatory decontamination of boats in infested areas for longer than five days and prevention programs at all accessible, uninfested waters. But these are monumental tasks, especially amid federal staff cuts and the states $12 billion budget deficit. Californias fish and wildlife agency, for instance, is severely understaffed, with only 33% of the resources needed to fulfill its law enforcement duties and 26% needed for habitat and species conservation, according to a 2021 analysis mandated by the Legislature. Even so, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed cutting 164 vacant positions at the department this year, including wardens and other enforcement positions, according to HD Palmer with the Department of Finance. Lawmakers rejected the cuts for now, but the finance department said the budget does not provide funding to fight golden mussels. Everybodys under fire, UC Davis Grosholz said. Its not a great time for resource agencies to suddenly have a brand new threat.

At the Department of Water Resources Oroville inspection station last month, trucks hauling expensive fishing boats and beat-up skiffs rolled over the dusty parking lot at the Thermalito Forebay, a smaller, downstream reservoir. The boats that passed Allees smell test and neon-vested inspectors were recorded and tagged, then sent to the open ramps. Boats that failed because they were still wet  even wet cupholders and life jackets can trigger a failure  were sent to a decontamination station, where they were sprayed and flushed with steaming water. Inspection stations set up by multiple agencies have already intercepted boats contaminated with golden mussels bound for lakes Tahoe, Folsom, Berryessa and Oroville. Leaning against his sailboat at an Oroville boat ramp, boater Dean Dyrr said inspectors spotted mussels on the boat right next to his when his sailboat was checked at the Thermalito Forebay in May. They were like, Oh, look what we found! and it was a handful of mussels, Dyrr said as his wife loaded up their boat with supplies and water. Lake Oroville glinted against the dry, oak-studded foothills, and dozens of boats bobbed on its surface.

When mussels are found, the boat is pressure-washed and flushed with hot water, then confirmed free of mussels before it can be launched at the lake.

The programs actually working. Theyre actually doing some good to keep the mussels out of the water at Oroville, Dyrr said. Dont know what theyre doing with all the other thousands of lakes around that theyre not monitoring, though.

Various authorities  federal, state, local and private  manage access to Californias lakes and reservoirs. Of particular concern are the lakes and waterways that are not fed by Delta water, because they have the best chance of being spared infestations. Around thirty lakes and reservoirs have inspection programs and quarantine requirements of up to 60 days, and a handful have limited or barred access to boats, according to the states Division of Boating and Waterways analysis of a list they maintain. The division warns, however, that the list is not comprehensive and is kept as a courtesy with the limited staff that they have; boaters are advised to contact lakes and reservoirs to confirm. Among the biggest gaps in oversight are federally-managed Whiskeytown and Shasta lakes. Shasta Lake is the biggest reservoir in the state, and both are popular with boaters. Neither have mandatory inspection programs. If golden mussels are detected in Shasta Lake, we will reassess the current approach and consider additional measures, a spokesperson with the U.S. Forest Service said in an email. The agency asks boaters to voluntarily dry their boats for five days between visits to local North State lakes like Shasta and Whiskeytown, and 30 days if entering the lakes from outside the area. Laura Shaskey, division lead of resource management and interpretation with the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, said voluntary inspections are offered during peak visiting periods. The inspection programs that do exist are costly and labor intensive. Lake Tahoes has been in place since 2008, after invasive quagga mussels breached Californias borders. But golden mussels are more ecologically nimble than previous invaders, and can survive in a much bigger range of waters. So the threat that they pose to Lake Tahoe is even greater, said Jeff Cowen, a spokesperson for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

The agency has budgeted $1.1 million this fiscal year for its mandatory inspection program, which now also requires decontamination for boats entering on trailers. Boaters launching for the first time in Tahoe will need to pay a $115 registration fee for the year, plus $30 to $60 decontamination fees each time the boat returns from another lake. Kayaks, paddleboards and other hand-launched boats can skip the line and be decontaminated for free. At Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and California State Parks require boaters to quarantine their boats for 30 days after inspection before they can enter the water, or pay a company for decontamination. By mid-June, staff braving sometimes sweltering weather had inspected more than 7,000 boats in just two months. But for all the expense and effort, there are still too many ways for boats to leave the Delta with invasive stowaways, and too few resources to stop them. There are also traces of DNA that suggest golden mussels had already invaded the Delta more than a year before they were first spotted near the Port of Stockton, Veldhuizen said. There is the real potential that watercraft have moved golden mussels out of the Delta, and my fear is that we will begin to see detections outside of that interconnected water, Martha Volkoff, environmental program manager for the California Department of Fish and Wildlifes Invasive Species Program, said at a recent webinar. Still, Volkoff told CalMatters, it is worth trying to slow the spread as much as possible. California has done it before: Quagga mussels are thought to have spread to only two unconnected bodies of water since they were first discovered in Southern Californias Colorado River Aqueduct in 2007. Theres so much to protect yet, Volkoff said. Yes, its a lot of work, but the long-term savings  to the environment and to all the other ways that it costs us  is investment well spent, even if we just delay new introductions. Rose, in his K-9 unit vest, led Allee toward a pickup hauling an aluminum fishing boat when the driver rattled away, kicking up dust. The boat had not been inspected; the lake he was heading to  Collins Lake, in Yuba County  doesnt require them. Theres just too many boats and too many people out there to not miss them. Its physically impossible, Rose said. Another boat pulled up, and Allee happily trotted over.

Boaters upset about long dry-outs

About 25 miles away in the Sierra foothills, Collins Lake brimmed with campers on a Friday afternoon in June. People lounged on the sandy beach and paddled on kayaks and floats. A handful of fishing boats bobbed in the deeper water.

A sign at the lakes boat ramp warned DONT MOVE A MUSSEL. CLEAN. DRAIN. DRY. It was a precaution against the older threats of quagga and zebra mussels, and hadnt been updated yet to include the states newest invader.

There was no one checking boats at the ramp, though  which had drawn Mark Mezzanares and his friend Sonny Steuart to the lake. The retirees from Colfax were put off by the 30-day dry-out periods required at Folsom Lake in Sacramento County and Rollins Lake in Nevada County, though boaters who want to fast-track entry can pay for disinfection.

Im not gonna go sit over there and have my boat sit in the freaking driveway for 30 days and then go fishing once, Mezzanares said. Rollins quarantine is an even more stringent 60 days for boats with bilges, ballasts and live water tanks that could carry stowaways.

You dont buy and spend $45,000 on a boat to go to one lake, he said. They wished the state offered a pass that allowed boats cleared for one lake to visit others.

Its a common refrain among boaters who chafe at the new restrictions. Maggie Macias, a spokesperson for the Department of Water Resources, said in an email they are discussing a pass program from Lake Oroville with other lake managers, but will need to ensure that any potential partners have rigorous inspections  and dont already have mussels in the water themselves.

Those whose livelihoods depend on keeping lakes open for visitors are facing a difficult new reality. Jacob Young, the general manager of Collins Lake recreation area, is leaving it up to the boaters to ensure their boats are clean, drained and dry  at least for now.

You can just sense a lot of that frustration that theyre feeling, like, This is ridiculous, Young said. And the same token, you get some people who might say, Man, youre not doing any golden mussel inspections? How could you not be doing that and making sure youre staying safe?

At the boat ramp, water poured from the motor of a cherry-red bass boat that visitor Dan Jacobs had just hauled off the lake. Jacobs said he wished California had a network of courtesy decontamination stations like the ones offered in Minnesota to combat the spread of invasive zebra mussels, instead of lengthy quarantines.

One of the rare times our tax dollars were spent wisely, he said.

For him, the risk to Collins Lake feels personal; he and his wife camped there decades ago, when he was stationed at Beale Air Force Base, and now their children and grandchildren return for family camping trips.

As bad as the mussels are, it makes you kind of nervous, he said. All it takes is one person to screw it up for everyone.

___

Natasha Uzcategui-Liggett contributed reporting.

___

This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

By RACHEL BECKER/CalMatters

CalMatters
Welcome gentle readers to another installment of the Sunday Morning Movie. Today we have a Phillip Marlowe story for you: Farewell My Lovely. It stars Robert Mitchum and Charlotte Rampling.

Reviews:

RogerEbert.com says:

It is, indeed, the most evocative of all the private detective movies we have had in the last few years. It is not as great as Roman Polanskis Chinatown, which was concerned with larger subjects, but in the genre itself there hasnt been anything this good since Hollywood was doing Philip Marlowe the first time around. One reason is that Dick Richards, the director, takes his material and character absolutely seriously. He is not uneasy with it, as Robert Altman was when he had Elliot Gould flirt with seriousness in The Long Goodbye: Richards doesnt hedge his bet. And neither does Robert Mitchum, in what becomes his definitive performance. Mitchum is one of the great screen presences, and at 57 he seems somehow to be just now coming of age: He was born to play the weary, cynical, doggedly romantic Marlowe. His voice and his face and the way he lights his cigaret(sic) are all exactly right, and seem totally effortless. Thats his trademark. In a good Mitchum performance, we are never aware he is acting. And it is only when we measure the distances between his characters that we can see what he is doing.

The Guardian says:

Raymond Chandlers second Philip Marlowe novel has been filmed three times: first in disguise as the 1942 B-movie The Falcon Takes Over, next as the excellent noir thriller Murder My Sweet (1944) starring Dick Powell, and third as this elegant neo-noir with a perfectly cast Robert Mitchum, at 58 the oldest actor to play Marlowe. It appeared during a period of nostalgia for the interwar years (along with The Great Gatsby, The Sting, The Way We Were, Chinatown) and is set in 1941 during the months leading up to Pearl Harbor. To a bluesy score by David Shire, Marlowe goes down the mean streets of a Los Angeles lit by John A Alonzo to resemble paintings by Edward Hopper. Hes searching for Velma, the missing moll of gangster Moose Malloy, and following Joe DiMaggios hitting streak for the Yankees. Hes a weary figure, aware that his chivalric values are becoming unfashionable in a changing world. Character takes precedence over suspense in this elegiac movie.

Classic Movie Reviews says:

In the novel Farewell, My Lovely 1940 by Raymond Chandler, Philip Marlowe was 30-something. When this film was made, Robert Mitchum was 57. It has been reported that many people thought that Mitchum was too old and out of shape for this role. Film critic Gene Siskel wrote that Mitchum plays Marlowe with a delicious ease. He sounds just like Marlowe should sound. I have to say, after watching this again, Mitchum knocked it out of the park. Mitchum said that producer Elliott Kastner wanted Richard Burton for the role of Marlowe. This would have been a crime against moviedom.

I really enjoyed this movie. I am getting into Mitchum, expect some more of his movies in the future. He is perfect as the jaded, weary Phillip Marlowe. I dont understand how anyone could think he was too old for the part; his mature, granite-like features are perfect.

This was my first experience with Charlotte Rampling. Wow. She is luminescent, she has an almost supernatural beauty. Five stars for the movie overall.

Director: Dick Richards

Notable Actors: Robert Mitchum, Charlotte Rampling, Harry Dean Stanton, Sylvester Stallone

Plot (Spoilers!):

Private investigator Philip Marlowe (Mitchum) is tasked to search for Velma, the lost love of Moose Malloy. Malloy, a bank robber, has recently been released from a seven year stint in prison. Following a lead, Marlowe finds the woman in an insane asylum outside of LA but is surprised to learn that his lead was false, its not the right woman. Malloy, having murdered a night club owner in an unrelated incident, has gone to ground.

In the middle of his search, Marlowe is hired to accompany a man who is to rendezvous with some jewelry thieves and pay them a ransom for an expensive necklace. The man, Marriot, wants Marlowe around as security. The exchange goes south, though, Marlowe is knocked unconscious and awakens to find the police on the scene and Marriot shot dead. Marlowe is brought in for questioning and is told that Malloy has fled the city. The cops tell Marlowe is to cease his search for Velma. Marlowe moves on to investigating the death of Marriot.

A lead leads him to the home of Baxter Grayle, a powerful man in LA politics. There he meets Helen, Grayles wife, who was a friend of Marriot. Helen hires Marlowe to find out who killed Marriot. When he returns to his office, Marlowe is knocked out and taken to a brothel where the madam questions him about the location of Moose. A struggle ensues and Marlowe is drugged and left locked in a room. When someone comes to check on him, Marlowe overpowers the man and escapes to confront the madam. Unsuccessful in his attempts to wrest information from her, Marlowe flees the brothel when an underling murders the madam.

Helen reaches out to Marlowe and invites him to a posh party. At the party, Marlowe is approached by a powerful criminal Brunette who, along with everyone else, wants to know where Moose is and is willing to pay well for the information. A former friend of Velmas tells Marlowe that Velma wants to meet with Malloy and arrangements are made. It turns out to be an ambush.

Things start to come together for Marlowe and he tells the cops that Brunette knows what is really going on. Moose and Marlowe make there way to Brunettes boat to confront him. Helen is there and it turns out she is Velma. She has been conspiring with Brunette to protect her identity. Velma shoots the entranced Malloy and Marlowe kills her in turn. The cops show up and Marlowe leaves, even more tired and jaded than he was before.
MEXICO CITY, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Gerardo Fernandez Norona, president of the Senate of Mexico, said on Friday that the country was willing to strengthen media and cultural exchanges with Xinhua News Agency.

Both Mexico and China are ancient civilizations with a long history and profound tradition, said Fernandez during a meeting with President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua at the senate, noting that strengthening media and cultural exchanges between the two countries will help deepen mutual understanding, enhance people-to-people friendship, and set an example for the coexistence of diverse cultures.

He noted that Xinhua News Agency maintains a truthful, rational and professional approach in the global media landscape, particularly at a time when public trust is under strain and misinformation is widespread.

He also expected the agency to continue to speak out for the Global South and become a representative of truth and justice in the global media ecosystem.

Mexico places great importance on its cooperation with China and hopes to build a new type of relationship based on equality and mutual trust, grounded in mutual respect, consensus and mutual benefit, to deliver more benefits to both peoples, Fernandez said.

Fu said the agency is willing to join hands with the Mexican Senate to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, continue traditional friendship, and inject positive energy into the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership for new heights.

The two sides can actively promote exchanges and mutual learning, while working together to tell stories of China-Mexico friendship well. He called on them to actively carry out bilateral dialogues, support each other, and speak out together on key issues.

Fu added that the two sides can also actively coordinate views and positions, and jointly amplify the voice of Global South countries on the international stage. 
Conor here: A useful reminder. Although Im unsure how much has to do with Western values and culture Neuberger cites as opposed to how a system that rewards sociopaths will ultimately warp culture and values. Nowadays there are certainly non-Western societies that are just as rapacious as those in the West.

There are also still small communities not organized around capitalism, such as Ashaninka villages in Peru that practice real direct democracy on a smaller, manageable scale and live in reciprocity with the environment. Long ago this used to be commonplace, but Id have to disagree with Neubergers conclusion that we could have this the minute we want to. The rich that will never surrender their ill-gotten wealth and power and a whole lot of people who want that wealth for themselves. Even countries that try to experiment with new modes new modes of production, distribution, and reproduction are targeted relentlessly and ruthlessly by the capitalist gangsters. Best to have a plan for that.

By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies

Is modern capitalist man the inevitable end of social evolution? Many believe it is. Or is our current culture merely a choice, and a bad one, a choice that somehow went global?

Yours truly, here

The questions about capitalism that are more and more being asked  Is it inevitable? Is it the cause of our grief? Are there really alternatives?  are related to the questions weve been exploring in our Dawn of Everything and Western hegemony series.

Capitalists would have us believe that the forward march of what they call civilization is linear; its not a flowering bush with a great many ends, but a single-stemmed rose topped by what we experience as rapacious capitalism, or some other flavor of that  control for the few, exploitation for everyone else.

Theres no avoiding capitalist state organization, according to them, and theres nothing further ahead  no Star Trek utopian world where greed disappears, social hierarchy is flatter and moneys an artifact of a less evolved time. Thats fantasy, they say; freedom means freedom to chase money and food, or starve.

And yet

The West Is Not the World

And yet, while the West, overrun and ruled by warlike Indo-Europeans since pre-literate days, lived lives organized like this

and further east, organized like this

not all of the world followed suit.

Life in Non-Hierarchical America

If states and empires, exploitation and greed, rigid social hierarchy and exploitation of labor are the inevitable endpoint of evolving toward civilization, what accounts for this? How did it remain stable?

Note: These are language groups, not nations.

Yes, some of these places held kingdoms  the Aztec, the Mayan  but most did not. Most held people who lived in villages and tribes, with flat social hierarchies, no enforced labor, no communities of men and women starved for food while those around them ate well and picked at their bones.

Can you imagine Original Americans allowing most to die while a few hoarded all the food? The hoarding itself would have been thought a crime, and punished severely.

When Original Americans (those we call Indians) encountered Europeans, they were appalled at the way they lived. For example, heres how whites treated whites along the Oregon Trail (transcribed by the author from an Oregon Trail museum display):

Many travelers expressed mixed feelings about the forts [that dotted the trail]. They were eager to see them, but complained about what they found. The prices were too high, the inhabitants too savage [the museums language], and their appearance disappointing. Chester Ingersoll wrote in 1847 that Fort Hall was the worst place ever for emigrants that we have seen  they are almost destitute of honesty or human feelings.

In contrast, when the emigrant whites, those in the wagon trains, encountered Original Americans, they found help. This is another transcription from a museum display about life on the Oregon Trail:

The First Ones Cayuse. Walla Walla. Nez Perce. People who have lived for centuries in a land youve never seen before. Superstition and fear [of Original Americans by the emigrants] gradually fade as the Indians offer guidance for the lost, horses for the hobbling, and food for the hungry. Tonight, after trading with a Cayuse fisherman, youll enjoy fresh salmon. The cost? Two fishhooks and a red flannel shirt.

The difference between the two in treatment of others? Culture. Ways of living. Values. The culture of the West as displayed by those in the fort. The culture of non-Western Americans as displayed by their welcome. Life in the 1500s on two different continents.

Bottom Line

Civilization and freedom as we know it, we in the father-god West, was a choice by our conquering ancestors, an inherited culture, just one way to live. There were and are other ways, with much different values.

Life doesnt evolve on a line from savage to civilized. Thats a myth of the West, almost its founding myth. What we call civilization is actually savage, and others have chosen differently.

As can we, the minute we want to.
Clinics operated by queer-affirming therapist accused of bypassing parental consent, fast-tracking minors into gender transition

Clinics in Kansas and Wyoming, operated by self-described "queer-affirming" therapist LP Curtis-Baker, are providing puberty blockers and gender surgery referrals to minors as young as 12, often through brief Zoom evaluations and without parental consent.

The clinics, under the name Curtis-Baker Therapeutic Services (CBTS), follow World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards for issuing mental health assessments and transition-related referrals, even across state lines.

Advocacy group Gays Against Groomers accuses CBTS of replacing clinical care with activism, rooted in intersectional feminism and anti-traditional values and claims the practice systematizes and financially incentivizes youth gender transitions.

On Jan. 28, President Trump signed an EO banning the use of WPATH guidance in federal policy, labeling it "junk science" and directing agencies to rescind all policies tied to it, to stop what he calls "chemical and surgical mutilation" of children.

Despite the federal ban, CBTS continues using WPATH guidelines, highlighting the deep national divide over gender ideology in medicine and the challenges of enforcing federal policy at the clinic level.

Clinics in Kansas and Wyoming run by a self-described "queer-affirming" therapist are drawing sharp criticism for allegedly providing recommendation letters for puberty blockers, hormone therapy and even gender-related surgeries to children as young as 12, often via brief remote sessions and without parental consent.

The clinics, operated under the name Curtis-Baker Therapeutic Services (CBTS) and founded by licensed clinical social worker LP Curtis-Baker (formerly Lindsey Curtis-Baker), have become a national flashpoint in the debate over youth gender care. Their approach, which includes Zoom-based evaluations for out-of-state minors, reportedly offers mental health assessments and referral letters in line with World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards  letters often required to begin medical or surgical transition, even for minors.

However, critics claimed this model bypasses traditional oversight and parental involvement.

According to the advocacy group Gays Against Groomers, which describes itself as "fighting to end the war on children from inside the community," these practices represent a disturbing trend: "a fully embedded ideological operation, legitimized by licensing boards, funded by insurance (including Medicaid) and targeting vulnerable youth across state lines."

Gays Against Groomers alleges that CBTS openly markets its services to minors nationwide, regardless of geographic location, and that their therapeutic framework is "rooted in intersectional feminism and the rejection of traditional moral or religious worldviews." The group argues that this is not neutral mental health care but "ideological indoctrination with a clinical license."

"What's especially troubling is how these practices bypass traditional safeguards like parental consent. By framing emotional struggles as confirmation of gender identity, therapists like those at CBTS act as gate-openers rather than gatekeepers, fast-tracking vulnerable youth into lifelong medicalization," Gays Against Groomers explained. "And because this process is often funded through Medicaid or accepted insurance plans, it becomes systematized, normalized, and financially incentivized."

"The language used  "affirming," "sex-positive," "anti-oppression"  is not neutral," Gays against Groomers noted. "It is the language of social justice, not psychology. These therapists are not simply offering support; they are embedding activism into the very foundation of clinical care." (Related: Gender transition indoctrination is extreme child abuse, warns psychiatrist.)

CBTS continues gender transitions for minors using "junk science" standards

The concerns echo broader national tensions over the role of gender ideology in medicine.

On Jan. 28, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling on all federal agencies to cease reliance on WPATH guidance. The order characterized the organization's standards as "junk science" and accused them of enabling "chemical and surgical mutilation" of children under the guise of healthcare.

But despite the executive order, the CBTS still uses WPATH guidelines for gender transition.

Visit GenderConfused.com for more stories on gender transition treatments involving children.

Watch the video below about new studies highlighting the potential serious permanent harms of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.

This video is from The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Liberal Washington Post publishes editorial opposing gender transition treatments for minors.

Supreme Court halts coercive gender-transition experiments on children in historic ruling.

Justice Department to enforce Trump's ban on gender transition procedures for minors.

Trump DOJ subpoenas doctors and clinics accused of mutilating children in "gender transition" procedures.

Texas strengthens parental authority, advances bills restricting youth gender transition procedures amid cultural divides.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com 1

GaysAgainstGroomers.com

LifeSiteNews.com 2

Brighteon.com
DOGE cancels 230 contracts worth $2.8 billion to cut waste, saves $407 million

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cancelled 230 federal contracts last week, aiming to save taxpayers approximately $407 million as part of a broader push to eliminate waste and redirect spending to higher-priority domestic programs.

Contracts were identified for termination using a combination of AI-powered analytics and financial audits, with focus on "risk indicators" like redundancy, project completion and misalignment with current federal priorities.

Cancelled agreements include a $144,000 USDA project in Mexico and a $420,000 Treasury contract in Haiti, both considered out of sync with the administration's domestic-focused goals.

The DOGE announcement coincides with a looming Senate vote on a $9.4 billion rescissions package, which includes a controversial $1.1 billion cut to public media funding over the next two years.

President Donald Trump has strongly urged Republicans to support the cuts, warning that any GOP lawmaker who defends funding for public broadcasters like PBS and NPR will lose his endorsement. Senate Democrats are working to block the measure.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has revealed that it cancelled 230 contracts over the past week to save taxpayers roughly $407 million.

In an official post from DOGE on July 12, the agency described the effort as the result of a rigorous review process designed to root out contracts that were low-impact, duplicative or no longer aligned with federal priorities. The terminated agreements, with a collective ceiling value of $2.8 billion, were identified as part of a government-wide initiative aimed at streamlining contract expenditures and reallocating funds toward higher-impact domestic programs.

Among the more notable examples of cancelled contracts were a $144,000 consulting agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for sustainable landscape projects in Mexico and a $420,000 contract from the Department of the Treasury for mentoring and evaluation services in Haiti. Both contracts were deemed misaligned with the administration's current performance goals and funding focus, which has shifted more heavily toward domestic needs. (Related: Musk's DOGE cancels 180 federal contracts, saves $2.6 billion.)

Agencies impacted by the cancellations span several departments, including Agriculture, Treasury, State and Interior. Each contract underwent a formal internal review, with financial officers assessing utility, performance history and strategic relevance.

The contract review process combines AI-powered analytics with in-depth financial audits. Contracts are flagged for potential termination based on specific "risk indicators," which include factors such as overlap with existing services or projects that have already been completed.

Officials emphasized that none of the cancelled contracts impact critical functions tied to national security, public health or treaty commitments. Many of the terminated agreements were found to be outdated, redundant or more cost-effectively managed in-house by federal personnel.

Senate nears vote on $9.4 billion spending cuts targeting public media and foreign aid

The announcement from DOGE comes as the Senate prepares for a contentious vote on a $9.4 billion rescissions package targeting public media and foreign aid. The proposal, strongly backed by President Donald Trump, faces an uphill battle as Senate Democrats work to block the measure and need just a handful of Republican defections to do so.

At the center of the fight is a proposed cut of nearly $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the full amount the organization is scheduled to receive over the next two budget years. The CPB supports public broadcasters, including Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), which have long drawn conservative criticism for perceived political bias.

In a July 10 post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned Republicans that opposing the cuts would come at a political cost.

"It is very important that all Republicans adhere to my Recissions Bill and, in particular, DEFUND THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS and NPR), which is worse than CNN and MSDNC put together. Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or endorsement," Trump posted.

The White House has echoed Trump's criticisms, characterizing public media as politically slanted and fiscally expendable. Officials said the funds could be better used elsewhere as part of a broader push for government efficiency. But still, the rescissions package faces stiff resistance from Senate Democrats.

Visit BigGovernment.news for stories similar to this.

Watch the video below that talks about Democrats freaking out over DOGE.

This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

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The Black Patch rebellion: Echoes of the Tobacco Wars in rural America

A fierce early 20th-century conflict in Kentucky and Tennessee, where small tobacco farmers battled the American Tobacco Company for fair prices and better livelihoods, culminating in the Black Patch War.

Farmers like J.T. and Kate Strand faced dire economic hardships due to debt and poverty, exacerbated by post-Civil War financial constraints and the monopolistic control of the American Tobacco Company, which dictated low prices.

Farmers organized cooperatives and collectively withheld crops to demand fair prices, marking a significant grassroots movement. This resistance was a fight for independence, community and a way of life against corporate dominance.

The Burley Tobacco Society launched an unprecedented agricultural strike, refusing to plant crops until fair prices were offered. This bold move forced the American Tobacco Company to concede, marking a temporary victory for the farmers.

Despite the initial success, internal divisions and financial difficulties led to the collapse of the cooperative movement by 1910. The Tobacco Wars underscore the challenges of combating corporate power, the importance of addressing structural issues and the enduring impact of collective action and grassroots organizing in the pursuit of justice.

In the early 20th century, amidst the rolling hills of Kentucky and Tennessee, a fierce battle was waged  not with guns and cannons, but with the sweat and determination of farmers fighting for their livelihoods.

This is the story of the Tobacco Wars, a dramatic chapter in American history that pitted small tobacco farmers against the colossal American Tobacco Company. At the heart of this struggle was the Black Patch War, a movement that sought to reclaim power and dignity for those who toiled the land.

In the book "The Politics of Despair: Power and Resistance in the Tobacco Wars" by Tracy Campbell, the narrative begins with the idyllic image of the American family farm, a symbol of independence and democracy. However, the reality for many farmers in the tobacco belt was far from idyllic. J.T. and Kate Strand, a young couple from Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, epitomized the hardships faced by countless farmers. As J.T. once lamented, "The harder we worked, the less we had." Their plight was a common one, as farmers found themselves ensnared in a cycle of debt and poverty, exacerbated by the financial constraints imposed after the Civil War.

The emergence of the American Tobacco Company in the 1890s further compounded these challenges. This industrial behemoth monopolized the tobacco industry, dictating prices and leaving farmers with little bargaining power. In response, farmers in Kentucky and Tennessee began to organize, forming cooperatives to challenge the oppressive industrial order. They gathered in churches, schoolrooms and courthouses, pooling their resources and collectively withholding their crops from the market until fair prices were offered. This grassroots movement marked the birth of the Black Patch War.

The Black Patch War was more than just a fight against low prices; it was a struggle for the soul of rural America. Farmers were defending a way of life that valued independence and community over corporate dominance. They were resisting a system that threatened to reduce them to landless tenants, trapped in a cycle of debt and dependency. As one farmer put it, "We are fighting for our homes, our families and our future."

The conflict reached a dramatic climax in 1908 with the Burley Tobacco Society's decision to launch an unprecedented agricultural strike. For the first time in American history, farmers refused to plant a crop, demanding better prices and fair treatment. This bold move was a gamble, but it paid off. The American Tobacco Company, facing a shortage of burley tobacco, eventually relented and purchased the pooled crops at the prices demanded by the farmers.

The 1908 strike was a remarkable achievement, a testament to the power of collective action. It was the high point of agrarian organizing in Kentucky and Tennessee and it remains an unparalleled victory in the annals of agrarian protest movements. However, the triumph was short-lived. Internal divisions, financial difficulties and the relentless opposition of the tobacco trust soon took their toll.

By 1910, the Burley Tobacco Society had collapsed and the Planters' Protective Association was in rapid decline. The dream of a cooperative movement that could transform the lives of tobacco farmers faded away. The Tobacco Wars ended not with a bang, but with a whimper.

The Tobacco Wars underscore the challenges faced by farmers in their struggle against corporate power. They reveal the limitations of cooperative movements that fail to address the underlying structural issues of agricultural credit and land ownership. Moreover, they highlight the importance of democratic decision-making and grassroots organizing in any successful social movement.

The Tobacco Wars also serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit and the resilience of those who refuse to give up in the face of adversity. The farmers who fought in the Tobacco Wars were not just fighting for themselves; they were fighting for a vision of a better world.

Learn more about the book "The Politics of Despair" by watching the video below.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
DHS officials said the arrests underscore the department's continued focus on removing violent criminals from American communities . ICE is expected to continue targeted enforcement actions in the coming weeks.

"Over the weekend, our brave ICE agents arrested monstrous illegal aliens convicted of heinous crimes, including rape of a child, sexual assault and possession of child pornography. ICE is putting their lives on the line to keep Americas children and families safe," DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said.

ICE has been working around the clock to fulfill Trump's deportation promise

This operation is part of Trump's mass deportation promise during his campaign, which targeted illegal immigrants with criminal records.

Trump's border czar and a prominent Republican immigration hardliner, Tom Homan, confirmed in 2024 that the second Trump administration would focus immigration enforcement on individuals with criminal records and those under final deportation orders.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt also echoed a similar statement shortly after Trump won the 2024 elections, emphasizing the administration's mandate to act but avoiding direct mention of concerns raised by the farming industry. "The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals and restoring our economic greatness. He will deliver," Leavitt said at the time.

To fulfill this promise, ICE, along with the DHS, has been working around the clock to remove the worst of the worst from American communities.
New Florida LAW against so-called conspiracy theory of weather modification and geoengineering activities requires public airports to report use

If you thought weather weapons were a conspiracy theory, think again. In a significant move against covert climate experimentation, Florida has enacted a new state law requiring all public-use airports to report any weather modification or geoengineering activities. The law, signed in June by Governor Ron DeSantis, bans the release of aerosolized particulate matter into the atmosphere for the purpose of altering weather, climate, temperature, or sunlight intensity.

The regulation underscores Floridas increasing stance against what officials describe as climate manipulation and calls for heightened transparency in aviation practices potentially linked to atmospheric modification.

New Law Requires Reporting of Weather Modification : Florida airports must now report any geoengineering or weather modification activities, as part of a new law banning the release of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere intended to alter weather, temperature, or sunlight.

: Florida airports must now report any geoengineering or weather modification activities, as part of a new law banning the release of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere intended to alter weather, temperature, or sunlight. Monthly Reporting and Enforcement Measures : Starting in October, public-use airports must submit monthly reports on any equipment capable of releasing climate-altering substances, with noncompliance potentially resulting in the loss of state funding.

: Starting in October, public-use airports must submit monthly reports on any equipment capable of releasing climate-altering substances, with noncompliance potentially resulting in the loss of state funding. State Officials Cite Health and Environmental Concerns : Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the dangers of aerosolized particulates, warning they could harm human health, pollute water and agriculture, and speculated such activities may have contributed to deadly Texas floods.

: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the dangers of aerosolized particulates, warning they could harm human health, pollute water and agriculture, and speculated such activities may have contributed to deadly Texas floods. Broader National Focus on Geoengineering: The law aligns with growing federal attention, as officials like EPA head Lee Zeldin and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. call for investigations into weather modification, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene introduces legislation to halt such practices.

Florida Airports Required to Report Any Weather Modification Activities

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the laws enforcement via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), framing it as a win for health, freedom, and environmental protection. He emphasized growing concerns over toxic substances being dispersed into the air, claiming these could be polluting water sources, damaging agricultural production, and posing a threat to human health. Uthmeier explicitly warned against the use of chemical compounds to block sunlight, calling it a dangerous path for a state that relies heavily on sunshine as an economic and environmental resource.

The law, which goes into effect in October, compels airport operators to submit monthly reports detailing any equipment that could potentially release chemicals into the atmosphere for weather-modifying purposes. This includes scrutiny over jet fuel additives, which some speculate might contain climate-altering compounds. Failure to comply could lead to the loss of state funding, adding significant enforcement weight to the statute.

Attorney General Uthmeier directly addressed Florida airport operators, urging them to assist in enforcing the law to prevent the weaponization of science. He emphasized the importance of public trust and safety, stating, The skies belong to the peoplenot to private contractors, corporate experiments, or climate extremists. Uthmeier also linked weather modification speculation to recent severe floods in Texas, implying such activities could have contributed to the disaster that claimed over 100 lives.

This Florida law aligns with broader national conversations about geoengineering and climate intervention, particularly among right-leaning political figures. The laws implementation comes as members of the Trump-aligned political movement are pushing for federal investigations into weather modification practices. Notably, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Lee Zeldin and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. are reportedly advocating for an inquiry into such programs. Meanwhile, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has introduced legislation aimed at halting what she terms the dangerous and deadly practice of atmospheric manipulation.

Floridas new mandate places the state at the forefront of a growing debate over climate intervention technologies, transparency in environmental governance, and public health implications. While critics may view the law as fueled by conspiracy concerns, supporters argue that it is a necessary precaution against unauthorized and potentially hazardous experimentation in the skies. As reporting requirements begin in October, airports and environmental watchdogs alike will be closely monitoring the laws rollout and impact.

Check out ClimateAlarmism.news for updates on psychotic billionaires using weather modification weapons to steal people's land and pretend like the earth is going to boil next year so they can take all our money and control us.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

BezoEarthFund.org

InfoWars.com
Report: 1 in 5 Spanish youths victimized by AI-generated DEEPFAKES

A Save the Children report reveals 20 percent of surveyed 18- to 21-year-olds had AI-generated nude images shared without consent before age 18, with 97 percent experiencing some form of online sexual abuse.

AI tools create hyper-realistic fake nudes using innocuous social media photos, leaving victims powerless as manipulated content spreads. Unlike revenge porn, deepfakes require no real compromising material.

Nearly half of youth see no risk in sharing intimate images, often seeking validation. Girls face higher risks  36 percent reported unwanted sexual contact online vs. 26 percent of boys.

Spain lacks laws targeting AI-generated abuse, leaving minors vulnerable to blackmail and trauma. Save the Children urges stricter penalties, age verification and digital literacy programs.

The report warns that without proactive measures, AI-driven exploitation will escalate, demanding swift legislative and educational reforms to protect minors.

A shocking new report reveals that one in five Spanish teenagers has fallen victim to artificial intelligence (AI)-generated nude deepfakes  fake, digitally manipulated images designed to appear real  shared online without their consent.

The study conducted by the non-governmental organization Save the Children exposes a disturbing trend in which minors are increasingly targeted by sexual predators using advanced AI tools. Nearly all respondents (97 percent) reported experiencing some form of online sexual abuse before turning 18.

The findings were based on a survey of over 1,000 young adults aged 18 to 21. They highlight a crisis unfolding in the digital shadows, where technology outpaces regulation and leaves children vulnerable to exploitation.

AI, once hailed as a breakthrough for innovation, is now being weaponized against minors. Deepfake technology uses AI to superimpose a persons face onto explicit images or videos, creating hyper-realistic forgeries.

Unlike traditional revenge porn, where real images are leaked, deepfakes fabricate nudity from innocent photos often sourced from social media. Victims who are unaware until it's too late find themselves powerless as their digitally altered likeness circulates online. (Related: AI-generated deepfakes are beginning to sway public opinion all over the world.)

The report underscores that 20 percent of Spanish youth surveyed had AI-generated nude images of themselves shared without permission before they turned 18. Worse yet, many cases go unreported due to shame, fear, or lack of legal recourse.

Alarmingly, the study found that nearly half of young respondents saw no risk in sharing intimate images, while many did so seeking validation or affection. This normalization of risky behavior plays into the hands of predators. Girls are disproportionately targeted  36 percent reported unwanted sexual contact with adults online, compared to 26 percent of boys.

One harrowing case involved a 12-year-old girl in Alicante who was blackmailed with AI-generated nudes unless she forwarded a sexually explicit video. Though she had never shared such content, she blamed herself  a tragic example of how predators manipulate young victims into silence.

Legal gaps and the failure of digital safeguards

Like much of Europe, Spain lacks comprehensive laws addressing AI-generated exploitation. While traditional child pornography is criminalized, deepfake abuse exists in a legal gray area.

Save the Children warns that current protections are woefully inadequate, leaving minors exposed to blackmail, harassment and psychological trauma. The organization is urging lawmakers to:

Strengthen penalties for AI-generated sexual abuse material.

Mandate stricter age verification on social platforms.

Implement digital literacy programs in schools to teach minors about online risks.

This crisis is not Spain's first encounter with digital abuse. Over the past decade, cyberbullying and revenge porn scandals have plagued schools, prompting some legal reforms.

However, AI's rapid evolution has outstripped legislative responses. Unlike past threats, deepfakes require no original compromising material, making them harder to prevent and easier to weaponize.

The Save the Children report is a wake-up call. If unchecked, AI-driven exploitation will escalate, leaving an entire generation scarred by digital violations they never consented to. Parents, educators and lawmakers must act not just with reactive measures, but with proactive safeguards that keep pace with technology.

Visit Faked.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video that explains why deepfakes are so realistic.

This video is from the PROMOGIRL07 channel on Brighteon.com.

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FDA STILL CORRUPT as they reverse crucial ban on CARCINOGENIC vape product illegally marketed to kids and teens

No, just because Trump is draining the swamp, dont assume the FDA is now doing things on the up and up. They are still just as corrupt as theyve ever been. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Adulteration agency has reversed its 2022 ban on Juul products, once again authorizing the sale of the companys original tobacco and menthol e-cigarettes. This decision reignites public concern , as Juul has long been criticized for its role in promoting youth vaping and for the health risks associated with its products.

FDA Reverses Juul Ban Amid Safety Concerns : The FDA has authorized the sale of Juul e-cigarettes and cartridges in tobacco and menthol flavors, reversing a 2022 ban, despite mounting evidence linking vapes to toxic metals and serious health risks such as cancer, heart disease, and organ failure.

: The FDA has authorized the sale of Juul e-cigarettes and cartridges in tobacco and menthol flavors, reversing a 2022 ban, despite mounting evidence linking vapes to toxic metals and serious health risks such as cancer, heart disease, and organ failure. Critics Say Move Favors Industry Over Public Health : Health advocates and lawmakers blasted the decision, accusing the FDA of prioritizing industry profits over youth safety, citing Juuls role in the teen vaping epidemic and recent research showing some vapes release more lead than 20 cigarettes.

: Health advocates and lawmakers blasted the decision, accusing the FDA of prioritizing industry profits over youth safety, citing Juuls role in the teen vaping epidemic and recent research showing some vapes release more lead than 20 cigarettes. FDA Justifies Decision with Smoking Cessation Data : The FDA claimed Juul provided robust data showing that around 2 million adults quit smoking cigarettes by switching to Juul, arguing the potential benefit for adult smokers outweighed the risk to non-smokers, especially youth.

: The FDA claimed Juul provided robust data showing that around 2 million adults quit smoking cigarettes by switching to Juul, arguing the potential benefit for adult smokers outweighed the risk to non-smokers, especially youth. Public Backlash and Political Opposition Grows: Despite Juuls claim that underage use is down 98% since 2019, lawmakers like Senator Dick Durbin condemned the move, calling it a betrayal of public trust and accusing the Trump-era FDA of siding with Big Tobacco at the expense of children's health.

FDA reverses crucial ban on cancer-causing product as agency caves to protect profits over public safety

The FDA stated its decision was based on robust data showing Juul helped approximately two million adults quit smoking traditional cigarettes. While the agency emphasized that the authorization does not mean the products are safe, critics argue that the FDA is prioritizing the financial interests of e-cigarette companies over public health  particularly that of young people. The decision is a major win for Juul, which was on the verge of bankruptcy after the federal ban and has faced lawsuits and plummeting sales over its alleged targeting of teenagers with flavored products.

This approval comes on the heels of mounting evidence that e-cigarettes may pose significant health risks. A recent University of California, Davis study found that some disposable vapes release more cancer-causing toxic metals  such as lead and nickel  in a day than smoking 20 traditional cigarettes. Another study from earlier this year linked vaping to dementia, heart disease, organ failure, and even a documented case of lung cancer in a New Jersey man believed to be the first tied directly to vaping.

Despite this, the FDA appears to be banking on the argument that Juul serves as a less harmful alternative for adult smokers. Juuls CEO KC Crosthwaite celebrated the decision as a step toward making cigarettes obsolete and claimed that underage use of Juul devices has dropped 98% since 2019. However, many remain skeptical of these claims, particularly given Juuls past marketing strategies and the strong appeal of flavored vapes to teenagers.

Vaping remains common among U.S. youth. Although the percentage of high school students who vape has fallen from a peak of 27% in 2019 to 8% in 2024, this still represents millions of adolescents using nicotine products. Middle school students also show concerning usage rates, with 6% reporting recent vaping. While fruit flavors remain unauthorized, their early popularity helped establish the youth vaping epidemic that Juul is widely blamed for igniting.

Lawmakers, including Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), strongly criticized the FDAs decision. Durbin accused Juul of sparking a youth addiction crisis and misleading the public about the safety of its products. He condemned the Trump-era policy shift that facilitated this approval, claiming it sacrifices childrens health to benefit Big Tobacco interests.

Meanwhile, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said the agency would focus efforts on cracking down on unauthorized and often dangerous Chinese e-cigarettes flooding the U.S. market. Yet critics argue that re-authorizing Juul sends mixed signals about the governments commitment to regulating harmful products and protecting public health, especially when science on long-term e-cigarette risks is still evolving.

This reversal has reignited the national debate over vaping regulation, corporate accountability, and the FDAs role in safeguarding public health.

Tune your food news frequency to FoodSupply.news and get updates on more junk science food stuff that corporate America and the highly corrupt FDA loads the grocery store shelves with to drive up chronic diseases and disorders so Big Pharma can take your money.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

TheHill.com

APNews.com
Federal appeals court upholds Arkansas ban on Critical Race Theory in classrooms

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Arkansas can enforce its ban on critical race theory in public school classrooms, stating the First Amendment does not grant students the right to demand specific curriculum content.

The court vacated a previous injunction that had temporarily blocked the ban, part of a 2023 education overhaul signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

The lawsuit was filed by two students and two teachers from Little Rock Central High School, but the court ruled unanimously against the students' claim, noting curriculum decisions lie with the government.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs called the ruling disappointing and concerning, while state officials, including Attorney General Tim Griffin and Sanders, praised it as a win for democratic control and parental rights.

Though CRT is not part of standard K-12 education, its ban has become a political issue in several Republican-led states amid broader national debates over race, education and free speech.

A federal appeals court has ruled that Arkansas can enforce its ban on critical race theory (CRT) in public school classrooms, stating that students do not have a First Amendment right to demand the inclusion of certain instruction in public school curricula.

On Wednesday, July 16, the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a previous injunction that temporarily blocked the state's prohibition, part of a sweeping education overhaul signed into law in 2023 by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The decision clears the way for the state to resume enforcement of the measure.

The challenge to the law was brought by two students and two teachers at Little Rock Central High School, a historic site in the civil rights movement for its role in the 1957 desegregation crisis. A federal district judge initially granted a preliminary injunction to the students, allowing them temporary relief, but not to the teachers.

In a unanimous opinion, the three-judge appellate panel wrote: "Just as ordinary citizens cannot require the government to express a certain viewpoint or maintain a prior message, students cannot oblige the government to maintain a particular curriculum or offer certain materials in that curriculum based on the Free Speech Clause."

The judges explained that they do not mean to minimize the students' concerns, whether in this case or in the abstract, about a government that decides to exercise its discretion over the public school curriculum by prioritizing ideological interests over educational ones. However, "the Constitution does not give courts the power to block government action based on mere policy disagreements."

Ruling draws mixed reactions

Critical race theory (CRT) is an academic concept originating in the 1970s that argues racism is not just the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also embedded in legal systems and policies. While CRT is typically studied in law schools and universities, it has become a political flashpoint in recent years. Conservative lawmakers in multiple states are pushing to ban racially divisive instruction in public schools.

Attorneys representing the group of Arkansas teachers and students expressed disappointment following the decision. Meanwhile, state officials hailed the ruling as a victory for local control and conservative education policy. (Related: Trump vows to cut federal funding for schools pushing CRITICAL RACE THEORY and transgenderism.)

"With its ruling today, the Eighth Circuit continues to ensure that the responsibility of setting curriculum is in the hands of democratically elected officials who, by nature, are responsive to voters," Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said on Wednesday.

Sanders, who served as the press secretary of President Donald Trump during his first term, also celebrated the decision in a post on X. "Big win for common sense, education freedom and parents who just want our schools to teach kids how to think, not what to think," she posted shortly after the ruling.

Follow CultureWars.news for more stories like this.

Watch this clip of a teacher unabashedly grooming her students through the LGBT books she proudly makes them read.

This video is from the Self-Government channel on Brighteon.com.

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Holocaust scholar Omer Bartov: Israel is committing GENOCIDE in Gaza

Omer Bartov, a leading Holocaust and genocide scholar and former Israeli soldier, concluded in a July 15 New York Times op-ed that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, citing his decades of expertise and personal background.

Bartov pointed to explicit statements by Israeli leaders and a consistent pattern of systematic destruction across Gaza, including civilian infrastructure, as key indicators of genocidal intent and action.

Bartov's conclusion aligns with a recent NRC investigation that found seven other top genocide and Holocaust scholars from around the world, Israel included, also view Israel's actions in Gaza as genocidal.

Scholars like Shmuel Lederman, initially reluctant to use the genocide label, changed their stance following Israels dismissal of the ICJ's January 2024 ruling and mounting civilian deaths.

Experts emphasized that genocide is not defined by total annihilation or Holocaust comparisons, but by intent and destructive practices, a process many say Israel's campaign has entered or even completed.

Omer Bartov, one of the world's most respected Holocaust and genocide scholars, has publicly concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

In his op-ed article titled "I'm a Genocide Scholar. I Know It When I See It," published in the New York Times on July 15, Bartov wrote that his "inescapable conclusion" after long deliberation was "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people."

"Having grown up in a Zionist home, lived the first half of my life in Israel, served in the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] as a soldier and officer and spent most of my career researching and writing on war crimes and the Holocaust, this was a painful conclusion to reach and one that I resisted as long as I could," he wrote. "But I have been teaching classes on genocide for a quarter of a century. I can recognize one when I see one."

Bartov, a professor at Brown University and a former Israeli soldier, cited two key elements that led to his conclusion: statements of intent by Israeli leaders and a clear pattern of systematic destruction on the ground.

"In Israel's case, that intent has been publicly expressed by numerous officials and leaders. But intent can also be derived from a pattern of operations on the ground, and this pattern became clear by May 2024  and has since become ever clearer  as the IDF has systematically destroyed the Gaza Strip," he said. (Related: Israel genocide tracker account sparks 'panic' among Israeli soldiers.)

Bartov highlighted the widescale targeting of Gaza's civilian infrastructure, hospitals, schools, mosques, universities, water facilities and cultural heritage sites, as evidence of a policy that makes Palestinian life in the territory nearly impossible to sustain.

Seven other prominent scholars described Israel's military campaign in Gaza as genocidal

Bartov's article follows a recent investigation by the Dutch newspaper NRC, which interviewed seven prominent genocide and Holocaust scholars from six countries, including Israel, all of whom characterized Israel's military campaign in Gaza as genocidal.

"Can I name someone whose work I respect who does not think it is genocide? No," said Israeli genocide researcher Raz Segal in his interview with the news outlet. "There is no counterargument that takes into account all the evidence." Professor Ugur Umit Ungor, a Dutch-Turkish scholar at the University of Amsterdam and NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, was similarly unequivocal: "There are certainly researchers who say it's not genocide, but I dont know them."

Among those who have shifted their stance is Dr. Shmuel Lederman, an Israeli scholar from the Open University of Israel. Initially hesitant to label the Gaza campaign as genocide, Lederman reconsidered after Israel dismissed a January 2024 interim ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ordered the country to take concrete steps to prevent genocide, including opening aid corridors and halting incendiary rhetoric. Israel's failure to comply, combined with a letter by 99 U.S. health professionals estimating over 100,000 deaths in Gaza, led Lederman to change his position.

Melanie O'Brien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, cited Israel's deliberate obstruction of food, water and shelter as central to her assessment.

"That's the key," she told NRC. "The intent to destroy a group is often clearest in the denial of basic conditions for life."

Comparisons to the Holocaust or arguments that the entire population of Gaza has not been eradicated misunderstand the legal framework, said Anthony Dirk Moses, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Genocide Research.

"Genocide is a process, not an all-or-nothing event," he explained. Ungor echoed this view, comparing genocide to a dimmer switch rather than a light that suddenly flips on. "The Netanyahu government is in that process  according to most scholars, even in its final stages."

This interpretation is reinforced by legal experts, such as Canadian international law scholar William Schabas, who has previously been cautious with the use of genocide terminology. In a June interview with Middle East Eye, Schabas said Israel's Gaza offensive was "absolutely" genocide.

The latest news about the war in the Middle East can be found at Prophecy.news.

Watch this clip of South African lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi providing "chilling" evidence that Israel's continued indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza constitutes genocide.

This video is from the Contrarian channel on Brighteon.com.

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Turkey halts ALL trade with Israel over Gaza genocide.

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Colombia breaks diplomatic ties with Israel over GENOCIDE in Gaza.

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Sources include:

TheMiddleEastEye.net 1

NYTimes.com

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Brighteon.com
Border security works: Illegal crossings hit RECORD LOW for second straight month

Illegal border crossings hit a record low for the second straight month, with only 25,228 nationwide encounters in June  the lowest ever recorded. Apprehensions also dropped sharply, including a single-day low of 136 arrests.

President Donald Trump's executive orders  expanding barriers, prosecuting unlawful entrants and targeting cartels  have drastically reduced crossings. Parole-style releases of migrants dropped to zero, compared to 27,766 earlier in 2024.

The U.S. military was deployed to secure federal borderlands, closing smuggling loopholes. Combined with aggressive interior enforcement, this has deterred illegal entries before migrants reach U.S. soil.

As border crossings decline, drug seizures (methamphetamine up 102 percent, fentanyl up three percent) have surged, indicating cartels are adapting tactics. Authorities emphasize continued vigilance to dismantle smuggling networks.

Border communities report reduced strain on resources, but assaults on ICE agents have spiked (830 percent increase). Despite Democratic opposition (e.g., the VISIBLE Act), enforcement policies show undeniable success in restoring order.

For the second consecutive month, illegal border crossings have reached an all-time low  marking a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump's renewed leadership.

According to new data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), June 2025 saw only 25,228 nationwide encounters  the lowest monthly total ever recorded. Apprehensions also hit a historic low with just 8,024 arrests, including a mere 136 in a single day. These figures reflect a stark reversal from the chaos of the Biden era, where millions surged across the border unchecked.

The numbers tell a clear story: Enforcement works. In June, illegal crossings at the southwest border dropped to 6,072  a 15 percent decline from March.

Even more striking, CBP reported zero parole-style releases of illegal immigrants  a policy once exploited to flood American communities with unvetted migrants. This stands in stark contrast to the 27,766 releases recorded earlier in 2024. The administration's message is unambiguous: those who break the law will face consequences. (Related: Border crossings DROP BY 94% under Trump's tough immigration policies.)

Since retaking office in January, Trump has signed multiple executive orders to restore order at the border. His directives include expanding physical barriers, prosecuting unlawful entrants and targeting drug cartels.

The results speak for themselves. Border Patrol agents, once demoralized by lax enforcement, are now empowered to do their jobs. As border czar Tom Homan noted, "President Trump has created the most secure border in the history of the nation."

The Trump effect: Policy over rhetoric

In April, the White House took an unprecedented step by authorizing the U.S. military to secure federal lands near the border. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now oversees the Roosevelt Reservation  a 60-foot-wide federal zone spanning California, Arizona and New Mexico.

This move has closed loopholes that previously allowed smugglers and traffickers to exploit protected areas. Combined with aggressive interior enforcement, the strategy has deterred would-be crossers before they even reach U.S. soil.

While illegal immigration declines, drug interdictions are rising  proof that cartels are shifting tactics. Methamphetamine seizures skyrocketed by 102 percent in June, while fentanyl confiscations increased by 3 percent.

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott credited the administration's "relentless focus" on dismantling smuggling networks. Yet the fight is far from over. The surge in narcotics highlights the need for continued vigilance, especially as Mexican cartels grow more desperate.

The impact extends beyond statistics; Yuma, Arizona Mayor Douglas Nicholls described the change as "peaceful" after years of strained resources. Hospitals, schools and law enforcement agencies are no longer overwhelmed by endless waves of migrants.

But dangers persist despite progress. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed an 830 percent increase in assaults on ICE agents this year. These attacks underscore the risks agents face daily, even as the border grows more secure.

Some lawmakers continue resisting enforcement. The VISIBLE Act, introduced by Democrats, seeks to restrict agents from wearing face coverings  a move critics say endangers officers during riots.

Yet the data undermines such opposition. With crossings at record lows and deportations rising, the administrations policies are undeniably effective.

In June 2024 alone, over 83,000 migrants crossed under former President Joe Biden's watch  more than ten times June 2025's total. Trump's policies have not only stopped the bleeding, but reversed the damage. As Homan noted, "The world is hearing our message: The border is closed to lawbreakers."

Watch this video of border czar Tom Homan's warning to Democrats on the issue of illegal immigrants.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

ICE begins NATIONWIDE raids targeting criminal illegal immigrants.

Trump administration prepares crackdown on illegal immigrants in sanctuary cities.

POLL: Majority of Americans support the mass deportation of illegal immigrants.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

FoxNews.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
J&J scientist explains that the company knew the shot was unsafe: People wanted it, we gave it to them

"People wanted it, we gave it to them." These are the chilling words from a Johnson & Johnson scientist, who was recently caught on hidden camera . He confirmed hat millions of Americans have long suspected and known: the COVID-19 vaccines were tested for a short amount of time, were unsafe, and were unleashed upon the public under false pretenses. In a bombshell undercover video released by OKeefe Media Group (OMG), J&J lead scientist Joshua Rys admits the companys jab was rushed to market with a "lack of research." The company, operating on behalf of the Center for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, was in a race to capitalize from Operation Warp Speed. In the end, they prioritized profit and recognition over human lives.

When confronted by journalist James OKeefe, Rys fled the scene, hiding in a restroom before escaping on his electric bike. The cowardice speaks volumes. The vaccine industry's elite know the truth: their shots were never the miracle they sold to the world.

Key points:

J&J scientist confesses the COVID vaccine was "not safe and effective" due to a "lack of research."

Hidden camera footage reveals Rys admitting the shots were fast-tracked because "people wanted it"not because they were proven safe.

Federal HHS responded with hollow assurances, ignoring the glaring admission of corporate negligence.

OKeefes confrontation exposes Big Pharmas culture of secrecytruth only emerges when theyre caught.

Clinical trial data corroborates Rys claims, showing alarming rates of adverse events (AEs), including hypertension, lethargy, headaches, and neurological damage.

The hidden data they didnt want you to see

While independent journalists and scientists (who were censored for speaking the truth) raised alarms about the COVID-19 vaccines and associated fraud, J&Js own Phase III trial documents (Table S3), told everything:

Buried in the study, there was a 75.7% of high-dose recipients experienced solicited AEscompared to 27.3% in the placebo group.

Furthermore, 18.2% suffered Grade 3 systemic reactions (fever, malaise, excruciating pain)nine times higher than placebo.

Older adults faced cardiovascular events, including hypertensive crises and bradycardia, with some still unresolved at trials end (Table S4).

The studies didn't measure any form of long term immunity. Of course the injections caused the immune system to respond, but did the shots really provide long lasting humoral immunity with a robust neutralizing immune response? The long trail of boosters that were eventually required proved that 95% efficacy to be a lie, coupled with people coming down with "breakthrough infections" and blood clots - this was a medical travesty.

This wasnt immunityit was Russian roulette. Yet bureaucrats rubber-stamped the shots, dismissing the injuries as rare.

A pattern of corruption must be addressed

Johnson & Johnson would be the first vaccine company to be exposed for causing blood clots and cardiovascular damage to the population. By March 18, 2020, 60 cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) were reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System, and nine people died. At the time, government and public health officials instructed the public that these risks were rare and were worth it. However, as individuals rejected the shots, government officials and medical professionals grew angry and used unlawful mandates to increase uptake, breaching medical ethics using deceptive and manipulative strategies that coerced, incentivized, discriminated against, and even segregated against people. This led to further harms throughout society.

The COVID vaccine debacle isnt an anomalyits the culmination of decades of regulatory capture and corporate greed. From the Salk polio vaccine trials (which concealed fatal reactions) to Mercks Vioxx scandal (60,000 dead), Big Pharmas and especially the vaccine industry's playbook never changes: craft and exploit emergencies, bloviate about the benefits of their products, suppress known risks with their products, ,and profit from the suffering.

Now, as thousands of vaccine-injured Americans fight for recognition, the silence from media and lawmakers is deafening. Whistleblowers like Rys (as much as he doesn't like to be) are the tip of the iceberg. The days of blind trust in the vaccine industry are over. Demand full transparency on vaccine injuries. Support independent researchers exposing the truth. And most criticallyhold these companies accountable. Just as the weasel - Joshua Rys - admitted on camera - they know what they are doing; they know they are poisoning the population for profit, and they don't care about your health or the truth.

Sources include:

Infowars.com

X.com

NEJM.org [PDF]

MedRXIV.org
Migrant Universal Credit claims in the U.K. surge to 1.26 million

New DWP data shows a 40 percent rise in migrant Universal Credit (UC) claimants since 2022, with over 1.26 million non-British nationals now receiving support, including large numbers of EU nationals, refugees and ILR holders.

Only migrants with specific statuses, such as settled status, refugee status or humanitarian protection, are eligible for UC. Those with "no recourse to public funds" (NRPF) remain ineligible unless their status changes.

Of the migrant UC recipients, over 510,000 are in work but rely on UC to top up low earnings, while more than 730,000 are unemployed.

Senior Tories, including Chris Philp and Neil O'Brien, accused the Labour government of losing control of the welfare system and immigration policy, calling the figures "staggering" and demanding UC be limited to UK citizens.

Think tanks and campaigners urged sweeping changes, including scrapping Indefinite Leave to Remain. Critics argue the system is becoming unsustainable and unfair to British taxpayers amid a broader cost-of-living crisis.

New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have revealed that more than 1.26 million migrants are now claiming Universal Credit (UC) in the United Kingdom.

UC, introduced to simplify the benefits system, is intended to support those out of work or earning below a certain threshold. Under current rules, migrants must meet strict eligibility requirements to claim UC, including having settled status, refugee status or humanitarian protection. Those with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), a condition applied to many visa holders, are not entitled to claim unless their status changes. (Related: UK government now wants Britons to house non-Ukrainian refugees.)

However, the growing number of eligible migrants relying on the benefit has intensified scrutiny over the long-term affordability of the policy and its impact on the U.K.'s welfare infrastructure.

According to the DWP report, more than 1.26 million migrants are now claiming UC in the U.K., marking a sharp increase of over 40 percent in just two years. In 2022, 883,470 non-British nationals were receiving the benefit. That figure has soared to 1,263,881 in 2024, prompting renewed debate about the interaction between immigration and the welfare state amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the United Kingdom.

The data shows that European Union (EU) nationals make up the largest share of migrant UC recipients, accounting for 770,379 of the total. Another 211,090 are non-EU nationals who hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), while 118,749 are refugees. Additional groups include 54,156 humanitarian visa holders, 75,267 people on time-limited visas and 33,240 individuals listed under an "other" category.

Of the total migrant claimants, 737,799 are unemployed, while 510,970 are in work but use UC to supplement low earnings.

For comparison, 6.6 million British citizens are currently receiving UC, including 4.3 million who are not in employment. Like their migrant counterparts, the remaining 2.3 million British recipients rely on UC to top up low wages.

Tories slam Labour as migrant benefits surge past one million

The figures have triggered calls for greater transparency and reform. Senior Conservatives have launched a fierce political attack on the Labour government, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of losing control of both the welfare system and immigration policy.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the figures as "staggering," saying they prove that Labour's approach to welfare and immigration is "unsustainable."

"Universal Credit should be reserved for U.K. citizens only," Philp said. "This is about fairness, responsibility and protecting support for those whove contributed to this country. British taxpayers should not be working hard to subsidize immigrants, many of whom have only recently arrived."

Philp urged the Prime Minister to "stop the drift" and prioritize British citizens' access to welfare benefits, claiming that the current system "continues to fund an unsustainable open-door policy."

Conservative MP Neil O'Brien added to the criticism, claiming the government is "importing large numbers of people who will be a burden on taxpayers."

"Politicians claim that immigration is going to bring the best and brightest here, but we can see from that stats that's not true, and we are importing large numbers of people who will be a burden on taxpayers. This is madness and damaging our living standards. There is no sign Starmer will fix this," O'Brien said.

Meanwhile, Rob Bates of the Centre for Migration Control called for major reform, including scrapping ILR, a status held by more than 200,000 of the current UC recipients.

"Over one million migrants are claiming benefits in Britain. An unsustainable situation which lays bare the very real consequences that mass migration has inflicted on the British public. Indefinite Leave to Remain must be scrapped if we are to have any hope of turning the tide," Bates said.

John O'Connell, the chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, echoed the warning, saying the figures "should send a shiver down the spine of government ministers."

"Britain is sleepwalking into a culture of worklessness, with millions of Brits effectively dumped onto the welfare pile, all the while the system appears as a treasure chest for foreign nationals," O'Connell said.

Follow Migrants.news for more stories about illegal immigrants.

Watch this video about pro-immigrant leftist coalitions winning elections in the United Kingdom and France.

This video is from the Paul Davis UnCancelled channel on Brighteon.com.

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Report: Almost half of welfare recipients in Germany are MIGRANTS.

Germany: Nigerian migrant grabs 9-year-old boy and stabs 2 police officers, immediately released by the courts.

Illegal immigrants rejoice following leftist victory in British election.

Survey: Majority of French citizens believe rise in IMMIGRATION and decline in public safety are connected.

Sweden on the "brink of civil war" amid rampant MIGRANT VIOLENCE, warns expert.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

GBNews.com

Brighteon.com
Pew survey: Social media harms teen girls mental health and sleep patterns

Teenage girls are disproportionately affected by social media, with 50 percent reporting disrupted sleep and 25 percent citing mental health struggles  rates significantly higher than boys.

Girls lose more sleep due to endless scrolling, beauty standards and fear of missing out, leading to anxiety and cognitive issues.

Twenty percent of girls say social media erodes self-esteem (double the boys' rate), while 40 percent of all teens admit productivity suffers from distractions.

Twenty-five percent of girls report mental health harm (vs. 14 percent of boys), driven by cyberbullying, social pressure and curated online perfection.

Fifty-five percent of parents prioritize mental health, but only 35 percent of teens share this urgency, with many girls lacking open communication at home.

A troubling new report reveals that social media is disproportionately harming teenage girls, with half reporting disrupted sleep and one in four citing mental health struggles linked to their online habits.

The Pew Research Center's 2025 survey of 1,391 teens exposes a widening gender gap in digital harm, with girls more likely than boys to suffer declines in confidence, productivity and emotional well-being. As lawmakers debate tech regulation, parents and educators face urgent questions: Why are girls more vulnerable, and what can be done?

The Pew survey found that 50 percent of girls aged 13 to 17 say social media damages their sleep, compared to 40 percent of boys. The reasons are no mystery: Endless scrolling, dopamine-driven algorithms and the pressure to stay digitally connected.

Sleep experts warn that disrupted rest fuels anxiety, poor concentration and even long-term cognitive effects. Unlike boys, girls face additional stressors: Comparisons to curated beauty standards, fear of missing out (FOMO) and social exclusion, which amplify nighttime distress. (Related: Social media fuels teen depression, study of 12,000 kids confirms.)

Twenty percent of girls report that social media erodes their self-esteem, double the rate for boys. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok bombard young women with filtered perfection, unrealistic body ideals and highlight reels of peers' lives.

Meanwhile, 40 percent of all teens admit their productivity suffers due to endless distractions. For girls, the dual burden of academic pressure and social comparison creates a toxic cycle of burnout.

The double-edged sword of social media for teens

Twenty-five percent of girls say social media harms their mental health, versus just 14 percent of boys. While most teens describe the overall impact as neutral, the disparity highlights how online environments uniquely target female users. Cyberbullying, passive-aggressive comments and the pressure to perform happiness publicly weigh heavier on girls, who are statistically more prone to anxiety and depression.

Despite the downsides, 30 percent of teens credit social media for strengthening friendships. Yet girls remain more skeptical. Nine percent say it harms relationships, compared to five percent of boys.

The platforms offer connection but also amplify drama, gossip and exclusion. For boys, gaming and meme-sharing often foster camaraderie. But for girls, the same spaces breed competition and insecurity.

Fifty-five percent of parents rank mental health as a top concern, yet only 35 percent of teens share that urgency. Worse, 80 percent of parents believe they can discuss these issues openly, but just 52 percent of teens say they're comfortable talking with their parents about it. This communication gap leaves girls navigating emotional turmoil alone, turning to unreliable online sources for support.

Since the rise of Myspace in the 2000s, studies have linked social media to rising teen depression rates. But today's algorithms are sharper, content is more addictive and screen time is harder to escape.

The Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its lockdowns normalized digital dependency. Now, even as schools reopen, teens remain tethered to their screens.

Some states are pushing for age restrictions and school-based mental health programs. Tech companies, under pressure, have introduced "wellness" features like screen-time trackers. But critics say these are Band-Aids on a bullet wound.

Real solutions require parental vigilance, digital literacy education and, perhaps most crucially, a cultural shift in how girls are taught to value themselves offline.

Head over to Mental.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video about the dangers of the connections kids make on smartphones.

This video is from the mgibsonofficial channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Poll: Parents most concerned about excessive use of SOCIAL MEDIA and mobile devices as kids return to school.

Majority of parents think big tech, social media corrupting kids.

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Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Statista.com

FingerLakes1.com

Brighteon.com
RFK Jr. SAVES AMERICA from insane WHO dictatorship authority set to impose worldwide lockdowns anytime they announce a staged plandemic

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States is officially rejecting recent amendments to the World Health Organizations (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR), which are set to take effect for other signatories on July 19. The Biden-era revisions would have granted the WHO sweeping new powers to enforce global public health mandates , including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and vaccine passport implementationall without needing to declare a formal emergency.

U.S. Formally Rejects WHO Health Regulation Amendments : Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the U.S. will not accept amendments to the WHOs International Health Regulations (IHR), citing threats to national sovereignty and individual freedoms, including potential for lockdowns, vaccine passports, and censorship.

: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the U.S. will not accept amendments to the WHOs International Health Regulations (IHR), citing threats to national sovereignty and individual freedoms, including potential for lockdowns, vaccine passports, and censorship. Amendments Called a Pathway to Global Surveillance and Control : Kennedy and other critics said the IHR changes enable the WHO to impose health measures based on vague "potential public health risks," paving the way for global surveillance systems and centralized digital medical databases without democratic oversight.

: Kennedy and other critics said the IHR changes enable the WHO to impose health measures based on vague "potential public health risks," paving the way for global surveillance systems and centralized digital medical databases without democratic oversight. Decision Framed as a Victory for Constitutional Rights : Supporters of the rejection, including leaders from the health freedom movement, hailed the move as a defining moment in human history, emphasizing it protects American autonomy and restores the primacy of the U.S. Constitution in health-related decision-making.

: Supporters of the rejection, including leaders from the health freedom movement, hailed the move as a defining moment in human history, emphasizing it protects American autonomy and restores the primacy of the U.S. Constitution in health-related decision-making. U.S. Rejection Sparks Global Momentum: The U.S. is the second nation, after Israel, to reject the amendments, potentially encouraging other countriessuch as Argentinato follow suit. Experts say the rejection undermines the WHOs authority and gives political cover to nations wary of ceding control to unelected global entities.

'Defining moment in human history': U.S. rejects WHO's International Health Regulation amendments

Kennedy said the amendments posed a serious threat to national sovereignty and democratic freedoms, criticizing them as a pathway toward a global medical surveillance state. He warned the changes used overly broad language and would allow the WHO to mandate global messaging, potentially leading to censorship and propaganda like that seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a video statement, he declared, We will not sign over authority to an unelected international organization that could order any health measure it sees fit.

Though the amendments had been watered down from earlier versions, critics said they still gave the WHO unprecedented powers with minimal accountability. The WHO could act on mere potential public health risks, bypassing the need for national consent. While the U.S. formally began withdrawing from the WHO earlier this year under a Trump executive order, these amendments would still have been binding under the IHR treaty, which the U.S. remains party to.

Experts and health freedom advocates hailed the decision. Sayer Ji, chair of the Global Wellness Forum, called it a defining moment in human history and a symbolic rejection of global technocratic control. Dr. Meryl Nass, founder of Door to Freedom, said the amendments clearly aimed to establish global governance under the guise of health policy. Public health scholar Dr. David Bell praised Kennedys stance as rational, especially in contrast to what he called the jargon-heavy justifications used by supporters of the amendments.

According to independent journalist James Roguski, the U.S. is the second country to reject the amendments, following Israel. Other countries, including Argentina, are reportedly considering similar moves ahead of the July 19 deadline. Notably, the WHO does not publicly announce which countries reject the amendments, leaving uncertainty about global opposition.

Critics also pointed to the WHOs handling of COVID-19 as justification for limiting its powers. Kennedy said the organization failed to enforce its existing regulations when China withheld crucial information early in the pandemic. Despite this failure, the WHO faced no consequences. We must strengthen national and local autonomy, he said, to restore a real balance of power underneath all the bureaucratic language.

The rejected amendments are separate from the WHOs newly passed Pandemic Agreement, which mandates member nations provide 20% of their vaccines and medical supplies to the WHO during future pandemics. That treaty must still be ratified by 60 countries and finalized with a pathogen-sharing annex.

In closing, Kennedy posed a crucial question: Do we want a future where every movement, transaction, and human body is under surveillance in the name of public healthor do we want to reclaim our freedom and democratic institutions? For now, the U.S. has chosen the latter.

Bookmark plague.info to your favorite independent websites for updates on TWO HUNDRED new gain-of-function viruses NIH, CDC and WHO plan to release into the wild while blaming infected bat soup eaters at the Wuhan wet market.

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

HHS.gov

X.com
Health Ranger Report: Seth Holehouse on the AI arms race and navigating the future

DeepSeek, a powerful Chinese open-source AI model, has been released for free  raising questions about China's motives. While some see it as a goodwill gesture, others suspect it's part of a strategic move in the AI arms race, potentially undermining U.S. tech dominance.

The timing of DeepSeek's launch, shortly after President Donald Trump's Stargate Project announcement, suggests a competitive push in global AI dominance. Mike Adams warns that superintelligence could reshape global power dynamics, possibly forcing other nations into submission if one country achieves it first.

Adams advocates for decentralized, open-source AI (like his project Enoch) as a tool for individual empowerment, avoiding surveillance risks tied to proprietary models. He envisions AI aiding permaculture, off-grid living and natural medicine without reliance on centralized systems.

While Adams supports AI's potential, he stresses the dangers of centralized control and the need for ethical guardrails. He warns against AI replacing human values or spirituality, urging responsible use that prioritizes freedom and morality.

Humanity must navigate AI's dual risks and rewards by focusing on decentralization, ethics and human-centric development. The goal is to harness AI for equitable progress while resisting authoritarian misuse.

In a world where technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, the release of DeepSeek, an open-source artificial intelligence developed by a Chinese company, has sent shockwaves through the tech industry and beyond. Seth Holehouse and Mike Adams touched on this topic  alongside the implications of AI on global power dynamics, individual freedoms and the future of humanity  on the "Health Ranger Report."

DeepSeek, an AI model significantly more powerful than its American counterparts, has been made available to the public for free. This move has raised questions about China's intentions. Is it a gesture of goodwill, or does it serve a more strategic purpose in the ongoing AI arms race?

Adams, who is developing his own AI model called Enoch, believes that DeepSeek is a game-changer. Its open-source nature allows users to run it offline, making it a powerful tool that doesn't surveil its users, unlike many American AI systems. Adams argued that DeepSeek's release could be part of China's unrestricted warfare strategy, aiming to disrupt the United States tech sector.

However, he also acknowledged the irony that China  often accused of intellectual property theft  has now given the world a technological gift that the U.S. has yet to match. This raises concerns about America's position in the AI race and the potential consequences of falling behind.

The timing of DeepSeek's release, shortly after Trump's announcement of the Stargate Project, adds another layer of complexity. The endeavor is a massive data center initiative led by Oracle's Larry Ellison and OpenAI's Sam Altman.

Adams suggested that this could be a strategic move by China to gain an edge in the AI arms race. This could lead to a new world order where the first country to achieve super intelligence could dominate global affairs.

The Health Ranger drew a comparison to historical events, such as the surrender of Japan to the U.S. in 1945, to illustrate the potential impact of AI dominance. He warned that the country that achieves super intelligence first could demand the surrender of other nations, leading to a new era of global governance. (Related: The Health Ranger interviewed by Seth Holehouse on AI wars: Decentralization vs. Centralized control  who will rule the future?)

"If China achieves this first, [President Donald] Trump will be forced to sign a decree that says America is a colony of China and China runs America. China will send governors over to run America and control America," Adams stated. This scenario underscores the urgency for the U.S. to accelerate its AI development and deployment.

Open-source AI: A path to decentralization and freedom?

Despite the potential threats posed by AI, Adams saw a silver lining in the rise of open-source AI. He believes decentralized AI models like Enoch can empower individuals and communities, providing them with tools to navigate a world increasingly dominated by technology.

The Enoch large language model is trained on a vast array of information related to permaculture, off-grid living and natural medicine. It offers users the ability to access knowledge without relying on the internet or centralized authorities.

Adams envisions a future where AI companions like Enoch become integral to daily life, assisting with tasks ranging from farming to financial planning. He emphasized the importance of using open-source AI to avoid the pitfalls of surveillance and control associated with proprietary models. This approach aligns with his broader philosophy of decentralization, which he believes is crucial for preserving freedom and autonomy in an increasingly authoritarian world.

While Adams is a proponent of AI, he is also acutely aware of its potential dangers. He warned against the dangers of centralized AI, which could be used to control and manipulate populations. He stressed the importance of ethical considerations and the need to ensure that AI serves humanity rather than the other way around.

"Don't be terrified by AI. Be terrified by centralized, controlled AI. Use open source, decentralized AI as tools," Adams said.

Adams also emphasized the spiritual dimension of AI, reminding listeners that technology should never replace God or human values. He advocated for the responsible use of AI, urging individuals to maintain their ethical compass and prioritize human values in their interactions with technology.

The AI arms race presents both challenges and opportunities. As DeepSeek and other AI models continue to evolve, individuals and nations must navigate this landscape with caution and foresight.

Follow FutureTech.news for more news about AI.

Watch the full interview between Seth Holehouse and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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Trump signs HALT Fentanyl Act into law

President Donald Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act on July 16, permanently classifying fentanyl analogues as Schedule I substances, which carry the harshest federal penalties.

The bipartisan legislation, led by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), targets traffickers who alter fentanyl's chemical structure to evade prosecution, reinforcing authority established by the 2018 U.S. v. McCray decision.

The bill passed with strong bipartisan backing, 84-16 in the Senate and 321-104 in the House, and was supported by major advocacy groups and law enforcement coalitions.

The law enhances DOJ enforcement capabilities and streamlines the registration process for researchers to study fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I.

GOP lawmakers, including Sen. Bill Cassidy and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, blamed the Biden administration's border policies for enabling fentanyl trafficking and promised future legislation focused on border security.

President Donald Trump has signed a measure that will permanently classify fentanyl analogues as Schedule I substances, which carry the harshest federal penalties.

The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (HALT Fentanyl Act), aims to close legal loopholes that previously allowed traffickers to slightly alter fentanyl's chemical structure to evade prosecution. It was introduced in January by a bipartisan group of senators, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

The HALT Fentanyl Act, which received strong bipartisan support in Congress, cements a 2018 temporary order that placed all fentanyl analogues into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This category is reserved for substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The law passed the Senate in March by a vote of 84-16 and cleared the House of Representatives in June by a margin of 321-104.

Under the new law, fentanyl analogues will continue to be treated as Schedule I substances  meaning those caught trafficking them can face the harshest penalties under federal law. The law also reinforces the legal precedent set by the 2018 case U.S. v. McCray, which confirmed the federal government's authority to treat chemically similar drugs as fentanyl analogues even when they vary slightly in composition.

The HALT Act not only strengthens enforcement, but also opens the door to further scientific research. The new law includes provisions to streamline the registration process for researchers studying Schedule I substances, allowing more comprehensive investigation into fentanyl and its analogues.

"It's so sad. It should be so unnecessary that we stand here for years and years doing the same thing over and over," Trump said during the White House signing ceremony on July 16. He addressed an audience that included families affected by fentanyl-related deaths.

"Everyone knows someone touched by this incredible crisis. So today, on behalf of all Americans who have lost a loved one to opioids, we renew our vow to liberate America from this horrible plague," Trump continued. According to the chief executive, he has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue maximum sentencing for individuals involved in fentanyl trafficking. (Related: Portland declares fentanyl state of emergency as overdose deaths skyrocket.)

GOP lawmakers promise more action to combat fentanyl crisis

Before taking office in January, Trump vowed to take a hard line on countries connected to the fentanyl supply chain, particularly Mexico and China. He has accused both of failing to stop the production and export of the synthetic opioid or its chemical components. Now, he has fulfilled that promise.

Lawmakers and advocates hail the legislation as a major milestone in the fight against the nation's opioid crisis. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) tied the crisis directly to U.S. border policy, blaming the Biden administration for failing to curb trafficking, but stressed the need for strong law enforcement tools and warned against allowing the Schedule I classification for fentanyl analogues to expire.

"The Biden administrations open border was an invitation to drug cartels smuggling Chinese fentanyl into the United States, fueling the U.S. overdose epidemic. Law enforcement must have the tools necessary to combat this trend. We cannot let this Schedule I classification lapse," Cassidy said.

In line with this, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) promised more action to come by creating clearer, more consistent standards for anti-trafficking operations.

"I don't need to tell anybody about the horrible impact of drug overdoses in this country, many of them caused by fentanyl," Thune said after the bill passed in the Senate. "In the coming weeks, we'll be taking up legislation to address another aspect of the fight: Securing our borders."

Learn more about the fentanyl crisis gripping the U.S. at Addiction.news.

Watch this documentary that tackles the fentanyl crisis in the United States.

This video is from the Little Blue Bird channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Unveiling the Chinese money-laundering network driving America's fentanyl crisis.

Nearly 10 million lethal doses of fentanyl seized in San Francisco.

Police union executive involved in FENTANYL deals slapped with federal charges.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Judiciary.Senate.gov

Brighteon.com
Unveiling the hidden tapestry of American history: A deep dive into Crimes and Cover-ups in American Politics: 1776-1963

In "Crimes and Cover-ups in American Politics: 1776-1963," author Donald Jeffries critiques revered figures like Thomas Jefferson, revealing nuanced views on slavery and challenging simplistic historical narratives, highlighting their contradictions alongside their contributions.

The book challenges the idealized portrayal of the Civil War, exposing Union atrocities and arguing that power dynamics, not just slavery, drove the conflict.

Jeffries scrutinizes Abraham Lincoln's suppression of dissent (e.g., suspending habeas corpus, censoring press), framing him as a tyrannical figure rather than a flawless democratic hero.

The text questions official narratives, suggesting hidden agendas behind WWI (Lusitania sinking) and WWII (Pearl Harbor attack), implying deliberate U.S. involvement strategies.

Jeffries uncovers government abusesfrom Tuskegee to MKULTRA and critiques the Nuremberg Trials as victor's hypocrisy, urging readers to confront systemic cover-ups in U.S. history.

In a groundbreaking exploration of American history, Donald Jeffries' "Crimes and Cover-ups in American Politics: 1776-1963" challenges readers to reconsider the narratives that have long shaped their understanding of the nation's past. This meticulously researched book, spanning from the birth of the United States to the mid-20th century, delves into the shadowy corners of history, revealing a web of crimes, cover-ups and contentious interpretations that have been largely ignored or whitewashed in conventional historical accounts.

Jeffries begins his journey with the Founding Fathers, those revered architects of democracy. While acknowledging their monumental contributions, he does not shy away from scrutinizing their personal lives and political decisions. Take Thomas Jefferson, for instance. While Jefferson is celebrated for drafting the Declaration of Independence, Jeffries delves into the complexities of his stance on slavery. Contrary to the simplistic portrayal of Jefferson as a racist, Jeffries argues that his views were nuanced and that he was, in fact, one of the most vocal critics of slavery in his time. This nuanced perspective encourages readers to look beyond the surface and question the motives behind the historical accounts that have been passed down through generations.

Moving on to the Civil War, Jeffries presents a perspective that challenges the widely accepted notion that the war was solely a battle to end slavery. He argues that the conflict was as much about power and control as it was about freedom. Jeffries does not hesitate to detail the atrocities committed by Union troops, including the burning of Southern cities and the brutal treatment of civilians. By highlighting these often-overlooked aspects, he paints a picture of a war that was far from the noble crusade it is often portrayed as.

Jeffries also takes a critical look at Abraham Lincoln, the man often hailed as the savior of the Union. He points out Lincoln's authoritarian tendencies, such as the suspension of habeas corpus, the arrest of political opponents and the censorship of the press. These actions, Jeffries argues, were not those of a democratic leader but of a tyrant. This perspective serves as a sobering reminder that the victors often write history and Lincoln's legacy is no exception.

Jeffries' examination of the two World Wars is equally provocative. He questions the official narratives surrounding these conflicts, suggesting that there were hidden agendas at play. For instance, he explores the possibility that the sinking of the Lusitania was a deliberate act to draw the United States into World War I. He also delves into the machinations that led to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent entry of the U.S. into World War II. These insights challenge readers to reconsider the motivations behind these pivotal events.

In his analysis of the Nuremberg Trials, Jeffries presents them as a flawed attempt at justice. He argues that the trials were more about victor's justice than true accountability, highlighting the hypocrisy of punishing the defeated while ignoring the crimes committed by the Allies. This perspective encourages readers to question the notion of justice in the aftermath of war.

Perhaps the most chilling part of Jeffries' book is his examination of government experimentation on human subjects. From the Tuskegee syphilis experiment to the CIA's MKULTRA program, Jeffries reveals a dark side of American history that is often overlooked. He argues that these experiments were not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of abuse and cover-up.

"Crimes and Cover-ups in American Politics: 1776-1963" is a must-read for anyone interested in the true story of America. It is a book that challenges, enlightens and ultimately empowers readers to think for themselves. As Jeffries himself states, "History is not static; it's a living, breathing entity that evolves as we uncover new information." His work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the need to seek out multiple perspectives.

Learn more about the book "Crimes and Cover-ups in American Politics" by watching the video below.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
U.S. threatens to leave International Energy Agency over unrealistic green transition push

The United States may exit the International Energy Agency (IEA) unless the organization reforms what U.S. officials call biased, overly optimistic green energy forecasts that diverge from its original energy security mission.

Created in 1974 to ensure oil supply stability after the 1973 oil embargo, the IEA has expanded its focus over the decades to include renewables, energy efficiency and climate transition planning, especially after the Paris Agreement.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright argues the IEA has become an advocate for climate policy rather than a neutral forecaster, calling its oil demand projections methodologically flawed and warning they may undermine traditional energy investment.

As the IEA's largest funder (25 percent of the budget), a U.S. withdrawal could trigger a legitimacy crisis, disrupt emergency coordination and fragment international energy governance, potentially giving rise to rival institutions.

The loss of U.S. support could erode trust in IEA forecasts, heighten market volatility and complicate capital allocation across energy sectors, leaving investors grappling with conflicting signals and long-term strategic uncertainty.

The United States may withdraw from the International Energy Agency (IEA) unless the organization reforms its "unrealistically green" energy forecasts.

IEA, which was created in 1974 by 16 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in response to the 1973 Arab oil embargo, aims to secure stable energy supplies for industrialized nations, maintain emergency oil reserves, coordinate emergency responses to supply disruptions and provide objective energy data.

However, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright argued that the agency has veered far from that mandate.

Over the past five decades, the IEA has significantly broadened both its membership and mission, now encompassing 31 member countries and partnerships with major economies like China and India. Its scope has evolved from oil security to include natural gas, energy efficiency, renewables and comprehensive energy transition planning, particularly following the Paris Agreement. (Related: Terence Corcoran: A not-so-green reality behind the green transition.)

"The IEA was established to ensure energy security, not to advocate for particular energy technologies or policies. Their recent forecasts have strayed far from objective analysis," Wright said.

In a blunt interview with Bloomberg at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh on July 15, Wright accused the IEA of straying from its core mission of energy security, alleging it has become "an advocate" for green technologies and climate policies. Wright claimed that the oil demand forecasts of the IEA are methodologically flawed, its analysis is biased by assuming rather than critically evaluating aggressive climate policies, it has strayed from its original mission of energy security and its projections may deter much-needed investment in traditional energy infrastructure.

As a response, Wright presented two options: either reform the organization to prioritize objective data analysis and energy security or withdraw U.S. membership and funding entirely.

"We will do one of two things: we will reform the way the IEA operates or we will withdraw," Wright said during the interview. "My strong preference is to reform it."

While Wright expressed a preference for reform, he underscored that withdrawal remains a serious possibility if changes are not made.

U.S. exit could prove fatal for IEA

The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to the IEA, supplying roughly 25 percent of its operating budget.

In other words, the potential departure of the U.S. would make the IEA face not only a significant budget shortfall but also the risk of a broader crisis of legitimacy. Other member countries, especially those critical of the agency's increasing climate focus, might reconsider their participation.

The loss of U.S. leadership would diminish the IEA's ability to coordinate emergency oil stock releases, collect global energy data and shape market expectations. International cooperation could fragment, with new, potentially competing energy forums emerging  possibly along ideological or regional lines.

For energy markets, a U.S. withdrawal introduces added uncertainty. The IEA's forecasts guide trillions of dollars in investment decisions. Without unified and trusted projections, market actors would be forced to navigate diverging forecasts and geopolitical signals, likely increasing price volatility. Investors may begin to question the reliability of long-term demand outlooks and coordination around strategic petroleum reserves, an IEA cornerstone, could falter. A fragmented information landscape could accelerate divergence in energy policy and investment between regions, complicating the already delicate energy transition.

For energy investors, diverging forecasts and political uncertainty complicate capital allocation across fossil and renewable assets. Oil and gas companies must weigh continued exploration against transition risks, while renewable developers face regulatory volatility and policy inconsistency. Financial institutions will be caught between growing demands for climate disclosures and the need to manage exposure to traditional energy. Even as WTI crude remains stable at $65.87 per barrel (as of July 16, 2025), long-term uncertainty looms large.

Head over to GreenTyranny.com for more similar stories.

Watch Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin reiterating his refusal to spend tax dollars on "climate alarmism" measures in this clip.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

The energy transition ain't happening: "Green" economy in retreat.

WSJ warns rolling blackouts coming to America; transition to "green energy" FAILING.

Major supply gap in copper industry is threatening the transition to green energy.

Operators say green energy transition rendered US power grid unreliable, prone to blackouts.

World Economic Forum claims economic crisis is an opportunity to transition to green energy.

Sources include:

OilPrice.com

DiscoveryAlert.com

Bloomberg.com

Brighteon.com
Yoga beats sleeping pills: Ancient practice adds nearly two hours of sleep for insomnia sufferers

A study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that yoga helps insomnia patients gain an average of 110 extra minutes of sleep per night  more than sleep hygiene advice or stretching  while also reducing time to fall asleep and nighttime awakenings.

Chronic sleeplessness affects 4-22 percent of American adults, costing the economy $100 billion annually and increasing risks for depression, heart disease and Alzheimer's. Yet, mainstream solutions like sedatives and therapy are costly or carry dependency risks.

Tai chi added 52 minutes of sleep per night, with benefits lasting up to two years, while walking or jogging significantly reduced daytime fatigue and insomnia severity.

Unlike sleeping pills (risk of dependency) or cognitive behavioral therapy (expensive and hard to access), yoga and tai chi are low-cost, side-effect-free and address root causes like stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

The study challenges Western medicine's reliance on pharmaceuticals, advocating for yoga, Tai Chi and walking as first-line treatments. While more research is needed, these natural solutions offer broad health benefits beyond sleep improvement.

Millions of Americans lie awake at night, trapped in a cycle of exhaustion and frustration as insomnia robs them of rest. While Big Pharma pushes expensive pills and therapists advocate costly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a groundbreaking study reveals a simpler, more natural solution: Yoga.

Published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, the research confirms what traditionalists have long suspected. Ancient mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi outperform modern medical interventions, offering nearly two extra hours of sleep without side effects or dependency risks.

Insomnia isn't just an inconvenience; it's a national health crisis. Between four percent and 22 percent of adults suffer from chronic sleeplessness, fueling a $100 billion drain on the economy through lost productivity and increased healthcare costs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that poor sleep heightens risks for depression, heart disease and even Alzheimer's. Yet instead of turning to proven, holistic solutions, the medical establishment has defaulted to prescription sedatives that carry addiction risks, or therapy sessions that many can't afford. (Related: Yoga as complementary medicine: How yoga can support your mental and physical health.)

The study, led by researchers at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, analyzed 22 clinical trials involving 1,348 insomnia patients. The results were striking: Yoga practitioners gained an average of 110 extra minutes of sleep per night, far more than those relying on standard treatments like sleep hygiene advice or stretching. Participants also fell asleep 29 minutes faster and woke up less frequently.

Unlike high-intensity workouts, which can overstimulate the body before bed, yoga's gentle postures, controlled breathing and meditation activate the parasympathetic nervous system  the body's natural "rest and digest" mode. This counters the hyperarousal state that keeps insomniacs awake.

For those resistant to yoga, tai chi  a slow-moving martial art  also delivered impressive results, adding 52 minutes of sleep with benefits lasting up to two years. Meanwhile, walking or jogging proved best for combating daytime fatigue, reducing insomnia severity scores by nearly 10 points.

Yoga: The surprising sleep champion that beats drugs

Drug treatments for insomnia are not without their side effects, and CBT isn't always available due to the shortage of trained therapists, explain the researchers. Sleeping pills, though quick-acting, come with risks like dependency and next-day drowsiness. In contrast, exercise is low-cost, accessible and free of side effects.

The study's lead author, Dr. Zhijun Bu, emphasized that these natural interventions align with the body's biology: "Exercise is nature's sleeping pill." Unlike pharmaceuticals, yoga and tai chi don't just mask symptomsthey address root causes like stress and nervous system dysregulation.

Historically, Western medicine has dismissed Eastern practices as "alternative" rather than mainstream. But as research mounts, even skeptics must acknowledge their efficacy. The study's findings challenge the status quo, suggesting that public health guidelines should prioritize exercise as a first-line insomnia treatment.

However, the research isn't flawless. Most trials were conducted in Asia, raising questions about applicability to Western populations. Additionally, self-reported sleep data (rather than lab measurements) introduces potential bias. Still, the consistency of results across multiple studies is compelling.

In an era where Big Pharma profits from perpetual prescriptions, this study is a wake-up call. Yoga, tai chi and walking cost nothing, empower individuals and come with bonus benefits  improved mood, stronger immunity and reduced inflammation.

For those tired of sleepless nights, the answer isn't in a pill bottle. It's in their own two feet, and perhaps a downward dog.

Watch this video about yoga for happiness and health.

This video is from the Progressive Voices Gary Null channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Yoga found to be effective at reducing fatigue and sleep disturbances in women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Yoga expert reveals life-changing health benefits of deep breathing, including improved focus, peaceful sleep and tension relief.

The elderly sleep easier with Tai Chi.

Sources include:

StudyFinds.org

EBM.BMJ.com

News-Medical.net

ABCNews.go.com

Brighteon.com
Description

Weaving Words, Weaving Worlds explores the profound connections between Indigenous language and contemporary art, centering artists' work engaging with Algonquian languages spoken across Long Island and the Northeast. Drawing from heritage, memory, and community, these artists use creative expression to revitalize and reclaim language as a tool for cultural continuity, storytelling, and healing. While the exhibition uplifts the resilience of Indigenous language, it also acknowledges a history shaped by violence and silencefrom early colonial efforts to control and document language, to the trauma inflicted by boarding schools that punished children for speaking their own languages. It further holds space for those who were forcibly silenced, including missing and murdered Indigenous women, whose stories and voices remain essential to any conversation about cultural survival.

HOURS:

July 17-26: Open evenings of the Stony Brook Film Festival

July 17 (open 6-7pm)

July 18 & 19 (open 6-9:30pm)

July 20 (Opening Reception: 5-7pm, gallery open 4-9:30pm)

July 21-25 (open 6-9:30pm)

July 26 (open 6-7pm)

July 28- August 20: Open by appointment, email Zuccairegallery@stonybrook.edu to schedule

August 25- November 22: Open Monday-Friday 12-4pm & evenings of Staller Center performances

LOCATION: Zuccaire Gallery at Stony Brook University
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by organ dysfunction resulting from the body's dysregulated response to infection. Annually, sepsis affects more than 31 million people worldwide, with a mortality rate of approximately 30%. The disease is characterized by rapid progression, poor prognosis, and high mortality, posing significant challenges in critical care medicine. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes. In a study published in the journal "Med Research," a team of researchers from China outlined their discovery of new sepsis patient subtypes and identified elevated expression of the B cell-derived ELL2 gene as a novel biomarker. This finding brings hope for addressing the limitations of current clinical diagnostic tests, improving early diagnosis, and enhancing patient outcomes in sepsis management.

Dr. Wang Xuan, the first author of the study from Hebei Medical University, explained: "Recent advances in transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have made the identification of reliable biomarkers possible. With the emergence of bioinformatics, multiple studies have employed advanced machine learning methods to develop sepsis diagnostic models, improving patient identification capabilities. While existing biomarkers are useful, they have limitations such as insufficient sensitivity or specificity, leading to suboptimal treatment timing and increased mortality in sepsis patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new biomarkers that can accurately predict prognosis and diagnose sepsis."

The research team analyzed bulk RNA sequencing data from 10 sepsis patient cohorts. Through unbiased patient clustering, they identified three subtypes with significantly different prognoses, which were consistently reproduced across all 10 cohorts. Through comprehensive multi-dimensional analysis, they revealed distinct differences among the subtypes in terms of inflammation, immune response, and functional pathways. By integrating multiple machine learning algorithms and single-cell transcriptomic analysis, they ultimately identified ELL2 as an effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for sepsis. This study provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of sepsis progression and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of ELL2 expression during early diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Ning Jingyuan, who led this research, believes this represents a major breakthrough in sepsis early warning and biomarker research. "Current studies are limited by small sample sizes and poor reproducibility bottlenecks, and new biomarkers must be validated in multicenter cohorts." He added: "We hope that our study spanning 10 cohorts can provide new perspectives and therapeutic strategies for timely treatment of sepsis patients.
Pain is an important physiological response in living organisms. While physical pain is an outcome of tissue damage, pain can manifest as diverse unpleasant sensory and emotional experiences. Many studies report that emotional or psychological stress enhances pain responses. Furthermore, mice housed with other mice experiencing inflammatory pain exhibit a 'bystander effect' with heightened pain sensitivity, or 'hyperalgesia.' However, the effects that underpin social pain transmission remain elusive.

Rodents emit ultrasonic vocalizations in the form of high-pitched squeaks in response to various stimuli, including pain, in both audible and ultrasound frequencies that are inaudible to humans. Recently, a team of researchers led by Assistant Professor Satoka Kasai from the Department of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, conducted a series of experiments to understand how ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by mice in response to pain stimuli affect the other mice. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, was co-authored by Professor Satoru Miyazaki, Professor Akiyoshi Saitoh, (the late) Professor Satoshi Iriyama, and Professor Kazumi Yoshizawa, all from TUS.

Giving further insight into their exciting findings, Asst. Prof. Kasai explains, "In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by mice in response to pain stimuli induce emotional transmission and hyperalgesia in other mice. These mice exhibit hypersensitivity that arises without injury or direct painful stimulation but is instead triggered by exposure to sound stress."

The researchers recorded and extracted the ultrasonic range from stress calls emitted by mice experiencing pain and exposed naive mice to the sound stress in a soundproof box in the absence of other external stressors or stimuli. Next, they evaluated the mechanical/tactile sensitivity of mice by using von Frey filaments of different stiffness to gauge the threshold that elicits the animals' hind paw withdrawal. Notably, exposure to sound stress led to hyperalgesia, measured by a decrease in the paw withdrawal threshold.

Further, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying sound stress-induced hyperalgesia, the researchers performed a microarray analysis, a technique used to assess gene expression. They found that sound stress exposure led to the upregulation of 444 genes (particularly prostaglandin-endoperoxidase synthase 2 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1) and downregulation of 231 genes in the brain tissue compared to control. Further, functional and molecular pathway analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes were related to inflammatory and lipopolysaccharide response and the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, suggesting their potential role in sound stress-induced hyperalgesia.

Treatment with anti-inflammatory (pain-relieving) agents following exposure to sound stress significantly suppressed pain responses. Additionally, exposure to sound stress prolonged pain in a mouse model of inflammation. Conversely, treatment with anti-inflammatory agents attenuated pain responses exacerbated by sound stress in mice with heightened inflammation, thus corroborating the demonstrated association between sound stress, inflammation, and pain.

Overall, these findings shed light on how sound stress can induce hyperalgesia and exacerbate inflammation and pain responses. In the current study, mice were exposed solely to sound stress in the absence of other sensory stimuli such as sight, smell, or contact, suggesting that social pain transfer can occur through sound exposure alone. These results highlight the impact of social or environmental factors on chronic pain or stress-related pain persistence. Additional studies are needed to understand how different sounds that reflect different mental or emotional states influence pain responses in different regions of the brain.

Nevertheless, these findings highlight the importance of medical environments free from stressful sounds that can induce brain inflammation and worsen pain or recovery. Additionally, the study paves the way for the exploration of ultrasound-induced neuroinflammatory mechanisms involved in pain perception and pain modulation using ultrasonic exposure.

Asst. Prof. Kasai concludes by saying, "In addition to inducing inflammation in the brain that leads to hyperalgesia, sound stress also exacerbates inflammatory pain and may interfere with pain-relieving treatments. Our research can help improve the understanding of stress-related pain and guide the development of new, scientifically based pain management treatment strategies."

Overall, these findings provide novel insights into mental health, pain perception, and emotional empathy, explaining why some individuals feel more pain on seeing or hearing others in pain.
21 child beggars rescued from Punjabs Ludhiana, SBS Nagar: Minister

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 23:45 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Chandigarh, Jul 20 (PTI) A total of 21 child beggars have been rescued from Ludhiana and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur said on Sunday.

She said the state government is carrying out a vigorous campaign to make Punjab free from begging.

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The district child protection teams of the department conducted special raids at the bus stands, railway stations, and other locations in Ludhiana, rescuing 18 children, while three more children were rescued from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, she added.

Kaur said all rescued children have been presented before the child welfare committees and are currently kept safely in childrens homes, according to a statement.

If investigations reveal that any person forced these children into begging, strict legal action will be taken against them, she said.

The minister further said that if there is any suspicion regarding the identity of the childs parents, the child welfare committees may also initiate DNA testing on the orders of the deputy commissioner to ascertain the true parentage of the children.

She emphasised that the primary objective of the state government is to ensure a safe and secure future for every child, adding that continuous raids are being conducted at various locations by district teams under the Jeevanjyot-2 project.

No cases of child begging have been reported from districts other than Ludhiana and SBS Nagar, the statement said.

She said in order to completely root out the serious issue of child begging from Punjab, the social security departments district welfare teams will continue such raids and checks regularly across all districts, ensuring that no child is ever forced into begging.

Kaur appealed to the public to not give alms to any child beggar and urged if any child is seen begging anywhere, people should immediately report the case by calling child helpline 1098.

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A few days ago, the government issued directions to all deputy commissioners in the state to conduct DNA tests of children found begging along with adults on the streets to find out their relationship and check child begging.

The move was aimed to check child trafficking and their exploitation for begging on the streets. PTI CHS OZ OZ

First Published: July 20, 2025, 23:45 IST

News agency-feeds 21 child beggars rescued from Punjabs Ludhiana, SBS Nagar: Minister

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Nepal PM Oli to visit to India in mid-September

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 15:15 IST

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Kathmandu, Jul 20 (PTI) Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli will pay an official visit to India towards mid-September, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

Preparations for the upcoming visit of the prime minister are underway. However, the date and the detailed schedules of the visit are yet to be finalised," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri said.

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However, sources at the Prime Ministers Office said that Oli will embark on his official visit to the southern neighbour on September 16.

The visit will be short this time, probably for two days, the sources added.

Oli, the chairperson of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist)  popular as the CPN-UML  had assumed the office of prime minister for the fourth time last July.

He had chosen to visit China for his maiden foreign visit, breaking the tradition of visiting India as the first destination after assuming the post of prime minister.

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Prime Minister Oli visited China in December last year at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. During his four day visit, the prime minister addressed a function at Peking University in Beijing and met President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Qiang.

Amid speculations by some sections of local media that he didnt receive any invitation from India for an official visit, indicating that his relations with New Delhi had soured, Oli on Thursday said he will be visiting India and that ground work is underway on both sides for the trip. He, however, had not specified any timeframe for the visit at that time. PTI SBP NPK NPK

First Published: July 20, 2025, 15:15 IST

News agency-feeds Nepal PM Oli to visit to India in mid-September

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Safdarjung Hospital doctors remove 10.6 kg tumour from abdomen

Last Updated: July 21, 2025, 00:45 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) A team of doctors from the Safdarjung Hospital here have successfully removed a 10.6 kg gastrointestinal stromal tumour that had extensively put pressure on multiple organ systems of the patient.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are cancerous in nature and are very rare, developing in the digestive systems connective tissue, originating in specialised cells called interstitial cells of Cajal, that is often referred to as the gastrointestinal tracts pacemakers." The tumour had occupied all quadrants of the patients abdomen and was engulfing external iliac vessels bilaterally, causing right hydronephrosis, the hospital said in a statement.

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The patient had been suffering from the condition for eight months.

The procedure required extraordinary surgical expertise due to the tumours massive size and extensive attachment to multiple abdominal organs, omentum, and bladder dome, making it extremely difficult to retract and handle during the surgical process.

This remarkable surgical achievement represents the pinnacle of collaborative medical excellence at the Hospital," stated Dr Sandeep Bansal, the Director of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital.

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He said, The successful removal of this massive 10.6 kg tumour that had extensively involved multiple organ systems, demonstrates our teams unwavering commitment to patient care and surgical innovation." Such complex cases require not only advanced surgical skills but also seamless coordination between departments, from the expert surgical team to skilled anesthesiologists and dedicated nursing staff, the director said.

The hospital, in its statement, said the surgery was completed successfully with complete tumour removal. The patients recovery is being monitored by the medical oncology team after discharge, it added. PTI PLB NSD NSD

First Published: July 21, 2025, 00:45 IST

News agency-feeds Safdarjung Hospital doctors remove 10.6 kg tumour from abdomen

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Description

Join the Zuccaire Gallery at Stony Brook University to celebrate the opening of Weaving Words, Weaving Worlds: The Power of Indigenous Language in Contemporary Art. The reception will feature a drum processional by Jeffrey Pegram & a welcome by Jeremy Dennis, exhibition curator. Refreshments served. All welcome!

DATE & TIME: Sunday, July 20, 5-7pm

LOCATION: Stony Brook University, Zuccaire Gallery (inside the Staller Center, 1st Floor) GPS Staller Center.

*Free & open to the public

About the exhibition: Weaving Words, Weaving Worlds brings together the powerful connection between Indigenous languages and contemporary art. The group exhibition highlights the significance of language revitalization and preservation through the creative expressions of Shinnecock and other local Indigenous artists. Work in traditional and new media explore how art can become a vessel for cultural continuity, storytelling and the reclamation of Indigenous tongues. The exhibition is guest-curated by Jeremy Dennis (Shinnecock Nation) in partnership with the Zuccaire Gallery.
Security forces recover IED in Arunachals Namsai

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 10:30 IST

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Itanagar, July 20 (PTI) Security forces recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) from Arunachal Pradeshs Namsai district, a police officer said on Sunday.

The IED was recovered during a routine operation by Assam Rifles from Nangtaw village under Piyong circle on Saturday, he said.

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Assam Rifles reported about the recovery of the explosive to police, Namsai Superintendent of Police (SP) Sange Thinley told PTI.

He said the IED is possibly an old one and that security forces are examining it.

A bomb squad will diffuse the recovered IED, Thinley said.

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The SP said security has been beefed up in Namsai district in view of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

On July 17, Assam Rifles recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation in Miao in Changlang district of the northeastern state. PTI COR UPL UPL RG

First Published: July 20, 2025, 10:30 IST

News agency-feeds Security forces recover IED in Arunachals Namsai

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Seven killed in two road accidents in Pakistans Sindh province

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 18:00 IST

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Karachi, Jul 20 (PTI) Seven persons were killed and over a dozen injured in two separate road accidents in Pakistans Sindh province on Sunday.

Six people were killed and 12 injured when a bus they were travelling in met with an accident near Makli in Thatta district.

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The bus was taking picnic-goers to the historical tombs of Makli, about 100 kilometres east of Karachi, when the driver lost control, the vehicle overturned and fell into a ravine.

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According to Faisal Edhi of the Edhi rescue service, six bodies were taken to a morgue while the 12 injured were transported to Karachi for treatment.

In another accident, at least one person was killed and several others, including women and children, were critically injured when a passenger bus overturned on the Gambat National Highway in Sindhs Khairpur district, officials said. PTI CORR NPK NPK

First Published: July 20, 2025, 18:00 IST

News agency-feeds Seven killed in two road accidents in Pakistans Sindh province

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Scorpio Horoscope Today, July 20, 2025

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 06:45 IST

Scorpio Horoscope for July 20, 2025: Expect sudden financial gains and new income opportunities. Be cautious with expenses and investments. Good fortune for house buyers.

scorpio daily Horoscope today Vrishchika rashifal astrological predictions for July 20 2025

Scorpio Horoscope Today, July 20, 2025: Ganesha says there may also be a sudden financial gain. You can also get two-way income opportunities. You should take some care to handle your budget. You may need to reduce your expenses to improve your financial condition. There are chances of travelling.

You have to be careful with investments and transactions. Today will bring good fortune to those who want to buy a house. You will maintain discipline in your work and listen carefully to elders. Work will improve, and you will aim to achieve goals as quickly as possible.

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You will gain more control over business situations, and trust in colleagues will remain. Your confidence will increase, and important tasks will move forward. You will surprise loved ones and share happiness. Meetings will be successful, and you will take care of your health.

Scorpio Horoscope Today, July 20, 2025

1. Positive: It will be a happy day. You will feel happy by helping someone close to you. Students are also likely to succeed in competitive exams. There is also a good possibility of buying property.

2. Negative: Due to some negligence, you may have to bear the displeasure of senior people. Your working style will decrease due to laziness and lethargy. Do not ignore the activities of your opponents. Do not do any kind of transaction or loan work today.

3. Business: Things will not work out as per your wish in business right now. But looking at the current situation, it is appropriate to have patience and restraint. People trying to go abroad can get some good news today. Some problems will remain due to the chaotic environment in the office.

4. Finance: If you work in the realm of law, especially if you work in corporate law, you may find that today may present some big financial surprises for you. You may hear about a great new job opportunity that is a good fit for you, or you may get a promotion today. This offer may come through a friend. Use this time of professional growth to take another step toward your financial goals.

Today, you will receive pending money. Any lost item may be found again, which will bring immense happiness. Money-related problems will be solved with the help of a loved one.

Make decisions seriously in business; otherwise, financial loss may occur. Avoid spending your money on luxury items by withdrawing your savings from the bank.

5. Love: There will be some differences with your life partner, which can also affect their health, so maintain softness in your nature.

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6. Health: You will feel problems like strain in nerves and pain in joints. Be sure to focus on exercise and yoga.

Lucky Colour: Orange

Orange Lucky Number: 11

About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, Num... Read More Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, Num... Read More

First Published: July 20, 2025, 06:45 IST

News astrology Scorpio Horoscope Today, July 20, 2025

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IPO Calendar This Week: 7 New Launches, Anthem Biosciences Among 3 Listings To Watch

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 10:19 IST

This week, IPOs launching include Shanti Gold, Patel Chem, Brigade Hotel, Indiqube Spaces, GNG Electronics, Swastika Castal, and Monarch Surveyors.

Travel Food Services IPO Listing.

Upcoming IPOs This Week: The primary market is set to be abuzz once again this week with several new mainboards and SMEs lining up for a launch. From the depository, chemical to jewelry firm, multiple companies are gearing up to open the subscription window for their public issues. Moreover, some of them will look to list on the exchanges.

Mainboard IPOs To Launch This Week:

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Shanti Gold International Ltd. IPO

Shanti Gold International Ltd., a Mumbai-based manufacturer of 22kt CZ gold jewelry, will open its IPO from July 25 to July 29, 2025, with a listing planned for August 1, 2025, on BSE and NSE. Led by Choice Capital Advisors, the IPO includes a fresh issue of 1.8 crore shares, though the issue price remains unannounced. The company reported a 107.8% profit surge to Rs 55.8 crore and a 55.5% revenue increase to Rs 1,106.4 crore in FY25. Funds raised will support the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Jaipur, bolster working capital, and repay debt.

Patel Chem Specialities Ltd. IPO

Patel Chem Specialities Ltd., a producer of pharmaceutical excipients and specialty chemicals, will open its BSE SME IPO from July 25 to July 29, 2025, with a listing scheduled for August 1, 2025. The IPO, managed by Cumulative Capital, offers shares at Rs 82.00 to Rs 84.00, aiming to raise Rs 58.80 crore. This SME-focused offering targets investors interested in the niche but critical chemical and pharmaceutical supply chain sector.

Brigade Hotel Ventures Ltd. IPO

Brigade Hotel Ventures Ltd., which operates nine hotels with 1,604 keys across cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Mysuru, and GIFT City, will launch its IPO from July 24 to July 28, 2025, with a listing on July 31, 2025, on BSE and NSE. Managed by JM Financial and ICICI Securities, the IPO aims to raise Rs 759.60 crore through a fresh issue. Despite a 16% revenue growth in FY25, the companys profit after tax declined by 24%. The funds will be used for capital expenditure and debt repayment, strengthening its hospitality portfolio managed by global brands like Marriott, Accor, and InterContinental.

Indiqube Spaces Ltd. IPO

Indiqube Spaces Ltd., a provider of tech-driven co-working and office solutions across 115 centers in 15 cities, covering 8.4 million square feet, will open its IPO from July 23 to July 25, 2025, with a listing on July 30, 2025, on BSE and NSE. Managed by ICICI Securities, the IPO is priced at Rs 225.00 to Rs 237.00, targeting 700 crore, including a 650 crore fresh issue and a Rs 50 crore Offer for Sale. The Grey Market Premium of Rs 40Rs 41 suggests expected returns of 1617%, with a minimum retail investment of Rs 14,175 for 63 shares.

GNG Electronics Ltd. IPO

GNG Electronics Ltd., a global leader in refurbishing laptops and desktops with operations in India, the USA, Europe, Africa, and the UAE, will open its IPO from July 23 to July 25, 2025, with a listing on July 30, 2025, on BSE and NSE. Managed by Motilal Oswal, the IPO is priced at Rs 225.00 to Rs 237.00, aiming to raise Rs 460.43 crore, comprising a Rs 400 crore fresh issue and a Rs 60.43 crore Offer for Sale. The funds will primarily reduce debt of Rs 320 crore and support general corporate purposes, with a strong Grey Market Premium of Rs 72 indicating positive market sentiment.

SME IPOs To Open This Week:

Swastika Castal Ltd. IPO

Swastika Castals BSE SME IPO is also open from July 21 to July 23, at a fixed price of Rs 65 per share, aiming to raise Rs 14.07 crore.

Monarch Surveyors & Engineering Consultants Ltd. IPO

This BSE SME IPO opens on July 22 and closes on July 24, with a price band of Rs 237250. The issue size is Rs 93.75 crore.

Subscription Available For The Following Issues This Week:

Property Share Investment Trust REIT (SM REIT)

Indias first SM REIT offering, Property Share Investment Trust, opened on Monday, July 21, and will remain open till Friday, July 25. The REIT is priced in the range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 10.6 lakh per unit, with a total issue size of Rs 473 crore, listing on the BSE.

Savy Infra & Logistics Ltd.

Opening on July 21, this NSE SME IPO offers shares in a price band of Rs 114120, with a total issue size of Rs 69.98 crore. The issue closes on July 23.

Three IPO Listings to Watch This Week

The IPO market continues to stay active as three companies gear up to make their stock market debut this week. From biotech to consumer and textile-related sectors, investors will witness listings across both mainboard and SME platforms.

Anthem Biosciences Ltd. IPO

One of the biggest IPOs of the month, Anthem Biosciences will be listed on the bourses on Monday, July 21, 2025. The issue was priced at Rs 570 per share, and raised a massive Rs 3,395.79 crore. Backed by strong fundamentals and a solid reputation in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, the company is set to debut on both BSE and NSE. Market participants are eagerly watching its performance, as it could signal renewed investor interest in large pharma listings.

Spunweb Nonwoven Ltd. IPO

Joining Anthem on the same day is Spunweb Nonwoven Ltd., which is listing on the NSE SME platform on July 21, 2025. Priced at Rs 96 per share, the IPO raised Rs 60.98 crore. The company is known for manufacturing nonwoven fabrics used in hygiene, automotive, and industrial applications. With rising demand in these sectors, Spunwebs listing is expected to draw attention from SME-focused investors.

Monika Alcobev Ltd. IPO

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Monika Alcobev Ltd., a liquor and beverage distribution company, concluded its IPO between July 16 and July 18. Though the exact listing date is yet to be confirmed, the company is expected to list on the BSE SME platform within the current week. The issue price was set at Rs 286, and the total IPO size stood at Rs 165.63 crore. This listing is being closely followed, especially by investors looking for exposure to the premium alcobev space.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More

First Published: July 20, 2025, 10:16 IST

News business  markets IPO Calendar This Week: 7 New Launches, Anthem Biosciences Among 3 Listings To Watch

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Tribunal Confirms ED's Seizure Of Chanda Kochhar's Assets In Loan Case

Reported By : &

CNN-News18

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 14:48 IST

The Appellate Tribunal under SAFEMA upheld the ED's decision to seize former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar's assets, including a prime flat in Mumbai.

Former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar.

Chanda Kochhar Loan Case: In a significant development for former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar, the Appellate Tribunal under SAFEMA has upheld the Enforcement Directorates (ED) decision to seize her assets. The Tribunal confirmed that a Rs 64 crore payment connected to a Rs 300 crore loan to Videocon was illicit.

This decision reverses a previous ruling, enabling the ED to confiscate Kochhars properties, including a prime flat in Churchgate, Mumbai, labelling them as proceeds of crime."

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Kochhar was found guilty of approving loans while hiding a serious conflict of interest, and the Tribunal criticised her for gross misconduct.

The flat was discovered to have been transferred through a network of Videocon-related companies to Kochhars family trust at an undervalued price of Rs 11 lakh.

Of the seized assets, only Rs 10.5 lakh in cash was returned to Kochhar after she provided records tracing its origin.

Chandra Kochar Fraud Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed an extensive chargesheet of over 11,000 pages. Kochhar, her husband Deepak, and V N Dhoot, the promoter of Videocon Group, are among those mentioned in the chargesheet. The case primarily focuses on accusations of cheating and misconduct related to the sanctioning of loans to companies associated with the Videocon Group.

CBI alleges that Chanda Kochhar and others conspired to approve credit facilities for Videocon Group companies. In August 2009, a committee led by Kochhar sanctioned a Rs 300 crore term loan to Videocon International Electronics Limited. The loan was disbursed through a complex network involving multiple Videocon entities, and Rs 64 crore was transferred to Deepak Kochhars NuPower Renewable Limited as an investment.

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In a case registered in January 2019, CBI alleged that Chanda Kochhar, during her tenure as MD and CEO of the bank, approved loans of Rs 1,875 crore to six firms. Later, the loan amount was restructured to Rs 1,730 crore, with a balance of Rs 1,033 crore remaining. Notably, two loans of Rs 300 crore and Rs 750 crore were granted to Videocon International Electronics and Videocon Industries.

First Published: July 20, 2025, 14:33 IST

News business Tribunal Confirms ED's Seizure Of Chanda Kochhar's Assets In Loan Case

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Speak Marathi Or Get Out: Seat Dispute In Mumbai Local Turns Into Language Debate

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 11:47 IST

The dispute originally began over seating arrangements but quickly turned personal, with the woman's language choice becoming a flashpoint.

Screengrab of video shared online

A routine commute in a Mumbai local turned into a heated argument after a verbal altercation broke out between women passengers in the ladies compartment, reportedly over a seat.

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The spat quickly turned into a debate over language, with a group of Marathi-speaking women allegedly demanding a fellow passenger stop speaking in Hindi and switch to Marathi.

The incident took place in a crowded compartment and was also captured on video. In the footage, one woman is heard objecting to being addressed in Hindi, insisting that Marathi be used instead. The disagreement originally began over seating arrangements but quickly turned personal, with the womans language choice becoming a flashpoint.

If you want to stay in our Mumbai, speak Marathi; otherwise, get out," she told her.

The video surfaced at a time when Maharashtra is already grappling with a series of language-related controversies.

Several videos making the rounds on social media show MNS workers confronting shopkeepers, auto drivers, and even bank employees for not speaking Marathi.

In one such incident, a medical shop employee was beaten and forced to apologise publicly for allegedly posting a WhatsApp status deemed disrespectful to the Marathi language.

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In another separate incident, a Vikroli-based Rajasthani shopkeeper was assaulted by local Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers after he allegedly posted a WhatsApp status insulting the Marathi Manoos (Marathi-speaking people).

First Published: July 20, 2025, 11:47 IST

News mumbai-news Speak Marathi Or Get Out: Seat Dispute In Mumbai Local Turns Into Language Debate

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'Kuch Hi Apne The...': Delhi Judge Turns To Poetry While Granting Bail In Property Dispute Case

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 14:55 IST

Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JMFC) Rohit Kumar wrote a poem while granting bail to Nitin Soni, who was accused of illegal possession of a disputed property.

A Delhi judge added a poetic touch while granting bail to a man. (Representational Image)

A judge at Delhis Rohini Court added a poetic touch while granting bail to a man accused of illegally possessing his mothers property.

While granting bail to Nitin Soni, Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JMFC) Rohit Kumar wrote a poem, which said, Milkiyat ki jang mein naa jaane kitne afsane huye, Kuch hi apne the, woh bhi ab begane huye (The battle of ownership has spun countless stories, a few belonged to me and now even they feel unfamiliar.)

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Banke Krishna, Ab kisi ko aana hoga, Sadte, ladte, bigadte rishhton ko bachaana hoga. Na jaane ye Jang aur Kitni Mahabharat laayegi, Aakhir kitno ko salaakhon tak le jaayegi. (Embodying Krishna, someone will have to come to save these deteriorating and broken relationships. Who knows how many more Mahabharatas will this battle bring, and how many will be dragged behind bars.)"

The case pertained to an FIR lodged by Indu Soni at Prashant Vihar police station, accusing her son and his wife of illegally possessing her property. The court watched the CCTV footage of the alleged incident, which showed a different story than what was alleged.

Indu Saini alleged that her son, Nitin, broke open the lock of her apartment while she and her daughter had left to attend court proceedings. When she returned on July 12, she found Nitin inside the property, who hurled abuses at them.

The complainant alleged that her daughter-in-law came out with a rod and assaulted her. However, during the bail hearing, the accuseds counsel argued that the case does not involve illegal possession, as the complainant had willingly handed over possession based on an oral agreement.

The counsel also showed some photographs that showed that Nitin and his family were already in possession of the property before July 10, 2025. The CCTV footage of July 14 showed the complainants daughter entering the disputed property with people carrying rods and hammers.

According to Nitin, a Will was bequeathed in favour of the accused, as per which he was reportedly the absolute owner of the property. It was submitted to the court that the accused and his family were being tortured by the complainant with the help of police, according to the report.

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After considering the facts and circumstances of the case, court is inclined to grant the bail to the accused Nitin Soni," the judge said.

(with ANI 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 20, 2025, 14:54 IST

News new-delhi-news 'Kuch Hi Apne The...': Delhi Judge Turns To Poetry While Granting Bail In Property Dispute Case

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AIIMS Student Found Dead In Patna Hostel Room, Suicide Suspected; Cops Launch Probe

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 13:04 IST

Raghvendra Sahu, a native of Odisha and a first-year MD student at AIIMS Patna, was found dead inside his hostel room. Doctors said he had taken a high dose of an anaesthetic drug.

Raghavendra Sahu was a native of Odisha and was a first-year MD student at AIIMs Patna. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

A post-graduate student of AIIMS-Patna was found dead in his hostel room on Saturday, according to police. The victim was identified as Raghvendra Sahu, a native of Odisha and a first-year MD student.

AIIMS doctors said Sahu, 25, died after injecting himself with a high dose of an anaesthetic drug on Friday, according to the Times of India. Police arrived at the college after receiving a call that the deceased was not opening his hostel room, and was not even picking up his phone.

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His room was locked from the inside. Police immediately reached the spot, and other administrative officials were also called, and they broke into the room around 1 pm. The deceased was found lying on the bed. He was taken to the emergency ward where doctors declared him brought dead," said SDPO (Phulwarisharif-1) Sushil Kumar.

No suicide note was found at the spot, police said, adding that Sahus body had been sent for the post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of the incident. AIIMS officials said he was a PG student in the gynaecology and obstetrics department, who had joined the college in January.

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was called to collect evidence from the scene, and the police have started an investigation into all possible aspects, including foul play, suicide, or medical condition, according to NDTV.

The incident comes days after a second-year BDS student at Sharda University in Greater Noida died by suicide on Monday, citing harassment. Prior to this, a college student in Odishas Balasore district died after setting herself on fire, allegedly over harassment by a teacher.

Earlier in the day, Dr Tapeshwar Prasad, a retired official from the Health Department, was shot and seriously injured by unidentified assailants in Bihar. 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.

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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)

(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

First Published: July 20, 2025, 13:04 IST

News patna-news AIIMS Student Found Dead In Patna Hostel Room, Suicide Suspected; Cops Launch Probe

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Depraved Monsters: Who Are The 5 Men Deported By US President Trump To African Nation Eswatini?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 17:53 IST

The Eswatini government confirmed that five foreign nationals deported from the US are being held in solitary confinement in undisclosed prisons

The five men deported by the US; Matsapha Correctional Complex near Mbabane, Eswatini. (X/AP)

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 nation as a dumping ground".

The Eswatini government confirmed that five foreign nationals deported from the US are being held in solitary confinement in undisclosed prisons.

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Acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said 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".

Who are the five men deported by the US to Eswatini?

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.

In a series of posts of X, she wrote about them:

1. Vietnamese national: Convicted of child rape sentenced to 20 years confinement.

2. Citizen of Jamaica: Convicted of murder; sentenced to 25 years confinement; convicted of robbery; sentenced to 6 years confinement; convicted of possession of weapon; sentenced to 6 months confinement.

3. Citizen of Laos: Convicted of second-degree murder and burglary (forced entry); sentenced to 20 years confinement; convicted of operating a motor vehicle under influence of controlled substance; charged with aggravated assault with deadly weapon and possession of methamphetamine.

4. Citizen of Cuba: Convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated battery; convicted of aggravated battery of a police officer, grand theft-vehicle, aggravated flight-eluding law enforcement reckless driving; sentenced to 3 years confinement; confirmed Latin king street gang member.

5. Citizen of Yemen: Convicted of second-degree homicide; convicted of assault and battery; convicted of resist and obstruct officer; sentenced to 17 days confinement; convicted of cruelty to dependent adult; convicted of assault with the intent to do great bodily harm less than murder or by strangulation; sentenced to 60 months confinement.

NEW: a safe third country deportation flight to Eswatini in Southern Africa has landed This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back.These depraved monsters have been terrorizing American communities but thanks to @POTUS pic.twitter.com/TsanIX8H4T  Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) July 16, 2025

Where is Eswatini? Is it a poor country?

Eswatini is a small, landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa on three sides and Mozambique to the northeast. Formerly known as Swaziland, it changed its name to Eswatini in 2018. Despite its small size, it has two capitals: Mbabane (administrative) and Lobamba (royal and legislative). It lies near the southeastern coast of Africa but has no coastline itself.

Eswatini, with a population of about 1.23 million (2023), is classified by the World Bank as a lower-middle-income country, but it faces widespread poverty, high unemployment, and deep inequality. Over 58% of its population lives below the national poverty line, and about 36% live on less than $2.15 per day (PPP). Youth unemployment exceeds 48%, and the country has a high GINI index (~0.55), indicating major income inequality. It has one of the worlds highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates.

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.

Are US deportations legal?

On June 23, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a lower-court injunction that had previously blocked the government from deporting noncitizens to countries other than their own unless those destinations were explicitly listed on removal orders. This effectively allowed the Trump administration to resume socalled third-country deportations without offering deportees a chance to raise Convention Against Torture protectionsmeaning the government could send people to countries where they had no prior ties.

Why Eswatini is worried

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.

Will they be sent back to home countries?

While Eswatinis government hasnt publicly confirmed the exact locations, local media has cited the Matsapha Correctional Complex  the countrys main maximum-security prison near Mbabane  as where the deportees were initially placed. Mdluli said 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, although the terms of the agreement remain classified.

Why Eswatini?

This is part of the Trump administrations broader effort to negotiate deportations with third-party countries such as South Sudan, Libya, Rwanda, Benin, Mongolia, and othersespecially in cases where deportees home nations refuse to accept them. Critics say some of these partner countries have poor human rights records, raising ethical and legal questions .

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Observers have speculated that Eswatini agreed to the deal in exchange for political or economic incentives, given US cuts in foreign aid and initiatives to influence governance in smaller countries.

With Agency, ANI, CNN Inputs

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More

First Published: July 20, 2025, 16:29 IST

News explainers Depraved Monsters: Who Are The 5 Men Deported By US President Trump To African Nation Eswatini?

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How Druze Have Taken Centre-stage In Syrian War, Is Israel Backing Them?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 13:28 IST

The Druze, once low-profile, are now at the center of Syrias chaos, with rising violence, Israeli strikes, and deepening cross-border tensions.

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Israeli army soldiers fix a Druze flag near the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Israel-annexed Golan Heights. (Image: AFP)

The abduction of a Druze merchant on July 13 sparked conflict between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin fighters in southern Syrias Suwayda province, which quickly escalated into full-blown armed conflict.

By July 15, the fighting had drawn in Israel, which launched airstrikes claiming to protect the Druze and eliminate pro-government forces accused of attacking them.

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According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), over 350 people have died since July 13.

What started as a local dispute has since ballooned into a regional flashpointbringing the Druze community, long known for its quiet resilience, to the centre of Syrias post-war turmoil.

But what raised international eyebrows was Israels sudden intervention, launching airstrikes on Syrian military targets in Suwayda and even Damascus.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were meant to protect the Druze.

But the question many are asking now iswhy is Israel getting involved? Is this about protecting a vulnerable minority, or are there deeper strategic motives?

Who Are the Druze?

The Druze are a small but tightly-knit ethno-religious community, tracing their origins to 11th-century Egypt. Their faith began as a branch of Ismaili Islam, but it later evolved into a distinct religion that blends elements of monotheism, mysticism, and philosophy.

Known for keeping their beliefs private, the Druze dont allow conversions either from or to the religion. Intermarriage is also prohibited in the religion.

There are about 1.5 million Druze globally, with significant populations in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. In Syria alone, there are around 700,000 Druze, making up 34% of the population.

During Syrias civil war, they largely stayed out of national politics, focusing instead on defending their own towns with local militias. That focus on community and survival has made them a respected, if sometimes isolated, force in Syrias fractured landscape.

Where Do The Druze Live In Syria?

The majority of Syrian Druze live in Suwayda province, a mountainous region in the south that borders Jordan and sits less than 50 miles from Israels Golan Heights.

Other smaller Druze communities are located near Damascus in areas like Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya.

Suwayda has long been a semi-autonomous region. Even during the height of the Syrian civil war, Druze militias kept ISIS and other armed groups out, and the province remained relatively peaceful.

But this independence has often clashed with the Syrian governments efforts to reassert control, especially now that Assad is no longer in power.

Why Are They Protesting Now?

The roots of the current unrest go back to August 2023, when Druze communities began protesting economic hardship and political repression. When Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024, many hoped things would improvebut for the Druze, things only got worse.

The latest round of violence began on July 13, 2025, after a Druze merchant was kidnapped by local Bedouin tribes. What followed was a wave of revenge attacks and government crackdowns.

Syrian troops intervened but were accused of breaking ceasefires and targeting civilians, with SOHR reporting that at least 19 Druze were executed without trial.

For many Druze, the fight is now about protecting their autonomy and pushing back against a new government they see as dominated by Sunni interests. Reports of looting and vandalism by Syrian troops have only deepened the anger.

Why Is Israel Getting Involved?

Israel has its own Druze population of about 150,000 people, most of whom live in the Golan Heights and northern Israel. Unlike other Arab communities in Israel, the Druze serve in the Israeli military, which means their voices can not be ignored.

While the majority of Druze in Israel identify as Israeli, many of those living in the occupied Golan Heights consider themselves Syrian. With deep familial and cultural ties across the border, some Israeli Druze crossed into Syria in July 2025 to support their community amid the unrest, prompting Netanyahu to call for restraint.

Israels support for the Druze in Syria isnt just about humanitarian aid, it is also a matter of strategy. Since Assads fall in late 2024, Israel has ramped up airstrikes on Syrian military positions, particularly those close to the Golan Heights.

Netanyahu has defended these strikes as efforts to protect the Druze, a group that has traditionally shown loyalty to Israel within its own borders.

But analysts believe theres more at play. Israel is reportedly considering the creation of a buffer zone" in southern Syriaessentially a Druze-controlled area that would keep Syrian troops and Islamist forces away from the border.

While many Druze leaders in Israel support their governments outreach, theres growing concern that this support could increase tensions within Syria, isolating the Druze from other communities.

According to commentators like Alon Pinkas (former Israeli diplomat), Israels goal is to prevent the rise of any strong, Islamist-aligned regime near its territory and maintain Syria in a weakened, fragmented state.

As far as the Netanyahu government sees it, a divided, weak and failed state of Syria is a better option (for Israel) than a united Syria," Pinkas told Al Jazeera.

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Israel has also opened its borders for Druze pilgrims and wounded Syrians seeking medical care. While these actions have been praised by some Druze leaders, others warn that too much support from Israel could backfire, making the Druze appear pro-Israel in a region still hostile to it.

The Druze may be a small community, but their role in Syrias ongoing unrest is growing larger by the day. Whats happening in Suwayda is not just a local conflict, it is a reflection of Syrias broader instability and the complicated chessboard of Middle Eastern politics.

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 20, 2025, 13:25 IST

News explainers How Druze Have Taken Centre-stage In Syrian War, Is Israel Backing Them?

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Key Points

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Image source: Getty Images.

1. Healthpeak Properties

This healthcare-related real estate investment trust (REIT) expanded last year when Physicians Realty Trust and Healthpeak combined. Going into the merger, Healthpeak was focused on laboratories that are rented out to drugmakers of all sizes.

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Monsoon Session To Begin On July 21: Who Decides Dates? Is It A Special Session After Op Sindoor?

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 07:05 IST

Monsoon Session To Begin On July 21: How many sessions does Parliament have? Who decides the dates? Is this a special session after Op Sindoor? All you need to know explained

The session will see a total of 21 sittings of both Houses till August 21. (PTI File)

The monsoon session of Parliament is set to begin on July 21. While the Opposition is expected to raise the Pahalgam terror attack, Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and repeated comments by US President Donald Trump on the ceasefire in Operation Sindoor, PM Narendra Modi government is poised to introduce a number of bills.

The session will see a total of 21 sittings of both Houses till August 21.

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What are the different sessions of Parliament? How are they called? Who decides the dates? Whats a special session? Heres all you need to know.

How many Parliament sessions are held each year?

Indias Parliament holds three regular sessions each year, with special sessions as needed. The Constitution hasnt fixed exact dates, but has stipulated that no more than six months can pass between two sessions.

1. Budget Session (February-April, sometimes into May): It is aimed at presentation and passage of the Union Budget. It is usually split into two parts  before and after a short recess. It is considered the most important and longest session.

2. Monsoon Session (July-August/September): It is aimed at discussing bills, debates, supplementary grants, and other policy matters. It can include private member bills and motions.

3. Winter Session (November-December): It is meant for legislative business, year-end reviews and urgent matters. It is usually shorter than the other two.

Who decides the dates of Parliament sessions?

Under Article 85(1) of the Constitution, the President summons each House of Parliament.

Acting on the advice of the Union Cabinet, the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the President decides session dates and durations.

Parliament cannot meet without being formally summoned by the President.

What is a special session?

A special session is a sitting of Parliament outside the regular three sessions, or a designated sitting within a regular session to discuss a specific issue.

When have special sessions been held?

August 1947: The Constituent Assembly met for Indias independence at midnight.

1997: The 50th anniversary of independence.

2021: A special session was not called for Covid, but many MPs demanded one.

September 2023: It was held to mark the transition to the new Parliament building.

How is a special session called?

Like regular sessions, it is summoned by the President, on the Cabinets recommendation. It can be for one-two days or longer. Usually, it focusses on a single agenda. E.g., important bills, commemorations, national emergencies.

Why was opposition demanding a special session after Operation Sindoor?

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The opposition was demanding a special session in June on Operation Sindoor. Under the operation, Indian forces struck at least nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) on May 7 in a tactical action after the April 22 terror attack that left 26 civilians dead in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. On May 10, Pakistani DGMO reached out to his Indian counterpart, seeking a ceasefire. India accepted the request, however, issued a stern warning that any future terror attack will be seen as an act of war".

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had then written to PM Modi, requesting him to call a special session to discuss Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire. The Congress reiterated its demand for a special session after the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, acknowledged the loss of Indian jets in the hostilities. The government, however, did not consider it.

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More

First Published: July 20, 2025, 07:05 IST

News explainers Monsoon Session To Begin On July 21: Who Decides Dates? Is It A Special Session After Op Sindoor?

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Pet Project Made Easy: How AI, LSE Centre Will Help You Understand Your Dog, Cat Better Explained

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 15:10 IST

The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience, based at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), will develop approaches to study feelings of animals

The centre will also work with stakeholders to explore the ethical use of AI in relation to animals. (File)

Why is your dog looking sad? Why is your cat doing something new with its toe beans? Not sure if you are actually helping your pet? Soon, artificial intelligence (AI) and science will come to your rescue.

The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience, based at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), will develop new approaches to study the feelings of other animals scientifically.

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What will the centre do?

According to the LSE website, the Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience, made possible through a multi-year commitment of 4 million from the Jeremy Coller Foundation, will use the emerging science of animal sentience to design better policies, laws and ways of caring for other animals.

Under the leadership of its inaugural Director, Professor Jonathan Birch, the new centre  launching in autumn 2025 at LSE  will harness LSEs interdisciplinary expertise, bringing together LSEs outstanding faculty and students and working with global thought leaders across philosophy, veterinary medicine, evolutionary biology, comparative psychology, neuroscience, behavioural science, computer science, artificial intelligence, economics and law around a shared research agenda and a shared commitment to benefiting other animals.

The AI project

The centre will also work with stakeholders (in sectors such as science, tech and farming) to explore the ethical use of AI in relation to animals, aiming to develop a code of practice to support the AI industry in ensuring animals and their needs are not forgotten.

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Professor Jonathan Birch, Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method at LSE and the Centres inaugural Director, commented: The new centre, the first of its kind in the world, will be a place for ethical moonshots. Lets make a world in which all sentient beings are respected, even the smallest ones. Lets make a world where AI is used to benefit all animals, not to facilitate cruelty. Lets make a world in which people are empowered to act in accordance with their love of other animals rather than being nudged towards indifference. Some say these are impossible dreams, but the boundary between the possible and the allegedly impossible is one we aim to move."

Jeremy Coller commented: We are a speciesist species  only when we have a better understanding of how other animals feel and communicate will we be able to acknowledge our own shortcomings in how we treat them. Just as the Rosetta Stone unlocked the secrets of hieroglyphics, I am convinced the power of AI can help us unlock our understanding of how other animals experience their interactions with humans."

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More

First Published: July 20, 2025, 15:06 IST

News explainers Pet Project Made Easy: How AI, LSE Centre Will Help You Understand Your Dog, Cat Better Explained

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1 Wife For 2 Brothers: Why Himachal Pradesh's Hatti Tribe Practises Rare Polyandry Tradition

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 12:46 IST

Two brothers from Himachal Pradesh's Hatti community married the same woman, Sunita Chauhan, reviving the ancient polyandry tradition 'Jajda', drawing national attention.

Though now uncommon, the tradition persists in parts of Himachals tribal areas such as Kinnaur. (Image: X)

In a rare event, two brothers from Himachal Pradesh married the same woman, drawing widespread attention. The men who belong to Himachals Hatti community have revived the centuries-old unconventional tribal tradition of marriage which is locally known as Jodidara.

The rare wedding event captured national attention after photos of a bride marrying two brothers in Himachal Pradesh went viral on social media. The wedding was held in Shillai village of Sirmaur district on July 12.

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The wedding event has brought back to life the centuries-old practice of polyandrywhere one woman marries multiple men, usually siblingswhich is now losing its relevance.

Himachal Brothers Marry Same Woman

The bride, Sunita Chauhan, tied the knot with Pradeep and Kapil Negi in a three-day ceremony that featured local folk songs, dances, and community festivities, news agency PTI reported.

While polyandry is increasingly becoming rare in modern times, the trio embraced the tradition publicly, calling it a matter of pride.

The Jodidara tradition remains legally recognised under Himachal Pradeshs revenue laws and is historically practised among the Hatti community, which was declared a Scheduled Tribe in 2022.

Though now uncommon, the tradition persists in parts of Himachals tribal areas such as Kinnaur and also in Jaunsar Babar, a tribal region of neighbouring Uttarakhand.

Why Is This Rare Tradition Practises?

The wedding ritual begins with the bride arriving in a ceremonial procession to the grooms village. A key component of the ceremony is Seenj, a ritual performed at the grooms residence, where priests chant mantras in the native dialect.

According to Kundan Singh Shastri, General Secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, the tradition dates back thousands of years and was originally developed to prevent the division of ancestral land among heirs.

This tradition was invented thousands of years ago to save a familys agricultural land from further division," PTI quoted Shastri as saying.

Shastri added that the tradition promotes unity and cooperation within extended families, even among half-brothers. In tribal society, he said, a larger male workforce offered not only economic benefits but also increased security. If you have bigger family, more men, you are more secure in a tribal society", Shastri added.

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The Hatti community lives in the Trans-Giri region along the Himachal PradeshUttarakhand border. According to media reports, five such polyandrous marriages have taken place in the last six years in Badhana village in Sirmaur district.

Despite its historical roots, the unconventional custom is now fading fast due to rising literacy, especially among women, and improved economic conditions.

About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More

Location : Sirmaur, India, India

First Published: July 20, 2025, 12:22 IST

News india 1 Wife For 2 Brothers: Why Himachal Pradesh's Hatti Tribe Practises Rare Polyandry Tradition

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Andhra Liquor Scam: Chargesheet Mentions Ex-CM Jagan Reddy As Kickback Recipient

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 22:02 IST

A chargesheet filed by police in connection with the Rs 3,500 cr alleged liquor scam has mentioned Reddy as one of the recipients of the kickbacks averaging Rs 5060 cr per month.

A YSRCP supporter died after being run over by a vehicle in Jagan Mohan Reddy's vehicle. (PTI)

Andhra Pradesh police has mentioned former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as one of the recipients of the kickbacks, averaging Rs 50-60 crore per month, in a chargesheet filed in connection with the Rs 3,500 crore alleged liquor scam in a local court.

The 305-page chargesheet filed on Saturday, however, stopped short of naming Jagan as an accused.

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The court is yet to take cognisance of the chargesheet, news agency PTI reported.

Jagan, in a post on X, termed the alleged liquor scam as nothing but a manufactured narrative, created purely for media theatrics and to divert attention from real issues.

According to the YSRCP chief, the entire case is built on statements extracted under pressure, threats, third-degree torture, and through bribes and inducements.

Meanwhile, the chargesheet claims, The collected amounts were eventually handed over to Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy(A-1)".

Rajasekhar Reddy would then pass the money to Vijay Sai Reddy (A-5), Mithun Reddy (A-4), Balaji (A-33), who would transfer it to former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. On average, Rs 50-60 crore was collected every month (during the 2019-24 YSRCP regime)," the charge sheet said, adding that it was corroborated by a witness.

The chargesheet alleged that Rajasekhar Reddy, the mastermind and co-conspirator" behind the entire Rs 3,500 crore liquor scam, had influenced excise policy manipulation besides being instrumental in replacing automated OFS (order for supply) with manual process; to have planted loyalists in APSBCL (Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited). He allegedly created shell distilleries and handed over kickbacks" to Jagan through another accused, Balaji Govindappa, the chargesheet further alleged.

Rajasekhar Reddy routed as much as Rs 250-Rs 300 crore cash for elections on behalf of YSRCP Party in tandem with accused Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy (former MLA) and was also responsible for laundering funds through over 30 shell firms. The amount was invested to acquire land, gold, and luxury assets in Dubai and Africa, the charge sheet alleged.

The police alleged that the key accused brought out the new liquor policy during the previous YSRCP regime with an underlying intent of having full control over the supply and sale of liquor, thereby to achieve their broader goal of earning commissions/kickbacks between 2019 and 2024.

The accused planned the change in excise policy and also its modalities, to ensure that they would receive large kickbacks, a major portion of such kickbacks was received in cash, gold bullion etc," the charge sheet claimed.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the accused deliberately withheld OFS approvals to brands/distilleries who did not yield to the kickback demands.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged liquor scam has arrested YSRCP Lok Sabha member PV Midhun Reddy on Saturday, after grilling him for several hours.

The Enforcement Directorate also filed a money laundering case in May to investigate the alleged liquor scam.

The federal probe agency has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe alleged irregularities in the sale of liquor in the state.

From the investigation done so far, it was revealed that during the second half of 2019, a meeting of the owners of the distilleries was held by Sajjala Sridhar Reddy (A-6) at Hotel Park Hyatt, Hyderabad, the charge sheet claimed. The distilleries were told to co-operate with the syndicate, it added.

During the meeting, the owners were intimidated that if they did not accede to their proposals and no orders would be issued to them. Such intimidation for kickbacks by threatening them with no issuances of OFS and thereby receiving kickbacks amounts to extortion," the chargesheet alleged.

Under the threat of loss of business, several distilleries agreed to pay kickbacks at the rate of 12 per cent. Soon, the percentage was increased to 20 per cent of the base price, it further alleged.

Slamming the government for the charge sheet, in a post on X, the YSRCP Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu himself is on bail for a case on issues about liquor policy during 2014  19, which is irrefutable evidence as to why he is stooping so low.

The fact that he wants to nullify his case for acts during 2014-19 and also justify his policy now for 2024- 29, he is finding fault with the policy formulated by the YSRCP Government," he charged.

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YSRCP leaders of a liquor scam, the current TDP-led coalition is reviving the very corrupt liquor practices that the previous YSRCP government had dismantled, Jagan hit out.

(With inputs from PTI)

Location : Andhra Pradesh, India, India

First Published: July 20, 2025, 22:02 IST

News india Andhra Liquor Scam: Chargesheet Mentions Ex-CM Jagan Reddy As Kickback Recipient

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Assaulted Followers, Fed Them Urine: Self-Styled Godman Booked Over Abusive Rituals

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 14:04 IST

In Maharashtra, a self-proclaimed godman, identified as Sanjay Pagare, was booked for assault after activists exposed his abusive rituals disguised as spiritual healing.

Police registered an FIR against Sanjay Pagare under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code. (Representative image)

In yet another incident involving a self-proclaimed godman, a man in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district allegedly performed abusive rituals on his followers under the guise of spiritual healing.

The self-proclaimed godman, identified as Sanjay Pagare, operated from a temple in Shiur village in Vaijapur tehsil. Pagare allegedly ran a two-year campaign of deception, blind faith, and cruelty, according to a report in NDTV.

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It is learnt that Pagare claimed to possess supernatural powers, convincing locals that he could exorcise evil spirits, arrange marriages, and help childless couples conceive through so-called aghori" rituals. However, what unfolded was a series of deeply disturbing acts disguised as spiritual treatment.

The matter came to light after activists from an anti-superstition organisation conducted a sting operation on the man, who claimed himself as a spiritual healer", using hidden cameras.

The footage has captured disturbing scenes of the so-called babas exploitative practices.

His followerscomprising both men and womenwere beaten with sticks, forced to shove their own shoes into their mouths, and made to run in circles around the temple. In some cases, they were fed tree leaves and subjected to bizarre, humiliating tasks. In one of the most shocking revelations, Pagare allegedly forced his followers to drink his urine, claiming it was part of a sacred remedy.

In one video, Pagare was seen stepping on a mans face as he laid flat on the ground. The same man, seemingly semi-conscious, was later made to sit before the baba, who then threw yellow powder at him, forced him to smell a shoe, and beat a drum. The man even struggled to stand and had to be helped to his feet by others.

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Another clips showed Pagare striking villagers, including women, with a long stick. He claimed these acts were part of spiritual cleansing. These violent rituals, according to activists, were carried out regularly under the guise of healing.

Following the sting operation and subsequent complaint, police registered an FIR against Sanjay Pagare under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of fraud, assault, and promoting superstition.

About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More

First Published: July 20, 2025, 14:04 IST

News india Assaulted Followers, Fed Them Urine: Self-Styled Godman Booked Over Abusive Rituals

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Case Filed Against Sharad Pawar's Grandnephew Rohit For Shouting At Police In Mumbai

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 17:00 IST

The Mumbai police have registered a case against NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar for allegedly obstructing public servants in discharging duty after he shouted at a policeman.

While speaking to reporters, Rohit claimed that the police officer did not give proper information. (X)

The Mumbai Police have registered a case against NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar for allegedly obstructing public servants after he got engaged in a heated exchange with a police officer at Mumbais Azad Maidan police station.

A video of Rohit Pawar, the grandnephew of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, went viral among the netizens where was heard shouting in Marathi at a sub-inspector at the Azad Maidan police station.

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Keep your voice down, keep your voice down. If you raise your hand, I will teach you a lesson," he was heard saying.

Based on a complaint, a case has been registered against Rohit Pawar for allegedly obstructing public servants in discharging duty, an official said as quoted by news agency PTI.

Whats The Row?

According to news agency PTI, Pawar and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad went to the police station to locate an injured party worker, Nitin Deshmukh. Deshmukh, a close aide of Awhad was allegedly assaulted by supporters of BJP MLC Gopichand Padalkar in the violent clash at the premises of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

Both groups were detained inside the assembly till late at night. After this, supporters of both parties were handed over to the Marine Drive police.

Awhad allegedly sat in front of a police vehicle outside the assembly when his supporter was being taken to the police station, said an official. The police said they repeatedly requested the MLA to move. But when he refused, he was forcibly removed by the officials, he said.

Unable to get clear answers about Deshmukhs whereabouts, Pawar, accompanied by supporters, reached Azad Maidan Police Station, where tensions peaked. A heated exchange between Pawar and a police sub-inspector was caught on camera, showing the MLA visibly upset.

Senior police officers had to intervene to de-escalate the situation.

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Pawar later told reporters at Vidhan Bhavan that a police officer had raised his voice and failed to provide clear information, which led to the argument. We only came to ask about our colleague. Instead of helping us, the police were vague and evasive," he alleged.

(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

First Published: July 20, 2025, 17:00 IST

News india Case Filed Against Sharad Pawar's Grandnephew Rohit For Shouting At Police In Mumbai

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Centre Open To Discuss Op Sindoor, Trump's Remarks During Parliament Monsoon Session: Rijiju

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 14:35 IST

Centre will respond appropriately in Parliament, Rijiju told reporters when asked about the opposition raising the issue of US President Trump's ceasefire claims.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju

An all-party meeting convened by the government on Sunday ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed several demands from the Opposition, including calls for discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and US President Donald Trumps controversial claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

The government called for the oppositions cooperation to ensure the smooth functioning of the House and assured a constructive discussion on the issues during the session.

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There are several issues on which the parties have opined that they should be discussed in the Parliament. We are ready for discussions with an open heart. We work as per rules and tradition and hold these in great value," said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

#WATCH | After the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, There are several issues on which the parties have opined that they should be discussed in the Parliament. We are ready for discussions with an open heart. We work as per rules and tradition pic.twitter.com/zmJHgMjzRl ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2025

Centre will respond appropriately in Parliament, Rijiju told reporters when asked about the opposition raising the issue of US President Trumps ceasefire claims.

We are very much open to discussing important issues like Operation Sindoor in Parliament," he added.

Responding to the case of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, who is facing possible impeachment after piles of burnt 500 notes" were reportedly found at his residence, Rijiju said that over 100 MPs have already signed the motion for his removal.

In the Justice Varma case, the process will be undertaken together by all parties. This is not the move by the Government alone."

#WATCH | After the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, In the Justice Varma case, the process will be undertaken together by all parties. This is not the move by the Government alone." pic.twitter.com/oeX3d8L0b7 ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2025

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Meanwhile, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said that Operation Sindoor, the issue of Bihars electoral roll revision, and the issue of foreign policy will be raised by the opposition.

The Monsoon session of Parliament is scheduled to be held from July 21 to August 21, with the government likely to bring 17 bills for introduction in both Houses.

First Published: July 20, 2025, 14:15 IST

News india Centre Open To Discuss Op Sindoor, Trump's Remarks During Parliament Monsoon Session: Rijiju

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CM Yogi Welcomes Kanwariyas With Flower Showers In Meerut | Watch

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 14:41 IST

The Kanwar Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage in which devotees of Lord Shiva travelmostly on footto collect holy water from the Ganga River and offer it at Shiva temples.

PM Modi showering flower petals (Credits: ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday showered flower petals on Kanwar yatris in Meerut and other districts of the state in a heartfelt gesture.

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He also addressed a press conference in Meerut, where he warned the miscreants attempting to defame the Kanwar Yatra.

I extend heartfelt greetings to all devotees in this auspicious month of Sawan. Lakhs of Shiva bhakts from across the country are collecting the holy waters of the Ganga from Haridwar to perform Jalabhishek at revered temples like Baba Aughadnath, Pura Mahadev, and Dudheshwarnath," he said.

The UP CM further added, It is heartening to see enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups, youth, women, children, and the elderlycreating a beautiful expression of social harmony."

He highlighted the arrangements made for the occasion, also underscoring that some anti-social elements are conspiring to malign it.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath showers flower petals on Kanwar yatris, in Meerut. #KanwarYatra2025 pic.twitter.com/y2GFaWAUxn ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2025

It is the responsibility of every Kanwar Sangh and every Shiv bhakt to expose such elements and immediately inform the authorities. The entire Yatra route is under CCTV surveillance, and once the Yatra concludes, strict action will be taken against those identified. Their posters will also be displayed publicly," he stated.

CM Yogi asked the devotees to maintain basic hygiene during the pilgrimage. He noted that Shiv bhakts should walk with a spirit of public welfare and remain mindful of not causing inconvenience to others."

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also launched a scathing attack at the previous governments, saying they did not support or respect such sacred pilgrimages."

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Calling for cooperation in preserving the sanctity of the Yatra, he concluded, If anyone receives information about any mischief-makers, they should inform the administration instead of taking the law into their own hands. This Yatra is a symbol of devotion and harmony. Lord Shiva is the god of universal welfare, and his blessings are for all. It is our shared responsibility to keep this divine journey free from violence and disorder."

Location : Meerut, India, India

First Published: July 20, 2025, 14:41 IST

News india CM Yogi Welcomes Kanwariyas With Flower Showers In Meerut | Watch

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Gujarat Man, Wife, Three Children Found Dead At Home In Ahmedabad, Cops Suspect Suicide

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 12:57 IST

Police suspect the family died by suicide after ingesting a poisonous substance, though the exact motive remains unconfirmed.

Gujarat Police (Representative image)

Five members of a family were found dead at a rented residence in Bagodara village, located in the Bavla area of Ahmedabad district, Gujarat, said officials.

Police suspect the family died by suicide after ingesting a poisonous substance, though the exact motive remains unconfirmed.

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The deceased have been identified as Vipul Kanji Waghela (34), a rickshaw driver, his wife Sonal (26), their two daughters aged 11 and 5, and their 8-year-old son. The family originally hailed from Dholka.

Following an alert, teams from the Local Crime Branch (LCB), Special Operations Group (SOG), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reached the location and began an investigation.

Five members of a family died by suicide at a rented house in Bavla after consuming a poisonous liquid. The reason for the suicide is unknown," said the Superintendent of Police, Ahmedabad Rural.

The bodies have been sent to the Bagodara Community Health Centre for post-mortem examination.

Police said initial findings suggest that the deaths occurred within the residence, and no external injuries were visible.

This case adds to a string of similar incidents reported in recent months.

In May, a 42-year-old man in Panchkula, Haryana, died by suicide along with six members of his family in a parked vehicle.

Before his death, he reportedly told a local resident that he was under financial stress and had no support.

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The victims included his wife, parents, two daughters, and a son. Authorities said they had ingested poison.

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)

Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: July 20, 2025, 12:57 IST

News india Gujarat Man, Wife, Three Children Found Dead At Home In Ahmedabad, Cops Suspect Suicide

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HC Asks Odisha Govt To File Affidavit In Opposition To Migrant Workers Detention Claim

Published By :

PTI Edited By: ---



Last Updated: July 23, 2025, 19:15 IST

The Calcutta High Court asked Odisha to file an affidavit against habeas corpus petitions alleging illegal detention of two Bengali-speaking workers. Odisha denied the claims.

Acharya stated that this was not an issue between the state governments of Odisha and West Bengal. (File pic)

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the Odisha government to file an affidavit in opposition to the contentions in habeas corpus petitions that two Bengali-speaking migrant workers from West Bengal were illegally detained in the neighbouring state.

The Odisha government strongly denied before the court the contention that they were illegally detained.

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The court was informed that the two migrant workers over whom the habeas corpus petition was filed  Sainur Islam and Rakibul Islam  have already returned to their residences.

Alleging that the two were illegally detained in Odisha, the petitioners lawyer claimed that they are entitled to compensation.

This contention was disputed by the Advocate General of Odisha.

A division bench presided by Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty directed the Odisha government to file an affidavit in opposition to the contention of the petitioners by August 20.

The petitioners were directed to file their reply to the contention of the Odisha government in its affidavit by August 27.

The court directed that the matter will come up for hearing again on August 29.

Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, appearing before the court through the virtual mode, submitted that there was no arrest of the persons over whom the habeas corpus petitions were filed.

He stated before the court that the law encrafted in the Foreigners Act authorises the civil authority to do certain things in respect of the suspected persons whose citizenship is in doubt.

He stated that there was no arrest and that it was a lawful verification of documents as provided in the law, claiming that it was a frivolous petition.

Acharya stated that the Odisha government has already submitted a status report on the matter before the court.

Appearing for the West Bengal government, senior counsel Kalyan Banerjee stated that the opinion about a persons citizenship must be reasonable.

The division bench had on July 10 directed the Odisha government to place before it relevant documents on whether the two had been detained or were missing.

They were directed to answer that if they have been detained, whether such detention was in connection with any courts order and the grounds for that.

The Odisha government was also asked to answer whether there has been any correspondence between the West Bengal and Odisha governments.

After the order was dictated, Banerjee claimed that this was not a simple habeas corpus petition.

Acharya stated that this was not an issue between the state governments of Odisha and West Bengal.

He said that it is not about the citizenship of any of the two states, but of the nation.

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When Banerjee claimed that several Bengalis have been detained in Odisha over citizenship issues, Acharya said, Bengalis are our neighbours and brothers and sisters. Most of the Odia people are very fond of Bengalis." He said that the current Chief Justice of the Odisha High Court is a Bengali.

We are not opposed to you, why are you opposing us?" Acharya asked, to which Banerjee said, We must know how many Bengalis have been detained in this process." Banerjee further claimed that the alleged targeting of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in some states has become a national issue now.

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

First Published: July 20, 2025, 17:09 IST

News india HC Asks Odisha Govt To File Affidavit In Opposition To Migrant Workers Detention Claim

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Last month, I demonstrated in a June 20 Barchart article that investors could short out-of-the-money (OTM) UBER Technologies (UBER) puts and achieve a 2.0% one-month yield.

That was proved successful as the short put options expired worthless on Friday. Today, it's possible to make a similar one-month 3.0% yield shorting OTM puts.

More News from Barchart

UBER closed at $90.59 on Friday, and I had recommended shorting the $80.00 strike price puts expiring July 18 ("How to Make a 2.0% Yield with UBER Over the Next Month"). I showed that UBER was worth at least $95.59. This article will update that price target.

UBER - last 6 months - Barchart - July 18, 2025

The short put play strike was 4.7% below the trading price at the time. The premium received was $1.66; hence, the 2.0% yield (i.e., $ 1.66/$80.00 = 0.02075).

Today, it's possible to make almost a 3% yield at a strike price with a similar distance below the trading price. More on that below. First, let's look at why UBER looks cheap here.

UBER Stock Price Targets

FCF-Based Target. My previous price target was based on UBER Technologies' free cash flow (FCF) margins. For example, in Q1, it made $2.25 billion FCF on $11.533 billion in revenue, or a 19.5% FCF margin. That was higher than the Q4 FCF margin of 14.27%, 18.85% in Q3 2024, and 16.08% in Q2.

Stock Analysis shows that over the trailing 12 months (TTM), it generated $7.786 billion FCF on $45.38 billion in revenue, or an FCF margin was 17.16%. That was higher than the prior quarter's TTM FCF margin of 15.68%.

So, on balance, it seems reasonable to assume that going forward, UBER could make at least an 18.5% FCF margin. Using analysts' next 12-month (NTM) revenue forecasts, UBER could make at least $10 billion in FCF:

0.185 x $54.36 billion NTM revenue = $10.06 billion NTM FCF

Using a 4.5% FCF yield metric (i.e., 22.2x FCF) (its TTM FCF yield is 4.1%), here is how that values UBER stock:

$10.06b / 0.045 = $223.6 billion market value

That is +18% over Friday's market cap of $189.439 billion. In other words, UBER stock is worth +18.0% more at about $107 per share:

1.18 x $90.59 = $106.90 per share

P/E Based Target. Historically, UBER stock has traded at 35.4x forward earnings, according to Morningstar's last 3 years' data (i.e., 55.5x 2023, 18.5x 2024, 32.3x current).

In addition, analysts now project 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of $2.86 this year and $3.29 in 2026, or $3.08 over the next 12 months (NTM). Therefore, we can estimate its value:
Make Rotis: Culture Of Personal Insults Exists In Sharda University, Say Victims Batchmates

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 15:50 IST

A 21-year-old BDS student at Sharda University died by suicide, alleging harassment by faculty. Her note accused teachers of mental harassment.

A student at the Sharda University in Greater Noida died by suicide. | Image: CNN-News18

The death of a 21-year-old student at Sharda University in Greater Noida has left the campus, her family and batchmates in shock. The second year student of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at the university died by suicide on Monday, allegedly due to harassment by faculty members.

The body of the student was found in the hostel room of the university, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Knowledge Park Police Station. The deceased student accused her teachers of harassment and humiliation in a suicide note.

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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.

Meanwhile, her batchmates and friends echoed the concerns she pointed out in her note saying personal insults are common in the campus.

Personal Insults Common In Campus

Some friends of the deceased student narrated the ordeal to Times of India saying that the department of dental sciences had a culture of toxicity", primarily perpetrated by the two faculty members, who the victim mentioned in her final note.

One of her batchmates shared her horrific experience and said that the two professors were in the habit of making demeaning comments for the smallest of mistakes.

One day, I made a few minor errors in my project, and the professor said to me, tumse nahi ho payega, tum ghar ja ke roti banao (This is not for you. Go home and make chapatis). It was humiliating," she said, adding one of the professors, while scolding another student, had fumed, Chappal se marungi (will beat you up with a sandal)".

Another student told the news outlet that the constant fear of getting humiliated leads to many of them often skipping their visits home, lest something holds them up and attendance is affected even by a day.

Making personal comments and humiliation has been a culture in the dental wing for a while," she said.

Batchmates Share Victims Ordeal

Some students also detailed the victims final interaction with a professor. They said a professor accused her of forging signatures, and two professors also taunted her for complaining to her parents about the faculty.

According to Indian Express report, her humiliation began last week when she went to Mahinder Singh Chauhan, a faculty member, to get her practical file signed.

Her friend told the news outlet that when the students turn came to get the file signed, the professor looked at the signature on her last practical work, and then claimed, These are not my signature you have forged it".

She left in tears", the 21-year-old students batchmate recalled, saying the student was asked to leave immediately when she denied forging any signatures.

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.

Seven people, including six university staff, have been booked in the case, and two faculty members named in the suicide note have been arrested.

Whats In The FIR?

The student had complained to her father about being repeatedly humiliated in class by faculty members and threatened with academic consequences, according to the FIR seen by the Hindustan Times.

The family told police that the students father visited the university on July 14 after her daughters complaint, and personally met the Dean, HOD and other faculty members, who assured him that she would not be harassed further.

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My daughter was under immense mental pressure because of how she was treated by certain faculty members. Despite my meeting with the university officials just days before, no action was taken. They gave verbal assurances but continued to harass her," the victims father said.

This news piece may be triggering. 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)

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

Location : Greater Noida, India, India

First Published: July 20, 2025, 15:50 IST

News india Make Rotis: Culture Of Personal Insults Exists In Sharda University, Say Victims Batchmates

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Modi's Iron Shield: The Vision Behind Bharat's Ballistic Missile Defence

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 10:15 IST

Pakistan continues to view India as an existential threat and is expanding its nuclear arsenal accordingly, whilst simultaneously deepening its military relationship with China.

Some of Indias key systems include Agni-V ICBM, BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Prithvi series ballistic missiles, and Barak 8 air defense system. (PTI)

When Pakistans waves of missiles and drones crashed against Indias multi-layered air defence systems during those crucial nights in May, they were met with Indias air defence network, which comprehensively neutralised the targets. With its resounding success, India demonstrated to the world not merely our tactical prowess, but the transformation that has unfolded under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership.

Pakistans drones and missiles shattered against a vision that has redefined how India approaches national security in an increasingly volatile neighbourhood. The operation marked a watershed moment: the successful test of an indigenous ballistic missile defence ecosystem that has taken India decisively beyond outdated Cold War nuclear doctrines of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) toward a more secure and responsible future.

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Nuclear Shadows in South Asia

For decades, strategic thinking regarding Nuclear armaments and use was dominated by the Cold War logic of MAD. As a nation committed to a No First Use nuclear policy, India must, by definition, be prepared to absorb a first strike before retaliating. However, the hostile environment that India confronts today is markedly more complex and dangerous than at any point since independence. Pakistan continues to view India as an existential threat and is expanding its nuclear arsenal accordingly, whilst simultaneously deepening its military relationship with China.

The United States Defence Intelligence Agencys 2025 assessment reveals that Pakistan is modernising its nuclear capabilities with substantial Chinese assistance, particularly focusing on battlefield nuclear weapons designed to offset Indias conventional military superiority.

During the recent crisis, Pakistans ambassador to Russia explicitly threatened the use of the full spectrum of power, both conventional and nuclear" in response to any Indian military action. Such nuclear blackmail represents precisely the kind of coercive diplomacy that ballistic missile defence systems are designed to neutralise. The very fact that Pakistan felt compelled to convene its National Command Authoritywhich oversees the countrys nuclear arsenalduring the crisis demonstrates how atomic weapons remain central to Islamabads strategic calculus.

Chinas role as the primary enabler of Pakistans weapons of mass destruction programmes adds another layer of complexity. Foreign materials and technology supporting Pakistans WMD capabilities are acquired primarily from Chinese suppliers, often transshipped through intermediaries. This creates a dangerous convergence where Pakistans tactical nuclear weapons, enabled by Chinese technology, pose an immediate threat to Indias security infrastructure.

The China Factor

The relationship between China and India has evolved from mere border disputes to a comprehensive rivalry encompassing nuclear capabilities. Chinas nuclear modernisation programme, whilst ostensibly directed at the United States, poses a direct threat to India given the geographical intimacy of the subcontinent. The majority of Chinese nuclear-capable missiles cannot reach the American mainland but could easily strike Indian population centres.

Chinas ballistic missile defence capabilities add urgency to Indias programme. The Peoples Republic of China has developed advanced systems, including the HQ-19 and HQ-29, which significantly enhance the Peoples Liberation Armys capabilities to protect Chinese critical infrastructure. Chinas BMD capabilities serve as a strong defensive shield against nuclear-armed missile attacks, potentially neutralising Indias deterrent capability.

This creates a dangerous imbalance, giving China a significant damage-limitation capability and lowering the threshold for nuclear adventurism. In the 21st century, true deterrence requires not just the promise of punishment but the capacity for survival.

The triangular nuclear dynamic between China, India, and Pakistan arguably poses a more serious threat of nuclear conflict than any other regional arrangement globally. South Asia remains the only place in the world where three nuclear-armed nations sit in such proximity and are bound by violently contested borders.

Operation Sindoor: Where Atmanirbhar Bharat Won

Operation Sindoor served as a comprehensive validation of Indias defence indigenisation policies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The operation demonstrated how indigenous systems performed under actual combat conditions, providing real-world proof of concept for Indias ballistic missile defence ecosystem. The multi-layered air defence system that protected India during the crisis consisted of several indigenous components.

During the onslaught, a unified grid directed a tiered defence: the inner layer, comprising Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), neutralised low-flying drones. The next layer of short-range missiles like the Spyder and Pechora provided point defence for critical assets, while the medium-range, indigenously developed Akash and Indo-Israeli MRSAM systems formed the backbone of area defence. The outermost layer, consisting of the formidable S-400 Sudarshan system and combat air patrols by fighter jets, engaged threats at long range.

The operation showcased the maturity of Indias indigenous defence ecosystem. The Akashteer air defence system, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited and integrated with IACCS, provided seamless and unified air situation awareness accessible to the lowest units of the Army Air Defence.

The successful deployment of loitering munitions and precision strike capabilities demonstrated Indias advancement in offensive systems as well. Indigenous platforms executed strikes without loss of Indian assets, underscoring the effectiveness of surveillance, planning, and delivery systems developed under the Make in India initiative.

DRDOs Ballistic Missile Defence Programme:

Indias Ballistic Missile Defence programme represents one of the most ambitious technological undertakings in the countrys defence history. The programme, sanctioned in 2000 following the Kargil conflict, has evolved through systematic phases designed to address increasingly sophisticated threats.

Phase I of the BMD programme is now complete and has been successfully deployed. This phase includes the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for exo-atmospheric interception and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile for endo-atmospheric ranges. The system demonstrates the capability to intercept ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,000 kilometres, providing robust protection against medium-range threats.

The recent successful testing of Phase II represents a quantum leap in capabilities. On July 24, 2024, DRDO successfully flight-tested the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System, demonstrating indigenous capability to defend against ballistic missiles of the 5,000-kilometre class.

This achievement places India in an exclusive club of nations with advanced BMD capabilities. The two-stage solid-propelled ground-launched system incorporates state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by DRDO.

The Revolution In Defence Production

The transformation of Indias defence sector under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has been nothing short of revolutionary. Defence production has surged 174% since 2014, reaching Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24. Defence exports provide compelling evidence of this transformation. From Rs 1,940 crore in 2014-15, exports soared to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25. The country now exports defence equipment to over 85 countries, including sophisticated markets like the United States and France.

The establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu has created concentrated centres of excellence for defence manufacturing. The implementation of Positive Indigenisation Lists has provided guaranteed markets for domestic manufacturers, encouraging investment in research and development. Over 14,000 items have been indigenised under the SRIJAN initiative, with an additional 3,000 items covered under the Positive Indigenisation Lists. The Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy aims to achieve Rs 1.75 lakh crore in defence manufacturing by 2025, demonstrating the governments commitment to scaling indigenous capabilities.

In addition, the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat in developing critical defence technologies validates the potential for technological sovereignty in an increasingly multipolar world. This achievement encourages other developing nations, especially in the Global South, to invest in indigenous capabilities rather than accepting permanent dependence on foreign suppliers.

Deterrence Through Defence

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As Prime Minister Modi declared following Operation Sindoor, India will not be intimidated by nuclear threats". And the evolution and progress of Indias defence system under his leadership show that India is ready to deliver on it. The psychological impact of effective missile defence is clear. Pakistans reliance on nuclear blackmail as a tool of statecraft becomes significantly less effective when India possesses credible defensive capabilities. The knowledge that India can neutralise a significant portion of incoming threats alters the strategic calculus that Pakistan or even China must consider.

As India moves toward complete defence autonomy by 2047, the ballistic missile defence programme stands as a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership, technological capability, and national will converge in service of a secure and prosperous future. The iron shield that protects Bharat today is the delivery of Modis promise to the citizens and is the foundation for Indias emergence as a responsible global power.

About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects.

First Published: July 20, 2025, 10:15 IST

News india Modi's Iron Shield: The Vision Behind Bharat's Ballistic Missile Defence

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Odisha Girl Student, Set On Fire By Three Miscreants, Airlifted To AIIMS Delhi

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 13:53 IST

The girl, suffering from 70 per cent burns, was undergoing treatment in the ICU of the burn unit at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and was moved to AIIMS Delhi for further treatment

Odisha's burn victim airlifted to AIIMS Delhi | Image: X

A 15-year-old girl from Odishas Puri district, who sustained severe burn injuries after allegedly being set on fire by three unidentified assailants, was airlifted to New Delhi on Sunday for advanced medical care, officials said.

The girl, suffering from 70 per cent burns, was undergoing treatment in the ICU of the burn unit at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and was moved to AIIMS Delhi for further treatment after her condition stabilised.

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A green corridor was created from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to Biju Patnaik International Airport, and the transfer was completed in around 10 to 12 minutes," said Bhubaneswar Traffic DCP Tapan Kumar Mohanty.

One platoon of police was deployed to facilitate the transfer, according to DCP Jagmohan Meena.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Ashutosh Biswas confirmed the girl was stable enough for transfer. Her blood pressure, which was low yesterday, has improved. Its safe to transfer her," he said.

The minor was attacked on Saturday in the Balanga police station area of Puri district.

According to preliminary investigations, three bike-borne men allegedly abducted her, took her to the banks of the Bhargavi River near Bayabar village, doused her with a flammable liquid and set her on fire before fleeing.

Locals rushed to the spot, extinguished the fire, and took her to a nearby hospital in Pipili. She was later referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Police have recorded the girls statement in the presence of a magistrate at the ICU.

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Officials said her account is crucial to the investigation. Her mother has filed an FIR with Balanga police station.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had earlier said the government was considering shifting the victim to Delhi for better treatment, subject to the advice of AIIMS Bhubaneswar doctors.

Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: July 20, 2025, 13:53 IST

News india Odisha Girl Student, Set On Fire By Three Miscreants, Airlifted To AIIMS Delhi

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PM Modi To Undertake A State Visit To Maldives From July 25 to 26

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 25, 2025, 07:04 IST

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the country as the chief guest at the 60th National Day celebrations.

At least 19 people were killed and over 100 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed atop a school building in Dhaka on Monday. (PTI file)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Maldives from July 25 to 26, said an official statement. His visit will be followed by his trip to the United Kingdom, where he will be signing the Free Trade Agreement.

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Notably, this is the first visit of PM Modi to the Maldives after the ties between the two countries soured due to India Out" campaign by some Maldivian leaders and Muizzus pro-China stance.

PM Modi, who will be the chief guest at the 60th National Day celebrations, is visiting Maldives on invitation of President Muizzu.

Why Is PM Modis Visit To Maldives Significant?

Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the Maldives is seen as a significant opportunity to discuss key issues between the two nations, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and reaffirm Indias commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy in the Indian Ocean region.

Earlier, PM Modi visited Maldives in June 2019. On the other hand, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu made his first bilateral visit to India in October last year after assuming office.

This visit is being closely watched amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region and is expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

PM Modis UK Visit

From July 23-24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom, marking his fourth visit to the nation. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also sign the India-UK FTA in a landmark development in diplomatic ties between the two nations.

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First Published: July 20, 2025, 13:17 IST

News india PM Modi To Undertake A State Visit To Maldives From July 25 to 26

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Sharda University Student Suicide: Victim's Father Alleges Mental Pressure By Faculty Members

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 08:46 IST

A second-year BDS student at Sharda University in Greater Noida died by suicide, alleging harassment and humiliation by faculty members.

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A student at the Sharda University in Greater Noida died by suicide. | Image: CNN-News18

The father of a second-year BDS student at Sharda University in Greater Noida, who died by suicide on Monday, said she was under intense psychological stress due to the way certain faculty members treated her.

The body of the student was found in the hostel room of the university, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Knowledge Park Police Station. The deceased student accused her teachers of harassment and humiliation in a suicide note.

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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.

Seven people, including six university staff, have been booked in the case, and two faculty members named in the suicide note have been arrested.

What Did The FIR Say?

The student had complained to her father about being repeatedly humiliated in class by faculty members and threatened with academic consequences, according to the FIR seen by the Hindustan Times.

The family told police that the students father visited the university on July 14 after her daughters complaint, and personally met the Dean, HOD and other faculty members, who assured him that she would not be harassed further.

My daughter was under immense mental pressure because of how she was treated by certain faculty members. Despite my meeting with the university officials just days before, no action was taken. They gave verbal assurances but continued to harass her," the victims father said.

The student was reportedly told that her work would not be approved and she would be barred from exams. The next day, she took the extreme step. Her father said she was tortured" and evidence regarding her death was also destroyed".

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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.

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)

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 : Greater Noida, India, India

First Published: July 20, 2025, 08:41 IST

News india Sharda University Student Suicide: Victim's Father Alleges Mental Pressure By Faculty Members

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Shivraj Chouhan Leaves Wife Behind At Gujarat Event, Makes U-Turn With 22-Car Convoy

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 17:39 IST

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan left Junagadh for Rajkot, unknowingly leaving his wife behind. Realizing after 10 minutes, he returned to fetch her.

Union minister Shivraj was on a religious and official tour of Gujarat with his wife (X)

In a strange incident, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan gained attention from the netizens when he hurriedly and unknowingly left for Rajkot with his convoy leaving his wife Sadhana Singh behind in Junagadh.

However, when he realised after a while that his wife is not with him, he returned with the convoy of 22 vehicles to Junagadhs Peanut Research Center, where Sadhana was sitting in the waiting room, NDTV MP reported.

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The incident left many amused and added a light-hearted twist to the days political engagements.

The union minister was on a religious and official day-long tour to Gujarat on Saturday during which he visited Somnath Jyotirlinga temple and Gir National Park in Junagadh. Later he was scheduled to interact with the Peanut Research Center farmers and Lakhpati Didi beneficiaries. As he was also scheduled to take a flight from Rajkot at around 8 oclock later in the day, so he was in a hurry.

During the visit to the research centre, he reviewed the work with the staff, while his wife was sitting in the waiting house. After that Shivraj held an interaction with the Lakhpati Didi scheme beneficiaries, the report added.

He kept looking at his watch again and again on the stage of the program. He himself said on the mike, The road to Rajkot is bad, next time I will come leisurely."

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He cut short his speech and hurriedly left Junagadh for Rajkot with the convoy. On the other hand, Sadhna had returned after visiting Girnar and was sitting in the waiting room.

After travelling for around 10 minutes, he realised that Sadhna was not with him. Then he immediately called her and returned with the convoy and left for Rajkot with his wife.

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

Location : Junagadh, India, India

First Published: July 20, 2025, 17:39 IST

News india Shivraj Chouhan Leaves Wife Behind At Gujarat Event, Makes U-Turn With 22-Car Convoy

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Japans 30-Minute Walking Trick That Helps You Lose Weight Quicker

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Last Updated: July 25, 2025, 13:47 IST

It challenges the 10,000 steps rule not with trends, but with data, decades of trials, and sustainable results.

Prioritize Daily Movement: Walking for 30-45 minutes a day can significantly boost your metabolism and support fat loss. Whether its a morning walk, dancing in your living room, climbing stairs, or doing household chores, all movement counts. (File Photo)

Youve probably heard this health tip: walk 10,000 steps a day. Its repeated in fitness apps, corporate wellness challenges, and WhatsApp forwards like gospel.

But what if the magic number wasnt 10,000 at all? What if there was a smarter, more doable way to walk that delivers better health results in less time?

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Thats exactly what a group of Japanese researchers started exploring nearly two decades ago. And the technique they developed, now known as Interval Walking Training (IWT), may quietly be one of the most effective and accessible fitness routines you can adopt today.

The Method: Simple but Powerful

Developed by researchers at the Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine in Matsumoto, Japan, this walking style isnt about slow strolls or punishing treks. It alternates between three minutes of fast walking and three minutes of slow walking, repeated for a total of 30 minutes.

Fast" here means walking at a pace where talking becomes difficult. Slow" means walking at a comfortable, relaxed pace.

Do this four days a week, and within a few months, you may notice changes far beyond what 10,000 steps ever did for you.

Also See: The Japanese 15-Minute After-Meal Stroll For Natural Weight Loss

Backed by Years of Research

This isnt just a trending idea on social media. According to The Washington Post, the technique was first tested in a 2007 study led by researchers Hiroshi Nose and Shizue Masuki. The trial ran for five months and compared two groups one that did interval walking, and one that just walked at a steady, moderate pace.

The results? The IWT group showed significantly lower blood pressure, stronger thigh muscles, and improved aerobic capacity. The control group saw no such changes.

Later studies, especially between 2020 and 2024, strengthened these findings. In trials with older adults and people with Type 2 diabetes, the interval walkers also improved their cholesterol levels, body mass index (BMI), and flexibility, according to The Washington Post.

And it didnt stop there. Researchers also found that participants slept better, had improved cognitive performance, and experienced fewer depressive symptoms.

This makes IWT one of the few routines that offer both physical and mental health benefits something even regular gym-goers dont always get.

Why It Works Better Than Regular Walking

Traditional walking routines often focus on distance or total time like the infamous 10,000 steps. But those benchmarks dont account for intensity.

IWT, in contrast, plays with intensity in a way that pushes the heart, muscles, and lungs just enough, then gives them time to recover. That push and pause" approach is what makes interval training so effective  and why athletes, runners, and now even walking researchers use it.

As the article in The Washington Post puts it: Participants who tried to walk briskly for 30 minutes straight found it too hard, but when they broke it into three-minute bursts, they were able to sustain it." Thats a big win for real-world sustainability.

Getting Started: No Fancy Gear Needed

You dont need a smartwatch, treadmill, or gym membership. Just a pair of comfortable shoes and 30 minutes.

Heres how to begin:

Walk briskly for 3 minutes. You should be breathing hard enough that full conversation is difficult.

Then slow down for 3 minutes. This is your recovery.

Repeat the cycle five times for a total of 30 minutes.

If that feels like too much in the beginning, start with just two or three cycles and work your way up.

You can use landmarks to guide your pace. Walk fast between two street lamps, then slow down until the next one. You can also listen to music that switches tempo, or set a simple timer on your phone.

The ability to recover faster between the fast intervals is a sign your cardiovascular fitness is improving.

Who Is This Good For?

This walking style is especially helpful for:

Middle-aged or older adults trying to stay active without overdoing it

People with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or early heart issues

Anyone looking for a low-cost, low-impact fitness routine that fits real life

Even younger people whove grown tired of the gym or intense fitness trends are finding value in this method. The structure keeps you engaged without being overwhelming and the benefits stack up over time.

More Effective Than 10,000 Steps?

In many cases, yes. While 10,000 steps is a decent rule of thumb for general movement, IWT delivers measurable cardiovascular and muscular benefits in less time.

The Japanese team behind the method observed health gains in as little as five months, without requiring participants to overhaul their entire lifestyle.

So if youre someone whos been walking endlessly on a treadmill with no change in your blood pressure, stamina, or weight this is your sign to try walking smarter, not longer.

The Japanese method of Interval Walking Training is not a fad. Its a low-effort, high-benefit approach to health thats backed by science, requires no special equipment, and fits into even the busiest schedules.

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It challenges the 10,000 steps" rule not with trends, but with data, decades of trials, and sustainable results. Most importantly, it brings back what movement should be a part of daily life that supports both your body and your mind.

All it takes is a step in the right direction and then another, three minutes at a time.

fashion, travel, News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated.

First Published: July 20, 2025, 15:11 IST

News lifestyle  health-and-fitness Japans 30-Minute Walking Trick That Helps You Lose Weight Quicker
5 Top Temples To Visit In Maharashtra During The Monsoon Season

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 08:06 IST

With devotion in your heart and an umbrella in your hand, head to Maharashtras most divine corners this monsoon

Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik: This temple is a beauty to watch during the rains, revealing its spectacular backdrop cradled by foggy hills and streams

Its that time of the year again when you can see the glory of nature at its best. In this season, temples become more alive with a perfect fusion of spiritual fervour and natures inexplicable charm. The scenic landscapes, accompanied by misty hills and beautiful waterfalls, altogether provide a serene backdrop for a truly divine experience. Maharashtra is home to numerous age-old temples that provide both picturesque views and peace. The following are the top 5 temples that you must visit during the monsoon. Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, founder, Temple Connect and ITCX (International Temples Convention & EXPO) shares a list of the top 5 temples:

Bhimashankar Temple (Pune District)

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Located deep in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar Temple transforms into a heaven shrouded in clouds during the rains. Adding to its beauty is the gushing waterfall and the monsoon greens all around. When you travel through these scenic and mist-filled routes, the region unfolds its beauty even more. Being one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, the temple offers a spiritual introspection, immersed in the rain-soaked nature.

Trimbakeshwar Temple (Nashik)

This temple is a beauty to watch during the rains, revealing its spectacular backdrop cradled by foggy hills and streams. The place is the source of the River Godavari, and this holy site radiates an otherworldly charm under the overcast skies. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, combines spiritual power and natural beauty, resting peacefully against the green folds of the Brahmagiri hills.

Harihareshwar Temple (Raigad)

Recognised as one of the Kashis of the South, Harihareshwar Temple is an age-old shrine devoted to Lord Shiva and should be on your list. With quiet beaches and rolling green hills all around, it radiates a soothing coastal calm in the monsoons. Apart from that, when you drive through Shrivardhan or Diveagar, the temples unique Pradakshina route along a picturesque seaside cliff introduces a touch of magic.

Khandoba Temple, Jejuri (Near Pune)

Abode of the divine presence of Lord Khandoba (a form of Lord Shiva), this temple-fort rises majestically against the moody monsoon skies. The hillside bursts into life with monsoon lush. Also famous for its vibrant Bhandara ritual/procession, this holy spot is worshipped as the Malhari Martand temple. If you are looking to experience the genuine flavour of local tradition and culture, then you ought to begin your day early with the morning ceremonies.

Saptashrungi Devi Temple (Nashik District)

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Situated on the Sahyadri mountains and enveloped in monsoon mist, this holy shrine provides you with spectacular views of waterfalls and velvet green valleys. Moreover, when you trek to the shrine, natures beauty lining the trail soothes and rejuvenates your soul. The freshness of the mountain breeze and twisting paths contribute their magic to this holy journey.

Apart from a devotional experience, a temple visit in the monsoons is like dipping your soul into cultural richness, natural beauty, and peaceful contemplation. So, what are you waiting for? With devotion in your heart and an umbrella in your hand, head to Maharashtras most divine corners this monsoon.

About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More

fashion, travel, News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated.

First Published: July 20, 2025, 08:06 IST

News lifestyle  travel 5 Top Temples To Visit In Maharashtra During The Monsoon Season
Write Mind | Keralas Guru Poojan Row: A Marxist Farce Unmasks Phony Secularism

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 12:10 IST

The Kerala governments knee-jerk reactionordering probes into a school ritualsmacks of desperation, if not vexation

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (PTI file photo)

Keralas latest circus erupted over an innocuous Guru Poojan in a school, where students honoured their teachers with a traditional foot-washing ritual on Guru Purnima.

What shouldve been a serene nod to Sanatana Dharmas reverence for gurus turned into a leftist meltdown, with the Pinarayi Vijayan-led communist government clutching its pearls and shrieking anti-democratic".

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Probes were launched, fingers pointed, and the ritual branded a sinister plot to instill a slave mentality." Irony, thy name is Keralas Marxist clown show!

This phony outrage isnt just a laughits a glaring unmasking of a government thats anything but indigenous, dripping with hypocrisy while cloaked in a sham secular veil that the BJP is gleefully ripping apart.

Lets shred the red-tape nonsense. Guru Poojan, where students express gratitude and veneration to their teachers, is as old as the Vedasrooted in a culture that bows to animate and inanimate alike, from living souls to natures splendor. For millennia, Sanatanis have lived this ethos, thanking the cosmos daily, a practice now parroted by the West as some trendy gratitude movement."

Yet, these Kerala Marxists, with their imported ideologies, dare to deride it as regressive. Their gall is staggering in name-calling the spiritual and the Dharmic practices of the land. They howl it is modernitys enemy, peddling a deracinating delusion to divest Bharat of its soul. This isnt governance; its the Chinese echo in red robes, hell-bent on uprooting our heritage while posing as progress.

Now, lets zoom in on the Marxist hypocrisyits a goldmine of double-dealing. Consider their own stalwart, VS Achuthanandan, who previously voiced concerns about Love Jihad, a topic closely linked to safeguarding cultural integrity. However, this self-proclaimed liberal commune proudly refers to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a communal party"a clear example of selective amnesia! And lets debunk the lie that Love Jihad" is a BJP or RSS invention; it was coined by K.T. Shankaran, then justice of Kerala High Court, in 2009, based on early concerns over forced conversions. The contradiction is profound!

Then theres the temple endowment heist: the government rakes in crores from Hindu temples, feasting on sacred funds, while its atheistic core spits on religion. No deity graces their pantheon, yet they dine on the faithfuls offerings with a straight face. This fake secularism isnt a Kerala quirkits a plague in Indian politics, and the BJPs bold expose is rattling these fraudsters to their bones.

Dig deeper, and the stench thickens. The Adhikari Thesis, a communist relic, once brazenly pushed for Bharats balkanization, dreaming of splintering this ancient land into petty fiefdoms. These same ideologues are now using unity" as a shield to attack a school ritual, displaying a level of hypocrisy so thick that it could be cut with a sickle.

Beyond Kerala, the Marxist playbook reeks of the same duplicity. In West Bengal, the 2007 Nandigram massacre saw farmers gunned down for resisting land grabsequality with a body count, Marxist-style. In Tripura, communist cadres torched homes to enforce their writ, proving their peoples rule" is thuggery with a manifesto. Keralas hartal-happy enforcers mirror this, forcing a Bharat Bandh that Bharat largely ignored, exposing their muscle over merit. Even their own leader, Achuthanandan, later distanced himself from the party line on Love Jihad, yet the government clings to denial, a classic case of ideological flip-flopping.

The Guru Poojan row is a symptom of this deeper rot. When the Kerala Governor defended the ritual as cultural heritage, the communist chorus cried foul, pinning RSS agendas on him. But lets flip it: why is respecting a guru feudal" when Marxist leaders demand blind loyalty from their cadres? The contradiction is a comedy of errorsMarxism, with its Western lens, has long peddled the myth that spirituality and modernity cant mix. Bunkum! Bharats rishis built Nalanda while Europe stumbled in the Dark Ages. This deracination agenda, a Marxist mirage, aims to erase our dharmic vanity, swapping it for a hollow materialism that alienates us from our essence. Their hypocrisy peaks when they mock Guru Poojan while pocketing temple goldsacred funds funding their secular sermonising.

Globally, their cousins amplify this farce. Chinas atheist regime bans religion, Cubas communist utopia crumbles with no faith to lean on, yet Keralas Left plays a softer gameco-opting Hindu symbols for votes, then trashing them when convenient. Le Monde once dubbed Keralas communism tropical," a quirky mashup of Marx and Krishna, but its a sham allianceembraced for ballots, ditched for dogma. The Guru Poojan row is their latest betrayal, a slap to a culture that weathered invasions, only to be judged by ideologues whod rather genuflect to foreign theorists than honor local traditions.

The BJPs rise in the public psyche is shaking this farcical show. PM Narendra Modis blend of development (Vikas) and dharmic pride (Virasat) exposes the Lefts hollow secularism. The Kerala governments knee-jerk reactionordering probes into a school ritualsmacks of desperation, if not vexation. From hounding Asianet reporters exposing college scams to muzzling temple boards, this regime thrives on control, not conscience. Their Marxist hypocrisy isnt just a Kerala flawits a national embarrassment, and the BJPs unapologetic stance is the mirror they dread.

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So, Keralas Marxists, keep clutching your pearls over Guru Poojan. Your slynessraiding temple coffers while jeering devotion, preaching unity while plotting schismswont hold water. Sanatana Dharma, with its embedded feature of a ubiquitous gratitude, will outlast your Lal Salaam". The BJPs clarion call is the reckoning you fear, reflecting your phony secularism thats cracking. As Bhartiyas, weve honoured gurus for millenniamodernity be damned, well keep at it, with or without your nod. Your times ticking, comradesface the dharmic dawn or fade into irrelevance.

Yuvraj Pokharna is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets with @iyuvrajpokharna. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

About the Author Yuvraj Pokharna Yuvraj Pokharna is a Surat-based author and media panelist who vociferously voices his opinions on issues of Hindutva, Islamist Jihad, politics, policies, and sometimes mules over books. He can be followed on I... Read More Yuvraj Pokharna is a Surat-based author and media panelist who vociferously voices his opinions on issues of Hindutva, Islamist Jihad, politics, policies, and sometimes mules over books. He can be followed on I... Read More

First Published: July 20, 2025, 12:09 IST

News opinion Write Mind | Keralas Guru Poojan Row: A Marxist Farce Unmasks Phony Secularism

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Bengal BJP Chief Calls Urgent Delhi Meet Tomorrow To Counter TMC Attack In Parliament

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 20:43 IST

Tomorrow's meeting is expected to chalk out talking points for MPs, prepare rebuttals, plan floor interventions, media outreach, and coordinated messaging on social platforms

West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya will hold a meeting with all party MPs from his state, ahead of the monsoon session in Parliament. (Image: PTI/File)

Amid growing tension between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress over the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking migrants, the West Bengal unit of the saffron party has sprung into action with chief Samik Bhattacharya calling a high-level strategy meeting in Delhi on Monday (July 21).

The larger message the BJP wants to push is that the TMC is allegedly risking national security by providing Aadhaar cards to illegal Bangladeshis for political benefits. Bhattacharya will hold a meeting with all the BJP MPs from West Bengal, ahead of the monsoon session and will arrive in New Delhi late on Sunday.

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The meetings agenda is to finalise the BJPs counter to the TMCs BJP is anti-Bengali" narrative  the Mamata Banerjee-led party is expected to vociferously push this on the floor of both Houses in the coming days.

According to sources, the BJP is anticipating a coordinated and all-out" offensive by TMC MPs, targeting central leadership as well as state representatives, particularly over the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking Muslims in BJP-ruled states. The TMC has claimed that these individuals are Indians, while the local administration suspects them to be Bangladeshis.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently led a march in Kolkata to protest the alleged harassment of Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states.

What does the BJP think? They will hurt Bengalis? They are calling them Rohingya. Rohingya are in Myanmar, not here. 22 lakh poor migrant workers are being targeted," Banerjee said.

Banerjee also had a spat with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over the treatment of Bengali-speaking individuals in his state. She further raised the issue of how electricity was disconnected in a Delhi locality primarily occupied by Bengali-speaking migrants, which the BJP claimed was as per court orders.

The BJP has repeatedly alleged that the TMC is risking national security by providing Aadhaar cards to illegal Bangladeshis for political benefits. The TMC has countered this by saying these individuals are Indians and Bengali, accusing the BJP of an anti-Bengali" mindset  a charge that, if believed by Bengal, could cost the BJP with elections seven to eight months away.

Hence, the meeting on Monday is expected to outline talking points for MPs, prepare rebuttals, possibly plan floor interventions, media outreach, and coordinated messaging on social platforms.

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This flashpoint comes at a time when the TMC is already under fire over corruption allegations and administrative lapses in Bengal. The BJP insiders believe the anti-Bengali" rhetoric is an attempt by the TMC to deflect from its governance record and rally regional sentiment ahead of the assembly elections next year.

With emotions likely to run high, both sides seem to be preparing for a fiery face-off in Parliament next week.

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

First Published: July 20, 2025, 20:43 IST

News politics Bengal BJP Chief Calls Urgent Delhi Meet Tomorrow To Counter TMC Attack In Parliament

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KCWY Station/ WyomingNewsNow

Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.

The U.S. has just opened its first rare earth mine in more than 70 years.

On July 11, Ramaco Resources officially opened the Brook Mine outside Ranchester, Wyoming. The northern Wyoming deposit is a trove containing six of the 17 rare earth elements  called rare not because theyre scarce, but because extracting them from raw materials is so challenging.

Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins says the site could supply the U.S. with rare earth materials for the next 150 years.

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We will be mining it here, we will be processing on this site, and we will sell it to domestic customers  and that will be our answer to China, Atkins told FOX 5.

Rare earth elements are used in everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to military systems and wind turbines. FOX noted that each F-35 stealth fighter  produced by Lockheed Martin  contains about 920 pounds of rare earth minerals.

Currently, China mines around 70% of the worlds rare earth supply and processes roughly 90% of it. In retaliation for President Donald Trumps tariffs, China halted exports of rare earth metals  exposing a critical supply chain vulnerability.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright believes this new mine marks a turning point.

Not only do we get coal here  we are going to get those rare earth elements that are going to break our dependence on China, Wright told FOX News from the site.

Soaring shares

Ramaco shares have rallied strongly following the release of a full independent preliminary economic assessment of the Brook Mine, which confirmed the project is both commercially and technologically feasible.

With the high-profile ribbon cutting, the markets enthusiasm has only intensified. The stock is up roughly 100% year to date.

Its worth noting that Ramaco isnt a pure rare earth play. The company also operates and develops metallurgical coal assets  and officials remain optimistic about coals role in the energy mix.

Coal has been the biggest source of global electricity for over 120 years and it remains today by far the biggest source of global electricity, Wright said at the announcement of the site. It will remain that way for the rest of our lifetimes. So, to believe that coal somehow is bad or somehow is going away is just nonsense and destructive nonsense.
Pahalgam Attack, Pegasus, Foreign Policy, Trump: Here's What TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Said At Oppn Meet

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 06:30 IST

The TMC lawmaker emerged as a prominent voice at the meeting, suggesting several sharp-edged questions for the opposition to collectively raise against the Centre

The TMC leader reportedly remarked on a peculiar situation, indicating that Indian citizens felt compelled to follow President Donald Trumps social media accounts for updates on sensitive issues, including diplomatic developments involving India. File pic/PTI

Ahead of the crucial monsoon session of Parliament set to commence on July 21, the opposition INDIA bloc convened a meeting on Saturday to finalise a joint strategy to corner the government. During the deliberations, Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee emerged as a prominent voice, suggesting several sharp-edged questions for the opposition to collectively raise against the Centre.

Sources privy to the discussions revealed that Banerjee emphasised the need to interrogate the government extensively on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He reportedly pressed for accountability regarding what he termed a clear intelligence failure" in preventing the dastardly incident. A key point of his proposed parliamentary query was to demand an explanation for the extension of the Intelligence Bureau chiefs tenure despite this perceived lapse in national security.

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Banerjee also turned the spotlight on the controversial Pegasus spyware issue. He critically questioned the priorities of its usage, reportedly asking, When Pegasus could have been used to curb terrorism, why was it used against the opposition instead?" This line of questioning aims to highlight alleged surveillance abuses and push for transparency on the deployment of such sophisticated technologies.

Furthermore, the TMC leader expressed concerns over the utility and transparency of the governments extensive foreign delegation visits. He urged the INDIA bloc to collectively challenge the government on what tangible benefits the nation derived from dispatching numerous delegations abroad, particularly when the public back home was allegedly not adequately briefed about their purpose or concrete outcomes.

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Sources said Banerjee raised concerns over the ongoing Bihar SIR voter list review, which he alleged is being used by the BJP and the Election Commission as a backdoor NRC" to exclude genuine voters. He also alleged that the BJP uses E square (E)" as its attack toolED against opposition leaders and EC against voters.

Adding a touch of pointed sarcasm, the TMC leader reportedly remarked on a peculiar situation, indicating that Indian citizens felt compelled to follow President Donald Trumps social media accounts for updates on sensitive issues, including diplomatic developments involving India. This too should be raised in Parliament," he asserted, implying a communication gap from the Indian government. These proposed interventions by Abhishek Banerjee signal the INDIA blocs intent to launch a frontal assault on the governments handling of national security, governance transparency, and foreign policy during the upcoming monsoon session.

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

First Published: July 20, 2025, 06:30 IST

News politics Pahalgam Attack, Pegasus, Foreign Policy, Trump: Here's What TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Said At Oppn Meet

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'Politics Not Confrontation': Dhankhar Calls For 'Bonhomie' Among Parties Before Monsoon Session

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 21:58 IST

Armed with facts and a strong agenda, the opposition wants to corner the Centre over a number of issues, including the controversial voter list revision in Bihar, in Parliament

**EDS: THIRD PARTY IMAGE** In this image posted by @kharge via X on July 15, 2025, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during a meeting, ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi. (@kharge on X via PTI Photo) (PTI07_15_2025_000071B)

A day before the monsoon session begins in Parliament, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called for bonhomie and mutual respect among political parties.

The monsoon session, scheduled from July 21 to August 21, has every potential to turn explosive with the opposition parties ready to take on the Centre over the voter list revision in Bihar, Pahalgam terror attack, and US President Donald Trumps claims about a ceasefire" between India and Pakistan during a military standoff.

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Addressing the inaugural programme for the eighth batch of participants of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme (RSIP), Dhankhar said parties must engage in constructive politics.

Politics is not confrontation; I cannot visualise a political party being against the concept of Bharat. Have mutual respect, dont trade unbecoming language on television, and avoid personal attacks. Isnt it tiring to the ears? Our ears are fed up, arent they?" Dhankhar asked, referring to prime time news debates on television.

He added: We can have differences of opinion, we can have disagreements but how can we have bitterness in our hearts? Hope for meaningful and serious deliberations in the upcoming session."

Armed with facts and a strong agenda, the opposition wants to corner the government over a number of issues. Some of the worst political confrontations in Parliament have taken place in the Rajya Sabha. Some opposition MPs have even moved an impeachment motion against the Vice-President, which failed on technical grounds. But, things have not been smooth since.

The government has accused the opposition of disrespecting constitutional positions, like that of the VP. The worst was when Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee mimicked Dhankhar as other MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, cheered on the sidelines.

The TMC has a tense relationship with Dhankhar, going back to the times when he was the West Bengal governor. Now, however, with the impeachment motion and constant jeering, the opposition parties have little to no faith in him and have even accused him of being a stooge of the government".

But Dhankhar has, nevertheless, reached out to the opposition ahead of the monsoon session, which many feel may prove futile. He has been meeting representatives of INDIA bloc parties over the past few days in the hope that the House runs smoohtly.

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There is, however, more likelihood of his appeal falling on deaf ears due to this being election season with Bihar later in the year and Bengal lined up next.

According to sources, the opposition has plans to regroup and move another impeachment motion against Dhankhar because they feel that he never takes any action against members of the ruling side.

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

First Published: July 20, 2025, 21:58 IST

News politics 'Politics Not Confrontation': Dhankhar Calls For 'Bonhomie' Among Parties Before Monsoon Session

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Siddaramaiah Turns Red-Faced When Asked To Name DK Shivakumar In Speech: Hes Not Here

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 11:03 IST

Notably, Shivakumar was present at the event with other senior leaders. However, after delivering his address, he cited an emergency and left for Bengaluru.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with his deputy DK Shivakumar | File Image

The rift within the Karnataka government over the Chief Ministers post played out publicly in Mysuru on Saturday, after CM Siddaramaiah snapped at a Congress leader who suggested he name Deputy CM DK Shivakumar in his address.

Siddaramaiah, in turn, publicly lashed out at the Congress functionary for reminding him to mention DK Shivakumar during the welcome address.

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DK Shivakumar is in Bengaluru and not on stage. We only welcome those present here. We cannot extend greetings to someone sitting at home," said Siddaramaiah while addressing Sadhana Samavesha, an event organised to highlight the governments achievements.

Notably, Shivakumar was present at the event with other senior leaders. However, after delivering his address, he cited an emergency and left for Bengaluru.

The Chief Ministers reaction came amid ongoing tensions within the Karnataka government over the CM post, as the Opposition BJP continues to claim that DK Shivakumar could replace Siddaramaiah.

The Congress leadership has ruled out any plans to replace Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has also dismissed rumours about a possible exit.

Meanwhile, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar publicly expressed his support for the Chief Minister.

Despite such gestures and public statements, signs of friction between the two have occasionally surfaced during public events.

The root of the tension dates back to the Congresss decisive victory in the 2023 assembly elections. Shivakumar, credited for his role in securing the win, was seen as a strong contender for the Chief Ministers post.

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After internal deliberations, the party leadership persuaded him to take on the roles of Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president.

At the time, some reports suggested a rotational chief ministership arrangement had been agreed upon, though this was never officially confirmed.

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

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: July 20, 2025, 10:57 IST

News politics Siddaramaiah Turns Red-Faced When Asked To Name DK Shivakumar In Speech: Hes Not Here

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Bengalis Facing Oppression: Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek To Give 2026 Roadmap At TMC Rally Tomorrow

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 18:49 IST

Speaking to the media on Sunday evening, Mamata Banerjee said: There is constant oppression of Bengalis for speaking their language. We will not tolerate this oppression."

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee with national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. (PTI File)

The Trinamool Congresss (TMC) Martyrs Day rally on July 21, the last such rally before the 2026 West Bengal elections, will be crucial for many reasons. The message given by party supremo and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee are likely to set the tone for the partys strategy.

Speaking to the media on Sunday evening, Banerjee said: There is constant oppression of Bengalis for speaking their language. We will not tolerate this oppression."

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I thank all of you, including the administration and the media. Many of my colleagues have come here from distant places and are staying at the camp, I thank them for their dedication. More than a lakh people have already arrived. Due to the release of water and heavy rainfall, many areas are waterlogged. Yet, despite these challenges, people have come here to pay their respects to the martyrs," the TMC chief said.

During the CPI(M) era, they didnt allow people to vote. Buildings were locked to prevent voting. We launched a massive movement, and despite all their efforts, the CPI(M) couldnt stop it. They opened fire and 13 people were killed and over 200 injured. Our demand was simple: no ID card, no vote. Now, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) doesnt allow people to vote in double-engine states," she said.

Martyrs Day is TMCs annual mega rally commemorating the 1993 incident when 13 workers were killed in police firing during Banerjees movement for EPIC cards. Since then, the TMC has observed this day to remember the martyrs, and Banerjee traditionally uses this platform to announce the partys political agenda for the year.

Insiders say that this year, Banerjee is expected to outline the roadmap for the 2026 elections while addressing thousands of party workers from the stage.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has planned a gherao of the North Bengal Secretariat to protest against what it calls the worsening law and order situation in the state". This is also the first time the court has imposed restrictions on the rally, following a petition citing potential traffic disruptions.

What will Mamata Banerjee speak on?

Bengali pride and alleged atrocities in BJP-ruled states: For the past month, the TMC has been aggressively raising the issue of Bengali Asmita (Bengali pride). Banerjee has accused the BJP of being anti-Bengali, often citing incidents from Odisha. On July 16, she led a protest march, alleging that the central government had issued a secret notification to expel Bengali people from other states. She has vowed to challenge this notification in court. The TMC has also highlighted stories from Assam, where voters are allegedly being summoned for NRC verification and losing their citizenship rights. Insiders believe Banerjee will use the July 21 stage to direct her workers to launch a bigger movement, projecting the BJP as a party that does not respect Bengals culture and traditions. The message will be clear: people should not place their faith in the BJP in the upcoming elections. It is also expected that Banerjee will use this stage to directly respond to Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent remarks.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR): On the eve of the rally, the TMC released a video portraying the BJP as anti-Bengali and accused it of using the Election Commission for political gains. Banerjee has opposed the SIR process from the day it was announced, alleging that the BJP used similar tactics in Maharashtra and Delhi to include bogus voters from outside to manipulate election results. She is expected to reiterate this allegation, warning that the BJP is trying to replicate this strategy in Bihar and Bengal as well. Insiders believe Mamata will give a clarion call for a mass movement on this issue. While the BJP argues that revision is necessary because Banerjee has allegedly allowed Rohingya migrants into Bengal, changing the states demography, the CM maintains that this is merely a BJP tactic to misuse the Election Commission to win elections.

Guidelines to counter polarisation: The recent violence in Murshidabad and other incidents of communal tension have fuelled polarisation in the state. The BJP has alleged that Hindus are not safe under the TMC rule. Insiders believe Banerjee will use the stage to instruct party workers on how to counter this polarisation strategy and retaliate effectively.

Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam attack: Although the TMC has supported the central governments decisions on dealing with Pakistan and even sent Abhishek as part of an international delegation, the party has raised several questions on the issue. Insiders believe Banerjee may attack the BJP government over intelligence failures related to recent incidents such as the Pahalgam attack.

Womens issues, from RG Kar to Kasba rape allegations: Despite being a woman Chief Minister and despite schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar that have earned the party significant support among women voters, the TMC has faced embarrassment over incidents like the RG Kar case and the Kasba rape allegations. In Kasba, reports involving former leaders of the partys student wing have tarnished the TMCs image. Party leaders believe Banerjee will use the stage to give a strong message to the youth and may issue strict directions regarding party discipline.

Factionalism within TMC: Factional fights are common in the TMC, but insiders expect Banerjee to send a clear message that such infighting should not harm the partys prospects, especially ahead of crucial elections.

Economic negligence by Centre vs Bengals development model: Banerjee is also expected to highlight how the central government has allegedly deprived Bengal of funds, yet the state has continued its development initiatives. With 15 years of anti-incumbency to counter, insiders say Banerjee will instruct workers to spread the message of Bengals development and also prepare them to fight fake news.

BJPs counter-strategy

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While the BJP has planned a North Bengal Secretariat gherao, its state president will be in Delhi to attend the Parliament session. The BJP has said on record that this will be Banerjees last Martyrs Day rally in power.

However, there is no doubt that all eyes will remain on Mamata and Abhishek Banerjees addresses from the July 21 stage.

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

First Published: July 20, 2025, 18:44 IST

News politics Bengalis Facing Oppression: Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek To Give 2026 Roadmap At TMC Rally Tomorrow

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AI Tycoon Andy Byron Who Quit Over Kiss Cam Scandal Could Lose Half His Fortune To Wife

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 17:53 IST

Andy Byron's kiss cam moment with Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert went viral. As per the expert, if his wife Megan divorces him, it could cost $20M-$70M.

Astronomer CEO caught having affair with HR Head at Coldplay concert

Andy Byrons Coldplay kiss cam controversy took internet by storm after his video canoodling with the HR chief Kristin Cabot went viral. The incident became a worldwide sensation, because, imagine an affair accidentally exposed by Chris Martin! However, this turned out to be a life changing incident for Astronomer CEO and he also resigned from his position. As per the official statement, companys Board of Directors accepted the resignation on Saturday.

Now, coming to the divorce part, if Andy Byrons wife- Megan Kerrigan- decides to divorce him, it will reportedly cost him half of his fortune. As per a report by the New York Post, the divorce could cost AI firm exec around $20 million to $70 million.

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As per the Massachusettss 50/50 marital laws, Kerrigan could get half of her husbands fortune. A matrimony and family lawyer Nancy Chemtob, a partner at Chemtob Moss Forman & Beyda, was cited by NY Post and she said the Bay State mandates those married for more than seven years must split any assets they built together.

However, Chemtob also noted that the details can only be speculated as the couple could have prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.

Andy Byron Resigned

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After the Andy Byron stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of data technology firm Astronomer after his video went viral. As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding," read the statement as quoted by Variety.

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," as per the statement released by Astronomer, quoted by Variety.

Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 20, 2025, 17:53 IST

News viral AI Tycoon Andy Byron Who Quit Over Kiss Cam Scandal Could Lose Half His Fortune To Wife

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'Exploited Patients For Sex': Indian-Origin Doctor Charged With Medical Fraud, Assault In US

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 07:45 IST

Dr Kalra demanded sexual favours from the female patients, including oral sex, in return for the prescriptions.

The doctor has been identified as Ritesh Kalra (Representative Image)

An Indian-origin doctor in the United States is accused of the unlawful prescribing of opioid medications, and requesting sexual favours from patients in exchange for prescription drugs.

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Identified as 51-year-old Ritesh Kalra, the man was a resident of Secaucus, New Jersey. He has been placed under home detention following a court hearing in the United States.

Issued 31,000 Prescriptions Of Oxycodone

Prosecutors allege that Ritesh Kalra exploited his medical license to take advantage of patients battling addiction. Court findings reveal that he issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025 without medical reasons.

Sexual Favour In Return For Opioid Prescription

It is also alleged that Dr Kalra demanded sexual favours from the female patients, including oral sex, in return for the prescriptions. A female patient alleged that she was forced to do anal sex during her medical appointment.

Another patient claimed that Kalra prescribed opioids despite being incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility and had no communication with him.

Physicians hold a position of profound responsibilitybut as alleged, Dr Kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jerseys public healthcare program," said attorney Alina Habba.

By allegedly exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for ghost appointments, he not only violated the law but endangered lives," she added.

Medical License Suspended

Medical license of Dr Ritesh Kalra has been suspended following the charges. He was released on home arrest with an unsecured $100,000 bond after appearing for a hearing before US magistrate judge Andre M Espinosa.

The court also restricted him from practicing medicine or prescribing medications.

Kalra has been ordered to close his medical clinic amid the ongoing legal proceedings.

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 20, 2025, 07:32 IST

News world 'Exploited Patients For Sex': Indian-Origin Doctor Charged With Medical Fraud, Assault In US

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New Satellite Image Hints At Indian Missile Strike On Pakistans Kirana Hills During Op Sindoor

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 08:21 IST

The satellite images were analysed and shared on X by geo-intelligence researcher and satellite imagery expert Damien Symon.

Impact location of India's missile strike in Kirana Hills | Image: X

Nearly a couple of months after the government denied targeting Pakistans nuclear hub at Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor, a new satellite image emerged showing the impact zone of Indias missile strike in the sensitive Sargodha district.

India targeted key Pakistani military installations on May 10, as part of Operation Sindoor, to avenge the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.

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The satellite images were analysed and shared on X by geo-intelligence researcher and satellite imagery expert Damien Symon.

Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows  1. The impact location of Indias strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025; 2. Repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post-Indias strikes in May 2025," he shared.

Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows 1  the impact location of Indias strike on Kirana Hills in May 20252  repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post Indias strikes in May 2025 pic.twitter.com/BLOXYB9fKP  Damien Symon (@detresfa_) July 18, 2025

Further, another satellite image showed recently repaired runways at the Sargodha airbase, indicating it sustained damage during the Indian strikes in May.

The swift restoration work suggests the airbase is regarded as a high-priority strategic installation.

Kirana is a high-security zone linked to Pakistans nuclear weapons program. It is believed to contain an underground facility for storing nuclear arms and has reportedly been used for nuclear research and testing, including subcritical tests carried out in the 1980s.

While independent experts continue to assess the newly surfaced evidence, there has been no official statement from Pakistan confirming or denying the development.

Following Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force also dismissed claims that it had targeted Kirana Hills.

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At a press conference on May 12, Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti responded to a query about the Kirana Hills strike, saying, Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installations. We did not know about it. We have not hit Kirana Hills. I did not brief in my briefing yesterday."

Notably, his subtle smile while delivering the response drew significant attention online.

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

Location : Pakistan

First Published: July 20, 2025, 07:55 IST

News world New Satellite Image Hints At Indian Missile Strike On Pakistans Kirana Hills During Op Sindoor

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Panic At Sea As Indonesian Ferry With 300 On Board Catches Fire, 18 Injured | Caught On Cam

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 18:28 IST

A massive fire engulfed the KM Barcelona VA vessel off Indonesia's coast, forcing over 300 passengers to jump overboard. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Screengrab of the viral video. (X)

A massive inferno engulfed the KM Barcelona VA vessel off the coast of Indonesia, forcing passengers to jump overboard in scenes of horror, with dozens feared trapped.

The blaze broke out at around 1.30 pm local time on Sunday, reports say.

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Over 300 people were on board the ferry. In a video, panic-stricken passengers can be seen, some with children seen leaping into the sea to escape the flames.

Harrowing footage showed passengers leaping into the water, many of them clad in bright orange life jackets, as the blaze ripped through the ship.

Horror At Sea: A fire broke out on the KM Barcelona VA ferry off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, forcing passengers to leap into the sea! What We Know: The fire broke out around 1:30 p.m. local time today on the KM Barcelona VA ferry off the coast of North Sulawesi, pic.twitter.com/1T69ovmnDu John Cremeans (@JohnCremeansX) July 20, 2025

Separate footage showed the overcrowded ship deck as staff helped passengers buckle their life vests before jumping off the boat.

Rescue operations are ongoing as emergency teams race against time to account for all passengers. Some of the rescued people were seen looking at the destroyed ship as the fire was put out by a neighbouring boat. The once blue and white vessel was turned into a burned black carcass as flames tore the boat inside out. Metal bars from the ships internal structure became exposed as the hull was completely destroyed. There are KM Barcelona III, KM Venecian, and KM Cantika Lestari 9F," a Manado KSOP officer confirmed, naming the three rescue ships dispatched to the scene to help evacuate survivors. Fishing boats and local residents could be seen surrounding the blazing ferry to help rescue as many passengers as possible, said the Manado Search and Rescue Office. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Location : Indonesia

First Published: July 20, 2025, 17:36 IST

News world Panic At Sea As Indonesian Ferry With 300 On Board Catches Fire, 18 Injured | Caught On Cam

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Saudi Arabias Sleeping Prince Passes Away After Nearly 20 Years In Coma

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 11:03 IST

The Sleeping Prince fell into a coma in the mid-2000s after sustaining a severe brain injury in a car accident.

Sleeping Prince (Credits: X)

Popularly known as the Sleeping Prince, Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a member of Saudi Arabias royal family, has passed away after remaining in a coma for nearly 20 years following a tragic accident.

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In its official statement, the Global Imams Council offered condolences and said,"As we share the grief of the Royal Family on this solemn occasion, we recall with deep respect the patience and steadfastness demonstrated by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, and his family  a testament to their profound faith in the will and decree of Allah."

We pray that the Almighty Allah envelops the late Prince with His vast mercy, grants him a place in His eternal Paradise, and bestows patience and solace upon his family and loved ones," it added.

At just 18 years old, the promising future of the Sleeping Prince was halted  but his familys resolve never wavered.

Statement On the Passing of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud pic.twitter.com/st19kxb7lC Global Imams Council (GIC) (@ImamsOrg) July 19, 2025

Instead of withdrawing from the public eye, the family allowed glimpses into the princes condition.

Over the years, videos and photos surfaced showing him in a hospital bed, sometimes with subtle movements that ignited renewed hope.

One such moment, when his father claimed the prince moved his fingers in response to speech, made headlines across the Arab world.

Throughout the years, Prince Khaled bin Talal and his family refused to give up. They rejected calls to remove life support and instead placed their trust in divine will.

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Location : Saudi Arabia

First Published: July 20, 2025, 10:45 IST

News world Saudi Arabias Sleeping Prince Passes Away After Nearly 20 Years In Coma

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Trump Aides Fume, Call Netanyahu Madman, Child Over Syria Strikes: Report

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 19:41 IST

The White House opposed Israel's bomb strike on Syria and Gaza's Catholic church shelling. US officials criticized Netanyahu's actions, calling him a "madman".

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. (AP/File Photo)

White House firmly opposed Israels latest bomb strike on Syria and the shelling of the only Catholic church in Gaza this week. Reportedly, White House believes that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been acting like a mad man and he undermines President Donald Trumps efforts to achieve peace.

As per a report by Axios, an unnamed White House official referred to Netanyahus nickname and said, Bibi acted like a madman, he is bombing everything all the time." Another official was quoted by Axios as saying, Netanyahu is sometimes like a child who just wont behave."

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The report cited six US officials saying that the White House is alarmed by Netanyahus policies because even after US-brokered ceasefire Israel continues bombing.

Israel, on Tuesday, bombed a convoy of Syrian army tanks en route to the city of Suwayda. The tanks were going in respond to violent clashes between a Druze militia and armed Bedouin tribesmen, which had killed over 700 people.

Israel claimed the convoy crossed into a zone of southern Syria it demands be demilitarized.

Netanyahu Admitted Mistake

After bombing the Church in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted the mistake during a call with US President Donald Trump, the White House said. During a press briefing on Friday (local time), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump held a phone call with Netanyahu to address the strike. According to the statement Trump was not at all positive about the incident.

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It was not a positive reaction. He called Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning to address the strikes on that church in Gaza. And I understand that the Prime Minister agreed to issue a statement. It was a mistake by the Israelis to hit that Catholic church. Thats what the Prime Minister relayed to the President. You should look at the Prime Ministers statement," Leavitt stated during the briefing.

After the call, Israel expressed deep regret" about the attack. 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," the statement from the Israeli Prime Ministers Office read. We are grateful to Pope Leo for his words of comfort. Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites," it added.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 20, 2025, 19:41 IST

News world Trump Aides Fume, Call Netanyahu Madman, Child Over Syria Strikes: Report

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When American Express unveiled its second-quarter 2025 results on Friday, it didnt just announce another round of record-breaking earnings. It offered a rare, high-definition snapshot of how affluent Americans, the premium cardholders at the heart of its business, are faring in a constantly shifting economic landscape. The short answer? Quite well, really.

American Express reported record quarterly revenue of $17.9 billion, up 9% year-over-year, as well as total Card Member spending that surged 7% over the same period in 2024 to a new high of $416.3 billion. The companys business model, which heavily skews toward a more affluent customer base, renders these numbers a kind of barometer for upper-income Americans financial confidence and willingness to spend.

Not only are these card members spending more, but theyre also showing a renewed appetite for premium products and experiences. Critics have long claimed the premium card phenomenon to be cyclical or overhyped, but American Express is plowing forward with more bells and whistles for its affluent customers.

This leads to a significant caveat: expenses rose 14% year-over-year, as the company reinvested in technology and expanded risk management. It also cited higher variable customer engagement costs driven by increased Card Member spending and usage of travel-related benefits, meaning that the bells and whistles that come with the premium cards are so enticing theyre chipping away at Amexs margin somewhat. Still, the card issuer reaffirmed its outlook 8%10% revenue growth and full-year earnings per share of $15-$15.50.

On the conference call with analysts after the release of its earnings, company management dug into this dynamic, with momentum especially strong among millennials and Gen Z who are embracing the brands luxury value proposition. They want what the premium cards offer, in other words.

Despite strong earnings, the share price, which hit a record high earlier in the month, fell 2.6% in afternoon trading. Truist Securities analyst Brian Foran commented in a research note that some investors have moved to a being good is not good enough mindset. It also suggests that all the perks that come with these premium cards may be attractive for members, but the rising cost of servicing them has the Street worried about how much Amex is betting on its affluent customer base.

Trends in generational wealth

Millennial spending rose 10%, while Gen Z cardholders grew their spend at a somewhat astonishing 40% (albeit from a smaller base). This generational shift bodes well for the premium space: not only older, established wealth but younger, upwardly mobile clients are embracing the brands luxury value proposition.
Trump, Xi Jinping Likely To Meet During October APEC Summit In South Korea: Report

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 23:06 IST

US President Trump may visit China before the APEC summit or meet Xi Jinping in South Korea. The countries are negotiating to end ongoing tariff war.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (AP/File)

US President Donald Trump may visit China before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit between October 30 and November 1, or he could meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC event in South Korea, the South China Morning Post reported on Sunday, citing multiple sources.

The two countries have been working to negotiate an end to an escalating tit-for-tat tariff war that has disrupted global trade and supply chains.

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Trump has aimed to impose tariffs on US importers for almost all foreign goods, claiming it will stimulate domestic manufacturing. Critics argue this will make many consumer goods more expensive for Americans.

He has called for a universal base tariff rate of 10 per cent on goods imported from all countries, with higher rates for imports from the most problematic" ones, including China, where imports now have the highest tariff rate of 55%.

The Reuters reported that Trump has set a deadline of August 12 for the US and China to reach a durable tariffs agreement.

The two countries most recent high-level meeting was on July 11, when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had what both described as a productive and positive meeting in Malaysia about how trade negotiations should proceed.

Rubio noted then that Trump had been invited to China to meet with Xi, and said that both leaders want it to happen."

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On Friday, China Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said China wants to bring its trade ties with the U.S. back to a stable footing and that recent talks in Europe showed there was no need for a tariff war.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told journalists gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that there is a high probability" that US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will meet this year. He didnt give a date but added there was a strong desire on both sides to do it."

Location : Seoul/New York/Beijing

First Published: July 20, 2025, 22:07 IST

News world Trump, Xi Jinping Likely To Meet During October APEC Summit In South Korea: Report

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Ukrainian Drone Attack Forces Airports In Moscow To Briefly Halt Ops, 140 Flights Cancelled

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News18.com

Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 20:40 IST

Airports have resumed. Putin seeks peace but aims for Russia's goals.

A Red Wings airlines passenger plane is seen behind a fence at the Zhukovsky international airport outside Moscow, Russia. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

A Ukrainian drone barrage on Russian capital of Moscow between Saturday and Sunday forced closure of major airports in the city, UK broadcaster BBC said in a report. The report added that the sustained drone attack campaign by the Ukrainians led to cancellation of over 140 flights.

It also said that over 230 Ukrainian drones were downed over Russia since Saturday morning of which 27 were downed over the capital, citing data from the Russian defence ministry.

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The Russian aviation watchdog said that four major airports serving Moscow were disrupted and more than 130 flights also had to be redirected. The airports have since resumed normal operations.

According to Russias aviation watchdog, the four major airports serving the capital were disrupted and more than 130 flights also had to be redirected. All have since resumed normal operations. Four major airports serving Moscow  Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovskiy  were affected.

The drones were reportedly shot down over a number regions in the European part of Russia, as well as over the Black Sea. A Reuters report said that only two airports remained closed to air traffic  Vnukovo in the Moscow region and Grabtsevo in the Kaluga region, as of 10am local time.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to move toward a peace settlement for Ukraine but Moscows main objective is to achieve its goals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television in a clip published on Sunday.

Peskov said that the world was now accustomed to U.S. President Donald Trumps sometimes harsh" rhetoric but pointed out that Trump had also underscored in comments on Russia that he would continue to search for a peace deal.

President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy," Peskov said told state television reporter Pavel Zarubin.

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The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear," Peskov said.

On Monday, Trump announced a tougher stance on Russia, pledging a new wave of military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot missile defence systems. He also gave Russia a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face additional sanctions.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Moscow, Russia

First Published: July 20, 2025, 20:40 IST

News world Ukrainian Drone Attack Forces Airports In Moscow To Briefly Halt Ops, 140 Flights Cancelled

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3 Dead In Shooting At Washington's Renton, Police Investigation Underway

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 09:44 IST

A shooting was reported in Renton, Washington, resulting in three casualties. Police said the area was an active scene and urged people to avoid going there.

Renton police are currently investigating the crime. (Representational Image/Reuters)

A shooting was reported in Renton, Washington, in the United States on Saturday (local time), according to the Renton Police Department, resulting in three casualties. Officers are investigating the incident and have advised the public to steer clear of the active scene.

A police representative confirmed to local media that there was a shooting and three people had been killed. This is an active scene, so expect a heavy police presence. Please avoid the area," said the Renton police department.

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Officers are investigating a shooting with multiple victims near Kirkland Ave NE and NE 18th St that occurred just after 7:30 pm. This is an active scene, so expect a heavy police presence. Please avoid the area. PIO is en route. pic.twitter.com/En4iaM2D3I Renton Police Dept. (@RentonpdWA) July 20, 2025

The shooting occurred near Kirkland Avenue Northeast and Northeast 18th Street shortly after 7:30 pm on Saturday night. Renton police said the suspect has not yet been traced. Local outlet MyNorthwest reported that investigations are ongoing, and police have promised to release further updates as new details emerge.

Although the victims identities have not yet been disclosed, police have confirmed that three people were killed in the shooting. Investigators are still at the scene, gathering evidence and searching for details about the suspect.

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This came after a 52-year-old man was critically injured when unidentified men fired shots at him at the Renton Transit Centre on July 11. He is still recovering from his injuries and is now in stable condition. Two 20-year-olds and an 18-year-old were apprehended in the case.

Rentons Transit Centre, a bustling hub at 233 Burnett Avenue South, has been the site of prior shootings, including a February 2025 incident where a 17-year-old suspect was arrested after injuring a man, according to local reports.

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

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 20, 2025, 09:20 IST

News world 3 Dead In Shooting At Washington's Renton, Police Investigation Underway

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'Why Iran-Backed Houthis But Not US-Backed IDF': Zohran Mamdani Hits Out At UK Broadcaster

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Last Updated: July 20, 2025, 09:33 IST

Zohran Mamdani hit out at the BBC for always referring to the Houthi group as being backed by Iran, but never referring to Israeli PM Netanyahu as a "war criminal".

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. (Reuters)

New York Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani hit out at the UKs public broadcaster, BBC, for always referring to Houthi and Hamas groups as being backed by Iran, but never referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an indicted war criminal" or the Israeli military as being backed by the United States.

Mamdani said the BBC always provides context like Iran-backed Houthis" and Hamas-run hospital", but fails to do the same while mentioning Netanyahu and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

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Why does the BBC always include context like Iran-backed Houthis and Hamas-run hospital but never US-backed IDF or indicted-war-criminal Benjamin Netanyahu?" he said on X.

Why does the BBC always include context like Iran-backed Houthis" and Hamas-run hospital" but neverUS-backed IDF" or indicted-war-criminal Benjamin Netanyahu"? Zohran Mamdani (@zohranmamdani) July 19, 2025

Mamdani is an outspoken critic of Israel, and has labelled its offensive in Gaza as a genocide". Mamdani had said he would arrest Netanyahu under international law if he visited New York City, if he was elected mayor, citing the International Criminal Courts (ICC) arrest warrant.

However, Mamdani has stressed that Israel has the right to exist on CBS The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and called the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas a horrific war crime".

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US President Donald Trump has called him a communist lunatic" and vowed to stop him from destroying New York." Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump said, As President of the United States, Im not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York. Rest assured, I hold all the levers, and have all the cards."

Mamdani, born in Uganda to South Asian parents, immigrated to the United States in 1998 at the age of seven and became a US citizen in 2018. Despite his lawful naturalisation and service as a New York State Assembly member, his citizenship has become a flashpoint in his escalating feud with Donald Trump over his liberal rhetoric and harsh criticism of Israel.

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

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: July 20, 2025, 09:32 IST

News world 'Why Iran-Backed Houthis But Not US-Backed IDF': Zohran Mamdani Hits Out At UK Broadcaster

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Medical aids from Liaoning improve local medical treatment level in SW China's Xizang

Xinhua) 11:21, July 20, 2025

Doctor Tian Congliang (C) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University discusses a premature baby case with his colleagues at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Doctor Tian Congliang (front) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University discusses a premature baby case with his colleagues at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Doctor Tian Congliang (L) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University discusses a medical treatment plan with his colleague at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Doctor Tian Congliang (2nd L) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University discusses a premature baby case with his colleagues at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

This photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a general view of Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Doctor Tian Congliang (2nd L) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University examines a patient at Nagqu Renmin Hospital in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, July 18, 2025. Since 2016, Liaoning Province has sent 150 medical experts in 9 batches to Nagqu. They have contributed to the training of 225 local medical staff members and the improvement of local medical treatment level. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is one of the Best Beaten Down Stocks to Buy Now. Bank of America downgraded the companys stock to Underperform from Neutral, reducing the price objective to $30 from $52 per share. The firm cited worries associated with Donald Trumps recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act. As per the analyst, the passage of the bill has exposed Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) to the slowing end markets in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges.

Bank of America Downgrades Centene Corporation (CNC) Stock to Underperform

A doctor holding a clipboard in a hospital ward, discussing patient treatment plan with the nurses.

Furthermore, the firm also noted the higher likelihood of enhanced exchange subsidies expiring at the end of 2025. The analyst anticipates that 2026 might have more downside than upside risk from pricing to risk on exchanges, considering the material shifts in the risk pool. However, for Q1 2025, Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) stated that premium and service revenues rose by 17% to $42.5 billion from $36.3 billion in the comparable period of 2024. This rise was mainly aided by premium and membership growth in the PDP business, together with robust product positioning and market growth in the broader Marketplace business.

Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) operates as a healthcare enterprise, which is engaged in providing programs and services to under-insured and uninsured families, and commercial organizations.

River Road Asset Management, an investment management company, released Q4 2024 investor letter. Here is what the fund said:
Foreign trips for councillors and council officials have been capped at three per year, among a cocktail of measures introduced by the Government aimed at preventing the misuse of public resources within local authorities.

This comes as the Government announced a comprehensive package of allowances and benefits for local authority officials aimed at enhancing working conditions.

In a circular dated 17 July 2025 and addressed to all local authorities, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, announced a raft of measures, including caps on foreign travel, tighter oversight on workshops and training and the removal of exit packages for councillors.

All councillors and officials travelling outside Zimbabwe on official trips must be granted Cabinet Authority before departure, said Minister Garwe.

Foreign trips will not exceed three (3) trips per year. Under no circumstances may a councillor or official travel without such permission.

Applications for such travel must be submitted in writing to the Permanent Secretary at least 14 days before the date of departure and must include full justification and associated costs.

Residents have long raised concerns over unnecessary foreign travel by local authorities, which they say diverts resources from service delivery.

Minister Garwe also reiterated restrictions on the hosting of workshops, seminars, training sessions and look and learn visits.

For urban councils, such events must take place within their jurisdiction, while rural district councils are confined to their administrative districts  unless prior written approval is granted.

Any council wishing to hold a function outside the limits given should make a submission to the Permanent Secretary in writing, requesting authority, he said.

Some local authorities have been holding such engagements outside of their provinces, an issue seen as draining resources by residents.

To improve mobility and enhance service delivery, councils may apply for permission to offer councillors motorbike loans valued at no more than US$2 000 per bike, with strict justifications required.

If a council wishes, councillors are to be availed with a 5-year motorbike loan facility, said Minister Garwe.

The application to purchase motorbikes can only done to the Minister and must contain justification for the purchase, the budget line and amount budgeted for the same, the type of equipment and justification, the cost and the conditions attached to the use of the equipment. Councils wishing to utilise this facility are to purchase motorbikes not exceeding the value of USD$2 000.

Councillors will receive structured monthly allowances, with mayors and council chairpersons earning US$265, deputy mayors and vice-chairpersons receiving US$243, committee chairpersons US$229 and ordinary councillors US$221.

Twenty percent of these amounts will be implemented starting January 2026.

However, Government has removed exit packages for councillors at the end of their terms.

The minister has approved that no exit package be paid to any councillor on the completion of his/her term of office, reads part of the circular.

This move comes in response to past controversies surrounding golden handshakes  lavish, non-performance-based severance packages  awarded to outgoing councillors, especially mayors and executives.

Golden handshakes often include cash, vehicles or equity and are viewed as draining local authority coffers without guaranteeing improved service delivery.

Councillors are also entitled to residential and commercial stands, free parking and a grave during their term of office.

However, Minister Garwe clarified that the title of Alderman remains honorary and carries no financial or material benefits.

Minister Garwe warned councils against implementing unapproved benefits.

Any circular that arbitrarily raised allowances without ministerial approval or awarded perks outside this circular should recover same forthwith, he said.

He further directed the Auditor-General to audit all allowance payments and perk allocations to ensure compliance.

The interpretation of this circular rests with the Secretary of Local Government and Public Works, and all previous circulars on allowances and perks are hereby cancelled, the minister added.

The new measures follow the 2025 All-Councillors Indaba held in Bulawayo in June, where the minister had pledged to formalise the perks structure.

The circular, he said, is effective immediately. Sunday Mail
Zanu PF leading financier and millionaire, Kudakwashe Tagwirei firmly believes that his co-option into the ruling partys Central Committee in this era of Global Capitalism is critical and

In excerpts in the hands of Masvingo Mirror, Tagwirei makes a strong case for his co-option, giving models of the Communist Party of China, ANC of South and Rwanda where similar fusions of business entrepreneurs have helped modernise and transform the ruling parties.

He emphasises that his co-option into the Central Committee is not to replace liberation heroes but to blend their experience and wisdom with business as Zimbabwe faces the future.

The following are excerpts from Tagwirei;

Redefining Revolutionary Leadership in a Global Capitalist Era: The Case for Integrating Proven Business Minds Like Cde Kudakwashe Tagwirei into the Partys Central Committee

Comrades,

As a loyal and committed card-carrying member of our great movement, I write not with any hidden agenda, but in the spirit of kurodzana pfungwa to provoke thought, reflection, and renewal. We must continuously rebuild, reimagine, and strengthen ZANU PF, not only for today but for the generations to come.

We find ourselves at a critical crossroads. Yes, we hold the majority in Parliament and the Presidency remains in our hands, but the signs are clear for any who care to look closely. The electoral trend lines are narrowing. The 2023 results, though a victory, exposed deep undercurrents.A large youthful vote disengaged from the language of the past, unmoved by war credentials, and impatient with slogans that no longer resonate with their lived realities.

Now is not the time to cling to orthodoxy. Revolutionary movements that fail to reform eventually become relics.

Excerpt 2

Cde Tagwirei: A Product of the Party

Kudakwashe Tagwirei is no ordinary businessman. He is a son of the Party. His wealth, built through grit within a sanctioned economy, did not arise from Western institutions or foreign models. It emerged from a Zimbabwean context, shaped by our political realities and national aspirations. He is not an outsider .We, the Party, created him. He is one of ours. A Chimurenga capitalist, fighting the economic war against global systems built to undermine us.

And yet, curiously, the Party appears eager to accept his support and his financial muscle, but reluctant to embrace his leadership voice.

Can it be right to lean on a man to power our national campaigns, to bankroll our presence across provinces and beyond, and then turn around and say he cannot meaningfully participate because he has not served in provincial structures?

Such a procedural approach, however well-intentioned, sends a damaging message. It suggests that ones money is welcome, but ones mind is not. That ones loyalty is applauded behind closed doors, but sidelined when it matters most. That billions are valuable but vision is optional.

Excerpt 3

The Global Context: When Capitalists Power Political Movements

We are not the first revolutionary movement to face this challenge.

In China, the Communist Party strategically incorporated successful entrepreneurs like Jack Ma into national advisory roles. Not because they were ideologically perfect but because they were economically valuable.

In South Africa, the ANC drew on the business acumen of Cyril Ramaphosa to help guide the post-apartheid economic vision. He brought not only experience but also gravitas in the boardrooms that determine a nations future.

In Rwanda, President Paul Kagame has fused military discipline with modern entrepreneurial drive placing business leaders at the core of national policy development.

The lesson is simple , the modern struggle is not won in trenches it is won in boardrooms, on trading floors, and in investment corridors.

Our Party must not abandon its liberation ideals. Instead, we must refine and modernise them into a new philosophy: Pan-African economic nationalism, where black capital is placed at the heart of political authority and social transformation.

Why Cde Tagwirei Belongs at the Decision-Making Table

1.He brings first-hand experience from within a sanctioned economy the very environment we aim to conquer. His knowledge is indispensable in shaping policy that beats sanctions from within.

2.He inspires a new generation of black entrepreneurs who previously saw politics as the exclusive domain of war veterans. His presence in party leadership would send a powerful signal: you too have a place in our struggle.

3.He proves what the Party can produce. If we can create billionaires loyal to the cause and committed to uplifting the people, then we have fulfilled not abandoned our revolutionary mission.

4.He represents the new Chimurenga. Not fought with bullets, but with business. Not through war, but through wealth creation and redistribution rooted in justice and equity.

Excerpt 4

Missed Opportunities to Inspire a Generation

His Excellency, President E.D. Mnangagwa, deserves praise for his foresight in appointing Cde Tagwirei to national responsibilities. That was bold and visionary. But vision cannot remain isolated at the top. It must cascade. It must be accepted and internalised by the Presidents comrades at all levels.

Let us not alienate a generation of young, capable Zimbabweans watching closely. Many see in Cde Tagwirei a role model a sign that one can be patriotic, pro-poor, and economically successful without selling out. If we dismiss him, we risk confirming the dangerous narrative that politics is closed to anyone without war credentials.

We may think we are dealing with one man, but in truth, we are dealing with an entire generation whose political awakening hangs in the balance.

Excerpt 5

Revolutionary Blended Leadership

This is not a call to replace our liberation heroes. It is a call to blend their wisdom with new energy:

The experience of the war generation,

The fire of youth,

The wealth and strategy of Pan-African business minds.

Let us remember: the first Chimurenga was for political independence. The next must be for economic liberation Gutsaruzhinji in action, not rhetoric. Our ideological software must be updated to confront new enemies: financial exclusion, capital flight, illicit trade networks, and underdevelopment.

To fight those enemies, we need not only comrades with courage but comrades with capacity.

Excerpt 7

Final Word: Dont Dismiss What We Created

We mentored him. We benefited from his support. We celebrated his loyalty. So why now question his political value?

To disqualify a man the Party built is to disqualify the Partys own legacy. That is not just unwise it is unsustainable.

Let us not waste this moment. Let us not squander this symbol.

Let us open a new chapter in the ZANU PF story one where loyalty is rewarded, not just with gratitude, but with trust and inclusion. Let us show Zimbabwe that our revolution continues to evolve and that our leadership continues to be bold.

I offer these thoughts not in defence of one man, but in defence of the Partys future. Let us not miss the opportunity to lead Zimbabwe into the next generation of freedom economic, inclusive, and transformative.

Pamberi neChimurenga.

Forward with Gutsaruzhinji.

Forward with ZANU PFs enduring legacy.

Cde Dzikisa Gejo

A simple cadre with a revolutionary heart
A cast member at London's Royal Opera House has caused a ruckus by holding a Palestinian flag during curtain call. The incident took place Saturday after the final performance of Verdi's Il Trovatore, reports the Sydney Morning Herald . At one point, the cast member staging the protest successfully fended off an attempt by a man offstage to grab the flag. The BBC has video.

The protest "was not approved by the Royal Ballet and Opera and is not in line with our commitment to political impartiality," said a spokesperson for the opera house. It was "completely inappropriate for a curtain call." The male cast member was not identified. The incident echoes recent protests at the Sydney Theatre Company, which sparked internal disputes and resignations after actors wore keffiyeh scarves to show solidarity with Palestinians, notes the Morning Herald.

The onstage demonstration followed a day of protests across the UK in support of the newly banned group Palestine Action, per Reuters. Supporters marched in multiple cities, including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Police in London made dozens of arrests, citing new legal restrictions: Being a member of the group is now a criminal offense, as is publicly displaying support for it.
"Papa Jake" Larson, who survived German gunfire on Normandy's bluffs on D-Day as a young man and garnered 1.2 million followers on TikTok late in life by sharing stories about World War II and his fallen comrades, has died. He was 102. Larson died Thursday, his granddaughter posted on social media, the AP reports. An animated speaker who charmed strangers with his quick smile and generous hugs, Larson, who lived in Lafayette, California, was "cracking jokes til the end,'' McKaela Larson wrote. Tributes quickly filled his "Story Time with Papa Jake" TikTok account. Towns around Normandy, still expressing gratitude to Allied forces who helped defeat the occupying Nazis, paid him homage.

Born Dec. 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age since he was only 15. In 1942, he was sent overseas and stationed in Northern Ireland, later becoming operations sergeant and assembling the planning books for the invasion of Normandy. He was among the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the shore on June 6, 1944, surviving machine-gun fire when he landed on Omaha Beach. He made it unhurt to the bluffs that overlook the beach, then studded with German gun emplacements that mowed down American soldiers. "We are the lucky ones," Larson told the AP at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June, speaking amid the immaculate rows of graves at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. "We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive."

He went on to fight through the Battle of the Bulge, one of the defining moments of the war. His service earned him a Bronze Star and a French Legion of Honor award. Larson made repeated trips to Normandy for D-Day commemorationsand at every stop, "Papa Jake" was greeted by people asking for a selfie. In return, he offered a big hug. In his TikTok posts and interviews, Larson combined humorous anecdotes with somber reminders about the horrors of war. Reflecting to AP on the three years he was in Europe, Larson said he is "no hero." Speaking in 2024, he also had a message to world leaders: "Make peace not war."

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He often called himself "the luckiest man in the world" and expressed awe at all the attention he was getting. "I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok," he said in 2023. "I'm a legend! I didn't plan this, it came about." Small-town museums and groups around Normandy that work to honor D-Day's heroes shared tributes online. "He was an exceptional witness and bearer of memory," the Overlord Museum posted on Facebook. "He came every year to the museum, with his smile, his humility and his tales that touched all generations. His stories will continue to live."
While both countries pressed their drone strikes on Sunday, Russia said it's willing to accept peace, provided its goals are achieved first. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his overnight address that his government had proposed that talks be held this week, and President Trump has given Russia a deadline for reaching a deal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin "has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible," a process Peskov described as long. "The main thing for us is to achieve our goals," he added, the AP reports. "Our goals are clear."

The Kremlin has insisted that any peace deal should see

Those goals include:

Territory : Ukraine withdrawing from the four regions that Russia illegally annexed in September 2022 but never fully captured.

: Ukraine withdrawing from the four regions that Russia illegally annexed in September 2022 but never fully captured. Allies : Ukraine to renounce its bid to join NATO.

: Ukraine to renounce its bid to join NATO. Military: Ukraine accepting limits on its armed forces.

"Prisoner exchanges. Return of children. End to the killings," Zelensky said, per ABC News . "And a meeting at the level of leaders is needed to truly ensure peacea really lasting one. Ukraine is ready for such a meeting."

A drone attack caused Moscow's four major airports to close temporarily, and at least 140 flights to be canceled, officials said, per the BBC. Moscow airports had to be closed 10 times in 24 hours, Russia's Association of Tour Operators said. Russia's Defense Ministry reported the military had downed more than 230 Ukrainian drones since Saturday morning, 27 of them over Moscow. Overnight strikes on Ukraine killed at least three people, regional officials said. Ukraine's air force said 57 Russian drones were launched, and 25 of them were downed or otherwise out of commission, per ABC.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.
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US Bancorp (NYSE:USB) is one of the best cheap stocks under $50 to buy now. On July 13, BofA raised the firms price target on US Bancorp (NYSE:USB) to $54 from $49, keeping a Buy rating on the shares.

U.S. Bancorp Shows Resilience as a Consistent Dividend Payer

An experienced banker on the trading floor, monitoring financial markets in real time.

The firm told investors that it adjusted its price targets on regional banks as part of a preview of the Q2 earnings season.

On June 18, US Bancorps (NYSE:USB) Board of Directors announced a regular quarterly dividend of $0.50 per common share to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 30, 2025. The annual dividend at this quarterly dividend rate comes up to $2.00 per common share.

US Bancorp (NYSE:USB) is a bank holding company that offers financial services including cash management, lending and depository services, foreign exchange, and trust and investment management.

It also offers refinance, mortgage, boat, and RV loans, credit card services, credit lines, auto, merchant, checking, and savings accounts, ATM processing, debit cards, insurance, and more.

While we acknowledge the potential of USB as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
OSAKA, Jul 20 (News On Japan) - More than 100 people a day have been seeking treatment for injuries or health issues at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which marked its third month in operation in mid-July. With sweltering summer heat bearing down on the venue, visitors have been turning to on-site clinics for urgent care.

Medical staff, including doctors and nurses, are working long hours to handle a steady stream of patients suffering from dehydration, falls, and other ailments.

At the West Gate Clinic, located near the western entrance to the Expo grounds, a team of four medical professionalsincluding emergency specialistsare on standby daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. One recent case involved a woman in her 80s who collapsed while waiting in line for a pavilion. She later told staff she hadnt been drinking water, unaware of how dehydrated she had become. After resting on a clinic bed for about 20 minutes, she was well enough to rejoin the event.

While the clinics are not equipped with X-rays or diagnostic machines, they have examination rooms and beds. In total, there are three main clinics across the site and five additional first-aid stations staffed by nurses. The facilities collectively respond to around 100 people daily, with one in five requiring a doctors consultation.

According to Mizuhashi, a professor overseeing the Expos medical services, many cases involve visitors who arrive early and feel unwell while waiting in line. "Some people try to push through discomfort because they've waited so long," he said. Navigating unfamiliar paths and crowded areas can also lead to falls, especially when visitors are distracted.

Heatstroke is one of the most common concerns. Since June, 36 people have been rushed to hospital with suspected heatstroke. The Expo has added more rest areas in an effort to prevent such incidents. "Its important to take breaks, stay hydrated, and not overexert yourself while viewing the pavilions," said one staff member.

One case involved a one-year-old girl who became unresponsive after repeated vomiting. She had shown signs of lethargy since morning and had barely eaten. A doctor diagnosed her as mildly dehydrated. Her family chose to leave early so she could rest at home.

Another visitor, a woman in her 50s, was brought in with pain in her right shoulder after falling on stairs near a pavilion entrance. A doctor suspected a fracture and advised her to seek further examination at a hospital.

In yet another case, a five-year-old boy who had been swinging his arm while playing dislocated his elbow. The orthopedist on duty quickly recognized the conditioncommon in young childrenand gently maneuvered the joint back into place. After confirming he could move his arm again, the boy was able to continue enjoying the Expo with his family.

Orthopedic specialist Ishiko, who treated the child, noted that the Expo setting calls for a different approach than a typical clinic. "People dont expect to fall ill or get injured when coming here. So we consider whether theyll be able to continue enjoying their day before deciding on a course of treatment," he said. "If they leave feeling reassured, thats what we hope for."

Even amid the excitement of the Expo, unexpected injuries and illnesses can happen. The clinic staff remain on high alert, ready to protect the health and safety of visitors each day.

Source: ABCTVnews
HOKKAIDO, Jul 20 (News On Japan) - A bear culled on July 18th in the southern Hokkaido town of Fukushima has been confirmed through DNA testing to match hair found on the clothing of a man who died on July 12th.

The male bear was killed in a residential area of Fukushima, where officials collected hair samples. According to researchers, the DNA from the bear matches that found on the clothes of a newspaper deliveryman who was fatally attacked, as well as other hair samples taken near the scene.

DNA analysis also revealed that the same bear was responsible for the death of a woman in her 70s in the town four years ago.

"I feel a bit safer knowing that this bear is no longer around, but we still need to stay cautious in our daily lives," said a local resident.

Following the bear's extermination, Hokkaido authorities downgraded the "brown bear warning" to a lower-level "advisory."

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Jul 20 (News On Japan) - Nissan Motor will shut down its historic Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture by the end of fiscal 2027, closing a facility that helped launch the Datsun Bluebird in 1961 and played a pivotal role in Japans personal car boom.

Currently, the Oppama plant manufactures compact models such as the Note and Aura. Although it has a production capacity of 240,000 vehicles annually, the facility is operating at roughly half that level.

Facing a net loss of more than 670 billion yen last fiscal year, Nissan unveiled a restructuring plan in May that includes halting operations at seven plants worldwide. As part of this overhaul, production at Oppama will be consolidated into the Kyushu plant. The company also plans to cut 20,000 jobs globallyaround 15% of its total workforce.

The scale of the production cuts and layoffs recalls the sweeping reforms introduced 26 years ago by then-CEO Carlos Ghosn. In fiscal 1999, when Nissan reported a similar loss of approximately 680 billion yen, Ghosn led a bold restructuring that closed five plants, including the Murayama facility known for producing iconic models like the Skyline and Gloria, and eliminated 20,000 jobsmirroring the scale of the current plan. That turnaround led to a V-shaped recovery within a year.

But whether Nissan can replicate that feat remains uncertain.

"In contrast to Ghosns cost-cutting era, todays auto industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation that makes recovery far more difficult," said economic journalist Inoue, an expert on the automotive sector.

The once-in-a-century transformation refers to the accelerating shift to BEVs (battery electric vehicles), hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. Vehicles not powered purely by gasoline or diesel have seen their global market share grow from around 9% to 26% over the past five years.

Chinese manufacturers are gaining significant ground in the EV market. While Tesla remains the global leader, companies like BYD, Geely, and Wulingall based in Chinaare closing in. Simultaneously, IT companies are reshaping the auto industry. For example, Baidu, Chinas top search engine provider, is developing autonomous driving technologies and commissioning automakers to produce vehiclesa collaboration that transcends traditional industry boundaries.

Inoue believes Nissan's response to this transformation will hinge on its relationship with Hon Hai, the Taiwanese electronics giant often discussed as a potential partner. "If Nissan joins forces with Hon Hai, known for its precision production of iPhone components, it could pave the way for advanced software-based 'next-generation vehicles'," he said.

Source: TBS
Key Points

Stock splits in influential businesses have excited investors.

Inclusive of stock dividends, Coca-Cola's shareholders have been privy to 11 stock-split events in 106 years.

Coca-Cola's competitive advantages -- and its 63-year (and counting) dividend growth streak -- are here to stay.

10 stocks we like better than Coca-Cola 

Wall Street typically has at least one next-big-thing trend to captivate the attention and wallets of investors. Stock-split euphoria certainly fits the bill.

A stock split provides a way for public companies to alter their share price and outstanding share count while having no impact on their market cap or operating performance. Forward splits, which are designed to make a company's shares more affordable for retail investors, are especially popular.

One brand-name company that's made stock splits part of its corporate culture for nearly a century is consumer staples giant Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO).

Image source: Getty Images.

Coca-Cola's stock-split history spans almost 100 years

Coca-Cola's initial public offering (IPO) occurred on Sept. 5, 1919, at $40 per share. Since 1927, it's navigated its way through one stock dividend and 10 forward splits:

April 1927 : 1-for-1 stock dividend

November 1935 : 4-for-1 stock split

January 1960 : 3-for-1

January 1965 : 2-for-1

May 1968 : 2-for-1

May 1977 : 2-for-1

June 1986 : 3-for-1

May 1990 : 2-for-1

May 1992 : 2-for-1

May 1996 : 2-for-1

July 2012: 2-for-1

If you had, hypothetically, purchased one share of Coca-Cola for $40 at its IPO in 1919, you'd have 9,216 shares presently worth $639,222, not including dividends, as of the closing bell on July 15.

Coca-Cola's competitive advantages are here to stay

Coca-Cola's eye-popping long-term outperformance is a reflection of its geographic diversity and top-tier marketing. With regard to the former, it has ongoing operations in all but three countries and is moving the organic growth needle thanks to emerging markets.

Meanwhile, it's relying on its over 100 years of history to engage mature consumers, and is leaning on artificial intelligence and social media to interact with younger audiences. Coca-Cola's phenomenal marketing is why its brand has been the most-chosen from retail shelves for 12 consecutive years, per Kantar's "Brand Footprint" report.

With a 63-year streak of annual dividend raises in its sails, it's safe to say Coca-Cola stock is as rock-solid as they come.

Do the experts think Coca-Cola is a buy right now?

The Motley Fools expert analyst team, drawing on years of investing experience and deep analysis of thousands of stocks, leverages our proprietary Moneyball AI investing database to uncover top opportunities. Theyve just revealed their 10 best stocks to buy now  did Coca-Cola make the list?
A 14-year-old boy died after an bicycle collided with a vehicle in Somers Point on July 17, police said. Canva for NJ.com

A 14-year-old boy riding an e-bike died after a collision with a vehicle in Somers Point, police said in a statement.

Officers were called to the area of Maryland Avenue and the bike path shortly before 8 p.m. on Thursday for a reported collision involving a vehicle and a cyclist.

Responders initially transported the teen, of Egg Harbor Township, to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Centers trauma unit. He was later flown to Cooper Trauma Center, where he died from his injuries.

Investigators do not believe speed or alcohol contributed to the collision, according to the department. The driver involved  a 47-year-old woman from Philadelphia  was not hurt, and her three juvenile passengers were also uninjured, police said.

The Somers Point Police Department is continuing to investigate with assistance from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office.

Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com.
The great-granddaughter of the inventor of condensed soup has joined the fam at Campbells, the company announced this week. The daughter of late billionaire Campbells heiress Mary Alice Dorrance Malone will serve on the board following her mothers death last month.

The Campbells Company on Friday announced it had elected 42-year-old luxury fashion entrepreneur Mary Alice Dorrance Malone Jr. to its board, continuing a family legacy that has spanned more than a century.

Malone Jr. is filling a board seat at the Fortune 500 company that her mother, with whom she shares the name Mary Alice Dorrance Malone, held for 35 years before passing away in June 2025 at the age of 75. The billionaire was Campbells largest shareholder and the longest-tenured member of the board, at one point even fending off an activist attack from Daniel Loebs hedge fund. Malone Jr. is also the great-granddaughter of Dr. John T. Dorrance, who invented condensed soup and served as president of the company from 1914 to 1930. Her grandfather, John T. Dorrance Jr., chaired Campbells from 1962 to 1984. Other members of Malone Jr.s family including Bennett Dorrance Jr. and Archbold D. van Beuren also serve on the board.

Collectively, the Dorrance family holds more than 23% of the company, and Forbes counts the family as among Americas richest, with a net worth valued at $17 billion.

However, Malone Jr.s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Campbells. The companys stock price has dropped more than 25% year to date. It renamed itself from Campbell Soup Company to The Campbells Company in November 2024 to better reflect its other standout brands which include Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Pepperidge Farm, Swanson, and V8. In recent years, the company has shifted its portfolio mix with total sales focused more on revenues from snacks and brands such as Raos rather than core soup operations.

The board executed a CEO transition at the start of the year. Mick Beekhuizen, another Gen Xer at age 48, took the role effective in February. Malone Jr. brings with her nearly 20 years in the fashion business, having founded luxury shoe line Malone Souliers in 2014, where she serves as chief brand director. The lines iconic Maurene leather mule retails for more than $600 and is handcrafted in Italy. The company has also partnered with Netflix series Emily in Paris and Bridgerton, according to its website.

In a statement, Campbells board chair Keith McLoughlin welcomed her to the team.

Mary Alices unique blend of creative, analytical and entrepreneurial experience and deep appreciation of Campbells history will be an asset to the Board and the company, said McLouglin.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Two cities in Hudson County recently banned the use of rent-setting algorithms that rely on software and non-public data to determine rental prices that often gouge tenants.

Both Jersey City and Hoboken have taken action this year to prevent landlords from using such algorithms to potentially inflate rental costs through coordinated pricing strategies using the software.

However, these cities arent the only ones pushing back against the software and high rents.

Cities across the country are fighting against it.

The New Jersey Attorney General and federal officials got involved last year with separate lawsuits against companies that provide price fixing software.

The Justice Department, along with the Attorneys General of North Carolina, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit last year against RealPage Inc. for its unlawful scheme to decrease competition among landlords in apartment pricing and to monopolize the market for commercial revenue management software that landlords use to price apartments, according to a statement from the department.

RealPages alleged conduct deprives renters of the benefits of competition on apartment leasing terms and harms millions of Americans, the statement said.

Real Page spokesperson Jennifer Bowcock sent an email message responding to the statement which said:

We are disappointed to hear about Jersey City and Hoboken passing legislation that will ban the use of certain nonpublic data in our revenue management software, as we believe such data can be used in pro-competitive ways that benefit the entire rental housing ecosystem, including renters and housing providers.

The bans on the price fixing software reflect a growing movement in New Jersey and across the country.

Those fighting back claim algorithmic price fixing for rent is unfair because it can lead to artificially inflated prices and reduced competition, making housing less affordable for tenants.

These algorithms analyze data to suggest prices that maximize profits for landlords, potentially ignoring market conditions and preventing tenants from negotiating better deals.

Ultimately, it can create a situation where tenants are forced to pay more than they would in a truly competitive market, opponents say.

Last year, San Francisco made history by implementing the nations first ban on software that uses algorithms to set rents for tenants, according to the citys website.

In Philadelphia, legislation restricting the use of nonpublic competitor data in setting rental prices was passed in 2024, according to the citys website. Other cities like Minneapolis and San Diego are also cracking down with their own bans set up in the spring.

In New Jersey, Jersey City became the first municipality in New Jersey to ban these algorithms when it took action in May. Hoboken soon followed in July.

Officials say these measures aim to protect tenants from potentially unfair and artificial rents by prohibiting the use of software that shares data between landlords to determine prices.

Both Jersey City and Hoboken officials have expressed support for statewide legislation banning the use of such rent-setting algorithms.

Several bills have been introduced in the New Jersey Legislature to address this issue. One that would prohibit the use and sale of algorithmic devices for setting rent and another that make using those systems illegal.

The New Jersey Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against RealPage and 10 large New Jersey landlords, alleging a rent-raising scheme that violates antitrust and consumer protection laws by using algorithmic software to collude and suppress competition.

The property management software company RealPage, based in Texas, and the landlords allegedly used a pricing software that forced tens of thousands of New Jerseyans to overpay for rent, state Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.

Im not going to tolerate corporate greed that violates the law and hurts our residents, Platkin said previously. Our lawsuit today is seeking to make RealPage both stop their illegal conduct and pay back their illegal profits.

The RealPage statement also said:

Our revenue management software has always been purposely designed to comply with the law and was configured to comply with these ill-advised ordinances before they became effective. Revenue management software is used across many industries. Our revenue management software recommends pricing in all directions based on the supply and demand at our customers specific properties. The software is one of the tools that our customers use to price their units, and customers have always been in control of whether they accept or reject pricing recommendations.

The ordinances misplaced focus on banning the use of certain information in pricing software is a distraction and convenient scapegoat which avoids the real problems. Banning important components of pricing technology and that benefit residents, property managers, and the rental housing ecosystem as a whole may be good politically, but it does nothing to make housing more affordable and actually could make it worse.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Stephanie Loder may be reached at SLoder@njadvancemedia.com.
(l-r) Neighbor Tom Riley, Juilan Rajan, Ash Rajan, Mariette Rajan, Alexandra Rajan (with baby Jean-Luc), Jean-Paul Baudet and Councilman Nicolas Platt visit the fallen oak tree, believed to be 600 years old on the Rajan property in Harding Township. 07/18/2025 Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance

The mighty White Oak that seems to have been standing forever off Lees Hill Road in Harding Township has finally fallen.

The landmark tree called the Warren Kinney Oak is believed to have taken root even before Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain in 1492. To locals, it seemed like the huge tree had always been there  and always would remain.

But a fungus that gnawed at the wood in recent years hollowed out the trunk, and the tree came crashing down when the wind whipped up late in the afternoon of June 30.

Ive lived with that tree all my life, said Tom Riley, 35, a Harding resident who lives nearby. Winter, spring, summer fall, Ive passed that tree thousands of times, and now its gone.

The massive oak stood more than 80 feet high and was 25 feet wide at its base. It had been kept alive by the descendants of Warren Kinney who once farmed the land and instructed his family to care for the tree after he died in 1975.

When fungus set in and the tree began rotting from within, the Kinney family hired tree surgeons who poured concrete into the trunk to stabilize the oak. The surgical procedure worked, but after a huge branch cracked and fell off last summer, the trees days were numbered.

The old oak tree at the corner of Lee's Hill and Lindsey Roads in Harding Township, believed to be 600 years old, finally fell on June 30, 2025. 07/18/2025 Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance

Platt said the oak was unbalanced after losing the massive branch, and a strong wind came up on June 30 from an unusual direction and knocked it over.

Its been like a labor of love for a lot of people to keep this tree going, said Nicolas Platt, a Harding committee member and former mayor. Now that its gone, it feels like the whole town is in mourning.

Harding Township Committeeman Nicolas Platt examines the bent stabilizing rod on the fallen oak tree, believed to be 600 years old, at the intersection of Lee's Hill and Lindsley Roads in Harding Township. 07/18/2025 Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance

No one knows exactly how old the Kinney tree is, but a White Oak that was taken down in the cemetery of the Presbyterian Church in neighboring Basking Ridge in 2017 proved to be 619 years old.

Continental Army troops were encamped in Harding and Basking Ridge during the American Revolution. The big oak was already pretty big back then.

Theres a very good chance that Gen. George Washington rode by on his horse and looked up and said wow! what a big tree, Platt said.

Platt said the Kinney oak is bigger, and likely older. But residents wont know for sure until the tree is cut up and a slice is removed from the center to count the rings.

Platt said hes contacted Frank Pollaro, a Harding resident who runs a custom furniture business in Hillside. Pollaro cut a slab from the Basking Ridge tree that is now on display in the Presbyterian church hall; Platt hopes to do the same at the Harding municipal building.

This is not the end of the story. This is just the beginning, Platt. Because this is a well-travelled road, and the tree has stood alone for so long, everyone knows of this tree.

Well probably have to cut the slab in half just to get it through the door, Platt said. Once the tree is cut, its age can be determined by counting the rings inside the trunk.

For now, though, the Kinney oak remains on the patch of ground that was once owned by Warren Kinney, an heir to the fortune made by the Kinney Tobacco Company. Kinney once owned 300 acres in the New Vernon section of Harding, which he farmed and took special care of the oak tree that stood long before the first pilgrims arrived.

The land is now owned by the Rajan family, whose house is next to a field over which the oak had spread its humongous branches. Theyve lived there since 2012, abiding by an easement that allows the Kinney family to come onto the property to maintain the tree.

Like everyone else, the Rajans fell in love with the big oak and the shade it cast on a hot summer day.

When we first moved in, my daughter Alexandra was just a teenager, Mariette Rajan recalled. She said, someday Im going to get married under that tree. And she made it happen.

Although a fungus was already gnawing at the tree, Alexandra and Jean-Paul Baudet stood under the tree on June 25, 2022 and exchanged wedding vows. Afterwards, the families of the bride and groom joined hands and formed a human chain around the tree.

It was a beautiful ceremony, Mariette recalled. Some of the neighbors stopped by to take a look. I dont know if anything like that had been done before.

Alexandra Rajan married Jean-Paul iBaudet n the shade of the Warren Kinney Oak. Courtesy of Alexandra Rajan

Three years to the day of the wedding, Alexandra and Jean-Paul welcomed their first child, a son, Jean-Luc. The Rajans were all home when the tree fell five days later during a late afternoon wind storm.

Alexandra said the baby was originally due on June 30. We believe the tree took the evil eye away from our family in having this healthy baby, she said. And its passing on new life.

Alexandras brother Julian described hearing a tremendous thud when the tree came down. Jean-Paul was working in the garage, and remembers the air was filled with the smell of raw oak, as the life seeped out of the tree.

Jean-Paul said he went back inside and took his infant son out of the crib and brought him to the fallen tree. The father then laid his sons hand and feet on the tree.

Im not a particularly spiritual man, but I felt it was a moment of reincarnation, he said. A transfer of life energy.

Jean-Paul Baudet with his infant son, Jean-Luc at the tree after it fell on June 30. Baudet pressed his son's hands and feet to the oak in a moment that felt like reincarnation, he said. Courtesy of Alexandra Rajan

Sure, we are heartbroken, but out of this tree has come new life, Alexandra added.

In the three weeks since the tree fell, the once-green canopy has turned brown and the leaves have shriveled. Ash Rajan, the property owner, says his goal is to have the tree removed with dignity.

Rajan said hes open to suggestions from the community, like maybe holding a candlelight vigil he said.

Meanwhile, new growth has sprung up under the tree. A few seeds that were dropped during the crash have taken root, and a few oak shoots have popped up.

During a recent visit, Riley spotted an oak sapling popping up from the ground. He dug his hand under a clump of dirt, picked up the sapling and took it home. Im going to plant it, he said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com.
Were going to have to find a new term for 100 year floods, because theyre occurring with a shocking regularity that belies their name. New Jersey, and much of the Northeast for that matter, saw historic flooding this past week as massive storms dropped rain across the map at the rate of 6.5 inches over the course of a few hours. Let me save you the trouble, because I looked it up, and thats a lot. The flooding was intense, rivers overflowed their banks and started running through neighborhoods while the New York City subway looked like a scene out of Final Destination as riders peered warily out the windows while floodwaters rose quickly up the sides of the cars. At least two people are dead, homes were destroyed, lives have been uprooted and its only going to get worse.

It must be a tough time to be a climate change denier. I understand that there are a bunch of folks out there, some in cable news and some in politics, who have made climate denial a large part of their personality, but come on, havent you seen enough? Theres plenty of science on the matter, but since science and expertise have fallen out of favor for the moment, just open a window. If you dont want to believe the science, trust the evidence floating down your street and flooding your basement with increasing regularity. Extreme weather events of this scale and frequency are not normal! Actually, let me correct myself, extreme weather events of this scale and frequency are the new normal. Fixed it.

Climate change is here and regardless of party affiliation, we all have to deal with it, so lets quickly review where we are. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration? Gutted. National Weather Service? Same. Offshore wind projects? Moth balled. Solar and EV subsidies? Cut. Anyone within spitting distance of the Atlantic Ocean? Screwed.

The time for sweeping climate action was thirty years ago, now our only hope is to play catch up and hope we can ameliorate some of the damage, but all hands on deck is not the vibe Im getting from the current administration. Instead of doing everything humanly possible to avoid Montclair becoming beachfront property, Trump is opening up portions of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, despite the fact that no one wants to drill there. The last two oil lease auctions received zero bids because big oil companies like money and its its way cheaper to frack the entirety of the Midwest until their drinking water is pure methane than it is to siphon dinosaur juice out of the frozen tundra. I read an article today that Sandy Hook has a lifeguard shortage, but I wouldnt worry too much about it, at the rate were going Sandy Hook is going to be a commemorative buoy in no time.

Drew Sheneman has drawn political cartoons for The Star-Ledger since 1998. His work is syndicated nationally through Tribune Content Agency. Find him at Drew Shenemans Cartoon Cavalcade.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.
Rick and Morty season 8 is almost over, but we still have two more episodes. The divisive, beloved, and reviled modern classic sci-fi comedy series will air a new episode on Adult Swim/Cartoon Network on Sunday, July 20 at 11 p.m. You can watch it live on either Sling TV (half off first month) or DIRECTV (free trial).

Its always a challenge to figure out what any given episode of Rick and Morty is about before it airs, but heres what we can discern from the information we have. The 9th episode will be titled Morty Daddy, which is likely a reference to Mortys son, Morty Jr., and a nod to the term Baby Daddy. It may also be a reference to the 2012 Freeform/ABC Family series Baby Daddy, which was created by Dan Berendsen, but this seems like an unusual reference point for the series.

According to the Rick and Morty episodes official description, Summer and Rick will go out to eat, while Morty reconnects with someone from his past.

Sling TV Sling TV offers tons of channels at the best price in the industry. Buy Now

Rick and Morty follows the chaotic, cynical spacetime adventures of Rick Sanchez and his grandson, Morty, as they wreak (somewhat) unintentional havoc across galaxies and dimensions. Sometimes Mortys sister, Summer, comes along, too.

The show is perhaps most famous for the way it ruthlessly riffs on pop culture and media in a way that extends beyond the sci-fi material you might expect it to target. The series is also notable for its cast, starring Chris Parnell, Sarah Chalke, and Spencer Grammer, along with Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden as the titular characters. Cardoni and Belden replaced Justin Roiland after Roiland faced various allegations of misconduct and abuse in 2023.

Heres a look at everything you need to know to watch the latest episode, and the rest of season 8.

How to watch Rick and Morty for free

The cheaper way to watch Rick and Morty is to sign up for Sling TV, which will give you half off your first month.

However, DIRECTV is also worth considering if youre looking for a solution to cutting the cord in the long term, with more channels and variety in addition to Adult Swim content. It also offers a free trial.

Streaming Service Cost Free Trial? DIRECTV $74.99 Yes Sling TV $45-$60 No

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Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com.
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Charles Schwab Corp. (SCHW), the fifth-largest U.S. ETF issuer, said assets in its exchange-traded funds rose 26% during the second quarter, compared with the year-earlier period, as stock markets gained and investors picked up shares of the companys funds.

Total ETF assets in the companys proprietary exchange-traded funds jumped to $439.7 billion, the Westlake, Texas-based company said in a press statement. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, assets rose 11% to $398.2 billion. Schwab manages 34 ETFs, according to FactSet.

The companys ETF assets swelled on a mix of market gains and inflows and thanks to one million new brokerage accounts that pulled in $80.3 billion.

The S&P 500, as measured by the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Trust (VOO), gained 11% during the quarter, pulling out of a brief bear market sparked by President Donald Trumps tariff wars and rallying on computing, artificial intelligence and mining companies.

SCHD, SCHX Pull in Investor Cash

At the same time, investors poured billions into Schwabs equity and other funds. Its largest, the $70.3 billion Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD), pulled in $1.8 billion, nearly seven times the amount during last years second quarter but about half as much as the first quarter's $3.8 billion.

Its No. 2 fund, the $56.6 billion Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX), had net inflows of $559.7 million during the second quarter.

The company didn't provide total flows into its proprietary ETFs for the quarter in its release, though etf.com has requested the information.

Schwab's 5 Largest ETFs

Ticker Fund Name AUM Expense Ratio Three-Month Total Return Segment SCHD Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF $70.3B 0.06% 7.8% Equity: U.S. - High Dividend Yield SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF $56.6B 0.03% 20.1% Equity: U.S. - Large Cap SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF $48.2B 0.03% 12.3% Equity: Developed Markets Ex-U.S. - Total Market SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF $45.1B 0.04% 25.6% Equity: U.S. - Large Cap Growth SCHB Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF $34.7B 0.03% 20.2% Equity: U.S. - Total Market

Source: etf.com & FactSet data

Rising Markets Boost ETF Issuers

Second-quarter market gains boosted other ETF issuers as well. The largest, Blackrock Inc. (BLK), said this week that its iShares ETF franchise attracted $85 billion in net flows during the second quarter and ETF assets under management reached $4.7 trillion.

State Street Corp. (STT), the No. 3 issuer, said earlier this week that second-quarter ETF inflows more than doubled to $15 billion year over year.

Schwabs shares jumped as much as 4.7% on Friday to an intraday record of $97.50. It reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.14, beating estimates of $1.10, according to Barrons.
Proudly American: How Two Louisiana Companies Anchor U.S. Leadership in the Gulf Menhaden Fishery
The indictment shines a harsh light on Hunsicker, but might take some of the heat off of CaaStles board , which was responsible for overseeing her.

Christine Hunsicker allegedly submitted fraudulent financial statements to swindle investors and banks of more than $300 million, FBI assistant director in charge Christopher Raia said in a statement Friday. This alleged scheme was stitched together with repeated deception and misinformation, ultimately betraying the trust of the defendants clients.

But according to the growing stack of legal paperwork, Hunsicker was not just tiptoeing across the line, but sprinting past it, doctoring audit reports, falsifying other documents, faking a screen shot of CaaStles bank accounts and overstating revenues by more than 7,300 percent.

While a certain amount of hyperbole is generally tolerated when chief executive officers of private companies tout their businesses and cite revenue figures that are, well, optimistic, things necessarily get real and the financials are laid bare when investors buy in.

More than a little too smart, according to the indictment, a separate suit by the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday and pending cases against her and CaaStle in federal and New York state court.

Not very long ago Hunsicker was an on-the-rise entrepreneur in fashion, very practiced at selling herself and the future of rental and seen as a very smart fundraiser.

Hunsicker, 48, surrendered herself to authorities on Friday morning and was due to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge later in the day. The wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison while the making false statements to a financial institution charge could cost her as much as 30 years in prison. A lawyer representing her on a separate federal case did not immediately return a WWD request for comment.

The U.S. Attorneys office in Manhattan unsealed an indictment against Hunsicker on Friday, laying out charges of wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, making false statements to a financial institution and aggravated identity theft.

The next shoe has fallen for Christine Hunsicker  who built CaaStle up to be the future of fashion rental only to have it all disappear into scandal, a Chapter 7 liquidation, a host of lawsuits and, now, a $300 million federal indictment for fraud.

Story Continues

From the indictment, I think the board gets a little relief, said Douglas Hand, an attorney who specializes in fashion. Hunsicker was really rogue here, beyond what a board or audit committee could easily catch. You dont often see this kind of egregious behavior in fashion deals but often do from tech deals  it underscores for me that the company was a tech platform first and foremost.

While there are any number of people in tech and fashion looking to raise money for their companies, Hunsicker was much more successful than most, selling her dreams to well-known and sophisticated players, reportedly investor Bill Ackman among them.

Hunsicker solicited investments from prominent venture capitalists  including investors located in Manhattan, New York  and, at times, valued the CaaStle business at more than $1.4 billion, the attorney generals statement said. In fact, and as Hunsicker well knew, CaaStle was in financial distress with limited available cash and significant expenses.

In one case, Hunsicker sent an investor an income statement showing CaaStle had an operating profit of nearly $24 million in the second quarter of 2023, when operating profits actually tallied less than $30,000.

She is charged with fraudulently inducing more than $275 million in investments between February 2019 and March this year  more than half the $520.9 million CaaStle raised since it was founded 14 years ago.

There were some close calls along the way.

In October 2023, Hunsicker was almost caught when an auditor approached her about a false report that she gave to an investor.

During a call with the audit firm, Hunsicker falsely claimed that she had created the fake audit in connection with a lecture that she gave at Princeton University, and that sending the audit to Investor-2 had been a one-time error, unrelated to the solicitation of any investment, the indictment said. In fact, there was no such lecture, and Hunsicker had provided two fabricated audits to Investor-2 while soliciting an investment from Investor-2. Just a few hours before the call with the audit firm, Hunsicker had conducted internet searches for fraud, created an audit firm fake.

A year later, Hunsicker was out in the market with a new venture  P180, a partnership with industry veteran Brendan Hoffman.

Hoffman was keen to invest in fashion brands, plug them into CaaStle and use rental to boost profits by side stepping steep markdowns on slow-moving inventory.

P180 did start to do its dealmaking, linking up with Altuzarra last year. But as P180 was gearing up for its biggest deal  buying control of the publicly traded Vince Holdings  Hunsickers role at CaaStle was already unraveling.

She was removed as chairman of CaaStle in December and, although she remained chief executive officer, she was prohibited from taking any actions on behalf of the company.

Hunsicker is alleged to have had other motives for P180.

The government said Hunsicker intended to sell millions of P180 securities  in the form of shares and convertible notes  to existing CaaStle investors and then to funnel that money back to CaaStle disguised as payments by P180 for the use of CaaStles technology.

But just as she had done to raise money for CaaStle, Hunsicker attempted to raise money for P180 by providing prospective investors with false information regarding CaaStles commercial success, the indictment said. In addition to repeating affirmative misstatements about CaaStles revenue, income, and operating profit, Hunsicker also failed to disclose that her prior representations regarding CaaStles financial performance  including those made through fake documents  had been false and thus that P180 would not have the strong commercial engine in CaaStle that Hunsicker claimed.

Hunsicker used false information about CaaStles success to raise about $30 million for P180, as well as a $20 million personal loan from a bank, according to the indictment.

Even as the wheels were coming off, Hunsicker tried to sell $19 million in CaaStle shares in February to an investor, whom she continued to court even after law enforcement officials seized her electronic devices in March.

When P180 sued the rental company in New York state court in April, the company said: Nothing about CaaStle was true. CaaStle is one of the largest frauds in history and will live in infamy alongside the likes of Theranos, [Bernie] Madoff and Enron.

CaaStle filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on June 20 and is expected to be liquidated.

For Hunsicker, who was once a judge on a Project Runway spin-off, featured on Crains New York Business 40 Under 40 list and selected as one of Inc.s Most Impressive Women Entrepreneurs, its been a hard fall and one that is still reverberating through fashion  although without the impact that it would have had if CaaStles business were really as large as advertised.

Given that both fashion brands and women entrepreneurs have a harder time attracting investment capital than stereotypical tech guys with a startup, this may have indirect negative effects for the industry, said Susan Scafidi, founder and director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham Law School. Whatever the ultimate truth of the allegations, its sad to see another female founder go up in flames.

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Triggered by a mental health crisis and protected by a tactical vest, Brian Anthony Browning clutched a rifle in one hand and a handgun in the other.

He recklessly drove into the church parking lot during a Sunday morning service with more than 100 parishioners inside. Browning exited his car and headed toward the church. His intent was to harm or kill people, and he began doing so while approaching the church, police said.

A church deacon who was running late for the service watched the scene play out from his Ford F-150 pickup truck in the parking lot. He made the split-second decision to use his vehicle as a weapon when he realized that waiting for first responders was not an option.

The deacon, a man named Richard Pryor, gunned his accelerator and rammed Browning despite taking multiple shots to his truck.

I didnt have a weapon on me, in the truck or anything, so what are your options? Pryor told The Associated Press.

This exchange took place last month at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan. Could a similar scenario happen at a church in our Region on any given Sunday?

The times we live in, anything could happen, said Don Ramirez, senior pastor of The Cross Church in East Chicago. May God forbid such a situation.

God may forbid such a tragedy, but it hasnt stopped active shooter situations in our country. Blame it on Satan or mental illness or the ridiculous amount of guns, it doesnt change the reality of potential dangers at churches, synagogues, temples and other places of worship. Most of those institutions of faith have implemented security measures during services, just in case, including The Cross Church in East Chicago.

We have measures in place in the event a situation should arise, Ramirez said. I have a police officer on staff, as well as volunteer security, and they do regular meetings.

We trust God to keep us safe

Pastor Eric Schlichting at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in St. John doesnt have a specific concern about something happening at his church. But he knows such attacks can happen anywhere at any time.

As a leader in the congregation, part of my calling is to help make sure this is a place where people are safe, Schlichting said. Unfortunately, today that means considering the possibility that someone would attack people gathered for worship and prayer.

He cited biblical scripture to illustrate the concept of God protecting churches.

I think of Satan taking Jesus to the top of the temple and saying, If you're the son of God, throw yourself down from here because scripture says the angels will lift you up, Schlichting said. I'm sure Jesus knew God would protect him, but Jesus didn't jump off the building. He said, Don't put God to the test.

God is at work in the ways we learn from one another and build each other up, Schlichting said.

He and Ramirez are among two dozen other Region pastors who will be attending an active shooter training seminar hosted by the Lake County Prosecutors Office and Lake County Sheriffs Department. The training Wednesday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, will take place at the Purdue Extension Building, 2293 N. Main St., in Crown Point, across from the Lake County Government Center.

This training gives our clergy the tools they need to protect themselves and their congregations, Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said in a statement. We owe it to our faith leaders and the communities they serve to help them be as prepared as possible.

The training will be led by Lake County Sheriff's police officer Rex Ibarra, who is certified in multiple disciplines for these types of attacks. The session will include strategies for situational awareness, how to respond under high-stress conditions, communication protocols during a crisis and practical steps for minimizing casualties and chaos in the event of an active shooter threat.

We trust God to keep us safe, and part of how God does this is putting tools in front of us, including the knowledge the prosecutor's office will share with us, Schlichting said. I think this opportunity is a good reason to review some of what I've learned along the way and pick up some new thoughts on how to keep people safe as they worship.

Sacred space security

Other clergy members in Northwest Indiana shared similar religious frames of mind to address the possibility that evil or deranged people could attack historically vulnerable sacred spaces. And yet every pastor I spoke with has security measures in place to prevent the unthinkable or mitigate the incomprehensible.

We have a volunteer safety team in place that takes advantage of trainings similar to this from time to time, said Greg Lee, senior pastor at Suncrest Christian Church in St. John. Someone from our team would definitely be interested.

Pastor Rick Cochran at Living Hope Church in Merrillville said his churchs head of security is Lawrence Thurmond, a former Lake County police officer.

I tend to yield to his opinion on all things  safety, security and training, Cochran said.

Is it possible to prepare enough for an active shooter attack? No. In fact, preventing one can be interpreted as an act of God or a miracle. This is how the thwarted attack in Michigan has played out this past month. That church deacon has been called a hero for delaying the shooter from entering CrossPointe Church until armed security staffers fatally shot Browning.

Was that God at work at that moment, or simply well-trained security measures that prevented a large-scale mass shooting? It all comes down to your perspective on divine intervention versus human intervention. Or maybe it was the intersection of the two.

We cant depend on faith or miracles or divine providence to counter active shooter incidents at churches, including Texas, Kentucky and other states this year. Beyond prayers, scripture and religious rituals, it comes down to weaponry, strategy and effectiveness to successfully negate or disarm a confrontation.

As an armed security guard at the Michigan church told the media after the fatal counterattack, You are your own first responder.

For more information or to register for the training, contact the prosecutors office at mmaldonado@lakepros.org.
This is Oregon Insight, a weekly look at the numbers behind the state's economy from The Oregonian. File photo

About half of states nationwide have more deaths than births. Including Oregon.

Thats been true since 2020 and it reflects Oregons unusually aged population and especially low birth rate. Approximately 1.1 Oregonians died last year for each one born, according to new Census data.

In some parts of the state the rate is much higher, with twice as many deaths as births. Curry County on Oregons southern coast had three deaths for every birth.

Those relatively high death rates are the result of older populations, particularly in rural parts of the state. That means the population in these counties are likely to decline significantly unless they find a way to attract new residents.

Oregon faces the same issue, statewide, albeit less acutely.

Deaths outnumber births in 29 of Oregons 36 counties. Demographers say the state is facing a natural decrease in population and has to rely on migration to maintain or grow its population.

Thats been an issue since the pandemic, with fewer people moving to Oregon and more people moving away. In recent years, the state has depended on immigrants from other countries to maintain its population because the number people of leaving for other parts of the United States has outnumbered those moving in from other states.

A shrinking population would have profound effects on Oregons labor market and tax base, which could result in fewer public services and slower economic growth.

Any population declines are likely to be small, though, at least for the foreseeable future. Thats because in Oregons largest counties  Multnomah and Washington  births still outnumber deaths.

Washington County has the greatest natural population increase of any county in the state last year, with nearly 50% more births than deaths.

This is Oregon Insight, The Oregonians weekly look at the numbers behind the states economy. View past installments here.
Parker-Hannifin Corporation Inc. (NYSE:PH) is one of the Best Industrial Automation Stocks to Buy for the Next Decade. Citi analyst Andrew Kaplowitz has lifted the firms price target on Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH) to $831 from $709, while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. The adjustment comes as part of Citis broader outlook revision for the industrial conglomerate space ahead of second-quarter earnings.

Citi Raises Parker-Hannifin (PH) Price Target, Maintains Buy Rating

Kaplowitz noted that demand trends across the sector have remained resilient despite macro uncertainty. Citi expects most companies in the group to deliver solid Q2 results and offer modest upgrades to their 2025 earnings forecasts. Parker-Hannifin stands out for its strong execution and exposure to long-cycle, high-margin businesses.

The firm pointed to Parkers expanding footprint in automation, aerospace, and engineered materials as a driver of earnings consistency. Its recent acquisitions, particularly the integration of Meggitt, have strengthened the companys presence in motion and control technologies used across industrial and defense markets.

Parker has also benefited from increased investment in smart manufacturing, where its hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical systems play a central role in automating complex operations. Margin expansion, disciplined capital allocation, and healthy order backlogs were also cited as tailwinds heading into the second half of the year.

Parker-Hannifin supports industrial automation with motion control systems, sensors, and fluid technologies that drive efficiency in manufacturing and aerospace.

While we acknowledge the potential of PH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: Top 10 Healthcare AI Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds and 10 Consumer Defensive Stocks to Buy Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Portland police are investigating several stabbings at a pop-up rave near the river on Saturday morning. Canva for NJ.com

Portland police say four teens were stabbed at an early morning rave along the Eastbank Esplanade in Southeast Portland on Saturday. They arrested a 19-year-old on suspicion of assault.

Officers say several fights broke out near the riverfront at Southeast Salmon Street where hundreds attended a pop-up outdoor rave. Police responded to a call about a stabbing at the party around 3:30 a.m. and found four people with knife wounds: three men in their late teens and one teenage boy. Two had serious injuries that were not life-threatening, police said, and the other two had minor wounds.

Officers arrested one of the injured men, Peter Chalukian of Hillsboro, in connection with the stabbings. He is detained at the Multnomah County Detention Center on suspicion of assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

Portland police are looking for more information about the stabbings and have asked anyone who witnessed or recorded video of the incident to email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 25-192630.
Portland fire is asking for the public's help investigating several "suspicious" blazes in Northeast Portland on early Sunday morning. This charred stump in Irving Park was among the casualties. Therese Bottomly

Portland fire investigators are scrutinizing a series of suspicious blazes in Northeast Portland on Sunday morning and asking the public for help.

The agency put out seven fires in the area near Irving Park on early Sunday morning. Firefighters first responded to calls about a tent trailer on fire around 4 a.m, then got dispatched to a series of other small fires near the park. They included:

- Two stumps, a dumpster and a shed inside Irving Park.

- The garage door of a home.

- A utility trailer on Northeast 8th Avenue.

Portland Fire & Rescue is asking members of the public with information about the fires, or with video footage of the area recorded between 3:30 and 5 a.m., to please contact jason.andersen@police.portlandoregon.gov.
Portland police are investigating a homicide in Southeast Portland on Saturday. LC- THE OREGONIAN

Vancouver police arrested a man they believe killed a woman on Saturday inside a Southeast Portland home where several children were present.

Portland police responded to calls about a stabbing at the home on Southeast 143rd Court around 12:30 on Saturday afternoon, the Portland Police Bureau said in a news release. They found an injured woman who ultimately died at the scene, the news release said.

Police also found five children inside the home. The children were not injured, police said, and they were evacuated from the house while officers searched for a suspect.

Officers located the man they suspect of killing the woman in Vancouver on Saturday afternoon. Vancouver police arrested him just before 4 p.m.

Police have not yet identified the suspect or the woman killed on Saturday, nor have they released any information about how the two were connected.
Daren Todd is a Portland based artist who has a mural in the newest library. Allison Barr/The Oregonian

Amirah Chatman walked into a spacious community room on Saturday and took in the floor-to-ceiling wall of color in front of her.

Pastel colors  soft blues, light oranges, warm reds  formed textured swirls on the mural that covered more than 600 square feet in one of the ground floor rooms of the Albina Library.

How beautiful, she said as she entered the room with her fiance, Daniel Coggins. This is crazy.

Although Chatman created the design herself, it was her first time seeing it printed along the length of an entire wall: The original work was only a few feet across before it was digitally scanned and reproduced on a gargantuan scale.

Amirah Chatman sees her mural on the library's walls for the first time. Allison Barr/The Oregonian

Outside the windows of the community room, another mural decorated the two-story high wall of a courtyard at the center of the library  the work of Portland-based artist Daren Todd. Other paintings and sculptures by local artists decorated the walls, sat on plinths or hung from the ceiling.

And around 10 a.m. Saturday, all of the new artwork was free for the public to peruse when the library reopened its doors for the first time since it was closed for renovations in March 2023.

36 1 / 36 Albina Library Reopening 2025

The renovation at Albina  which cost roughly $55 million  marks the fourth library Multnomah County has upgraded since voters approved a capital bond measure to modernize libraries in 2020. The new two-story Albina Library features 30,000 square feet of space, multiple community rooms, a courtyard and a technology room.

And, of course, a lot of art.

Liz Sauer, the Multnomah County Librarys communications manager and a member of the artist selection panel, said the county collaborated with the Regional Arts and Culture Council to work with residents in finding artists whose work represented the local community.

For decades after World War II, the Albina district formed a vibrant community of single-family homes and Black-owned barbershops, grocery stores and jazz clubs. But thousands of residents were displaced by government projects that demolished homes, sometimes replacing them with nothing more than empty lots.

In recent years, Albina residents, community organizations and government agencies have made moves to invest in the neighborhood and create events that reflect its community and its history  which Todd said he integrated into the mural he designed and painted with the help of several assistants.

Daren Todd is a Portland based artist who has a mural in the newest library. Allison Barr/The Oregonian

I was really looking at (creating) a history and a cross-section of the Albina neighborhood and thinking about some symbols of things that people would recognize, he said of the abstract mural. Its kind of an archive of symbols and colors that build up a texture for the Albina area. He added that his final design drew from extensive interviews of Albina residents that the library renovation design team conducted.

Hidden in the mural  which took more than 50 gallons of paint to create  are shapes reminiscent of local plants and leaves that Todd said symbolized growth and connection to the land.

But the painting acknowledges darker chapters of Portlands history as well.

Theres a river-shaped pattern that references the devastating Vanport Flood that displaced thousands of people. There is also an abstract road, which references the development of Interstate 5, which razed the homes of many of Albinas Black residents in the 1950s.

In the center of the otherwise colorful mural is a square window of black and white.

I was hoping that I would kind of convey like a portal or a window where people could look from a place of black and white, (without) a lot of possibility, he said. A really unimaginative place through the window into a world of color, (where) they can dream and they can see bigger, better, brighter, more beautiful possibilities for their lives and themselves.

Although its also abstract, Chatmans mural is made up of whirling colors and textures, instead of the geometric shapes that make up Todds painting. Despite the aesthetic contrasts, Chatman said that she also draws on natural imagery.

Artist Amirah Chatman poses with her mural on Saturday July 19, 2025. Allison Barr/The Oregonian

Im big into clouds and space and weather and interpreting emotion and thought through weather phenomena, said Chatman, who moved from Phoenix to Portland in 2020. It just kind of all comes together into this natural abstraction.

She said that the personal marks that made it into the original work  fingerprints, hairs from her cat, Panda  made it into the enormous scanned version on the community rooms wall.

The original work is also on display inside the library.

I feel like traditionally fine art tends to be in spaces that arent as accessible to many audiences, she said. So I think its just important for art to be in spaces where everyone can see it.  I just want (kids) to know that they can do stuff like this, too.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
Temperatures in the high 70s didnt stop hundreds from showing up to celebrate at the Portland Pride Festival.

According to its website, the first local Pride Northwest celebration was in 1976. It has been held at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park ever since.
Cotton futures rounded out the week with losses of 10 to 13 points on Friday. December was still up 126 points on the week. Crude oil futures were back down 21 cents per barrel, with the US dollar index down $0.236 to $98.210.

Weekly CFTC data showed a total of 7,626 contracts cut from the net short position among spec traders in cotton futures and options. The collective group was net short 38,464 contracts as of July 15.

More News from Barchart

The Seam showed sales of 385 bales on Thursday, with an average price of 68.25 cents/lb. The Cotlook A Index was unch at 79.30 on July 17. ICE cotton stocks saw 1,144 decertifications on 7/17, with the certified stocks level at 23,481 bales. USDAs Adjusted World Price (AWP) was up a tick on Thursday at 54.72 cents/lb.

Oct 25 Cotton closed at 67.12, down 13 points,

Dec 25 Cotton closed at 68.68, down 12 points,

Mar 26 Cotton closed at 69.98, down 10 points

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Police in Williamsport on July 17 arrested a man who had been wanted by several central Pennsylvania police departments for months, according to a report.

Shakur Smith-El, 25, of Williamsport, is in Lycoming County Prison on four counts each of fleeing police and evading arrest. He was unable to post a $500,000 bail.

Smith-El has been wanted by Williamsport police since May 15 for fleeing an officer. He is also wanted by the West Lampeter Police Department for trying to cash a stolen check in January 2025 and was charged by Susquehanna Township police with evading arrest and loitering in March 2025.

The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reported that Smith-El has been wanted by Harrisburg police on felony drug charges since 2024.

Police captured Smith-El on the 1200 block of Cherry Street in Williamsport after he tried to jump off a roof to elude capture last Thursday, the Sun-Gazette reported.

A criminal complaint was not immediately available on Sunday.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

ETFs are commonly marketed as an easy, low-cost way for investors to diversify.

However, Piper Sandler's chief investment strategist flags a major risk for retail investors.

As market concentration reaches record highs, ETFs might be hurting your portfolio.

Buying an ETF is a common recommendation for investors looking for diversification, but the popular investment vehicle might not be doing the job you're expecting it to, according to one Wall Street strategist.

Michael Kantrowitz, chief investment officer and head of portfolio strategy at Piper Sandler, isn't a big fan of owning broad indices, especially in today's highly concentrated market.

ETFs are supposed to put investing into easy mode, especially for retail investors. Anybody can purchase a basket of securities to diversify their portfolio  just pick a theme, buy the ticker, and wait. While they're definitely a helpful tool for investors, Kantrowitz urges caution.

"By buying an index fund today, compared to 15 or 20 years ago, you've got a lot more idiosyncratic company-specific risk today," Kantrowitz told Business Insider. "You think you're buying an index, but you're really just exposed to seven or 10 stocks. If the AI story takes a dip, it doesn't necessarily hit all stocks, but it could really hit those index funds."

Indeed, market concentration among the top Big Tech companies is at record highs. According to Apollo's chief economist Torsten Slk, the top 10 companies in the S&P 500 are trading at a higher valuation than that seen during the dot-com bubble. Investors who buy an S&P 500 fund for diversification are actually getting an over 30% weighting in the Magnificent Seven.

Additionally, using sector-specific ETFs to diversify isn't always a good idea either, Kantrowitz added. ETFs can be susceptible to tracking error, meaning that the fund doesn't precisely follow the underlying index.

SEC rules stipulate that no more than 25% of a diversified fund's assets can be allocated to a single stock, which often forces sector ETFs to cap their exposure to dominant names like Apple or Nvidia, even if those companies make up a much larger share of the actual index.

For example, in 2024 the S&P 500 technology sector posted a 38% gain. However, the Technology Select SPDR Fund (XLK) only rose 25%.

This pattern is especially prominent in sectors with high concentration, which include communications services and consumer discretionary, Kantrowitz said.

"Because there are concentration issues and weighting schemes in these ETFs, you think you're buying something and it's actually not what you're getting," he said.
FILE - In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson watches as the "The Spirit of Benovia" WWII-era aircraft lands in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, file) AP

By Angela Charlton, The Associated Press

PARIS  D-Day veteran Papa Jake Larson, who survived German gunfire on Normandys bluffs in 1944 and then garnered 1.2 million followers on TikTok late in life by sharing stories to commemorate World War II and his fallen comrades, has died at 102.

An animated speaker who charmed strangers, young and old, with his quick smile and generous hugs, the self-described country boy from Minnesota was cracking jokes til the end, his granddaughter wrote in announcing his death.

Tributes to him quickly filled his Story Time with Papa Jake TikTok account from across the United States, where he had been living in Lafayette, California. Towns around Normandy, still grateful to Allied forces who helped defeat the occupying Nazis in World War II, paid him homage too.

Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young, granddaughter McKaela Larson posted on his social media accounts. He went peacefully.

As Papa would say, love you all the mostest, she wrote.

Born Dec. 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age since he was only 15 at the time. In 1942, he was sent overseas and was stationed in Northern Ireland. He became operations sergeant and assembled the planning books for the invasion of Normandy.

He was among the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the Normandy shore on D-Day, June 6, 1944, surviving machine-gun fire when he landed on Omaha Beach. He made it unhurt to the bluffs that overlook the beach, then studded with German gun emplacements that mowed down American soldiers.

We are the lucky ones, Larson told The Associated Press at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June, speaking amid the immaculate rows of graves at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.

We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.

FILE - In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson walks to a seat before going for a ride in the "The Spirit of Benovia" WWII-era aircraft in Oakland, Calif. Both Larson and the former C-53 Skytrooper transport plane plan to be in Normandy, France and take part in events for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, file) AP

He went on to fight through the Battle of the Bulge, a grueling month-long fight in Belgium and Luxembourg that was one of the defining moments of the war and of Hitlers defeat. His service earned him a Bronze Star and a French Legion of Honor award.

In recent years, Larson made repeated trips to Normandy for D-Day commemorations  and at every stop, Papa Jake was greeted by people asking for a selfie. In return, he offered up a big hug, to their greatest joy.

One memorable encounter came in 2023, when he came across Bill Gladden, a then-99-year-old British veteran who survived a glider landing on D-Day and a bullet that tore through his ankle.

I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet, Larson told Gladden, as their hands, lined and spotted with age, clasped tightly. Gladden died the following year.

In his TikTok posts and interviews, Larson combined humorous anecdotes with somber reminders about the horrors of war.

Reflecting to AP on the three years he was in Europe, Larson said he is no hero. Speaking in 2024, he also had a message to world leaders: Make peace not war.

He often called himself the luckiest man in the world, and expressed awe at all the attention he was getting. Im just a country boy. Now Im a star on TikTok, he told AP in 2023. Im a legend! I didnt plan this, it came about.

Small-town museums and groups around Normandy that work to honor D-Days heroes and fallen shared tributes online to Larson, one of their most loyal visitors.

FILE - World War II veteran Jake Larson meets youths during ceremonies at the US cemetery to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, on June 6, 2025 in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File) AP

He was an exceptional witness and bearer of memory, the Overlord Museum posted on Facebook.

He came every year to the museum, with his smile, his humility and his tales that touched all generations. His stories will continue to live. Rest in peace Papa Jake, it read.

Thanks for everything.
Update: Man, 58, identified as pilot killed in Lancaster County plane crash

An aircraft crashed Sunday morning in Warwick Township near Lancaster Airport, killing the pilot, according to a report from WGAL.

The coroners office has identified the man but will not release the name until they notify the family, according to WGAL.

Dispatch told WGAL that the crash took place just before 8 a.m. after the plane took off.

The crash site is along the 500 block of Stauffer Road, WGAL reported.

It was also a Sunday, March 9, when a small airplane crashed into a parking lot at a retirement community next to the Lancaster Airport, with all five of the planes occupants taken to area hospitals. All survived, but the pilot and his son were treated for a month in a burn center at Lehigh Valley Health Network before being released.

Just three days ago, a small plane with landing gear problems landed safely at the airport.

The plane circled the area for some time before touching down around 10:30 a.m. on July 17, according to a report.
The northbound I-83 right lane and shoulder will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that an inspection is planned this week on the northbound Interstate 83 John Harris Memorial (South) Bridge spanning the Susquehanna River between Cumberland and Dauphin counties.

A right lane and shoulder restriction will be in place.

Weather permitting, the northbound Interstate 83 John Harris Memorial (South) Bridge will be inspected Monday, July 21, through Friday, July 25, a press release said.

The northbound I-83 right lane and shoulder will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Three travel lanes and all on/off ramps will remain open.

Inspectors plan to inspect the South Bridge using an inspection crane from the roadway.

Travelers are reminded to be alert for these operations, to obey work zone signs, and to use caution when driving through work zones for their safety, as well as for the safety of the road crews.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at PennDOT District 8.

Information about infrastructure in District 8, including completed work and significant projects, is available at District 8 Results. Find PennDOTs planned and active construction projects at PennDOT Projects.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Mostly sunny. High 82F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 62F. Winds light and variable.
Valued at a market cap of $23.6 billion, CDW Corporation (CDW) is a leading provider of technology products and solutions tailored for business, government, education, and healthcare clients across the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois, the Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company distributes over 100,000 products and services from more than 1,000 brands, including PCs, servers, networking equipment, storage, and software.

The tech company is expected to release its Q2 2025 earnings before the market opens on Wednesday, July 30. Ahead of this event, analysts project CDW to report earnings of $2.38 per share, which represents a 1.7% growth from $2.34 in the same quarter last year. The company has surpassed Wall Streets bottom-line estimates in two of the past four quarters while missing on two other occasions.

More News from Barchart

For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast CDW to report an EPS of $9.31, marking a marginal increase from $9.24 reported in fiscal 2024. Moreover, in fiscal 2026, its earnings are expected to grow 6% year-over-year to $9.87 per share.

www.barchart.com

Shares of CDW have declined 23.2% over the past 52 weeks, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 13.6% gain and the Technology Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLK) 16.3% return during the same period.

www.barchart.com

On May 7, CDW shares surged 7.1% after the company reported strong Q1 earnings. Net sales climbed 6.7% year-over-year to $5.2 billion, exceeding Wall Street expectations, fueled by robust demand for mobile devices, desktops, software, and services. The companys adjusted operating margin improved to 8.5% from 8.3% a year ago, contributing to a 10% increase in adjusted operating income to $444 million. Additionally, adjusted EPS rose 11.9% year-over-year to $2.15, topping analyst forecasts.

Analysts' consensus view on CDW is moderately optimistic, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Out of 11 analysts covering the stock, opinions include five "Strong Buys," two "Moderate Buys," and four "Holds. Its mean price target of $208 suggests a 15.8% upside potential from current price levels.

On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah 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
Food & Dining Editor

Parker Milner is the Food Editor of The Post and Courier. He is a Boston College graduate and former professional hockey player who joined The Post and Courier after leading the Charleston City Paper's food section.
Hotline programs bridge grassroots governance, public livelihood

Xinhua) 14:07, July 20, 2025

QINGDAO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- In the digital era, where the internet empowers citizens to voice concerns, Qingdao, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, has leveraged this power through a unique hotline program called "Xingfeng Online."

Launched in 2004 by the Qingdao municipal government and Qingdao Media Group, "Xingfeng Online" connects citizens directly with government officials. The program's format is straightforward: citizens call in with questions or complaints, officials respond live on air, and the production team follows up to ensure issues are resolved.

Zhang Xiaolin, deputy director of the hotline supervision department at the Qingdao Media Group, said that with coordinated supervision from the city's legislature, political advisors, experts and the media, "Xingfeng Online" has built a bridge for communication between the government and the public through the hotline service and radio shows over the past 20 years.

It has enabled government departments to "sit on the same bench with the public," find solutions together, and quickly resolve many annoying issues, Zhang added.

One notable case involved a housing complex in Qingdao's Xihai'an (West Coast) New Area, where residents had endured unreliable utilities for over a year. Frequent power outages and water supply issues led to significant inconvenience. Little progress was made until "Xingfeng Online" brought the issue to light. The program's exposure prompted immediate action from local authorities, who ensured the problems were resolved within weeks.

"Xingfeng Online" is not the only such program. In 2009, the Qingdao authorities and the Qingdao Daily newspaper jointly launched an online political consultation column, "People's Livelihood Online," aiming to enhance government transparency and public participation through the internet.

"People's Livelihood Online" immediately attracted netizens' attention upon its launch. In its first online talk, directors from the city's 19 government departments went online, with up to 250,000 people participating in a single session.

During an online discussion hosted by Qingdao's Chengyun Holding Group in June, netizens raised concerns about a lack of public transportation in the Xianjiazhai area following urban renewal projects. In response, the group promptly coordinated with relevant departments, local communities and schools, conducted on-site research, and gathered feedback from residents.

As a result, they launched the No. 428 micro-circulation bus route. Tailored to the needs of over 1,000 students and teachers at Tiankang School, the route's stops and schedules were optimized to match school hours. "My child can sleep an extra 10 minutes now," said one parent.

Hotline services for people's livelihood are one of the important ways for China to strengthen its grassroots governance and build a service-oriented government.

"People's Livelihood Online" is good at harnessing the internet to capture public sentiment and opinions, gathering the collective strength and wisdom of the people, said Zhang Ning, a municipal deputy to the People's Congress of Qingdao, adding that through such programs, the practice of whole-process people's democracy is brought to life in a tangible way.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
Key Points

Pfizer stands as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

Although it has an attractive 7.1% yield, it has a big blemish in its dividend past.

Investors looking at drug stocks would be better off with this lower-yielding competitor.

10 stocks we like better than Pfizer 

One of the big reasons to like Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) today is its huge 7.1% dividend yield. To put that yield into context, the S&P 500 index is yielding roughly 1.3% and the average healthcare stock a bit over 1.7%. Pfizer competitor Merck (NYSE: MRK) is yielding a little more than 4%, yet dividend investors will probably be better off with Merck. Here's why.

Pfizer and Merck have similar business models

While Pfizer's dividend yield is clearly much higher than Merck's, both have relatively attractive yields today. And you could easily make the argument that the two pharmaceutical companies basically do the same thing. Thus, you might as well buy the higher-yielding stock here. That isn't an unreasonable position to take.

Image source: Getty Images.

Essentially, these two industry giants make drugs. They make different drugs, of course, but both are focused on conducting research intended to create new blockbuster drugs that they can sell exclusively until the patents run out. Both have massive and well-funded research and development teams. Both have global distribution systems and strong marketing groups. And both have the scale to buy smaller competitors with promising drugs, if they need to.

In the short term, there will be differences between the two with regard to the drugs they have. So at times Pfizer will be better positioned than Merck, and vice versa. Given their vastly different yields, it is pretty clear that Wall Street believes Merck is better positioned right now.

The problem with Pfizer is the dividend, not the yield

Right now, Pfizer has a streak of 15 consecutive dividend increases. Merck's streak is also 15 years long. The issue is what happened roughly 15 years ago. As the chart below shows, Pfizer cut its dividend and Merck did not.

That was a long time ago, of course, and the business environment was much different. The cut came in the middle of the Great Recession, when there were very real concerns that global financial systems would collapse. Notably, Pfizer cut the dividend at the same time it made a large acquisition.

And yet Merck didn't cut its dividend; it has also made large acquisitions in the past, including its own sizable merger in 2009. To be fair, Merck's dividend was static for a long period of time, but going without a dividend increase is much more attractive for an income investor than suffering through a dividend cut.
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 19, 2025 / If you suffered a loss on your Vestis Corporation (NYSE:VSTS) investment and want to learn about a potential recovery under the federal securities laws, follow the link below for more information:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or call (212) 363-7500 to speak to our team of experienced shareholder advocates.THE LAWSUIT: A class action securities lawsuit was filed against Vestis Corporation that seeks to recover losses of shareholders who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between May 2, 2024 and May 6, 2025.CASE DETAILS: According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Vestis' ability to grow its business; notably that Vestis would be unable to execute on planned strategic initiatives to drive purported improvements to the customer experience and its onboarding efforts in order to drive new customer growth, increased customer retention, and increased revenue from existing customers. On May 7, 2025, Vestis announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, withdrew its revenue and growth guidance for the full fiscal year 2025, and provided guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 that fell significantly below market expectations. The Company attributed its poor results partially to "lost business in excess of new business," but primarily on "lower adds over stops, which is how we describe volume changes with our existing customers." The Company attributed its decision to pull full-year guidance and provide disappointing third quarter targets to the "increasingly uncertain macro environment." Following this news, the price of Vestis' common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $8.71 per share on May 6, 2025, Vestis' stock price fell to $5.44 per share on May 7, 2025, a decline of about 37.54% in the span of just a single day.WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Vestis stock during the relevant time frame - even if you still hold your shares - go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/vestis-corporation-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=157302&wire=1&utm_campaign=28 to learn about your rights to seek a recovery. There is no cost or obligation to participate.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 20, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Organon & Co.a("Organon" or the "Company") (NYSE:OGN). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.comaor 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 Organonaand certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You haveauntil July 22, 2025ato 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. aPrior 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 securities of Vestis Corporation (NYSE:VSTS) between May 2, 2024 and May 6, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important August 8, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Vestis securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Vestis class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25291 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 August 8, 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, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Vestis' ability to grow its business; notably that Vestis would be unable to execute on planned strategic initiatives to drive purported improvements to the customer experience and its onboarding efforts in order to drive new customer growth, increased customer retention, and increased revenue from existing customers. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Vestis class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25291 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.
In Nigerias bustling fashion scene, few names carry the weight of both innovation and humanity, such as Ebewele Brown.

The designer behind the thriving menswear label that bears his family name calls himself a style architect, not for flair alone, but because he has spent years building something deeper than clothes: a system that values artisans as the lifeblood of the industry.

At a private showing of his latest Sainte collection in Lagos, Brown told a room of fashion insiders, including PREMIUM TIMES, that the secret to his success isnt just clean lines or refined kaftans. Its people.

You dont scream at artisans; you work with emotions. Our greatest asset isnt machinery. Its people. Respect your tailors the same way you would respect a banker. If you pay peanuts, you kill the magic.

You dont scream at artisans; you work with emotions, Mr Brown said, explaining that the craft depends on people who pour their feelings into every stitch. The hardest challenge is discipline for them and for you, but if you treat them well, theyll build your legacy.

While the fashion industry has enjoyed high fashion demands in Nigeria, Mr Brown admitted that the power, professional, and emotional management of fashion artisans has been a significant problem for him.

Doggedness

Despite the challenges, Osereme Browns resilience and determination shone through. He shared that the growth of his fashion empire was marked by expulsion from formal education, his fathers death, family disagreements, and the separation of business partnerships. Yet, he persevered, using these experiences to fuel his creative journey.

In the early 2010s, the stylist co-founded Africana Couture with his former business associate, Charles, but parted ways in 2014. This preceded many creative fashion inventions from his solo brand until his customers started demanding more brand identity that complemented his grit, and thus came Ebele Brown in 2018.

Ebewele Brown rings a loud bell, the fashion creative branded his business to honour his late father, Ebewele Brown Francis, a popular Edo political statesman. The name pays homage to his fathers legacy and constantly reminds him of the values and principles he instilled in him.

Giving the brand my fathers name was not just about legacy. It was about accountability. I vowed to build something that would stand tall like the man it was named after, he said.

He revealed the power of the name: Everywhere I go and introduce myself, people often say, Thats not you, thats your father. I smile and say, Im commonly called Brown, so its easier that way. When I say Im Osereme, many dont recognise the name. I miss him a lot.

Mr Brown, who had won multiple awards for his creativity, cultural impact, and entrepreneurial excellence, admitted that his fathers name has made a great impression on his brand identity.

The founder of Ebewele Brown reconnected with his father at the collection unveiling, saying, Were gonna talk about the time where I had a rough time growing up with my dad, in courtesy of me being a stubborn child. It is something I have chosen to do for life. Ebelewe Brown is not my business; its my dads business. Its a business born out of pure gratitude, and I mean it.

Growth Journey

The brand began modestly in Abuja, and Mr Brown deliberated building a strong foundation before expanding to Lagos. The city proved fertile ground, primarily because former President Muhammadu Buhari, widely known for his preference for traditional kaftans, was in office. This strategic move and the brands commitment to quality and innovation paved the way for its rapid growth and recognition in the industry.

He added that the global brand, which now has physical settings in Abuja, Lagos, and Conakry in Guinea, enjoys rapid development in Abuja under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who happens to be a popular wearer of the Kaftan, which his brand specialises in.

The reason why we settled in Abuja was that it was less chaotic, and then we made the traditional attire, and thats what they wear everywhere, so we felt were going to stay in Abuja for maybe a year or two, lay the grounds and come back to Lagos, he said.

He added, Buhari made it easy for my brand because kaftan was what Buhari wore.

Fashion factory

Today, the brand boasts over 100 employees, a design house, and a state-of-the-art Abuja Garment Factory that produces up to 50 outfits daily. It also supports production for other African fashion brands.

The Ebelewe Brown showroom is partitioned uniquely: OLDWYN showcases refined ready-to-wear pieces for the modern, elegant man, while downstairs, SAINTE offers upscale casualwear and streetwear rooted in African soul, with premium, globally crafted essentials for the stylish, young professional.

He said about his fashion factory: I am building the infrastructure for a continent that has long depended on imports. No matter the visions brilliance, the standard cannot be achieved without a world-class production facility. We built this factory not just for us alone, but for the future of African fashion, as he noted the reasons for establishing his fashion enterprises.

While heavily diluted with African identity, the fashion brand specialises in manufacturing readily available mens fashion products in different styles, crafts, and designs. The brand believes each dress passes different prestige on to the owner.

They are statements of African identity told through clean lines, meticulous finishing, and unmistakable confidence, he stated.

The award-winning stylist admitted that his brands selling point went beyond fashion. Every design product has a story behind materials from Nigeria, Europe, and Asia. He said, People think Im just selling fashion, but Im selling precision, story, and identity.

The international fashion brand, renowned for African traditional wear, pants, t-shirts, and more, also claimed that cleanliness in its fashion output has earned customers from the high-middle class, entertainers,top-position holders, celebrities, and fashion icons. He boasted, Our quality today is still better than that of the Chinese fabric.

More photos..
The Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Obi Adigwe, says the federal government is now taking concrete steps to develop and commercialise phytomedicines in Nigeria.

Mr Adigwe said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, describing the current administrations efforts as a clear departure from years of neglect and lip service.

According to him, the government has demonstrated seriousness by setting up a ministerial committee on the development and commercialisation of phytomedicines, with NIPRD appointed to lead the process.

Phytomedicines, also known as herbal or botanical medicines, are plant-based products used in the treatment and prevention of diseases.

While rooted in traditional practices, they are increasingly validated through scientific research to ensure their efficacy and safety.

Mr Adigwe highlighted that an estimated 70 to 75 per cent of Nigerians relied on phytomedicines such as agbo, magani, and ogwu igbo when ill.

He said in spite of the widespread usage, the sector had previously received inadequate institutional support.

For a long time, phytomedicines only got lip service, but this administration is taking bold, concrete steps.

I must commend the Ministers of Health for driving this vision, he said.

The D-G pointed to NIPRDs track record, including developing a sickle cell remedy from indigenous plants.

He also highlighted the institutes leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it conducted the worlds first scientific analysis of the controversial COVID Organics herbal preparation.

That particular product put Nigeria on the map in terms of science and ensured that millions of dollars were not wasted on a product without scientific backing, Mr Adigwe said.

He noted that the newly constituted committee comprised stakeholders from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, traditional medicine practitioners, public service, and the diaspora.

Mr Adigwe said that the composition reflected a multi-sectoral, whole-of-government approach aligned with President Bola Tinubus presidential initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain (PVAC).

We are not just developing products in isolation.

Were integrating agriculture, small and medium enterprises, trade and investment, foreign partnerships, everything that can make phytomedicines a catalyst for health and economic development, he explained.

Mr Adigwe emphasised that countries like China and India had effectively used phytomedicines to boost both public health and industrial growth.

Nigeria, he said, could do the same with the right mix of policy support, research investment, and philanthropy.

He called on wealthy Nigerians to emulate global examples of philanthropic funding in health research.

We have billionaires here with the same capacity as John Rockefeller.

Instead of limiting philanthropy to food handouts, they can invest in scientific research that benefits future generations, he said.

Mr Adigwe added that the framework being developed would benefit not just NIPRD but also Nigerias more than 200 universities, more than 150 local pharmaceutical manufacturers, and millions of Nigerians who rely on traditional remedies.

To promote inclusiveness, he said the committee was collecting data nationwide and encouraging input from scientists and citizens who use traditional medicine.

If youve used agbo or ogwu igbo, your opinion counts.

We have a questionnaire on the NIPRD website, www.niprd.gov.ng, and we want every Nigerian to participate, Mr Adigwe said.

(NAN)
The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture has launched the OML 17 University Scholarship Programme (USP) aimed at supporting educational development in the host communities of the oil block.

The initiative is being implemented through the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT).

According to Heirs Energies website, the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 17 is located in the Niger Delta region, specifically north of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It is said to be a large, onshore asset with 15 oil and gas fields, including the producing fields of Agbada, Elelenwa, Nkali, and Obigbo North.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies Limited, said the scholarship underscores the companys commitment to investing in the future of its host communities.

According to him, the scholarship will provide financial and academic support to 300 first-year students from the OML 17 host communities, who are currently enrolled in government-owned universities across Nigeria, regardless of their field of study.

This initiative aligns with the Trusts broader mission to promote sustainable development through education and human capital investment, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Applications for the scholarship open on 21 July 2025 and will be followed by an online testing and screening process.

Final selections and the official announcement of the 300 beneficiaries are scheduled for September 2025, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.

Education is the foundation of progress.

By empowering young people with access to learning, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.

At Heirs Energies, we believe that shared prosperity begins with shared opportunity, he said.

He said that eligible candidates from OML 17 host communities are encouraged to apply via the official scholarship portal: heirsenergies.com/scholarships.

Full eligibility criteria and application procedures will be available on the website, as well as through community notice boards, flyers, and local outreach channels.

The OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 by the NNPC/Heirs Energies JV, is dedicated to driving sustainable development and economic empowerment across 73 host communities.

This is the largest HCDT-led scholarship initiative in Nigerias oil and gas sector. It reflects our commitment to transparency, inclusion, and long-term impact, Mr Igiehon added.

Also speaking, Samuel Amaechi, Chairman of the OML 17 HCDT Board of Trustees, described the programme as a transformative step for the region.

The launch of the OML 17 USP marks a new chapter in our efforts to uplift the youth in our host communities.

We are proud to introduce a transparent, merit-based scholarship that offers real access to education for those who need it most.

This is not just a scholarship; it is a pathway to a better future, he said.

(NAN)
Femi Oladele, the prime suspect in the alleged kidnapping and murder of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, has died in police custody.

The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development on Saturday.

Mr Oladele (a.k.a Tallex), a popular landlord in Akungba, had one of the victims, John Abbah, as his tenant.

He was alleged to have masterminded the abduction of Mr Abbah and his friend Andre Okah, who were robbed before they were murdered. Ms Okah was also raped before she was murdered.

Detectives of the police command had earlier arrested other suspects, including Ojo Michael, one of the abductors, and Abdul Mubarak, who bought the iPhone 14 Pro Max belonging to one of the victims.

Mr Ayanlade, a deputy superintendent of police, said the suspect was taken to the hospital after he fell ill, but died at the hospital.

He said the suspect had been in and out of the hospital following treatment before he died on Friday.

Yes, hes dead. Following his arrest, the suspect (Oladele) had been in and out of the hospital under close medical supervision and was receiving adequate care before he died in the early hours of yesterday.

As of now, the decomposing remains of Okah have been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate Abbas body, he said.

New arrests

Mr Ayanlade explained that two additional suspects identified as Kola and Micheal, who allegedly withdrew N800,000 from the late Mr Abbas account, had been arrested and are currently in custody, fully cooperating with investigation.

So, we are asking members of the public to disregard any distorted narratives seeking to divert attention from the facts and the command can assure that justice will be fully pursued and all those involved will be made to face the full weight of the law, Mr Ayanlade said.

Although we deeply sympathise with the families, friends, and academic communities of the victims, we remain unwavering in our commitment to justice and public safety.

The spokesperson said the command had strengthened security across all higher institutions in the state through increased patrols, undercover surveillance, and community politicing initiatives.

Students unions demands

Meanwhile, the AAUA Students Union Government (SUG) has expressed disbelief on the death of Mr Oladele and issued an ultimatum to the police to produce the body of the suspect.

In a statement on Saturday, the SUG President, Salami Akeem; General Secretary, Bakare Abiodun and the PRO, Ajidagba Mosadoluwa, said the sudden death of the suspect in police custody buttresses the need for transparency and accountability by the police.

In light of this, the Students Union is demanding that the Nigerian Police immediately produce the body of the deceased suspect. We are giving the police a strict ultimatum of three (3) hours from the release of this statement to comply with this demand, the statement read.

The Students Union further insists on a transparent, fair, and timely investigation into the killings. We believe that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done. This is the least owed to the grieving families, the AAUA community, and the general public.

We also request that all findings related to this case be made public and handled with the highest level of integrity. The Nigerian Police must act with full responsibility, professionalism, and commitment to justice.

We are bringing this demand directly to the attention of the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal. We reiterate that our demands must be met within the given time frame in order not to result in a mass demonstration by all the students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and other concerned Nigerian students.

This protest will be carried out physically as enshrined in our rights as citizens, to demand transparency, accountability, and the proper handling of this sensitive matter. The Adekunle Ajasin University Students Union remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its members, the union said.
Nigerian journalism professor and public affairs analyst, Farooq Kperogi, has issued an unreserved apology to former First Lady Aisha Buhari, following a controversial post in which he claimed she had divorced the late President Muhammadu Buhari before his death.

In a lengthy statement released Sunday and titled Apology to Aisha Buhari, Mr Kperogi acknowledged that his July 16 Facebook post titled Aisha Buhari, Divorce, and Forgiveness Claim was ill-judged and has caused significant emotional distress to Mrs. Buhari and her close associates.

Although I absolutely should have foreseen it, I honestly didnt anticipate the profoundly painful consequences that my July 16 Facebook update would have on former First Lady Mrs. Aisha Buhari and people closest to her, Mr Kperogi wrote. Its one of the worst and cruelest lapses of judgement I have ever committed in my life, and it has been a source of unfathomable personal anguish for me these past few days.

He disclosed that the claim had come from a trusted source whom he described as having unimpeachable integrity, but who, according to him, never intended for the information to become public.

My source, whose integrity is unimpeachable, insists the information is accurate, but never intended for it to become public. Going public with the information was an error on my part, as not every well-sourced information is for public consumption, he explained.

Mr Kperogi also revealed that Sani Zorro, former senior special assistant to the former First Lady on public affairs, contacted him to question the accuracy of his claims and relayed Mrs. Buharis position that her marriage remained intact until President Buharis death.

I will not contest the particulars and veracity of the information with Alhaji Sani who conveyed the former First Ladys position that her marriage was intact, he said. After all, as the late MKO Abiola memorably said, no one can give you a haircut in your absence.

Mr Kperogi acknowledged that Aisha Buhari has the sole authority to speak to the reality of her marriage, regardless of what may have been reported or believed by others.

Clearly, Mrs. Buhari herself has the ultimate authority and right to define the status of her marriage with her late husband. Her truth should be respected as supreme, whatever other facts may exist, he wrote.

While reiterating his belief that the information he received was reliable, Mr Kperogi admitted that the emotional harm it caused far outweighed the importance of the claim.

Moreover, the truth of this information is now far less significant than the hurt my disclosure of it has caused. I shouldnt have shared it publicly. Period. Doing so violated every moral and ethical principle I cherish and uphold. But it shows I am only human, an imperfect human.

He insisted that he did not act out of any personal malice or political influence.

I realize it might be impossible for many to believe (except those who truly know me) that I acted without malice, ulterior motives, or external influence. But I sincerely did not intend to harm Mrs. Buhari or execute any personal vendetta.

In conclusion, Mr Kperogi expressed heartfelt remorse for the publication and offered a direct apology to Mrs. Buhari.

To Mrs. Aisha Buhari, I offer my heartfelt and unreserved apology for the needless and deeply regrettable hurt I have caused. I am truly sorry, he wrote.

The apology follows days of public debate and criticism over Mr Kperogis initial post, which some observers had described as speculative and insensitive. His retraction appears aimed at putting the matter to rest and repairing relations with the former First Lady and her family.
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.

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.
The senator representing Osun Central, Olubiyi Fadeyi, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing unresolved internal crises and the inability of the party to offer coherent leadership at the national level.

Mr Fadeyis resignation, conveyed in a letter dated 12 June and addressed to the chairman of the PDP in Ward 3, Oke-Ejigbo, Ila-Orangun, came barely hours after a similar announcement by the senator for Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi.

The resignation letter pointed to deep-rooted divisions, court battles, and ineffective structures that have hindered governance and effective representation.

I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect, the letter said.

Mr Fadeyi noted that the decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, family members, and close advisers.

With his resignation, the PDP continues to lose ground in Osun State, despite holding the governorship under Governor Ademola Adeleke. Mr. Fadeyis departure also reinforces growing speculations of a mass exodus from the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in the South-west. There are also speculations that Governor Adeleke will soon defect to the APC.

The PDP, Nigerias main opposition party, has remained engulfed in leadership tussles since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, with multiple court cases and factional disputes weakening its national cohesion. These internal frictions have triggered a wave of defections and political realignments in the Senate and across state legislatures.

READ ALSO: PDP speaks on lawmakers resignation from party

Following these back-to-back resignations, the PDP now has 28 seats in the 109-member Senate, while the APC maintains a clear majority with 69 seats.

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.

At present, the Senate has 107 sitting members. The two vacant seats result from the death of Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) in July 2024, and the exit of Monday Okpebholo, who vacated the Edo Central seat following his election as governor of Edo State in September 2024.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is one of the high-margin pharma stocks to buy now. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is set to report second-quarter results on August 7, and J.P. Morgans Chris Schott believes the stage is set for another strong showing. In a recent note, Schott outlined what he calls an attractive setup for the pharma heavyweight, pointing to continued momentum in its GLP-1 portfolio, led by weight-loss treatments Zepbound and Mounjaro.

J.P. Morgan Sees Strong Q2 for Eli Lilly, Maintains Overweight Rating

Schott is projecting second-quarter sales of $14.8 billion, about $370 million above Wall Street consensus. His bullish forecast is fueled by surging demand for Lillys GLP-1 drugs, with combined sales expected to reach $8.8 billion, a 60% year-over-year increase. Zepbound now commands an estimated 6065% share of the obesity market, while Mounjaro continues to gain traction globally.

Though he expects earnings per share of $5.49, slightly below consensus due to increased R&D and marketing spend, Schott remains upbeat on the companys broader growth trajectory. He anticipates any temporary headwinds from CVS formulary adjustments will be short-lived, with GLP-1 prescription growth expected to reaccelerate by the end of the year.

Looking ahead, Schott is optimistic about Eli Lillys pipeline, especially the once-daily oral GLP-1 candidate orforglipron. He sees the upcoming Phase 3 obesity data as a key catalyst and believes the drug could expand Lillys market leadership. With minimal patent risk and strong long-term visibility, Schott maintains an Overweight rating on the stock and a $1,100 price target, viewing current levels as an attractive entry point.

While we acknowledge the potential of LLY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Top 10 Healthcare AI Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds and 10 Best Industrial Automation Stocks to Buy for the Next Decade Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, has decried the recent demolition of property in the Federal Capital Territorys (FCT) Karsana Community by a developer, Oceanic Properties and Equilibrium Concept.

Mr Maikalangu spoke on Saturday in Abuja after inspecting the extent of the demolition and its effect on the livelihoods of the residents.

He described the developers action as a grave injustice against the community and vowed to seek redress for them in court.

According to the council boss, the people of the community are legitimate indigenous Gbagyi people of the FCT, who are entitled to full compensation for the damage caused to them.

Legal action will be pursued by the community and AMAC authorities. Official reports are being submitted to senior government officials, he said.

Mr Maikalangu appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for immediate intervention to address the situation.

He also appealed to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to intervene in their immediate resettlement, adding that many families had been rendered homeless.

As you can see, these people are homeless. Where are they going to sleep today? No warning, no compensation.

If you want to relocate people who live here, first thing, compensate them. If you dont want them here, give them another alternative.

With the Gbagyi people, the name Karsana is important, he said.

The council boss alleged that the demolition was carried out without any prior warning, court notice, or compensation.

He vowed that no construction work would take place on the disputed site until the displaced residents were compensated and resettled.

The developer acted outside due process and ignored community rights. If you want to relocate people, first thing, compensate them. If you dont want them here, give them another alternative.

Get them somewhere, build houses for them, and relocate them. But you destroyed the houses, they have nowhere to sleep and you are comfortable. Its unfair. We are all Nigerians.

We cant continue like this in this country. The federal government has to intervene in this case, he said.

Dikko Jezhi, the communitys youth secretary, recounted the trauma the people have been subjected to due to the demolition, noting that the people have nowhere to go at the moment.

Residents were at work when their homes were demolished with police escort. Families had no advanced notice and lost all possessions.

Generations of indigenous families, including the elderly, are now left stranded.

I asked my mother yesterday if she had another state aside from this, and she replied no. Even her grandfather, this was where the grandfather was born, Mr Jezhi said.

READ ALSO: Abuja Estate residents protest unregulated blasting at Chinese company quarry

So we dont know where to go. They have demolished our houses. Our properties are down.

They have been pushing the indigenous people to the wall. We wont react because this is our fathers land.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that critical structures, including the chiefs palace and a church, were among the buildings destroyed, leaving the community in despair.

(NAN)
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has proposed the creation of two additional Ijaw States.

The proposed states, the INC said, should be carved out from Edo, Delta, Ondo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

Benjamin Okaba, the global president of the INC, made the proposal in his memorandum at the National Assembly Constitution Review Public hearing for South South Zone, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Okaba proposed that the two states, Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers states be carved out of Edo, Delta, Ondo as well as Rivers and Akwa Ibom respectively.

We reaffirm our demand for the creation of two additional homogeneous Ijaw states; Toru-Ebe comprising Ijaws in Delta, Edo and Ondo and Oil Rivers State made up of Ijaws in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom

We also propose additional 33 local government areas for Bayelsa, which currently has just eight.

The demand for the creation of the proposed Toru Ebe State is aimed at addressing long-standing yearnings and aspirations of the people for justice, peace, stability, self-determination and development.

The territorial configuration of the proposed Toru Ebe state includes only ljaw clans in the present Delta, Edo and Ondo states.

These distinct yet culturally homogeneous clans of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and customary owners of all land living in a geographical contiguous territory of their own and have been deliberately balkanised into different political and administrative units in the country are the ones demanding for the creation of the proposed state, he said.

He noted that the oil revenue from the Ijaw areas in the three states accounted for the largest revenue accruing to them from the National Economy.

According to him, in spite of the receipt of the 13 per cent Derivations Revenue by Edo, Delta, and Ondo, the Ijaw areas which are mineral producing have been denied any meaningful development.

Modern infrastructure social services such as schools, hospitals, potable water are near absent in Ijaw communities especially in Edo.

Ancient traditional tools are easily denigrated and denied official recognition and patronage. With the political fragmentation in place, it has been impossible for an Ijaw man in Edo to become a mere ward councillor.

Because of the neglect, there is a high level of rural-urban migration leading to the loss of indigenous cultural heritage.

The INC president said that, however, the Ijaw as inhabitants of this marshy and swampy terrain, were blessed with abundant natural resources including oil and natural gas.

He added that the proposed state with a population of about 2.7 million people have natural landscapes with beautiful beaches and lengthy coastline which could be annexed into a blue economy and tourism that would make it economically viable.

We also propose Oil Rivers State that comprises Ijaws in Rivers and Akwa Ibom. This area remains the most naturally blessed but environmentally degraded in the entire world, with massive oil explodes, gas flaring threatening the very survival of the people.

Just like our counterparts in Edo, the Ijaws, especially in Akwa Ibom, are left with no basic infrastructure, electricity, and healthcare services. There is no meaningful state and federal government infrastructure in these Ijaw communities.

Due to the long period of fragmentation many Ijaw communities face cultural extinction with some losing their native language and their traditions. With the creation of the Oil Rivers state, the rich heritage and environment of our people can be resuscitated.

The proposed Oil Rivers state with Isaka Town, located in the northern part of Okrika Local Government Area as capital is endowed with abundant natural and human resources such as vast mangrove forests, rich fishery and agricultural potentials, palm oil industry, tourism potentials, natural harbours and oil and gas resources (with over 30 major oil and gas fields, making it economically viable), he said.

Mr Okaba further proposed an additional 33 local government areas for Bayelsa.

According to him, Bayelsas contribution to Nigerias GDP is significant, thanks to its rich human and natural resources. As one of the largest oil and gas producing states in Nigeria, the state accounts for a substantial portion of the countrys oil production.

In terms of GDP, the states contribution stands at $4.3 billion, with a GDP per capital of $1,773, according to 2020 rankings.

The states economy is largely driven by the petroleum industry, with crude oil and natural gas being major contributors. The state, therefore, has a critical role in the actualisation of Mr Presidents projection to meet up with OPEC quota of 2.06 barrels per day.

He said that it was worthy to note that in spite of the states significant contribution to the nations GDP, land and river mass and huge potentials for steady growth and development, it currently had only eight local government areas, which include Brass, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/ Opokuma, Ogbia, Nembe, Sagbama Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa.

We all know that eight LGAs for Bayelsa is a case of injustice in many ramifications in terms of federal resource allocation and fair representation.

Our other concerns include protection and remediation of its environment, federal resource contribution through resource control and payment of tax, true federal constitution with no unitary colouration.

He also called for the restoration of true federalism, including fiscal federalism, resource control (100 per cent derivation) and devolution of power.

He further proposed the alteration of Section 3 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended); establishment of regions, and proposed 10 federating units (federating states) by way of readjustment of the well-known and accepted six geopolitical zones in the country.

NAN reports that the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has disclosed that it received 46 formal requests for the creation of new states.

This, the house said, is alongside 117 demands for new local government areas across Nigeria. The proposals, submitted by various interest groups, span all six geopolitical zones.

(NAN)
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has denied opposing the creation of an additional state in the South-east.

In a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Mr Otti said some persons circulated a post which gave a false impression of his recent comment on state creation in Nigeria.

The governor said the post falsely gave the impression that he opposed the creation of an additional state in the region.

One additional state in the South-east

Reacting in the Sunday statement, Mr Otti explained that his position is that the South-east, which has five states, unlike others, should be given one additional state to achieve regional balance, but not the creation of new states across all the regions.

In his seminal works over the years, he had advocated a six-regional structure for the country, which would support his advocacy for reducing the cost of governance, the statement read in part.

The governor argued that Nigeria doesnt require additional states, especially when most of the already existing states lack the viability for economic self-sustainability.

He contended that public office holders must not have additional states before making impacts, citing past South-east leaders such as Michael Okpara and Sam Mbakwe, whom he said made generational impacts without additional states

They governed a region and a state respectively that were massive both in landmass and population, and yet achieved development and created prosperity that are still being referenced till today, Mr Otti said.

He added: Creating additional States in Nigeria when the economic super-structure that should sustain the already existing but troubled ones hasnt been laid, is akin to intentionally laying the foundation for further division and dichotomy that could impact our body polity negatively, especially at a time we should be saddled with the responsibility of trying to navigate through our economic challenges as a nation.

The governor enjoined Nigerian lawmakers and leaders involved in the ongoing discussion for the creation of additional states to guard against selfish interests.

(This is) because they (selfish interests) are usually temporary and do not advance the long-term interest and welfare of the majority of the citizens, he stated.

Background

South-east leaders have been demanding an additional state in the region.

At present, there are 36 states in Nigeria.

While the North-west geo-political zone has seven states, the North-east, North-central, North-east, South-south and South-west have six states each. Only the South-east has five states.

Meanwhile, at the moment, Nigerias National Assembly is currently considering bills for the creation of 31 new states in the country. The South-east, like others, has five such bills.

Although state creation bills are frequently introduced in the National Assembly, no civilian government has created a new state in Nigeria.

The states in the country were all created by different military administrations.
The Igbo community in South Australia will, on Wednesday, hold a candlelight vigil in honour of Victor Umeh, who was shot dead in Enugu State, Nigerias South-east.

The spokesperson of the Igbo community, Nnaemeka Umenzeakor, announced this in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday.

Late Umeh hailed from Amuvi village in Arochukwu, a community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia, another state in the South-east.

Candle light vigil

Mr Umenzeakor, the Igbo community spokesperson, said the candlelight vigil would be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Goodwood in South Australia.

This will be a special moment for us to pay our last respects and stand in solidarity as a community, he told Austrian-based Nigerians.

Kindly wear black to reflect our collective mourning, he appealed to them.

How he was killed

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr Umeh, who was based in South Australia, had returned to Nigeria to see his wife and child as well as his aged mother, but was shot dead by some gunmen on 7 June 2025.

The incident happened in the New Haven Area of Enugu State.

Sources said on that fateful day, the deceased, 46, was contacted by three of his unnamed friends who reportedly asked him to come and pay for their drinks at a hotel in the area.

But on reaching the hotel, the friends told him they had already paid for the drinks, and he then joined them.

He stayed with them for a short time before leaving. He left with one of his three friends.

He drove a short distance from the hotel and stopped to urinate. Suddenly, some gunmen double-crossed him with their car and shot him in the leg and abdomen, one source, who asked not to be named, narrated, adding that he was confirmed dead at a hospital.

The friend, who was with him in the vehicle, reportedly escaped the attack.

Burial date

Meanwhile, late Umehs family has announced his burial arrangements.

The body of the deceased will be conveyed to his hometown in Arochukwu, Abia State, on Friday, according to information on his burial poster.

Later, on the same day, there will be a wake at his country home.

The deceased will be laid to rest on Saturday at his compound after a burial mass at Amuvi.

Interment will follow immediately after the burial, according to the family.

The burial arrangements will be wrapped up with a Sunday Thanksgiving mass at the same church.

Worsening insecurity

Like other states in Nigerias South-east, security has deteriorated in Enugu State with frequent attacks by armed persons.

kidnappers, cultists, even armed robbers are believed to be partly responsible for the growing insecurity in the region.

Also, separatist groups like the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been linked to some deadly attacks in the region.

The IPOB-linked attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities.

However, the group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks.

Hundreds of persons have been killed or abducted, and several others injured in some of such attacks in the region.

IPOB is leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants to be carved out from the South-east and some parts of the South-south of Nigeria.
The police in Imo State say they have arrested 2,785 individuals for allegedly committing various criminal offences in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, in a statement on Saturday said the suspects were arrested in multiple operations conducted in the past six months in the state.

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said the offences included kidnapping, terrorism, murder, armed robbery, cultism, and child trafficking.

These operations also resulted in the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 stolen children, many of whom have been joyfully reunited with their families, he said.

Dismantling of IPOB hideout

Mr Okoye said police operatives, in one of the operations, dismantled a camp belonging to suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The spokesperson said police operatives dismantled the IPOB camp at Njaba, a local government area in Imo State, when they raided it.

He said some notorious and wanted IPOB/ESN members were arrested during the operation.

Mr Okoye identified some of the arrested IPOB members as Amechi Onyebuchi, 38, Ozioma Ihedoro, 39, Cyprian Ikegbunam, 50, and Uchenna Opara, 30.

These individuals were responsible for multiple attacks on security formations and public infrastructure in Njaba LGA.

During interrogation, they confessed to the kidnap and murder of Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly on the orders of a wanted ESN commander known as Asari, he said.

All the suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion of investigation.

Several arms and ammunition, including explosives, were recovered from the suspects, according to the police.

Some of the items recovered included two GPMGs, 14 pieces of AK-47, 20 pump-action guns, four fabricated rocket launchers, seven gas-cylinder explosives, locally made hand grenades, Biafran flags, and charms.

Arrest of suspected kidnappers

Mr Okoye said, in another operation, police operatives arrested two suspected kidnappers: Uche Nwachukwu, 24, and Chinonso Ozirim, 32.

The spokesperson said the arrested suspects- believed to be members of a syndicate- allegedly kidnapped a resident, Anayo Iwuoha, on 20 June in his compound at Akabo, a community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

The syndicate held the victim at Chinonso Ozirims residence, collecting a N2.2 million ransom before a joint operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes led to his rescue and the arrest of the suspects, he said.

A manhunt is ongoing for their fleeing accomplices.

Arrest of cultist

Mr Okoye said, in a separate operation, police operatives arrested a suspected cultist, Chinazaekpere Ogbonna, 36, who hails from Orlu, another local government area of the state.

The police spokesperson said Mr Ogbonna is a suspected member of Vikings Confraternity and had been on the run for two years after the brutal murder of a man simply named Pikin.

He said Mr Ogbonna and three of his unnamed gang members allegedly butchered Pikin whom they mistakenly identified as a rival cultist.

He (Ogbonna) was recently apprehended by operatives of Orlu Division for burglary and stealing, but upon further profiling and transfer to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, he was identified as one of the cultists involved in the heinous murder, Mr Okoye said.

Increased attacks

Like other states in Nigerias south-east, security has deteriorated in Imo State with frequent attacks by armed persons.

kidnappers, cultists and even armed robbers are believed to be partly responsible for the growing insecurity in the region.

Also, separatist groups like IPOB have been linked to some deadly attacks in the region.

The IPOB-linked attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities.

But the group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks.

Hundreds of persons have been killed or abducted and several others injured in some of such attacks in the region.

IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of south-south Nigeria.
The renaming of the University of Maiduguri after the late former President Muhammadu Buhari continued to divide opinions among Nigerians, and in Borno, the host state of the renamed university.

Also, some analysts questioned the legality of the institutions renaming by President Bola Tinubu without consultation with the National Assembly.

petition on social media demanding a reversal of the renaming had gathered over 7,500 signatories. As of noon on Saturday, aon social media demanding a reversal of the renaming had gathered over 7,500 signatories.

This is not the first time Nigerians have challenged the renaming of public facilities after political figures.

after former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, triggered protests from stakeholders, including current and former students. Last December, the renaming of the University of Abuja after former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, triggered protests from stakeholders, including current and former students.

Last month, students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, also took to the streets after Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde renamed the school after its first rector, who later became the governor of Old Oyo State in 1983, the late Omololu Olunloyo.

Earler, in 2012, a public outrage forced former President Goodluck Jonathan to reverse his decision to rename the University of Lagos (UNILAG) after the winner of the annulled 12 June 1993 presidential election, Moshood Abiola. Ironically, President Tinubu was among the critics of Mr Jonathans decision.

Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri

President Tinubu announced the renaming on Thursday during an expanded Federal Executive Council Meeting, which was held to honour the late president and offer national condolences to his family.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, said the honour was in appreciation of Mr Buharis commitment to education development.

Shortly after the pronouncement, criticism started locally among some residents of Borno, who complained that Mr Buhari already had too many public facilities named after him in the state, including an airport.

Some analysts questioned the late presidents commitment to the education sector, citing many long university lecturers strikes during his administration.

Other critics questioned the legality of the change, noting that the university was established by an act of the National Assembly and that it is not the prerogative of the president to change the name.

From the legal aspect, there is an act that established the University of Maiduguri, the University of Maiduguri Act. Now the president has, without consultation and without considering the opinions of certain people, renamed the university after Muhammadu Buhari, Maxwell Opara, a lawyer and public analyst, said on Arise TVs News Day programme.

We are a nation that is based on the rule of law. There should be a process of naming institutions after an individual so that the process is transparent, Austin Maho, a lecturer with the International Institute of Journalism, said on Arise TVs newspaper review section.

Petition

Nigerians have been signing a petition urging President Tinubu to reconsider his decision. The petition is titled: Preserve the identity of the University of Maiduguri  A respectful appeal against renaming University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University.

The petitioners advised him to instead rename the Federal University, Dutsin Ma in Katsina State or the Army University, Biu in Borno State after the late president.

They stated that their petition was not to diminish the contributions of the late president, but because renaming the University of Maiduguri does not align with the sentiments of its core stakeholders and the enduring identity the institution has built over the decades.

They said the University of Maiduguri is more than a name. It is a powerful symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and cultural heritage, especially in the face of insecurity that once threatened the North-East region. The name University of Maiduguri resonates deeply with the people it serves and reflects the institutions strategic importance in national development, peacebuilding, and intellectual advancement in Northern Nigeria.

For over 40 years, this great institution has produced leaders, scholars, diplomats, scientists, and patriots who proudly identify as UNIMAID alumni. Its name is a source of pride not just in Nigeria but across Africa and the global academic community.

We respectfully request Your Excellency to reconsider and reverse the renaming of the University of Maiduguri. While we hold the memory of President Muhammadu Buhari in high regard, we believe his name can be immortalised through alternative national monuments, research institutes, or legacy projects that will not alter the historic identity of a university so beloved by its community, the petition read.

The petitioners expressed hope that Mr. Tinubu, being a democrat, would listen to their prayers.

However, many people in Borno State also support the new name. They described it as appropriate for the late president for his role in restoring relative peace to Borno State during his administration and for being the son of a Borno woman.
In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Catherine Ajefu, founder of Hope at Dawn Foundation, shares the urgent and grim realities of sickle cell care in Nigeria. With nearly a decade of work in Kogi State, Ms Ajefu discusses the daily struggles of patients, the neglect by public institutions, and the role NGOs play in keeping thousands of children alive.

PT: Can you tell us about sickle cell disease in Nigeria, and what access to treatment looks like?

Ms AJefu: Sickle cell disease is prevalent. Nigeria has the highest number of people living with sickle cell anaemia in the world. According to recent figures, over 150,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year. Thats a high number.

But the awareness level is terribly low. Many communities still dont even know what sickle cell anaemia is. In Kogi State, we have had families with five, six, even seven children all living with the disease because they didnt know better. The idea of genotype compatibility before marriage is still new to many.

Access to medication is even worse. Families cant afford folic acid, let alone more advanced treatments. Some have multiple children with the condition and are forced to choose between sending them to school or buying medication. In many parts of the country, especially in Kogi, there are no blood banks, no haematologists, and no understanding of what sickle cell really is.

A lot needs to be done because there are lots of surgeries to be done. Most communities do not have blood banks that children living with sickle cell anaemia can easily run to. We have not even started 10 per cent of the job because people dont get to talk more about sickle cell in their communities. They need to increase the volume of their voices.

At Hope at Dawn Foundation, we have been working for the past nine years, primarily in Kogi State, supporting children and youth living with sickle cell anaemia. We help reduce the high mortality rate by providing free medications, funding blood transfusions, and other support. We started in Kogi State, but we are gradually expanding by moving into Abuja.

PT: You have worked in Kogi State for nearly a decade. What have you observed specifically there?

Ms AJefu: We are the only dedicated sickle cell NGO in the state. Six years ago, we had 229 registered warriors. Today, its down to 192 due to mortality rates. Every day, we have new cases of children who are being diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia because the parents do not understand the difference between genotype and blood group. The awareness level is close to zero. We have had families tell us their genotype is O positive. They dont know the difference. That shows you how much education is missing.

We have had a case where a young girl in crisis was locked in a room for days by her family, and she eventually died in the room when she was not given the right attention and medical care. That tells you everything.

Kogi doesnt have a functioning blood bank, and only three haematologists serve the entire state. Most state hospitals are unequipped, and theres no real government intervention. We carry out free genotype testing and advocacy in rural communities, but are massively under-resourced.

PT: What is the situation like across Nigeria regarding awareness and treatment?

Ms Ajefu: Lagos has the most active sickle cell advocacy, with numerous organisations working to support patients and raise awareness. Abuja is making efforts, but overall, the nations approach to sickle cell education is lacking. Sickle cell remains absent from educational curricula, despite its global prevalence. We keep ignoring a condition that affects millions of children and youths, who keep dying every day.

Awareness must start in classrooms and extend to churches, mosques, and workplaces. Many people still lie about their genotype, believing love is enough to overcome genetic incompatibility, but love isnt sufficient. The burden often falls on women when men abandon their responsibilities. Personally, I lost three siblings to sickle cell before I was born. I was diagnosed at six and faced stigma that affected my education. Many dreams are cut short due to this disease, and we need collective action to change that.

PT: What damaging misconceptions have you encountered, and how do they affect patients?

Ms AJefu: So many. One of the most common is that people with sickle cell dont live past 20. Another is that if they survive until 25, the pain magically stops. None of that is true.

People also say were cursed. They call us names like Abiku or Ogbanje, who drain families emotionally and financially. Ive lost friends at 20, 35, and even 40. Pain doesnt end with age.

I spoke to a 63-year-old warrior who had both hips replaced due to complications. Everyones genetic variation is different. Some go a whole year without a transfusion. Others need one every two months. Its a lifelong fight, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

PT: Are advanced treatments like gene therapy or bone marrow transplants a realistic option?

Ms Ajefu: Not for most of us. We have heard stories about how these treatments have helped sickle cell warriors to reduce their pain or change their gene type, and all of that. But they are very, very expensive for us in Nigeria to afford. Only a few people can afford them or travel abroad for care. For the rest of us, its out of reach. An average Nigerian cant even afford basic medication. If they really want to help us, they need to subsidise these treatments. Bringing them down to a realistic price that we can afford in Africa would definitely be appreciated; having a process of reducing our pain so that we will not be in and out of the hospital frequently.

PT: From your experience, how equipped are Nigerian healthcare facilities to handle sickle cell?

Ms Ajefu: When it comes to the equipped hospitals and healthcare centres in Nigeria, it is nothing to write home about. As a country, we are far behind. You can only see adequate equipment in private hospitals or a federal hospital. And in federal hospitals, because they are overcrowded, it becomes very difficult for you to be attended to.

State hospitals are empty of equipment, facilities, and specialists. Many of the best doctors are leaving the country. Even basic diagnostics require patients to go to private labs first.

You see a good haematologist today; next month, they are gone. For tests, you are told to go to a private lab. For scans, same thing. So what happens to poor children?

PT: Are government policies or funding doing anything for people with sickle cell?

Ms Ajefu: No. I cant name 10 states in Nigeria that are actively supporting children with sickle cell. I only know about a few states where their first lady or the government tries to support these children, but in most states in Nigeria, the government does not pay attention to what is called sickle cell anaemia. Most attention goes to cancer or HIV, while sickle cell is seen as a random disorder that affects children. Theres no meaningful funding. Parents are now turning to prayer houses because they cant afford treatments. So, the government is not doing enough to help children living with sickle cell anaemia. Their policy regarding sickle cell is being ignored, or maybe only exists on paper.

And what do we see as NGOs? Nothing. No support. No grants. No resources. We see warriors dropping out of school, unable to even afford transportation to clinics or hospital bills, let alone treatments. These are the gaps, and they are wide.

So, mostly, it is not the sickle cell anaemia that kills us faster; it is the stigma we get from society because we have been told things that break our hearts, that make us feel like nothing and nothing good can come from us.

PT: What role do NGOs and community efforts play in filling those gaps, and what more is needed?

Ms Ajefu: Right now, NGOs are the only hope many sickle cell patients have. We provide medication and awareness campaigns. We pay for blood transfusions. But we are burning out. Our resources are limited. The work is overwhelming.

We need the government, and we need partnerships. We need access to funding. We need the tools to scale our impact.

PT: What gives you hope, if anything, about the future of sickle cell care in Nigeria?

Ms Ajefu: Honestly, our hope is very little and less than five per cent. The government isnt pushing for innovation, for access, or research

But we are still dreaming and still praying that our voices are being heard, and the government will be able to support us, equip hospitals, and provide the right medications for us to get better, get access to the medications, and make the sickle cell community in Nigeria better.

They should bring in better medications at a very reduced price and then try to get innovative equipment, doctors, and good resources that can help us build together as a nation and as a sickle cell community to be better for the next generation to come and to reduce sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria.
When a man who loves his wife meets the Lord, the Lord will set his wife against him.

The love we are expected to have for God does not permit any other love. As a matter of fact, if we love God, we must hate everyone else. We must love our neighbour but not because we love him. We must love our neighbour because we love God. Gods love tolerates no rivals. He says: I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. (Exodus 20:5).

I learnt this the hard way. My wife, Karen, was the love of my life. She was my very first love. It was love at first sight when I met her in high school in Rome. I proposed to her at the age of 16 and got married to her at 25. Marrying her is one of the very best decisions I have ever made. I honestly cannot imagine myself being married to anyone else. But something totally unexpected happened to me at the age of 41.

I fell in love with Jesus Christ.

Battle Royal

I never imagined there would be conflict between my love for my wife and my new-found love for God. How wrong that proved to be. The love of God is very exacting. It is an all-or-nothing love. Jesus would not tolerate my great devotion for my wife; and my wife soon had issues with my passion for God. I expected the Lord to be the prince of peace in my home. Instead, He deliberately instigated conflicts between my wife and me.

For instance, He once said to me: Femi, I dont want you to speak to anybody else but Me for the next three days. Of course, I had to alert my wife about this. As can be expected, she was not amused. How can God say that? she complained. Doesnt He know you are married?

The fact that I am married is precisely why He said it. The LORD tests the heart. (Proverbs 17:3). He wants to know who we love. Jesus asked Peter: Simon son of John, do you truly love Me more than these? (John 21:15). I was caught between two implacable lovers; with neither prepared to yield. The battles for my affections were not only ferocious, they were relentless.

Prince of Sword

Jesus says: Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a mans enemies will be those of his own household. (Matthew 10:34-36).

The same dynamic applies to a man and his wife. When a man who loves his wife meets the Lord, the Lord will set his wife against him. Husbands and wives dont start at the same level of faith, and this is often problematic. The Jesus known to the husband might even be different from the one known to the wife; to the irritation and aggravation of their relationship. But the Lord must be our one and only love.

Jesus says: No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24). If a man loves God and loves his wife, there will be inevitable conflicts of interest. God might require him to do one thing out of his love for Him. But his wife might want him to do the opposite.

One day, my wife was going to Sri Lanka for a conference. The Lord said to me: Femi, you must not miss her. I knew then that I had to be careful. I did not want the Lord to take my wife away. A few days later, Karen phoned me from Sri Lanka. Her first question was: Do you miss me? I said to myself: this woman wants to get me into trouble. To her annoyance, I refused to answer.

Love and Obedience

Any demand that contradicts the Lord is Satanic. We must reject it out of hand. Accordingly, Jesus rebuked Peter: Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men. (Matthew 16:23). Having learnt his lesson, Peter says: We must obey God rather than men! (Acts 5:29). To love God is to obey God. Jesus says: If you love Me, obey Me. (John 14:15). We are the servant of whoever we obey.

The love of God must be our one and only motivation. The only acceptable reason for any and every action we take or dont take must be the love of God. Gods love purifies the heart. We love our neighbour not because he is lovable, but because our love for God says we should. We love our wives because of the enablement of our God who is love. Jesus says: Without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5). Mary provides further counsel: Do whatever (Jesus) tells you. (John 2:5).

Our love for God is far superior to any other love. The love of a man for his wife is exclusive; therefore it is selfish. Selfish love is fundamentally sinful; it promotes sin. A man might even kill out of love for his wife. He might steal out of love for his children. However, the man who loves God does not sin. The man who loves God obeys His command to love his neighbour. The man who loves God takes good care of his wife. But he does this because of his love for God, and not because of his love for his wife.

Undivided Heart

In the end, I had no choice but to sit my wife down and give her the bad news: The Lord is now the love of my life. That means in all situations and circumstances, my actions and inactions would be guided solely by my love for God, and not by my love for her. This position is actually to my wifes advantage. Nevertheless, she considered it to be a betrayal of my love for her and has not completely forgiven me for it.

The Lord says: My son, give Me your heart. (Proverbs 23:26). We cannot oblige if our heart is already given to someone else. If we oblige, we cannot divide our heart and share it between the Lord and someone else. Our eyes must be single and our hearts undivided.

According to Jesus, this is the most important commandment of all: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:29-30).

This leaves no room for loving anyone else but the Lord. It requires that all the love in our heart must be devoted to the Lord and to him alone. Jesus says: If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:26).

Instead of seeking to understand this difficult commandment, most Christians simply ignore it.

[email protected]; www.femiaribisala.com
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku It goes without saying that Dr Samuel Ogbuku is...

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With a market cap of $37.3 billion, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (CTSH) is a leading global provider of IT consulting, business process services, and outsourcing solutions. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, the company operates through four segments: Financial Services; Health Sciences; Products and Resources; and Communications, Media and Technology.

CTSH is expected to report its Q2 earnings on Wednesday, July 30, after the market closes. Ahead of the event, analysts expect CTSH to report an EPS of $1.26 per share, up 7.7% from a profit of $1.17 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. It has exceeded analysts' earnings estimates in all of the past four quarters.

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For the current year, analysts expect CTSH to report an EPS of $5.08, up 7% from $4.75 in fiscal 2024.

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Over the past year, CTSH shares have fallen marginally, underperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 13.6% gains but outperforming the Technology Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLK) 16.3% returns over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

On April 30, shares of Cognizant surged marginally following the release of its Q1 results. The company reported an adjusted EPS of $1.23, surpassing the Streets estimate of $1.19, while revenue came in at $5.12 billion, ahead of the projected $5.07 billion. For the full year, Cognizant expects adjusted EPS to range between $4.98 and $5.14, with revenue guidance set between $20.5 billion and $21 billion.

Moreover, analysts remain fairly upbeat about CTSH stocks future prospects, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 24 analysts covering the stock, seven recommend a Strong Buy, one suggests a Moderate Buy, and 16 suggest a Hold. Its mean price of $89.79 implies a premium of 18.6% from its prevailing price level.

On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah 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
The sad optics of the struggle for the possession of the mortal bodies of the late Alaafin and Awujale does more damage to the Obaship system in Yorubaland than the burial procedures themselves and are a reminder of the need to create an inclusive and dignifying protocol that reflects cultural maturity and safeguards collective dignity. Moreover, the subservience of royalty to crass political ends and the politicisation of the royal selection process should be of more concern to us than who conducts royal burials.

The recent transitioning of the revered Alase Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and his immediate public Islamic interment, in accordance with the 2021 Ogun States Obas and Chiefs Law, has elicited great controversy across Yorubaland. Rightly so, conversations on the place of royalty and culture in our modern world routinely elicit hotly different reactions, be it the questions of the relevance of monarchies in English and Spanish democracies or the vexed issue of gender-equal succession in Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands. You can throw in the mix Thailand monarchys strict lese-majeste laws and the issue of freedom of expression and colonial reckoning for European royals. Therefore, Yoruba peoples, proud inheritors of a civilisation that has thrived for over a thousand years, should not and cannot avoid these discussions.

The burial of Awujale raises three key questions, and how well we answer them will shape the future. What should be the ideal frame of Yoruba culture and spirituality in 2024? What is the place of Yoruba royalty in our peoples lives now? Who are the custodians of our traditional stools today? Cultural purists often invoke the phrase this is our culture with conviction. Yet, as Raymond Williams reminds us, culture is one of the two or three most complicated words in the English language and a notion fraught with complexity and ambiguity. In light of this conceptual fluidity, what and whose culture is actually being asserted when appeals are made to culture as a foundation of authority?

Unmistakably, however, Yoruba kingship institutions originated within a religious worldview centred on the Orisa and the attendant cosmological order. The Oba was historically seen not only as a political head but also as a spiritual intermediary between his people and the gods. The process of enthronement involved elaborate rituals conducted by traditional religious prelates, indicating that kingship was embedded in Yoruba metaphysics. However, how do we frame our spirituality in light of our complex religious experiences of the past 500 years?

The Yoruba traditional religion is polytheistic, recognising hundreds of Orisa, each representing specific natural forces, moral principles, professions, and social institutions. Built on this ancestral foundation is our beautiful cultural worldview that presents a rich tapestry of multiplicity, syncretism, and accommodation, which together underpin the remarkable liberality and resilience of the Yoruba worldview. No wonder our families are an impressive blend of shades of religions and kinship ties that supersede competing theologies. Perhaps it is time to accommodate foreign gods in our pantheon, after all the door is never truly shut.

Based on historical evidence, there is no authority in our cultural system that rigidly fixes the religion of our kings. Over the last 150 years, both Muslim and Christian kings have ascended the throne across various Yoruba kingdoms. Oba Ali Atewogboye of Ado-Ekiti, a devout Muslim, was crowned in 1836, becoming the first Muslim ruler in Yorubaland. Similarly, Oba Momodu Lamuye of Iwo, enthroned in 1853, was a devout Muslim.

The answer to what is authentic Yoruba religion in the twenty-first century is to look at the history of Islam and the Christian faiths across our communities. Islam has had recognisable presence in Yoruba cities for at least 500 years and the Christian faith for at least 200 years. Essentially, Islam has been practiced in some form in Yorubaland even before Ede, Osogbo, Akure, Ibadan, Abeokuta and Eko were founded as cities  and ditto for Christianity and some other cities. Can we then say that these religions are totally alien in our lands at this point, after their centuries-long influences? How do we separate their linguistic and social influences from our lives? I think the most reasonable answer lies in the understanding that cultural and religious identities are rarely static; they are shaped, reshaped, and often hybridised by encounters with the external world. In fact, in Yorubaland it is not awkward to organise thanksgiving services for the successful completion of an Ogun festival in a Christian church, or have an Oba launch an Ogun statue in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, or an Oba insisting on having his wives join him at the front row at Eid al-Adha prayers.

Based on historical evidence, there is no authority in our cultural system that rigidly fixes the religion of our kings. Over the last 150 years, both Muslim and Christian kings have ascended the throne across various Yoruba kingdoms. Oba Ali Atewogboye of Ado-Ekiti, a devout Muslim, was crowned in 1836, becoming the first Muslim ruler in Yorubaland. Similarly, Oba Momodu Lamuye of Iwo, enthroned in 1853, was a devout Muslim. Other notable Muslim monarchs of that era include Oba Timi Abibu Lagunju of Ede (1855) and Oba Adeyemi I Alowolodu (1876). Conversely, Oba Frederick Kumokun Haastrup, the Owa Obokun Ajimoko I of Ijeshaland, became the first Christian king in 1896, and Oba Isaac Akinyele was crowned Olubadan of Ibadan in 1955 as a committed Christian, who also served as the inaugural president of the Christ Apostolic Church. These precedents unequivocally point to a conclusion: royal succession is by bloodline; religious affiliation does not disqualify a prince from royal succession. What is culturally prohibited is the use of royal authority for overt religious proselytism.

While traditionalists have unquestionable primordial spiritual claims to the ownership of the traditional leadership system in Yorubaland, the current religious demography of Yorubaland indicates a domination by the two Abrahamic faiths, a fact that has created the current simmering conflict. Undeniably, the continued existence, relevance, and legitimacy of the traditional leadership institution in Yorubaland depend on its wide acceptance across all Yoruba communities of faith. Calcifying kingship rites is guaranteed to result in its death in time, in relation to the current religious demography, and its unregulated opening up to modernity will destroy its essence and relevance  a complex reality that calls for calm heads and wise solutions. The contemporary throne in Yorubaland is the joint heritage of all Yoruba people; it must therefore reflect the diverse religious realities of its people.

The current contest around Obaship rites invites deeper reflection on their true purpose. These are symbolically unique rituals designed for cultural heritage, social well-being, and the acknowledgment of ancestral lineage. While traditional religion provides the framework for these rites, the intent behind them  continuity, prosperity, justice  can be appreciated and upheld by Obas of any faith. The consistent nomination of non-traditionalists as Obas over the last century-and-a-half speaks to our living tradition, one that evolves, accommodates, and honours diversity within unity.

No well-meaning scion of Yorubaland will accommodate the seeming irresponsibility of some traditional leaders cloaked in modernity and/or religious fervour who desecrate sacred tradition. Our shared duty, regardless of faith, is to delineate the permissible bounds of responsible leadership. Keeping a delicate balance between the fixed and amenable is the primary key to sustaining the institution.

No well-meaning scion of Yorubaland will accommodate the seeming irresponsibility of some traditional leaders cloaked in modernity and/or religious fervour who desecrate sacred tradition. Our shared duty, regardless of faith, is to delineate the permissible bounds of responsible leadership. Keeping a delicate balance between the fixed and amenable is the primary key to sustaining the institution.

As a prince of Oke-Ako Ekiti, albeit permanently with no royal aspiration, and a public policy scholar, I will suggest three pathways forward based on my global reading of systems and processes. First, traditional rites must be respected; however, we must create opportunities for their modifications for monotheistic candidates, as these rites are the historical foundation of kingship. Secondly, religious accommodation is a principal qualification for royalty in Yorubaland. Obas, irrespective of their faiths, must acknowledge the indigenous customs that validate their throne. And lastly, we must review our current legal and customary frameworks to accommodate reasonable concerns, prevent disputes, and ensure continuity.

The sad optics of the struggle for the possession of the mortal bodies of the late Alaafin and Awujale does more damage to the Obaship system in Yorubaland than the burial procedures themselves and are a reminder of the need to create an inclusive and dignifying protocol that reflects cultural maturity and safeguards collective dignity. Moreover, the subservience of royalty to crass political ends and the politicisation of the royal selection process should be of more concern to us than who conducts royal burials.

Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, omo Anikilaya, omo Fidipote, you surely left Ijebuland better than you met it, and that is all that matters!!

Tosin Osasona is a criminal justice policy researcher and security sector reform specialist.
Why should I bother myself with what is done to my body when I die? Oyomesi (the council of seven high-ranking chiefs in the Oyo Empire) knows what to do with my body! That was what immediate past Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, told me in his palace, a few weeks before he journeyed to Ibara  where Oyo buries its kings. He was furious with Ogun State traditional rulers. His grouse was with the Obas and Chiefs Law of 2021. That law has aberrant stipulations that are repugnant to tradition and customs. One of them is the provision stipulating that traditional rulers can be buried according to their religious dispositions.

First presented at the Ogun State legislature in early 2020, it was named, State Traditional Rulers (Installation and Burial Rites) Bill 2020. The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who recently passed, initiated it. The bill sought to make a law to provide for the Preservation, Protection and Exercise by Traditional Rulers of their fundamental rights to be installed and buried according to their religions or beliefs and for other related matters. In 2022, Governor Dapo Abiodun became the pall-bearer of this sacred, even if mythical, ritual of traditional burial of kings transmitted from our forebears.

To fortify institutions and systems that they revered, our forebears curated a number of taboos, myths, wise-sayings and social mores which served to make them distinct in everyday relations. An ancient saying that explains the secrecy of their kings burial is, it is a taboo (eewo) to bury the initiate the same way you bury a non-initiate. It is one of Yorubas ancient aphorisms which escaped into the modern time. Though modernity has afforded us opportunity to see those inherited myths as mere decorative palm fronds (mariwo) on a masquerade, they are the pillars upon which Yoruba traditional institution stands. The Oro cult myth is one of such. Those days, as the cults ceremonies were conducted, most times at nocturnes, a fearful, ululating flute whistled through the night. When women whom the system forbids from seeing its rituals hear the flute, a chill runs through their spines. It was a symbol of the dominance of male chauvinism.

An Ifa corpus poetic chant gives a short narration of a king called Olufimo Akoko. He did what no one ever did and got a recompense that was unexampled. His offense? He brought his youngest wife into the sacred grove. The wife had pestered her king husband to let her into the secret of the Oro cult. After ceaseless prodding, Olufimo caved in to her demand. So he hid his curious wife inside the Apere, the kings stool. As the ceremony was afoot, every of the initiation process hit a dud end. Thus goes the Ifa poetic chant about the dilemma the initiates faced: A pe Ifa, Ifa o je o, a pOro, Oro o mi titi o. Troubled on what could have gone amiss, someone suggested that the Kabiyesis Apere be searched. When they found the pretty woman carefully tucked inside the stool, they decided to do the needful. In order to continue to reify the myth of what goes on in the Oro cult, both the Olufimo and his damsel were instantly beheaded.

On Tuesday last week, as I stepped into the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Ondo State, I was confronted with two choices. Before me were traditional rulers of immense renown. They gunwa-ed (pardon my inflection for their royal sitting) in their ancient majesties. The Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, Ogunoye III, was there. He reminded me of one of his mythical predecessors, Sir Olateru Olagbegi, KBE. The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, whose stool parades lustering pedigree of great kings like the British-trained lawyer, 42nd Deji, Oba Ademuwagun Adesida, was there. The king of my village, Ilu Abo, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Oba Olu Falae, was there. And many others. They were all gathered for the 10th coronation anniversary colloquium of the Deji. The topic for discussion was, Role of Nigerias Traditional Institutions in Nation Building: Impediments and Prospects and I was one of its three discussants. The options before me were binary: Give the Kabiyesis the platitudes they were used to, or tell them the absolute truth they needed to know? I chose the latter.

So, I began. The traditional institution parades a great pedigree. Before the advent of the colonialists, it was the highest governance institution of the era. Indeed, as stated by the colloquiums Keynote speaker, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, in the traditional institution, the colonial masters met an impregnable institution of governance that had been in existence centuries before their advent. It was a pillar of identity, legitimacy and cohesion which also upheld values and united communities, Makinde said.

I continued: Today however, the traditional institution is at its lowest ebb. Seldom regarded, kings would seem to have lost their relevance and sacredness. Entrance into the institution has been generally bastardized. Money dictates who becomes king and in the process, illegitimates and dregs of society get smuggled into the system. An Oba is known to smoke marijuana. The bulk of them are land-grabbers who make money from the tears of their people. We now have kings who are ignorant about the customs of their people. I once heard a thoroughly confused Oba introduce himself as Oba Assistant Pastor on television. The most annoying part of it is the ease with which they repudiate the customs and myths surrounding their offices. The latest is the funeral of the late Awujale of Ijebuland. A few days ago, Kabiyesi, one of the most revered monarchs of Yorubaland, was buried like an ordinary mortal and soldiers prevented traditionalists from having a hand in his burial. As I spoke, there was pin-drop silence. While many felt I was audacious in the presence of the Irunmole, some agreed that our fathers needed to hear the gospel truth. The traditional institution must redeem itself if it wants to be taken seriously, I concluded.

In an interview Oba Adetona granted before his death, he cavalierly disdained the traditional institution. A valiant man who stood staunchly against General Sani Abacha, in that interview, Awujale exposed virtually all the sacred innards of Yoruba kingship. For instance, the cult of secrecy preceding installation of Yoruba kings got massively shellacked by the Awujale. What we did in seclusion is nothing secret. We were just there making merry and enjoying ourselves while relatives, friends and other well-wishers come around to visit and rejoice with the king That is all So, where were the traditionalists you talk about then? And what rites are you referring to? I cannot recall any rite that was done behind the scene. Let them come and tell me. It is all lies. Nothing like that. They even tell you that they give the heart of a deceased Oba to the new one to eat! They are crazy. Nothing like thatI didnt eat anything oooo. So, no such thing happened, he said.

This was the very first time I would see a Yoruba king expose and explode the myths of the centuries-old traditional institution. By their very definition, myths are lies. You will find many of Yoruba ancient myths in German editor, scholar and writer, Ulli Beiers book with the title, Yoruba Myths (1980). Andrew Apter of the Yale University, in his journal article entitled, The Historiography of Yoruba Myth and Ritual History in Africa, Vol. 14 (1987), pp. 1-25, said of it, Myth is a false reflection of the past or a testimony of the past in oral societies.

Unable to explain how they came to where they were, Yoruba propounded so many founding myths to explain their existence. Reinforced by rituals and narrations, the myths explain the founding of their kingdoms through creation stories and tales of their migration. For instance, as espoused by Apter, Yoruba creation myth focuses on Ile Ife as the peoples source. Even though it lacks any empirical fact, it is a mythology that has shaped the peoples existence.

Several other myths were curated to fortify their kingship system. Yoruba needed to differentiate their kings from ordinary mortals. Their aim was to invoke dread, respect and an eternal relevance for the system. One is that, kings heads are not to be seen by ordinary mortals. The rationale is that, if every Tom, Dick and Harry sees and touches their kings heads, it deconstructs them and the overall system. Again, in the process of carving immortality for their kings, Yoruba compare them to the gods, igba keji orisa and say their kings do not die. So, if they dont die, a taboo was then needed to literally demonise sighting the corpse of an Oba. Like Christians did to mythologise their founding patriarch, Jesus Christ, the Yoruba also created and surrounded their kings with myths. It is a taboo, for instance, to say an Oba dies but appropriate to use the euphemism, Oba waja  he ascended up through the rafters. Obas exits are not announced like mortals but with elements of sacredness and sobriety. As Christians are not allowed to query the non-empirical claim of their patriarchs birth and anyone who does so is a social outcast or an atheist, the Yoruba do not take kindly to attempts to remove the ancient shawls surrounding their kings.

Myths were essential to the ancient Yoruba people. Many of them are found in palaces. For instance, if you enter the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo today, you must remove your shoes, sandals and slippers. It is said that it is a taboo not to. No one has ever been let into the repercussions of dissension. Until recently, no one shook the hands of an Oba. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was lucky. As he aged, providence, the designer of his visage, decorated his face with dread. You couldnt look at Oba Adeyemis face without a dread running down your spine. You would assume you were looking at the frightening face of a lion. As close as I was to him, whenever I was in his presence, rather than his face, I looked at my feet. I once told the story he narrated to me. A lawyer had apparently got used to seeing the Alaafin in his palace without any encumbrance. One day, the king thought it fit to put an end to this. So, he kept the lawyer waiting all day. He went home without seeing him. Alaafin told me he had to mythify the office and person of the king. Mo fi Alaafin han an ni  I showed him the steely stuff the king is made of, he said.

All the above make attempt by traditional rulers in Ogun State, in concert with their governor and legislators, to commonize the burial of their kings, a cultural heresy. Some other parts of Yorubaland have also partaken of this despicable heresy. All Yoruba of goodwill must get Dapo Abiodun and his co-travelers on this journey to retrace their steps. It is a calamitous journey. Obas must go through the seclusion rites of Ipebi and must be buried according to the tradition they willingly subjected themselves to. It is called traditional rule, not modern rule. The burial of Oba Lipede, the Alake Egbaland, some years ago, was going to end up a calamity but for a momentary recourse to reason. In Ogbomoso, the body of Soun, Oba Ajagungbade III, was subjected to a despicable act of public viewing. Ibadan people seem to have made this desecration of their Obas bodies an art. They did it with the bodies of two previous Olubadan who waja-ed, Oba Saliu Adetunji and Oba Lekan Balogun. The two Obas bodies were carted round and about like skinned goats from the abattoir. The greatest calamity would have befallen Yorubaland when Alaafin Adeyemi waja-ed and Islamicists attempted to bury him like an ordinary mortal. It took the firmness of Sango cult adherents to stop the drift. They instantly stopped the madness.

I have heard canvassers for the modernisation of traditional institutions talk about the dynamism of culture. Yes, I agree, culture is not static and should not be resistant to change. However, as I said earlier, the glue that holds that institution in this age of modernity is the survival of those ancient myths. Without them, kings lose their differentiation from all of us. Come to think of it, why are so-called kings this cowardly that they are afraid of what becomes of their bodies which would be consumed by maggots anyway? Even an atheist, Dr. Tai Solarin, asked that his body parts should be given to medical students for anatomical studies.

At the Deji of Akures 10th coronation, the Olowo of Owo came to the rescue of the institution of his forefathers. After praising the Oyo State government for upholding tradition in the recent enthronement of the Alaafin of Oyo, he said, Personally, I often said that I am a traditionalist to the highest level. Of recent, we were aware when the Queen of England passed away and what it entailed when she was being buried. To me, it is optional. If you want to be an Oba, be an Oba. If you do not want to practice what it entails, you have the option of not to accept to be an Oba. It is not by force. Before I accepted to be Olowo of Owo, I know what it entails. I was in the palace for 25 years with my father. I am fully aware of what is involved. I have not observed anything repugnant in our tradition. Let us understand that there is nothing repugnant about our tradition.

Still talking about burials, the passage of President Muhammadu Buhari has elicited diverse comments. To start with, I do not agree that when a person dies, regardless of the evils they commit while on earth, they should be sacralized. I began canvassing my opposition to this view, said to have been inherited from our past, long time ago. For eight good years of Buharis reign, I made my views of him available to all. The summary is that he was a disaster. In saner societies, his kind should never come near the dais of responsible governance. Today, many Nigerians queue where I stand

Last week, President Bola Tinubu harvested the proceeds of Buharis death. I enjoyed his graveyard politics and diplomatic burial shuttles to Daura and Kano last week, ostensibly in pursuit of the mythic 12 million CPC votes said to have been sequestered in the hands of Buhari. More importantly, I hope Tinubu reckons with the lessons in his predecessors sudden death? One is that, you cannot sow tears and sorrow and expect a debased, pummeled and traumatized people to garland your corpse with deodorants as elegies. Apart from Tinubu and his graveyard politics crew, Nigerians literally pelted Buharis body with pellets at his departure.Tinubu should use this lesson to review his policies and find ways of making the rest of his life count in favour of the people. In the same vein, our traditional rulers should have a rethink. Most of them seem to have, by their conduct and proclamations, borrowing from the lesson from an ancient old anecdote, shown the fox that the crown on their cocks head holds no fire. If we continue to label our beautiful calabash pankara, what South Africans call wanzagsi  a broken calabash  we should not be surprised if the ignorant elect to pack their dirt with it.

Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist.
The only persons whom the courts are willing to hear in Nigerias elections are political parties, their candidates or INEC. Yet, the dispute in every election is over the mandate or votes of the people or the citizens. In this dispute, the courts in Nigeria routinely deny the voters any right or standing to be heard even though they are bound by the outcome. There is no lawful or constitutional basis for that jurisprudence. If anything, the constitution clearly mandates that citizens shall have the right and standing to challenge or participate in such proceedings if they choose.

The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.  Article 21(3), Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In April 2017, Maina Kiai changed the face of presidential elections in Kenya. He is neither a politician nor was he a candidate or aspirant seeking political office. Maina trained as a lawyer. For five years, from 2003, he chaired Kenyas National Human Rights Commission. In 2011, Maina became the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association. He held that position until 2017.

When he sued Kenyas Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), however, in 2016, Maina acted as an ordinary citizen asserting his rights under Kenyas Constitution of 2010, to ask Kenyas courts to protect the integrity of elections in his country. He had good reason to do so. Kenyas Court of Appeal pointed out in its judgment of 7 April 2017 that [B]ecause elections determine political winners and losers, electoral processes, from voter registration through to declaration of results, have long been targeted for manipulation and are the foremost cause of electoral conflicts. Such manipulation or, sometimes even the mere threat of it weakens public confidence in democratic processes, in the courts, security agencies, in the legislature and in the end can erode the legitimacy of governance institutions.

In 2011, Kenyas parliament had enacted an Elections Act. The following year, the IEBC supplemented that law with the Elections (General) Regulations. Both the principal Act and the subsidiary regulations under it provided that the results declared at the polling unit and by constituency officials in presidential elections were provisional and, therefore, subject to be altered or confirmed by the IEBC at the final collation. Maina invited Kenyas courts to void these provisions and pronounce them as unconstitutional because they created the loophole through which presidential election results suffered mutilation and adulteration between the polling units and final announcement by the IEBC.

Many people thought this case quite audacious on many grounds. First was that it was instigated by ordinary citizens and not by a political party or a candidate in an election. Second, the courts decided to accord the citizen litigants standing to institute the case, when it may have been more convenient to throw them out on a situational jurisprudence of standing to sue. The third surprise was that, first, the High Court and then the Court of Appeal of Kenya, upheld the case of the citizens in its entirely and granted the orders sought. In other words, it was the courts in Kenya that abolished the rigging of elections through multiple levels of collation and compelled the IEBC to ensure that the results announced at the polling units are not different from those announced at the final collation.

The only persons whom the courts are willing to hear in Nigerias elections are political parties, their candidates or INEC. Yet, the dispute in every election is over the mandate or votes of the people or the citizens. In this dispute, the courts in Nigeria routinely deny the voters any right or standing to be heard even though they are bound by the outcome. There is no lawful or constitutional basis for that jurisprudence.

Five months later, in September 2017, the Supreme Court of Kenya followed through the logic of this decision and nullified the results announced by the IEBC in the presidential election, which showed significant alterations and adulterations at various levels of the result management process. Four years earlier, in 2013, the Supreme Court of Kenya had upheld results which suffered similar challenges but then the rules were not as clear. Interestingly in that case, one of the petitions instituted in that year was by Gladwell Otieno, another ordinary citizen who led a group called the Africa Organisation for Open Governance (AfriCOG).

These kinds of developments are unthinkable in election accountability and dispute resolution in Nigeria. Mind you, if the kind of decision handed down by Kenyas Court of Appeal in 2017 in the Maina Kiai case had been possible in Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not have got away with the impunity of its undisguised rigging of the most recent governorship election in Edo State and the official burglarisation of that election would not have enjoyed judicial certification.

The only persons whom the courts are willing to hear in Nigerias elections are political parties, their candidates or INEC. Yet, the dispute in every election is over the mandate or votes of the people or the citizens. In this dispute, the courts in Nigeria routinely deny the voters any right or standing to be heard even though they are bound by the outcome. There is no lawful or constitutional basis for that jurisprudence. If anything, the constitution clearly mandates that citizens shall have the right and standing to challenge or participate in such proceedings if they choose.

This assertion has solid constitutional foundations. The judicial powers of Nigerias Court, as established in Section 6(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, extend explicitly to the determination of any question as to the civil rights and obligations of that person. Universal franchise as the foundation of the mandate to govern is a civil right and obligation of the highest constitutional salience. It is protected by the Constitution; by the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, which is domestic law in Nigeria; and by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

As Kenyas Court of Appeal proclaimed in 2017, the constitution proclaims the sovereignty of the people, the supremacy of the Constitution and imposes on every person a solemn obligation to respect and defend the Constitution. Citizens cannot fulfil or uphold this duty if judges continue in their incest with politicians, which prospers from the judicially procured exclusion of the people.

One approach to this is to require the INEC to first prove substantial compliance with applicable laws before a constitutional or electoral chamber in a process in which citizens can participate and contest its claims. In its 2008 report, for instance, the Electoral Reform Committee headed by former Chief Justice, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, recommended exactly this

The only thing that seems to confound those who oppose this point is not the soundness of its constitutional validity but the convenience of administering its logic. They seem terrified by the prospect that this is a facility that may be exercised  in presidential elections  by tens of million of persons. This is not a legal objection but a design or engineering proposition in respect of which management options have been authoritatively canvassed previously.

One approach to this is to require the INEC to first prove substantial compliance with applicable laws before a constitutional or electoral chamber in a process in which citizens can participate and contest its claims. In its 2008 report, for instance, the Electoral Reform Committee headed by former Chief Justice, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, recommended exactly this, arguing that there should be a shift the burden of proof from the petitioners to INEC to show, on the balance of probability, that disputed elections were indeed free and fair and candidates declared winners were truly the choices of the electorate.

Another would be to recognise that citizens or civic groups have standing in election petitions in representative or test capacity. The roll of voters for this purpose can be recognised as a class whose members share a common interest in credible elections and in results that bear fidelity to the expressed will of the people.

These pathways are not mutually exclusive. The appeal of the latter is that implementing it does not require constitutional amendment. It simply needs the courts to perform their duty of upholding the constitution in its text and structure. In doing this, as the Court of Appeal of Kenya reminds us we must be keenly aware of the need to insulate the electoral process from the deleterious perils and malaise of opacity, corruption, crime and malpractice. The resolution of this problem is too important a task to be abandoned to a joint enterprise of the self-same people responsible for these crimes in the first place.

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through [email protected].


The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the composition of a caretaker committee to regain control of its political structure in the south-south states of Nigeria.

The decision was made during the NWCs 602nd meeting. The PDPs National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

Mr Ologunagba noted that the caretaker committee was established in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution and is expected to administer the partys affairs in the South-south zone for an initial period of three months or until a new zonal executive is elected.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its 602nd meeting, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) approved the composition of the South South Zonal Caretaker Committee to manage the affairs of the Party in the Zone.

The South South Zonal Caretaker Committee is to oversee the activities of the party in the zone for a period of three months or until when a new Zonal Executive is elected in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the PDP, he said.

Committee members

The committee will be chaired by PDP chieftain, Emma Ogidi, while Damiete Herbert-Mille will serve as secretary.

Other members are Nicholas Ayuwa, Godwin Akpan Udonta, Bekewei Ashanti, Idehen Ebomwonyi and Vivian Ahanmisi.

The NWC also called on party members in the zone to cooperate fully with the caretaker committee and remain committed to the unity and strength of the PDP.

The NWC charges all members of the PDP in the South south Zone to be guided by this and continue to work together in the overall interest of the party in the zone. Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media and security agencies are hereby notified accordingly, the statement said.

PDPs declining influence in the region

The constitution of the committee comes at a time the PDPs influence is diminishing in the South-south, a region that was once considered a stronghold of the party.

The South-south comprises six states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers. Of these, Bayelsa is the only state currently under PDP control following the recent wave of defections.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Umo Eno, are among those who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The situation has left the PDP struggling to maintain a foothold in a region that historically played a crucial role in its electoral victories.

READ ALSO: Another PDP senator resigns from party

The move to set up a zonal caretaker committee should originally be a strategic attempt to rebuild its structure and reconnect with its base ahead of future elections.

This decision also aligns with recent remarks by the acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, who hinted that the party would soon set up a caretaker committee to reclaim its political relevance in Delta and other parts of the zone.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and four concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit against the government of President Bola Tinubu over the failure to publish the report of the forensic audit carried out on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which allegedly indicts high-ranking officials and politicians over missing N6 trillion from the commission between 2001 and 2019.

Following the allegations of grand corruption, the late former president Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 ordered a forensic audit of the NDDCs operations. Also, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, recently alleged that the wife of a former minister collected N48 billion over 12 months to train Niger Delta women.

The four concerned Nigerians in the suit are Taiwo Aiyedatiwa, Jude Pulemote, Ben Tariye, and Elizabeth Egbe.

In the suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/35/25 filed last Friday before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, the plaintiffs are seeking: a declaration that the failure of the Nigerian government to publish the NDDC forensic report amounts to a fundamental breach of the countrys international human rights obligations.

The plaintiffs are seeking an order directing and compelling the Nigerian government to publish and ensure access to information to the NDDC forensic report which has been submitted to the government but remains shrouded in secrecy.

The plaintiffs are also seeking an order directing and compelling the Nigerian government to adopt and ensure effective measures to address transparency and accountability gaps in the spending of public funds budgeted for the NDDC.

In the suit, the plaintiffs are arguing that, The Nigerian government has violated our right to know the truth about the corruption allegations documented in the NDDC forensic report. The obstruction of the publication of the report is perpetrating impunity and the cover-up of the allegations documented in the report.

The plaintiffs are also arguing that, Implicit in freedom of expression is the publics right to open access to information and to know what governments are doing on their behalf, without which truth would languish and peoples participation in government would remain fragmented and illusory.

The plaintiffs are arguing that, The Nigerian government has failed and refused to publish the NDDC forensic report and has failed to provide any reasons or grounds for withholding the report from the plaintiffs and the Nigerian public.

According to the plaintiffs, The Nigerian government has the legal obligations to guarantee and ensure transparency and access to information regarding the NDDC forensic report as a component of the right to seek, receive, and impart information of all kinds.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP and the four concerned Nigerians by their lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: There is an overriding public interest in the publication and disclosure of the NDDC forensic report.

The Nigerian governments continuing failure to publish the NDDC forensic report denies the plaintiffs the ability to truly study the report and hold the government to account, as well as damages the rule of law and violates the plaintiffs other rights.

The information sought is not classified information for reasons of national security, as the NDDC forensic report relates to issues of transparency, accountability and human rights, which are covered under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Access to public information is a fundamental human right protected by Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which require the Nigerian government to respect, promote and ensure it. Nigeria has ratified both human rights treaties.

Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights include a positive obligation on the Nigerian government to allow the plaintiffs to access the NDDC forensic report under its custody and control.

Access to information is a basic tool for building citizenship, and the plaintiffs have the right to participate in matters of public interest, such as pursuing accountability and justice for victims of corruption documented in the NDDC forensic report.

These matters of public interest are part of the ideals underlying the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.

Access to information regarding the NDDC forensic report would enable the plaintiffs to effectively exercise their human rights and to hold the Nigerian government to account for the allegations documented in the report.

Public access to the NDDC forensic report would also promote democratic participation, and empower the citizens to hold the Nigerian government accountable and to control corruption in the country.

In order to guarantee the full and effective exercise of the right of access to information, state administration, including the Nigerian government must follow the principles of maximum disclosure and good faith.

The principle of maximum disclosure is a guiding principle of the right to information, found in Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The principle of maximum disclosure calls for a legal regime in which transparency and the right to access are the general rule and are only subject to strict and limited exceptions. The right of access to information is the rule, and secrecy is the exception.

The right of access to information is not absolute; it can be subject to limitations.

However, these limitations must comply strictly with the requirements derived from international human rights law, namely that limitations are exceptional, legally enshrined, based on a legitimate aim, and necessary and proportional for pursuing that aim.

READ ALSO: SERAP sues NNPCL over billions meant for refinery repairs

However, the exceptions should not become the general rule; they must take into account that access to information is the rule and secrecy the exception.

The Nigerian government has the burden of proof of demonstrating that limits to publishing and accessing information regarding the NDDC forensic report are compatible with international human rights standards and the corresponding legal obligations imposed on the country.

Since the NDDC forensic report is in the custody of the Nigerian government and under its control, discretionary and arbitrary acts of the State must be avoided in establishing restrictions on the right to information and transparency.

The denial of access to information regarding the NDDC forensic report is a violation of the plaintiffs right to a legal remedy and incompatible with the requirements of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
The Uyo Division of the Federal High Court has ordered interim forfeiture of over N1 billion allegedly diverted by the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), Grace Umezurike, and her aide, Ngene Nwanna Onyeabor.

The judge, Maureen Onyetenu, granted the forfeiture order on 8 July , according to a court document obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.

The court order followed an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mrs Umezurike, a professor, and his aide, Mr Onyeabor, were listed in the suit as first and second respondents, respectively.

The EFCC told the court that the SSG and her aide allegedly diverted the funds from

the treasury of the Ebonyi State Government to six different accounts domiciled in United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The commission said that while four of the UBA accounts were owned by the SSG, one of them, which belongs to the aide, had N1.014 billion diverted to it.

The sixth account was opened with the account name: Affordable Multi Services Nigeria Limited.

The funds were said to have been earmarked by the Ebonyi State Government for purchasing bags of rice for the people of the state during the 2024 Christmas celebration.

Prayers and forfeiture

In the ex parte application, the EFCC prayed the court to order an interim forfeiture of the funds in the bank accounts for 60 days pending the final determination of the case.

It further sought an order of the court directing the respondents and any other person interested in the funds domiciled in UBA in the name of the respondents to show the cause why the funds should not be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The commission asked the court to issue an order directing the SSG and her aide to give the necessary notices or publications for interested persons to be notified pending the final determination of the case.

Justice Onyetenu, in his ruling, granted all the prayers of the EFCC, the court document showed.

Governor Nwifuru reacts

Reacting, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State said his administration will not rush to a conclusion regarding the matter

Mr Nwifuru spoke on Sunday during a church service held at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki.

I received the news of the publication already before the Federal High Court, Uyo. She is presumed innocent until investigation reveals otherwise, the governor said.

I am a lawyer, and I know it is imperative to establish the facts before judgment to avoid setting wrong precedents.

Another cabinet reshuffle?

Governor Nwifuru also hinted at a possible cabinet reshuffle, warning that underperforming officials may be sacked if they fail to meet expectations.

Our vision, as contained in the Peoples Charter of Needs, has not been satisfactorily realised.

That accounted for the minor reshuffle we did recently. Were still assessing them (officials), and we shall do the needful if the need arises, he said.
The Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI) on Saturday renewed its call for the creation of Ibadan State from Oyo State during the ongoing constitutional review nationwide.

Nurudeen Akinade, the coordinator, disclosed this in a memorandum submitted to the South-West Public Hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in Lagos.

Mr Akinade argued that the creation of Ibadan State was overdue, noting that Ibadans population tripled that of eight other Nigerian states.

He said Ibadan State, with the capital in Ibadan, would have an estimated population of 4.2 million people.

According to Mr Akinade, Ibadan alone spans a land area of 28,000 square kilometres.

He said each community in Ibadan is larger than many Nigerian towns and villages.

Mr Akinade also observed that Ibadans current number of local government areas is insufficient to serve its people adequately.

He stressed that some smaller states have more local government areas than Ibadan.

Mr Akinade stated that Ibadan had all it takes to merit state status in Nigeria.

Supporting the call, Niyi Akintola (SAN), in a separate memorandum, said Ibadan remains the Yoruba nations capital and deserves statehood.

We have abundant solid minerals in Ibadan and all it takes to be a state, Akintola said.

He added that 93.7 per cent of the states internally generated revenue comes from Ibadan, which holds 36 per cent of the states population.

Educational institutions, tourism, and hospitals abound in Ibadan  everything necessary for a viable state, he added.

Also backing the proposal, Abass Agboworin, a federal lawmaker, said Ibadan State should be prioritised, considering its status in Yorubaland.

Mr Agboworin, representing Ibadan North-East/South-East, said the proposed state has sufficient human and capital resources to thrive.

Akeem Adeyemi, a federal lawmaker and sponsor of a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution, also said the demand for a new Oyo State is long overdue.

Mr Adeyemi, representing Oyo Federal Constituency, said the proposed new Oyo State would have Oyo town as its capital.

READ ALSO: Reps move to split Oyo State into two

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that groups from Oyo town also submitted memoranda for the creation of a new Oyo State.

The proposed Oyo State would include present-day Oyo, Oke-Ogun, and Ogbomosho zones, with its capital in Oyo town.

Additionally, a group from Ijebu called for the creation of Ijebu State from the current Ogun.

(NAN)
NEW YORK, July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.

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New York, NY 10016

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SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
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MILAN  Fashion retailers arent immune to the havoc being wrought by the current macroeconomic headwinds and LuisaViaRoma, among them, is looking at streamlining business operations to overcome financial hurdles.

According to Italian media reports, the retailer, a pioneer of e-commerce since 1999 and based in Florence, is planning to shut down its unit and office in Milan.

More from WWD

The move would affect 22 workers required to relocate to Florence, trade unions Filcams Cgil said.

In an exclusive interview with WWD on Saturday, LuisaViaRoma chief executive officer Tommaso Maria Andorlini set the record straight.

The closure of LuisaViaRomas Milan office is part of a broader reorganization strategy, he said. This moment demands a swift and thorough rethinking of both our distribution strategy and internal structure. Efficiency and a renewed focus on our core business have become essential. Centralizing currently dispersed teams at our Florence headquarters will help us rebuild cohesion, speed up decision-making, and strengthen our sense of shared purpose.

The 22 employees in Milan work in different departments including marketing, IT, and buying, among others.

Andorlini believes that the Milan unit was nonstrategic.

It was as if part of the companys talent and know-how was operating from a subsidiary and this affected company culture, he said. Reuniting remote teams will foster belonging and alignment. We will ensure maximum flexibility to support our employees throughout this transition.

The executive will meet trade unions on Wednesday, submitting the broader plan for the entire companys workforce, which, he said may entail resorting to the cassa integrazione, a state-funded wage support measure.

There are no plans for layoffs or redundancies for the time being, Andorlini said.

Weve approached this streamlining process with great responsibility, committed to maintaining tangible ties with the individuals who contribute to our success every day. Employees from the Milan office will be reassigned within the organization, with consideration for their skills, personal circumstances, and individual journeys, he said. We hope everyone is willing to row in the same direction, he said about the meeting with unions.

The CEO also squelched rumors that for the past year have recurred frequently that the retailer was seeking to enter a court-mediated composition with creditor procedure. It is however in negotiation with financial creditors.
Tokyo, July 20 : 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, Xinhua news agency reported.

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 US 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.
Ankara, July 20 : Israel's "continued interventions on Syrian territory" are worsening the crisis in Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, according to a report by semi-official Anadolu Agency.

"Any attack targeting Syria's territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty undermines regional peace efforts," Fidan told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone conversation on the situation in southern Syria, Xinhua news agency reported.

It is important to implement the mutual understanding reached by the parties involved, Fidan added, which should refer to an immediate and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire announced earlier in the day by the Syrian authorities.

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 statement came hours after US 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 Rubio.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting convoys of Syrian forces in and around the southern Syrian city of Sweida, killing and wounding several personnel and further escalating days of deadly clashes between local Druze armed factions, Bedouin tribes, and the Syrian interim government's forces.

Syria condemned Israel's involvement and said the strikes had resulted in the deaths of members of the armed forces and civilians.
Kinshasa, July 20 : The declaration of principles signed in Doha 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, Xinhua news agency reported.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Hanoi, July 20 : Tragedy struck in northern Vietnam as a cruise ship carrying dozens of tourists capsized in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province, following a sudden and severe storm. According to the Vietnam News Agency, the death toll has now risen to 37, with rescue operations still underway.

The incident occurred on Saturday around 1:30 p.m. local time when the vessel encountered a powerful storm that swept across the region. By 2:05 p.m., the ship had lost all contact with authorities and subsequently sank beneath the waters of the bay, officials confirmed.

The cruise boat was carrying 48 passengers at the time, 24 men and 24 women, many of them reportedly young people and children.

Local media outlet Tien Phong reported that most of the passengers were Vietnamese families visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site from the capital, Hanoi.

Despite challenging weather conditions and heavy rainfall, rescue teams have managed to pull 11 people from the water alive. However, dozens remain missing, prompting a large-scale rescue effort that is expected to continue through the night.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and has called for a thorough investigation into the accident.

In a statement, the government emphasised that any violations contributing to the incident would be "strictly handled."

Ha Long Bay, famed for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands, is one of Vietnam's top tourist attractions. In 2019 alone, it welcomed over 4 million visitors, both domestic and international.

As the search for survivors continues, the nation mourns the lives lost in one of its most iconic natural landmarks.
Seoul, July 20 : Torrential rains that slammed South Korea for four days have left at least nine people dead and several others missing, after a downpour triggered deadly landslides in the southern Sancheong County, officials said.

A 60-something person was found in cardiac arrest after a landslide triggered by heavy rain engulfed homes in a village in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, on Saturday morning.

In a separate incident, a landslide in another village in Sancheong subsequently killed two others at home, while a deadly mudslide swept through homes in a different village in the county shortly after noon, leaving two people dead and one missing, according to fire authorities.

Also in Sancheong, a person was found in cardiac arrest around noon after his home was inundated by heavy rain. Sancheong County issued an alert urging all residents to evacuate to safety, Yonhap news agency reported.

In the nearby city of Miryang, also in South Gyeongsang Province, a driver in his 60s was killed after floodwaters swept away his car.

Authorities said five people had been confirmed dead, two were missing and two others were found in cardiac arrest in the province on Saturday alone, as record rainfall pounded the region. Firefighters continued rescue operations to locate those still missing.

South Gyeongsang is one of the regions hardest hit by the recent downpours, with some regions in the province receiving more than 700 millimetres of rain from Wednesday through Saturday.

The National Fire Agency issued a nationwide firefighting mobilisation order in response to the landslide.

So far, central and local government authorities have reported five deaths and four missing since the onset of rain that has battered the nation since Wednesday.

Four of the five people killed in South Gyeongsang on Saturday had not been included in this death toll.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is expected to announce officially updated information on casualties and damage assessment later in the day.

Weather authorities have warned that up to 250 mm of additional rainfall could fall within the day, raising concerns of further damage and casualties.

Evacuation orders were issued for 7,029 residents from 4,995 households, with more than 2,800 people still unable to return home.

The torrential downpours have inundated roads, triggered landslides and flooded homes across the country.

Overnight rainfall remained extreme in many regions.

Incheon's Yeongheung Island saw 98.5 mm of rain fall in just one hour, from 12:50 a.m.-1:50 a.m., while Boseong in South Jeolla Province saw 88 mm.

Some areas have already taken more than 40 per cent of their annual average rainfall over the past four days. Seosan recorded 558.6 mm of rain from Wednesday to Friday morning, which equates to 45 per cent of its annual average.

A total of 729 cases of public infrastructure damage have been reported, including 388 flooded roads, 133 landslides and 57 river facility collapses. Private property damage reached 1,014 cases, including 64 flooded buildings and 59 cases of submerged farmland.
Srinagar, July 20 : Over three lakh pilgrims are likely to perform the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in 18 days as another batch of 4,388 pilgrims left Jammu for Kashmir on Sunday. The yatra is being conducted amid unprecedented security.

Over 2.75 lakh pilgrims have so far paid their obeisance at the shrine.

While 4,388 pilgrims arrive in Kashmir from Jammu's Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, more than four times that number of pilgrims reach here every day directly and get registered on the spot, either at the transit camps or the two base camps. The number on Sunday is likely to cross three lakh.

The entire Yatra route from Jammu to the two base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam and the two treks from Baltal and Pahalgam to the cave shrine are guarded 24/7 by the army, J&K Police, BSF, CRPF, SSB, CISF and others, as the military deployed over 8,000 special forces to augment the additional 180 companies of CAPFs already deployed on Yatra duties

After every five metres, fully armed troopers from various CAPF formations are dotting the Yatra route, and the extraordinary vigil has resulted in strengthening the confidence of the pilgrims to arrive in larger numbers this year for the pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine.

Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year's Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

An official said, "Another batch of 4,388 yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. First escorted convoy of 64 vehicles carrying 1,573 yatris left at 3.30 a.m. for Baltal base camp while the second escorted convoy of 115 vehicles carrying 2,815 yatris left at 4 a.m. for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp," officials said.

Bhumi Pujan of 'Chhari Mubarak' (Lord Shiva's Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on July 10. The Chhari Mubarak was taken to Pahalgam by a group of seers led by the sole custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam.

In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was held. The Chhari Mubarak was then taken back to its seat at the Dashnami Akhara building.

It will start its final journey towards the cave shrine from Dashnami Akhara temple in Srinagar on August 4 and will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.

This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to get to the cave shrine. And, those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after having darshan.

No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.
Seoul, July 20 : South Korean Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team was questioning Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho on Sunday as part of its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law.

Kim was summoned to the special counsel's office inside the Seoul High Prosecutors Office in southern Seoul to be questioned as a witness in the case.

The minister was one of five Cabinet members called to the presidential office on December 3, shortly before Yoon declared martial law.

He has previously testified that he sought to persuade the then president to refrain from issuing the decree, citing its potential damage to the economy and South Korea-US relations.

Earlier, a special counsel team indicted former 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.
New Delhi, July 20 : Abu Talib, a resident of Jamia Nagar locality in the Khala Par area of Muzaffarnagar, has been arrested in connection with a large-scale religious conversion racket busted by Uttar Pradesh Police.

The arrest comes after the Agra Police took action under directives from state authorities, claiming the racket involved targeting minor girls for religious conversion through inducement and coercion.

Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna revealed the operation in a press conference held in Lucknow. He stated that the gang was active across six states, and so far, ten accused have been arrested and sent to jail. Abu Talib is among those arrested.

However, Talib's family has strongly denied the allegations, claiming he is innocent and has no links to any conversion network.

Talib's mother, Zayda, said, "My son is innocent. He works as a tailor and does labour jobs to support our family. We live in a rented house. He has two brothers and a sister, Talib is the youngest. His elder brother works separately, making sweets."

"Two days ago, police forcibly entered our home and took Talib away. They snatched his mobile phone. He was about to drop his sister at the hospital where she works. He hadn't even stepped out properly when they picked him up. At first, the police told us they just needed some information and that he wasn't under arrest," she added.

Zayda said some officers were in uniform, while others were in plain clothes. "They destroyed our peace. Talib was busy preparing for his sister's wedding. Now everything is ruined," she said tearfully.

The family is demanding a fair investigation and Talib's immediate release, stating that he has no criminal background and earns a living through honest work.

The police have yet to respond publicly to the family's claims.
Mistral AI, the French company behind AI assistant Le Chat and several foundational models, is officially regarded as one of Frances most promising tech startups and is arguably the only European company that could compete with OpenAI. But compared to its $6 billion valuation, its global market share is still relatively low.

However, the recent launch of its chat assistant on mobile app stores was met with some hype, particularly in its home country. Go and download Le Chat, which is made by Mistral, rather than ChatGPT by OpenAI  or something else, French president Emmanuel Macron said in a TV interview ahead of the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025.

While this wave of attention may be encouraging, Mistral AI still faces challenges in competing with the likes of OpenAI  and in doing so while keeping up with its self-definition as the worlds greenest and leading independent AI lab.

What is Mistral AI?

Mistral AI has raised significant amounts of funding since its creation in 2023 with the ambition to put frontier AI in the hands of everyone. While this isnt a direct jab at OpenAI, the slogan is meant to highlight the companys advocacy for openness in AI.

Its alternative to ChatGPT, chat assistant Le Chat, is now also available on iOS and Android. It reached 1 million downloads in the two weeks following its mobile release, even grabbing Frances top spot for free downloads on the iOS App Store.

In July 2025, Mistral AI updated Le Chat with new features that bring it closer to rival full-stack AI chatbots: a new deep research mode, native multilingual reasoning, and advanced image editing. This update also includes the addition of Projects, which lets users group chats, documents, and ideas into focused spaces.

This comes in addition to Mistral AIs suite of models, which includes:

In March 2025, the company introduced Mistral OCR, an optical character recognition (OCR) API that can turn any PDF into a text file to make it easier for AI models to ingest.

In May 2025, it released the Mistral Agents API to empower enterprises to use AI in more practical and impactful ways, according to its Head of Developer Relations, Sophia Yang.

In June 2025, Mistral AI also released a vibe coding client, Mistral Code, to compete with incumbents like Windsurf, Anyspheres Cursor, and GitHub Copilot.

Who are Mistral AIs founders?

Mistral AIs three founders share a background in AI research at major U.S. tech companies with significant operations in Paris. CEO Arthur Mensch used to work at Googles DeepMind, while CTO Timothee Lacroix and chief scientist officer Guillaume Lample are former Meta staffers.
Chennai, July 20 : The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued an orange alert for the Nilgiris and the Western Ghats regions of Coimbatore, warning of very heavy rainfall on Sunday due to evolving weather patterns over South India.

The current spell of rainfall is attributed to an east-west trough extending roughly at the mean sea level and an upper air cyclonic circulation positioned over the north interior Karnataka and its surrounding areas.

These systems are expected to bring significant precipitation to parts of Tamil Nadu and adjoining states, with isolated places likely to receive rainfall up to 24.4 cm, according to the RMC.

According to the weather department, an orange alert indicates heavy to very heavy rainfall, potentially leading to disruptions and hazards.

As per the latest data, several areas in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts recorded intense downpours. Nilgiris registered 11.8 cm of rainfall, while Chinnakalar in Coimbatore received 11.2 cm in a single day on Saturday. Vint Worth Estate in the Nilgiris and Cincona in Coimbatore recorded 8.4 cm and 8.2 cm, respectively, on Saturday.

Heavy rainfall is expected to persist in Theni, Dindigul, and Tenkasi districts, with forecasts indicating continued showers through Monday, July 21.

Light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur in up to 50 per cent of the weather stations across the state.

The RMC noted that the southwest monsoon remains active over Kerala, coastal and south interior Karnataka, and the Western Ghats districts of Tamil Nadu.

The intensified rainfall activity in Kerala is also spilling over into the adjoining Western Ghats regions of Tamil Nadu.

B. Amudha, Head (Additional In-Charge), RMC Chennai, stated that the presence of an upper air circulation over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and an east-west trough near Chennaias latitude is contributing to widespread rain.

She added that coastal Tamil Nadu districts may experience thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening hours due to the interaction between prevailing westerlies and sea breeze.

While the rain is expected to bring down maximum temperatures in some areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, interior regions such as Madurai and Karur may continue to face soaring temperatures as the weather systems are unlikely to affect those areas significantly.
New Delhi, July 20 : Delhi Police on Sunday announced the arrest of three cybercriminals who were operating from what authorities termed as "cybercrime hotspots" in Rajasthan and Haryana.

The arrests were made in connection with ongoing scams targeting residents of Delhi-NCR, including online investment fraud and the emerging tactic known as "digital arrest".

According to officials, two of the accused hail from Rajasthan and one from Haryana. They were apprehended from the Tonk, Sikar, and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan. These areas have increasingly become active bases for cyber fraud networks, the police said.

The special operation was launched by the Cyber Police Station of Delhi's Dwarka district following a surge in cybercrime complaints from residents.

The police deployed teams to the suspected regions after digital trail analysis in three separate cases revealed connections to remote locations in Rajasthan.

"Preliminary investigation directed the line of inquiry towards new and emerging cybercrime hotspots in Rajasthan," said the police in a statement.

"To take impactful and targeted action against these fraudsters, our teams conducted a detailed operation in Tonk, Sikar, Jaipur, and Sirsa, based on intelligence gathered from digital footprints and field surveillance."

The three arrested individuals have been identified as Deepak, a resident of Tonk, Surendra Kumar Dudi from Sikar, and Rajveer from Sirsa.

Deepak, who was arrested on July 2, was allegedly involved in investment fraud and was responsible for providing fake bank accounts and SIM cards used in cybercrime.

Surendra Kumar Dudi, also arrested on July 2, was allegedly receiving funds generated through a digital arrest scam -- a method where victims are coerced through fake law enforcement threats into transferring money.

Rajveer, nabbed earlier on June 30, is accused of receiving a portion of the defrauded money in an investment fraud case.

All three have been booked under relevant provisions, and further investigations are underway to identify other members of the cybercriminal network.

The Delhi Police added that multiple similar cases are still under investigation, and the search for other suspects is ongoing.
New Delhi: In the business world, there is a paradigm shift in the idea of the individual being the centre of output to a more contemporary concept that the team is pivotal to all productivity. This has happened because of the demands of the Age of Knowledge, changing interpretation of 'work force' and the evolution of management.

New Delhi: In the business world, there is a paradigm shift in the idea of the individual being the centre of output to a more contemporary concept that the team is pivotal to all productivity. This has happened because of the demands of the Age of Knowledge, changing interpretation of awork forcea and the evolution of management.

Knowledge-based decision making is the new norm at all levels, substituting for notions of blind compliance by those below. At the same time there is a new realisation that a gap between adecisiona and aactiona might fail a project because atime ahas become a new resource in todayas highly competitive environment.

Also, plans are subject to mid-course correction in the fast-changing business climate, and teams provided better feedback for that compared to what the earlier aassembly line workera could do. As regards the changing concept of workforce, it is accepted that workers carry tacit knowledge that could be better garnered in a team.

The importance of leveraging individual strengths when constituting a team was always acknowledged. A team surely offers a more equitable framework of credit sharing within the organisation. Finally, aparticipativea management is acquiring a newfound importance as organisations were becoming flatter and hierarchies are becoming less cumbersome. An easier vertical interaction is a means of creating a grid for maximising production. Importance of communications is highlighted in the process- there is greater awareness of the fact that a flawed communication could cause serious failures.

Today a delivering organisation is essentially an aggregation of teams and its chief executive officer has the primary responsibility of assembling the right teams to pitch at the desired level of productivity. No two persons are equal in every respect, the skill of the leadership is in leveraging individual strengths for the benefit of the team as already mentioned and it is said that a multi-cultural team could prove to be aa powerhouse of creativitya and not a troubled play ground of conflicts.

The leader had an uncanny sense of how to eliminate atime stealersa in any situation of work and how to make use of atacita knowledge that members carried with them. Being seemingly busy is not the same thing as being productive. Also, the team leader must understand that abrilliancea was not a substitute of ahard worka.

The power of relationship works for a team-it means there was a willingness to give and seek legitimate help, amongst team members. Normally, there would be an equal sharing of credits for good performance by a team, for the success of the mission or task assigned to it.

Handling of interactions is in fact, crucial to success in any public organisation. All business is human activity- the leadership there must have a basic understanding of human nature and adequate aEmotional Intelligencea. A senior can afaulta the performance without attacking the persona of the subordinate, and he or she should also explain the logical reason for the criticism. It is good to distinguish the failure of aresulta from the failure of aefforta.

It is the business of organisational leadership to establish the right work environment that acted as a stress buster and allowed for aconcentrationa on the job to yield enhanced productivity. The senior should have a minimal idea of the life of the subordinate at home so that any adistractiona betrayed by the latter at work place was not grossly misinterpreted. Remember, all leaders are required to manage their people but all managers are not aleadership materiala necessarily. Leaders today are tested for their apower of authenticitya, their communications ability and the trait of being ainformation savvya. This mix is not easy to find as it defines aperfectiona.

A leader derives his or her power of authenticity from being well-informed, being in integration with an ethical value system, being known for impartiality in giving credits, having the image of an individual who developed trustworthiness by not allowing a gap between words and deeds and who acted only on reliable information- a credulous person never looks powerful.

A leader practices aeffectiveness of differentiationa- he or she knows the difference between amacro and microa, between ashort term and long rangea and between a amajora problem and aminor irritantsa. The leader grasped the essence of Paretoas Law that said athere are a significant few amongst insignificant manya. He or she knows when the accumulated information was enough for decision-making and ensures that there was no unwarranted gap between the adecisiona and its aimplementationa.

For leadership, the ability to communicate well is the key to success. A good communication has clarity, brevity and logical sequencing. Clarity means what was said cannot be misinterpreted. Brevity should not be at the cost of clarity. Logical sequencing makes the communication more impactful as it unfolds itself to define the task ahead.

Being information savvy is the new requirement today for leaders, executives and workers of the organisation. It is important to have information that makes a difference between a decision and a guess. Information-savvy people do not shun reading, tend to acategorisea information as they go through it and prefer an authoritative opinion to gossip. They have an insatiable curiosity and the discipline of a logical progression of thought, going through the What? Why? and Where? of any issue.

The ever-increasing speed with which business is conducted and decisions have to be taken because globalisation set a new bar for competitiveness and the necessity of monitoring competitors and watching the competitive conditions-all demanded an ability to swiftly handle information.

The word aknowledge workera is now in vogue to describe what was earlier termed just as a apair of handsa. Well-informed people are aware that knowledge comes in aintegral packagesa and hence a certain acompletenessa of information became important. An employer of a large work force of men and women today had to know about the legal responsibility of providing awork place safetya to women employees. A teacher of children had to have some knowledge of achildren psychologya-beyond the curriculum.

The apeak performersa are expected to have matching organisational ethics, adequacy of supply chains and efficiency of their work force. They would have comparable degree of knowledge of whatever was happening around their businesses in the present because most information was shared publicly the moment it was produced. What can give a competitive advantage to one of them over the others, however, is an early insight into what alay aheada. This reliable, relevant and futuristic information comes under the definition of aBusiness Intelligencea and corporates were willing to significantly invest on creating a competent astudy and analysisa unit within to focus on producing it.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) is revolutionising corporate working by helping to generate predictive readings through Data Analytics and aMachine Learninga.

All this translates into the need to have teams with a intelligence orientationa who realised that aall intelligence was information but all information was not intelligencea. The Age of Information was gradually transiting to Age of Intelligence, and smarter players in business were steadily keeping pace with this transformation.

(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau)
Riyadh, July 20 : Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia's "Sleeping Prince," has passed away at the age of 36 after spending nearly two decades in a coma.

His family confirmed his death over the weekend, bringing an emotional end to one of the kingdom's most heart-rending royal stories.

"With hearts full of faith in Allah's decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, 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 to Allah's mercy today," his father Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz posted on social media.

Funeral prayers are scheduled to be held on Sunday after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, the family announced.

Prince Al-Waleed slipped into a coma in 2005 at the age of 15 following a devastating car accident in London.

He suffered a severe brain haemorrhage and was brought back to Saudi Arabia, where he was admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.

Despite extensive medical intervention, including treatment from specialists in the United States and Spain, the prince never regained full consciousness.

For nearly 20 years, he remained in a vegetative state, reliant on a ventilator and life support.

His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, stood by his decision to keep his son alive, rejecting any suggestion of withdrawing life support. His unwavering presence at his son's bedside year after year struck a deep emotional chord with people across the country and beyond.

Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal, a notable member of the Saudi royal family.

His long medical ordeal captured national attention and became a symbol of parental devotion and hope amid impossible odds.
Chennai, July 20 : The Mettur Dam, one of Tamil Nadu's key water reservoirs, reached its full capacity of 120 feet for the third time this year on Sunday, following continuous inflows from catchment areas due to heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats and surrounding regions.

Authorities have increased the water discharge from the dam from 22,500 cubic feet per second (cusecs) to 31,000 cusecs in order to manage the rising water level.

The steady rise in inflows has prompted the Water Resources Department to make the adjustment to prevent overflow and ensure the structural safety of the dam.

The surge in water release has brought cheer to farmers across the delta districts, who rely heavily on the Cauvery river for irrigation.

With the monsoon rain replenishing the dam, agricultural activities are expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks, offering a much-needed boost to the kharif cultivation season.

However, even as farmers celebrate the abundant water supply, district administrations have issued a flood warning to residents living along the banks of the Cauvery river.

People in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to stay vigilant, and local officials are closely monitoring the situation.

The Mettur Dam, also known as the Stanley Reservoir, plays a crucial role in regulating the Cauvery river system and supporting irrigation across several districts in Tamil Nadu.

Officials have stated that discharge levels will be continuously reviewed, based on inflow patterns and rainfall intensity in the coming days.

Revenue and Disaster Management Department officials are on high alert, coordinating with local bodies to prepare for any emergency evacuation or relief measures.

Meanwhile, tourists and the general public have been restricted from entering areas close to the dam and riverbanks for safety reasons.

The dam had previously touched its full capacity earlier this year in January and again in June, reflecting the intensity of this year's monsoon pattern. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and follow official advisories.
Chennai, July 20 : If sources in the industry are to be believed, shooting for director Ken Royson's eagerly awaited fantasy romantic comedy featuring actors Kavin and Priyanka Arul Mohan in the lead will begin in October this year.

Sources say that the film's plot will revolve around the idea of how life gives people chances and the need to use them right. It will highlight the fact that if people fail to use an opportunity that comes their way, they will have to wait a long time to get another one.

Sources claim that Kavin was director Ken Royson's first choice for the lead role in this film as he fit the description of a boy-next-door. They also say that the director was of the view that the pairing of Kavin and Priyanka Arul Mohan would be good and hence cast her as the female lead.

Pointing out that the film's shooting would begin in October this year, the sources claim that fantasy rom com would also have outstanding music. Music for the film is being scored by OFRO.

It may be recalled that inaugural function of the film, which is tentatively being referred to as #Kavin09, took place in a grand fashion in the city last Wednesday. The film is being produced by popular production house Think Studios.

Producer Swaroop Reddy is producing this yet-to-be-titled film on behalf of Think Studios.

News of the film has generated a lot of interest and excitement among fans and film lovers as this is the first time that actors Kavin and Priyanka Mohan are teaming up for a film.

Apart from this film, actor Kavin, who is one of the fastest rising stars in the Tamil film industry, has a romantic entertainer called 'Kiss' waiting to hit screens.
Damascus, July 20 : Syrian interim authorities' forces have begun 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, reports Xinhua news agency.

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 organised 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. 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 odours fill the facility and nearby streets," read a statement by the hospital's staff, which was addressed to international organisations and media outlets. They called for urgent intervention to prevent "a catastrophic epidemic."

Elsewhere, the last partially functioning medical centre 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 the 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.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 20 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for nine districts in Kerala on Sunday, warning of very heavy rainfall.

The districts under orange alert include Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

Meanwhile, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam districts are under a yellow alert.

In response to the IMD warning, the Kasaragod district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Sunday. The holiday applies to schools, colleges, professional colleges, Kendriya Vidyalayas, tuition centres, religious study centres, and special classes.

However, examinations already scheduled for Sunday will be held as planned, officials clarified.

The IMD has forecast that monsoon activity is likely to intensify across India over the coming days due to a low-pressure area expected to form over the Bay of Bengal by July 24.

As a result, Kerala is expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall over the next five days, particularly in isolated areas till July 21.

Along with the heavy rain, strong winds with speeds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph are likely in isolated parts of the state till July 22, said the weather department.

According to the IMD classification, an orange alert signifies the possibility of very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours. A yellow alert indicates the likelihood of heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm during the same time frame.

Authorities have advised residents in the alerted districts to remain vigilant and avoid venturing into water bodies or flood-prone areas.

Fishermen have also been warned against venturing into the sea due to the possibility of rough conditions.

With the monsoon expected to strengthen further, disaster management teams and local administrations have been placed on alert to respond to any emergencies.

The state government has urged people to follow weather updates and comply with official advisories to ensure their safety.
Moscow, July 20 : Russian forces carried out a massive strike on enterprises of Ukraine's military-industrial complex, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

The attack involved high-precision air-, ground- and sea-launched weapons, as well as drones, and all designated targets were hit, the ministry said in a statement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that Russia launched more than 300 drones and over 30 cruise missiles overnight, killing one person and injuring six others in Odesa, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry said its forces shot down 71 Ukrainian drones overnight. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 13 drones were intercepted while approaching the Russian capital.

Meanwhile, Russia is ready to hold another round of talks with Ukraine, but Kyiv is evidently in no hurry, said the Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier on Monday.

"Kyiv is clearly taking its time. We still await proposals concerning the timelines. The Russian side is willing to continue and hold a third round [of talks]," he said.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Russian newspaper Izvestia, the country's Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Galuzin, mentioned that Russia will continue direct negotiations with Ukraine.

"There is an understanding that direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations will continue," said Galuzin, who earlier participated in two previous meetings in Istanbul.
Addis Ababa, July 20 : African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has welcomed the signing of a declaration of principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) in Doha, Qatar, to end the conflict in the eastern DRC.

In a statement issued Saturday, Youssouf described the declaration as a "major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region."

Appreciating the invaluable contributions made by all stakeholders, including the regional facilitators from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, Youssouf said the declaration offers a renewed hope for regional cooperation and sustainable peace.

The chairperson of the 55-member continental organisation also commended the spirit of dialogue, compromise, and political will demonstrated by the governments of the DRC and Rwanda, Xinhua news agency reported.

The AU remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the declaration and to contribute to sustainable peace, security, and development in the DRC and the region, the statement added.

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, Xinhua news agency reported.

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.
The return to office is in full swing, but you might notice more men around the water cooler.

According to the Department of Labor, men are returning to the office in greater numbers than women. In 2024, 29% of employed men reported working from home, down from 34% the previous year. Approximately 36% of women worked from home last year, unchanged from 2023.

Whats behind these numbers? Its likely a result of return-to-office initiatives in male-dominated industries like tech, Cory Stahle, senior economist at Indeed, told Yahoo Finance.

Women accounted for only about a quarter of computer and mathematical jobs in 2024, according to the data. For some roles, like computer programmers and computer hardware engineers, the share is even lower  17.8% and 14.3%  respectively.

Many of these return-to-office efforts are coming at a time when demand for workers in male-dominated industries has weakened, giving employers the upper hand, Stahle said.

As for the unbudging number of women working remotely over that two-year period, there could be an explanation for that finding as well, according to Stahle.

Female-dominated fields such as private education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and state and local government have been less affected by return-to-work mandates, he said. Many of the jobs in these industries are already in-person roles.

Obstacle for gender equity

Whether women are trying to move up or break into fields where office time is required, the trend away from remote arrangements could have far-reaching repercussions for gender equity.

Heres why: Nearly 9 in 10 CEOs said in a 2024 survey that they will reward employees who make an effort to come into the office with favorable assignments, raises, or promotions.

That could also play out in the gender wage gap that has persisted across industries for decades. Last year, women earned an average of 85% of what men earned, according to Pew Research Center.

Will the pay gap get worse if in-office attendance is a prerequisite for pay bumps?

"In theory, remote work can be viewed as either a positive or negative amenity: It may offer greater scheduling flexibility, enhancing work-life balance, but it may also limit access to face-to-face mentoring and raise concerns about potential career growth penalties, said Zoe Cullen, a lead researcher for a National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) study on remote work.

We do know that roughly 8 in 10 CEOs envision a full return to the office in the next three years, and many of those making it mandatory have threatened employees with termination if they fail to follow the companys return-to-office mandate.
Lucknow, July 20 : The body of an eight-year-old boy, missing from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, for the past three months, has been recovered from a sack buried near a road in the Mania area of Rajasthan's Dholpur district.

The abductors had demanded Rs 80 lakh to release him, but failing to get the money, they killed him, put his body into a sack and buried it near Mania area near the national highway, police said.

The police exhumed the body and placed it in the mortuary.

Mania police station in-charge Naresh Meena said that on April 30, the minor's father, Vijay Pratap, had filed a missing complaint.

The complainant said that his son, Abhay Pratap, has gone missing.

After the missing complaint was lodged, a call for ransom was made to the family. The police said that after the extortion call was made, the Uttar Pradesh Police started investigating the matter as a case of extortion.

Acting on information, the police exhumed the body from near the highway in the Mania area, the police said.

The police said that the victim's father is a farmer who has 20 bighas of land. The accused was identified as Vijay Pratap's neighbour, who runs a grocery shop.

The family of the victim is inconsolable and seeks justice.

In another incident last month, a minor Dalit girl was abducted from Uttar Pradesh and trafficked to Kerala.

The victim was allegedly forced to convert to Islam. The police have rescued the victim and arrested two people in this connection.

In yet another incident, last month, the police cracked a case of a missing girl who was declared dead.

Notably, the girl was declared dead in March, but was found alive.

Interestingly, first, a woman approached the police accusing a man of abducting her minor daughter. The police launched the probe.

In the meantime, the body of a girl of a similar age was found on the railway tracks.

As the body could not be identified, the police performed the last rites.

However, the family of the girl accused the police of conducting her funeral in a hurry. After a few days, the girl's video call to her brother on Instagram helped in solving the case.
New Delhi, July 20 : The way we are building capital equipment and materials needed to build semiconductors, India will become one of the top-5 semiconductor nations in the coming years, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

Highlighting the country's rapid progress in the semiconductor sector, the minister emphasised that India is now creating the full ecosystem -- from chip design to manufacturing -- that will help it emerge as a global hub for semiconductors.

Speaking at the 14th convocation of IIT-Hyderabad, Vaishnaw highlighted the significant role students from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are playing in this journey.

He revealed that students have already designed 20 chipsets, out of which eight have been "taped out" and sent for fabrication.

These chipsets are being manufactured at global foundries and at the Semi-conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, which is government-owned and operational since 1976.

The minister also said that India is expected to produce its first commercial-scale, Made-in-India semiconductor chip this year.

This milestone is being supported by the government's India Semiconductor Mission, which has provided advanced electronic design automation (EDA) tools to 270 colleges and 70 startups.

Over 700 students at IIT-Hyderabad alone have used these tools for a combined 3,00,000 hours in the last six months.

To further boost innovation, the government has also launched AIKosh, an open-source AI platform that now hosts 880 datasets and over 200 AI models.

These resources are freely available to students, researchers, and startups across the country.

Vaishnaw underlined that these efforts are not just limited to research but are also translating into economic gains.

"India's electronics exports have crossed $40 billion, a figure that reflects an eight-fold increase over the last 11 years," the minister added.

He said the country's electronics production has grown six times during this period, achieving a double-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) that many private companies would envy.

As of July 2025, six semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) have either been approved or are under development in India.

While the SCL in Mohali continues to function using legacy technology, the upcoming fabs are expected to bring in next-generation semiconductor capabilities.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 20 : BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Sunday welcomed Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's recent remarks on putting national interest above party politics, saying that such a mindset is essential for democratic unity and governance.

"The Bharatiya Janata Party has consistently maintained that the individual comes after the party, and the party comes after the nation, the nation is always our top priority. Shashi Tharoor has expressed more or less the same view, and I welcome his statement," Khandelwal said while speaking to IANS.

He further emphasised the need for political consensus on matters of national security and interest. "When it comes to national issues, there should be no room for political differences. The nation comes first, politics later," he added.

Khandelwal's remarks come in response to Tharoor's recent statement in which the senior Congress leader, who represents Thiruvananthapuram, stressed the importance of cooperation across party lines when national security and interests are at stake.

"Politics is, unfortunately or otherwise, in any democracy, about competition. And as a result, when people like me say that we respect our parties, we have certain values and convictions that keep us in our parties, but we need to cooperate with other parties in the interests of national security," Tharoor said.

The Congress MP has recently faced criticism from within his party for statements that some allege are too conciliatory towards the ruling party.

On the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, Khandelwal also addressed the legislative agenda. "There are many legislative works to be completed in the Monsoon Session, including the passage of about eight bills, along with several other tasks. I hope that the opposition will play a constructive role during the session," he said.

"The purpose of the House is to hold discussions, and meaningful debates should take place on every issue. If the opposition comes with a positive attitude, I believe that together we can fulfil the aspirations of the people through the Parliament," he added.

The Monsoon Session is set to begin on July 21 and continue till August 21, with 21 sittings scheduled.
Chennai, July 20 : In a shocking case of domestic violence, a man allegedly stabbed his wife to death at Kulithalai Government Hospital in Tamil Nadu's Karur district during the early hours of Sunday.

The accused, identified as Vishruth, is currently absconding, and a police manhunt is underway.

According to sources, Vishruth and his wife, Shruthi, had a heated argument late on Saturday night at their residence in Karur. During the altercation, Vishruth reportedly assaulted Shruthi, following which she was rushed to the Kulithalai Government Hospital for treatment.

On Sunday morning, under the pretext of visiting her, Vishruth entered the hospital with a concealed knife.

In a brutal act, he stabbed Shruthi multiple times, killing her on the spot.

The hospital staff and bystanders were left in shock as the assailant fled the scene before he could be apprehended.

Police personnel arrived at the hospital shortly after the incident. A case of murder has been registered, and a search operation is currently in progress to track down the accused.

This tragic incident has raised serious concerns over the safety of patients and the need for stronger security measures in government hospitals. It also highlights the growing concern over domestic violence-related deaths in Tamil Nadu.

In recent months, Tamil Nadu has witnessed several similar incidents. In June, Marimuthuman in Tirunelveli set his wife Kanthivalli ablaze following a marital dispute, leading to her death.

In another gruesome case reported in May from Vellore, a labourer from Bihar, Rajesh Kumar, attacked his estranged wife with a sickle near a family court complex, leading to her death.

Similarly, a woman, Mayillama (45), was hacked to death by her husband Mohanaraj (51) in full public view at a primary health centre in Villupuram earlier this year.

These repeated acts of violence have triggered demands for stricter enforcement of domestic abuse laws, prompt police intervention, and better support systems for victims.

Social activists have urged the government to strengthen hospital security and establish crisis centres for abused women.

As the investigation into Shruthias murder continues, the incident serves as another grim reminder of the fatal consequences of unchecked domestic abuse and the urgent need for preventive action.
New Delhi, July 20 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh on Sunday confirmed that the party will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections alone, without being part of the INDIA bloc -- the alliance it joined for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking to IANS, Singh, who also serves as AAP's in-charge for Bihar, said the decision aligns with the party's independent approach seen in other states.

"The INDIA bloc was only for the Lok Sabha elections, and then we fought alone in Haryana elections, Delhi elections, Gujarat and Punjab by-elections. Now, we will also fight alone in the Bihar elections," Singh stated.

This declaration comes amid growing speculation that AAP has distanced itself from the INDIA bloc after its underwhelming performance in the Lok Sabha polls. The AAP-Congress alliance failed to win any seat in Delhi, where the BJP swept all seven seats for the third consecutive time.

The AAP has also attributed the defeat to Congress and slammed the party for failing to present as a strong Opposition.

Earlier, Singh had announced that AAP would not attend the INDIA bloc meeting held on July 19, indicating a formal departure from the alliance. "The party no longer remains a part of the alliance," he reiterated.

When asked if other INDIA bloc members might follow AAP's path and exit the coalition due to Congress' leadership, Singh responded, "As far as the Aam Aadmi Party is concerned, whether on the streets or in the Assembly, they have played and will continue to play a strong opposition role everywhere. As far as other parties are concerned, I can't say. I can only speak for my party."

His comments also come weeks after AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal's earlier remark following the party's bypoll victory in Gujarat's Visavadar, where he accused Congress of helping the BJP by cutting AAP's votes.

"The INDIA bloc was only for the Lok Sabha polls. Now, there is no alliance from our side," Kejriwal had said.

Talking about the Monsoon session of Parliament, Singh said that the AAP MPs will raise key issues such as the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, the demolition of slums in Delhi, and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar.
Patna, July 20 : Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, performed Rudrabhishek at Patna's Mahavir Temple on Sunday, marking his birthday during the auspicious month of Sawan.

Speaking to reporters after the ritual, Nishant said, "My father is working here in Bihar as Chief Minister and has done many things for the state. Due to him, the state has progressed on the development path, and I am sure the people of Bihar will once again bless him with votes in the upcoming Assembly elections."

Meanwhile, large posters and hoardings featuring Nishant Kumar were put up outside the Bihar State JD(U) office in Patna, describing him as the future need of Bihar and thanking him for "listening to Bihar's demand".

The posters have reignited speculation over Nishant Kumar's entry into active politics, just months before the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

Previously, discussions on Nishant's possible political debut had surfaced but subsided without confirmation.

Nishant, an engineering graduate, has maintained distance from politics, leading a low-profile personal life while consistently avoiding clear statements about contesting elections.

However, his public endorsement of Nitish Kumar for a fresh term, coupled with the posters, has sparked discussions within JD(U) circles about his political future.

Sources within JD(U) indicate that Nishant Kumar could potentially contest from Harnaut in Nalanda, a constituency once represented by Nitish Kumar, or from another seat in the district if he enters electoral politics.

The JD(U) leadership has so far maintained silence regarding Nishant's formal entry into politics or a candidature in the 2025 elections, though some senior leaders within the party have openly advocated for Nishant to take forward Nitish Kumar's political legacy.

Leaders like Gopal Mandal had openly said that if Nishant does not join the JD(U), the party may split in the future.

As Bihar gears up for elections, the posters on Nishant's birthday have added a new dimension to the state's evolving political narrative.
Bhubaneswar, July 20 : A minor girl from Odisha's Puri district, who sustained 70 per cent burn injuries after being set ablaze by three unidentified assailants, is being airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment.

Officials confirmed on Sunday that her condition, while still critical, has stabilised enough for the transfer.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr Asutosh Biswas said, "The girl's condition is now stable enough for transfer. A special flight has been arranged, and AIIMS Delhi has been informed."

The shocking incident occurred on July 19 in Balanga, Puri.

According to the family, the girl was attacked near a river embankment, where miscreants allegedly poured petrol and kerosene on her and set her on fire.

Miraculously, she managed to find refuge at a nearby house, from where villagers rushed her to the Pipili Community Health Centre.

She was later referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to the severity of her injuries.

The heinous crime has prompted swift police action. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, led by Balanga IIC Shri Dibya Ranjan Panda.

The team is under instructions to expedite the investigation and identify the attackers. Scientific teams, including K9 units, have combed the crime scene, while senior police officials are monitoring the investigation closely.

Police have registered a case under Malanga PS Case No. 162/2025, invoking sections 127(2), 109, 123, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Odisha Police have assured stringent action and vowed justice for the survivor.

The attack has sparked public outrage, with calls for urgent reforms in women's safety and swift punishment for the culprits.

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. She succumbed to her injuries on July 14 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, sparking widespread outrage and political condemnation across the state.
Vijayawada, July 20 : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the multi-crore liquor scam during YSR Congress Party rule in Andhra Pradesh has summoned former excise minister K. Narayana Swamy.

He has been issued notice under section 179 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), directing him to appear before SIT at its office here at 10 a.m. on Monday (July 21).

The SIT conveyed to the former minister that since he appears to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case, his presence in person is very much necessary for the investigation and ascertaining certain information in connection with the case.

A case was registered last year at the CID Police Station in Mangalagiri.

The Crime Investigation Department (CID) initially conducted an investigation following a complaint by an official of the Excise Department. Later, the TDP-led NDA government constituted SIT, headed by NTR District Commissioner of Police SV Rajashekhar Babu to probe the case.

The SIT reportedly found large-scale irregularities and fund misappropriation in the liquor policy implemented during 2019-24.

Investigators reportedly uncovered a kickback network involving nearly Rs 3,500 crore siphoned off over five years.

There are allegations that the YSR Congress Party leaders encouraged a new liquor policy, floated new brands, and received kickbacks from the distillery companies, causing huge losses to the government.

YSR Congress Party MP P. V. Midhun Reddy was arrested on Saturday by the SIT after questioning him for nearly seven hours at the SIT office here.

Midhun Reddy, who is a member of the Lok Sabha from Rajampet constituency, is also the YSRCP floor leader in Lok Sabha. He 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.

The MP allegedly played a key role in the excise policy and diverting kickbacks to shell companies.

Midhun Reddyas arrest came hours after the SIT filed a preliminary charge sheet in the case. The SIT officials filed a 300-page charge sheet in the ACB court along with forensic lab reports.

The court was informed that Rs 62 crore has been seized in the case so far. The SIT also examined 268 witnesses in the case.

The SIT also informed the court that the investigation in the case is at a crucial stage and that it will file another charge sheet in 20 days.
Seoul, July 20 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday appointed special envoys to Canada and Malaysia, his spokesperson said.

The delegation to Canada will be headed by ruling Democratic Party (DP) Rep. Kim Byung-joo and include Reps. Maeng Sung-kyu and Kim Ju-young, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing.

The team to Malaysia will be led by former Oceans Minister Kim Young-choon and include DP Reps. Nam In-soon and Yun Kun-young, she said.

The team to Canada will depart Tuesday and meet with key Canadian government officials to deliver the Lee administration's commitment to further developing the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership with a focus on the security, defence and energy sectors, Yonhap news agency reported.

The envoys to Malaysia will depart the same day and deliver the government's wish to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership established last year during meetings with Malaysian government and parliamentary officials.

The Lee administration plans to send special envoys to 14 countries with the aim of explaining the new government's state philosophy and foreign policy.

Earlier Lee appointed vice ministers of education, science, veterans affairs, transport and small firms, as well as seven vice ministerial-level officials in the latest round of personnel appointments, the presidential office said.

Choi Eun-ok, former chief of the office of high education policy at the education ministry, was appointed the vice education minister, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lee appointed Koo Hyuk-chae, head of the office of planning and coordination at the Ministry of Science and ICT, as the first vice minister of science.

Kang Yun-jin, director general for patriots and veterans associations cooperation at the veterans ministry, was promoted to vice minister.
Las Vegas, July 20 : World no. 1 Magnus Carlsen avenged his previous defeat to India's Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa, clinching a 3-1 victory in a closely contested four-game match on Sunday (IST).

After a chaotic first-round loss to Praggnanandhaa, the world number one ground down the Indian star to force tiebreaks and then reeled off five consecutive wins a" including those over Arjun Erigaisi.

The clash between Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa started with an absolutely wild game. Praggnanandhaa built up a big advantage and when Carlsen missed a simple pawn push, he felt obliged to give up his queen for just two minor pieces. That shouldnat have been enough, but when the young Indian blundered a full piece, it was quite unclear again, Freestyle chess reports.

Praggnanandhaa, however, recovered well from his mishap and gradually outplayed his opponent after all in a highly complex position with a strong material imbalance.

Carlsen then won his must-win game smoothly in an endgame, in fact in similar style as how Praggnanandhaa had beaten Keymer the other day. The five-time world champion then won both 5+2 games, twice outwitting his opponent tactically in time pressure.

Carlsen later defeated another Indian Grandmaster Arjun 2-0 lower bracket semifinal. In a very quiet position in the first game, one small inaccuracy by Arjun was enough for Carlsen to get a chance, grab it, and use it to full effect.

Arjun got a better position out of the opening in game two, but then messed it up, and Carlsen won again, his fifth consecutive win in the tournament.

The penultimate day of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas ended with Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura set to meet in Sundayas third-place match a" a repeat of their showdown in the Paris Grand Slam final, though this time with USD 160,000 and the last podium spot at stake rather than the title.
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New Delhi, July 20 : India's automobile exports grew by 22 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in the April-June quarter of the current financial year (Q1 FY26), according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

This strong growth was driven by record shipments of passenger vehicles, along with solid performance in two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and three-wheelers.

In total, India exported 14,57,461 vehicles across all categories in the first quarter, up from 11,92,566 units during the same period the previous year.

Passenger vehicle exports reached an all-time high of 2,04,330 units in the April-June quarter -- marking a 13 per cent increase compared to 1,80,483 units exported in the same quarter last year.

SIAM attributed this growth to stable demand in most international markets, with strong performance in the Middle East and Latin America.

Exports also received a boost from recovering demand in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal, as well as growing interest from Japan.

SIAM further noted that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries such as Australia helped increase shipments.

Maruti Suzuki, the leading carmaker in the country, was the top exporter of passenger vehicles in the April-June quarter.

The company sent 96,181 cars to other countries, which is over 37 per cent more than the 69,962 cars it exported during the same period the previous year.

Hyundai Motor India exported 48,140 cars during this time, a 13 per cent increase compared to 42,600 cars in the April-June quarter of the previous year.

Two-wheeler exports saw a 23 per cent rise, reaching 11,36,942 units in Q1, up from 9,23,148 units during the same period the previous year.

Commercial vehicle exports also grew by 23 per cent, with shipments rising to 19,427 units.

Three-wheeler exports recorded the highest growth rate among all segments, jumping 34 per cent to 95,796 units in the April-June quarter.
Kolkata, July 20 : The National Security Guard (NSG) conducted a full-scale joint counter-hijack and counter-terrorist exercise at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI) in Kolkata.

The exercise, conducted on the intervening night of July 18-19, was meticulously planned and coordinated with various airport stakeholders and security agencies to evaluate preparedness in the event of a complex security threat, said NSCBI sources.

"As part of the counter-hijack drill, a simulated hijack scenario involving an A320 aircraft with crew and 75 dummy passengers was initiated at 21.34 hours on July 18 when the air traffic control (ATC) received an emergency call from the 'hijacked' aircraft. The aerodrome committee was immediately convened, and the aircraft was positioned at the isolation bay for containment," said an NSCBI insider.

As part of the initial exercise, the quick response teams of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) cordoned off the aircraft while officers from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) got engaged in negotiations with the hijackers to de-escalate the situation.

"Upon failure of negotiations, the NSG Counter Hijack Task Force (CHTF) launched a coordinated operation to storm the aircraft. The operation resulted in the successful 'rescue' of all dummy passengers and crew, and the 'elimination' of the simulated hijackers. This phase of the exercise concluded at 02.15 hours on July 19," the NSCBI insider said.

Simultaneously, he added, a counter-terrorist exercise was initiated at around 21.00 hours on July 18, simulating an armed terrorist attack on AAI operational offices, where 12 staff members were taken hostage, and the building's power supply was disabled.

As part of that exercise, the Special Task Force (STF) commandos of West Bengal Police cordoned off the area and attempted entry but encountered heavy resistance and simulated casualties.

"Following the conclusion of the hijack scenario, the NSG Task Force was deployed to handle the hostage crisis. After a detailed briefing from the STF, the NSG team executed a coordinated tactical operation, neutralised six simulated terrorists, and successfully rescued all hostages. This operation concluded at 04.25 hours on July 19," the NSCBI insider said..

According to him, those exercises were aimed at validating response mechanisms, inter-agency coordination, and crisis management protocols in high-stakes scenarios involving civil aviation security. The participation and coordination among AAI, CISF, ATC, Airlines, State Police, IB, MHA, and NSG ensured the overall success of the exercise.
Chennai, July 20 : Actress Sshivada on Sunday penned an adorable birthday greeting for her six-year-old daughter Arundhathi, in which she pointed out how Arundhathi's arrival into their lives had changed their world forever.

Taking to her Instagram to pen the post, Sshivada wrote, "Six years ago, you came into our lives and changed our world forever. You made us parents a" and in that moment, we felt a love deeper than anything wead ever known.

"Watching you grow into such a bright, strong, and confident little girl makes us so proud every single day. We want you to know that wherever life takes you, weall always be right beside you a" cheering you on, loving you endlessly. Keep shining, keep smiling, our little sunshine. Happy birthday dear Arundhathi!#happybirthday #arundhathi #ourlittlesunshine #endlesslove"

On the professional front, Sshivada will next be seen in director Vishnu Sasi Shankaras eagerly awaited Malayalam horror-comedy aSumathi Valavua.

Sumathi Valavu was originally scheduled to hit screens on May 8 this year. However, the film's release got postponed and it is now all set to release on August 1 this year.

It may be recalled that the actress, in an earlier post, had praised the unit of the film, calling it an "incredible team."

The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs for a number of reasons. Firstly, aSumathi Valvua is the name of a real place that is known for being haunted. Locals say the place, which is in Mylamoodu, Kerala, got its name after a pregnant woman called Sumathi was murdered by her lover in the 1950s. Ever since her death, travellers passing by the stretch and locals have claimed seeing a female figure roaming around the region.

Secondly, the film, which was shot at the very place, has been made by Vishnu Sasi Shankar, the same director who made the superhit film, aMalikappurama.

The film features Arjun Ashokan, Balu Varghese, Malavika Manoj, Gokul Suresh, Saiju Kurup, Sshivada and Sija Rose among others.

The filmas script has been penned by Abhilash Pillai and its music has been scored by Ranjin Raj. Cinematography for the film is by P V Shankar and editing is by Shafique Mohammad Ali.

The film has been produced by Murali Kunnumpurathas Waterman Films and Think Studios.

--IANS

Mkr/
New Delhi, July 20 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for demanding a clarification from the government over US President Donald Trump's ambiguous statement about five jets being shot down during Operation Sindoor.

Dubbing him as the "star campaigner" for Pakistan, the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of undermining the bravery of the Indian armed forces and amplifying the narrative pushed by Pakistani media.

The criticism followed Gandhi's reaction to Trump's remarks made during a private dinner on Friday. US President stated that five jets were shot down amid Operation Sindoor, India's military retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in April, however, he did not clarify whether the aircraft in question belonged to India or Pakistan.

Rahul Gandhi took to X on Saturday to share the video clip of Trump's statement and wrote in Hindi, "Modi ji, what is the truth behind the five jets? The country has a right to know."

The BJP condemned the Congress leader's post, stating that while opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi ends up questioning the integrity of the country and its armed forces. The party accused him of consistently demoralising the armed forces with such remarks.

Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said, "This is not the first time. It has been the history of Congress and opposition parties to question the bravery and valour of our armed forces. They should remember that this is PM Modi's India, and he knows how to make decisions and execute them. Hence, if someone thinks that India will be dominated, it is wrong."

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh also hit out at Gandhi, saying, "Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress and the INDIA bloc have become star campaigners for the Pakistani army and Pakistani media propaganda. The only aim of the Opposition is to spread misinformation. This is unfortunate."

Chugh added that by opposing the government's diplomatic and military moves, the Opposition was beginning to sound like "the tukde-tukde gang" and had started opposing the country itself.

JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha echoed the sentiment and said that Gandhi's statements repeatedly hurt the morale of the armed forces.

"They should be asked whether they are talking about India's interests or against India. Whenever they make such statements, it demoralises the country and the army. What happened internationally? His party leaders also went in that delegation and presented their side, and the Indian Army held a press conference to explain everything. How did the Indian Army respond?" Jha asked.

He went on to say, "While opposing PM Modi, he goes on to oppose the nation. He doesn't know when to speak on what. Even the nation has started to dismiss his statements. That is why Congress party repeatedly gets defeated in every election."

Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal also criticised Gandhi, saying, "He did the same after Pulwama and the surgical strikes. He doesn't care for India. When the Galwan Valley clashes happened, he was busy dining with the Chinese ambassador. He also attended the wedding party of the son of George Soros, whose only goal is to destroy the democracy of India. One cannot expect patriotism from Rahul Gandhi."
Hyderabad, July 20 : The annual 'Bonalu' festival was celebrated in Hyderabad on Sunday in a traditional manner with thousands of devotees participating in the festivities.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and state ministers were among prominent personalities who offered prayers at the Mahankali temples in the old city of Hyderabad.

Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka and Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Vakati Srihari and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy offered silk robes to the deity on behalf of the state government at Simhavahini Mahankali temple at Lal Darwaza.

The Deputy CM said they prayed for the development of the state and prosperity, and happiness for people.

Former Haryana governor Bandaru Dattatreya, BJP MP K. Laxman, MLA D. Nagender, BRS MLC K. Kavitha, BJP leader Madhavi Latha, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) chairman B. R. Naidu, were among prominent personalities who offered prayers at Mahankali Temple Lal Darwaza, the historic Akkanna Madanna temple at Hari Bowli in Shah Ali Banda and other temples to the deity in different parts of the city.

The festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess of power, Mahankali or Kali, is intended to ward off evil and usher in peace.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy offered prayers at the Mahankali temple in Amberpet.

Devotees, including a large number of women, queued up at the temples to offer Bonalu, which consists of cooked rice, jaggery, curd and turmeric water, carried in steel and clay pots on their heads.

Declared as the state festival after the creation of Telangana state in 2014, Bonalu is being celebrated on a large scale with pomp and gaiety.

Various government departments have made all necessary arrangements for the devotees visiting the temples, like drinking water, sanitation, roads and uninterrupted power supply.

Police made elaborate security arrangements for the festival. About 1,200 policemen were deployed around the Lal Darwaza temple.

The two-day festivities will conclude on Monday with 'Rangam', the oracle prediction at Akkanna Madanna temple, followed by a combined procession on a caparisoned elephant, carrying 'ghatam' of the goddess Mahankali.

The procession will pass through the main thoroughfares of the old city, including historic Charminar, before reaching Delhi Darwaza Matha Temple near Musi River, where the ghatam will be immersed.

Authorities ordered the closure of liquor shops, bars, restaurants and toddy outlets in Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda Commissionerates in view of the festival.

Bonalu is celebrated in parts of Hyderabad and Secunderabad during the Ashadam month. Also known as Ashada Jatra Utsavalu, it is celebrated on four Sundays in different places in the twin cities. Last Sunday, it was celebrated in Secunderabad, where Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy made the offering.

It is believed that the festival was first celebrated over 150 years ago following a major cholera outbreak. People believed that the epidemic was due to the anger of Mahankali and began offering Bonalu to placate her.
Chennai, July 20 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to arrive in Coimbatore on July 22 from Chennai to participate in a series of official events.

Upon arrival at the Coimbatore airport, DMK executives and volunteers will accord him a warm reception.

From there, the Chief Minister will travel by road to Tiruppur district, where he will attend various events in Palladam and Udumalpet.

On July 23, CM Stalin will visit Pollachi, where he will unveil the statues of key leaders Kamaraj, Subramaniam, and Mahalingam, who played significant roles in the completion of the Parambikulam and Aliyar irrigation projects.

The unveiling will take place near the office of the Superintending Engineer, Water Resources Department, located along the Pollachi-Udumalpet road. Ministers, District Collector Pawan Kumar, and other senior officials will be present during the event.

As part of his two-day visit to Tiruppur district on July 22 and 23, CM Stalin will inaugurate several government projects.

On July 22, he will inaugurate the newly constructed Kovilvazhi bus stand built by the Tiruppur Corporation for public use.

He will also inaugurate a new government hospital and a bus stand at Velampalayam.

In Udumalpet, he will unveil statues of Periyar, Perarignar Anna, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar near the bus stand. Later the same day, the Chief Minister will return to Coimbatore to participate in a high-level consultation meeting at a private hotel with government officials, industrialists, elected representatives, and the public to discuss the recently released Coimbatore Master Plan a" 2041.

CM Stalin will also take part in a major government event at Netaji Grounds in Udumalpet, where he will distribute welfare assistance to beneficiaries on behalf of various government departments.

The meeting is part of the government's efforts to seek public opinion on the future development roadmap of Coimbatore city.

In view of the Chief Minister's visit, elaborate security arrangements have been made in both urban and rural areas of Coimbatore district.

DMK functionaries, volunteers, and party members from various wings are preparing to welcome the Chief Minister at different locations.
New Delhi, July 20 : After the conclusion of all-party meeting, ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described it as "very positive," stating that 54 lawmakers presented views and issues which they intend to raise during the upcoming session.

The Monsoon Session is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 21.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rijiju emphasised that it is the collective responsibility of both the ruling party and the Opposition to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament.

"It was conveyed that it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that the Parliament runs smoothly," he said.

Leaders from various political parties attended the preparatory meeting. The government was represented by Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

"A total of 54 members from 51 groups participated today, and 40 people expressed their party's views. It has been very positive. All the political leaders have expressed their parties' positions and have also presented the issues that they want to bring up in this session. We have noted all these points on behalf of the government," Rijiju stated.

He underlined the importance of collaboration, saying, "The government requested that the session run smoothly. The ruling party and the Opposition will have to work together, and coordination among themselves will have to be maintained."

"Our political parties may have different ideologies, but it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that the Parliament runs smoothly. The Opposition has a responsibility and the government has a responsibility too," he added.

Addressing concerns raised by smaller political outfits, Rijiju noted that their representatives often get limited time to speak due to the numerical strength-based system of the House.

"People from small political parties, especially the parties with one or two members, get less time to speak because the system of Parliament runs on the basis of numbers. But we have taken this into our notice and we have also agreed on how to give enough time to small parties with 12 MPs. We will put this in front of the Speaker and the chairman of the house," he said.

"The government reiterated its openness to discussion on all key issues raised by different parties, provided they align with parliamentary norms," he added.
Mumbai, July 20 : Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack at the government over April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, questioning the security failure and accusing the government of prioritising politics and diplomacy over national security.

In an interview with Saamana, Thackeray said, "The Pahalgam attack was shocking and enraging. We were told that normalcy had returned to Kashmir. Then how did this attack even happen?"

Thackeray, who has supported the abrogation of Article 370, expressed disappointment that the ground situation in Kashmir remains volatile despite tall claims. "Tourism had resumed, but security was neglected. You can't treat a formerly disturbed region as if everything is 'all well' and lower your guard," he said.

Referring to the killing of 26 people in the attack, he asked, "Twenty-six women lost their sindoor. Who is responsible for wiping away the dignity of our mothers and sisters?"

He also raised concerns over how terrorists managed to infiltrate deep into Indian territory. "Even three months after the attack, the terrorists haven't been traced. First, their photos were released, then dismissed. They came, attacked, and vanished. Where did they go?"

Thackeray further questioned the government's silence after repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that he had intervened to stop a potential India-Pakistan war. "Trump has said 27 times that he prevented a war. Why is our '56-inch chest' Prime Minister silent on that?" he asked.

Taking a swipe at the "Operation Sindoor" campaign that followed the attack, Thackeray said the military's valor was politicised. "Our army crossed the border, but why were they pulled back? What made the government retreat?" he asked, calling it a "mystery."

He also took a dig at the BJP's internal age policy, questioning whether Prime Minister Modi will retire at 75. "They honoured PM Modi with a 75-year shawl. They had forced leaders like Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi to step down at 75. Will Modi follow his own rule?"

Thackeray further accused BJP of splitting his party.

"There was a clear attempt to break, steal, and destroy Shiv Sena. Those in power aren't even willing to respect the Constitution anymore," he said.
Kyiv, July 20 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv has proposed to hold a new round of peace talks with Moscow next week.

Rustem Umerov, who headed the Ukrainian delegation in the previous two talks in Istanbul, had sent the Russian side the offer to hold the meeting next week, Zelensky said in his evening address to the nation on Saturday.

"The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up," Zelensky said. "Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire."

Umerov, the former defence minister, was just appointed by the Ukrainian president as secretary of the National Security and Defence Council on Friday.

Russia on Tuesday rejected US President Donald Trump's 50-day ultimatum to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire, dismissing the threat of "severe tariffs" as unacceptable.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasised that Moscow favours a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict and is ready to negotiate.

The announcement of a new round of peace talks comes as earlier in the day, Russian forces carried out a massive strike on enterprises of Ukraine's military-industrial complex, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

The attack involved high-precision air-, ground- and sea-launched weapons, as well as drones, and all designated targets were hit, the ministry said in a statement.

Zelensky took to Telegram and said that Russia launched more than 300 drones and over 30 cruise missiles overnight, killing one person and injuring six others in Odesa, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry said its forces shot down 71 Ukrainian drones overnight. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 13 drones were intercepted while approaching the Russian capital.
Mumbai, July 20 : Indian startups continued to attract steady investor interest this week, raising a total of $97.45 million across 26 deals.

Despite global funding challenges, the Indian startup ecosystem maintained its momentum, with four growth-stage and 16 early-stage startups securing funds.

Six other startups raised capital but chose not to disclose the amount.

The total funding this week remained marginally up compared to the previous week, which saw 17 startups raise around $95 million.

However, this week witnessed more activity in terms of deal volume -- indicating broader investor participation.

Bengaluru emerged as the top city in terms of deal count, with 11 startups securing funding.

It was followed by Mumbai with six deals, while Delhi-NCR, Chennai, and Pune also contributed to the weekly activity.

AI remained the most attractive segment this week with six deals, followed by e-commerce and healthtech with four and three deals respectively.

Other sectors like deeptech, fintech, and consumer tech also saw investor interest.

Seed-stage funding led the week with eight deals, followed by six pre-Series A and four pre-seed rounds.

Series A and Series B deals continued to support startups moving into their next growth phase.

The average funding in the last eight weeks stands at around $200 million per week, with approximately 22 deals weekly.

Growth and late-stage funding accounted for $38.3 million. Telehealth platform Truemeds led the pack, raising $20 million in its ongoing Series C round from Peak XV Partners.

Payments company Phi Commerce topped up its Series B round with $6 million from BEENEXT.

B2B e-commerce unicorn Zetwerk secured Rs 75 crore (around $8.8 million) in debt funding from JM Financial, while foodtech startup Lo! Foods raised $3.5 million in its Series B round led by Rainmatter.

On the early-stage front, 16 startups raised about $59.15 million. Deeptech startup QpiAI was the biggest gainer, raising $32 million in a Series A round co-led by Avataar Ventures and the National Quantum Mission.

Other notable fundraisers included speech technology startups, home decor brand Vaaree, AI video platform Trupeer, quick commerce fashion brand KNOT, spacetech startup OmSpace, and AI research company Gibran.

Several AI startups, such as Onetab.ai, Fire AI, Aquila Clouds, and wellness brand CosMoss, also raised funds this week, though they did not disclose the exact amount.
In the minutes after President Donald Trump signed a bill that joins the crypto world's stablecoins to the U.S. financial system, two of the chief stablecoin architects made the case in the Washington summer heat outside the White House that their companies are ready to embrace the new law.

Before he'd signed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act into law after it swept through both chambers of Congress with major bipartisan votes, Trump basked in cheers and thanked several industry leaders in the East Room audience, including Tether CEO Paulo Ardoino, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Outside, the executives talked about next steps.

Ardoino amplified his plans for moving some of his global business into the U.S., where he said the focus will be on institutional users for a new token, but he added that he also intends to have Tether's stablecoin powerhouse USDT comply with the GENIUS Act as a foreign issuer. That'll mean a new auditing regime and changes to the vast reserves the company already maintains, which he says will require "an adjustment" but noted  with a smile  that his company "made $13 billion in profits" last year and will be able to manage it.

"Tether will comply with the GENIUS Act," he said, adding that the company will get to work now meeting the foreign-issuer standards. He said Tether has three years to work on getting into the U.S., and the company intends to manage two different versions of its stablecoins domestically  a jurisdiction it currently steers clear of.

The U.S.-centric coin  a second flavor of Tether that hasn't yet been hatched  is envisioned as serving a very different purpose.

"Institutions are used to super efficient markets, and they will count the single basis point; and so, for that reason, we need to build something that is proper for this new market," he told CoinDesk in the interview. The product built for those institutions will "focus on payments and high, high, high efficiency."

Circle's Allaire

For Circle  a public company based in the U.S.  CEO Allaire said that the GENIUS Act "really enshrines into law Circle's way of doing business."

"We have always been trusted, transparent; we've been publicly audited for five years," he said.

But he noted that the U.S. landscape for stablecoins has already been rapidly changing in anticipation of the new law, with "major technology companies, major commerce firms, financial institutions" lining up to participate, which he said he welcomes.
Dhaka, July 20 : Five months after violent student political clashes brought academic activities to a halt at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), the campus remains mired in uncertainty.

While students of the 2021-22 academic batches returned to classrooms on Sunday, the university continues to function without a permanent vice-chancellor, leaving over 7,500 students facing the prospect of extended session delays, reports leading Bangladeshi media outlet Prothom Alo.

Despite the absence of clear administrative leadership, a message posted on the social media page 'Bloody Kuet' on Saturday signalled a student-led initiative to resume academic activities.

"We will all return to class tomorrow after shaking off all the old-fashionedness and showing the red card to negativity. The teachers have wished us well; they cannot turn their backs. So it is time to return to class with a positive attitude," the post read.

Students of the 21st and 22nd batches responded to the call, returning to the classroom in large numbers. However, concerns remain, with many pointing to unresolved tensions between faculty and students.

"Many teachers were upset during our movement. We have apologised to them. Now we are forced to return to class because five months of our education have already been lost," said Ashir Muntakim Ferdous, a 21st batch student, speaking to Prothom Alo.

He noted that before the former VC's dismissal, the syndicate had announced classes would resume on May 4.

Another student added, "Almost all of us from batches 21 and 22 are present. The exams for senior batches will begin once classes resume fully. However, some students are still not on campus due to security concerns."

In the capital, Guardian Forum Dhaka submitted a memorandum last Thursday to the chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), demanding the immediate resumption of academic activities.

On Sunday, they also organised a human chain protest in front of the KUET administrative building.

Despite these efforts, a resolution remains elusive.

The crisis began on February 18, when over a hundred individuals were injured in clashes stemming from demands to ban student politics on campus.

The violence prompted the government to remove both the vice-chancellor and the associate vice-chancellor. CUET Professor Hazrat Ali was appointed interim VC on May 1, only to resign three weeks later following stiff resistance from KUET faculty.

Although the Ministry of Education issued a notification for a new VC appointment on June 10, the process remains stalled.

UGC member Mohammad Jaminur Rahman had been temporarily authorised to oversee the university's finances until July 15.

Adding to the deadlock, the KUET Teachers' Association has taken a hardline stance, demanding that those responsible for assaults on faculty members during the unrest be held accountable before they return to classes.

Their executive meeting held on July 16 ended inconclusively.

With no immediate resolution in sight and the appointment of a new vice-chancellor still pending, the academic future of KUET's students is uncertain.
Chennai, July 20 : The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has now cleared director Ashwin Kumar's eagerly awaited upcoming animated drama, 'Mahavtar Narsimha', for release with a U/A certificate.

Taking to its X timeline, Hombale Films, whic his presenting the film, wrote, "#MahavatarNarsimha censored with U/A. Experience the roar of divinity on July 25th in theatres near you. #Mahavatar #FaithWillRoar @hombalefilms @VKiragandur @ChaluveG @kleemproduction @shilpaadhawan @AshwinKleem @SamCSmusic @MahavatarTales @AAFilmsIndia @samaymahajan @thinkmusicindia."

The film, which has been directed by Ashwin Kumar, has been produced by Shilpaa Dhawan, Kushal Desai, and Chaitanya Desai under the banner of Kleem Productions. The film, which is slated to hit screens on July 25, will also be released in 3D and in five Indian languages.

For the unaware, Hombale Films and Kleem Productions have officially unveiled the lineup for this ambitious animated franchise, which will span over a decade and chronicle the ten divine avatars of Lord Vishnu. First in line is 'Mahavatar Narsimha' which releases this year. 'Mahavatar Parshuram' will release in 2027, 'Mahavatar Raghunandan' in 2029, 'Mahavatar Dhawkadhesh' in 2031, 'Mahavatar Gokulananda' in 2033, 'Mahavatar Kalki Part 1' in 2035, and 'Mahavatar Kalki Part 2' in 2037.

A trailer released for Mahavtar Narsimha by the makers shows that the film will be a visual spectacle that will offer a glimpse into a significant story from Indian history. It revolves around Prahlada, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, who faces opposition from his atheist father, Hiranyakashipu, blessed by Lord Brahma with immortality. The trailer showcases the roar of faith with the birth of Mahavatar Narsimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu who descends to protect Prahlada.

Studded with epic visuals and a goosebumps-worthy background score, the trailer is truly impressive.

Soon after the makers released the trailer, producer Shilpaa Dhawan said, "It's time to roar! After five incredible years, we're finally ready to unleash the epic tale of Sri Narsimha and Sri Varaha upon the world! Every frame, every moment, every heartbeat has gone into bringing this divine story to life. Brace yourself for a visual masterpiece that will leave you speechless! The ROAR of Narsimha is coming... and it's going to change everything!"
New Delhi, July 20 : As the Monsoon Session of Parliament kicks off on Monday, July 21, and continues till August 21, political leaders across party lines on Sunday expressed optimism for a smooth and productive session.

The session, expected to be a stormy one, will be the first since Operation Sindoor, and the Opposition has already signalled its intent to raise several pressing issues -- significant among them the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, following an all-party meeting, called on both the ruling and Opposition parties to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament.

"It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that Parliament runs smoothly," he said.

Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said, "There are many legislative works to be completed in the Monsoon Session, including the passage of about eight bills. I hope the Opposition will play a constructive role."

Stressing the importance of debates, he added, "If the Opposition comes with a positive attitude, we can fulfil the aspirations of the people through Parliament."

BJP MP Chandra Prakash Joshi also called on the Opposition to ensure smooth conduct, without disruptions, stating, "Several important issues will be discussed. It is hoped that all political parties will work together to ensure the House functions without disruption, so every representative gets the opportunity to raise constituency concerns."

However, Opposition leaders have made it clear that they will not hold back from raising sensitive national issues.

RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha told IANS that the Opposition will demand an explanation for the Pahalgam terror attack and seek a broader discussion on Operation Sindoor.

"What is the purpose of Parliament? It is meant to address public concerns in the Parliament. We must remember the pain of the Pahalgam terror attack before Operation Sindoor, and also consider how, after the operation, our global diplomatic standing has been affected. These issues are not about targeting any one party or political group. They are about the nation. Why did these circumstances happen? No one has an explanation," he said.

"There should be open, honest discussion, not criticism, but course correction," Jha added.

Earlier in the day, Congress Rajya Sabha member Pramod Tiwari also said that in the INDIA bloc meeting, held on Saturday, it was decided to raise several issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Bihar voter list revision.

Speaking to IANS, Tiwari said, "With one voice, it was collectively decided that we must give top priority to the Pahalgam terror attack. The intelligence failure will be raised. We will also question the government's silence on this issue."

"In addition, we will raise the issue of how, in Bihar, names of Dalits, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, and poor upper castes are being deleted from the voter list; we will also raise the issues of Gaza," he added.

The CPI also came down heavily on the government during the all-party meet.

In a statement following the all-party meet, the party said its Rajya Sabha MP P. Sandosh Kumar criticised the "grave security and intelligence failure" that led to the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of several tourists.

He demanded that the Prime Minister "come clean before the nation through the floor of Parliament."

The CPI also raised concerns over US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of having mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor -- assertions that the party said have "emboldened international interference in Kashmir," a matter it described as "purely internal."

Kumar also flagged electoral roll manipulation in Bihar, particularly the alleged misuse of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which he said has" disenfranchised" the poor.

The party further demanded a probe into serious allegations of mass killings and rapes in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, urging that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ram Kadam expressed confidence that the government will not be rattled by opposition pressure.

"Over the past 11 years, the Opposition has repeatedly tried to corner our government but failed," he told IANS, adding, "Parliament is for discussion, not disruption."

JD(U) leader K.C. Tyagi also struck a balanced tone, expressing hope that Parliament "functions smoothly, important bills are passed, and issues raised by the Opposition are also discussed."
Chennai, July 20 : One of India's top music directors Anirudh Ravichander on Sunday announced that his Hukum Chennai concert that was to be held on July 26 at Thiruvidanthai had now been postponed due to an overwhelming demand for tickets and the limitations in accommodating more audience at the current venue.

Taking to his X timeline to make the announcement, Anirudh wrote,"Dear Hukum Family, Due to the incredible love and overwhelming demand, the Hukum Chennai concert scheduled for July 26 at Thiruvidanthai is being postponed. Thank you so much for your love and patience. Weall be back soon a" bigger, better, and louder!"

The ace music director also put out a poster that read, "Due to overwhelming ticket demand and limitations in accommodating more audience at the current venue, the Hukum Chennai concert scheduled for 26th July at Thiruvidanthai is being postponed."

The note further said, "To welcome all fans and deliver a seamless, high-quality experience - including smooth entry and exit and enhanced production - we are shifting to a different venue on a new date, which will be announced soon. All ticket holders will receive refund to their original payment method from District by Zomato within 7-10 working days."

Stating that they sincerely regretted the inconvenience, the organisers of the concert thanked audiences for their incredible support. "We'll be back bigger, better, and louder," they said.

For the unaware, Anirudh announced that he would be performing in concerts in various cities across the world as part of his Hukum World Tour in 2024. The music director began the tour with a concert at the Coca Cola arena in Dubai in February last year. After several concerts across the globe, the tour was to conclude with a grand finale in Chennai.

It may be recalled that when the booking counters were opened for the final concert in Chennai, the tickets got sold out in less than 45 minutes.
New Delhi, July 20 : Embracing the Digital India vision, the Delhi Assembly will on Monday launch a three-day training programme for legislators on using the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) for effective participation in the upcoming Monsoon Session, an official said.

Speaker Vijender Gupta will inaugurate the NeVA training centre and formally launch the training for MLAs at the Assembly complex, the official said.

Expert trainers from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) will conduct the sessions, ensuring comprehensive and hands-on learning, he said.

As part of the preparations, 18 computers have been installed in the newly established NeVA Training Centre for the first batch of legislators, said the official.

The launch of the training centre and programme demonstrates the Delhi Legislative Assembly's proactive approach in aligning legislative procedures with the evolving demands of modern, accountable, and citizen-centric legislative practices, the Speaker said in a message.

The three-day programme, scheduled from July 21 to 23, is designed to familiarise members with the tools and functionalities of the NeVA.

This initiative reflects the Assembly's commitment to embracing the Digital India vision, the Speaker said.

NeVA aims to usher in transparency, efficiency, and sustainability by enabling the paperless functioning of legislatures.

Last week, Gupta met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and apprised him of the ongoing development and modernisation initiatives at the city legislature.

Gupta presented an update on the implementation of the NeVA project, digitisation of the library, and the transition to solar energy.

The Delhi Legislative Assembly has embarked on a comprehensive modernisation of its library.

Demonstrating its commitment to harnessing advanced technologies for creating an efficient, inclusive, and digitally empowered knowledge ecosystem for both legislators and the public, the Assembly had asked the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) to prepare a detailed feasibility and action report.

The report, now with Gupta, outlines a clear roadmap for upgrading the library's infrastructure, resources, and digital services.
New Delhi, July 20 : In a breakthrough, Delhi Police's Crime Branch has busted a transnational cheating syndicate operating across Delhi-NCR, arresting six people, including two Nigerian nationals who were allegedly duping innocent citizens with fake lotteries, gift schemes, and prize offers.

Acting on a tip-off, a team led by ACP Sunil Shrivastava and Inspector Lichhman apprehended Shahid Raza from Punjabi Bagh with Rs 3.63 lakh in cash, nine ATM cards, and a mobile phone loaded with incriminating data. His interrogation led to the arrest of Nigerian national Shedrack Onainor alias Happy from Khanpur, who was caught red-handed while collecting cheated money.

He was found illegally residing in India after overstaying his visa, which had expired in 2018.

Further investigation led to the arrest of four more accused - Sunday John alias Liberty, Vikas, Shahrukh Khan, and Rakesh alias Lalu. All were actively involved in executing and facilitating the fraud. The syndicate's modus operandi involved luring victims with false promises of lottery wins or valuable parcels. Indian accomplices created fake bank accounts using manipulated Aadhaar addresses and SIM cards.

Fraudulently obtained money was either withdrawn in cash or moved digitally through UPI apps like PhonePe. Shahid Raza and his son-in-law Shahrukh Khan handled ATM withdrawals and digital transactions, while Vikas and his brother Rakesh created 1820 fake bank accounts used for laundering the proceeds.

Nigerian nationals coordinated the fraud and collected the cash through Indian contacts.

All operatives received commissions on the defrauded amount, split among themselves. Police recovered mobile phones, Aadhaar and PAN cards, cheque books, and bank passbooks.

The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Foreigners Act. They have been remanded to judicial custody.

"Further investigations are underway, and more arrests and recoveries are expected," said DCP Vikram Singh.
New Delhi, July 20 : Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress Assam President, Gaurav Gogoi, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address three pressing national concerns - India's foreign policy direction, continuing unrest in Manipur, and defence preparedness amid rising tensions with China and Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters after an all-party meeting convened by the Centre on Sunday, Gogoi criticised the government for its silence on U.S. President Donald Trump's recent comments about his role in the India-Pakistan ceasefire.

"No statement from any leader, no press release, but only the Prime Minister can answer such serious foreign policy and defence concerns," he said, urging PM Modi to make his stand clear in the Parliament.

The Congress leader also raised the issue of the ethnic violence in Manipur, stating that despite the Prime Minister's earlier assurance of peace, the northeastern state remains in turmoil even after two and a half years.

"He is touring small countries (referring to PM Modi's recent tour of Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, Namibia) but is unwilling to visit Manipur. Why is the Prime Minister hesitating to go to a small Indian state when it's burning?" Gogoi asked.

On defence and national security, Gogoi highlighted the military's warnings about a possible two-front conflict with China and Pakistan. He accused the government of ignoring Parliament's role in discussing critical matters like defence allocations and foreign policy.

"We had raised these issues in the last session, but they were not addressed. We expect the Prime Minister to speak this time," he added.

Gogoi also expressed concern over the Election Commission's silence in Bihar regarding the contentious special intensive revision (SIR) and hinted at uncertainty over its national implementation.

With the Monsoon Session poised to be stormy, the opposition is gearing up to press the government for accountability on these key national issues.
Chennai, July 20 : Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Nainar Nagenthiran launched a scathing attack on the DMK government on Sunday, accusing it of gross administrative failure and claiming that the state has been reduced to a "den of diseases" despite tall claims of progress.

In a strongly worded statement, Nagenthiran criticised the DMK for boasting about a "golden era" under its governance, even as basic civic infrastructure across the state, particularly in major cities, continues to deteriorate.

He pointed to the recent Swachh Survekshan 2024 rankings, the Centre's annual cleanliness survey, which placed Chennai and Madurai at the bottom of the list among cities with populations of over one million.

Chennai ranked 38th and Madurai 40th out of 40 cities.

"This is nothing short of a shameful reflection of the DMK's governance model. While the government celebrates a so-called Dravidian model, our cities are drowning in filth and our people are battling disease," he said.

The state BJP president further questioned the efficacy of the thousands of crores of rupees reportedly spent on sanitation efforts.

"If not a single city from Tamil Nadu features in the top ten cleanest cities in India, where is the outcome of these huge expenditures? What happened to the tall claims?" he asked.

Highlighting rising cases of communicable diseases, deteriorating public health systems, and the crumbling condition of government hospitals, Nagenthiran said the situation on the ground paints a grim picture.

He alleged rampant corruption in urban administration, claiming that civic bodies have failed to address even basic issues such as garbage clearance, sanitation, and public hygiene.

"When garbage piles up in every corner, when government hospitals lack even basic facilities, and when crimes continue to surge, where exactly is the governance?" the BJP leader asked.

Calling for accountability, he urged the DMK government to apologise to the people of Tamil Nadu and the nation at large for what he termed an utter failure on the governance front.

The statement is part of the BJP's increasing criticism of the DMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with sanitation, urban development, and health infrastructure emerging as key political battlegrounds.
New Delhi, July 20 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the formation of a multi-sectoral Central team given the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh, an official said on Sunday.

In a recent meeting, HM Shah was briefed about the increase in the frequency and intensity of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and torrential rainfall, causing widespread loss of life, damage to infrastructure, livelihoods and environmental degradation.

He immediately ordered the constitution of a multi-sectoral Central Team comprising experts from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Roorkee, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, a Geologist, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, the official said.

In the wake of floods, flash floods, and landslides during monsoon 2025 in different parts of Himachal Pradesh, the Central government has already deputed an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) in advance, without waiting for their memorandum, for on-the-spot first-hand assessment of the damages, said an official statement.

The IMCT is visiting the affected areas of the state from July 18-21, and as many as 13 teams of NDRF are deployed in the State for rescue and relief operations.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government stands firmly with the states in times of disasters without any discrimination, said the statement.

In this direction, a high-level committee chaired by HM Shah has already approved an outlay of Rs 2006.40 crore to Himachal Pradesh for recovery and reconstruction in areas affected by disasters like floods, landslides and cloudbursts for 2023, and has also released the first instalment of Rs 451.44 crore on July 7, it said.

To support the affected people, the Central government has already released the first instalment of the Central share of Rs 198.80 crore to Himachal Pradesh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) on June 18.

The Central government has also provided all logistical assistance to all states, including Himachal Pradesh, including deployment of requisite National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, Army teams and Air Force support.
Jakarta, July 20 : At least three people were killed and about 150 others rescued after a passenger ship caught fire in the waters of Indonesia's North Sulawesi province on Sunday, according to Veri Ariyanto, a senior official at the provincial Search and Rescue Office.

"Three people were killed, and nearly 150 were rescued safely. They were rescued by the joint rescue team and local fishermen's boats," he told Xinhua.

The search and rescue operation is still underway. Two ships, several rigid inflatable boats, and other vessels have been deployed, Ariyanto said.

The ship, KM Barcelona 5, caught fire while sailing in the waters off Manado, the capital city of the province, at around 1:00 pm local time, Dani Repi, head of the quick reaction team of the provincial Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency, said.

Approximately 280 people were on board, he said, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a similar incident on July 3, at least three people were killed, four others survived, and 58 were reported missing after a wooden passenger ship capsized near Indonesia's Bali Island before midnight.

The vessel, Tunu Pratama Jaya Penumpang Motor, was struck by huge waves while sailing along the maritime border between Bali and East Java provinces, said I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the Search and Rescue Office in Bali

"Three people were found dead, and four others were rescued alive," Nyoman told Xinhua via telephone.

The ship had departed from a port in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, and was en route to a port in Gilimanuk village, Jembrana Regency, Bali. According to Nyoman, strong currents and large waves caused the vessel to capsize completely.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway, involving teams from both Bali and East Java. A total of 35 rescuers from Bali have been deployed, along with a rescue ship and a rubber boat.

Nyoman stated that the ship was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members at the time of the incident.
President Trump on Friday signed into law a bill that establishes the first federal framework for dollar-backed stablecoins, one of the biggest victories yet for a crypto industry that has pushed for more favorable oversight in Washington, D.C.

"I pledged that we would bring back American liberty and leadership and make the United States the crypto capital of the world, and that's what we've done," Trump said during a signing ceremony for the GENIUS Act at the White House.

Two other crypto bills also passed through the House this week, the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act and the Clarity Act, which served as additional wins for the crypto industry.

They prohibit the creation of central bank digital currencies and assign oversight over all digital assets except stablecoins to either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Both will now go to the Senate, where their ultimate fates are still unknown.

The passage of all three bills came after a series of roadblocks and delays as GOP leaders struggled to bring some Republican holdouts in line during what has been dubbed "Crypto Week by backers of the legislation.

President Trump at the White House. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

Trump is also deepening his own financial involvement in cryptocurrencies with several separate ventures. They include World Liberty Financial, a new crypto startup backed by Trump and his sons that has already launched its own US-dollar-pegged stablecoin (USD1) in partnership with BitGo.

Stocks with crypto ties have been surging recently as investors anticipated the moves in the nation's capital, notably Coinbase (COIN), Robinhood (HOOD), and newly public stablecoin issuer Circle (CRCL).

Read more: Can you buy crypto with a credit card? See the pros and cons.

The GENIUS Act signed into law by Trump on Friday outlines how US companies can issue and manage dollar-backed stablecoins for payments, giving those digital assets a massive stamp of approval that is expected to encourage wider adoption.

It bans members of Congress and their families from earning profits from stablecoins, but not Trump and his family, an omission that irked some Democrats and slowed progress on the legislation earlier this spring.

Jeremy Allaire, CEO and co-founder of stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group, celebrates ringing the opening bell on June 5, the day of the company's IPO. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)  REUTERS / Reuters

Between Washington and Wall Street, expectations are riding high for what this legislation ultimately brings.

A senior Treasury official said growth in the $260 billion stablecoin market over the months and years ahead will have a significant impact on the dominance of the US dollar and demand for US debt.

The legislation is also expected to unleash a wave of new stablecoin entrants as traditional companies ranging from banks to megaretailers consider whether to issue their own coins.
Los Angeles, July 20 : The drama surrounding Hollywood actress Denise Richards and her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers seems to be getting bigger.

The actress' husband has alleged that she had an affair and claims to have text messages to support it, reports 'Female First UK'.

The 52-year-old actor, who filed for divorce from the 54-year-old actress on July 7, has been accused of physical abuse by his estranged wife. However, Aaron insists that "any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue".

As per 'Female First UK', he has now explained the events that led him to file for divorce after nine years of marriage to the former Bond girl, including claims that she stole and broke his phone.

In an interview with TMZ, he recounted, "It's smashed to pieces. Unrecognisable. It's gone. I went over to her and was like, 'You broke my effing phone? Why? Why did you do that?'".

Aaron says Denise denied taking or breaking his phone. He said, "So, that's what started it. That was July 4. It was July 5 when I found the phone".

Aaron claims she took his phone because it contained evidence of her alleged affair. He said, "They were texting back and forth, and I caught it. Her and I were watching that show Traitors on the sofa ... and she fell asleep, and I just had this feeling. I have her passcode for her stuff, and I'm going through it. I go into deleted, and I see some text messages that are super inappropriate. I'm like, 'What the hell?'".

He further mentioned, "She wakes up, and I go, 'Why are you doing this?' And she goes, 'Oh my God, please don't leave me, please don't leave me'. I'm like, whatever. She says, 'I'm so sorry. I won't do that again'".

Aaron says this occurred in February and claims he wasn't invited to her birthday on February 17. According to him, she planned to meet the man on March 20  the day after his own birthday on March 19. He said, "So I see all the stuff going on, and I am just crushed, man. Nine years. With vows".

Aaron claimed Denise gave him permission to access her "stuff" after he "caught her the first time" because she wanted to "rebuild trust".
Kolkata, July 20 : Trinamool Congress is making all-out efforts to unite the opposition bloc INDIA's allies in raising a cohesive opposition to the Special Intensive Review (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI), which started in Bihar and is scheduled in West Bengal soon.

Trinamool Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee said this in his address at the virtual meeting of all the INDIA bloc allies on Saturday, sources in Trinamool Congress said.

In his address, party sources said, Banerjee said, "40 lakh voters were added between the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the Maharashtra Assembly elections to ensure the BJP's victory."

"Our general secretary pointed out that after playing the same tricks now in Bihar, the next target is West Bengal, which is going for Assembly elections next year. He pointed out that an orchestrated attempt is underway to delete the names of genuine voters in West Bengal from the voters' list. Thereafter, he stressed the unity of the INDIA bloc allies to raise a cohesive opposition to the special intensive review," said a senior leader of the party.

According to him, in the meeting, Banerjee also suggested that all the INDIA bloc allies should raise questions regarding the recent Pahalgam incident of tourists being killed by terrorists.

"Banerjee argued that when it was clear that intelligence failure was the main reason behind the ghastly massacre, why the Union government extended the tenure of the Director of the Intelligence Bureau," the Trinamool Congress leader said.

He also stressed that all the INDIA bloc allies should raise the question on the floor of the Parliament on "why Indians had to depend on US President Donald Trump's social media account to get updates on the tensions between India and Pakistan in the post-Pahalgam scenario".

He also said that the opposition allies should raise the question of "why Pegasus software is being used against the opposition when the same could have been used to curb terrorism".
Dhaka, July 20 : Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has directed that investigations in seven separate cases tied to last year's July-August killings be completed within the next three months, setting 15 October as the deadline.

Dhaka, July 20 (IANS) Bangladeshas International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has directed that investigations in seven separate cases tied to last yearas Julya"August killings be completed within the next three months, setting 15 October as the deadline.

The cases, which stem from violence during the anti-discrimination student movement, name 45 individuals as accused.

Among them are several senior political figures from the former Sheikh Hasina administration, including ex-law minister Anisul Huq, ex-education minister Dipu Moni, former adviser on private industry Salman F Rahman, and former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak.

The order came during a hearing on Saturday, led by ICT Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam placed a petition requesting additional time, which the tribunal approved.

According to the Bangladesh leading daily, the Dhaka Tribune, 39 out of the accused, which included high-profile former ministers, were presented before the court on the same day, in connection with the seven cases currently under investigation.

The tribunal in December last year instructed that investigations begin in two of the cases, where 46 individuals a" including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina a" had been accused.

The fresh order expands the investigation to include a total of seven cases. These cases are based on the unprecedented violence that erupted in different parts of Bangladesh during the anti-discrimination student movement last year.

What started as the demand for quota reform eventually turned into a movement to change the government.

Severe clashes reportedly broke out when protesters attending a non-cooperation programme to demand the government's resignation faced opposition from government supporters. Protesters then dismissed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's invitation for dialogue to quell the violence.

Over 200 people were reportedly killed in violent clashes between the police and predominantly student protesters, last year in July-August, who demanded the scrapping of the controversial quota system that reserves 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.
New Delhi, July 20 : Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Sunday said the government will wait for the final report on the investigation into the Air India Boeing crash before making any comments, even as he slammed the Western media for its slanted coverage of the tragic incident.

He urged the Western media to avoid speculation on the cause of the Air India crash and praised the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for successfully decoding the black box data in India.

"AAIB has made an appeal to all, especially Western media houses, which may have a vested interest in the kind of articles they are trying to publish," the minister said.

"I believe in AAIB. They have done a wonderful job in decoding the whole black box and getting the data out in India itself," the minister said.

"It was a huge success for us because in previous incidents, whenever the black box was seen to be damaged, it was always sent abroad to get the data out. But this is the first time that AAIB has successfully decoded everything. The preliminary report has also been prepared," Naidu pointed out.

The minister stated that making any comments until the final report comes is not a good exercise for anyone. The government is being very cautious and studying the report thoroughly, and whatever necessary steps are required in terms of safety would be implemented, he added.

"Regarding the incident and investigation, we have to wait for the final report before we say anything," the minister said.

Meanwhile, the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairperson Jennifer Homendy also stated that recent media reports on the crash of an Air India Boeing Dreamliner that killed over 260 people were premature and speculative.

A report in the Wall Street Journal, which was followed up by another by Reuters news agency, was seen to be biased against the pilots in trying to pin the blame on them for the crash, even though no such conclusion has been reached in the investigation at this point.

Homendy said investigations of this magnitude take time, and that the NTSB will continue to support AAIB's ongoing probe.

This came following AAIB's public appeal issued on Thursday (July 17), noting a strong appeal to the public and media, raising concerns about "selective and unverified reporting" by certain international outlets in the aftermath of the crash.

"It is essential to respect the sensitivity of the loss faced by family members of deceased passengers, crew of the aircraft and other deceased persons on the ground. 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. We urge both the public and the media to refrain from spreading premature narratives that risk undermining the integrity of the investigative process," AAIB said in a letter.

The Bureau clarified that at this stage, "it is too early to reach any definite conclusions," and the final report will be published only after the investigation is complete, including the identification of "root causes and recommendations".
Kolkata, July 20 : The Kolkata Police, on Sunday, announced major restrictions on vehicular traffic movements in and around Kolkata amid the Trinamool Congress's annual Martyrs' Day rally scheduled for July 21.

Kolkata, July 20 (IANS) The Kolkata Police, on Sunday, announced major restrictions on vehicular traffic movements in and around Kolkata amid the Trinamool Congress's annual Martyrsa Day rally scheduled for July 21.

A traffic advisory notification issued by Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma informed that there will be restrictions on several roads from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 21.

"Traffic will be controlled on Amherst Street, Bidhan Sarani, and College Street. Traffic will also be controlled on BB Ganguly Street, Bentinck Street," the statement issued by the City Police Commissioner read.

The list also includes Brabourne Road, Strand Road, New City Road, and Rabindra Sarani, where vehicular traffic movement will be restricted.

The Kolkata Police also informed that no goods vehicles will enter the city from dawn.

The police also declared no parking zones on Cathedral Road, Lovers Lane, Hospital Road, Casuarina Avenue, and Hastings Crossing to avoid traffic congestion.

The Calcutta High Court had ordered traffic control on July 21 and had directed Kolkata Police to ensure that there is no traffic congestion in central Kolkata and within a five-kilometre radius of the rally venue from 9 am to 11 am.

According to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, traffic movement will be controlled in the city in compliance with the court's order.

Meanwhile, special surveillance will be kept at the entrance of the city. Additional traffic police personnel and RAF forces will be kept at important intersections of the city.

The police have also made tight security arrangements in a bid to avoid any untoward incident. Drone cameras will be used to monitor the traffic situation. Several kiosks have been set up to help those who would take part in the political event or those common people facing difficulties in commuting.

The Trinamool Congress holds its annual 'Martyrs' Day' rally in Kolkata on July 21.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief 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 Mamata Banerjee, on July 21, 1993.
Amaravati, July 20 : All India Congress Committee in-charge for Andhra Pradesh Manickam Tagore has alleged that former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was the real mastermind of the liquor scam during YSR Congress Party rule in the state.

He alleged that Jagan's liquor mafia devastated one crore of poor families in the state.

In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, he claimed that trusted liquor brands were replaced with low-grade, harmful ones for Rs 3,200 crore in bribes.

Reacting to the arrest of YSR Congress Party MP, P. V. Midhun Reddy, Manickam Tagore stated that the MP is just a pawn. He wrote that the real masterminds were Mr and Mrs Jagan.

"This wasn't a scam by accident. It was a well-planned, top-down operation by Jagan's scientific corruption. "Liquor brands were handpicked. The distribution network was fixed. Kickbacks were pre-negotiated. Dummy firms were created. Policy was rewritten to legalise the loot," he wrote.

According to him, Jagan's party leaders coordinated with handpicked liquor suppliers, established, trusted liquor brands were removed from shelves, their own lesser-known brands owned by benamis took their place, and these brands were sold at inflated prices via state retail.

The MP alleged that the profit margin was artificially jacked up. "Commissions were routed through fake invoices and service contracts. Shell companies were floated in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Visakhapatnam to launder the money," he said.

He claimed that even transportation and warehousing contracts were awarded to proxy firms. These were shown as logistics expenses  in reality, they were channels to drain public money, he said.

The Congress leader alleged that the ecosystem was created to benefit 3 groups - Mr and Mrs Jagan, few ministers and friendly contractors.

"SIT findings say at least Rs 3,200 crore was diverted between 2020-2024. A portion of this was pumped into the 2024 election campaign. Distributed across constituencies as cash and liquor freebies and used for vote buying and booth management," he said.

According to him, several of the fake liquor brands had no manufacturing infrastructure. They borrowed licences, operated out of shady bottling units, and paid lakhs per day in bribes to stay in the system. "Midhun Reddy's name is on record  not just as a participant, but as a chief operator. He helped coordinate between the Excise Department and political offices. He managed shell companies used to hide the inflow of bribes," he said.

The AICC-in-charge remarked that this is not Jagan's first scam. "He is already the prime accused in a Rs 43,000 crore illegal assets case filed by the CBI. He was arrested in 2012 and spent over 16 months in jail. Corruption is not new to Jagan. It's how he operates," he posted.

Manickam Tagore stated that the liquor scam is just the latest in a series of betrayals. "Sand mafia, Mining and land allotment scams, Insider trading around Amaravati. Now, liquor loot with public health as collateral. The victims remain the same: the poor, the voiceless, the voters," he added.
Male, July 20 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several developmental projects during his two-day visit to the Maldives starting from July 25.

"President Muizzu and Prime Minister Modi will hold high-level discussions on key bilateral and regional issues. The meeting will be followed by the inauguration of several joint projects and the exchange of several MoUs aimed at deepening cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest," said a press statement by the Maldives President's Office on Sunday.

The state visit will mark PM Modi's first visit to the Maldives since he assumed his third term.

India and the Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity.

The relations have been close, cordial and multi-dimensional.

India was among the first to recognise the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.

India's relationship with the Maldives is free of any politically contentious issues.

The one-time claim of the Maldives to Minicoy Island was resolved by the Maritime Boundary Treaty of 1976 between the two countries; the Maldives recognised Minicoy as an integral part of India.

India's prompt assistance during the 1988 coup attempt led to the development of trust and long-term and friendly bilateral relations with the Maldives. The immediate withdrawal of the Indian troops when they were no longer required assuaged fears of any Indian dominance or territorial aspirations.

India was the first to assist the Maldives during the 2004 Tsunami, as well as the water crisis in Male in December 2014. These three incidents have established the advantages of India's proximity and capacity to come to the Maldives' rescue in distress vis-a-vis any other country and are widely acknowledged by the Government and people of the Maldives.

Further, this visit by the Indian Prime Minister carries profound significance as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Maldives' independence, along with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, according to the official press release.
Srinagar, July 20 : J&K L-G Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited the Baltal Base Camp and reviewed the arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

He chaired a meeting with the Camp Director, officials of the district administration, police and security agencies and discussed the measures taken to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims.

He also reviewed the mudslide preventive measures, and other arrangements in place for a comfortable stay, food, healthcare, connectivity, sanitation, water and power supply, traffic management, on-spot registration and other facilities for pilgrims.

He interacted with pilgrims and service providers and received their feedback.

He also took stock of the preparedness and response mechanism of the stakeholder departments to tackle any weather vagaries.

He directed the concerned officers to take dedicated measures to ensure the safety of the pilgrims in vulnerable areas.

At the Baltal Base camp hospital, he interacted with the Doctors, medical staff and inspected the healthcare facilities for the pilgrims.

He also lauded the dedicated efforts of all the departments and agencies involved in yatra management for ensuring the safe and seamless pilgrimage of the devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji.

On Saturday, DGP J&K conducted a hybrid Security Review with all formations of J&K Police, Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, CISF and agencies in the deliberations, which focused primarily on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and the prevailing security scenario.

A detailed assessment was carried out on the current security scenario and the coordinated efforts of various forces to ensure peace in J&K.

The DGP emphasised the seamless coordination among all agencies. He also deliberated on the contribution of the Army, along with other sister agencies, in maintaining a robust counter-infiltration grid and supporting civil authorities in sensitive areas.
Chennai, July 20 : Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss on Sunday led a protest in Villupuram, demanding that the Tamil Nadu government implement internal reservation for the Vanniyar community, as directed by the Supreme Court.

The protest, held at the municipal ground near the new bus stand, witnessed the participation of thousands of PMK cadre, including party MLAs Sadhasivam, Venkateswaran, and Shivakumar.

The agitation was organised to condemn the DMK government for its continued refusal to implement the 10.5 per cent internal quota for the Vanniyar community under the Most Backward Classes (MBC) category, despite the Supreme Court upholding the reservation 1,208 days ago.

Holding a banner that read "DMK: Betrayer of Social Justice," Anbumani launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the ruling DMK, accusing them of betraying the Vanniyar community.

"The Supreme Court has clearly ruled that internal reservation and caste-based census for the Vanniyars can be implemented. If the DMK truly stood for social justice and was an honest government, it would have enforced the reservation within a month of the verdict," Anbumani said.

He pointed out that the DMK currently has 28 MLAs, five MPs, and four ministers belonging to the Vanniyar community.

"Has a single one of them spoken up for a reservation? The silence speaks volumes," he added.

Issuing a stern warning, Anbumani declared that the PMK would intensify its agitation if the demand continues to be ignored.

"If the DMK refuses to act, our next step will be a mass jail-filling protest. And if that too fails, we will take our protest to the streets and block roads across the state. This is not just a Vanniyar issue  it's a fight for social justice for all communities."

He also urged the public to teach the DMK a lesson in the upcoming elections.

"Not a single vote should go to the DMK in the next election. Let this be a clear message to Stalin and his government," he said.

The protest in Villupuram marks a significant escalation in PMK's campaign for Vanniyar rights, reflecting the growing rift between the party and the ruling DMK ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 20 : NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian will preside over a special two-day camp sitting in Bhubaneswar starting Monday to hear cases related to trafficking of girl child, witchcraft and sorcery accusations and crimes against women, an official said.

Human rights case linked to death due to snake bites and lack of medical support; flooding issues faced by over five families in Bhadrak, Kendrapada and other coastal districts; crimes against women and attacks on journalists are also expected to figure during the hearing.

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.

After the hearing of the cases, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team will meet with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and other senior officers of the state to deliberate on issues of the promotion and protection of human rights, said a statement.

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.

The Camp Sitting of the rights panel also aims to sensitise officers about human rights by delivering speedy justice to victims of rights violations.

The rights panel will also interact with the representatives of civil society organisations, NGOs and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs).

The Commission plans to meet representatives of civil society organisations, NGOs and HRDs on Tuesday.

"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.

Over the past 18 years, the NHRC 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.
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor who currently serves as chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) (BRK.A), has built a fortune on bold, long-term bets. Among his most iconic and profitable investments is his decades-long ownership of Coca-Cola (KO) stock. The quarterly dividend checks flowing from this one holding have become the stuff of financial legend. But just how much does Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway make from Coca-Cola dividends every single hour?

The Numbers: Over $93,000 Every Hour

Currently, Berkshire Hathaway owns 400 million shares of The Coca-Cola Company. According to their latest numbers, Coca-Cola is paying an annual dividend of $2.04 per share, paid out on a quarterly basis. That means Coca-Cola sends Berkshire roughly $816 million every year in dividends  without Buffett having to lift a finger.

More News from Barchart

Breaking it down even further:

Per Year: $816,000,000

Per Day: $2,235,616

Per Hour: $93,150

This staggering sum means Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway earns more every hour in dividends from just one stock investment than the majority of Americans earn every year.

The Backstory: Buffetts Coca-Cola Stock Acquisition

Buffetts love affair with Coca-Cola began in 1988. Reeling in the aftermath of the 1987 market crash, Buffett identified the company as a classic value opportunity  a dominant brand with global reach, steady profits, and the ability to weather economic storms.

Between 1988 and 1994, Berkshire Hathaway steadily accumulated approximately 400 million shares at a total cost of about $1.3 billion, a position that amounted to over 7% of Coca-Colas outstanding stock at the time. Berkshire has never sold a single share. That $1.3 billion investment is worth tens of billions today, not to mention the cash earned through decades of rising dividends.

Why Buffett Loves Coca-Cola

Buffetts rationale for buying  and holding  Coca-Cola stock reads like an investing masterclass:
Amaravati, July 20 : Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday strongly condemned the arrest of party MP P.V. Midhun Reddy in the alleged liquor scam case and termed it a political conspiracy designed to silence those who stand with the people.

Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that Midhun Reddy, who has been elected as a Member of Parliament for three consecutive terms, has been falsely implicated through forced confessions. This is a targeted act of political vendetta by the TDP Government to cover up its own scams and failures, the YSRCP president said in a statement posted on the social media platform 'X'.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Saturday arrested Midhun Reddy after questioning him for seven hours in Vijayawada. A court on Sunday sent him to judicial custody till August 1.

The former Chief Minister stated that the alleged liquor scam is nothing but a manufactured narrative, created purely for media theatrics and to divert attention from real issues. He said the entire case is built on statements extracted under pressure, threats, third-degree torture, and also through bribes and inducements.

"The fact that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu himself is on bail concerning a case on issues about liquor policy during 2014 - 19 itself, is irrefutable evidence as to why he is stooping so low. The fact that he wants to nullify his case for acts during 2014-19 and also justify his policy now for 2024- 29, he is finding fault with the policy formulated by the YSRCP Government," wrote Jagan Mohan Reddy.

"What is more alarming is that, while falsely accusing YSRCP leaders of a liquor scam, the current TDP-led coalition is reviving the very corrupt liquor practices that the YSRCP government had dismantled. The belt shops and illegal liquor outlets named permit rooms have returned. While undoing the YSRCP government's successful deeds of shutting down thousands of such belt shops and permit rooms and also reducing the liquor outlets significantly, the present government is now encouraging permit rooms, belt shops, backdoor liquor sales beyond MRP and weakening regulatory enforcement," the former CM alleged.

"Corruption and Mafia have crept back into the process of awarding wine shop licenses, and thereby placement of orders to the distilleries, undoing the transparent Government shops system we put in place in 2019," he added.

The YSRCP leader alleged that Chandrababu Naidu is misusing state agencies and the yellow media to settle political scores. Ironically, Naidu himself is currently out on bail in multiple serious corruption cases, including a liquor scam that occurred during his own tenure from 2014 to 2019. During that time, private liquor syndicates thrived, and corruption was institutionalised.

After coming to power, Naidu stalled investigations into those serious corruption cases against him and his close associates. To divert attention and escape accountability, he has conspired to fabricate a politically motivated liquor case targeting YSRCP leaders, he said.

"The TDP's real agenda is now clear. They want to use the SIT to arrest YSRCP leaders under the guise of an investigation and drag the legal process to keep them in jail indefinitely. But once the actual trial begins, the truth will emerge. This is a baseless, politically motivated case totally devoid of legal merit," said Jagan Mohan Reddy.

"YSRCP leaders are being arrested not because they are guilty, but because the party remains deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. This is not a legal process. It is a political witch-hunt aimed at destabilising a strong opposition. Every time such conspiracies have been hatched to suppress the YSRCP, we have fought back with courage. We rose by standing with the people and giving them a voice. That is how the YSRCP earned its place today, by confronting injustice head-on," the former CM said.

"The abuse of power by the TDP, as described above, is nothing short of a crime perpetrated against Democracy. I commit to the people that, regardless of how overwhelming the odds can be, the YSRCP will continue to stand with the people, remain their voice and their shield, now and always," he added.
New Delhi, July 20 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has emphasised the importance of promoting and expanding the art and culture of various states across the national capital, an official said on Sunday.

She called for events such as women's art exhibitions, artist camps, music and dance festivals, theatre performances, and religious celebrations like Chhath Puja and Durga Puja to be organised across the city to increase public participation.

The Chief Minister also said that efforts will be made to explore possibilities for teaching non-Hindi languages to children in Delhi, enabling them to understand the social and cultural identities of other states.

At a recent meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, CM Gupta discussed measures to enrich Delhi's cultural landscape and involve all sections of society in cultural activities.

"Delhi is not merely the capital city but also a reflection of the country's cultural identity," she said.

"We want the art and culture of various states to reach every street and for every individual to feel connected to it," she said, adding that theatre and folk arts are powerful tools for spreading awareness and information, often more effectively than other forms of communication.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Art, Culture and Languages Kapil Mishra, as well as various secretaries, deputy secretaries, and senior officials from different agencies.

CM Gupta noted that the Department of Art, Culture and Languages can play a vital role in this endeavour by broadening the scope of its programmes and activities.

According to the Chief Minister, the department must take its initiatives beyond designated locations and bring them to the general public to enhance public participation.

She directed officials to ensure that regional festivals celebrated in Delhi include artists from the respective states, as this would help generate greater public interest in these events.

The Chief Minister noted that while the Department of Art, Culture and Languages has long promoted Delhi's cultural heritage, its reach must now be expanded.

Highlighting Delhi's diverse population, she emphasised the growing celebration of regional festivals and directed officials to involve artists from different states in these events.
Imphal, July 20 : The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Sunday once again urged the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) to immediately lift the shutdown and allow the safe passage to the people belonging to the Kuki-Zo community through the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur.

The FNCC called for an indefinite shutdown from midnight on Friday on the movement of Kuki-Zo tribals within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas.

The FNCC had stated that the shutdown 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.

The KZC, in a statement on Sunday, reiterated that the German-Tiger road in the Naga people's inhabited areas is a humanitarian lifeline that was initiated by Kuki-Zo civil society organisations out of sheer necessity. KZC's Secretary, Information and Publicity, Ginza Vualzong, said that following the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, it became unsafe and impossible for Kuki-Zo people to travel through Meitei-dominated areas.

"As a result, the community had no choice but to revive and upgrade an old inter-village track, now known as the German-Tiger Road, to connect the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Similarly, as Sugnu is no longer accessible, we are compelled to depend solely on the Singheu route to stay connected with Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal, despite the absence of a viable bridge," Vualzong said in a statement.

They strongly condemned the 'baseless and malicious accusations being circulated by certain Meitei groups branding the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as "drug routes." These claims are entirely unfounded and without any legitimate evidence.

Such narratives are not only irresponsible but are clearly intended to malign the Kuki-Zo community and disrupt the already fragile connectivity between Kuki-Zo inhabited regions of Manipur, the KZC stated.

The KZC urged the central government to reject these "divisive and baseless allegations" and, instead, take steps to improve the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as essential inter-district lifelines.

--IANS

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Islamabad, July 20 : At least 10 people were killed and over 60 others injured in two separate road accidents in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Sunday, said police officials.

One of the accidents occurred in Thatta district, where a bus carrying picnickers overturned due to over-speeding, resulting in six deaths and over 20 injuries, police sources from the district told Xinhua.

Separately, a passenger bus travelling from the southern port city of Karachi to the northwest Mansehra district overturned on the National Highway in Khairpur district, killing four people and wounding 40 others, including women and children, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier this month, at least six people were reportedly killed and 18 others were injured when a passenger bus collided with a trailer in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province.

The accident took place around 7:00 am local time (0200 GMT) in the Muzaffargarh district, when a Muzaffargarh-bound bus hit the trailer.

According to rescue officials, the deceased included two men, two women, and two children.

The injured, including eight seriously wounded people, were shifted to the neighbouring Multan district for advanced medical care, while 10 were admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Muzaffargarh.

Rescue 1122 teams arrived promptly at the scene and carried out relief operations.

In a similar case in April, 13 people were killed and 20 others injured in another road accident in the southern Sindh province.

The incident occurred in the Jamshoro district, where a passenger van carrying more than 30 people veered off the road and plunged into a ravine.

The passengers were reportedly returning home after working in wheat fields, as the harvest season was currently in full swing across the region.

The killed included four children, and there were many women and children among the injured passengers, the police said.

Road accidents are frequent in Pakistan, often due to poor infrastructure, negligence, and a lack of enforcement of traffic regulations.
Hyderabad, July 20 : The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested three more accused in a trade investment fraud case in which the victim lost over Rs 3 crore.

Md Raziuddin, a private employee, Md Waliullah, a nursing student and Mohd. Zubair Khan, a computer operator, have been arrested by the sleuths of Cyber Crime Police Station.

All three are residents of Hyderabad. According to TGCSB, Waliullah is a native of Bihar.

TGCSB Director Shikha Goel said that Sai Amarnath, a photographer, was earlier arrested in the same case.

Amarnath had opened a current account in 2021 in the name of Cam Zoom Services and provided his bank account details to the fraudsters for crediting crime proceeds. The individual was also involved in 14 other crimes in other states.

On July 11, the victim had lodged a complaint that he had been cheated in the name of investment.

The investigations revealed the victim had received a message via WhatsApp from 'Bajaj Fin Securities Ltd' along with an invitation link. He clicked the link and joined the WhatsApp group, which shared regular updates on market trends, block trades, and IPOs.

Influenced by the admin, Purav Jhaveri, and his assistant, Prisha Singh, the complainant joined an app titled 'Bajaj Financial Securities Limited' using the link provided. Over time, they advised him to invest in block trading and IPOs, claiming that they could facilitate purchases through "Institutional Investors" for assured allotment and high returns. Believing this, the victim transferred Rs 3,24,85,000 between May 30 and July 9, 2025.

The victim was able to withdraw Rs 5,00,000 once on June 20. However, when he tried to withdraw again on July 8, although the application showed a successful transaction, the money was not credited to his account. When he contacted customer care, he was asked to pay an additional 15 per cent to release the amount. Realising it was a scam, he filed a complaint.

The case was registered under sections 318 (4), 319 (2), 338 of BNS and section 66-D of the IT Act 2000-2008.

The other accused, Prisha Singh and Purav Jhaveri, who had initially contacted the complainant over the WhatsApp group, are expected to be in Cambodia, and an investigation is underway to trace their real identity and location, said Shikha Goel.

According to her, the fraud appears to have originated from abroad. The prime accused are expected to be operating from foreign countries and using the WhatsApp numbers of Indian origin, luring the victims in the name of high returns. Getting attracted to the offer, victims follow their instructions and transfer money into the private bank accounts furnished by the fraudsters.

These private bank accounts are being provided by some Indians for the sake of commission. To get the bank accounts, the fraudsters are luring Indians over various social media platforms like Telegram, etc.

Md Raziuddin, a recent B.Tech graduate, was looking to make quick money and came across a Telegram group (suspected to be operated by Chinese nationals) offering high commissions for converting hard cash into cryptocurrency.

He was offered Rs 1.5 lakh per account and convinced his friends Waliullah and Zubair to open bank accounts. Waliullah opened one current account, and Zubair opened five accounts after receiving Rs 95,000 from Raziuddin. A total of Rs 15 lakh was received in Waliullah's account (Rs 7.5 lakh linked to the victim's case). Raziuddin operated Waliullah's account and withdrew the amount using cheques, converted it into USDT, and stored it in a Binance crypto wallet.
Los Angeles, July 20 : Hollywood actress Jennifer Love Hewitt has shared that she hasn't spoken with actress Sarah Michelle Gellar in a long time.

How long has it been? Well, close to 30 years. Jennifer and Sarah worked together in 'I Know What You Did Last Summer', reports 'Variety'.

Despite the lack of communication, Jennifer maintains there is no beef between them. "I honestly don't even know what that was or how that all came to be", Hewitt said of her rumored feud with Gellar".

She told 'Vulture' magazine, "I just think people don't want the narrative to be easy. Why do we always have to be against each other and out for each other? I haven't seen Sarah. Literally, we've not talked since I saw her at 18 years old when the first movie came out. That's why it's so funny to me".

She continued, "People were like, 'Say something back' And I'm like, 'What am I going to say? I've not seen her.' On my side, we're good. I have no idea where this is coming from".

Jennifer and Gellar reprised their 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' roles for the 2025 reboot, which released on Friday. Jennifer returned as Julie James to mentor a new batch of youngsters who are being hunted by the hook-wielding fisherman.

Gellar's Helen Shivers famously dies in the original, but returns for the reboot in a dream sequence to warn Southport's new it-girl, Danica Richards (Madelyn Cline), that danger is coming her way. Freddie Prinze Jr. also reprises his role of Ray Bronson for the new film.
Jammu, July 20 : A gunfight started on Sunday between the security forces and the terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar district.

Officials said that an encounter started between the security forces and the terrorists during a CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) in the Khankoo forest area of Kishtwar district.

"The encounter started during a CASO launched by the army and police in the Khankoo forest, located between Dachhan and Nagseni, following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area," the official said.

He said that as the security forces closed in on the hiding terrorists, the terrorists fired, triggering an encounter which lasted for a short duration.

"Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the area. The search operation is ongoing to track the terrorists," officials said.

Meanwhile, Nagrota headquartered White Knight corps of the army said on X, "Based on specific inputs, an operation was launched by the Indian Army in the Hadal Gal area of Kishtwar Sector. Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress."

Security forces have been carrying on aggressive operations against the terrorists, their Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and their sympathisers to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terror in J&K.

The aggressive pursuit of the terrorists started after the April 22 attack on civilians by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorists in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

Twenty-six civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, were killed in that terrorist attack.

The attack outraged the entire country. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, gave a free hand to the armed forces to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack.

Operation Sindoor was launched by the armed forces in which terror infrastructure was destroyed by carrying out attacks deep inside Pakistan, including Muridke near Lahore, Bahawalpur and Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Nine terror infrastructures were destroyed in the attack, and in a subsequent escalation, facilities of the Pakistan army were destroyed.
Islamabad, July 20 : People staging a sit-in protest, blocking a road, after the forcible disappearance of Baloch people, including several detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, reached the fifth day of their protests on Sunday, in front of the Islamabad Press Club.

Taking to X, the BYC wrote, "Today marks the fifth day of the ongoing sit-in by families of forcibly disappeared persons and detained BYC leaders in Islamabad."

"Despite enduring days of rain, scorching heat, and road blockades, these families, including women, the elderly, and children, have remained steadfast in their protest," they added.

Posting an update on their social media handle, the BYC mentioned that on day five, Islamabad police were actively preventing the families from continuing their sit-in in front of the Islamabad Press Club.

"This comes after a series of repressive tactics: Roads sealed to restrict access to the protest site. No tents are allowed, despite extreme weather. Elderly women and children fainting under the heat and arrival of a police bus, raising fears of forced deportation back to Balochistan," the BYC wrote.

It further added that "This is not only a denial of the right to peaceful assembly, but a clear attempt to suppress and erase the voices of those demanding justice."

The BYC expressed the need for human rights defenders, journalists, civil society, and 'concerned' citizens to stand in solidarity and amplify their call for justice.

"These families have come from far and are only asking for what is owed to them: freedom for the detained, and accountability for the disappeared," said the BYC on X

July 19 marked the fourth consecutive day of the sit-in protest. Since the beginning of the camp, the protestors - including women, children, and elderly family members - have been denied the right to set up the camp, the BYC mentioned.

Nadia Baloch, sister of detained BYC Central Organiser Mahrang Baloch, asserted that in this very city, "violent actors are welcomed and even rewarded with cash by army officers", but Baloch elders are humiliated for simply demanding justice.

Another Baloch activist, Sahiba Baloch, called on all conscientious citizens, members of the media, and human rights defenders in Islamabad to stand in solidarity and not leave the families alone and urged support for their peaceful struggle for justice.

Slamming the Pakistani authorities, the BYC stated that the ongoing restriction on the right to peaceful assembly, combined with the targeting of BYC leadership through illegal detentions, reflects a deliberate and systematic attempt to silence Baloch voices.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also expressed concerns over the treatment being meted out to "peaceful protesters" by the Islamabad police.
Mumbai, July 20 : Actress Priyanka Chopra celebrated her 43rd birthday with a family holiday in the Bahamas. The 'Desi Girl' also treated the netizens with some sneak peeks of her getaway with husband Nick Jonas, and daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas.

The post had Priyanka posing on the yacht in a stunning red off-shoulder dress. Next, PeeCee is raising the temperature as she enjoys the beach in a red two-piece.

Priyanka also dropped a photo of herself walking on the water with Nick and Malti. Another still shows PeeCee and Nick relaxing on the beach while Malti hides her face with her hands.

We also see the little bundle of joy posing with a huge seashell. The post further included a couple of family photos of Priyanka and Nick from the Bahamas.

PeeCee also uploaded a video of herself on the swing, while Nick pushed her from behind.

She also gave us a snippet of all the delicious food she enjoyed during her time off. This was accompanied by a smouldering still of Priyanka looking into the camera with her penetrating gaze.

In one of the photos, the 'Fashion' actress posed for the camera while enjoying the sunset breeze.

On Friday, Priyanka blessed our feed with another glimpse of her beachside moments with Malti and Nick.

Grateful for her family and fans, PeeCee wrote on the photo-sharing app, "As I prepare to go into another year around the sun. On my birthday eve, all I can be is grateful. I feel so protected by the universe and so grateful for all the gifts that have been provided to me. My family is my greatest gift and all of my incredible well-wishers around the world. Thank you. So with immense gratitude I go into 43 baby!"

For the unversed, Priyanka and Nick tied the knot in 2018, after which the couple welcomed Malti via surrogacy in 2022.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kabul, July 20 : Afghan security forces have dismantled two drug processing labs and discovered more than 580 kg of illicit drugs in western Afghanistan's Farah province, the office of the Deputy Minister of Interior for Counter-Narcotics said in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, counter-narcotic police launched separate operations on the outskirts of the Bakwa district, where they destroyed two drug labs and confiscated 589 kg of illicit substances. Nine suspected drug smugglers were detained.

The Afghan interim government has stepped up its crackdown on illicit drugs and those involved in the business.

In a similar case, on July 8, the Afghanistan Police thwarted attempts to smuggle 43 kg of illegal opium type drugs and arrested two individuals on charges of involvement in the drug business in eastern Wardak province.

The alleged drug traffickers were attempting to take the contraband, which was smuggled from the northern Balkh, onward to the western Farah province. They were intercepted by police in Wardak's provincial capital, Maidan Shar and drugs confiscated.

Both the arrested men, after necessary investigation, would be handed over to the judiciary for further interrogation, the official further said.

Further, police also launched operations to destroy hashish farms in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province.

The campaign formally began from Wardoj and Darayem districts, adding that the drive would last until the province became free of all illegal crops, including hashish and poppy, reported Xinhua news agency.

In line with the directives of the leadership of the Afghan interim government, police would do their best to strictly check the cultivation of illegal crops, including poppy and hashish, the processing of drugs and drug trafficking.

During search operations, police found 1500 kg of opium poppy from inside a tanker of liquid gas on July 5 and arrested a drug smuggler who was attempting to take the contraband out of Takhar province, the official said.

Police also discovered 7.5 tonnes of illicit drugs, including opium poppy and heroin, in the province.

On July 5, in a similar operation, the police discovered an illegal drug of opium poppy type in northern Afghanistan's Baghlan province and arrested four suspects.

Personnel of counter-narcotics police in two separate operations, which were launched in the provincial capital, Pul-e-Khumri and Julga districts a couple of days ago, found 61 kg of opium poppy.
'Scenario Breakthrough' Application Innovation Contest launched during 'AI for All' competition

People's Daily Online) 14:36, July 20, 2025

Photo shows the launch event. (Photo provided by the organizer)

On the afternoon of July 19, the "AI for All: China-ASEAN" competition officially kicked off in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, extending a shining invitation to talents from China and abroad. At the launch ceremony, nine major competitions under the "Scenario Breakthrough" Application Innovation Contestone of the three major contestswere officially announced, covering fields such as automotive, agriculture, healthcare, cultural tourism, e-commerce, security, market regulation, talent development, and sports.

The first to take the stage was the "AI + Automotive" Innovation Competition. This contest will feature 10 targeted scenario-based fields and multiple technical challenge topics. With no specific themes, it encourages creativity from university students and startups.

The embodied AI robot "Aibao" makes its debut at the event. (Photo provided by the organizer)

The embodied AI robot "Aibao" from AI Robotics made its debut at the event. Not only can it "speak," but it also "gets things done," having already taken on specific production tasks in multiple workshops of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor. Guo Yandong, founder and CEO of AI Robotics, stated: "AI empowers a new era for the automotive industry. This competition presents a new opportunity, and we are willing to collaborate with partners from all sectors to advance the intelligent development of the automotive industry!"

During the Smart Agriculture (Digital Village) Innovation Competition, Zhang Xingjie, founder of Digital Orchard of JJR Technology, showcased the bountiful scenes of a smart farm to attendees, where an AI farm system serves as a 24/7 farm manager.

"Lets plant the seeds of AI intelligence in the fields and spread 'Guangxis wisdom' to more corners of the world," Zhang said.

Photo shows the launch event. (Photo provided by the organizer)

In the medical field, AI has injected new momentum into safeguarding life and health. A competition featuring AI in medical fields consists of four categories: smart healthcare, smart medical services, smart traditional Chinese medicine, and smart disease control. With abundant awards, the competition welcomes participation from relevant entities within and outside the region, as well as ASEAN countries, to jointly build a healthy China.

The healthy development of AI cannot be separated from security safeguards. The China-ASEAN AI Security Competition focuses on AI computing power security, algorithm security, data security, application security, and real-world attack and defense scenarios. It invites leading enterprises, startups, research institutions, university students, and individual developers from China and ASEAN countries to participate.

Yang Zhentao, the competitions recommendation officer, explained: "The goal of this competition is to comprehensively strengthen AI risk assessment and prevention across the entire chain, establishing an integrated AI security service management system encompassing evaluation, monitoring, and certification. This initiative supports the Belt and Road Initiative and the building of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future, safeguarding the high-quality development of Guangxis AI industry. We welcome everyone to contribute to AI security."

Photo shows the launch event. (Photo provided by the organizer)

During the launch event, a number of competitions in multiple fields, including "AI + cross-border e-commerce," extended an invitation to the public.

The "AI for All: China-ASEAN" competition, themed "AI Guangxi, AI China, AI ASEAN," encompasses a diverse range of tracks. The "Scenario Breakthrough" Application Innovation Contest focuses on implementing AI technology in 17 key industries, including automotive, cultural tourism, and education. Additionally, the competition will remain open to expanding new tracks in response to industry developments.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
Patna, July 20 : Patna Police have arrested four accused in connection with the gangster Chandan Kumar Mishra murder case from Kolkata, including the main shooter, an official said on Sunday.

Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma informed the media that the primary shooter, Taushif Khan alias Badshah, was arrested along with Nishu Khan, Bhim Kumar, and Harsh Kumar during the operation in Kolkata on Saturday.

"We are preparing for the transit remand in a Kolkata court to bring the accused back to Patna," Sharma said.

He stated that the entire conspiracy was hatched by Nishu Khan, a history-sheeter from Patna's Sammanpur locality.

"The planning took place at Nishu Khan's residence, and he, along with his aides Bhim Kumar and Harsh Kumar, helped Taushif escape from Patna. They fled together in Nishu's car, which has been captured in CCTV footage showing Taushif boarding the vehicle after committing the crime," the SSP said.

Following the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra at Paras Hospital on July 17, Patna Police tracked the escape routes used by the accused.

"We traced the routes and, with the help of the Kolkata STF and Kolkata Police, cornered and arrested Taushif, Nishu, and two others in a residential complex in a suburban area of Kolkata," Sharma added.

Praising the support received from the authorities in Kolkata, Sharma said, "The cooperation of the Kolkata STF and Kolkata Police was exemplary. If such inter-state coordination continues, crime can be significantly reduced, and criminals will be brought to justice swiftly."

During the investigation, police found that nine individuals were actively involved in the attack on Chandan Mishra at Paras Hospital.

"We have already released the photographs of three shooters, including Taushif alias Badshah, and identified all five shooters who were involved in the murder of Chandan Mishra and escaped separately from Patna. Teams have been deployed to track them down, and they will be arrested soon," Sharma assured.

Earlier in the day, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar summoned Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma to review the progress of the investigation into the Paras Hospital murder case.

Sharma reportedly briefed the Chief Minister for around 15 minutes before returning to his office.
New Delhi, July 20 : BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, calling him the "biggest liability" of the INDIA alliance.

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, calling him the "biggest liability" of the INDIA alliance.

Referring to the alleged discontent within the opposition bloc, Poonawalla told IANS, "After AAP and Uddhav Thackeray's no-confidence in Rahul Gandhi, now CPI has also joined the chorus."

His remarks come after CPI MP Sandosh Kumar criticised LoP Rahul Gandhi for equating the CPI(M) with the RSS during a recent speech in Kerala.

Kumar said, "No sensible man can compare the RSS with the Left parties. Rahul Gandhi always shows a lack of maturity. Congress should advise him. How can such a person run the INDIA bloc?"

Adding to the criticism, Poonawalla questioned the ideological confusion within the alliance.

"In Kerala, Congress fights the Left. In Bengal, they join hands. This is a visionless alliance built only on a shared obsession with Modi, corruption, and commissions," he said.

He further alleged that several INDIA Bloc constituents do not trust Congress's leadership.

"AAP's Sanjay Singh recently said they are not part of the alliance. Uddhav Thackeray blamed ego clashes and last-minute seat-sharing delays for the Maharashtra defeat. In Bihar and UP, even RJD and SP have said that Rahul should step down from the leadership role," Poonawalla claimed.

Taking a swipe at Bhupesh Baghel's son controversy, who was earlier arrested by ED, he said, "A thief always questions the police. These leaders always play the victimhood card - be it Lalu Yadav or anyone else. He has been convicted five times, but you won't hear anyone in RJD call him a 'Chara Chor'."

Commenting on the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra, he termed it the "Maha Vibhajan Aghadi," adding, "Nobody in the alliance is willing to accept Rahul Gandhi's leadership."
Seoul, July 20 : National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac has reportedly departed for the United States on Sunday, a ruling bloc official said, with less than two weeks left until the Aug. 1 negotiation deadline for tariff talks with the Donald Trump administration.

The reported visit comes just 11 days after Wi visited the U.S. from July 6-9 to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, raising views his latest trip is aimed at engaging with high-level counterparts to accelerate tariff negotiations.

While the presidential office declined to confirm whether Wi has left for Washington, a ruling party bloc official confirmed the top security adviser's departure, reports Yonhap news agency.

Following his trip earlier this month, Wi said South Korea has proposed a "package deal" encompassing economic and security considerations in bilateral tariff negotiations.

To advance negotiations on these matters, Wi said he also proposed that President Lee Jae Myung hold a summit with Trump in the near future, adding Secretary Rubio expressed his support.

Wi's visit, meanwhile, comes as Seoul's newly appointed finance and foreign ministers are expected to visit the U.S. soon to discuss pending issues.

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol is arranging plans to visit Washington next week, while Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is seeking a U.S. visit later this month.

Earlier this month, Trump sent a letter to Lee that said his administration would start imposing 25 percent tariffs on all South Korean products imported on Aug. 1, which effectively extended the initial tariff deadline and allowed more time for negotiations.

Wi Sung-lac said recently that South Korea has proposed a "package deal" encompassing economic and security considerations in bilateral tariff negotiations, while also suggesting an early summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters following a four-day visit to Washington, Wi said he held "in-depth" discussions on trade negotiations and broader alliance issues in meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials.

a"IANS

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Guangzhou, July 20 : Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, made a second landfall near Hailing Island in Yangjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, on Sunday as a strong tropical storm, with a maximum wind speed near its centre of 25 meters per second, the provincial meteorological observatory said.

It is expected to move west-southwestward at about 20 kilometres per hour while gradually weakening in intensity.

Earlier on Sunday at around 5:50 pm, Wipha first landed near Haiyan Town of Jiangmen City in Guangdong, with a 33-meters-per-second maximum wind speed near its centre.

Yesterday, 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, while Guangdong upgraded its emergency response from Level IV to Level II at 11 am.

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 am, its centre was located in the northeastern part of the South China Sea, approximately 930 kilometres east of Wenchang City of Hainan.

The Hainan Meteorological Service estimated yesterday that Wipha was advancing northwest at a speed of approximately 20 kilometres per hour while gaining strength.

It was approaching the coastal areas stretching from Shenzhen in Guangdong to Wenchang in Hainan, and was likely to make landfall in these areas between Sunday afternoon and nighttime, Xinhua news agency reported

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.

Additionally, Guangdong has maintained specialised 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.

--IANS/bdp/dan
Patna, July 20 : The Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) President Upendra Kushwaha on Sunday urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take a firm decision in a 'timely manner', cautioning that any delay in this would lead to 'irreparable' damage to his party - the Janata Dal (United).

Patna, July 20 (IANS) The Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) President Upendra Kushwaha on Sunday urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take a firm decision in a 'timely manner', cautioning that any delay in this would lead to 'irreparable' damage to his party  the Janata Dal (United).

Kushwaha, a long-term friend of Nitish, said this while greeting his son Nishant on the latter's birthday and also described him as the 'new hope of JD(U)'.

Rajya Sabha MP's remarks assume significance in light of the upcoming high-stakes electoral battle in Bihar, where Nitish-led NDA government is seeking a return to power again, while 'Mahagathbandhan' is seeking to dislodge it on account of misgovernance and also accusing it of giving liquor mafias a free rein in the state.

Upendra Kushwaha, taking to his social media handle, lauded Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for exemplary leadership in giving direction to the state, however, stated that it was time for him to decide between managing the party and the government simultaneously, adding that it was in his interest to 'choose any one thing'.

"I humbly request Nitish ji to accept the truth, considering the sensitivity of the time and circumstances, that it is no longer appropriate for him to manage both the government and the party simultaneously. His vast experience in running the government should continue to benefit the state, which is currently essential for the state's interest," he said.

He further said that the JD(U) national president should take a firm decision in a timely manner regarding the transfer of the party's responsibility and claimed that this was also the opinion of thousands of workers of his own party, who are afraid to speak their minds.

"This is in the interest of his party. Any delay in this matter could cause irreparable damage to the party. Perhaps a loss so severe that it may never be compensated," Kushwaha said.

Greeting Nitish's son on his birthday, he said, "On the joyous occasion, heartfelt birthday wishes to Nishant, the new hope of JDU. May God always keep him healthy and cheerful."
London, July 20 : New research has suggested that vaccination of pregnant women has been linked to a drop in newborns being admitted to hospital with a serious lung infection.

Researchers found the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, introduced across the UK in late summer 2024, led to a 72 per cent reduction in babies hospitalised with the virus if mothers were vaccinated.

The findings, published in the journal The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, are the first to show the real-world effectiveness of the vaccine in pregnant women in the UK.

Uptake of the jab among pregnant women could help to limit the number of sick babies each winter, reducing hospital pressures, experts say.

RSV is a common virus that causes coughs and colds but can lead to a severe lung infection called bronchiolitis, which can be dangerous in babies, with some requiring admission to intensive care. The virus is the main infectious cause of hospitalisation for babies in the UK and globally.

The research team, led by the Universities of Edinburgh and Leicester, recruited 537 babies across England and Scotland who had been admitted to hospital with severe respiratory disease in the winter of 2024-2025, the first season of vaccine implementation. 391 of the babies tested positive for RSV.

Mothers of babies who did not have RSV were two times more likely to have received the vaccine before delivery than the mothers of RSV-positive babies a" 41 per cent compared with 19 per cent.

Receiving the vaccine more than 14 days before delivery offered a higher protective effect, with a 72 per cent reduction in hospital admissions compared with 58 per cent for infants whose mothers were vaccinated at any time before delivery.

Experts recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks of pregnancy to provide the best protection, as this allows more time for the mother to generate and pass on protective antibodies to the baby, but the jab can be given up to birth.

a"IANS

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New Delhi, July 20 : Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday called for bonhomie and mutual respect amongst the political parties.

"I appeal to everyone in the political spectrum - please have mutual respect. Please don't use unbecoming language on television or otherwise against the leadership of one party or the other. This culture is not our civilizational essence. We have to be careful with our language. Avoid personal attacks. I appeal to politicians. Time for us to stop calling politicians names. It does no good to our culture when, in various political parties, people take on senior people of other political parties and call them names," he said.

He said that we must have an absolute sense of decorum, mutual respect, and that is the demand of our culture.

"We otherwise cannot have unity in our thought process. Trust me, if political dialogue takes place at a higher level, if leaders mingle more frequently. They have greater discourse among themselves. They exchange ideas at an individual level - the interest of the nation will be served. Why should we fight amongst ourselves? Let us not look for enemies within," he said.

He pointed out that every Indian political party and every parliamentarian, to his knowledge, is a nationalist at the end of the day, and believes in the nation.

"He believes in the progress of the nation. Democracy is never of a kind where the same party will ever come to power. We have seen in our lifetime, the change takes place at the state level, at the panchayat level, at the municipal level, that's a democratic process. But one thing is for sure: there has to be continuity of development, continuity of our civilisational ethos, and that comes only from one aspect. We must respect democratic culture."

"A thriving democracy, friends, cannot afford an atmosphere of constant acrimony..Your mind must be disturbed when you find political acrimony, when you find a political atmosphere in a different direction. I urge everyone in the country to bring the political temperature must be brought down. Politics is not confrontation; politics can never be unidirectional," he said.

The Vice President added that there will be different political thought processes, but politics means achieving the same objective, but somehow in different ways.

"I strongly believe no person in this country will think against the nation. I cannot visualise a political party being against the concept of Bharat. They may have different ways, different thinking, but they must learn to discuss with each other, have a dialogue with each other. Confrontation is not a way out. When we fight amongst ourselves, even in the political arena, we are strengthening our enemy. We are giving them enough material to divide us. Therefore, young minds are a great pressure group. You have a very strong power. Your thought process will control the politician, your parliamentarian, your legislator, your corporator. Think of the nation. Think of the development," he added.

Addressing the inaugural programme for the eighth batch of participants of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme (RSIP) at the Vice-President's Enclave, Dhankhar underlined, "Let us not have politics when there is national interest, let us not have politics over development, let us not have politics when it comes to the growth of the nation. Let us not have politics when it is an issue of national security, national concern, and that can happen because India has to stand proud amongst the comity of nations. We are well-regarded in the world. The very idea that Bharat can be controlled from outside goes against our claim. We are a nation, a sovereign nation. Why should our political agenda be set by forces that are inimical to Bharat? Why should our agenda be even influenced by our enemies?"
Bamako, July 20 : The Malian army announced on Sunday that at least 70 terrorists were killed during operations earlier this week in northern and central Mali.

According to a statement from the army, the first operation took place on July 15 in coordination with air forces from the Alliance of Sahel States, resulting in the elimination of around 40 terrorists in the Anderamboukan area in the north.

The second operation, conducted two days later, led to the destruction of a terrorist logistics and training base in the Niono area in central Mali, and the death of about 30 terrorists, the statement added, Xinhua news agency reported.

Mali has been facing a multifaceted crisis since 2012, marked by separatist rebellions, jihadist incursions and intercommunal violence that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Earlier this month, more than 80 terrorists were killed in attacks targeting several localities in central and western Mali.

In the early hours of July 1, armed terrorist groups launched coordinated strikes on Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) positions in the western region, including the towns of Kayes, Nioro, Sandare, Gogui and Diboli, said FAMaTV, the military's television channel, citing the Armed Forces' Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIRPA).

"The enemies of peace first attacked civilians and several positions of the defence and security forces. We were confronted with simultaneous and coordinated attacks backed by sponsors whose presence was confirmed during today's operations," said Souleymane Dembele, head of DIRPA.

"The enemy suffered heavy losses wherever it attempted to strike the FDS. The provisional toll indicates that more than 80 terrorists were killed, and a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles was recovered," he said.

The attacks occurred just days after the killing of several local militant leaders and the surrender of around 10 fighters from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara in the northern part of the country.
Bhubaneswar, July 20 : The Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Sunday visited the crime scene in Balanga area of Puri district where some unknown assailants reportedly set a 15-year-old girl on fire on Saturday.

DGP Khurania also visited the victim's residence and talked to family members of the victim.

Khurania also spoke to the person who rescued the victim girl and rushed her to the nearby hospital on Saturday.

While speaking to media persons, Khurania claimed, "Police immediately reached the spot and started an investigation into the case. Today, our two specialised teams - a team of the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) and the forensic team of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar - have come to the spot."

"They conducted a thorough inspection at the crime scene and collected physical evidence from the crime scene. Our investigation is on. We have some information and are collecting more. Now, the investigation is at a sensitive stage, and we will soon reveal how the whole incident unfolded," he further added.

The local police have intensified the probe into the incident, questioning several persons, including relatives and family members of the victim, on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the leaders and workers of the opposition Biju Janata Dal on Sunday staged a gherao of Balanga police station over the alleged delay in arresting the absconding accused.

A scuffle broke out between the BJD workers and the Police when the former tried to barge into the Balanga police station. Notably, the minor girl was reportedly set ablaze by unidentified assailants near a river embankment under the Balanga police station area.

According to the complaint lodged by the victim's mother, Mahmuda Bibi of Nuagopalpur village, the girl was allegedly accosted by unknown miscreants who doused her with petrol and kerosene in a brutal attempt to murder her.

Miraculously, she managed to escape and sought refuge at a nearby residence. Villagers responded swiftly, rushing the victim to the Pipili Community Health Centre before she was referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to the severity of her burn injuries.

The attack, which took place on July 19, has triggered urgent police action, including the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Patna, July 20 : Amid opposition attacks over the law-and-order situation in Bihar, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Shambhu Sharan Patel admitted that crime has increased in the state in recent days but emphasised that the NDA government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar remains committed to good governance.

"There's no denying that crime has increased in Bihar. However, our party and the NDA government in Bihar, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, are committed to good governance, which has been their USP," Patel said.

He noted that Nitish Kumar has remained in power in Bihar for many years because he succeeded in establishing peace in the state, ending the era of 'jungle raj' when organised crime was rampant.

Hitting back at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's criticism, Patel said Tejashwi should look back at his parents' tenure between 1990 and 2005.

"We admit that crime has increased, but these cannot be considered organised crimes like those that took place during the RJD's 15-year tenure," he said.

Patel pointed out that during that period, Shahabad and Magadh divisions were engulfed in caste clashes, with districts like Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur, Gaya, and Jehanabad witnessing numerous massacres.

"In Siwan, Saran, and Gopalganj, Mohammad Shahabuddin was ruling, while the Kosi and Seemanchal regions had dons directly or indirectly connected with the RJD," he alleged.

He further recalled that even an IAS officer's wife was sexually assaulted for months in Patna during that era.

"Such crimes are not taking place in Bihar today. While incidents have increased, Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are capable of dealing with them to ensure good governance in the state," Patel asserted.

In the last few days, Patna has witnessed a series of murder incidents.

On July 17, five armed men stormed Paras Hospital under the Shastri Nagar police station area, killing a gangster, Chandan Mishra, inside the hospital room.

Armed men arrived on motorcycles, entered room number 209 on the second floor, and opened fire at him, leaving him dead on the spot.

Besides this, high-profile murders in recent times like famous industrialist Gopal Khemka, sand trader Ramakant Yadav, grocery trader Vikram Jha, advocate Jitendra Kumar and others.
Patna, July 20 : Upendra Kushwaha, national president of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, on Sunday advised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar that he should now hand over his responsibilities to his son Nishant.

Kushwaha, a long-term friend of Nitish, in a post on X, gave him a piece of advice while greeting his son Nishant on the latter's birthday.

Reacting to the suggestion, JDU national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan stated that Bihar's charismatic Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is the pride of crores of party workers.

On Kushwaha's post, Ranjan said, "We have seen Upendra Kushwaha's tweet. He has given a suggestion, but the party is fully capable of taking its own decisions on internal matters."

"Under his visionary leadership, Nitish Kumar has set a blueprint for the all-round development of Bihar while upholding ideology. He has moulded the party into an ideological organisation, and new chapters of Bihar's development have been written under his leadership," he said.

Ranjan emphasised that Nitish Kumar is equally important for the party and the government, and crores of party workers want him to continue leading both.

"The dream of making Bihar a developed state between 2025 and 2030 should be seen under Nitish Kumar's leadership. The relationship he shares with workers is like that of a guardian, and he has left a lasting mark as the party's leader," he added.

JDU MLC Neeraj Kumar also responded, saying, "'Mother gave me values, I am proud of my father'this simple sentiment of Nishant Kumar touches everyone's heart. Some people publicly admit to their parents' mistakes, while others keep their heads high. The right to take a decision on this matter rests solely with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his son Nishant Kumar. The rest of the workers stand with them with full confidence."

Nishant Kumar, on his birthday, performed the Rudrabhishek during the month of Sawan at the Mahavir temple in Patna on Sunday.

On the occasion, he appealed to the people of Bihar to elect his father as the Chief Minister in the 2025 election once again.
Sofia, July 20 : Bulgarian law enforcement authorities at the country's Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint near the border with Turkey have seized 205.94 kg of cocaine hidden in a diplomatic car, officials said on Sunday.

This was the largest amount of cocaine seized at Bulgaria's land borders, the National Customs Agency (NCA) said in a press release.

The Land Rover with diplomatic license plates, driven by a 43-year-old Bulgarian citizen, arrived at the checkpoint on Friday.

Two other passengers were travelling in the car from Belgium via Bulgaria to Turkey: a 40-year-old man, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo with diplomatic status, and a 54-year-old woman with Belgian citizenship, born in the Republic of Congo, the NCA said.

The vehicle underwent a thorough inspection involving a drug-sniffing dog, who pointed to four suitcases in the trunk and one in the back seat behind the driver.

The suitcases were scanned with mobile X-ray equipment, which noted unusual densities. After opening, it was discovered that instead of personal luggage, they contained a total of 179 packages of cocaine with a total gross weight of 205.940 kg, Xinhua news agency reported.

The illicit substance had an estimated court value of 22.1 million US dollars, the NCA said.

The driver and his two companions were arrested. An investigation is underway.

On March 25, Bulgarian authorities seized 40.802 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a sea container at the port of Burgas, NCA.

The drugs, with an estimated court value of 10.5 million US dollars, were discovered last Friday during a search of a ship transporting banana containers from Ecuador, the NCA said in a press release.

An X-ray scan revealed unusual density in the natural cavities of the container's refrigeration unit. Upon inspection, customs officers and border police found 35 packages wrapped in tape. Field tests confirmed the packages contained high-purity cocaine.
Kolkata, July 20 : Former state Congress president in West Bengal and former five-time Lok Sabha member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, on Sunday, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concern over harassment, humiliation, and physical torture being allegedly faced by Bengali-speaking migrant workers in two BJP-ruled states, Odisha and Maharashtra.

Chowdhury's letter to the Prime Minister comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had already started a full-fledged campaign against the BJP on the same issue.

In his letter, the former state Congress president referred to some purported incident of Bengali-speaking migrant workers being wrongfully targeted due to their linguistic identity after being mistaken for Bangladeshi nationals.

In his letter, Chowdhury also requested the Prime Minister to direct different Union ministries like Home Affairs, Labour & Employment to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights and dignity of these inter-state migrant labourers.

"Given the facts relating to targeted harassment, humiliation, and torture on the poor and innocent Bengali-speaking people working as labourers in Odisha, Maharashtra and other states are being subjected to, I would earnestly request you to intervene for protecting these poor and innocent people from the suffering they are being subjected to," the letter from Chowdhury to the Prime Minister read.

He also pointed out that the contributions of the Bengali-speaking migrant workers from West Bengal who were working in other states were immense in regard to the revenues of those state governments.

He also said that such treatment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers just because of the similarities in their physical appearances and accent of the language they speak to that of Bangladeshis was not acceptable.
Chennai, July 20 : AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K.aPalaniswami (EPS) has thanked the people of Tamil Nadu for the overwhelming response to his statewide campaign 'Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom' ("Let us protect the people, let us reclaim Tamil Nadu"), which he launched on July 7 from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore.

Chennai, July 20 (IANS) AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has thanked the people of Tamil Nadu for the overwhelming response to his statewide campaign 'Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom' ("Let us protect the people, let us reclaim Tamil Nadu"), which he launched on July 7 from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore.

Since the launch, EPS claims he has interacted with 1.25 million people across 31 constituencies in eight districts, personally engaging with constituents from all walks of life  fishermen, farmers, weavers, entrepreneurs, youth, unemployed graduates, members of residents' welfare associations, merchants, women's selfhelp groups, doctors, and students.

During these interactions, EPS said participants shared detailed grievances and listed what he styled as the "failure model" of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's DMK government over its 52month term, citing alleged antipeople policies.

He added that residents repeatedly asked, "When will you return as Chief Minister so we can finally get relief?" suggesting strong voter sentiment against the incumbent administration.

EPS exuded confidence that the campaign would gain further traction in the coming days, ultimately paving the way for an AIADMK win in the 2026 Assembly polls.

Indeed, at the launch event, he branded the ruling DMK as "antipeople," pointedly accusing them of obstructing schemes introduced during AIADMK's tenure and slashing welfare benefits.

In recent public statements, EPS has also tapped into broader electoral strategies: he invited other antiDMK outfits, including actor Vijay's TVK, to join his alliance, arguing that "only a united opposition can topple the Stalin government."

His tone was bolstered by BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran and Union Minister L. Murugan, who accompanied him at the Coimbatore launch.

Amplifying his message, CPI leaders have criticised the campaign as a bid to solidify EPS's hold over AIADMK and draw in BJP dominance, with CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan asserting that the campaign seeks to "protect himself" amid concerns over AIADMK's BJP alliance.

Meanwhile, G.K. Vasan of the Tamil Manila Congress praised the EPS campaign as resurgent, saying its momentum is already helping unite antiDMK forces.

As EPS's campaign enters its second phase, concluding July 21 in Thanjavur, it remains to be seen whether this political push can truly dismantle the perceived "failure model" and carry AIADMK back to power in 2026.
Koppal, July 20 : Karnataka BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hinted at a political upheaval in November or even earlier during their speeches at the Mysuru rally.

The Congress party held 'Sadhana Samavesha' on Saturday.

Speaking to the media in Koppal on Sunday, Vijayendra said, "Internal discussions are underway in the Congress party over who should be made the Chief Minister. Signs are emerging that horse-trading within the ruling party is gaining momentum."

Vijayendra claimed that the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah decided to grant Rs 50 crore only after MLAs from his own party began turning against him. However, it is evident that these MLAs no longer have confidence in the Chief Minister. As a result, Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala has been making repeated visits to Karnataka in an attempt to pacify disgruntled legislators.

The Congress government has drowned in corruption. No meaningful development is taking place in the state. Wherever one goes and asks about Siddaramaiahas Congress government, the public is expressing anger and discontent, he alleged.

He further challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to first respond to the questions raised by MLAs of the ruling party.

Vijayendra said that Siddaramaiah should answer questions raised by Congress MLAs before throwing challenges at the opposition. He sarcastically remarked that the entire state has witnessed what really happened at the Mysuru rally.

MLAs across constituencies are struggling without grants. People are now questioning whether Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister of the entire state or just of Congress MLAs. He has not issued any official document stating that Rs 50 crore will be sanctioned for development. He has written letters only to Congress MLAs. There is no clarity on how long one must wait for this Rs 50 crore grant to be released or whether any funds will be allocated to opposition MLAs, he criticised.

Responding to media questions regarding irregularities in Koppal KRIDL (Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited), he stated that bills were paid despite Rs 72 crore worth of work not being executed. Scandals are taking place in every district of the state, and the BJP will raise these issues and fight, he said.

Replying to questions about the relationship between BJP senior leaders B. Sriramulu and mining baron Janardhana Reddy, he said both leaders are major strengths of the party. Whenever they have joined forces during elections, the BJP has won more seats in the Kalyana Karnataka region. He added that both of them are committed to the party and have assured him of their support in strengthening the party organisation.
Bengaluru, July 20 : Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Sunday that the state government has not treated the Dharmasthala mass grave allegations as a minor issue, and the government is not under any pressure while pursuing this grave case.

Following the announcement of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior IPS officers, Parameshwara said, "We have not treated this development lightly. Generally, when a complaint is filed, an FIR is registered and a preliminary investigation is conducted. As more details emerge, the investigation assumes greater importance. In this context, we have decided to order a high-level probe."

"There is no question of the government acting under pressure. These decisions are not made due to external pressure. We are considering the pros and cons of the case, and the decision has been taken after assessing the ground realities," Parameshwara said in response to a question.

Initially, we had instructed that a preliminary investigation be conducted at the local police station level, and accordingly, the inquiry was underway. However, there was growing public demand for a high-level probe. The government has nothing to hide in this case. We took some time to deliberate, and now a decision has been made, he added.

"We will now have to wait and see what facts emerge from the investigation. I had earlier stated that a preliminary inquiry should be carried out based on the complaint filed regarding the alleged Dharmasthala murders. I had also said that a high-level probe would be ordered if necessary," he reiterated.

"Myself, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and DGP and IGP M.A. Saleem sat together for a discussion, and a decision was taken. The order has already been issued. Pronab Mohanty, a senior IPS officer, will head the SIT. We have instructed the team to investigate the matter thoroughly and report to the DGP & IGP. The report will be submitted to him. The team will begin its work," Parameshwara stated.

In a major development, the Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising four senior IPS officers to probe the alleged murders in Dharmasthala.

The formation of the SIT was demanded by the State Women's Commission, retired Supreme Court Judge Justice V. Gopala Gowda and several activists.

The development is likely to stir controversy, as Dharmasthala is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage centre in Karnataka.

The SIT will be led by senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, DGP of the Internal Security Department, along with DIG (Recruitment) M.N. Anuchet, DCP (City Armed Reserve) Sowmyalatha, and Jitendra Kumar, Superintendent of Police in the Internal Security Department.

The government stated that the formation of the SIT is appropriate in response to the State Womenas Commissionas request and the case registered at the Dharmasthala Police Station under Section 211(a) of the BNS Act. The SIT will also investigate any related criminal cases that may be registered in other police stations across the state.

On July 11, the unidentified complainant, who had claimed that he was forced to bury several bodies of women who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village, appeared before a court in Karnatakaas Mangaluru district last Friday and recorded his statement.
Bengaluru, July 20 : Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said that Karnataka's small traders and street vendors are facing problems due to the GST introduced by the BJP government at the Centre.

Speaking at an event organised to distribute government benefits to the people, he said, "Notices are being issued to all those who are doing business of over Rs 40 lakh, and notices are being issued to tender coconut sellers, vegetable vendors, etc. This is the achievement of the Union government. The traders don't have to worry, we will take necessary actions to protect their interests."

"We have made several appeals to the Centre for funds for the last two years, but none of the BJP MPs are speaking for the state. They are not concerned about the poor of the state. Karnataka gets only Rs 13 for every Rs 100 it gives to the Centre in the form of taxes," he said.

"We are committed to getting Yettinahole waters to the Bengaluru North district by 2027. BJP did not bother supplying water to this region; it was the Congress which is getting water for the region. We have also decided to prepare a DPR to bring the metro to Hoskote, and we will ensure it is complete during our term," he added.

"We have also taken steps to regularise B khatas in Bengaluru. Our government is also giving out more than one crore of patta khatas to scheduled tribes. Hoskote is a large producer of milk, and our 'ksheera dhaare' programme is helping dairy farmers in a big way," he said.

Shivakumar further said that repair works at the state's dams would be taken up on a priority basis once the technical Committee on dam safety submits its report.

He said, "We had set up a technical committee on dam safety after one of the gates at Tunga Bhadra reservoir was damaged. We will take necessary action once we receive the report."

Responding to questions from the media about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reserving two days to hear grievances from MLAs, Shivakumar stated, "MLAs come to meet me every day. I have set aside time for them every single day."

When asked about the statement by the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, who alleged that if Bengaluru is divided into five parts and the city will be destroyed, he said, "We have already discussed this in the Assembly. We made the decision after speaking with everyone. Still, they are making political statements just for the sake of it."

When asked about reports that the Chief Minister insulted him at the Mysuru event, he said, "The Chief Minister himself has already clarified on Saturday and again on Sunday morning. I won't comment further on it. I am doing my work."
Bengaluru, July 20 : Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka claimed on Sunday that Congress leaders are fighting on the streets, asserting that the convention held under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was not a government programme but an event organised to sideline Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Ashoka said the convention conducted by Siddaramaiah exposed the internal rift within Congress. No one spoke in favour of Shivakumar at the event. The meeting was held to teach Shivakumar a lesson and to humiliate him.

Shivakumar has now been reduced to a second-rung leader. It was not a government programme; it was a ritual to finish off Shivakumar, Ashoka claimed.

This is an internal feud between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. The BJP does not need to topple this government; it will collapse due to Congress's internal conflicts. Karnataka In-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala came to the state and listened to the grievances of MLAs. Their disputes are now out in the open, he added.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke disparagingly about Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Mysuru meeting. Calling the PM a "barker" reflects the mindset of Congress leaders. Now, knowing they won't come to power, they are resorting to such low-level remarks, he said.

Ashoka said that Bengaluru has been ruined instead of being developed. Issues like traffic jams, flooding, and garbage problems will not be resolved by these measures.

"Dividing the Bengaluru built by Nadaprabhu Kempegowda will not lead to progress. Development is being claimed merely with the 'Brand Bengaluru' slogan," he said.

Dividing the city will create disparities in revenue sharing, leading to more conflicts. There are no waste processing units in central Bengaluru. If garbage is sent to the outskirts, locals there might refuse to accept it, which will lead to further disputes, he said.

A proposal for a tunnel road has been submitted to the central government. The state government lacks funds to repair pothole-ridden roads. Bengaluru has hard rocks, making it impossible to build tunnel roads here. We will meet the Union Highway Minister to clarify the tunnel road issue. Instead, focusing on the metro project would suffice. Expanding the metro project further would help resolve traffic congestion, said Ashoka.

"The Congress MLAs themselves have called Siddaramaiah a 'lottery CM'. He is neither a people's leader nor an elected CM. Henceforth, Siddaramaiah should call himself a 'lottery Chief Minister'," he said.
Kolkata, July 20 : Bringing an end to all speculations of his joining Trinamool Congress on the Martyrs' Day rally in central Kolkata on July 21, BJP's former national vice-president and state president in West Bengal, Dilip Ghosh, on Sunday, announced that he would be attending a BJP programme.

The programme at Kharagpur, christened "Shahid Shraddhajanjali Sabha" (tribute to Martyrs' program), is perceived as a counter to the Trinamool Congress annual Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata on the same day.

Incidentally, the BJP will also be organising a similar rally at Siliguri of Darjeeling district in North Bengal on Monday against the rising incidents of crime against women in West Bengal, which is also perceived to be a counter-rally to the Trinamool Congress's annual Martyrs' Day rally.

At the Siliguri rally, the principal speaker will be the West Bengal Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari.

Ghosh told media persons that Shahid Shraddhajanjali Sabha at Kharagpur on Monday will be commemorating the BJP workers killed allegedly at the hands of goons backed by the ruling Trinamool Congress since the 2021 West Bengal assembly polls.

"More than 250 BJP workers were killed by Trinamool Congress-backed goons in West Bengal since the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections. We will pay tribute to them at the Kharagpur meeting on Monday." Ghosh said.

He claimed that the BJP is the only political party in West Bengal that remembers the real martyrs.

"Our workers gave their lives in the political struggle," Ghosh added.

The development comes against the backdrop of a lot of speculation over the last few days that Ghosh will be seen with Trinamool Congress leaders on July 21 at the Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata.

The speculations gained further ground as he skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political rally at Durgapur on July 18 and instead left for New Delhi to meet the BJP's president, J.P. Nadda.

During his meeting with Nadda, the latter reportedly asked Ghosh to start a strong fight by returning to the state.

Ghosh, also a former Lok Sabha member, attracted the ire of the state leadership after he attended the inauguration ceremony of Lord Jagannath Temple at Dish in East Midnapore district along with his newly-wedded wife in May this year, much to the disliking of the party leadership.

After videos of his cordial interaction with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee within the temple premises went viral, several BJP supporters criticised Ghosh over the development on social media, which posed embarrassment for the state party leadership.
Ahmedabad, July 20 : A mild earthquake measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale was recorded near the village of Khavda in the Kutch district of Gujarat late Sunday evening, triggering panic across parts of the region.

According to preliminary data from the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) in Gandhinagar, the tremor occurred at approximately 09:47 PM local time, with its epicentre located around 20 km north of Khavda near the India-Pakistan border.

Officials confirmed that no damage to life or property has been reported so far.

Residents in nearby areas said they felt shakes that lasted a few seconds, prompting many to step outside as a precaution.

An official said that the local authorities have been placed on alert, and teams are monitoring the situation for any aftershocks.

Kutch, located in a seismically active zone, has a history of earthquake events, most notably the devastating 2001 quake that measured 7.7 and resulted in thousands of casualties.

However, seismologists have categorised night tremor as minor and not indicative of a larger seismic event.

The District Collector's office has urged citizens to stay calm and follow basic earthquake safety guidelines, while ISR continues to analyse data for further insights.

The tremor has reignited conversations around earthquake preparedness and the importance of infrastructure resilience in Gujaratas western districts.

An official said that further updates will be issued if new developments occur.

The ISR has also requested residents to report any structural damage or unusual activity in their locality through official emergency lines.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Indore, July 21 : A sleeper bus en route from Indore to Pune turned into a fireball late Sunday evening after a collision with a container truck near Teehi village, under the Kishanganj police station area.

The accident occurred around 8 p.m. on the Agra-Mumbai National Highway, shortly after the bus crossed the Mhow bypass, a police official said. The bus, operated by a private travel company, had departed Indore around 7 p.m. carrying approximately 40 passengers. According to reports and police sources, the bus was moving at a steady pace when it suddenly jolted, followed by smoke emerging from the front cabin. Moments later, the bus collided head-on with a container truck, causing the front portion to crumple and ignite. Panic spread quickly among the passengers as flames engulfed the front of the vehicle.

Despite the chaos, over 30 passengers managed to escape before the fire consumed the entire bus. Eight individuals, including the driver and a woman passenger, sustained injuries in the collision. Police have not yet confirmed, but said no casualties were reported, though the bus was reduced to ashes before emergency services could arrive.

The driver, trapped in the cabin, was rescued with difficulty by local residents who rushed to the scene. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The conductor of the bus stated that thick smoke was emanating from the container truck, which may have impaired the driveras visibility and contributed to the crash.

The fire brigade was alerted immediately, but it reportedly took nearly half an hour for them to reach the site, by which time the bus was completely destroyed.

The passengers, many of whom lost their belongings in the blaze, were visibly shaken and traumatised. Traffic on the highway was disrupted for several hours following the incident, as police from Mhow and Pithampur arrived to manage the scene and begin an investigation.

The bus operator arranged for an alternate vehicle to transport the remaining passengers to Pune. Authorities are now probing the cause of the fire and the circumstances leading to the collision.
Granting of Overseas Clearing and Settlement Facility Licence to Clearstream Banking S.A.

The RBA welcomes ASICs decision to grant Clearstream Banking S.A. (Clearstream) a clearing and settlement facility licence.

Clearstream plays an important part in the Australian debt securities market. It is important the RBA and ASIC, as co-regulators of clearing and settlement facilities operating in Australia, are able to have sufficient oversight of such facilities. The licence granted by ASIC will support this oversight.
The Jane Street-Sebi saga is more than a legal dispute -- it's a litmus test for India's ambitions as a global financial hub.

Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

A legal battle is looming -- one that could reshape India's derivatives market, the world's largest by trading volume, and set a precedent for how regulators worldwide draw the line between clever trading and market abuse.

The genesis of this battle lies in the sweeping crackdown the Securities and Exchange Board of India has launched against Jane Street, a US-based high-frequency trading (HFT) firm.

Sebi has impounded Rs 4,843 crore in alleged 'unlawful gains', accusing Jane Street of orchestrating a sophisticated 'sinister' scheme to manipulate the popular Bank Nifty index through aggressive derivative trading strategies.

Jane Street, a global titan in algorithmic trading, has fired back, calling Sebi's allegations 'fundamentally mistaken'. The firm is preparing to challenge the ban, likely at the Securities Appellate Tribunal.

The case, which could reach the Supreme Court, has ignited a fierce debate over what constitutes legitimate trading and what crosses into the realm of market manipulation.

With Indian retail investors suffering over Rs 1 trillion in losses in 2024-2025, the stakes are monumental -- not just for Jane Street and Sebi, but also for the credibility and future of India's capital market ecosystem.

The Anatomy of the Allegations

Sebi has laid out its case against Jane Street in a detailed, 105-page interim order, dated July 3, with voluminous annexures.

According to the regulator, the firm executed a two-pronged strategy: It aggressively bought Bank Nifty constituent stocks in both the cash and futures segments, artificially inflating the index.

Later in the day, it offloaded those positions, while holding large short positions in index options, profiting from the index's decline.

This strategy, Sebi alleges, allowed Jane Street to rake in thousands of crores in profit.

The regulator also hinted that the illicit gains could be even higher since investigations into other expiry days and indices are ongoing.

Jane Street, however, maintains that its trades were part of a standard 'index arbitrage' strategy -- exploiting price differences between related instruments to provide liquidity and maintain market efficiency.

In internal communications, the firm described Sebi's order as 'extremely inflammatory' and argued that the order disregards the legitimate role of arbitrageurs in modern markets.

Legal Faultlines

The core of the legal dispute hinges on intent and market impact.

Sebi's case rests on proving that Jane Street violated Sections 3 and 4 of the Sebi (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Market) Regulations, 2003, and Section 12A of the Sebi Act, 1992.

These regulations prohibit knowingly indulging in an act that creates a false or misleading appearance of trading.

Further, they prohibit indulging in unfair trade practices or employing a scheme to defraud through dealings in the securities market.

The regulator has also pointed to warnings ignored from the National Stock Exchange as evidence of deliberate misconduct.

Smrithi Nair, partner at the law firm Juris Corp, notes that Jane Street's systematic losses in stock futures and cash segments -- Rs 7,208 crore and Rs 289 crore, respectively -- could be interpreted as a deliberate cost to execute a manipulative scheme.

"This 'loss' may be viewed as a malafide cost incurred to perpetrate their prima facie manipulative and fraudulent scheme," she said.

Neerav Merchant, partner at Aquilaw, a Kolkata-headquartered law firm, agrees that Sebi's case appears strong on paper, especially given the detailed trading pattern analysis.

However, the regulator must prove illegality 'beyond reasonable doubt'.

He adds that the trades will be tested on the grounds whether Jane Street "simply exploited a systemic loophole" and if they "were within the systemic boundaries".

Doing so might not be easy. "Establishing intent to manipulate -- particularly in the context of proprietary trading -- is notoriously difficult," says Diviay Chadha, partner at the law firm Singhania & Co.

Besides, Jane Street may invoke international regulatory precedents, where similar strategies are not penalised.

Tushar Kumar, a Supreme Court advocate, is of the view that the case raises broader questions about balancing competitive advantage with market fairness in a tech-driven trading environment.

The Fallout

The Jane Street case unfolds against a backdrop of massive retail investor losses.

Sebi data shows that retail traders lost trillions in equity derivatives over the past few years.

A staggering 90 per cent -- much higher than the global average -- of retail traders incurred losses, highlighting the vulnerability of domestic individual investors in a market increasingly dominated by algorithmic players.

The worry is that if proven, Jane Street's actions would not only distort the market but also erode trust among retail investors, who trade with limited capital and high expectations.

The political dimension adds further pressure to the situation. The Opposition Congress has accused Sebi and the government of delayed action, with spokesperson Supriya Shrinate calling it 'not a failure, but a sin'.

Such rhetoric could intensify public demand for regulatory reform and greater investor protection.

Regulatory Ripple Effect

Regardless of the outcome, the Jane Street case could trigger regulatory changes.

Jidesh Kumar, managing partner at the legal firm King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates and Attorneys, believes that if Jane Street succeeds at the tribunal, then it may lead to greater scrutiny of HFTs.

"It may prompt Sebi to revisit its enforcement tools and regulatory framework concerning algorithmic and proprietary trading, particularly by foreign portfolio investors. We may see increased emphasis on surveillance mechanisms, audit trails, and regulatory disclosures to enhance market transparency," Kumar says.

Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has already signalled a ramp-up in surveillance, with plans to expand investigations to other indices like the Nifty 50 and Sensex.

Market experts anticipate further measures such as longer-dated expiries and stricter position limits to curb excessive influence by single entities.

While these changes could raise compliance costs for trading firms and potentially reduce liquidity in the short term, they may help restore confidence among retail investors and ensure a level playing field.

Precedent or Pandora's Box?

If Sebi prevails, it could pave the way for further impounding of gains and stricter enforcement against algorithmic trading strategies.

While a final investigation report may take six to nine months, the market watchdog's resolve appears firm.

However, if Jane Street wins, it could embolden other HFT firms to push the boundaries of acceptable trading, forcing Sebi to fast-track reforms.

Either way, the case is likely to reach the Supreme Court, where the interpretation of 'manipulation' versus 'arbitrage' will be tested under Indian securities law.

Shiju P V, managing partner at IndiaLaw, believes the case could shape India's approach to regulating global trading firms.

"It's about balancing market integrity with the participation of sophisticated international players," he says.

The Jane Street-Sebi saga is more than a legal dispute -- it's a litmus test for India's ambitions as a global financial hub.

With retail investors reeling from its impact and foreign firms watching closely, Sebi must walk a tightrope between fostering innovation and protecting market integrity.

New regulations aimed at curbing manipulative trading practices might inadvertently raise entry barriers for legitimate firms.

The outcome of the legal battle could well be a key test of whether or not the country can effectively oversee high-frequency trading without undermining market liquidity.

Already, the overhaul of the derivatives trading rules -- prompted, in part, by the aggressive nature of HFT firms like Jane Street -- is beginning to impact market dynamics.

Between December 2024 and May 2025, the number of unique traders in the derivatives segment fell by 20 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the average daily trading volume in futures and options (F&O) dropped to a four-month low of Rs 346 trillion in June -- down 35 per cent from the peak in September, before the new rules took effect. Further declines may be on the horizon.

The trajectory of this legal dispute will ultimately shape the future of India's derivatives market.

It will determine whether the market can evolve into a fair, transparent, and globally respected platform -- or remain a domain where only the most sophisticated players gain at the expense of smaller investors.

Additional measures likely Stricter surveillance on high-volume traders, including position limits Sebi may consider introducing fortnightly contracts and curbing weekly expiries Measures to encourage retail traders to shift towards longer-dated contracts Enhanced disclosures from proprietary trading firms

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The government on Sunday indicated its willingness to discuss in Parliament Operation Sindoor, a key opposition demand at an all-party meeting on eve of the Monsoon session, even as the INDIA bloc insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should respond on the matter as well as on the US President's 'ceasefire' claims and SIR in Bihar.

IMAGE: Union Ministers and BJP MPs JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, Arjun Ram Meghwal, L Murgan chair the all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament, at Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi on Sunday. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Sources said the prime minister is unlikely to respond in Parliament on these issues. However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that the government will reply appropriately whenever a discussion takes place on US President Donald Trump's ceasefire claims on the India-Pakistan conflict.

The session is likely to see a detailed statement on Operation Sindoor by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who held two key meetings on Friday evening with his ministerial colleagues and another with top military brass.

Several leaders, including those from the NDA, also want a discussion to highlight the achievements of the government's foreign outreach through various Parliamentary delegations on Operation Sindoor.

The government may also field External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to convey its view in Parliament, sources said.

After the customary all-party meeting ahead of the session beginning Monday, Rijiju said that the government has sought the opposition's cooperation in the smooth running of Parliament during the month-long session.

There should be government-opposition coordination in running Parliament smoothly, Rijiju told reporters after the meeting chaired by Union Minister J P Nadda.

He said they heard the opposition and ruling NDA alliance members patiently and hoped the upcoming session would be very productive. As many as 54 leaders of different parties and Independent MPs participated in today's all-party meeting.

"We are very open to a discussion on important issues like Operation Sindoor. These are issues of great national importance. The government is not shying away and will never shy away, but is open to discussions within rules, conventions," Rijiju asserted.

Noting that the government accords importance to 'niyam' (rules) and 'parampara' (conventions), he said the matters raised at the meeting would be taken up at the Business Advisory Committee of both houses, where a final decision would be taken.

"We have noted all the points. We have requested all parties (to ensure) the Parliament functions properly. Have to ensure coordination. It is the responsibility of all to help Parliament function," he said.

Rijiju also said that the government has noted the demand for allocation of more time to parties with fewer MPs to speak in Parliament. "

"We will try and provide adequate time to all, including smaller parties," he said.

On the opposition's demand for PM Modi to make a statement on the Pahalgam attack and other issues, Rijiju said, "I want to make it clear that the prime minister remains in Parliament except during foreign travel. The prime minister always remains in Parliament, but the prime minister does not remain in the House all the time.

"Whenever Parliament functions, cabinet ministers are present to respond to issues concerning their departments."

Rijiju said the government is bringing 17 key bills, details of which would be provided soon.

After the meeting, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi told reporters that his party sought Prime Minister Modi's statement on Trump's claims, "lapses" which led to the Pahalgam attack and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of poll rolls in Bihar.

He said it was incumbent and moral responsibility of PM Modi to give a statement in Parliament on key issues raised by his party.

"We hope that the PM will fulfil his moral duty," he said.

Gogoi said questions have been raised on SIR and EC, and not giving answers will put a shadow of doubt on the fairness of the poll process and future elections.

It is the prime minister's duty to clarify the government's stand in Parliament, he said.

He also referred to several armed forces officers raising the issue of a two-pronged attack by China and Pakistan and sought a discussion.

It is important to discuss defence and foreign policy and defence budget allocation, and the PM should answer on this, he said.

Gogoi also sought a discussion on the Manipur situation, "where violence has not ended even after 2.5 years".

"The PM has visited several small countries but is avoiding going to the small state of Manipur", he said.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said he raised the alleged "poll scam" of SIR in Bihar. He also raised Trump's claim that he brokered a 'ceasefire' between India and Pakistan.

Responding to a question, he said the INDIA bloc was only for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, and the AAP is contesting assembly polls on its own ever since. AAP had stayed away from the online meeting of the opposition bloc on Saturday.

Janata Dal-United leader Sanjay Kumar Jha said his party believes that every citizen must have voting rights and has launched a campaign to raise awareness.

"We have reports that people do not have any issue with this (Bihar SIR). If there is any issue, we will meet the Election Commission...," he said.

Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav said that Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor's admission of intelligence failure in Pahalgam is a "serious issue".

He said India has never allowed third-party mediation on Pakistan and claims by Trump need to be clarified by the government.

"Our foreign policy is a complete failure... no country has supported India on Operation Sindoor. No muslim country was against us after the 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars, but now no country is with us. We never had such an unsuccessful foreign policy," he claimed.

Yadav said that democracy "is in danger" in Bihar as "crores are being denied voting rights" through SIR.

Communist Party of India-Marxist's John Brittas and NCP-Sharad Pawar MP Supriya Sule demanded that the prime minister respond in Parliament on the issues of Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor and Bihar's SIR.

"Everyone will feel good if the prime minister speaks in Parliament on these issues," Sule said.

Biju Janata Dal's Sasmit Patra said the Centre can't escape responsibility for the "failing" law and order in states and demanded a discussion in Parliament during the upcoming session.

He was referring to an incident of self-immolation by a college student and another case of a 15-year-old being set on fire by a group of men in Odisha.

Patra alleged there was a "complete collapse" of law and order in Odisha, and the BJP government there was "helpless" and had "failed".

National Conference MP Altaaf Hussain said he raised issues of Jammu and Kashmir. "Post Pahalgam terrorist attack, the current situation of Jammu and Kashmir is not as it is being shown to the people of the country. I asked the government to ensure that innocent locals are not bothered."

Gogoi, Jairam Ramesh, Pramod Tiwari of Congress, Supriya Sule of NCP-Sharad Pawar, DMK's T R Baalu and Tiruchi Siva, AIADMK's M Thambidurai, SAD's Harsimrat Badal, SP's Ram Gopal Yadav, RPI (A) leader and Union minister Ramdas Athawale were among those who attended the meeting.
A chargesheet filed by Andhra Pradesh police in connection with the Rs 3,500 crore alleged liquor scam in a local court has mentioned former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as one of the recipients of the total kickbacks averaging Rs 50-60 crore per month.

IMAGE: Former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was named as one of the recipients of the kickbacks in the alleged liquor scam. Photograph: @ysjagan/X

The 305-page chargesheet filed on Saturday, however, stopped short of naming Jagan as accused.

The court is yet to take the cognizance of the chargesheet.

"The collected amounts were eventually handed over to Kesireddy Rajasekhar Reddy(A-1). Rajasekhar Reddy would then pass the money to Vijay Sai Reddy (A-5), Mithun Reddy (A-4), Balaji (A-33) who would transfer it to former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. On an average, Rs 50-60 crore was collected every month (during the 2019-24 YSRCP regime)," the charge sheet said adding that it was corroborated by a witness.

The chargesheet alleged that Rajasekhar Reddy, "the mastermind and co-conspirator" behind the entire Rs 3,500 crore liquor scam, had influenced excise policy manipulation besides being instrumental in replacing automated OFS (order for supply) with manual process; to have planted loyalists in APSBCL (Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited). He allegedly created shell distilleries and handed over "kickbacks" to Jagan through another accused Balaji Govindappa, the chargesheet further alleged.

Rajasekhar Reddy routed as much as Rs 250-Rs 300 crore cash for elections on behalf of YSRCP Party in tandem with accused Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy (former MLA) and was also responsible for laundering funds through over 30 shell firms.

The amount was invested to acquire land, gold, luxury assets in Dubai and Africa.

The police alleged that the key accused brought out the new liquor policy during the previous YSRCP regime with an underlying intent of having full control over the supply and sale of liquor, thereby to achieve their broader goal of earning commissions/kickbacks between 2019 till 2024.

"The accused planned the change in excise policy and also its modalities, to ensure that they would receive large kickbacks, majority portion of such kickbacks was received in cash, gold bullion etc," the charge sheet said.

During investigation it was revealed that the accused deliberately withheld OFS approvals to brands/distilleries who did not yield to the kickback demands.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged liquor scam on Saturday arrested YSRCP Lok Sabha member PV Midhun Reddy in the case after grilling him for several hours.

In May, the Enforcement Directorate also filed a money laundering case to investigate the alleged liquor scam.

The federal probe agency has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe alleged irregularities in the sale of liquor in the state.

From the investigation done so far, it is revealed that during the second half of 2019, a meeting of the owners of the distilleries was held by Sajjala Sridhar Reddy (A- 6) at Hotel Park Hyatt, Hyderabad, the charge sheet said. The distilleries were told to co-operate with the orchestrated sale of liquor of raising planned indents and issuing manual OFS to select suppliers in AP, it added.

"During the meeting, the owners were intimidated that if they do not accede to their proposals and no orders will be issued to them. Such intimidation for kickbacks by threatening them with no issuances of OFS and thereby receiving kickbacks amounts to extortion," the chargesheet alleged.

Under the threat of loss of business, several distilleries agreed to pay kickbacks at the rate of 12 per cent. Soon, the percentage was increased to 20 per cent of the base price, it further alleged.

A string of YSRCP leaders condemned the arrest of Midhun Reddy, calling it a clear case of political vendetta' by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

In a YSRCP press release, former ministers Botcha Satyanarayana, Perni Venkatramaiah (Nani), Ambati Rambabu, Merugu Nagarjuna, and party general secretary G Srikanth Reddy had expressed serious concerns over the alleged misuse of power to target opposition leaders.
In a special gesture, Iran has lifted airspace restrictions for three charter flights to evacuate about 1,000 Indian nationals, mostly students, from the Iranian city of Mashhad.

IMAGE: People attend an anti-Israeli protest after Friday prayers, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Tehran, Iran, June 20, 2025. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters

Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, said more evacuation flights could be operated in the coming days to bring back Indians if required.

The Indian nationals were moved to Mashad from Tehran following Israeli attacks on the Iranian capital city. The evacuation flights, to be operated by Iranian airline Mahan, are being arranged by New Delhi.

India launched Operation Sindhu on Wednesday to bring back its nationals from Iran and Israel in view of the precarious security situation arising out of Iran-Israel hostilities.

The first chartered flight carrying Indians are set to land in Delhi on Friday evening.

"We consider Indians as our own people. Iran's airspace is closed but because of this issue, we are making arrangements to open it for the safe passage of Indian nationals," Hosseini said at a media briefing.

"We consider Indian nationals to be our own people. They are like Iranians," he said.

"About 1,000 Indians who were relocated from Tehran to Qom and then to Mashad will be evacuated to New Delhi on three charter flights," Hosseini said.

"The first flight will land tonight at the New Delhi airport and there will be two more flights on Saturday," he said.

The Iranian diplomat said more such flights could be arranged in the coming days if required.

Hosseini said Tehran is in close contact with the ministry of external affairs and the Indian embassy in Tehran to ensure safe evacuation of Indian nationals.

"We are arranging for the safe passage of Indians who want to leave via air or via road through third countries, or directly from Iran," he said.

The Iranian diplomat also said that all Indians in Iran are safe. At the same time, he said a few Indian students sustained injuries after an Israeli air strike hit a students dormitory in Tehran a few days back.

A total of 110 Indian students were brought back to India on Thursday after they were moved from Iran to Armenia through land border crossing.

Hosseini said about 10,000 Indians are living in Iran and those wishing to return home are being evacuated.

The Israel-Iran military hostilities began over a week back.
Lt. Col. Jason T. Strickland (U.S. Army Retired) is the chief communications officer at the VA Rocky Mountain Network Email: vhavisn19cco@va.gov
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday reminisced about his entry into the civil services, saying his UPSC interview in Delhi took place on March 21, 1977 -- the day the Emergency was lifted.

IMAGE: Union Minister S Jaishankar addresses a gathering of the fresh batch of entrants to the civil services. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/X

"(1977) Election results were coming from the previous day... The sense of the defeat of the Emergency rule was coming into understanding. In a way, that is what got me through the interview," he said in his address at an event in New Delhi.

Walking down memory lane, Jaishankar, then 22, said he had returned from the interview with two key takeaways -- the significance of communication under pressure and that important people may be living in a "bubble".

In his address to a gathering of the fresh batch of entrants to the civil services, the EAM termed the UPSC examination akin to an Agni Pariksha (trial by fire), and said it is a "very unique" testing system in the world to select candidates for the services.

The real challenge is the interview, Jaishankar said, and cited his own UPSC interview that took place 48 years ago.

"My interview was on March 21, 1977. That was the day the Emergency was revoked. Revoked! So, I go in for an interview at Shahjahan Road... First person that morning," recalls Jaishankar, now 70.

Nearly a month ago, the Modi government marked the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, with events held across the country to recall what its leaders called a "dark chapter" in Indian democracy.

The 21-month Emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975 and lifted on March 21, 1977.

The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition leaders, emerged victorious in the 1977 elections, handing a defeat to Indira Gandhi, and Morarji Desai became the prime minister.

Jaishankar said, in the interview, he was asked about what had happened in the 1977 elections.

Citing his association with JNU as a student and his subject of political science, the EAM reminisced, "I was lucky."

"We had taken part in the 1977 election campaign. We had all gone there and worked for the defeat of the Emergency," Jaishankar said.

So, in response, "I forgot I was in an interview", and at that moment, "my communication skills somehow came together," he added.

Jaishankar, a veteran diplomat who earlier served as foreign secretary and has widely travelled, said at that time, to explain to people who were "quite connected, sympathetic to the government, what had happened, without offending them, was actually quite a challenge".

And, the second thing he said, he learned that day, of this "Lutyens' bubble".

"These people were really shocked, they could not believe that this election result had happened, whereas for us, the ordinary students, we could see that there was a wave against the Emergency," the EAM recalled of the interview experience.

From that day, he said he learned how to communicate under pressure and to do it without offending people.

"How do you persuade, how do you explain. This was one carry-away. The second carry-away was that important people may be living in a bubble and not realising what is happening in the country," the Union minister said.

And, people in the field, because students like him who were part of the campaigns, and had visited places such as Muzaffarnagar, "we had picked up a sense on the ground", but, people sitting in Delhi, with all the information from all the systems, "somehow they missed it," he said.

In his address, he also asked what the barometer is to assess a successful democracy, saying it is not by voting record or voting percentage.

"To me, a successful democracy is when opportunity is given to the entire society; that is when democracy is working. They have the right to express themselves, but it is not a few people, on behalf of the whole society... expressing themselves," Jaishankar said, without elaborating.

He exhorted the gathering of successful UPSC candidates to remember that they are all "entering into a service".

"This Amrit Kaal of 25 years is your era. Your era, because you will have to work, you will have to deliver, and you will be the beneficiaries of this era, you will be the leaders of this era," the EAM said.

He urged them all to contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

"I want you to think 20 years ahead... When we move towards the journey of Viksit Bharat, what will be your contribution? And, the mindset that you have to bring to realise that dream of making a developed nation," he added.

He emphasised that good governance is also related to national security.

To new entrants to the civil services, he emphasised that "representing India abroad, representing India before the world, is the greatest privilege, the greatest honour that any Indian can have".

The EAM said he had "no doubt that by 2030, we will become number 3, economically. But, moving to number 2 and eventually up, will be a big deal, and it will be tough, and will need big, national efforts".

In the next 20 years of your service, you have to know that "big changes" will be coming. The coming era will be of AI, drones, space and EV and green hydrogen, he asserted.

The external affairs minister said in the Indo-Pacific region, "Our capabilities should be such that whatever challenges come, India is ready to step forward and assume responsibility, we call it a first responder. How do you prepare India to be a first responder?".
A viral video of Nationalist Congress Party leader and Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate purportedly playing a game of rummy on his mobile phone during a legislative session has sparked a huge row, with the opposition accusing the government of being insensitive to farmers.

IMAGE: A video shared by NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar shows Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate purportedly playing a game of rummy on his mobile phone during a legislative session. Photograph: @RRPSpeaks/X

Facing criticism, Kokate on Sunday clarified that he was only trying to skip the downloaded game on his mobile phone, which popped up for 5 to 10 seconds while checking YouTube to understand the business transacted in the lower house during the recently concluded monsoon session.

He was checking his phone when the Upper House of the state legislature was adjourned.

The video was posted on the X by NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar MLA Rohit Pawar, targeting the NCP headed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the BJP.

"The ruling NCP faction is unable to function without consulting the BJP, which is why even as there are several issues related to agriculture pending and eight farmers committing suicide daily in the state, the agriculture minister, who has no work, appears to have time to play rummy," Pawar stated.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of being "deceitful" and "treacherous" towards farmers.

"Farmers are dying, and the agriculture minister was playing a game on his mobile phone. This deceitful and treacherous government is not concerned with farmers. I appeal to farmers to teach them a lesson," he told reporters.

Responding to the criticism, Kokate said, "When the upper house of the state legislature was adjourned, I took out my mobile phone to check the business transacted in the lower house and was trying to open YouTube.

"The downloaded game suddenly opened, and I was skipping it. It was a matter of just 5 to 10 seconds; why that part was not shown?" he asked while speaking to reporters.

The NCP MLA from Sinnar in Nashik district is not a stranger to controversies.

A huge row erupted in April when Kokate claimed that farmers do not spend money received from agriculture schemes on intended purposes, but instead use it for engagement ceremonies and weddings.

As his remarks drew condemnation, he expressed remorse and tendered an apology.

Earlier this year, a magistrate court in Nashik district convicted Kokate and his brother, Sunil Kokate, and sentenced them to two years of imprisonment for submitting fake documents to secure flats under a government quota. The duo filed an appeal against the conviction before a sessions court.

In a huge relief to the Kokate brothers, District Judge 1 and Additional Sessions Judge (Nashik), N V Jiwane, on March 5 stayed the conviction until an order on their appeal.
A 15-year-old girl, who had been undergoing treatment at the AIIMS Bhubaneswar after three miscreants set her ablaze in Odisha's Puri district, was admitted to AIIMS Delhi on Sunday, officials said.

IMAGE: The girl, with 70 per cent burns, was on oxygen support in the ICU at the Department of Burn Centre in AIIMS Bhubaneswar.. Photograph: ANI Photo

The girl, who has suffered 75 per cent burns, was airlifted from Bhubaneswar and reached AIIMS Delhi at 4.20 pm, the hospital said in a statement.

"She is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in the Burns and Plastic Surgery block. Her condition is critical, and she is on oxygen support. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition," the AIIMS Delhi said in the statement.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said he is deeply saddened by the incident, which happened at Balanga area in Puri on Saturday.

"The victim has been airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for the best treatment. The state government will ensure all necessary facilities for this. I pray before Lord Jagannath for the girl's speedy recovery," Majhi wrote on X.

Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena told reporters that a green corridor was set up to take the patient from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to Biju Patnaik International Airport, and one platoon of police was deployed for this.

A green corridor refers to a special route cleared out to carry organs for transplantation or severely ill patients to their destinations in the shortest possible time.

Bhubaneswar Traffic DCP Tapan Kumar Mohanty said the patient was taken in an advanced life support ambulance with a dedicated medical team. The ambulance reached the airport from AIIMS Bhubaneswar in 10 to 12 minutes.

At the airport, she was boarded into an air ambulance set for the national capital.

"The patient's condition is stable, and her blood pressure, which was low yesterday, has improved. It is safe to transfer her," AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Ashutosh Biswas told reporters before her departure.

Meanwhile, BJD leaders and supporters staged a protest in front of the Balanga police station, demanding immediate arrest of the accused.

Holding party flags, posters and banners, BJD workers marched to the police station and scuffled with police personnel while trying to gherao the building.

"More than 24 hours have passed since the barbaric incident but the culprits have not yet been arrested," BJD leader and former minister Tukuni Sahu said.

She alleged that incidents of violence against girls are happening one after another in Odisha as the government has failed to protect them.

"We came to the police station to know the whereabouts of the persons who tried to kill the girl. The police are still clueless," said Pradeep Kumar Majhi, another BJD leader.

Similarly, senior Congress leader and former Union minister Srikant Jena said, "The back-to-back incidents -- first in Balasore and now in Balanga -- show that law and order situation has completely collapsed in the state. Women and girls are safe nowhere in the state."

Jena alleged that the earlier incident happened in the home turf of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida but she is yet to visit the victim or her family.

The state government has no moral right to continue, he said.

BJP leader Samir Ranjan Dash said the police are continuing their investigation into the incident. "We all are hopeful that the accused persons will be arrested soon," he said.

The victim has been airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for better treatment and all should pray for her speedy recovery, he said.

As the victim was able to speak on Saturday, the police have recorded her statement in the presence of a magistrate at the ICU, an official said, adding that her statement is vital for the investigation.

Preliminary police investigation revealed that three motorcycle-borne youths intercepted the teenager, forcibly took her to the banks of Bhargavi River near Bayabar village under Balanga police station limits, poured an inflammable substance on her, and set her on fire on Saturday. The miscreants fled the spot after the incident, police said.

Local people doused the fire and took her to Pipili government hospital, from where she was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The girl's mother has lodged a complaint with Balanga police station, officials said, adding that the victim was a Class 8 dropout and her father worked at a motor garage.

The police have picked up some persons and are interrogating them in connection with the case, a police officer said.
The Odisha Police on Saturday spotted in the CCTV footage of a filling station a woman, of an age nearly that of the student who set herself on fire on the campus of the Balasore college, buying petrol in a bottle around the same time, an officer said.

IMAGE: Police use water cannon to disperse Biju Janata Dal workers protesting over Balasore student's death, in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Crime Branch has been analysing CCTV footage from filling stations in the area, but is yet to ascertain how she got the petrol.

Alleging inaction over her sexual harassment complaint against a professor, the woman set herself on fire on the campus of the Fakir Mohan Autonomous College on July 12. She died at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on the night of July 14.

Meanwhile, filling stations in the district have stopped giving petrol in bottles.

On the other side, the UGC fact-finding team is also looking into the incident and meeting different stakeholders over the last two days.

Rajkumar Mittal, who is leading the team, said it will soon prepare its report.

The UGC team has questioned the principal of the college and members of the internal complaints committee (ICC), which had mentioned in its report that there was no evidence of sexual harassment as alleged by the deceased student.

A fact-finding team of the higher education department is also conducting a separate investigation into the incident.

The opposition BJD's women's wing staged a demonstration in front of the State Commission for Women's office in Bhubaneswar, questioning its role in ensuring the safety of women.

It warned that if the government does not fill the vacancies in the women's commission immediately, its members will lock the office.
The Bihar Police on Sunday said it has arrested the prime accused and his three associates for the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra inside a private hospital in Patna.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Screen grab

Those arrested include prime accused Tauseef alias Badshah, his associate Nishu Khan and two others. They were nabbed by the police forces of Bihar and West Bengal in a joint operation in Kolkata on Saturday evening and later brought to Patna.

According to a statement issued by Bihar Police on Sunday, "Prime accused Tauseef, who was wanted by the police in an Arms Act case, and his three associates were arrested by a joint team of Bihar and West Bengal Police from Kolkata on Saturday."

Speaking to PTI, Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K Sharma said all four will be produced before a court here and police will seek their remand for custodial interrogation.

Chandan Mishra, a resident of Buxar district who was a murder convict and out on parole, was shot dead by gunmen inside a private hospital in Patna on Thursday morning.

Police have identified all the accused. 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 Chandan Mishra on July 17.

Mishra was lodged at Beur Jail and had gone to the hospital for treatment on parole. He was involved in 24 criminal cases, including more than 12 murder cases.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the conspiracy to kill Chandan was hatched at Nishu's Khan residence in Samanpura locality of Patna, the statement added.

West Bengal Police on Saturday said five persons, including a woman, were detained from a guest house in Kolkata's Anandapur area. Earlier in the day, it said five persons were arrested from the New Town area near the eastern metropolis in the same case.
US President Donald Trump has expressed "keen interest" in developing a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests, the army in Islamabad said on Thursday.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Reuters/ANI Photo

In a statement after a meeting between Trump and Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir at the White House on Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations -- the media wing of the Pakistan Army -- said they also discussed joint counterterrorism efforts.

During the high-level engagement, the discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains, including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies, the ISPR said.

"President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests," said the statement.

The chief of army staff also conveyed the deep appreciation of the Government and people of Pakistan for President Trump's constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis, it said.

He acknowledged President Trump's statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community, the statement added.

President Trump, in turn, lauded Pakistan's ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states, the ISPR said.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counter-terrorism, it added.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff accompanied Trump. Munir was joined by National Security Advisor Lt Gen Asim Malik, who is also the head of the intelligence agency ISI. No senior civilian official from Pakistan was present.

A detailed exchange of views also took place on the prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasising the importance of resolution of the conflict, the ISPR said.

President Trump commended Munir's leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics, it said.

In a "gesture reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties", Munir extended an invitation to President Trump, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date, the statement said.

Although initially scheduled for one hour, the meeting was extended for over two hours, underscoring the depth and cordiality of the dialogue, it added.

The engagement marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States, built upon shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity, according to the statement.

Separately, President Trump said it was an honour for him to meet the chief of army staff during a luncheon held at the Cabinet Room in the White House, the first-ever such honour for any Pakistani army chief.

It is rare for the US president to host a lunch for an army chief of a foreign country. There have been precedents of Pakistan army chiefs, including Ayub Khan, Zia ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf, receiving such invites. But they were holding the post of president as well.

Speaking to the media after the event, Trump extended his gratitude to Pakistan's military chief for visiting and acknowledged his role in helping stop war with India.

"I was honoured to meet him (Field Marshal Munir) today," Trump said.

"I invited him to thank him for not going to war. He deserves appreciation for helping secure the ceasefire."

When asked if the talks included the Iran-Israel conflict, Trump said: "They (Pakistan) know Iran very well, better than most, and they're not happy about anything. It's not that they're bad with Israel. They know them both, actually, but they know Iran better."

According to experts, the meeting was a significant boost for relations between the two countries, which had been under strain for years due to suspicion in the US that Pakistan failed to help it stabilise Afghanistan, which resulted in a hasty withdrawal from the country in 2021.

The meeting comes after the recent tension with India and Trump umpteen times took credit for stopping the war for which Pakistan thanked him for his role.

India has been maintaining that the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect on May 10.
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties on Saturday resolved to raise during the Parliament's Monsoon session the issues of Pahalgam attack terrorists not being brought to justice, United States President Donald Trump's repeated claims of brokering a 'ceasefire' during India-Pakistan hostilities and the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar that the opposition alleges 'threatens people's voting rights'.

IMAGE: Congress MP Pramod Tiwari addresses the media on the INDIA bloc meeting for the upcoming Parliament session at party president Mallikarjun Kharge's Residence, in New Delhi on Saturday. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo



Ahead of the Monsoon session beginning on July 21, the leaders of 24 opposition parties of the bloc held an online meeting where they decided to raise eight major issues like foreign policy 'failure' and 'atrocities' in Gaza, delimitation exercise and 'targeting' of SCs/STs, women and minorities in the country.

Addressing the media after the meeting, the Congress' deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Pramod Tiwari, said the opposition parties would expect the prime minister to be present in Parliament and respond to the issues raised on the floor of the House, asserting that 'Parliament is more important than travelling abroad'.

He also said that an in-person meeting of the bloc leaders would take place 'soon' after Saturday's 'successful and cordial' online meeting.

The opposition grouping has not met for a long time. Notably, Aam Aadmi Party, which is a founding member of the bloc, decided to opt out of the Saturday online meeting after it announced that it is no longer a part of the bloc.

Incidentally, several senior leaders of the group, including chief ministers of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu -- Mamata Banerjee and M K Stalin -- were not present in the meeting.

Leaders who participated included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar's Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Abhishek Banerjee (Trinamool Congress), Tejashwi Yadav (Rashrtiya Janata Dal), Ram Gopal Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Tiruchi Siva (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) M A Baby of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, D Raja (Communist Party of India), Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, among others.

The leaders expressed serious concern over the government's 'inaction' in bringing to justice the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack and its 'silence' on repeated claims made by US President Donald Trump in bringing about a 'ceasefire' on the hostilities between India and Pakistan, according to Tiwari.

"We discussed the strategy on how we should raise the atrocities and failures of this government that is affecting the people. I am happy to inform that leaders of all 24 parties participated in the meeting," he said.

"Eight major issues have been taken up prominently by us. Besides these, several regional and people's issues will also be taken up by the opposition," Tiwari also said.

On the Pahalgam attack, he said, it is the biggest issue that concerns 140 crore people and is linked to the honour of all.

"All leaders have expressed concern that all the terrorists behind the attack are free and no action has been taken against them despite so many days having passed since April 22. Now, a confession has also come that it was an intelligence failure. So this will be raised," the Congress leader said.

Tiwari said the parties would raise Operation Sindoor and the issue of ceasefire, and US President Trump's claims made 24 times that he brought about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan by using the trade threat.

The leaders also expressed concern over the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar that "threatens the voting rights of people" in the state, he said.

"There is a threat to the voting rights of people under the 'undeclared Emergency' that is prevalent in the country," he said.

"The manner in which vote-bandi is taking place in Bihar, after note-bandi, is against democracy," the Congress leader also said.

Tiwari also said that the leaders expressed concern over India's foreign policy, asserting that it is the prime minister who is answerable to everyone in the country.

He said some of the leaders raised the issue of delimitation and 'atrocities' against SC, ST, women and minorities.

"We have also decided that soon an INDIA bloc meeting will be held in-person," he said while noting that today's online meeting was 'very cordial and took up the concerns of the 140 crore people of the country'.

"We would want Parliament to function so that we raise the issues and the government answers," he said.

Tiwari also said that some other issues, such as the Ahmedabad Plane crash, are also likely to be raised.

Sources close to Banerjee said he raised the issue of SIR in Bihar, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission are using it in the form of 'backdoor NRC'.

He said the BJP is using 'E square' (E2) in its attack -- 'ED for opposition leaders and EC for voters'.

The INDIA bloc parties held deliberations to reach a consensus on issues that they would raise to corner the government during Parliament's Monsoon session beginning July 21 and to convey a message of unity.

Leaders of 24 political parties, including the Congress, the TMC, the DMK, the RJD, the SP, the NCP-SP, the Shiv Sena-UBT, the JMM, the CPI-M, the CPI, the CPI-ML, the All India Forward Bloc, the India Union Muslim League and the Kerala Congress, participated in the discussions.

Tiwari, when asked about the absence of AAP, parried the question, saying leaders of 24 parties were present in Saturday's meeting.

He also did not answer queries on the issue of Enforcement Directorate action against Robert Vadra and whether the Congress would raise the issue in Parliament.

In their remarks, Rahul Gandhi and Kharge stressed on opposition unity and said the ruling party should not take political advantage by trying to divide the opposition.

The push to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma, who is embroiled in a row following the discovery of burnt wads of currency notes at his residence after a fire incident, would also be raised during the upcoming session.

The opposition leaders also discussed that in case the ruling party brings a motion for the removal of Justice Varma, they will press for early action against Justice Shekhar Yadav against whom a notice for removal is already pending in the Rajya Sabha since December 2024, sources said.

Last December, opposition MPs submitted an impeachment notice in the Rajya Sabha against Justice Shekhar Yadav for allegedly delivering a hate speech at a gathering last year. Some opposition parties are demanding that this matter also be taken up.

The issue of Rahul Gandhi bracketing the Left with the RSS at an event in Kerala on Friday was also raised during the meeting, sources said.

CPI leader D Raja, without mentioning Gandhi, is learnt to have raised the issue and said such statements against the left send wrong signals to its cadres across the country and should be avoided.

The Congress has resolved to take up issues like the demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, besides raising farmers' problems, unemployment and rising prices.
In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: Pixabay

The Indian Embassy in Niamey is in touch with the local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains of those killed and ensure safe release of the abducted Indian.

The mission also cautioned all Indians in Niger to remain vigilant.

In a post on X it said, 'In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger's 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 safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant.'

Arab News reported citing local sources 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 city of Niamey.

The abducted Indian national by terrorists in the West African country Niger is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, said his wife on Saturday, requesting the central government's intervention for his safe release.

Sheela Devi said that her husband Ranjeet Singh was working as a senior safety officer at Transrail Lighting Limited, an integrated power transmission and distribution company. She said the family lost contact with him on July 15.

Niger media had reported that unidentified gunmen attacked an Army unit guarding a construction site in Dosso, about 130 kilometres from capital Niamey.

Sheela Devi said on Saturday, "We talked on WhatsApp on July 15 and since then, I have not been able to contact him. I called his management and was initially told that there is no network at the work site."

She said she learned about her husband's abduction the next day through his friend, even as the management maintained that he had fled deep into the forest following the terror attack.

"It has been four days since then. I believe that there is no effort to secure my husband's release from his captors," a visibly upset Devi, a mother of three children, said.

She alleged that her repeated attempts to reach out to the company were being met with cold response.

"I do not know what kind of situation my husband is in. I do not have any idea about the efforts of the local government," Devi said, making a fervent appeal to the Government of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs minister S Jaishankar to seek Ranjeet Singh's release.

Devi said she met Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, who gave her a positive response.

"The deputy commissioner said he will do everything in his capacity, but I know the main work is that of our external affairs ministry. If they want, my husband will come home safely," she said.

Previously in March, Niger had seen a terrorist attack by the Islamic State in Great Sahara in Kokorou, which had resulted in the deaths of at least 44 civilians and had left 13 severely injured, as reported by UN Security Council Press.

The members had issued a statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms and had underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.

Significantly, the members had underscored the importance for all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate with the authorities of Niger as well as all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The statement further highlighted, "The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts."

US State Department's 2023 Country Report on Terrorism for Niger had observed, that terrorist organizations exploited Niger's extensive borderlands and sparsely populated regions to attack and recruit among populations where access to government services was weak and economic opportunity negligible.

Due to the small size of its 'defence force, ineffective coordination among security services, budget shortfalls, and instability in Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, and the Lake Chad Basin', Niger's efforts to fight terrorism were hampered.

Niger is in the midst of a political upheaval as a military coup has taken control, ousting the democratically elected President.

In July, 2023 President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by the Presidential Guard and General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself the new leader.

This event led to widespread international condemnation.

The Niger coup is the seventh such event in West and Central Africa since 2020, highlighting a concerning trend of military interventions in the region.

-- With inputs from PTI
The Trump administrations final vision for a remade Department of Veterans Affairs is still coming into focus, but as staffing and budget bombs continue to drop, some employees and veterans are relieved, while others are fearful for the future.

Plans announced earlier this year to downsize the VA's workforce by about 80,000 jobs were rolled back this month to 30,000, a goal the administration said should be achieved by the end of September.

With cuts of $12 billion proposed for the VAs direct medical care budget in 2026, alongside a new injection to VA community care coffers of roughly the same amount, the model for how and where veterans receive services is changing, perhaps fundamentally.

In addition to the shift of funds, the Trump administration has proposed increasing the allocation of direct medical spending by $23 billion up to $34 billion for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service, such as Agent Orange and burn pits.

Republican congressional leaders have repeatedly promised the changes in funding and staff cuts will not affect the quality or accessibility of care covered and provided by the VA. They argue a shift toward outsourcing a larger cohort of veterans to health care providers in the community is more fiscally sound, streamlined and efficient than what came before.

Others say their experiences paint a different picture of todays liminal times, and offer a worrisome glimpse into how recent policy decisions may continue to play out in hospitals, clinics and homes across the state.

Union representative and Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center nurse Sharda Fornnarino said the impact of staff shortages and slow hiring timelines already have resulted in more veterans being referred to community medical providers in her clinic, when they would prefer to stay with the VA.

This has been one of the most confusing and difficult times that I have ever had at the VA, Fornnarino said.

Sparse details on job cuts

As of June 1, the VA had eliminated 17,000 positions of its 484,000 employees and said it anticipates another 12,000 workers will leave. The reductions will be rounded out by staff departures through normal attrition, as well as deferred resignation and early retirement programs put in place by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Precisely how the math has trickled down to Colorado VA locations is hard to parse.

When The Gazette requested a tally and breakdown of positions eliminated at VAs Aurora hospital and its Lindstrom Clinic in Colorado Springs, the local public affairs office declined to provide numbers.

"These staff reductions have not affected Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, benefits or services," the office said in an email. The office did not respond to a subsequent email with a list of follow-up questions about current conditions.

A lack of clarity about decisions being made behind closed VA doors already is worsening confusion, for both patients and the caregivers who treat them, said Colorado Springs Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Joe Reagan, a former board member of El Paso County Progressive Veterans.

I think the No. 1 takeaway that anyone involved in veterans affairs will tell you is, theres still a lot of room for things to change, its changing quickly, and a lot of the details are not being communicated outside of, really, very inner circles, said Reagan, who ran unsuccessfully as a Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional District seat won in November by Republican Jeff Crank. "The administration is giving lip service to veterans but really not being open about how they plan to cut funding while still keeping the same level of services."

More cuts planned

The scale-down of the VA isnt done when the department hits its announced staff reduction goal later this year.

The agencys budget for 2026 proposes cutting an additional 2,964 jobs, with 2,042 of those positions coming from the benefits administration, which manages claims for disability compensation and death benefits.

Although it has promised not to eliminate positions in mission-critical roles, such as direct health care, the VA has not yet released a breakdown of how this years job losses are spread across the agencys departments: health care, disability benefits and veterans cemeteries.

If you create barriers in the benefits side of things  which would not register as health care, so they could say Oh, we didnt cut any health care, we only cut administrative people  those administrative people are the ones processing claims, Reagan said. Weve seen what happens when that backlog starts to build up.

Reagan said hes already heard from veterans complaining of recent roadblocks to their health care journeys thrown up by confusing messaging from the top, as well as a lack of understanding about the often unique needs and risks veterans face because of their service  toxic exposures, traumatic brain injuries and particular mental health struggles.

I spoke yesterday with a veteran whose claim was denied for a TBI [traumatic brain injury] he suffered in service to his country, Reagan said.

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, said theres been an uptick in calls and emails reporting problems with the VA. His office took on 100 new advocacy cases just last week.

"These problems are not going away, and unfortunately, are worsening as the Trump administration axes jobs."

Rep. Crank had previously expressed faith in the new secretarys campaign to streamline the VA. Even so, in a statement this week, Crank said he was pleased to learn of the administrations decision amending its original decision to cut 80,000 positions.

"We can never compromise on the quality of service provided to our national heroes, earned through sacrifice and service to the country. Secretary [Doug] Collins has already made significant reforms to cut red tape and improve veteran care, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to achieve that shared goal.

Brief relief

Fornnarino said when the agencys announcement came down in early July, she was elated at first that tens of thousands of jobs would be saved.

It shows when we are advocating for ourselves and our fellow patients and stand in force it helps, it works, said Fornnarino, who is the Denver office director for National Nurses United Denver.

Union employees and veterans across the nation rallied in their local communities and in Washington against the cuts. The Unite for Veterans Rally in June drew about 5,000 people, Stars & Stripes reported.

Former VA psychologist Russell Lemle said he heard from current employees that the announcement helped alleviate some fear around potential layoffs, since under the current plan all the job cuts will happen as people leave voluntarily. It's a shift from earlier in the year when many probationary employees lost their jobs, even if they been longtime workers who had just stepped into a new role.

"A lot of people feel better with the announcement," Lemle said.

Fornnarino, however, said she is worried the additional jobs slated for elimination through September will cut into an agency already operating at "bare bones." She noted the human resources office has lost 80% of its staff, and her nursing department has 17 open positions. In addition to facing a long hiring process because of the cuts in HR, prospective employees are nervous about applying at the VA.

The staff shortages have also meant that many of the dermatology patients Fornnarino works with have been referred out to other care within the community and organizing that care and transferring the appropriate records can be a confusing process.

While the Home Front Military Network in Colorado Springs is anticipating impacts, they have not hit yet, said Kate Hatten, executive director. A message echoed by other nonprofit groups that serve veterans.

"People tend to reach out to us when they are in a crisis," she said. But the nonprofit hopes to be able to meet the needs in the future.

"There is a lot of stress out there," Hatten said.

So far, 70 people have contacted the nonprofit with needs related to federal budget cuts, but she could not say how many were directly connected to VA.

'Slow death spiral'

As senior policy analyst for the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute, Lemle said he expects the conditions will get worse within the Veterans Health Administration, in part because $12 billion is slated to be cut from direct medical care, a 17% cut. The Trump administration proposed pulsing up funding for community-based care outside the VA by $11.4 billion, a 50% increase.

It's a self-perpetuating cycle: As veterans shift to receiving health care from community providers and the money follows them, fewer dollars get reinvested in VA care and even more patients must be sent to community care.

"You see the slow death spiral of the VA," Lemle said.

He said he expects the number of veterans receiving care in the community could be accelerated by a pilot program in pending legislation that would allow veterans to seek outpatient mental health and substance abuse services, without first getting a referral from the VA.

Currently, the VA can offer more affordable, integrated and preventive care with expertise in conditions that are seen more frequently in veterans, such as traumatic brain injury. Care outside the VA is necessary when veterans face long travel distances or unacceptably long wait times, but it is not a replacement for the VA, he said.

As the furious pace of change continues in the next few months, Fornnarino said that, as a veteran, she is invested in protecting the VA  the agency itself, and the dedicated doctors and nurses whose singular mission is to care for service members and their families, long into the future.

We are going to continue to push back  thats our only avenue, Fornnarino said.

This story was updated to include the additional funding set aside to provide medical care for veterans exposed to toxins.
When Ubaid Salarzai waved goodbye to Maulana Khan Zeb, who was heading off in a different direction to invite people to a peace rally, he had no idea it would be their final farewell.

The two had stood shoulder to shoulder for years, working tirelessly to promote peace and security in Bajaur, a Pakistani tribal district on the Afghan border with a heavy presence of Islamic State and Pakistani Taliban members.

Just 20 minutes later, Salarzais phone rang with a devastating message: Maulana Khan Zeb and his driver had been shot and killed.

Khan Zeb's death highlights the risk peace activists in Pakistan face amid ongoing violence and political instability in tribal regions. It also has raised accusations the countrys intelligence agencies are propping up various militant outfits for their strategic purposes and foreign policy goals.

Khan Zeb was not the first and sadly, he wont be the last to lay down his life in the struggle for peace and security in this region, Salarzai told RFE/RL by phone.

Khan Zeb, like many other peace activists in the restive tribal region, which once was called the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), had been a vocal advocate for stability in his home district of Bajaur, located about 250 kilometers from Pakistans central capital Islamabad.

There has been no claim of responsibility in the shooting, but mourners and activists gathered at Khan Zebs funeral on July 11 chanted in Urdu Ye Jo Na Maloom Hain - Ham Sab Ko Maloom Hain (The ones called unknown - we know them well).

Pakistani peace activists allege the countrys intelligence agencies are propping up various militant outfits for their strategic purposes and foreign policy goals.

The Awami National Party said last week that it is filing a case against the government for Khan Zeb's murder with provincial leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain saying the killing was an attack "on Pashtun consciousness, peace, and resistance politics."

The allegation is not new. The United States, a key partner of Pakistans in the global war on terror, has accused Pakistani security agencies in the past of trying to play both sides of the coin.

You cant keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbors, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Pakistan during a trip to Islamabad in 2011.

Pakistans tribal areas stretch along the Afghan border in a crescent shape from east to west.

Historically, the border zone was viewed by British colonial authorities as a strategic buffer between the British Empire and the Iron Curtain before the division of British India into two independent states  India and Pakistan in 1947.

Pakistans northwest region, including the tribal areas, is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Pashtuns, divided by the colonial-era Durand Line that separates Afghanistan from Pakistan.

The 9/11 attacks on the United States that killed thousands, highlighted the area's reputation as a hub of Taliban militancy.

Pakistans tribal region, comprising seven districts -- Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan, has long been a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Following the US invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, many members and leaders of the Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda sought refuge in this region.

The Pakistani government has launched multiple military operations to eliminate militant groups from the region, though most were either unsuccessful or achieved only limited results while displacing nearly 1 million residents, who were forced to seek shelter in tented camps, rented accommodations, or with relatives in urban areas.

Although the military declared success, claiming it had pushed the militants back across the Afghan border, the threat never fully disappeared.

Since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, the Pakistani Taliban have bounced back, carrying out daring attacks on the Pakistani security forces.

In an interview with RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, the Governor of Pakistans northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province admitted that armed Taliban militants control certain areas of the region during nighttime.

Maulana Fazlur Rahman, a prominent religious scholar and leader of Pakistans largest Jamiat Ulema-e Islam party, concurred, telling Radio Mashaal that the states authority effectively vanishes in Waziristan and some neighboring districts after dusk.

The state is complicit, said Mohsin Dawar, another peace activist, political leader, and former member of Pakistans Parliament or the National Assembly from the Waziristan tribal region.

Dawar was seriously injured and two activists lost their lives when police fired on a rally he was leading in North Waziristan in February 2024.

Dawar is one of the founding members of the rights movement PTM or Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (Pashtun Protection Movement) along with two other leading figures, Ali Wazir and Manzoor Pashteen.

Wazir, also a former MP from the tribal region, and a harsh critic of Pakistans anti-Taliban policies, has been in jail on charges of sedition for nearly two years.

Pashteen, who held dozens of rallies across Pakistan demanding peace and security in the tribal region, has been avoiding public appearances since December amid serious threats to his life.

Public mobilization is not acceptable because Pakistans security establishment has different strategic objectives than peace, according to Dawar.

He added that peace activists face an extreme level of threats because they are seen as obstacles to those objectives.

The Pakistani military maintains that it is fully committed to combating terrorism. Officials note dozens of soldiers have been killed in attacks by militants as the government tries to curb their activities.

While the TTP and groups like Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) continue to target security forces, government officials, religious leaders, and political opponents, peace activists allege that state security agencies are targeting them.

Aftab Shinwari, district coordinator for the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in the Khyber tribal district, told RFE/RL that he's been jailed for trying to organize events and that activists routinely receive threatening calls and text messages from unknown numbers.

Pakistani authorities say they don't target activists, but they add that individuals who malign the military or act against the state will not be tolerated.

In January 2025, Pakistans National Assembly passed amendments to existing laws, granting state agencies the power to imprison individuals for up to three years for spreading disinformation on social media.

Despite those challenges, peace activists remain defiant.

Salarzai says his struggle is focused on peace and security.

We will continue our peaceful struggle. There is no backing down. We will resist any attempt to disrupt peace whether it comes from the state or nonstate actors.
Astana-based investigative journalist Luqpan Akhmediyarov was shocked when he opened his laptop and found that his widely followed YouTube channel, Prosto Zhurnalistika (Just Journalism), had been abruptly blocked. Just days earlier his Instagram account under the same name vanished as well.

Meanwhile, in Almaty -- on the opposite side of the country -- another veteran investigative journalist, Vadim Boreiko, discovered that his Facebook account, followed by more than 30,000 people, had also been deleted without warning in early July.

These incidents highlight a growing tactic in Kazakhstans digital crackdown targeting influential voices of dissent using technical removals and opaque copyright claims, rather than overt censorship.

It's part of a broader trend across Central Asia, where freedom of expression continues to erode under government pressure.

"This is about control.... It's a message to journalists: your freedom of expression is conditional and monitored," media expert Diana Okremova, who heads the Legal Media Center in Almaty, said.

"These are not isolated incidents but part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism."

Once praised for allowing independent journalism to begin to take root in a region where a free press was pretty much absent, governments in Central Asia are now being criticized for backtracking.

Independent journalism  already a fragile enterprise in Central Asia  is increasingly under siege from these evolving and insidious forms of digital repression, analysts say.

Akhmediyarov told RFE/RL that before his Instagram page disappeared, he received a notice from social media giant Meta saying his account's content did not "correspond" to the company's standards.

He also said that almost simultaneously, a clone of his Instagram account appeared with content different from that of his original account.

"Days later, after we raised this issue with our international partner, Access Now, and other organizations involved in defending journalism, Meta reinstated our page without any explanation," he said, adding that the fake account on his media project then disappeared.

Meanwhile, when his YouTube channel was blocked, Akhmediyarov received an official explanation citing a "violation of copyrights" related to music samples used in his videos.

The copyright complaint, he added, came from a YouTube user who had created their channel just days before filing the claim  and whose account mysteriously vanished soon after Prosto Zhurnalistika was taken down.

"That timing is highly suspicious," Akhmediyarov emphasized.

Boreiko, who runs the popular Giperborei YouTube channel, told RFE/RL that the deletion of accounts of independent journalists looks a "new tactic" that evolved from "direct threats and intimidation" of independent reporters.

"Just weeks earlier, before my Facebook account disappeared without any warning, my Instagram account also vanished suddenly, and two clone Instagram accounts in my name appeared with blue signs verifying authenticity. One even had 134,000 followers," he said, noting that the fake accounts carried content absolutely different from that of his original account.

According to Boreiko, it took his team and him days to restore his Instagram account and eliminate the two clone accounts after he turned to the Cyber Helpline group, a nonprofit that assists with cybersecurity issues.

"It is striking to see how the methods of pressure on journalists have gradually changed," said Boreiko, who has previously received threats by text messages on his phone and had his home vandalized.

"This new tactic's goal is apparently to perplex journalists and bloggers, to impose emotional, psychological pressure, even economic pressure as many journalists use social networks as tools to earn money for living," Boreiko emphasized, adding that his Facebook account has yet to reinstated.

Analysts and journalists are quick to point out that the spate of social media account deletions comes after Kazakh Information and Culture Minister Aida Balaeva and Meta's regional public policy director, Sarim Ali Aziz, held a meeting in Astana.

The agenda included "content moderation" on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, both of which are owned by Meta, Kazakh authorities announced then.

Ministry officials stated at the time that measures were necessary to address concerns about the dissemination of disinformation. Kazakh authorities also said then that as a result of the meeting, a joint working group composed of ministry and Meta representatives was created to develop technical, including algorithmic, solutions to improve content moderation.

Boreiko told RFE/RL that although there is no information proving that the disappearance of the accounts on Facebook and Instagram originated from Meta-Kazakh authorities' cooperation, "there is a chronological tie."

Neither representatives of the Kazakh Ministry of Information and Culture nor Meta officials were immediately available for comment on the situation.

In June, Kazakh authorities refused to issue accreditations to six correspondents of the local RFE/RL service, known as Radio Azattyq, and the head of the RFE/RL representative office in Kazakhstan as well.

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry cited vague national security grounds for its decision.

Critics said the move stems from media law amendments in 2021 that reduced accreditation terms and expanded grounds for revocation, which they say is aimed at throttling foreign and independent media outlets.

RFE/RL has filed a complaint with the Specialized Interdistrict Administrative Court of Astana seeking to declare the decision to refuse the accreditations as illegal.

Similar administrative moves also have been seen in other areas around Central Asia.

Lawmakers in Kyrgyzstan, a country once celebrated for its independent media, passed a revised media law in June, raising alarm among media watchdogs. The law reinstated registration and licensing controls that had previously been slated for abolition.

Critically, lawmakers reinstated mandatory registration for all online publications  including bloggers and news websites  under a new article that grants the Cabinet exclusive authority to establish rules, approve registrations, or revoke them.

The law also caps foreign ownership in Kyrgyz media outlets at 35 percent. Critics argue this restricts international partnerships and cuts off global support for independent outlets.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described the law as "dangerous" and urged Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov to veto it, "to give substance to his verbal commitments to press freedom."

The plea appears to have fallen on deaf ears, with authorities targeting independent broadcaster Aprel TV. A court in Bishkek on July 9 ordered the closure of the outlet, halting its social media activities and broadcasting.

Authorities accused Aprel TV of weakening state authority and having a "harmful impact" on individuals and society. The broadcaster's editors reject the accusations as politically motivated.

As pressure mounts, regional experts warn that such coordinated measures  from legal restrictions and online censorship to criminal prosecutions  are systematically eroding the remaining space for independent journalism in Central Asia.

Nadejda Atayeva, President of the Paris-based AHRCA (Association for Human Rights in Central Asia), told RFE/RL that many journalists in Kazakhstan and their online reports are extremely popular not only in their country but across the region.

"These governments are learning from each other, Atayeva said.

"What is happening in Kazakhstan with digital pressure on journalists will almost certainly happen elsewhere."

With reporting by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz and Kazakh Services
Iran is set to meet with officials from Britain, France, and Germany -- the so-called European three (E3) -- on July 25 in Istanbul to discuss the countrys nuclear program as Western nations turn up the pressure on Tehran to reach a settlement or face new sanctions.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said late on July 20 that the talks would be held at the level of deputy foreign ministers.

"In response to the request of European countries, Iran has agreed to hold a new round of talks," Baghaei told state TV.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi confirmed that a meeting was in the works but said the time and place were still to be determined.

The E3 nations have warned that if a nuclear deal with Iran is not reached by the end of August, they will reinstate all UN sanctions against Iran by activating a so-called snapback mechanism.

On July 18, Aragchi called on the European powers to halt threats against Tehran, including the warnings about reinstating UN sanctions.

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 deals 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.

On July 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin held previously unannounced talks in the Kremlin with Ali Larijani, the top adviser on nuclear issues to Iran's supreme leader.

Larijani "conveyed assessments of the escalating situation in the Middle East and around the Iranian nuclear program," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov added that the Russian president had expressed Moscows "well-known positions on how to stabilize the situation in the region and on the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear program."

Iranian and US negotiators were scheduled to meet in Oslo earlier this month, but the meeting was postponed, with no new date agreed upon.

While both sides claim to support diplomacy, Iran seeks assurances against future attacks. US President Donald Trump has signaled interest in a broader deal but warns of further strikes if Iran resumes high-level uranium enrichment.

A major unresolved issue is the fate of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, enriched to 60 percent  above levels needed for civilian use but still below weapons grade. Iran is estimated to have had around 400 kilograms of this uranium.

Aragchi told Fox News on July 21 that Tehran will not give up its nuclear-enrichment program, even in the face of "serious" damage cause by US and Israeli strikes.

"It is stopped because, yes, damages are serious and severe. But, obviously, we cannot give up of enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride," he said in a clip ahead of the network broadcast of the interview.

Meanwhile, Iran's IRNA news agency on July 20 reported a massive explosion in a residential building in the city of Rezvanshahr in Gilan Province near the Caspian Sea.

A local official told the news agency that the explosion occurred at around 1 p.m. local time on July 20 in a residential unit. The cause of the incident was being investigated, officials said.

"The residents of the residential unit where the explosion took place were not at home, so fortunately there were no casualties, but eight residents of the surrounding houses were injured due to the force and intensity of the explosion and were treated on the spot," a local official said.

With reporting by AFP
In Vladimir Putins Russia, sharing details of publications openly sold in bookstores can result in a 16-year prison sentence. This has been the fate of Grigory Skvortsov, a 35-year-old photographer and musician from Perm. Skvortsov was one of thousands across Russia who purchased the 2021 publication Secret Soviet Bunkers by historian Dmitry Yurkov. The book reproduced scores of once secret diagrams of Soviet installations that had recently been declassified. Some supplementary scans were made available with the book, which Skvortsov purchased. He later shared some of those documents with an unnamed American journalist.

In November 2023, Skvortsov was being visited by a friend when Russian police entered his apartment in Perm. According to a relative, police filmed what happened next. He was beaten and insulted, the relative of the photographer told RFE/RL's Siberia Realities. Then they forced him to say on camera who he sent information from Yurkovs book to. The relative, who asked not to be named, says it had been months since communication between the American and Skvortsov had taken place and police had to remind him of the Americans identity. They told him the name themselves, they 'suggested' it to him, he said. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has drastically expanded the scope of what can be deemed a "state secret." No money changed hands in Skvortsov's interaction with the American, and friends say the documents were sent to help out a like-minded person -- common practice among urban explorers and history enthusiasts. "He did not pursue any selfish goals," a friend told RFE/RL's Siberia Realities.

Skvortsov's friends say architecture had always been a passion of his. In 2010 he graduated from the Perm Construction College with a degree in architecture, but he soon earned success as a photographer. "He had no equal in photographing industrial sites. He loved it: roofs, abandoned buildings -- he could make eye-candy from any workshop, a colleague says. Real estate companies in Perm and elsewhere in Russia ordered advertising shoots from him, the Perm associate recalls. I remember there was even an exhibition of his in the building of the local administration. He was very much in demand."

In 2017, Skvortsov founded the industrial ambient band Jagath. "We create our music in abandoned industrial places -- at the bottom of a damp underground sewer shaft and inside huge hollow oil tanks," Jagaths website says. The bands music is described as niche, but it was released by a British record label, and attracted attention from Sonic Seducer Magazine, a German music publication. It was during an interview with that magazine that Skvortsov voiced his opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Friends of Skvortsov assume that someone who saw his interview with Sonic Seducer informed on him to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

When asked how Russia's security agencies discovered Skvortsov had given the historical materials to an American journalist, the photographer's relatives say they believe surveillance of him began after the interview, and about a year before his November 2023 arrest. Skvortsov says an acquaintance came under scrutiny from the FSB over sharing materials from the Soviet Secret Bunkers book. After this, the photographer contacted the American journalist and asked that the materials he shared not be republished anywhere.
A King Soopers store is closing in Centennial.

The grocery chain notified the workers union that it will close its location on the intersection of Arapahoe Road and Holly Street.

A spokesperson for King Soopers confirmed the store closure with The Denver Gazette.

Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to close our 5050 E. Arapahoe Road store, the spokesperson said in an email. While we are leaving this location, we will offer each impacted associate the opportunity to transfer to a new location.

The store in Centennial will close on Aug. 16, according to King Soopers.

The closure is part of a wider company decision from Kroger, the Cincinnati-based parent company of King Soopers.

Kroger announced it would close about 60 underperforming stores within 18 months across the nation in its earnings report released last month.

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At the time, Kroger didnt release a list of which stores would be affected.

The Centennial store at 5050 E. Arapahoe Road is the first known store in Colorado included in this wave of closures.

It comes on the heels of Krogers failed merger with Albertsons, which would have been the largest grocery store merger in the U.S. Yet the grocery chains couldnt convince federal courts in two states that the deal wouldnt create a monopoly and both filed lawsuits against each other over the mergers collapse.

Company executives testified during several court cases  including in Colorado  that a failed merger would lead to store closures.

But during the companys most recent earnings call, Krogers interim CEO said the grocer paused closing down stores that didnt perform well enough in annual reviews during its legal proceedings.

We deferred closing any stores due to the merger process, said Ronald Sargent, Krogers interim CEO. So, we see this as an opportunity to move these closed store sales to other stores. And we think that we should improve profitability.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in Februry 2022, Ksenia Koldin was finishing grade 11 in Vovchansk, a city some 70 kilometers from her native Kharkiv.

Six months later, with the country at war, she and her younger brother were forced to go to Russia. They weren't on the front lines, but the two some of the thousands of casualties from the conflict nonetheless.

Earlier this month, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found Russia guilty of implementing an organized system of human rights violations, including the forced deportation of children.

But a new report by the global think tank Globsec goes a step further, echoing growing accusations of Moscow's aim to "steal" Ukraine's future.

"Russias weaponization of population displacement and the deportation of children represents one of the most deliberate and devastating assaults on a civilian population in modern European history," the report, authored by Associate Fellow Megan Gittoes, says, noting the strategy in the global context of mass refugee movements exposes millions to the risks of trafficking and exploitation.

"Far from being unintended consequences of war, these are core components of the Kremlins hybrid warfare strategy, designed to weaken Ukraines demographic resilience in what has become a protracted conflict," the report, released at the Globsec Forum 2025 last month, adds.

Amid massive drone strikes, battlefield clashes, and ruined cities, thousands of Ukrainian children have been taken from their homes and sent to Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine or locations in Russia and its ally, Belarus.

Some have been placed with Russian foster families or at "reeducation camps" while many others like Koldin, went to school -- in Russia.

There, she recounts experiences that come across more as indoctrination than education.

Every Monday we had 'talks about important things' lessons. This is the famous Russian propaganda about how great Russia is. Then we had to sing the national anthem," she told RFE/RL.

Koldin stayed in school for three months during which she said her teachers and the administrator of the college tried constantly to persuade her to take Russian citizenship saying she could get money and housing if she did. She refused.

Around 19,546 children have been deported to Russia since the start of the invasion in 2022, and just about 1399 children have been returned to Ukraine, according to data from Bring Kids Back UA.

Russia has been accused of changing the Ukrainian childrens names in an attempt to deprive them of access to relatives.

Mariam Lambert, co-founder of Emile Foundation that works on the process of returning forcibly deported children, says the pressure put on Ukrainian children now in Russia is a "deliberate and organized crime."

"In Ukraine, children are targeted by Russia to wipe out their identity, Lambert said in an interview with RFE/RL.

The whole goal is to create a new generation in Russia. And that's a crime according to the Geneva Convention.

Moscow has denied committing any crimes with the moving of the children, says it is saving them from the war.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) sees it otherwise.

In March 2023 it issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's commissioner for children's rights.

The court alleges responsibility for the war crime of the unlawful deportation and transfer of children during the war.

Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, who represents the state in efforts to bring back civilians and military personnel, says Russia hasn't been forthcoming with information regarding children from Ukraine.

From our perspective, we clearly see the main goal of deporting Ukrainian children: to use them as the next generation of Russian soldiers, Lubinets told RFE/RL.

Their documents are changed, all of them, including birth certificates and education records. They are forced to speak only Russian and to identify themselves as Russian, he added.

An investigation by Schemes (Skhemy), an investigative news project run by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, last December revealed Russia has been using a militaristic youth organization, Yunarmia, to foster the loyalty of teenagers in occupied parts of Ukraine and prepare them to fight in Moscow's war against their native country.

Yunarmia "was created with the specific idea of the militarized reeducation of not only Russian [children] but also Ukrainian children from the occupied territories," said Kateryna Rashevska, a lawyer at the Regional Center for Human Rights, which was forced to move from Crimea to Kyiv after the Russian occupation.

Those parents trying to find their children and repatriate them after being separated appear to back up Lubinets' claims.

The Globsec report cited the testimony of several parents saying Russian officials put up obstacles to try and make the return of children more difficult.

'Brainwashing'

One of them, a woman named Tatyana, said when she tried to secure the return of her son, who was transferred to a camp in Crimea in 2023, she was accused by Russian officials of acting on behalf of Ukrainian intelligence and detained her for several days.

Koldin said she experienced another issue when trying to secure the return of her brother, now 14, after they were separated in Russia.

He had spent five weeks at a summer camp and then moved in with the new Russian family to Abinsk, a city in the Krasnodar region.

There, she said, they started brainwashing him.

They said that the Nazis were operating in Ukraine, that they wanted to kill him, that no one needed him in Ukraine, that there was a war there and that he shouldn't go there, Koldin said.

He was reluctant to go, having made new friends and fearing what awaited him in Ukraine after hearing how bad it was.

We talked for three hours, during which I tried to persuade him to agree to go with me. He absolutely did not want to go," Koldin recounts.

"He said the same things about the Nazis being there, that he wanted to stay here, that there was a war, that they were bombing."

He finally relented, with his Russian foster mother telling them as they left: Go, go to your Ukraine, it will soon become Russia anyway.

Ukraine has made the return of children a key point in struggling peace talks with Russia.

Lubinets says Russian officials are reluctant to return the children "because they fully understand that every returned child is a potential witness.

We must acknowledge that Russian propaganda works on them every single day, he says.

Ksenia Koldin says it took several months for her brother to re-assimilate.

She says her brother now goes to school and lives under the care of a good Ukrainian foster family. They both live in Kyiv and see each other on the weekends.

She also continues to fight for others who have not been as fortunate. Koldin is an ambassador for Save Ukraine, and the voice of children who were deported and had similar experiences to her.
Kyiv has sent Moscow an offer to hold a new round of peace talks in the coming week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, after negotiations between the countries last month made no progress toward ending the ongoing war.

"Everything should be done to achieve a cease-fire," Zelenskyy said in his regular evening address on July 19.

"The Russian side should stop hiding from decisions," he added.

Zelenskyy also reiterated his readiness to have a face-to-face sit-down with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, saying: "A meeting at the leadership level is needed to truly ensure peace -- lasting peace."

Two rounds of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul in May and early June secured large-scale prisoner swaps and deals to return the bodies of slain soldiers.

But they made no breakthrough in achieving a cease-fire to potentially end the military conflict that began with Russias full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022.

Zelenskyy said Rustem Umerov, the newly appointed head of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, had sent Moscow the offer to hold the meeting in the coming week, but did not provide further details.

Umerov, a former defense minister, headed the Ukrainian delegation at both rounds of the peace talks in Turkey.

In a clip aired by Russian state television on July 20, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin was ready to move toward a peace settlement with Ukraine, but he stressed that Moscows primary goal remains achieving the objectives it set at the start of the invasion.

"President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy," Peskov said.

"The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear," he pointed out.

Russia has demanded that Ukraine cede the partially occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson, including the parts that are still controlled by Kyiv.

Moscow has also called for strict limitations on the size of Ukraines armed forces and the extent of foreign military cooperation with Kyiv.

Peskovs full interview with state television reporter Pavel Zarubin was scheduled to be aired in the evening on July 20.

Moscow has repeatedly said it is ready for a fresh round of negotiations but has since intensified its relentless air strikes on Ukraine.

Zelenskyys comments came just hours after Russia fired nearly 380 drones and cruise and ballistic missiles at nearly a dozen Ukrainian towns and cities, killing at least one person and wounding others, according to Ukrainian emergency officials.

A nine-story apartment building in the Black Sea port of Odesa was hit, killing one woman and wounding several others, the officials said.

Ukraine responded with a barrage of drone attacks overnight and in the early hours of July 20, with some drones heading toward the Russian capital, Moscow.

Russia's Defense Ministry said on July 20 its forces had downed 364 drones in the previous 24 hours, including at least 23 over the Moscow region.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that by midday local time more than 20 Ukrainian drones had been shot down as they headed for the capital.

The drone strikes forced Moscows four major airports -- Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky - to redirect a total of 134 flights, according to Russia's aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia.

The strikes also damaged several high-rise buildings and cars were set on fire in Moscows Zelenograd region, but Sobyanin said that the damage was not significant.

Rail traffic was disrupted in Russias Rostov region, bordering Ukraine, after fragments from intercepted drones fell onto rail infrastructure, affecting 50 long-distance trains and local traffic, regional authorities reported.

Officials said a woman has been injured in Rostov after private homes caught alight from falling drone fragments.

Kyiv has said its attacks on Russian border regions seek to disrupt military supplies, noting that Russian civilian damage is much less than that inflicted by Moscows forces on Ukrainian civilians.

Oleksandr Pertsovskiy, the head of Ukrainian Railways said in a social media post that there was a spike in Russian attacks targeting civilian trains, transporting non-military goods over the past week. Trains transporting coal were being hit in particular, he said.

Russia also claimed on July 20 that its forces have seized the village of Bila Hora in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region. The claim could not be independently verified.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa
BJP in Power for 20 Years in Bihar, 11 at Centre, Yet Ignored Unemployed Youth: Uday Bhanu Chib

Youth Congress's job fair was organized today at Gyan Bhawan, Patna.

BJP in Power for 20 Years in Bihar, 11 at Centre, Yet Ignored Unemployed Youth: Uday Bhanu Chib

Indian Youth Congress today organized Mega Rozgar Mela 2025 for the youth of Bihar state at Gyan Bhavan, Patna. During this, thousands of youth of Bihar participated in this program.

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Youth Congress's job fair was organized today at Gyan Bhawan, Patna. In this job fair, private companies interviewed the youth. Private companies like Tata Alliance, Flipkart, Zipto, Voltas, Tech Mahindra, Paytm, Aditya Birla, Hitachi, Urban Clap, 190 companies participated in this job fair. About 48000 youth registered themselves in the job fair, more than 20000 youth were interviewed, and more than 7000 youth got job letters on the spot. Along with this, many youth have also been invited for the second round by the HR of the companies.

During this time, many senior Congress leaders also participated in the program. AICC Bihar and Youth Congress in-charge Shri Krishna Allavaru ji, Bihar Congress President Shri Rajesh Ram ji, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Akhilesh Prasad Singh ji, AICC NSUI in-charge Shri Kanhaiya Kumar ji, Lok Sabha MP Pappu Yadav ji, Congress MLA Smt. Pratima Das ji, former MLA Amit Kumar Tunna ji and Poonam Paswan ji participated in the program.

On this occasion, National President of Indian Youth Congress, Shri Uday Bhanu Chib Ji said that this job fair of Youth Congress is a campaign of those who believe in the vision of Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji. The youth who are getting jobs, it is not just their victory, it is an inspiration for us too. BJP has been in power in Bihar for the last 20 years, at the center for 11 years, but has done nothing for the unemployed youth of Bihar, despite being in the opposition, Youth Congress and Congress Party are providing employment to the youth of Bihar taking inspiration from Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, if the intention is clear then everything can be achieved, more than 20000 youth came to this job fair today and about 7000 youth got employment today. These figures prove that the double engine government has completely failed in Bihar. Since Nitish Kumar ji fell ill, the Bihar government is being run by remote control. The double engine government is only concerned about its billionaire friends. In the double engine remote control government, the youth have not got employment but the criminals have definitely got employment. Crime is increasing day by day in Bihar.

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National President of Indian Youth Congress Shri Uday Bhanu Chib ji appealed to the people of Bihar and the youth of Bihar to vote for such a party and organization in the upcoming elections that does what it says for Bihar and not for such a party that speaks slogans and bids for Bihar. He also thanked the media colleagues for taking this campaign to as many youth as possible, and he also congratulated all the colleagues of Bihar Youth Congress for this grand event.

On this occasion, Bihar Congress and Youth Congress in-charge Shri Krishna Allavaru ji said that a large number of youth have gathered in the 'Maha Rojgar Mela' organized in Patna. These pictures show that the BJP-JDU government has not given jobs to the youth, it has only given false assurances and slogans. These thousands of hardworking youth have hope from Congress. We are providing them jobs so that they can achieve their dreams easily. Unemployment in Bihar is not just a number, it is a long wait.. which is clearly visible in this crowd gathered in Gyan Bhawan of Patna today. When the double engine government closed the doors of jobs, then the Youth Congress has opened the door of hope for the unemployed youth of Bihar. Congress is standing with the youth who were ignored by the double engine government.

Bihar Pradesh Youth Congress President Shri Garib Das said that this crowd of Rozgar Mela is not just a fair, it is the cry of that generation which has been struggling with false promises and unfulfilled intentions for years. This huge crowd is clearly saying that the youth of Bihar do not need any mercy, they just need an opportunity. BJP and JDU governments were in power for years, but such a Rozgar Mela never happened. Taking inspiration from Shri Rahul Gandhi ji, we have returned the right of Bihar youth by giving them employment.

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During this, Bihar Pradesh Youth Congress in-charge Mohd. Shahid, President Shri Garib Das, National Secretary Shri Hari Krishna, Shri Rohit Kumar, Shri Shesh Narayan Ojha, Shri Puneet Parya, along with many National Executive members, many State Presidents and many Youth Congress workers were present in today's program.

(For more news apart from  BJP in Power for 20 Years in Bihar, 11 at Centre, Yet Ignored Unemployed Youth: Uday Bhanu Chib, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Chandigarh Authorities Launch Major Demolition Drive at Sector 53 Furniture Market

"A review meeting was held under DC Chandigarh ahead of the July 20 demolition at Furniture Market, Sector 53."

Chandigarh Authorities Launch Major Demolition Drive at Sector 53 Furniture Market

Chandigarh, Demolition Drive at Sector 53 Furniture Market  A large-scale demolition drive is currently underway at Chandigarhs Sectors 53 and 54 to clear out an unauthorised furniture market spread across over 15 acres of agricultural land. The market, which had been operating illegally since 1985, houses 116 shops, all of which are being removed as part of the action.

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Multiple excavators have been deployed to carry out the demolition, while security in the area has been significantly increased in anticipation of resistance from shop owners and workers, many of whom are staging protests against the move.

In preparation for the operation, Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner held a review meeting on Friday and issued detailed directions related to safety protocols, fire safety, medical arrangements, and waste disposal. The administration has also announced the deployment of approximately 1,000 police personnel to maintain law and order during the drive.

"A review meeting was held under DC Chandigarh ahead of the July 20 demolition at Furniture Market, Sector 53. Directions issued for safety, fire, medical & waste clearance. Police to deploy ~1000 personnel to ensure smooth & secure execution," read an official post on X.

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The administration had long ordered the removal of the unauthorised furniture market. Shopkeepers had requested relocation, but the Estate Officer denied the request. A final eviction notice was issued on June 22, 2024, yet no shops were vacated.

SDM (East) Khushpreet Kaur stated that vendors were repeatedly warned, and all action was paused until their representations were addressed. Announcements were made continuously over the past 1012 days.

While the administration says the land was acquired in 2002 for sector development, shopkeepers claim to have operated there since 1986. A similar demolition attempt in February 2025 was halted due to political interference.

Meanwhile, customers rushed to the market on Saturday to grab discounted furniture before the demolition.

(For more news apart from Chandigarh Authorities Launch Major Demolition Drive at Sector 53 Furniture Market, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Five Members of a Family Die by Suicide in Ahmedabad's Bagodara Village, Probe Underway

Soon after the incident was reported, the Bagodara police and a 108 emergency ambulance team rushed to the spot.

Five Members of a Family Die by Suicide in Ahmedabads Bagodara Village, Probe Underway

Family Die by Suicide in Ahmedabads Bagodara, Gujurat Latest News  In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded late at night in Bagodara village, located in Bavla taluka of Ahmedabad district, five members of a single family allegedly died by suicide after consuming a poisonous substance. According to a report by Bhaskar English, the tragic event took place in a rented house near the Bagodara bus station.

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The deceased have been identified as 32-year-old Vipul Kanjibhai Vaghela, his wife Sonal Vipulbhai Vaghela (26), and their three childrenKarina alias Simran (11), Mayur (8), and Princy (5). The family, belonging to the Devipujak community, originally hailed from the Barkota area in Dholka and had been residing in Bagodara to earn a livelihood. Vipulbhai was working as an auto-rickshaw driver to support his family, according to the report.

According to initial investigations, the incident occurred shortly before 1:30 AM on July 20. All five members are believed to have consumed poison during the night and were found dead the following morning. The circumstances suggest a coordinated act of mass suicide, although the motive remains unknown.

Soon after the incident was reported, the Bagodara police and a 108 emergency ambulance team rushed to the spot. Senior officials from Ahmedabad Rural Police, including the SP, Dhandhuka Division ASP, LCB PI, SOG PI, and forensic experts from the FSL also reached the scene to begin a thorough investigation. Authorities inspected the house and issued necessary directives to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths.

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As of now, no suicide note has been recovered, and police have not determined any concrete reason behind the extreme step taken by the family. The bodies have been sent to Bagodara Community Health Center for post-mortem examinations.

A detailed probe is underway to uncover the real cause of the incident. It remains to see whether any external pressure or distressing factor contributed to this tragedy.

(For more news apart from Five Members of a Family Die by Suicide in Ahmedabads Bagodara Village, Probe Underway, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
PM Modi's Upcoming UK-Maldives Visit Sparks Opposition Criticism Ahead of Monsoon Session

The government has no idea how to tackle all these issues.

PM Modis Upcoming UK-Maldives Visit Sparks Opposition Criticism Ahead of Monsoon Session

PM Modis Upcoming UK-Maldives Visit Sparks Opposition Criticism Latest News An all-party meeting was convened today ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, scheduled to begin on July 21, 2025. The meeting saw the opposition raise strong objections to Prime Minister Narendra Modis foreign travel plans during the session, as well as concerns over key national issues.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the United Kingdom from July 2324, on the invitation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to ANI.

This will mark Modis fourth visit to the UK. In the second leg of the tour, the Prime Minister will undertake a State Visit to the Maldives from July 2526 at the invitation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. It will be Modis third visit to the Maldives, and notably, the first visit by a Head of State or Government to the island nation during Muizzus presidency.

Opposition leaders questioned the timing of the visit, which overlaps with the Monsoon Session. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari criticized the government, stating, When the Prime Minister knew that he would be abroad on those dates, why did he call the session? The Prime Minister should look at his attendance as to how many days he attended the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Our Prime Minister is not serious about democracy.

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He added that the Congress will raise several key issues in the House including Operation Sindoor, the situation in Bihar, foreign policy, and the rise in atrocities against SCs and women, asserting, We clearly told the government that these issues are important, so the Prime Minister should be present, but I think the government is not serious about running the House.

Congress MP K Suresh echoed similar concerns, demanding the Prime Minister make a statement on Operation Sindoor. We demanded that the Prime Minister should come to the House and make a statement about Operation Sindoor, and then a detailed discussion should be done, he said.

CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar criticised the government's response during the meeting. Many issues were raised and of course the response of the government is, as usual, cool. No offer, nothing. The first thing is that the Prime Minister should come and address the House, making it clear what has happened in Pahalgam, the post-Pahalgam developments, and all related matters. I dont think the government is going to respond positively, he said, adding, The government has no idea how to tackle all these issues.

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Raising concerns over representation, Rashtriya Loktantrik Party MP Hanuman Beniwal stated, In the all-party meeting, we spoke about giving ample time to 1-2 member parties to speak on important issues. They do not give enough time to small parties. He also called for discussions on paper leak incidents, online gaming, the drug menace, and unemployment, saying, We have raised all important issues.

On the governments side, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized cooperation among parties, especially regarding the Justice Verma case, stating, In the Justice Varma case, the process will be undertaken together by all parties. This is not the move by the Government alone.

As the Monsoon Session approaches, political tensions remain high over the governments handling of pressing national concerns and the Prime Ministers absence during key parliamentary proceedings.

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(For more news apart from PM Modis Upcoming UK-Maldives Visit Sparks Opposition Criticism Ahead of Monsoon Session, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Tsunami Warning Issued After Powerful Earthquakes Strike Off Russia's Pacific Coast

The tremors triggered tsunami alerts across the region, including for the eastern coast of Russia and Hawaii in the United States.

Tsunami Warning Issued After Powerful Earthquakes Strike Off Russias Pacific Coast

Tsunami Warning in Russia after earthquakes: A tsunami warning has been issued for parts of Russia and Hawaii after a series of strong earthquakes struck off Russias eastern coast, Al Jazeera reported, citing data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and News agencies.

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According to the USGS, three major quakesone of them registering a powerful magnitude of 7.4were recorded within just 32 minutes off the coast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city in Russia's Kamchatka Region. Two other quakes were measured at magnitude 6.7, while a smaller 5.0 tremor occurred shortly before the series of stronger quakes began.

The larger quake was at a depth of 20 kilometers (12 miles) and was 144 kilometers (89 miles) east of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which has a population of 180,000, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, AP report said.

The tremors triggered tsunami alerts across the region, including for the eastern coast of Russia and Hawaii in the United States.

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The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) initially recorded one of the quakes at magnitude 6.7 but later upgraded it to 7.4. Following the main shocks, at least three aftershocks were reported, including one measured at 6.6.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, home to more than 163,000 residents, lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent and intense seismic activity. It is situated northeast of Japan and west of the U.S. state of Alaska.

As of now, no major damage or casualties have been reported, but authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

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(For more news apart from Tsunami Warning Issued After Powerful Earthquakes Strike Off Russias Pacific Coast, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Two Indians Killed, One Abducted in Terror Attack in Niger's Dosso Region (Representative Image)

This incident follows a deadly terrorist attack in March this year

Two Indians Killed, One Abducted in Terror Attack in Nigers Dosso Region

Niamey, July 15  In a heinous terror attack in Nigers Dosso region on July 15, two Indian nationals were tragically killed and one was abducted, the Indian Embassy in Niger confirmed.

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The Indian Embassy in Niamey is in close contact with local authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the victims mortal remains and to secure the safe release of the abducted Indian national. The embassy has also urged all Indian citizens residing in Niger to remain alert and vigilant.

According to ANI, citing Arab News, unidentified armed attackers ambushed a Nigerian army unit that was providing security at a construction site for an electrical line in the Dosso region, approximately 100 kilometers (63 miles) from the capital, Niamey.

This incident follows a deadly terrorist attack in March this year, when the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) targeted the Kokorou area in Niger. That attack resulted in the deaths of around 44 civilians and left 13 others severely injured, according to an ANI report citing a UN Security Council press release.

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(For more news apart from  Two Indians Killed, One Abducted in Terror Attack in Nigers Dosso Region, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
July 20, 2025

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 20.07.2025, 13:55

VISIT The Romanian foreign minister Oana Toiu said yesterday that she will make a visit to the US in September, devoted among other things to preparations for a bilateral meeting between presidents Donald Trump and Nicusor Dan. In an interview on a television channel, the Romanian diplomacy chief said she had had talks on strengthening relations between Romania and the US with the US secretary of state Marco Rubio at the NATO summit in The Hague. On that occasion Nicusor Dan and Donald Trump met and exchanged a few words. This spring, Romania was removed from the US Visa Waiver Program after Washington had initially lifted visa requirements for Romanians. The Trump administration then reversed its decision over border security and immigration concerns.

ELIJAH Over 140,000 Romanian Orthodox Christians are celebrating their name day today, on the feast of Saint Elijah, one of the most important prophets of the Old Testament. Among other things, he is viewed as a defender of the faith and a fighter against idolatry, and is the patron saint of aviators. Therefore the Day of Romanian Aviation and Air Force is also marked Romania on July 20. On this occasion, an air show took place in the capital Bucharest, featuring over 40 aircraft from the defence ministry, the interior ministry, the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Romanian Aeroclub, as well as the Italian Air Force. Military and religious ceremonies are also organised elsewhere in the country. In 2025, Romania celebrates 112 years of aviation and 90 years since the unveiling of the Air Heroes Monument in Bucharest.

AVIATION The Air Force remains an essential pillar of the Romanian Army and is modernising and adapting to new security challenges, Romanias president Nicusor Dan said in his message on Aviation Day. He congratulated airmen for their courage and determination in carrying out their missions, which are also appreciated by Romanias allies. In the current security context marked by the Russian Federations continued war against Ukraine, the Air Force, alongside the other components of the army and together with the allies, contributes decisively to maintaining a credible deterrence and defense posture on the entire eastern flank of NATO, the president emphasised. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan also said that the Air Force is essential for the countrys security and response capacity, which supports Romanias credible presence within the North Atlantic Alliance.

BUDGET The Romanian minister of investments and EU projects Dragos Pislaru says the EUR 60 billion earmarked for Romania under the new 2028-2035 Multiannual Financial Framework, as recently proposed by the European Commission, is good at first glance, but that it comes with strict conditions. Romania must be well prepared, with very clear its priorities and capable of delivering results, the minister posted on his Facebook page. Pislaru wrote that important months are ahead because in the fall the European Parliament and the Council are to make public their official views on the new budget, and Romania must in turn present its own stand. Negotiations are expected in 2026, and as of the second half of 2027 the member states may submit their national plans for approval, so that in 2028 we could already have the financing after the approved plans, Dragos Pislaru explained.

MOLDOVA The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Moldova has denied the registration of the pro-Russian electoral bloc Pobeda (Victory) for the parliamentary elections due on September 28. The bloc, made up of 4 pro-Russian and Eurosceptic political parties, was created in Moscow by Ilan Shor, a fugitive Moldovan oligarch sentenced to prison for his involvement in the theft of USD one billion from Moldovas banks. Shors involvement is precisely why the Central Electoral Commission in Chisinau made this decision, as according to the institution the oligarchs banned party would thus carry on its activity in disguise. The Commissions decision can be appealed in court.

MIDDLE EAST The European Union yesterday welcomed the ceasefire between the Israeli army and the Syrian transitional authority, and called for all civilians to be protected. Paris and Washington also called for strict compliance with the ceasefire in Sweida, a province in southern Syria which has seen gruesome conflicts between members of the Bedouin and Druze communities. About 940 victims were reported, of which almost 600 Druze, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This is the second wave of violence of this type in Syria since the dictator Bashar al-Assad was removed from power in December 2024. The new Syrian president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has promised his government will protect minorities, but before the Druze, more than 1,000 Alawites, another Shiite minority to which former President al-Assad belongs, have been killed. Jihadists are also believed to have taken part in the massacres, prompting the US secretary of state Marco Rubio to call on Syrian authorities to use their security forces to prevent jihadists from entering the south of the country and committing atrocities. On Saturday, Damascus said its troops had halted the violence and declared a ceasefire. (AMP)
Kinetic, a name that once dominated Indian two-wheeler households, is all set to make a grand re-entry into the mainstream scooter segment  this time with an electric twist. Through its EV arm, Kinetic Watts and Volts Ltd, the company has officially teased its upcoming electric scooter ahead of launch, which is scheduled to take place on July 28, 2025. The teaser offers a nostalgic nod to the brands heritage, especially through the prominent red READY button placed on the right-hand side switchgear  a clear throwback to the iconic Kinetic Honda DX of the past.

Teaser Rekindles Old Memories with a Modern Touch

The teaser image reveals a close-up of the scooters handlebar switchgear. While the layout is fresh, the glowing red READY button steals the spotlight. This button, positioned alongside another that reads ARE YOU, is a smart homage to the start switch from the classic Kinetic DX, which many Indian riders remember fondly. This clever use of retro design cues shows Kinetics intent to blend the past with the future  using nostalgia as a hook for modern EV mobility.

Spy Shots Reveal Key Design and Hardware Elements

While the teaser focuses on the handlebar, recent spy shots provide a much more comprehensive look at the upcoming electric scooter. Spotted testing in Pune under heavy camouflage, the prototype reveals a clear design inspiration drawn from the Kinetic DX, one of the brands most iconic models from the 1990s.

Some of the most notable design elements observed in the spy shots include:

 Squared-off front apron with retro-modern LED rectangular reflector headlamps

 Turn indicators shaped like the Kinetic logo, adding a unique heritage-inspired design cue

 Faux flyscreen above the headlamp with KINETIC lettering  a clear branding statement

 Retro-styled front fender, flat floorboard, and chunky body panels

Mechanical Hardware and Expected Features

The test mule reveals several hardware components that confirm Kinetics focus on offering a reliable and comfortable electric scooter:

 Hub-mounted electric motor, simplifying the drivetrain and making it ideal for city use

 Dual telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers for improved ride comfort

 Box-section swingarm, hinting at a strong and durable chassis

 Front disc brake, visible through the camouflage, for effective stopping power

 Triple-spoke alloy wheels, likely 12 inches in size

 Single-piece rear grab rail and large footboard for added practicality

Overall, the scooters dimensions and proportions seem to align with other urban family-focused EVs like the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ola S1, and Hero Vida V1. With a design that appeals to both retro-loving enthusiasts and modern EV buyers, Kinetics upcoming electric scooter will likely be positioned in the mid-range EV segment, competing directly with popular offerings

Feature-Rich Package Likely

While official specifications remain under wraps, expectations are high that the new Kinetic electric scooter will pack several modern-day features:

 Digital instrument cluster

 Bluetooth connectivity

 Smartphone integration via mobile app

 Multiple ride modes

 Reverse assist

 Side-stand cut-off

 All-LED lighting setup

More technical details such as battery pack size, range, top speed, and charging times are expected to be disclosed at the official launch event on July 28, 2025.

New EV Manufacturing Plant in Ahilya Nagar

Kinetic Watts and Volts Ltd recently inaugurated a new EV manufacturing facility in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra, which is expected to be the base for producing this upcoming electric scooter. The plant is part of Kinetic Groups larger push towards sustainable mobility, and this new scooter will likely be positioned under the Kinetic Green vertical.

Stay tuned as more details emerge, and the iconic red button story gets re-written for a whole new generation of Indian riders.
A 43-year-old woman has died in what officials called a tragic accident involving a motorized boat and contact with the engine propeller at Lake Pueblo State Park Saturday, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The incident involved one powered boat and those on that boat, according to spokesman Dean Miller. It happened around 4 p.m. on the water near Denver Cove located mid-lake near north shore, according to a release from the agency.

A park ranger patrol boat raced to escort the boat with the woman to shore, where additional rangers and firefighters from the Pueblo West Fire Department were waiting.

Life-saving measures were attempted, but the woman was pronounced dead about an hour later.

"CPW offers condolences to the family and friends of the victim and everyone involved in the incident," Joe Stadterman, the manager for the state park, said in the release.

At least four others have died from a water-related incident at Lake Pueblo State Park since May, according to unofficial numbers tracked by The Gazette.
Editors Note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com.

Frances R. Curcio presents Architetto Sergio Cappai, director of the Garibaldi Museum and Compendium, with gifts under the tree planted in 1867 by Garibaldi to celebrate the birth of his daughter. The tree, Clelias stone pine (Pinus pinea), is a magnificent historical, monumental tree. (Courtesy/Frances R. Curcio) And a photo of General Giuseppe Garibaldi. (Archives/Garibaldi-Meucci Museum) (Courtesy/Frances R. Curcio) And a photo of General Giuseppe Garibaldi. (Archives/Garibaldi-Meucci Museum)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Because of her longtime love of history, as well as her Italian heritage thats manifested itself in a myriad ways, Arrochar resident Frances R. Curcio  who happens to be a member of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum  was moved to visit the home of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
- Candidates from left: Curtis Sliwa, Matthew Santamauro, Zohran Mamdani and Remy Smith. Composite from photos on file. Advance/SILive.com; Getty Images and the Smith Campaign.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --Months out from the November 4 general election, unions and electeds have begun to roll out their endorsements for mayor and other positions.

Heres a look at some recent endorsements for key races.

Mayor

Zohran Mamdani

Mamdani, the Queens Democratic Socialist beat Andrew Cuomo in last months primary with 56.39% of the runoff vote, despite lacking the former governors many labor endorsements. Since the primary, several unions have joined the Mamdani camp, backing the Democratic nominee in the general election.

The New York State Nurses Association recently became one of the unions to endorse Mamdanis candidacy, after not endorsing a mayoral candidate in the primary.

NYSNA is proud to support Zohran Mamdani, a candidate who consistently puts the interests of working people first, and is glad that labor is coalescing around him to meet this moment, said the nurses unions president, Nancy Hagans. We share his commitment to fighting for a city that provides healthcare, public transportation, education, and other vital services, so that New Yorkers dont just survive but thrive.

Other unions, such as 32BJ SEIU and the hotel trades have switched their backing to Mamdani after endorsing Cuomo in the primary.

Curtis Sliwa

After winning the Republican primary unopposed, the NYC Republican establishment has coalesced around Sliwa for the general election.

The Republican delegation to the New York City Council has released a statement in support of Sliwa. Sliwa thanked the delegation with a response that pointed to his coming electoral fight with Mamdani.

With this endorsement, we are building the kind of citywide coalition it will take to win on November 4th, defeat Zohran Mamdani, and finally bring common sense and real leadership back to this city, said Sliwa. Together, we will take our streets back, restore public safety, improve affordability and make sure every neighborhood has a voice at City Hall.

The red beret-wearing Republican has also received the endorsement of each boroughs Republican party.

Staten Island Civil Court Judge

Matthew Santamauro

Santamauro is running for Civil Court on the Democratic line in November, facing off against Republican Housing Court Judge Remy Smith. Since 2000, Santamauro has run a private practice, which specializes in criminal and personal injury law. The jurisdiction for this seat encompasses the North and West Shores of Staten Island.

The Staten Island Democratic Party has endorsed Santamauros candidacy.

Matthew Santamauro is a devoted community member, having served Staten Island both as an assistant district attorney and a private practice attorney, said Richmond County Democratic Chair Laura Sword. And we have the utmost faith that he will represent our community with appropriate care and uphold justice just as he has throughout his long, respected career.

Remy Smith

Smith is the Republican and Conservative candidate for the Staten Island Civil Court seat and was endorsed by the Staten Island Republican party.

A New York City Housing Court judge, Smith entered the court system in 2011 as court attorney to Supreme Court Justice Marina Mundy, then a Housing Court judge. She was appointed to the New York City Housing Court bench in 2018 and was reappointed in 2023. She has worked in this capacity in both Brooklyn and Staten Island Housing Courts.

Smith, a native Staten Islander, currently sits on the Board of Trustees of Staten Island Academy and the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel of Staten Island. She hopes to continue to serve the North Shore community as a Civil Court judge for the First Municipal District.

Judge Remy Smith has already proven herself to be an effective and justice-driven jurist. Her distinguished career with proven track record is proof that she will be an effective civil court judge, said Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, chairperson of the Staten Island Republican Party.

This November, Staten Islanders will have a choice: they can vote for Mamdanis Democratic Party or they can vote for local Republicans they can trust, added Tannousis, a Republican who represents Staten Islands East Shore and Southern Brooklyn.
The 'AI for All' Mass Innovation Contest invites public participation

People's Daily Online) 15:39, July 20, 2025

"Ambassador Zhi Zhi, how was your ASEAN trip?"

"Amazing! Vietnams colorful floating boats matched my outfit perfectly!"

"There's a new event in Nanningcome join us, and don't forget to bring your new friends!"

This playful exchange comes from an AI-generated short video. In the clip, Guangxi's lychee mascot "Zhi Zhi" shares fun stories from her journey through the 10 ASEAN countries over a phone call before receiving an invitation to a mysterious eventall these vivid scenes were created using AI technology.

An AI-generated short film is shown during the launch. (Photo provided by the organizer)

"With AI technology, everyone can create such amazing content," said Li Muhan, co-founder of Yuguang Tongchen, while enthusiastically engaging with the audience at the launch of the contest.

This contest has designed the "AI for All" Mass Innovation Contest track, encouraging the general public to create their own fun AI content. "The slogan 'AI for All' reflects this perfectlyAI isn't just a tool for a select few but a medium for technological empowerment. Everyone should participate and use AI to change their lives," said Li, emphasizing that even ordinary people can "play with" AI.

AI-generated art, AI-designed solutions, AI-composed lyrics and musicAIGC (AI-generated content) has sparked a wave of public creativity. Li explained that AIGC not only significantly reduces costs but also breaks conventional thinking, fostering imaginative contentespecially in sci-fi and fantasy genres, where AI excels in constructing grand scenes and conveying futuristic, high-tech aesthetics. Whether depicting people or objects, AI makes breakthroughs every few months, evolving at an astonishing pace.

Co-founder of Yuguang Tongchen, Li Muhan, speaks at the launch. (Photo provided by the organizer)

As a small business, Yuguang Tongchen has already signed an agreement with Nanning's Wuxiang New District, partnering with Guangxi's universities to build an "AIGC Innovation and Entrepreneurship Practice Base" to incubate AI talent and co-develop innovative projects. "The contest allows us to test the feasibility of our AIGC solutions while connecting with like-minded friends and partners. More AI technologies will be activated through this contest," Li said.

"The contest will help build mutual understanding between China and ASEAN countriesallowing our works to reach ASEAN audiences while showcasing ASEAN's creative ideas. It's a fantastic platform for connection, and I eagerly anticipate widespread participation," Li said.

The "AI for All" Mass Innovation Contest extends a sincere invitation to all. (Photo provided by the organizer)

The contest is open to leading companies, startups, research institutions, university students, independent developers, and more, fostering collaboration to redefine future competitiveness in the AI wave.

"I sincerely invite all creators to join the "AI for All" Mass Innovation Contest and together propel AIGC into the mainstream and the future," said Li, looking forward to exploring AI creation and innovation with creators from all fields to drive the high-quality development of Guangxi's AI industry.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
A recent panel discussion on the many challenges journalism faces at the moment demonstrated the value of a good question.

We five journalists on the panel werent able to answer all the questions posed to us by the moderator and a highly engaged audience, but I think we all came away from the evening with a greater sense of how important it is to have professional questioners trying to frame a problem correctly and understand its nuances, since the questions themselves can guide the path to solutions.

By laying out the right trajectory to think about a problem, a well-defined question can lead to more effective problem-solving than simply finding an answer to an ill-conceived question.

Some of the difficult questions we tackled Tuesday night in Colorado Springs:

As a society, do we still believe that a free press has a responsibility to be the guardian of our democracy holding those in power to accountability?

In our current partisan environment, is objective journalism possible?

What are the biggest sources of disinformation/misinformation and how can journalists fight against them? What responsibility do citizens play in fighting against misinformation?

On the panel were former Denver Post Editor Greg Moore, Rocky Mountain PBS CEO Amanda Mountain, Colorado Sun reporter and Editor Jesse Paul, KOAA News5 investigative journalist Alasyn Zimmerman and myself.

Will Stoller-Lee, the program chair for the Greenberg Center for Learning and Tolerance, moderated the discussion at the Ent Center for the Arts on the campus of UCCS, sponsored by the Greenberg Center.

And dont get me wrong: We did have some very specific answers about the challenges journalism faces right now. From internet disinformation and social media algorithms that sow division rather than answer questions, to public perceptions of bias in the press and a growing distrust of the media, to the demonizing statements of politicians, cuts in public funding, a rash of lawsuits against the press and court rulings that frustrate the intent of the First Amendment, this is a difficult time for journalism, no question.

The challenges are especially front and center for Amanda Mountain of Rocky Mountain PBS as Congress votes to slash spending for PBS and NPR and, consequently, their local affiliates.

The attack on public media is about more than just our industry overall, Mountain said about funding cuts. It is about wounding our access collectively to a shared set of facts and information, and its about removing local journalism as a structural investment as taxpayers, she said. And once that happens its very hard to recover from that and it hurts everybody.

Public media is especially important, she noted, because it is in places, often rural, where there is no commercial incentive to be there.

NPR and PBS will survive  only a small percentage of their funding comes from the federal government. But Mountain worries the cuts will force many local stations to sharply reduce their programming and operations as early as this fall.

We were also asked Tuesday night how much of a threat President Donald Trump is to journalism, but former Denver Post Editor Greg Moore pointed out that courts were making journalism harder to practice a long time before Trumps lawsuits against ABC and CBS.

The judiciary was turning against journalism way before Trump, OK? he said. You just could not win in court. You could not get access to phone records. You could not get access to transcripts of meetings and things of that nature. So, the ground had already shifted beneath our feet. We were losing more cases.

Moore said he couldnt remember how many court cases he lost during his 14-year run leading The Denver Post that ended in 2016.

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The ground has shifted on us, and its just shifted more aggressively against a free press in the years since then.

Our experience at The Gazette and The Denver Gazette bears Moore out.

For example, under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act, we recently requested three reports filed in connection with Elijah Caudill's release from jail that would show how he fared in a community services program. We wanted to know how he did in the program because he would go on to be arrested for a deadly 16th Street Mall stabbing attack. We were denied those reports because they involved mental health information. We appealed to the judge, and the judge denied release of the reports.

In another case, Colorado's Marijuana Enforcement Division refused to release the transcript of a Colorado Department of Revenue hearing that resulted in a hearing officer suspending three marijuana licenses even though the division's own rules state those hearings are public hearings.

Another reporter of ours, Nico Brambila, has been denied in six records requests in seven months concerning Denver Public Schools' policies and open-meetings rules, and information about warrants used in ICE raids.

On Tuesday night, we didnt offer many perfect answers to these challenges. But that doesnt mean the questions werent valuable in identifying things that desperately need improvement.

Even with the hurdles growing higher, I came away from our panel discussion fortified by the commitment and passion of my fellow journalists and the audiences interest and deep understanding of the value of a profession of questioners.

At one point, the moderator read the results of a poll of audience members who responded to a real-time survey from a QR code on the screen.

Of those who answered, 15% said they absolutely trust the media, 75% said they mostly did, 5% said mostly not, and the remaining 5% said definitely not.

Those results reminded me of when we launched The Denver Gazette four years ago and did readership surveys that told us people were looking more for the right questions from us than the answers. They wanted the straight facts in their news stories so that they could figure out the answers themselves.

Ninety-three percent of respondents told us fair, balanced, objective journalism was the most important quality of journalism for them.

They told us they believed the ideal news story gathers the best arguments from both sides of an issue and lets those ideas battle it out, allowing readers to decide which argument is the stronger

Talking to audience members after the discussion Tuesday, none of them said journalism wasnt vital to democracy, or their lives. Most of them were voracious consumers of journalism. And they didnt believe journalism could never regain the trust it has lost. They just said we needed to do it better.

People still want good questions from us, in other words, they just dont want us putting a finger on the scale when we ask them, telling them what to think. In order for them to regain trust in us, they want to see evidence that we trust them  to find the answers themselves if we supply the right questions.

Albert Einstein probably best explained the value of good questions and therefore good questioners (i.e., journalists): If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.

He also said, I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.

What a great piece of advice for a journalist eager to restore trust in journalism.

And speaking of good advice for all of us, Einstein also once said that The important thing is not to stop questioning. Never lose a holy curiosity."
Truck traffic blocks off the Tottenville-bound side of Arthur Kill Road outside a warehouse that's under construction in Richmond Valley on Tuesday July 8, 2025. (Advance/SILive | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Even before its fully built, a new commercial development on Staten Island is raising concerns about the impact on local traffic.

A jam caused by truck traffic last week outside the warehouse project being built at Arthur Kill Road and Nassau Place in Richmond Valley has led to concerns about what will happen on local streets once the industrial property is fully operational.

This is before the building is even open, before there are even tenants in there. Im fearful that what we saw on that day could be a harbinger of things to come, said Councilmember Frank Morano.

In a social media post on July 8, Morano  a Republican who represents the boroughs South Shore  said that truck drivers were instructed to idle on local roads while waiting to deliver construction materials to the site.

In his video, Morano stated that the trucks caused a massive traffic jam down Arthur Kill Road  almost down to Richmond Valley Road  effectively closing a lane of traffic on one of the South Shores major roads.

And while the lawmaker said a backup of this magnitude hasnt been repeated, he thinks its a preview of what will happen when the warehouse opens  on a road which he said already cant handle rush hour.

You have Arthur Kill Road, which is already overburdened. You have the bridge thats near this site being very narrow, the road is even narrower. And now youre throwing industrial level truck volume into the mix, its incredibly reckless, said Morano.

The roads in that area were never designed for this kind of industrial freight volume, they were designed for neighborhood traffic not commercial supply chains, he continued.

Truck traffic seen blocking off the Tottenville-bound side of Arthur Kill Road on Tuesday July 8, 2025 outside a warehouse that's under construction in Richmond Valley. (Advance/SILive | Jan Somma-Hammel)

Morano said he requested that the Department of Transportation look into the situation and that the Department of Buildings issue a stop work order.

On Tuesday, the DOT had installed No Standing signs along Arthur Kill Road, outside the warehouse, in response to Morano and other community members concerns, according to an agency spokesperson.

And a spokesperson from the DOB said that while a partial stop work order was issued at the site on Monday, it was because of an issue with fire hydrants on site, and not because of Moranos concerns.

Sagard Real Estate, which is developing the site, did not answer a request for comment about the situation before publication.

An environmental assessment prepared in 2022 for the project mentioned some changes to nearby streets, such as adding a travel lane in each direction on Richmond Valley Road and a left turning lane at the intersection of Arthur Kill Road and Nassau Place.

However, it concluded that with signal timing changes, the project would not result in significant adverse traffic impacts.

About the project

A massive industrial warehouse project is rising at the corner of Arthur Kill Road and Nassau Place in Richmond Valley, and developers say the facility is slated to open before years end. (Advance/SILive | Jan Somma-Hammel)

The warehouse, which will be used for the storage of manufactured goods, is slated to open before the end of the year, according to developers.

The warehouse facility will offer 331,700 square feet of divisible warehouse space with 60 loading docks and two drive-in doors.

According to New York City Planning documents, the project was disapproved by Community Board 3 in October 2022, but approved by the City Planning Commission later that same year.

The warehouse is being designed to accommodate up to three tenants, noted the zoning application. The Proposed Development, a high-cube warehouse, would be used for the storage and/or consolidation of manufactured goods prior to their distribution to retail locations or other warehouses.

In other words, the goods received and distributed from the facility would move in bulk from business to business, rather than as individually packaged products from businesses to individual consumers, the document noted.

The application also stated that the facility would not serve as a regional or local freight forwarder for time-sensitive shipments via air freight or ground carriers, nor would it provide truck maintenance, washing or fueling facilities.

Previous reporting from the Advance/SILive noted that the site was home to the Tottenville Copper Company in the late 1800s, and by 1913, the company was producing 100 million pounds of refined copper there.

Near the end of the 1800s, Benjamin Lowenstein opened the Tottenville Copper Company on Nassau Street in Tottenville. By 1913, the company was producing 100 million pounds of refined copper. (Staten Island Advance)

However, the company fell on hard times during the Depression and was sold to Western Electric in 1931 and renamed Nassau Smelting & Refining Co.

Over the next 70 years, the name of the facility and its operation changed several times.

In 1996, Lucent Technologies assumed ownership of the site when the company spun off from AT&T. But it is documented that during its more than 100 years of operation, the approximately 46-acre site was contaminated with heavy metals.

In 2006, Lucent began the cleanup of contaminated soil, which reportedly contained lead, copper and zinc, preventing the property from being used.

In 2016, the property was purchased from Lucent for $30 million by the Manhattan-based Bridgewater Capital. After a plan for 646 luxury senior housing units on the site was shot down by the community and elected officials one year later, it was sold for $30.6 million.

At the time of the sale, Brian McGowan of Casandra Properties, the exclusive leasing agent for the site, didnt disclose the intention for the property, but said warehouse uses were on the table.
The intersection of Canal Street and Bowery in Chinatown, where a driver killed two on Saturday morning, is shown in a Google street view image. Courtesy Google Maps

A car that crashed into a pedestrian island in New York Citys Chinatown, killing two, was originally stolen from a rental car company on Staten Island, according to a report from the New York Daily News.

On Saturday morning, a Chevy Malibu speeding excessively off the Manhattan Bridge lost control and fatally struck two people, one sitting on a nearby bench and the other a passing cyclist, according to the Daily News.

The 23-year-old driver and 22-year-old passenger of the car tried to flee the scene, but were eventually captured by police, the outlet reported.

Police told the Daily News that the Chevy had been reported stolen from a rental car company on Staten Island, and that after being rented the car was never returned.

The two victims have been identified as May Kwok, 63, who was sitting on a nearby bench, while the cyclist was only identified as a 55-year-old man, according to the report.
If New Yorkers begin paying more for craft beers and ciders, it may be President Donald Trumps fault.

The Albany Times-Union reported that New York craft brewers are grappling with the effects of Trump tariffs on imported aluminum.

The Trump tariffs are meant to spur domestic production of products, but brewers say that they are paying the price until U.S. production ramps up.

Christian Weber of the Common Roots brewing company said that hes seen an 8% increase in costs, which he equated to $10,000, that has happened because of the rising cost of aluminum.

Trump in March imposed a 25% tariff on imported aluminum, a tariff which doubled to 50% in June.

Weber said he is dealing with an increase in costs from supply and demand issues.

If the end goal is to increase American manufacturing, then you cant just slap a tariff on and expect the market just to catch up, Weber said.

As businesses look to replace foreign sources of materials, demand for American-manufactured goods has increased, Weber said, but American manufacturers have not had adequate time to prepare for the spike in demand."

The price of cardboard has also seen a 5% increase, Weber said, due to supply and demand issues.

He said that food costs have also been impacted in astronomical ways, a problem for Common Roots, which sells food at its two locations.

Coffee prices have spiked as high as 25%, Weber said, as beans are imported from Mexico, Colombia and Brazil.

Weber said that its very short-sighted to think that Americans can produce everything they need in-house and ignore the global economy. Some items, like coffee beans, cannot be grown in America, he said.

Sonya del Peral, co-owner of Nine Pin Cider, said that a shipment of cans is now coming with an additional tax of a little over $1,700.

With 10 shipments left through the end of the year, del Peral said the costs have been pretty shocking for a small business to have an extra $20,000 in six months added to our costs.

This is all about building up manufacturing, supposedly, Del Peral said, but its really hurting our existing manufacturing business, which is hyperlocal.
Wheres the footage at?

MAGA architect Steve Bannon spent 15 hours filming Jeffrey Epstein for a documentary before the accused child sex traffickers death in jail in 2019.

But aside from one clip, none of the footage has been released, Business Insider reported in a story that has resurfaced amid the new controversy over Epstein.

The clip was meant to be a promo for a documentary titled, The Monsters: Epsteins Life Among the Global Elite, from Bannons production company, Victory Films.

Before Epstein went to jail on sex-trafficking charges in July 2019, Bannon spent months in the financiers homes in Manhattan and Paris, boasting that hed shot 15 hours worth of video.

But no documentary has been released, and Bannons close relationship with Epstein has been curiously memory-holed, Business Insider said in the 2024 article.

Bannon grew closer to Epstein in the summer of 2018 and advised him on how to handle his tangle of legal and media investigations.

Bannon and Epstein continued to spend time with each other through the following summer, when Epstein was arrested and jailed in Manhattan on sex-trafficking charges.

Bannons footage remains under wraps. Epstein died by suicide in that Manhattan jail cell.

Bannons explanation that he was producing a documentary about Epstein was nonsense, people who spent time with both men around the time they were in each others lives told Business Insider.

In reality, they said, the two acted like friends around each other. Bannon, these people said, was trying to help Epstein with his public-relations problems.

Bannon, a key supporter of President Donald Trump, did not respond to repeated requests for comment from Business Insider.

Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro last week called on Bannon to release the Epstein footage.

The Trump Department of Justice caused a firestorm earlier this month when it released the findings of a probe that said that Epstein had died by suicide in jail, as initially thought, and had not left behind a client list.

Many in MAGA world believe that Epstein was killed in order to keep him from revealing the names of his elite clients.
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 When it comes to the future, you have to ask: are we there yet? For example, is it possible that space capsules are orbiting Earth  while they make advanced drug compounds? And then the same capsules are returning to terra firma after travelling at 25 times the speed of sound into our atmosphere? Why, yes ... Crystalline form of ritonavir, an HIV drug, made by Varda in space. Credit: Varda Industries And when they return to Earth, they are returning to Australia? Yes, again. Its actually much less futuristic than it sounds, says Will Bruey, chief executive of Varda Industries, the company launching the drug-factory capsules.

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On average three SpaceX Starlink satellites are launched per day, and our spacecraft is simpler, quite frankly, than a Starlink satellite, he says. And, while its early days for California-based Varda, founded in 2021, the pace of launch for these capsules  whose journey takes them from the US, to low earth orbit, to a South Australian testing range for recovery  is expected to increase. The start-up is attempting to create a viable business of manufacturing drugs in space, where the lack of gravity unlocks the possibility of new, more effective  and more profitable  drug compounds that cant be made on Earth. Being in space, the limits on the scale of manufacturing are different to an Earth-bound enterprise  both in the molecular quality of what can be produced and, potentially one day, the scale of the production facility. For now, the companys future depends on how effectively and profitably it can formulate drugs  or at least the most effective primary active pharmaceutical ingredient  in orbit. When discussing drug production, Bruey compares microgravity (ultra-low gravity in orbit) to the effect that refrigeration has had on drug production since it was invented.

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Before refrigeration existed, people would have asked, how could it create value for pharmaceuticals? Today, refrigeration is a fundamental part of drug and vaccine manufacturing, shipping and storage. It reduces the risk of contamination and helps ensure the drugs are effective. Profitable drug manufacturing would be almost unthinkable without it. One day, space-based drugs may be discussed the same way. The way the pharmaceutical industry will think about [Varda] shortly is just another piece of equipment. The Varda W-2 capsule after landing at the Koonibba Test Range. Credit: Southern Launch Even the name of the spacecraft  the W in Vardas W-series capsule  unofficially stands for Winnebago (or caravan in American English) used in TV series Breaking Bad, which is itself a story about the remote, compartmentalised cooking up of drugs. Instead of going to the desert, were going to space, Bruey said. Likewise, Varda is hauling its equipment to a destination to make its batch, then coming back. So thats what well be doing. And well just be increasing the amount of Winnebagos that are going out to space and back. Theres a lot of low-hanging fruit and optimisation to be done in that paradigm.

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Walter White, next to the Winnebago he uses as a mobile meth lab, in the pilot episode of Breaking Bad. Credit: AP Any drug with a formulation improvement worth more than $US200 a gram is viable for Varda to manufacture today. But Varda forecasts it can drive down the cost from $US200 to $US20 pretty easily by just making our systems more reusable. To push lower than that, the company will construct a permanent station with manufacturing equipment that can be used for multiple drugs, Bruey says. Much of the science around drugmaking in space has been done. There have been numerous experiments on pharmaceuticals, for example, on the International Space Station. Varda hopes to have a space-made drug in humans by the end of the decade. In an era of sagging productivity, its worth considering the value of genre-melding new ventures. The question is: how much demand is there for a service that is new to the world? And on Earth  in Australia  how many re-entries could we see?

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Adelaide-based company Southern Launch was formed in 2017 as a spaceport operator providing launch services. It has since begun offering orbital re-entry services for customers like Varda. Their range, at Koonibba in South Australia, enjoys clearer skies with less air traffic than test ranges in the US, giving more flexibility to Varda and other clients, Southern Launch says. Varda co-founder and president Delian Asparouhov. Credit: Varda Industries Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said the missions conducted for Varda so far, mark an incredible step forward for Australia as the global landing site for re-entries and the in-space manufactured goods the capsules carry. Investing in an unproven business model is riskier than investing in say, inner city residential property. But Bruey sees Varda as carving out a niche that can expand as demand grows. Basically, theres only four fundamental forces of physics, and gravity is one of them, and we have a knob on [it], and no other company does. (If youre wondering, the three other forces are electromagnetism and the strong and weak nuclear forces.) A Varda W-series capsule being recovered from the Koonibba Test Range  the view from a helicopter. Credit: Southern Launch

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In a long-running tradition, Almqvist splits the crowd in two for the final song of the night, Tick Tick Boom. He strides up the middle and implores everyone to get down low, then all jump up at once as he runs back to the stage. Its pure chaos, just like the band is. Their latest album title says it best: The Hives Forever Forever The Hives.

Reviewed by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen JAZZ

Pat Jaffes LUNSEN 

The JazzLab, July 18 Pat Jaffes new band is named after an enchanting forest that he discovered while on a student exchange in Uppsala, Sweden. Lunsen (the forest) captivated Jaffe with its combination of tranquil beauty and untamed wildness, and LUNSEN (the band) aims to capture and reflect that dichotomy. Pat Jaffes LUNSEN perform at The JazzLab on July 18. 2025. Credit: Dan McKay Fridays concert at JazzLab was only the quintets second outing, and  while all the players were all reading charts and still getting to grips with the music  it was clear that Jaffe had picked the perfect colleagues to bring his vision to life.

The Melbourne composer-pianist also introduced each tune with the story of its genesis, setting the scene for the musical tales that were about to unfold. Jaffe has a wonderfully effusive, enthusiastic presence, and his stories were often hilarious  but also touchingly honest and sincere. Likewise, the music contained both irrepressible energy and heart-melting beauty. Glass and Glue began as a delicate duet between Jaffe and bassist Claire Abougelis, before adding subtle horns and spacious cymbals as Jaffes rippling piano built into a rousing cascade. Melbourne composer-pianist Pat Jaffe performing at JazzLab. Credit: Dan McKay Wide Pants moved seamlessly between flowing lyricism and majestic propulsion, Jaffe beaming with delight and bouncing on his piano stool as his emphatic chords urged the band forward. Grandmas Song was gorgeously tender and restrained, while Gregs Benedict  inspired by South African jazz and underpinned by Marissa Di Marzios exuberant drumming  conjured an air of joyful celebration.

Now Music featured expressive solos from Thien Pham (on trumpet) and Zac OConnell (alto sax), and a recurring melodic motif that the audience was invited to hum as the musicians drifted into silence. The nights final number, Eldorado, was a soulful jazz waltz that swept the band and the audience along in an evocative stream of nostalgia, memory and sheer pleasure. With LUNSEN, Jaffe has turned one of his favourite places in nature into a musical space for discovery, trust, passion and vulnerability. Its a space Id gladly revisit any time.

Reviewed by Jessica Nicholas MUSIC

Axis Mundi 

Elision Ensemble, Melbourne Recital Centre, July 18 Served by some extraordinarily skilled musicians, Elision Ensembles contemporary music encounter offered some ear-opening experiences as emerging and established composers rubbed shoulders in thought-provoking juxtaposition. An earlier performance of Axis Mundi. Credit: Lauren Murphy

American bassoonist Ben Roidl-Ward scaled the heights and depths of Liza Lims Axis Mundi with breathtaking dexterity, while Richard Haynes revelled in the huge technical and expressive demands of John Rodgers Ciacco for solo bass clarinet. Both scores embraced a kaleidoscopic spectrum of sounds, including guttural elements spiked with multiphonics and microtonal inflections of pitch. Elision Ensembles contemporary music encounter, Axis Mundi, offered some ear-opening experiences/ Credit: Lauren Murphy Mexican composer Julio Estradas yuunohuinahuiehecatl featured a titanic trombone cadenza in which Benjamin Marks punctuated his playing with sounds of breathing and vocalisation. This writing, reminiscent of the performance art of 20th century Italian composer Luciano Berio, later included Marks and trumpeter Tristram Williams facing each other, so that the trumpets bell could be placed into the trombones in quasi-erotic fashion. By contrast, Charlie Sdrauligs Air began with barely audible susurrations, perhaps evoking the distant memory of a seaside scene. Yuin woman, Brenda Gifford from Wreck Bay in New South Wales, adopted jazz-like elements in Wanggadhi to recount the Dreamtime story of the seven sisters who eventually become the Pleiades constellation.

Roidl-Wards dazzling technique shone again in Victor Aruls Barrelled Space, a relatively lengthy and complex ensemble piece that began life as a solo bassoon work. Loading Bryn Harrisons Double Labyrinth after Richard Dunn, a tribute to the late Australian artist, was a masterclass in harnessing techniques and structure to satisfying musical purposes and a timely reminder that fascinating effects and academic constructs are not an end in themselves. Effectively using a gentle busyness to portray the navigation of labyrinthine pathways, the coalescing of quiet and cohesive textures signalled emergence from a puzzling journey. While contemporary music may be a puzzling journey for some, Elision remains one of its most convincing advocates. Reviewed by Tony Way

THEATRE

Rumbleskin 

Ames May Nunn, fortyfivedownstairs, until July 27 Three queer vignettes in Rumbleskin twist into some strange terrain. Rumbleskin at fortyfivedowmstairs is made up of three vignettes. Credit: Kimberley Summer The show explores a collective imaginary that seems to have been colonised by the American Western, and the play vacillates between an action quest with cowboys and rodeos into body horror, psychological suspense, teen melodrama, and even earnest folk-style musical theatre, without much rhyme or reason to guide the way. Unfortunately, this dreamlike melange of disparate elements interferes with consistent world-building, leading to confusing and somewhat threadbare exposition  a problem when youve got multiple narrative strands on the go at the same time.

A mysterious affliction known as Rumbleskin stalks the land. Its unclear whether this is a supernatural curse, an infectious disease, or perhaps an ancient reminder of the power to be found in the skins we wear. Whatever the case, it brings a smudge of gothic to tales of a trucker rescuing a teen runaway, a young rodeo champion meeting his match, and a god-fearing town whose way of life is upended by a stranger and a preachers daughter. In this trio of stories, a mysterious affliction known as Rumbleskin stalks the land. Credit: Kimberley Summer None of these stories is particularly compelling or complete, nor does the choice of the American Western feel entirely organic, especially when international publishing cant get enough of outback Oz Gothic right now. I wonder if the fact of our cultural familiarity with US film and television alone is enough to justify it, although it must be said that camp and exaggerated gender performance have always been part of the genre and the queering of the Western has a long tradition that stretches back to well before Ang Lee made Brokeback Mountain.
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Review Eating outFitzroy These cheesy dumplings are pucks of pleasure (plus theyre topped with mini potato chips) Push past the orthodoxies at the decade-old Bar Liberty, where spirit infuses everything from the playlists to the legacy of cheesy, peppery dishes. Dani Valent July 20, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in the August 2025 hit list. See all stories .

1 / 7 Inside Fitzroys Bar Liberty. Chris Hopkins 2 / 7 Potato dumplings. Chris Hopkins 3 / 7 Sugarloaf cabbage. Chris Hopkins 4 / 7 Root vegetable tart. Chris Hopkins 5 / 7 Bar seating is available. Chris Hopkins 6 / 7 Flatbread with snail butter. Chris Hopkins 7 / 7 Bavarian cream. Chris Hopkins Previous Slide Next Slide Contemporary$$$$ Do restaurants have souls? Its a question I pondered during a recent meal at Bar Liberty. The nine-year-old wine bar isnt personality-driven, in the sense that theres an owner-patron you always see there, or a chef who made the food their own. You dont go to Bar Liberty for a particular dish, or even a cuisine. You arent rolling up for certain wines. You go there for a feeling, to connect with something like a soul. Of the four founders  Michael Bascetta, Banjo Harris Plane, Manu Potoi (all ex-Attica) and Casey Wall (an American chef who recently returned home after 15 years), only Potoi remains, now as sole owner. During the decade Bar Liberty has been pouring wine, making impeccable cocktails and serving share plates, Melbourne wine bar has become a genre, a semi-templated place for crudo, focaccia, fresh cheese and probably a signature martini. Related Article 11 of Melbournes best wine bars

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Im up for it; youll find me in those places, loving the olives, mortadella and vermouth. But if you want to push past the orthodoxies, you could visit Bar Liberty. (Yes, and Embla, Carnation Canteen and a few others, of course. Dont get mad.) Flatbread with snail butter. Chris Hopkins Zackary Furst, head chef since 2019, recently moved on to deepen his explorations of his Polish culinary heritage. He handed the baton to Douglas Hoxley, a Melbourne chef with experience at key restaurants including Cutler and Gimlet, and a year-long stint in London at nose-to-tail legend St John. Its good when you go away to find yourself and you do find yourself, Hoxley tells me on the phone. Although its the early days of his Bar Liberty custodianship, the signs are good. Finding himself means being able to mesh his ideas with Liberty staples, slowly stretching into the yonder. Soft, oily, sourdough flatbread has long been served with vintage shears for snipping into morsels. Hoxley offers snail butter  garlicky, mildly meaty and delicious  as a spread, gently making the case for the sustainable protein.

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Potato dumplings. Chris Hopkins An unwritten Liberty law means there must be a starchy, peppery, cheesy course. In Casey Walls day, it was bucatini cacio e pepe. Furst looked to Eastern Europe, making potato dumplings with a sauerkraut juice reduction. Hoxley has embraced the legacy, dressing springy, dimpled potato pucks with lemony pepper and pecorino sauce, adding crunch with tiny crisps of potato skin. You dont need to know any backstory to be lost in the pleasure of eating them. Sugarloaf cabbage is softened and burnt, smoky and punchy, creamy and textured; bonus loveliness comes from spring onion and kelp. A root-vegetable tart finds luxury in celeriac, brightness in sorrel, energy in kohlrabi. A flathead dish is a spin on buttery meuniere, jazzed with green pepper and anchored by Jerusalem artichokes, the fish brined, butterflied and cooked with keen skill. Bavarian cream. Chris Hopkins Dessert bavarois (kindly called Bavarian cream on the menu because buv-wa can be off-putting to pronounce) is soft-set and juiced with roasted rhubarb. A scattering of bee pollen brings an almost awkward complexity.

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Meanwhile, manager Ludovic Beauchamp-Chatel leads a team of knowledgeable, amenable professionals who make edgy, lesser-known wines (all organic, mostly biodynamic) feel fun and safe. If drinking is rock climbing, they are there suggesting the next foothold and belaying in case you slip and fall. Its a pleasure to be here, sitting at the bar, or in the backroom, or along the window facing Johnston Street, the hurriedly spray-painted and never updated Bar Liberty sign glowing like an endorsement of all the decisions that brought you to this moment. Bar seating is available. Chris Hopkins Is it soul? Bar Liberty makes me think of great footy clubs, immortalising heroes on imaginary honour rolls, handing over traditions implicitly and explicitly. Spirit is steeped in everything from the timber to the playlists to the flavours and, of course, the customers who bring their own romance and energy, resulting in a sprightly institution full of meaning and delight. Three more Fitzroy spots to try El Columpio The tacos are outstanding (Im a huge fan of the cactus and mushroom ones especially), but when youre wondering how to stay warm in winter, consider the pozole, a Mexican soup with white corn, chicken or pork, and fresh crunchy garnishes. Its wholesome and sustaining any time of day. 52 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, elcolumpio.com Crop Frankie Coxs Green-on has rebranded to Crop and expanded from Cremorne to Fitzroy. The build-your-own salad concept has carried over, and I love the Winter Miso option with sweet potato, red cabbage, green beans, seaweed crunch, rocket, barley and miso-ginger dressing  a lunch that will easily carry you through to dinner. 291 Smith Street, Fitzroy, cropkitchen.au Maven by Morgan When Morgan Hipworth was a teen, he launched doughnut brand Bistro Morgan. Now all grown up, hes opened Maven, a modern Mediterranean restaurant that serves signature cocktails (such as the Split Decision with banana-infused rum and roasted peanut sherry). There are separate menus for vegans, halal diners, and anyone avoiding garlic and onion. 402 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, maven.melbourne Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

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A separate social media account held Melbourne Jews responsible for the fire, saying: I wouldnt be surprised if the Israelis in Melbourne burned down their own Synagogue. They [Israelis] love to play the victim. Adass Israel is an ultra-Orthodox, non-Zionist, Yiddish-speaking congregation. Joint Counter-Terrorism Team detectives last week arrested and charged a 20-year-old man with stealing a car used in the attack but have not laid any charges in relation to arson or terrorism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Rabbi Shlomo Kohn after Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea was destroyed by arsonists. After the East Melbourne Synagogue was torched, the same conspiratorial themes re-emerged online about the suspect in that case. Im just going to say it. He is most probably a Jew in disguise keeping the fear porn narrative alive so new laws are introduced, read one post.

When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted on social media that antisemitism has no place in Australia, it triggered these responses: FFS Albo, its NOT antisemitism to oppose Zionism, its NOT antisemitism to oppose genocide, AND its obvious to any decent person that splashing some flammable liquid on a door of a building NEXT DOOR to a major fire station is a lame false flag attack by Zionists AGAIN. Another response read: Albanese is whining over a fire in Melbourne at a synagogue, which was contained to the entrance. And lit by Zionists, I would absolutely expect. Zionist Jacinta Allan is also croaking about it. Boo hoo you mongrels who hae [sic] never given a [f---] about an actual genocide. Loading Other posts cited by the report include cartoons of hook-nosed rabbis painting swastikas on their own synagogues and poisoning wells  a blood libel against Jewish people that dates back to the Middle Ages. When Jillian Segal, Australias special envoy to combat antisemitism, last week released her report and recommendations to the government, it enlivened centuries-old tropes about Jewish manipulation and control.

Read one: The power of zionism is extraordinary. What this woman is promoting is old-fashioned fascism. Social and cultural control, and control of media and education, speech and even immigration. The lead author of the study, Online Hate Prevention Institute chief executive Andre Oboler, said some accounts had small followings but attached their responses to posts by Australian political figures and media outlets to magnify their views. Loading He suspected  but did not have evidence to prove  that some of the accounts belonged to foreign actors seeking to poison the public discourse in Australia. He said the proliferation of online antisemitism, regardless of its source, was having a marked effect. What we are seeing is an inoculation against recognising antisemitism and seeing it as racism and something we dont accept in Australia, he said. We are seeing an overt effort to normalise antisemitism in society. That is what the Segal report is challenging and that is why they are threatened by it.

Oboler is an adjunct professor at the La Trobe University Law School and a member of Australias DFAT-appointed delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. One of Segals recommendations is to apply the IHRA definition of antisemitism across all public institutions and regulatory bodies. The institutes previous published work includes the worlds first report into online Islamophobia, research into online hate directed at Aboriginal people and an August 2023 report into antisemitism funded by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. The institute originated within the Zionist Federation of Australia but has been a standalone, not-for-profit organisation since 2012. One of its ongoing research projects is funded by the special envoy. Oboler has studied and worked in the UK, Israel and the US and advised the Greek, Dutch and Swedish governments. He was at the IHRA meeting in 2016 where the definition of antisemitism was adopted.
The state government has given a first look into the Queensland Performing Arts Centres new $184 million theatre, revealing the performance spaces name ahead of its 2026 opening.

Speaking from the new theatres stage, Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek revealed 43 per cent of the 5000 responses submitted into the states four-week-long public naming poll supported the theatres newest name.

He said 900 respondents had suggested an alternate option to the four pre-selected options given by the state: Glasshouse, Lantern, Watershed, or Russell Street.

A rendering of the glass facade out the front of QPACs new theatre. Credit: Queensland Government

I can confirm that its not going to be called Theatre McTheatreface the new theatres name is going to be called the Glasshouse Theatre, Langbroek said.
Police have branded a group of hoons reckless and irresponsible after they descended on Chapel Street on Saturday night and did burnouts as pedestrians watched on.

Hundreds of people gathered at Station Pier in Port Melbourne before driving their cars to South Yarra about 7.30pm on Saturday.

Police placed traffic diversions along Chapel Street to reduce the movement of the group, but video from the scene showed a car doing burnouts outside the Temperance Hotel in South Yarra.

No one was arrested, but several drivers were issued infringement notices for hooning and defect notices for modified vehicles.
For both major sides of Australia politics, the opening of the 48th Parliament on Tuesday represents a time of great expectations and Herculean tasks.

The outcome of the federal election has created challenges and opportunities, with the result that the returned Labor government is under renewed pressure to use its massive majority for meaningful reform after a relative milquetoast first-term agenda, especially after the failure of the Voice to parliament referendum. Meanwhile, the Coalition has to balance struggling to hold the Albanese government accountable and rebuilding from the near ruins of its electoral rout.

Its good news for Anthony Albanese and not so good for Sussan Ley in the first post-election Resolve poll. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen and James Brickwood

The Heralds latest Resolve Political Monitor illustrates the daunting job facing Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, with the first post-federal election opinion poll showing Coalition support has fallen to a near-record low of 29 per cent, down from the 31.8 per cent in the May election, with much of the ebb going to One Nation.

Yet, Leys dire predicament has not resulted in a surge of personal support for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, even though voters believe Labor is better able to deal with issues that once were the Coalitions ace cards  Albaneses overall support as preferred prime minister has slipped seven points since April to 40 per cent.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has feted a rare intimate lunch with Chinese President Xi Jinping as a moment of trust in an ambitious new phase in relations, after years of Australia pursuing a more limited policy of stabilisation.

Revealing details of the event for the first time, the prime minister also used an interview to shift his gaze to the domestic agenda, with Labor to pursue pre-election pledges to wipe 20 per cent off student debt and enshrine penalty rates in law, and rush through new laws to boost childcare centre safety after shock allegations of child abuse in Melbourne and Sydney.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. The pair had a private lunch afterwards. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

However, the prime minister said he would not seek to pass a contentious super tax hike in the first fortnight of parliamentary sessions of the 48th parliament.

Instead, Labors 17 new MPs will deliver their maiden speeches, led by Ali France and Sarah Witty, who respectively toppled former Coalition leader Peter Dutton and ex-Greens leader Adam Bandt.
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.
Rich lister Tony Denny has sold his Point Piper trophy home for circa $40 million, doubling his money on the property in the five years he owned it.

Denny purchased the residence some five years ago for $19.5 million from dentist Le Tran after reading about the home coming up for sale in this very column.

Dennys Point Piper house with gun barrel views of citys iconic harbour. Credit:

Not only has he doubled his money in that time, the five-bedroom, six-bathroom property with gun barrel views of Sydneys iconic harbour joins the ranks of the top prestige property sales of 2025 so far.

Set on 670 square metres, the luxury residence features a lavish marble spa, a granite kitchen, a bespoke dressing room, a newly minted gym and an idyllic retreat for guests.
The display of the flag was an unauthorised action by the artist. It was not approved by the Royal Ballet and Opera and is a wholly inappropriate act, said a spokesperson for the company. The London protest came at the end of a day of dramatic protests near the UK Parliament when police arrested some of those involved for expressly supporting a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation. Waving placards reading I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action, demonstrators also gathered in Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Londonderry and Truro on Saturday, local time. A supporter of Palestine Action is arrested in Parliament Square in London on Saturday. Credit: Getty Images The UK parliament voted to proscribe the group, Palestine Action, by 358 to 26 votes on July 2 after the government decided it should be branded a terrorist group.

Palestine Action members 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. Loading Membership of the group or support for its actions are punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Police announced an increased presence in central London ahead of the Saturday 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 offence and will very likely be arrested, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said in a statement on 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 organised Saturdays protests. Almost 100 protesters were arrested around the country on Saturday, 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. In the capital, the Metropolitan Police said 55 people had been arrested in Parliament Square for displaying placards in support of Palestine Action, Londons The Telegraph reported. 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. The Telegraph reported that 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. People took part in a March for Palestine, crossing Westminster Bridge in London on Saturday. Credit: Getty Images 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. The Telegraph also reported that eight people 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. Video posted online showed police carrying an elderly man away from the Truro demonstration as he shouted, I oppose genocide.

Critics of the protests described them as antisemitic. 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, a spokesman for the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism told the Telegraph. Relatives of Palestinians killed near an aid distribution centre mourn over their bodies in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Saturday. Credit: AP 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. In Gaza, at least 36 people were killed by Israeli fire while they were on their way to an aid distribution site 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. Supporters of Palestine Action holding signs are arrested. Credit: Getty Images 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 US-backed group which runs the aid site, said there were no incidents or fatalities there on Saturday and that it had 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. Loading The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 2023, killing 1200 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.
While prosecutors in Brussels did not name those charged, media reports have identified some members of parliament  known as MEPs  and their staff. The payments reported, however, appeared relatively modest. One report said more than 45,000 ($81,000) was transferred to a lobbyist and this was used to pay 6,700 to a member of parliament and about 16,000 to aides. Transparency International EU director Nick Aiossa said the charges demonstrated the lack of action in the parliament to stop corruption. The allegations that have been reported upon certainly point to a potential complex corruption scheme involving MEPs, their staff, Huawei and other legal entities, he told this masthead. In a setback for prosecutors, Italian MEP Giusi Princi went public this month about claims by prosecutors that she attended a dinner with Huawei in Brussels in June last year. She was not an MEP at that time and was in her home region of Calabria on the date of the dinner, attending an event with her daughter.

Loading To this day I cannot understand how they could have made such a blatant mistake, Princi told Agence France-Presse. That mistake raised questions about whether Belgian prosecutors had their facts right  or whether the case should be investigated instead by stronger EU authorities. Huawei has insisted in statements over several months that it had a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption or other wrongdoing and was complying with the law. Several of the politicians who put their names to the 2021 letter have told the media they received no payments from the company.

Xi Jinping will host von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday to mark 50 years of diplomatic recognition  the EUs predecessor recognised mainland China in 1975, 2 years after Australia did the same  but against the backdrop of rising tensions. Von der Leyen has warned against China using its vast production capacity to flood markets and ruin competitors, and says it denies fair access to its market for EU companies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Credit: AP China is running the largest trade surplus in the history of humankind. Its trade surplus with our Union has surpassed 300 billion last year. And this is while it is getting harder and harder for European companies to do business in China, she told legislators on July 9. The major dispute between the two sides, however, is Ukraine, because of Chinas economic support for Russia and the supply of Chinese technologies that find their way into Russian weapons.

Chinas unyielding support for Russia is creating heightened instability and insecurity here in Europe, von der Leyen said. We can say that China is de facto enabling Russias war economy. We cannot accept this. The lobbying concerns in Brussels are not only about Chinese influence but the broader question of ethics in parliament after an earlier uproar over payments from Qatar. Dubbed Qatargate and seen as the biggest scandal of its kind in decades, the affair began with allegations the Gulf state paid members of parliament to curry favour in Brussels. While some MEPs have been charged, the case has not been decided in court. Corporate Europe Observatory, a non-profit campaign group, has named Huawei as one of the top tech lobbyists in Brussels, with a budget of more than 2 million and 11 full-time lobbyists, according to its own declarations.

We already have a transparency register at the EU level that repressive regime lobbyists easily bypass because it is weak, voluntary, and poorly enforced, it said, naming China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Aiossa, from Transparency International, said the European Union had made some progress on transparency, for instance by disclosing meetings between lobbyists and politicians, but was failing on ethics. Loading The Huawei case is crucially important because it demonstrates that the European Parliament needs to have much stronger and robust integrity and anti-corruption frameworks in place to prevent these scandals, he said. There was a moment in the wake of Qatargate when they could have been brave and brought forward ambitious reforms. They didnt do it, which has led to the current Huawei scandal. MEPs are allowed to have side jobs outside parliament that allow them to receive payments from companies with a stake in laws passed. While the parliament passed resolutions about tightening the rules, these were non-binding. Aiossa said there were few sanctions when rules were broken because the parliament was self-policing.
Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip: At least 85 Palestinians were killed while trying to reach food at locations across Gaza on Sunday, the territorys Health Ministry said, on the deadliest day yet for aid-seekers in more than 21 months of war.

There was new alarm as Israels military issued evacuation orders for parts of central Gaza, one of the few areas where it has rarely operated with ground troops and where many international organisations trying to distribute aid are located.

The bodies of Palestinians who were killed while attempting to access aid trucks entering northern Gaza are brought to a clinic in Gaza City on Sunday, Credit: AP

One group said several offices were told to evacuate immediately. There was no immediate Israeli comment.

The largest death toll was in devastated northern Gaza, where living conditions are especially dire.
European powers plan fresh nuclear talks with Iran: German diplomatic source



Berlin, July 20 (AFP) Jul 20, 2025



Britain, France and Germany are planning to hold fresh talks with Iran on its nuclear programme in the coming days, a German diplomatic source told AFP on Sunday.

The European powers, known as the E3, "are in contact with Iran to schedule further talks for the coming week", the source said, following warnings from the trio that international sanctions against Iran could be reactivated if Tehran does not resume negotiations.

Iran's Tasnim news agency also reported that Tehran had agreed to hold talks with the three European countries, citing an unnamed source.

Consultations are ongoing regarding a date and location for the talks, the report said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a call Friday with his British, French and German counterparts and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

During the call, the Europeans warned that if Iran did not return to talks soon, they would activate a so-called "snapback" mechanism to reimpose sanctions lifted in a 2015 deal to curb Tehran's nuclear output.

Iran and the United States had held several rounds of nuclear negotiations through Omani mediators before Israel launched its 12-day war against Iran on June 13.

However, US President Donald Trump's decision to join Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities effectively ended the talks.

"Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. That is why Germany, France and the United Kingdom are continuing to work intensively in the E3 format to find a sustainable and verifiable diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear programme," the German source said.

Iran denies it is pursuing nuclear weapons.

The 2015 deal between Iran and world powers, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), placed significant restrictions on Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

But the hard-won deal began to unravel in 2018, during Trump's first presidency, when the United States walked away from it and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

"If no solution is reached over the summer, snapback remains an option for the E3," the German source said.
Putin meets Khamenei's top adviser Larijani for nuclear talks



Moscow, July 20 (AFP) Jul 20, 2025



Russian President Vladimir Putin held a surprise meeting with Ali Larijani, top adviser to Iran's supreme leader on nuclear issues, to discuss Tehran's nuclear programme in the Kremlin on Sunday.

Moscow has a cordial relationship with Iran's clerical leadership and provides crucial backing for Tehran but did not swing forcefully behind its partner even after the United States joined Israel's massive bombing campaign on Iran in June.

Larijani "conveyed assessments of the escalating situation in the Middle East and around the Iranian nuclear programme", Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said of the unannounced meeting.

Putin had expressed Russia's "well-known positions on how to stabilize the situation in the region and on the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear programme", he added.

Separately, a German diplomatic source told AFP on Sunday that Britain, France and Germany are planning to hold fresh talks with Iran on its nuclear programme in the coming days.

Iran's Tasnim news agency also reported that Tehran had agreed to hold talks with the three European countries, citing an unnamed source.

Last week, Russia had slammed a story by US news outlet Axios citing anonymous sources that said Putin had "encouraged" Iran to accept a deal with the United States that would prevent the Islamic republic from enriching uranium.

Iran has consistently denied seeking a nuclear weapon, while defending its "legitimate rights" to the peaceful use of atomic energy.
European powers plan fresh nuclear talks with Iran



Berlin, July 20 (AFP) Jul 20, 2025



European powers plan fresh talks with Iran on its nuclear programme in the coming days, the first since the US attacked Iranian nuclear facilities a month ago, a German diplomatic source told AFP on Sunday.

Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, "are in contact with Iran to schedule further talks for the coming week", the source said.

The trio had recently warned that international sanctions against Iran could be reactivated if Tehran does not return to the negotiating table.

Iran's Tasnim news agency also reported that Tehran had agreed to hold talks with the three European countries, citing an unnamed source.

Consultations are ongoing regarding a date and location for the talks, the report said.

"Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. That is why Germany, France and the United Kingdom are continuing to work intensively in the E3 format to find a sustainable and verifiable diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear programme," the German source said.

Israel and Western nations have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran has consistently denied.

On June 13, Israel launched a wave of surprise strikes on its regional nemesis, targeting key military and nuclear facilities.

The United States launched its own set of strikes against Iran's nuclear programme on June 22, hitting the uranium enrichment facility at Fordo, in Qom province south of Tehran, as well as nuclear sites in Isfahan and Natanz.



- Kremlin meeting -



Iran and the United States had held several rounds of nuclear negotiations through Omani mediators before Israel launched its 12-day war against Iran.

However, US President Donald Trump's decision to join Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities effectively ended the talks.

The E3 countries last met with Iranian representatives in Geneva on June 21 -- just one day before the US strikes.

Meanwhile on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a surprise meeting in the Kremlin with Ali Larijani, top adviser to Iran's supreme leader on nuclear issues.

Larijani "conveyed assessments of the escalating situation in the Middle East and around the Iranian nuclear programme", Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said of the unannounced meeting.

Putin had expressed Russia's "well-known positions on how to stabilise the situation in the region and on the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear programme", he added.

Moscow has a cordial relationship with Iran's clerical leadership and provides crucial backing for Tehran but did not swing forcefully behind its partner even after the United States joined Israel's bombing campaign.



- Snapback mechanism -



Iran and world powers struck a deal in 2015 called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which placed significant restrictions on Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

But the hard-won deal began to unravel in 2018, during Trump's first presidency, when the United States walked away from it and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

European countries have in recent days threatened to trigger the deal's "snapback" mechanism, which allows the reimposition of sanctions in the event of non-compliance by Iran.

After a call with his European counterparts on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Western allies had no grounds for reactivating sanctions.

"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 (have) absolutely no moral (or) legal grounds," Araghchi said on X.

However, the German source on Sunday said that "if no solution is reached over the summer, snapback remains an option for the E3".

Iran last week said there would be no new nuclear talks with the United States if they were conditioned on Tehran abandoning its uranium enrichment activities.

"If the negotiations must be conditioned on stopping enrichment, such negotiations will not take place," Ali Velayati, an adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted as saying by the state news agency IRNA.
According to the group, the officers asked them to turn their signs around so messages such as Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and King of Kings could not be seen. Leaflets titled How Can I Know God? and What is Christianity: An Introduction to the Story of Jesus were also flagged for breaching the rules.
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In one of the videos, the audience could be heard applauding and cheering while the man was shaking the flag, before one audience member says oh my god as a person attempts to take the flag off him.
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An armored military vehicle Dingo and soldiers of the German army are seen during an exercise on the Tag der Bundeswehr (Bundeswehr Day) at the Bundeswehr Logistics School at Lucius D. Clay barracks in Garlstedt near Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany, on 28 June 2025. On Bundeswehr Day, the German armed forces demonstrate their capabilities to a wide audience at ten locations throughout Germany. (Focke Strangmann/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  A Germany flush with cash to rearm against the threat from Russia is struggling to muster sufficient recruits in an already stretched jobs market.

The military revamp, following decades of neglect, is playing out as society ages and more and more people exit the workforce. Those trends have already left firms lacking skilled staff and put officials seeking to swell the armys ranks in a bind.

While other European countries face shortfalls too, the scale of Germanys task stands out. New NATO demands mean it must boost its regular army to as many as 260,000 from about 180,000 now, and add hundreds of thousands to a reserve that can be called on in times of crisis, according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

With a separate push by Chancellor Friedrich Merzs new government to overhaul Germanys infrastructure also sapping manpower, steps are being taken to restore a version of the draft. Analysts are also raising the possibility of bringing migrants into the armed forces.

Merz told German companies last month that personnel challenges  not funding  will be the decisive problem to overcome as he strives to build the continents strongest conventional army, calling on them to temporarily release workers so they can gain military skills.

Talk like that fuels the debate over whether the draft, which was suspended in 2011, is needed once again, with about 55% of Germans backing the idea. While the coalition government only plans a voluntary model inspired by Sweden, Merz and Pistorius have left the door open to restoring conscription if progress is too slow.

Merzs cabinet is expected to pass the legislation in the final week of August so voluntary military service can be introduced by January. Pistoriuss goal is to attract more than 110,000 conscripts by the end of the decade.

Behind closed doors, conservative lawmakers are pushing their Social Democrat coalition partners to toughen the draft law through a binding mechanism to bring back compulsory military service should the voluntary model fail to attract enough personnel.

There are serious doubts, however, that such an approach would yield the best results for an economy thats shrunk for the last two years and is crying out for skilled labor to help it modernize. While unemployment has ticked up, its expected to decline again as the government splashes hundreds of billions of euros on upgrading roads and bridges.

From a labor-market perspective, and also for the benefit of the armed forces, we must ensure that those who are best suited to the job are the ones who go there  and not those who are better suited to other jobs, said Enzo Weber, an economist at the Institute for Employment Research. If we do not make good use of the qualities of our workforce, well suffer considerable losses.

Pistorius has acknowledged that Germanys greying population is an issue for the army, saying recently that itll need to replace a wave of retirees on top of finding new people. But he insists any conscription-based model would only be used to increase the armys reserve, while full-time staff would have to be found through other means.

Thats proved difficult in the past. In 2024, the number of soldiers dipped below 180,000  the lowest level since 2018, despite long-standing efforts to reach more than 200,000.

Parliaments former Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Eva Hoegl, wrote in a March report that the military has for years faced considerable challenges in recruitment that are exacerbated by demographic change and competition on the civilian labor market.

While forcing people to serve may seem like a cost-effective fix, researchers at the Munich-based Ifo institute warn this isnt the case. Thats because conscripts spend less time in the jobs market, delaying their education and curbing their eventual incomes.

The resulting decline in consumption, compared with a market-based system, would have drastic consequences for the whole economy, they said in a 2024 paper.

For the voluntary model to succeed, the most important thing would be to improve pay, said Panu Poutvaara, one of the studys authors. What would still be needed is to make sure that the army has sufficient resources also in terms of equipment, as this would make it a more attractive place to work.

On that point, the government has cast off its fiscal shackles to allow more spending on up-to-date kit. The army reckons creative social-media campaigns and regional recruiting events have also proved successful, though that only allowed it to stop the negative trend and keep soldier numbers stable last year.

An image makeover and a greater appreciation for the importance of defense may go some way to attracting more applicants, according to Guntram Wolff, a senior fellow at the Bruegel think-tank and a professor at the Solvay Brussels School.

But with military experts warning that Russia could be ready to attack Europe in less than five years, the prospect of actual combat deployment may also act as a deterrent.

Perhaps the thorniest discussion  more so even than conscription  could yet lie ahead. Just as for the economy as a whole, immigration could help offset demographic shifts  an idea Pistorius broached last year.

The current atmosphere toward such an idea is likely to be hostile even after a backlash against migrants prompted Merz to beef up Germanys borders.

But a faster track to citizenship for migrants choosing to enlist in the army could be one way to increase recruitment, according to Poutvaara. Wolff agrees, saying higher salaries alone probably wouldnt suffice.

The labor market has been swept empty, so we need to become more open, he said. We need to take the integration of migrants a lot more seriously, and that goes for the armed forces as well.

With assistance from Andrea Palasciano and Michael Nienaber.

2025 Bloomberg News.

Visit at bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts "The Devil's Advocate with Jon Caldara" on Colorado Public Television Channel 12.
Justin Fulcher, far left, is seen at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on June 18 with Hegseth and other senior Pentagon officials. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)



Another senior aide to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is leaving the Pentagon, officials said Saturday, marking at least the sixth departure of a top adviser in Hegseths first six months in office.

Justin Fulcher, who was named a senior adviser to the defense secretary in late April, said in a text message to The Washington Post that his departure is perfectly amicable and that he planned all along to complete just six months of government service. He said he is grateful to Hegseth, President Donald Trump and to the extraordinary civilians and service members who turn vision into action every day.

Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Department of Defense has been incredibly inspiring, Fulcher said.

Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, acknowledged Fulchers departure in a text message, after CBS News first reported that Fulcher had been fired. Parnell said it was not fair to characterize the exit as a firing and called Fulcher a great guy.

The Pentagon also issued a short statement from Parnell that said the Defense Department is grateful to Fulcher for his work on behalf of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, came to the Cabinet job with little prior managerial experience and has struggled to achieve cohesion among his inner circle of aides. The staff churn, along with Hegseths other early missteps, has drawn sharp scrutiny from Congress and, at times, the White House.

The latest shake-up follows a report by The Post published Tuesday that detailed an unusual situation ahead of his appointment in April in which Fulcher  then a member of billionaire Elon Musks U.S. DOGE Service  stormed out of a meeting with the Pentagons DOGE team lead, Yinon Weiss, and sought help from Hegseths front office.

As The Post reported, Fulcher told Hegseth and other senior officials in the secretarys office that he thought the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, an internal police and security organization, was looking for him. That upset Hegseth, who then summoned Weiss to his office and confronted him, raising his voice at times, people familiar with the altercation said.

Weiss, a tech entrepreneur who had just taken over as the Pentagons DOGE team lead, denied having called law enforcement, telling Hegseth that instead he had reported Fulcher to a government official with the Defense Department transition office that assists newly arriving political appointees, a person familiar with the encounter said.

Hegseth brought Fulcher onto his team days later, after he fired three other senior advisers and accused them of leaking information to the news media. They have emphatically denied the accusation, and the Pentagon has disclosed no evidence backing the allegations.

Fulcher was embroiled in additional controversy last month after the Guardian reported that he told Hegseths personal attorney, Tim Parlatore, and Hegseths chief of staff at the time, Joe Kasper, that he knew of surveillance measures that could be used to find leakers in the Pentagon.

Fulcher joined Parlatore in the search for suspected leakers, but officials at the White House and in the Pentagon later determined that Fulcher had exaggerated his usefulness and the purported evidence he had alluded to did not exist, people familiar with the matter said. In light of that, some of Hegseths other advisers began to cast doubt on Fulchers standing in the administration.

Within the Pentagon, there was speculation for days that Fulchers departure was imminent, but on July 11 administration officials said in a statement to The Post that he was still a senior adviser to the secretary and gave no indication that was changing. Fulcher, too, said then that he was still on the team without disclosing that he would be leaving soon.

Fulchers workspace had recently been relocated outside of Hegseths main office to a desk down the hall, but he previously told The Post the move was temporary and occurring because of maintenance work. Others familiar with the situation affirmed that the move appeared to be temporary, but some said that it had raised new questions as Hegseth has worked to suppress any perception of persistent dysfunction.

Other members of Hegseths team who have departed include Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll and Darin Selnick, the three fired in April; Kasper, who voluntarily left his role for the private sector that month, and John Ullyot, who served for a few months as the Pentagons top spokesman.
The defendant denied the girl was brought to Ireland to work as a prostitute and denied telling his son to rape her

A Bulgarian man was remanded into custody this week accused of trafficking a teenage girl and arranging for his son to rape her.

Standing handcuffed in the dock of Newtownards Magistrates Court the 37-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified in order to protect the identity of his son, spoke through an interpreter to confirm his identity and that he understood the three charges against him.

The defendant faces charges of human trafficking with a view that the victim would be exploited, false imprisonment of the 14-year-old and arranging or facilitating a sex offence in that he intentionally directed his son to conduct a sexual activity with the child.

The defendants 16-year-old son appeared in court on Saturday and he too was remanded into custody, having been refused bail.

In court on Thursday, Detective Constable Beggs gave evidence that he believed he could connect the defendant to each of the charges, adding that police were objecting to bail due to the risk of the defendant fleeing the country.

There was also an objection to the 37-year-old going back to his home address due to concerns for his safety.

DC Beggs told the court the alleged offences came to light after police received an emergency phone call from Bulgaria on 10 July, with the girls family reporting that she was being kept against her will.

He said the complainant had alleged that she was stuck there, that she had also been raped by the 16-year-old and further that she was pregnant.

The officer told the court that when the complainant spoke to Social Services at a Belfast hospital, she alleged the defendant told his son to rape her and that she was trapped and that she couldn't get out.

She further alleged that the father employees different girls that he brings here to have sex and he did ask her to have sex.

He did ask her to work as a prostitute and have sex but she refused, said the officer.

DC Beggs told Deputy District Judge Sean OHare the 14-year-old had already recorded an Achieving Best Evidence video interview with police, explaining that as her parents knew the defendant and his family, she had come for a holiday.

When she first arrived a few months ago, they treated her well and she was happy to cook and clean and help around the house but on one occasion when she was too tired to cook, the 14-year-old was allegedly assaulted by the defendants son and his wife.

It was a few days later, on her 14th birthday, when the 16-year-old allegedly raped her, said the officer.

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Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 20th

The court heard on Saturday that according to the complainant, he entered the room, locked the door, placed his hand over her month and raped her, laughing throughout her ordeal.

DC Beggs said since that alleged incident, the teenager was locked in a room and only allowed to leave the house for a few minutes at a time, adding that her phone was taken from her so she had no way of contacting anyone.

When the father and son were arrested, the court heard, police seized eight mobile phones, 1,000 in cash and travel documents from the property.

There was a 17-year-old girl there at the same time but she maintained she was not being held against her will or that she had been forced into having sex with anyone.

During police interviews, the 37-year-old claimed that his son and the alleged victim were actually married, further claiming that having known each other since they were a lot younger, they liked each other.

He told police it was a tradition in the Bulgarian/Roma community that when two children liked each other, they're allowed to be together.

The defendant denied the girl was locked in the house, denied that she was brought to NI to work as a prostitute and denied telling his son to rape her.

If released the defendant could travel back to Bulgaria and not return, said DC Beggs adding that having spoken to immigration authorities, the 37-year-old has overstayed his current visa.

He said while the defendant has a clear record in NI, obviously with the nature of the allegations that the defendant has been human trafficking, we would be concerned that even without a passport, there may be ways and means that he could get out of the country or move country and therefore be a flight risk.

Applying for bail, defence counsel said the defendant vehemently and consistently denied the offences during police interviews so he is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

Highlighting that he has been living and working in NI for a number of years, she told Judge OHare his wife had come to court with 2,200 to lodge as a cash surety, arguing thjat he could be granted bail with a package of conditions.

How is this man supposed to leave the country when police have seized his passport, they've seized all his national identity cards, the barrister asked.

Judge OHare replied however that to his mind, I do not believe there are conditions that I can impose that would alleviate that risk.

Refusing bail and remanding the defendant into custody, he adjourned the case to 14 August.
My Winston wasnt same after he stayed at Waggies, says angry customer as businesswoman faces sentencing

McIvor admitted failing to meet the needs of a border collie named Tonks

McIvor is due to be sentenced for animal neglect in Auguust

This is the animal abuser who ran a pet hotel where almost 40 dogs were neglected, including one that eventually had to be put down.

Paula McIvor, also known as Paula Hamilton Stewart, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of the animals when she appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court earlier this month.

The 43-year-old, from Glenwell Grove in Newtownabbey, admitted six offences committed between July and August 2023 at Waggies Pet Hotel on the Belfast Road in Glenavy.

She failed to meet the needs of golden retriever Sam, bichon frise-poodle cross Steve, border collie Tonks and another 36 unnamed dogs.

She also pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Tonks.

The background of the case was not discussed in court, except for the fact one dog had to be put to sleep.

McIvor admitted failing to meet the needs of a border collie named Tonks

A pet owner who fell victim to McIvor, and who did not wish to be named, was horrified by what had happened to her bichon frise-shih tzu mix Winston (3), who spent 10 nights at the business.

He had never been left with anyone else before, and we came across Waggies, she said.

It all looked very good, although when I went to see it, she wouldnt let me into where the dogs were.

Obviously, I wanted to make sure he was comfortable, so I left him with her for a few nights to make sure I was happy with it.

I didnt realise at the time, but she kept him in the house on those nights and not in the garage, where she normally keeps the dogs.

She sent me loads of pictures over the two nights, and he seemed happy, so I decided to leave him with her.

While we were away, we barely got any updates or pictures, so I started to worry.

She was also away on a night out during the time period  we had seen on social media. Our flight back was delayed, and we got relatives to pick him up. He was skin and bones and had vomiting and diarrhoea. He was in a really bad way. He was filthy.

Id done two flights back from America, and a bus from Dublin, and I couldnt go to bed because I had to bath him. It was that bad. He wasnt the same dog.

McIvor is due to be sentenced for animal neglect in Auguust

Winstons owner believes there should be more tighter rules for businesses in the pet care world.

She said: It took about two weeks for him (Winston) to get back to himself. At first, he would just sit and stare at the wall.

She contacted us about two years later, asking if we had left her a bad review online, but it wasnt us.

I feel so guilty because I didnt press her on it at the time. Reflecting on it, it wasnt right at all. I should have done something more about it, and I regret that.

You leave your dog with someone you are paying to look after them, and you assume they will do it properly.

Its worrying she neglected so many pets. I wish that Id insisted on checking on where the dogs were kept.

I think there should be more regulations for this sort of thing because the dog cant tell you whats happened.

McIvor is due for sentencing on August 19.

Paula McIvor ran Waggies Pet Hotel in Glenavy

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 20th
McGregor (37) is being sued before Florida Southern District Court over allegations from a women

22.11.2024. Nikita Hand. Photo Shows: Nikita Hand speaking to the media after winning her case upon leaving the High Court this evening. Photo: Collins Courts

22.11.2024. Conor Mcgregor . Photo Shows: Connor McGregor arriving at the High Court this morning with his partner Dee Devlin. Photo: Collins Courts

Conor McGregor with alleged victim in Miami - rape accuser in nightclub- stills from TMZ video

Conor McGregor during Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat on June 9, 2023 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida

Disgraced former MMA star and presidency hopeful Conor McGregor has hire a team of top Miami lawyers to contest claims he sexually assaulted a woman in Florida.

The Sunday World can reveal McGregors team include a former federal prosecutor who represented the U.S. Department of Justice, a top criminal defence lawyer and a former prosecutor at the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office.

McGregor (37) is being sued before Florida Southern District Court over allegations from a women, identified in court papers as Jane Doe, that he attempted to orally and anally sexually assault her in a restroom in the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida on June 9 and 10, 2023.

Ms Doe (49) claims she had her face slammed against a bathroom stall and was put in an armlock by the intoxicated fighter.

The case has been held up for several months as Does attorney unsuccessfully sought to have a summons issued in the case served on McGregor.

However, according to court filings, McGregor waived service of the summons on Monday last with a flurry of notices of attorney appearances in the case being filed later in the day by attorneys from prestigious Miami law firm Gelber Schachter & Greenberg.

The firms profile states: Whether a bet-the-company case or the thorniest of predicaments, Gelber Schachter & Greenberg provides clients with top-quality legal advice and helps create strategies that will allow them to get back to their businesses and their lives.

Daniel Walsh

Three attorneys from the firm came on record in the case as acting for McGregor on Monday.

They include:

Gerald Greenberg, a partner with the firm, who specialises in both white collar criminal matters and high-stakes commercial litigation has been honoured for multiple years as one the Top 100 lawyers in Miami by Super Lawyers.

Barbara R. Llanes, also a partner in the firm, is described as a seasoned former federal prosecutor who represented the U.S. Department of Justice for more than eleven years, domestically and in Latin America, in international investigations and complex criminal matters.

Daniel Walsh, an associate with the firm, who spent four and a half years as a prosecutor at the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office, finishing his tenure in the Career Criminal and Robbery Unit.

Barbara R. Llanes

As a prosecutor, he tried more than thirty jury trials, serving as lead counsel in the majority of those cases

Legal sources say its expected there will be further filings in the coming weeks.

McGregors team have previously described the claims as baseless.

McGregor's attorney, Barbara Llanes, said After a thorough investigation at the time, the States Attorney concluded there was no case to pursue.

Almost two years and at least three lawyers later the plaintiff has a new false story. We are confident that this case too will be dismissed.

The developments in the US case come during a turbulent week for McGregor  who last month withdrew his application to introduce new evidence in his appeal against the finding of a High Court jury after he lost a civil rape trial in which it was alleged he raped Nikita Hand.

He was the subject of a social media frenzy last weekend when he was photographed kissing a mystery brunette woman on a beach in Fort Lauderdale.

With his partner Dee - whom he shares four children with and has been engaged to since 2020 - nowhere in sight, questions were raised about their relationship.

Gerald Greenberg

Rapper Azealia Banks then added to the controversy as she took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to accuse McGregor of sexual harassment.

The 34-year-old shared photos purported to show McGregor posing naked which she said had he sent to her unprompted.

Ms Banks, who is known for her outspoken views, took aim at McGregor  writing How you gonna send a b**ch a some crooked d**k pics then threaten her not to tell. @TheNotoriousMMA n**ga do you know who the f**k I am?

McGregor and Devlin, however, appeared unfazed by the events of the week.

McGregor shared a clip of her on board a boat with him on Friday and another on X showing her rubbing his belly.

Conor McGregor during Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat on June 9, 2023 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 20th
Thomas Verbickas (29) was trying to hide cocaine and cannabis when gardai twice caught him

A family man who turned to drug dealing to support his children while unemployed made a very poor choice, his defence solicitor has said.

Thomas Verbickas (29) was trying to hide cocaine and cannabis when gardai twice caught him on the streets in a small-scale operation.

Judge Susan Fay adjourned the case for a community service assessment, recommending 200 hours instead of an 18-month sentence.

Verbickas, of Belcamp Lane, Coolock, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs with intent to sell or supply.

Dublin District Court heard he was caught hiding 720 of cocaine in a bush after gardai saw him acting suspiciously at Hampton Wood Lawn, Finglas, on March 13, 2024.

The following April 3, he was seen discarding a package at Hampton Wood Square and it contained 100 of cannabis and 500 of cocaine.

Hes a family man who was trying to support his children and made a very poor choice to engage in this conduct as a way of raising money, defence solicitor Andrew Broderick said. It was to keep himself and his family going.

The accused had since mended his ways, was very remorseful and actively looking for work in construction.

Verbickas was eager to do community service if required.

Stock image

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 20th
Eddie Og OReilly was convicted in 2023 after attack on journalist Ray Managh, who asked that the money be given to charity

A former Cavan GAA footballer who assaulted a court reporter after demanding that he not report on his debt case has finally paid the compensation ordered by a judge over two years ago.

Eddie Og OReilly was convicted in 2023 of assaulting journalist Ray Managh, now aged 82, in the Four Courts in 2018.

The case was delayed on a number of occasions for administrative reasons and after OReillys legal team said their client could not deal with the stress and anxiety caused by the case.

OReilly, who has US citizenship, went to work in America after the attack, but was arrested by Garda Mick McGrath, of the Bridewell garda station, in Dublin Airport in 2019 when he was returning to Ireland.

OReilly, from Kilcogy, Co Cavan, pleaded not guilty to the attack.

After he was found guilty, Judge John Hughes characterised OReillys evidence that he was terrified for his life due to Mr Managh and news photographers chasing him through the streets of Dublin as delusional.

The reporting of civil and criminal cases goes back hundreds of years  it is a valuable function in society and needs to be protected, Judge Hughes said.

Court reporter Ray Managh was assaulted by Eddie Og O'Reilly in 2018. Photo: Collins Courts

OReilly was given a nine-month suspended sentence for the offence. He was ordered to pay a fine of 2,000 and attend an anger management course.

The judge also ordered him to pay Mr Managh 3,000 in compensation, which the reporter requested be paid directly to the cancer research unit at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin.

The assault took place after OReilly was in court trying to prevent the repossession of a 500,000 investment apartment that he and his brother Michael had got into arrears on.

After that hearing, OReilly followed Mr Managh out of the court and badgered him not to report on the case.

When told no, he shouldered the journalist, then 75, into a lift and violently pinned him against a wall until he could get his notebook.

The notebook was taken and never returned.

Mr Managh was able to write the story despite the assault.

OReilly refused to apologise and took an appeal that was dropped on the eve of the appeal hearing last January.

Mr Managh said he had recently been told by gardai that the childrens hospital had received the 3,000 compensation he was due from the case.

I was beginning to worry that it would never be paid, so its a relief that its finally over, Mr Managh said.

It is understood the compensation money was paid earlier this year after OReilly withdrew his appeal.

Eddie Og O'Reilly. Photo: Collins Courts

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 21st
The couple are the loss of almost 170k from scam and subsequent repair works

A couple who handed over 93,000 to a man to carry out works on their roof that were not needed  and ultimately not carried out  told the courts they lost their pension and lifesavings from the scam which has left them feeling vulnerable and gullible.

Denis Harrington (49) of Ballyspillane, Killarney, was before Tralee Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to three counts of deception.

Prosecuting Barrister Tom Rice, leading the evidence, told the court that the couple were told their property was defective and they handed over the sum of 93,500 in various payments for works to be carried out on the roof.

Mr Rice said that the couple from Crumlin, John Murphy and Ann Healy, are both pensioners, from Windmill Crescent, and own the property involved. In May 2022, they handed over money to carry out roof repairs to a man they knew as David Anthony but was in fact Mr Harrington. He had a van which stated roofing solutions and another worker with him.

They provided Mr Harrington with access to their roof and he persuaded them that there was a major problem with the roof that would cost 41,000 and this was handed over.

Mr Harrington subsequently sought further sums of money on various dates for the works which both Mr Murphy and Ms Healy handed over.

It transpired that rather than being worked on, it was being damaged, Mr Rice told the court.

After several payments on different dates, Mr Murphy became suspicious and he contacted his solicitor who advised him to go to gardai and they began an investigation.

CCTV was obtained from next door and from a petrol station where funds were handed over. Gardai got warrants for the couples bank accounts which showed the withdrawals.

The van was registered to Mr Harrington, the court heard, and a distinctive tattoo also helped identity Mr Harrington as the man involved.

Mr Rice told the court that significant damage had also been caused to the house as the roof had been butchered and was now unstable and the couple could not live in it. The court heard that, in total, there were at a grand loss of 168,922 including the damage caused. Some money was recovered in insurance for the damage.

The court was told that Mr Harrington made significant admissions and had now pleaded guilty to three charges that he dishonestly and with the intention of making a gain for himself or another by a deception of falsely stating that a property was defective and that he would remedy the same, inducing Anne Healy to hand over 15,000, another sum of 13,500 and another sum of 10,000 on various dates in May 2022.

There was also a plea to criminal damage to the property of Ms Anne Healy and John Murphy.

In victim impact statements read out to the court by a member of An Garda Siochana, Mr Murphy said that Mr Harrington knew how to play us and that he felt vulnerable after he realised it was a scam. He said it caused him stress and worry.

"I wish I had never let that man near us, he said.

Ms Healy said that she had lost trust in people because of what happened.

"I cant believe this man would do something like this, she said, adding that she felt stupid and gullible.

She said she had worked hard all her life and Mr Harrington took her pension and conned her out of her life savings.

The court was told that Mr Harrington has 30 previous convictions including four for guttering offences which describes incidents where he deceived homeowners into believing they needed work. He had received a sentence and further suspended sentences for these offences.

His barrister, Patrick OSullivan, said the optics dont look good. Judge Ronan Munro queried where the 90,000 taken went to, to which Mr OSullivan replied that he had a good explanation for that. He said his client has significant health problems.

Mr Harrington was also before Tralee Circuit Criminal Court for a separate incident relating to a family feud in Kerry when he was involved in a row that broke out on Christmas Day and he pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder arising from this.

The evidence for this incident was also provided to the court with Garda Nigel Shevlin stating that there was a feud between a group of families in the Ballyspillane area.

This began over a bouncy castle when a child from one side of the family feud was put off it during a Holy Communion in 2018 and it sparked several criminal incidents and court cases.

Garda Shevlin outlined a number of incidents that took place on Christmas morning 2020 in Ballyspillane which Mr Harrington, along with others, were involved in.

One involved a house being attacked by an armed gang and later a car was smashed up. Mr Harrington was not involved in the house attack or the car but was seen armed with a weapon in a brawl in the estate.

A separate house  the parents of the family in the first house attacked who were both pensioners  was also entered by two men with weapons.

Mr Harrington did not enter the house but was present with a weapon outside. This was the house of Theresa and Patrick OBrien, the court was told, and Theresa OBrien was assaulted outside the house. This charge of assault was taken into consideration by the court.

He wasnt the ring leader but he was involved in an assault on an elderly lady who prepared dinner in her home on Christmas Day, said Garda Shevlin.

A third house was also attacked and Mr Harrington was present.

Having heard the evidence, Judge Ronan Munro said it was like an attack on the king of the family or a tribal attack.

Garda Shevlin said the group had lost all sense of reason and the court heard it was like mob rule.

Other defendants have been before the court on charges relating to these specific events.

There have been a number of incident linked to this family feud but Mr Harrington was involved only in this one, his barrister Mr OSullivan said. He said it was a retaliation to events that occurred on Christmas Eve.

The court was told that a full psychiatric report was warranted and would be needed before sentencing.

The case was adjourned to October 7.
Keith McCormack Smith, Jason Ryle and PJ Lyons had their sentences increased

Three men received unduly lenient prison sentences for their targeted and pre-meditated arson attack in which a car was doused in fuel and rammed into a tanning salon, causing an enormous fire while families slept in the apartments overhead, a court has ruled.

At the Court of Appeal, Keith McCormack Smith (24) had his four-year sentence increased to seven years; Jason Ryle (26) had his three-and-a-half-year sentence increased to six years; and PJ Lyons (21) had his three-and-a-half-year sentence increased to four-and-a-half years.

McCormack Smith  also known as Keith McCormick and Keith McCormick-Smith  of Riverview, Church Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 pleaded guilty to arson at Tip Top Tanning Studio, Tullow Street, Carlow on May 17, 2022, and arson to a Toyota car on the same date and at the same location. He also pleaded guilty to various other charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful carriage in a motor vehicle and theft between May 1 and May 17, 2022.

Judge Eugene OKelly sentenced McCormack Smith to six years with the final two years suspended at Carlow Circuit Court on July 31, 2024.

Damaged shop front and apartments on Tullow Street

Ryle, of Raithin, Mullingar, Westmeath and Lyons, of Cedarbrook Walk, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, also pleaded guilty to arson arising out of the same incident. Ryle and Lyons further pleaded guilty to a number of other charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, attempted theft and theft on various dates in May 2022.

Ryle was sentenced to five and a half years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended while Lyons was also handed a sentence of five and a half years with the final two years suspended for a period of two years and three months.

Appealing the leniency of these sentences in April last, Niall Storan BL, for the DPP, said the incident in Carlow occurred shortly before 5am on May 17, 2022 when a stolen Toyota Avensis was rammed into a building on Tullow Street in Carlow and set alight causing the building to catch fire.

Mr Storan said the ground floor of the building operated as a tanning salon during the day and the upper levels were residential apartments. He said McCormack Smith was driving the Toyota car while PJ Lyons recorded what was happening on his phone and Ryle was also present.

Ryle had a bottle containing accelerant in his hand which he then poured onto the car while McCormack Smith got out and the three fled the scene.

A garda investigation revealed that multiple vehicles had been stolen in different locations and were involved in the commission of various offences which ultimately led to the arson at the tanning salon.

The offenders were ultimately identified through social media content from a TikTok account.

The destroyed salon and fire-damaged apartments on Tullow Street

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 20th

Mr Storan told the Court of Appeal in April that it was difficult to conceive of a more serious arson offence than this one which was both targeted and pre-meditated to cause an enormous fire.

He argued the headline sentence of eight years was too low and the sentences imposed did not adequately reflect the gravity of the offence. The lawyer suggested the judge had misplaced the offending at the mid-range on the scale of gravity.

Mr Storan also said insufficient weight was given to the many aggravating factors including the fact that the apartments over the premises were occupied by families who were sleeping at the time, the pre-meditation involved, the use of an accelerant and the fact that the respondents were on bail.

In delivering judgement, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said that the arson was a very serious offence, with obvious aggravating factors including the planning involved, the use of a getaway vehicle, the attack on a business premises, the fact that residential apartments needed to be evacuated, and the fact that each man had previous convictions and was on bail at the time.

She said that the court agreed with the DPP that the sentencing judge reduced the sentences by too much, with the sentences ultimately imposed not meeting the gravity of the offending.

Ruling that the sentences were unduly lenient, Ms Justice Kennedy said that the court would quash the sentences and move on to resentencing the three men.

She said that the appropriate headline sentence for McCormack Smith was ten years for the arson offence, which was reduced to eight years with the final year suspended.

In the case of Ryle, the headline sentence set was nine and a half years, reduced to seven years with the final year suspended.

And in the case of Lyons, Ms Justice Kennedy fixed the headline sentence at nine years, reduced to six and a half years with the final two years suspended.
The 79-year-old, who is currently housed at Arbour Hill Prison in Dublin, is due for a parole hearing next Febraury but a source said he is very unlikely to make it that long

Serial killer John Shaw is unlikely to make it to his next parole hearing as he is on borrowed time as he struggles to breathe due to poor health.

The evil rapist and murderer, who is currently Irelands longest serving prisoner, is believed to only have a few months left to live due to his struggles with a lung condition.

The 79-year-old, who is currently housed at Arbour Hill Prison in Dublin, is due for a parole hearing next February but a source said he is very unlikely to make it that long.

The family of one of his victims, Elizabeth Plunkett, have been calling for a cold case review into her murder after it emerged that Shaw and his partner-in-crime Geoffrey Evans were never prosecuted over her killing.

It emerged during an inquest hearing into her death that Shaw was never prosecuted for her murder while now deceased Evans was only convicted of her rape and false imprisonment, but not her murder.

A source said that if gardai are to question Shaw they must act now instead of waiting until it is too late.

The source said: Shaws health is declining at a very rapid rate, he is really struggling to breath let alone walk or do anything.

After every five or six steps he has to stop and take a break. He used to be known as a laid back person in prison but since his health has declined he has become very angry.

The good weather hasnt helped with his breathing either as the cells in Arbour Hill are smaller than most due to when the prison was built so they are extremely hot and clammy.

Its very unlikely in his current state that he will make it to 2026 for his parole hearing.

He had been getting the odd day out on supervised temporary release but there are no other days planned yet.

To be honest it would be a struggle for him to even walk around town like he did on the last day out.

It is important that if the gardai have any questions to put to him that they do it now rather than when he is unable to speak and on his death bed.

English career criminal Shaw along with his accomplice Geoffrey Evans, met in an English prison where they hatched their chilling plot to abduct, torture, rape and murder women.

The pair travelled around Ireland during the summer of 1976 resolving to kill one woman a week.

Their twisted killing spree ended with the murder of young clerk Elizabeth Plunkett, 23, in Co Wicklow and cook Mary Duffy, 24, in Co Mayo.

VICTIM: Elizabeth Plunkett

The two men were caged for life in February 1978 but shockingly, despite Shaw confessing to the killing of Elizabeth with his now deceased partner-in-crime, the pair were never convicted of the Dublin womans murder.

Evans died from an infection in 2012 after being in a vegetative state for three years.

The 68-year-old, who was also serving his sentence at Dublins Arbour Hill, was rendered helpless by a stroke following a heart bypass operation at the Mater Hospital on Christmas Eve, 2008, Dublins Coroners Court heard in 2013.

His post-mortem found he died as a result of sepsis due to hospital acquired pneumonia.

A new podcast series called Stolen Sister, which centres on Ms Plunketts case, aired last month.

John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans

It emerged earlier this week that seven people had come forward to allege they were potentially targeted, or witnessed others being targeted, by the two serial killers in 1976.

The two sisters of Elizabeth Plunkett told RTE News earlier this year: Were relieved that this individual, who confessed to abducting, raping and murdering our beloved Elizabeth has once again been refused parole.

However, he has still not faced justice for what he did to our sister.

Were calling on the DPP to tell us why this man never faced the courts for what he did to our Elizabeth. And were asking the gardai to now re-examine his case so Elizabeth can finally get some justice.

Serial killer John Shaw

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 20th
The three babies born to inmates across the Irish prison estate this year follow four babies born to inmates in 2024

Three babies have been born to inmates at the Dochas Centre womens prison in Dublin and Limericks womens prison to date this year, new figures show.

According to the new figures provided by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim OCallaghan (FF) TD, four infants aged under 12 months, three at Dochas and one at Limerick - have been accommodated with their mothers at the females prisons to date this year.

This followed three infants being accommodated with their mothers at Dochas Centre only in 2024.

The three babies born to inmates across the Irish prison estate this year follow four babies born to inmates in 2024.

This followed no babies born to prison inmates in 2023 and 2022 and there was only baby born to a woman jailed at Dochas Centre prison at the time during 2021 and 2020.

In written Dail replies to Deputies Gary Gannon TD (Soc Gen) and Matt Carthy TD (SF), Minister O'Callaghan confirmed that two babies have been born to inmates at Dochas Centre to date this year and one baby to an inmate at the 50-capacity Limericks womens prison.

In the replies, Minister OCallaghan also reveals that in 2025, 19 pregnant women have imprisoned at Irish prisons - 13 at Dochas and six at Limerick.

This followed 27 pregnant women being jailed last year - 22 at Dochas and five at Limerick and the 27 total was more than double the 12 total for 2023.

In his reply Minister OCallaghan told the two deputies: I can confirm that there are currently no pregnant women remanded to custody within the Irish Prison Estate.

He said: Pregnant woman in custody are provided with as much privacy as possible and are accommodated in single occupancy rooms.

He said that in accordance with prison rules a child may remain in the care of their mother in prison, until the child has reached twelve months of age

He said that in the Dochas Centre, mothers and babies are accommodated in single occupancy double rooms.

He said: These rooms are on a small landing which is shared with enhanced status prisoners. Work is commencing in relation to additional, bespoke rooms for mothers and babies in the Dochas Centre.

He said that Limerick Women's Prison does not have a separate building for women with children, however the women and their babies are accommodated in independent style apartments.

He said: Each has their own individual apartment. This overall area is not specifically for women with babies and may house other prisoners deemed suitable to live in these "independent style apartments.

He said that in relation to the health and safety of pregnant women in custody, the Irish Prison Service has developed and apply bespoke risk assessments to both pregnant women and to mothers and babies who are in their custody.

He said: These risk assessments inform strategies which support managing the health and safety of pregnant women, and mothers who have given birth to babies whilst serving prison sentences, within the prison environment.

He said that the Irish Prison Service employs a National Family Connections Officer and Iin May 2025 this officer established a multi-agency working group to review Protocols and update the Irish Prison Service Mother and Baby Policy to ensure best practice for the care and support of mothers and babies in custody.

He said: This work is currently at scoping stage.

Minister OCallaghan said that the level of maternity care and supports provided to women in custody, is comparable to that available to women in the community.

He said: "Primary care nursing is provided in female prisons on a 24/7 basis, 365 days a year. Doctor services are available Monday to Friday 9-5, with locum services available at the weekends.

He said that due to the specific needs of a number of the women who are pregnant, specialist HSE services have a very close and responsive working relationship with both prison management and the prison healthcare team.

He said: Most pregnant women receive all their antenatal care external to the prison, in routine antenatal clinics in the local HSE maternity hospital. When needed and in cases of emergency, specialist midwives will attend the prison; however, this is not a common occurrence.

He said that expectant mothers are always facilitated to have their children born in hospital.

Dochas women's prison. Photo: Jim Walpole

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 21st
Country music legend Daniel ODonnell calls for action as he highlights the latest social media fraud involving his wife

DANIEL ODonnell says he has spotted many fake and sensational stories about himself and his family on social media  but the most bizarre is a new one claiming his wife Majella is pregnant at the age of 65.

In an exclusive interview, the country music superstar also hit out at Facebook and other social media platforms that are failing to crack down on criminals targeting his fans.

Daniel, who has highlighted this issue in the past, was speaking out after TV presenter Elaine Crowley this week exposed a social media scam claiming she had lost weight by giving up three foods  and posting a fake photo of Virgin Medias popular Ireland AM host in a bid to lure potential victims.

In his own case, Daniel tells how one vulnerable woman in America was conned out of thousands of dollars after believing that the person she was in contact with was him and was convinced they were going to have a relationship.

Daniel says: People think its me that they are talking to on Facebook and its very plausible. A lot of the time (the scam) is that I am going to meet them and they are going to come away with me. They send on thousands. I know of one particular person in America that got caught up in this.

A lot of people are vulnerable and there are people who believe that. Sometimes people hang on to the strangest thread, no matter how weak it is.

They are the people who fall prey to the scammers and they are sending the money, which they think is to me because this is the way its all going to work.

Eventually, they realise that this is not a real person at all, its not a real account and they cant find the person. Their money is gone and there doesnt seem to be anything they can do about it, which is ridiculous.

Surely to God, when they can send people to space, they should be able to find out who owns a Facebook page.

Singer Daniel O'Donnell and his wife Majella

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 20th

As well as the scams, Daniel pointed out that he, along with many other celebrities, has been at the centre of numerous false and outlandish stories on Facebook and elsewhere on the internet.

At the minute there are all kinds of stories going up about all sorts of strange things, he says. Last week Majella was pregnant at 65. Its so ridiculous youd hope people wouldnt believe it.

Majella laughed when she saw it because it is hilarious. As bizarre stories go, that one is top of the tree.

In another story I was at deaths door and pictured in a hospital bed. Englebert Humperdinck had a similar story and had to make a public statement that he was perfectly healthy. Cliff (Richard) has had similar stories.

Ive seen other fake stories about our family, including one about Michael (Majellas son) saying that he couldnt have had a better stepfather and all I did for him, but, unfortunately, he couldnt live under the same roof, which is ridiculous.

If you try to find out the source of these stories I just think you are on a road to nowhere. There doesnt seem to be any legislation about Facebook at all.
New and updated coastal erosion maps are now available for the Western Bay of Plenty district. This includes new maps for Matakana Island, parts of Tauranga Harbour not previously mapped, Maketu, Waihi Estuary, and east of Pukehina to Otamarakau, and updated maps for Waihi Beach and Pukehina.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council acting general manager strategy and community, Emily Watton, said this new information improves understanding of the risks that sea level rise could create and how the districts open coastlines and harbour and estuary margins may respond to those potential changes over the coming 100 years.

Improving the accuracy of hazard maps, like these, is more critical than ever due to the increasing legislative requirements around climate change, the need to reduce natural hazard risk, and ensuring preparedness and response to natural disasters.

The mapping information will help people make informed decisions about undertaking building works, buying property or preparing for a natural disaster.

The district council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have been updating the natural hazards maps for the District over the past few years.

This is because of changes to the Resource Management Act and Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement, which have brought in new requirements relating to how councils manage natural hazard risks, Watton said.

The coastal erosion maps show the possible extent of erosion, taking into account the possible effects of climate change, including sea level rise, that may occur by the years 2080 and 2130.

The reason for selecting a timeframe out to the year 2130  at least 100 years from now and taking into account climate change, is because the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement requires potential coastal hazards to be identified in this manner.

Previous coastal erosion maps for Waihi Beach and Pukehina, in 2015, used the timeframes of 2065 and 2115.

Other hazards being investigated include flooding from extreme rainfall, coastal inundation  flooding from the sea  land instability, liquefaction, tsunami, and active faults.

As the mapping of each hazard is completed, landowners are notified and the information is put on the councils website, property files and in any Land Information Memoranda (LIMs) requested for properties.

The council also uses the maps when processing resource consents, project information memoranda and building consents, to ensure that the risk from natural hazards to people and buildings is assessed.

Letters have been sent to landowners affected by the latest coastal erosion maps and the new information has been included on councils Natural Hazards webpage at: westernbay.govt.nz/naturalhazards.
A surge in Bay of Plenty whooping cough cases among babies and small children is causing concern among health professionals.

A national whooping cough, or pertussis, epidemic was declared in November and more than 250 cases have been recorded across the Bay of Plenty and Lakes health districts.

Tauranga medical officer of health Dr Jim Miller said he was alarmed by the number of children admitted to Bay of Plenty hospitals in the past few months.

Weve had small children ending up in hospital in Rotorua and Whakatane, he said.

He said it was important pregnant women were immunised, as the people most at risk of serious illness and ending up in hospital were babies under 1.

Theyre too young - up to six weeks - to get their vaccinations, so theyre completely vulnerable.

He said if a baby under 1 contracted whooping cough, they had a 50% chance of being hospitalised.

Miller said healthcare professionals were concerned people were not aware of the outbreak or where to seek help.

So far this year, 146 whooping cough cases have been reported in Bay of Plenty, according to public health monitoring by PHF Science, the new Crown institute for public health and forensic science.

Recorded cases spiked in the second week of January to 14 cases and had been rising again, with 13 cases last week.

Te Whatu Ora Health NZ said there were 11 hospitalisations in five months in Eastern Bay of Plenty - the highest in a single year for the region since 2010.

PHF Science data showed Lakes had 109 reported cases so far this year, with May featuring 10 cases. It had three last week.

Of 34 people hospitalised in the two regions, 19 were aged under 1.

Miller said more cases were coming in daily.

Were sometimes getting one or two, sometimes half a dozen cases notified to us.

Whooping cough was also under-reported as people often did not realise what they had, or did not go to the doctor.

Dr Cate Mills, a GP at Rotoruas Three Lakes Clinic, said she had seen a lot of respiratory infections and very unwell children this season.

Mills said the increase in cases in the region was linked to its lower immunisation rate.

She suggested vaccine sceptics talk through their reservations with their doctor.

Dr Luke Bradford, a GP at 5th Ave Family Practice in Tauranga, said Bay of Plenty had some of the worst immunisation rates in the country.

Stay up to date with your whooping cough vaccine. Its one of those ones we have to boost periodically through life.

Bradford said there was a lot of misinformation about vaccines circulating online.

Childhood immunisation has turned around childhood mortality, he said.

If you look at average life expectancy, the main rise is because people dont die as young children anymore. Thats predominantly because of vaccines.

Symptoms and treatment of whooping cough

Miller said whooping cough began the same as a common cold, with a cough and runny nose.

But it will persist, and it might start becoming more irritating, having bouts of coughing or paroxysms [outbursts] of coughing.

Miller said patients may struggle to stop coughing, and often at the end of that cough, they may take a really deep breath and that sometimes creates that whoop noise, which gave the disease its name.

Small children may cough to the point of vomiting.

If you are concerned about a small child with what appears to be a cold but the coughs getting worse  either call a doctor or call Healthline 0800 611 116 to get 24/7 free health advice, he said.

Antibiotic treatment could shorten the duration of the illness and the time a patient was infectious to others.

As a bacterial infection, droplets people coughed up were highly infectious to others.

You shouldnt go to work or send your children to school if theyre unwell.

Simple things like covering your cough using your arm, washing your hands and staying home all helped.

If you have a cough and it wont go away, or youre concerned that its unusual, phone Healthline or give your GP a ring and they can help.

Miller said during the early stages, it was hard to tell the difference between whooping cough, Covid-19, influenza and the common cold.

Its important that you keep it to yourself.

Dont soldier on and go to work  stay home when youre unwell and look after yourself and get better.

Free vaccines can be booked and given at GP clinics, Hauora Maori or Pacific health services, or at some pharmacies.

Alternatively, call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 from 8.30am-5pm Monday-Friday or visit: info.health.nz/bookavaccine to book or for more information.
What started off as a passion for arts and crafts has become an internationally successful business for a Tauranga calligrapher.

Michaela McBride started her business, Michaela McBride Calligraphy, 10 years ago after seeing a gap in the market for handwritten wedding stationery.

McBride said it was her wedding photographer and florist who suggested the idea after seeing the pieces she created for her own wedding, encouraging her to turn it into a business.

I started doing it on the side and pretty much right away, I had orders  Within a year, I was pretty much fulltime.

Her work was this month recognised at the Pride in Print Awards, with her Kaya and Brian Wedding Invite Suite, printed by Studio Q / Laserfoil, taking out the Supreme Award.

Michaela McBride says wedding stationery is the first detail guests receive and often becomes a keepsake. Photo/ Katie Grant

McBrides work has also been featured in top wedding publications, including Vogue, Martha Stewart and Magnolia Rouge.

McBride said she had always enjoyed arts and crafts and was drawn to creative subjects such as photography and graphics in school.

Art had always come naturally to her, so she taught herself calligraphy and began producing handwritten works such as signboards and place cards.

As her business evolved, she started focusing on design and illustration and now specialises in luxury printing.

This involved using specialised techniques and premium materials to achieve high-quality, sophisticated work, such as embossing, foiling, laminating and die-cutting.

McBride said she often worked with clients for several months to a year, designing wedding invitations and day-of stationery.

I work with couples to do their wedding invitations, and then often Ill work with them a second time to do stationery menus, place cards, programmes, signage, itineraries, whatever they need for their day.

Michaela McBride works with materials like handmade paper and silk ribbon to create her timeless pieces. Photo / Supplied

Often Im working with them eight months to a year before the day, or for some slightly simpler jobs, maybe just a few months before the day.

Although she has done work for clients in New Zealand, the majority of McBrides clients are based overseas, mainly in the United States and Italy.

She has also done work for clients in Bali, Doha, Australia, France, UK and Ireland.

Social media helped her expand her reach and gain visibility with international clients. Her business Instagram had more than 43,000 followers.

She also built relationships with overseas wedding planners, who recommend her to their clients.

The price of her work varied significantly depending on the size and complexity of the project, but McBride said her stationery started at $3000.

She worked with a printer from Laserfoil but also did some of the foiling and embossing herself.

Its such a collaborative process. And often Im sort of pushing the boundaries of what hes even done [often] coming up with different concepts, McBride said.

She would like take on more custom projects in the future, tailoring more to her clients requests and expanding her range of abilities.

Michaela McBride Calligraphy offers both semi-custom and full-custom work. Photo / Supplied

I specifically love custom work  Those projects give me the flexibility to think outside the box and come up with new concepts.

My goal for each project is to create stationery that offers a glimpse into their wedding day celebrations whilst reflecting who they are as a couple.

McBride said she had considered expanding her business into a larger operation with employees, but ultimately, her work was built around her craft, so she didnt see that happening in the foreseeable future.

Haley Doig is an AUT journalism student interning at the Bay of Plenty Times.
Students from across the Bay of Plenty will get a hands-on look at their future at the Canvas Tauranga Careers Expo this August.

Held at Mercury Baypark Arena on August 7 and 8, the annual expo features more than 60 exhibitors from tertiary institutions, training providers, and a wide range of local industries  all under one roof.

Organiser and Rotary Club of Tauranga member Sue Boyne said the event offered students and whanau a rare opportunity to explore different career paths in one place.

We want to help shift students from I dont know to I do know, said Boyne. By bringing in so many passionate people from across sectors, students can connect directly and get a feel for whats out there.

The expo is jointly hosted by the Rotary Club and economic development agency Priority One, whose Instep Manager Michelle Clarke said one of the expos strengths was its emphasis on employer engagement.

Talking to someone actually doing the job gives you a clear sense of the work, the skills involved, and whether it feels right for you, said Clarke.

This years Construction Hub will highlight the many careers shaping the regions booming building industry  from trades and project management to architecture and planning.

With Tauranga continuing to grow, these jobs are only going to become more important, Clarke said.

Seb Lemberg, now a mechanical engineering student, credits the expo with helping him find his path.

I went in Year 13 and the conversations I had helped me decide on engineering. It also helped me land an internship that was crucial for my studies, said Lemberg.

Students and career changers will also be able to engage with sectors like law, science, media, health, horticulture, Maori business, finance, logistics and more.

Universities and training providers from across Aotearoa will be on hand to offer information, resources and guidance.

The event runs 9am2pm both days, with an additional evening session from 48pm on Thursday, ideal for students to attend with family.

Boyne said: Its about giving people the confidence and clarity to make informed choices about their future.
After strapping her daughter into a booster seat and putting a half-drunk bottle of wine in the centre console, Holly Pattison set off in her car to Napier.

But the 36-year-old barely made it out of Hamilton before she strayed over the centre line and crashed into another vehicle.

The 6-year-old girl suffered critical injuries, while the driver of the other car was off work for a considerable amount of time.

Pattison appeared in the Hamilton District Court on Wednesday for sentencing on two charges of driving causing injury with an excess blood alcohol level and ill-treatment of a child after the crash on December 15 last year.

Her lawyer, Catriona Kunac, managed to persuade Judge Glen Marshall not to send Pattison to prison.

Three times the limit

It was about 9.15pm when Pattison was heading south on Cambridge Rd, between the suburb of Hillcrest and the Waikato Expressway.

Pattison had her daughter in the front passenger seat strapped into a booster seat.

At the same time, a 19-year-old man driving north exited the expressway on to Cambridge Rd, travelling about 75km/h.

Pattison failed to negotiate a sweeping right-hand corner and veered across into the centre lane.

The other driver unsuccessfully tried to avoid the crash by swerving but the cars collided, suffering irreparable damage.

When inspected, Pattisons speedometer was locked at 100km/h and a half-empty bottle of wine was in the centre cup holder.

She returned a blood alcohol level of 183mg. The legal blood alcohol limit is 50mg.

The child suffered a lacerated liver, broken collarbone, broken humerus bone, and a head injury and was taken to Starship childrens hospital in a critical condition.

The other driver suffered a fractured vertebra and concussion, and was off work for a considerable amount of time.

Pattison admitted shed been drinking and said she was driving to Napier, but didnt say why her daughter was in the front passenger seat.

The child has made a full recovery

Kunac said the child had since made a full recovery, while Pattison would soon have surgery on a lower vertebrae injured in the crash.

She had also done an initial assessment with Care NZ and so far done 100 volunteer hours at a Hamilton charity.

This could have ended in tragedy

Judge Marshall noted Pattison had one previous conviction  drink-driving from 2016.

As for the recent offending, the aggravating features were the harm to the victims, the premeditation, her high blood reading and the fact she was travelling a considerable distance to Napier.

You of all people, Miss Pattison, would realise that this could have ended up far more tragically than it did.

Everyone could have died in that crash or suffered more severe injuries, which potentially affected them for life.

I think you have now come to the conclusion that your drinking was out of control and aspects of your life were perhaps out of control.

Judge Marshall sentenced Pattison to nine months home detention, ordered her to pay $1500 in emotional harm reparation, disqualified her from driving for 28 days until she had an alcohol interlock device installed and pay police and medical costs of $195.34.

Belinda Feek is an Open Justice reporter based in Waikato. She has worked at NZME for 10 years and has been a journalist for 21.
M.L. Cadiz Monday, 30 June 2025, 17:43 Share

Summer is here and, with it, the eternal dilemma: what beach deserves to be visited and where should we anchor the umbrella? The choice among the marvellous beaches in Cadiz is never easy.

Zahara de los Atunes and Tarifa usually take the spotlight, but there is another beach that, according to internet searches, wins hearts in 2025.

According to a study carried out by Semrush - a platform specialising in digital trend analysis - Bolonia beach was the most searched beach in Andalucia.

In total, the beach has accumulated 120,167 searches so far this year, almost twice as many as the second Andalusian beach on the list - Los Genoveses in Almeria (71,333).

Bolonia hooks

Bolonia beach is a summer must, offering visitors fine white sand, turquoise waters, giant dunes (the famous Bolonia dune is almost a natural amusement park), Roman ruins (the city of Baelo Claudia) and charming beach bars. When the warm 'levante' wind blows, listening to the waves of the sea is a total bliss.

Tarifa

Located in the municipality of Tarifa but far from the urban bustle, Bolonia is the perfect blend of unspoilt landscape and moderate accessibility. It is not an overcrowded beach, which is part of its charm. Given the almost mystical energy that many feel when walking along its coast, we understand why internet users keep looking for it.

Bolonia wins

Data from Semrush, which has analysed more than eight million online searches related to Spanish beaches in 2024 confirms that users not only want sea and sun, but also unique, authentic and soulful places. Bolonia fits the bill.

So if you are still with your mental GPS in Zahara or wondering whether Tarifa will be too windy, listen to the internet: Bolonia is waiting.
Europa Press Malaga Sunday, 20 July 2025, 09:35 | Updated 09:59h. Share

This Sunday (20 July), another day of intense heat is forecast in Malaga province. Spain's state meteorological agency (Aemet) has activated an amber weather warning for high temperatures in the city, western Costa del Sol and Valle del Guadalhorce areas, from 1pm to 9pm. Aemet forecasts that maximum temperatures will reach 39C. On the eastern Axarquia coast of the Costa del Sol, Aemet has issued a yellow alert for the heat with the mercury expected to hit 38C between the same hours.

Zoom

On Saturday, the thermometers were close to 40C , which meant that only air conditioning, cool water and the beach - in those areas where the sea breeze allowed it - made the day more bearable.

At a national level, Aemet has activated the yellow and amber risk warnings in around 12 provinces that will see temperatures range between 36 degrees and 40 degrees this Sunday afternoon.

Specifically, the provinces of Valencia, Alicante and Murcia are under an amber warning, which could exceed 40C in some areas such as the regional capitals of Murcia and Valencia.

In addition to Malaga, the provinces of Zaragoza, Huesca, Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, Castellon, Albacete and the Balearic Islands in the interior of the island of Majorca will be under a yellow warning with temperatures between 36 and 39C.

In total, this Sunday a total of 24 provinces and the autonomous city of Melilla will be exposed to temperatures above 30C, including Seville (38C), Zaragoza (38C), Lleida (37C), Cordoba (37C), Malaga and Granada with 36C or 35C in Toledo, Ciudad Real, Lleida and Huesca.

Meanwhile, minimum temperatures will not drop below 22-24 degrees in most of the Mediterranean area, north and south of the plateau, even 24-26C due to the Levante to the Costa del Sol as in the areas of Castellon, Barcelona, Palma, Murcia or Melilla, which will suffer high temperatures during the night.

In general, the forecast of the Spanish state weather agency predicts predominantly stable conditions in most of the country, with slightly cloudy skies or high clouds. However, there could be weak precipitation in the northwest, Cantabrian and Pyrenees, somewhat heavier in Galicia and western Cantabria with the passage of a weak Atlantic mass through the northwest.

In the case of the Canary Islands, the northern mountainous islands could see some instability both in the early and late hours of the day which could lead to some rain. In the rest of the islands, the weather is completely clear.
Ticonderoga, N.Y.  A 9-year-old girl who was reported abducted Saturday evening in Upstate New York has been found dead with no indication of having been abducted, troopers said.

The girl, Melina Frattolin, was found dead in the town of Ticonderoga in Essex County, according to a news release Sunday from Trooper Stephanie ONeil, a spokesperson for the State Police.

Melina was originally reported abducted in Lake George and last seen in a van near Exit 22 (Lake George Village) on the Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87). Thats about an hour south of where her body was found.

Melinas father, Luciano Frattolin, called 911 at about 10 p.m. Saturday to report his daughter had possibly been abducted, ONeil said.

An AMBER Alert was issued for Melina hours later at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday. It said the child was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death.

The Warren County Sheriffs Office investigated the case before the State Police took over. Law enforcement identified inconsistencies in the fathers account of events and the timeline he provided, ONeil said.

Multiple law enforcement agencies helped search for Melina, including the State Police, the Essex County Sheriffs Office and the Ticonderoga Police Department, as well as the state Department of Environmental Conservations officers and forest rangers.

It was a DEC officer who found Melinas body during a grid search in the Ticonderoga area, according to a news release from James McCartney, the president of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, the union that represents DEC officers.

There is no indication that an abduction occurred, ONeil said, and there is no threat to the public.

ONeil said officials plan to hold a news conference Monday to provide more information about the case.

Melina and her father, 45, are both Canadian nationals, ONeil said. The Canadian consulate in New York City did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A 33-year-old was dropped off at Upstate University Hospital after being shot in Syracuse early Sunday.

Around 3:10 a.m., police were on the 4100 block of South Salina Street responding to a loud party complaint when officers heard gunshots, according to a news release from Syracuse police.

Several shell casings were found near the intersection of South Salina Street and Ballantyne Road, police said.

Shortly after, a man was dropped off at Upstate University Hospital in a private vehicle, police said.

He had multiple gunshot wounds to his lower body, they said. He is expected to survive, police said.

Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact SPD at (315) 442-5222.
The Associated Press reports:

President Donald Trump is lashing out at his own supporters, accusing them of being duped by Democrats, as he tries to clamp down on criticism over his administrations handling of much-hyped records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation, which Trump now calls a Hoax. 

Trump is feeling the MAGA backlash against his administrations backing away from promises to expose Epsteins powerful friends, a topic that dominates this weeks editorial cartoon gallery.

Dana Summers leads the collection with his view of the Epstein files as a pesky dog biting at Trumps pant leg. Nick Anderson imagines the files hidden in the bombed-out mountain where Iran concealed its nuclear program. Jack Ohmans Epstein file folder has big teeth. Bill Bramhall thinks its karma that Trump is being bitten by the conspiracy theory he let loose. Joey Weatherford sees a MAGA wave threatening the White House. Steve Breen and Ohman make visual references to Alligator Alcatraz. Mike Luckovich sees Trump as Superman and the Epstein case as kryptonite.

In other news, Congress voted to rescind $9 billion in foreign aid and funding for National Public Radio and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Joel Pett bemoans the state of commercial radio. Bramhall pictures the GOP cutting the cord of NPRs microphone.

Other topics in this weeks gallery include Trumps frustration with Russian leader Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine; the Justice Departments demand for voter rolls from nine states; and the cancellation of comedian Stephen Colberts late night show by CBS.

Cartoons were drawn by Jack Ohman, Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Mike Luckovich, Steve Breen and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate.
The Micron project reached an important milestone last month when the 20,000-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement was released to the public.

Micron plans to build up to four computer chip factories at the corner of Route 31 and Caughdenoy Road. The project, which Micron says could cost $100 billion and employ 9,000 people, would be the largest private investment ever in New York state.

The DEIS, two years in the making, exhaustively details all of the ways that building a semiconductor factory in the town of Clay will affect everything from air quality to traffic to population to housing to wetlands to wildlife.

Staff writer Glenn Coin began reporting on the report in April, when he obtained a version of it. It had been in Onondaga Countys hands since December but the county turned down syracuse.coms requests under the Freedom of Information Act to release it.

Now that the full report is out, we have to wonder why all the secrecy and stonewalling. There are no bombshell revelations or hairy surprises in either the report itself or Coins deeper look into its contents.

The DEIS does begin to convey the mind-boggling size and complexity of what Micron is proposing.

The entire complex, including utility buildings and offices, would cover nearly 1,000 acres, an area nearly three times bigger than the New York State Fairgrounds. Up to 4,200 construction workers would be needed at any one time for much of the next 16 years. The project will tax local roads such that major improvements will be necessary, including a brand-new exit on Interstate 81 in Cicero and a complete redesign of the I-81/Route 31 intersection. The plan to fill 200 acres of wetlands and ponds will require nine million cubic yards of fill  enough to fill the JMA Wireless Dome to the roof five times. The project will have significant impacts on wildlife, including several endangered or threatened species.

And the payoff? If all four fabs are built, thousands of construction and permanent jobs. An infusion of up to 64,000 new residents, and the businesses to serve them. And fulfillment of a key goal of the federal CHIPS and Science Act: to produce memory chips domestically again, more than a billion of them a year.

Approval of the DEIS is just the first step in the approval process. It lays out the significant regulatory hurdles ahead. For example, Micron will need to get 34 separate permits from federal, state and local governments to execute its plans. Each one represents a potential roadblock or delay. Both the federal and state governments require this extensive environmental review.

This is why it takes so long to build anything. Gov. Kathy Hochul acknowledged as much in a recent meeting with the editorial board, saying she was fed up with the pace of state environmental reviews. Well make sure that all the health, safety and community and environmental concerns are addressed. But we do get caught up in bureaucracy, she said.

Micron is Hochuls chance to rewrite that script.

Heres where you come in. If you want to be heard on the Micron project, Onondaga County and the U.S Department of Commerce are accepting written comments on the report until Aug. 11. A daylong public hearing  with sessions in the morning, afternoon and night  will be held Thursday, July 24, at Liverpool High School.

Micron has to respond to substantive comments before the report can be finalized, and a decision can be rendered. We urge the government agencies reviewing the project not to dally in addressing the publics concerns so the project can move forward.

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If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion lead, at mmorelli@syracuse.com
Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier will fight for the the third time in their careers at UFC 318. Saturday theyll compete for the BMF belt in what will also be Poiriers UFC retirement fight. While the UFC 318 main card starts at 10 p.m. ET, the Holloway vs. Poirier bout likely wont start until around 12:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

Poirier is 2-0 against Holloway, winning the interm lightweight belt via unanimous decision at UFC 236 and by submission at UFC 143.

How to buy UFC 318

Pay-Per-Views can be expensive, and ESPN+ is offering a deal thatll allow you to save on UFC 318 and an ESPN+ subscription. It includes a year-long subscription and the UFC 318 PPV for $134.98. If you bought the annual ESPN+ subscription and PPV card separate, youd have to pay $200.

You cant buy a UFC PPV card without an ESPN+ subscription, which is $11.99 a month. UFC PPVs are $79.99, meaning without an ESPN+ account youd have to pay $91.98 to watch Saturdays fights.

What to know for UFC 318

When: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Time: Main card starts 10 p.m. ET, prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET, early prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), DirecTV (free trial), Sling, Hulu + Live TV, ESPN+,

BMF Title Tale of the Tape

30-9 Record 26-8 Loss by 3rd round KO/TKO Last Fight Loss by 5th round sub 511 Height 59 155 lbs Weight 156 lbs 69 in Reach 72 in United States (Hawaii) Country United States (Louisiana)

UFC 318 Fight Card

Max Holloway (BMF) vs. Dustin Poirier Lightweight Main Card Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov Light Heavyweight Main Card Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez Welterweight Main Card Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull Featherweight Main Card Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber Lightweight Main Card Kyler Phillips vs. Vinicius Oliveira Bantamweight Prelims Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen Middleweight Prelims Francisco Prado vs. Nikolay Veretennikov Welterweight Prelims Ateba Gautier vs. Robert Valentin Middleweight Prelims Adam Fugitt vs. Islam Dulatov Welterweight Early Prelims Jimmy Crute vs. Marcin Prachnio Light Heavyweight Early Prelims Ryan Spann vs. Lukasz Brzeski Heavyweight Early Prelims Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey Middleweight Early Prelims Carli Judice vs. Nicolle Caliari Womens Flyweight Early Prelims

Can I bet on UFC 318?

Yes, you can bet on UFC 318 from your phone in New York State, and weve compiled some of the best introductory offers to help navigate your first bets from BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Bet365 and more.

Holloway is a -140 favorite to beat Poirier on FanDuel.

Heres a recent UFC story from the Associated Press:

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Louisiana native Dustin Poirier will get to fight one last time in the Octagon and this time it will be back in the Bayou State.

Poirier will take on Max Holloway for the UFC BMF title Saturday night in the headline fight of UFC 318 in the Smoothie King Center.

UFC 318 features five main card fights and 14 overall fights as the combat sport makes its return to New Orleans for the first time since 2015.

Poirier (30-9), a native of Lafayette, announced in April that his fight against Holloway (26-8) will be the last of his career and he plans to retire after the match.

Its a little surreal, Poirier said. All the pressure and obligations are still there and still thinking about all the fight stuff in my head. Every now and then though, it starts creeping into the back of my head that this is the last time Im doing this.

I dont come from a place with silver spoons and a lot of money. All the fights that I have had all over the world, a lot of people dont get to go. To be so close to home (for this final fight) where people can hop in their car and drive to New Orleans, to have people see me fight for this last fight that have never seen me fight in person before is super special.

The Holloway-Poirier main event will be the third time the two lightweights have faced off. Poirier won the first two fights, submitting Holloway in the first round in 2012 and winning a unanimous decision back in 2019.

Im expecting another war, Poirier said. This is a trilogy spanning 13 years. Each fight has been so different. Max is a legend and has done incredible things in his career. Fighting him for my last fight seems poetic. I was his debut in the UFC and he is my last fight. Everything is happening at the right time.

The 36-year-old Poirier said he heads into the fight in arguably the best shape of his career.

Im 90-something days completely sober; no alcohol and no marijuana, he said. For probably four, five months I have been eating kind of like a carnivore with just meat and berries and a little bit of vegetables here and there. Im in the best shape, this is the lightest I have ever shown up to fight week. I did everything right.

Despite fighting in front of the home state crowd and having defeated Holloway in their previous two matchups, Poirier enters the fight as a +110 underdog, according to BetMGM.

Holloway, who is looking to rebound from a first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria last October, is defending his BMF title belt for the first time.

We both know whats at stake, Holloway said. Im here to play spoiler in this fight.

I was 4-0 the first time I fought him and I was on a 13-fight winning streak the second time I fought him. He did me dirty, so I guess I got to do him dirty in his retirement fight. I cant wait to go out there Saturday night and show everyone what we have been working on.

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V.Narayan Distinguished - BHPian

Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Delhi-NCR Posts: 4,409 Thanked: 74,938 Times

Re: Air India Flight AI171 crashes near Ahmedabad airport. EDIT: Preliminary report on page 25 Quote: evtdtorque Originally Posted by Can experts throw some light on below questions? Qualifier : I am no expert and I have never worked on a 787. Answers below are directionally accurate extrapolating from other aircraft. Thank you for your questions which I'm sure several members will find useful.

Quote: How many seconds does it take for on board systems to detect engines are decelerating because of fuel supply switch transition from run to cutoff? Quote: Will fuel supply cutoff immediately with in a second after switch transition? In this forum its already conveyed that CVR captures fuel switch position and not exactly the time when fuel supply is cutoff to engines completely. Quote: How much time it takes for RAT to be deployed when on board systems detect dual engine failure? Quote: And can RAT supply hydraulic power immediately with in seconds of deployment? Quote: Given the timelines in report, how much is the probability for RAT deployment well before fuel switch transition from run to cutoff? Quote: As per the EAFR data, both engines N2 values passed below minimum idle speed. Can this really happen because of fuel switch transition in cockpit? In 5 seconds engines running at takeoff thrust has some of the parameters below minimum idle speed?



Hope this helps. : I am no expert and I have never worked on a 787. Answers below are directionally accurate extrapolating from other aircraft. Thank you for your questions which I'm sure several members will find useful.About 1 second. This is the mechanical world.The fuel in the piping to the engine would typically, at full power, have about less than 1 second of fuel burn. The 787 at full power burns around 10 litres per second per engine. The fuel lines from the wing to the engine (mounted under the very same wing) are short and typically would contain less than a few litres of fuel for each engine. A main fuel line from tank to engine would be between 2.0 cm to 2.5cm in diameter on the inside and say ~100 to 250 cms long. So we could say the power generation would stop in less than a second. This is unlike a car where the fuel in the pipe could drag the car for another kilometre or so.About 2 to 3 seconds for the RAT to start deploying (senor alert, hydraulic doors open, RAT drops into windstream, RAT locks into place) + another 1 second to start windmilling to generate a small quantity of electrical power; + another 1.5 seconds for the electrical power thus being generated to reach full levels. So 5 seconds at the very leastIn about 5 to 8 seconds, from the power cut off, one can assume that RAT generated power is starting to reach the systems it is meant to reach. As we know the RAT is housed inside the fuselage. It takes time to sense energy is depleting, then start the opening of the RAT into the windstream, then the windmilling commences depending on the forward airspeed and then energy starts getting transmitted to the minimum energy systems. As most Team BHPians are from the software world I'll emphasize that this is the mechanical world. Nothing is instantaneous. Each step is unfolding in say lots of 1/2 second or 1/4 second but it still takes time. At 180 knots the RAT would be generating very sub-optimal quantities of power. If you design the RAT to be big enough to generate adequate power at 180 knots the drag of the RAT itself will become an issue.RAT won't deploy when engines are running.Yes in 2 seconds and less the engine is no longer generating net thrust - this includes the 'last gasp' time when the inertia of the engine is still producing some net thrust for a fraction of a second. After that the drag of windmilling gets ahead. See post #563. Unlike a car which can coast over some distance with engine switched off an aircraft at low speeds falls like a brick without power.Hope this helps. Last edited by V.Narayan : 19th July 2025 at 08:30 .
Microsoft on Friday announced it will no longer allow engineers based in China to provide technical support for US Department of Defense (DoD) cloud systems, following concerns about foreign involvement in sensitive Pentagon systems.

Security Review Sparked By Investigative Report

The change was prompted after a detailed ProPublica report published earlier this week raised alarms over potential cybersecurity risks tied to the companys overseas workforce. The report revealed that Microsoft had long relied on engineers in China to help support Pentagon cloud systems, with the supervision of US-based digital escorts.

While these escorts hired through subcontractors have security clearances, according to ProPublica, they lacked the technical skills to fully understand or assess the work of the Chinese engineers they were overseeing posed a cybersecurity threat to the United States.

The arrangement raised serious concerns among US lawmakers and defense officials. Pete Hegseth, U.S Secretary of Defense, in a video posted on X, called the practice obviously unacceptable, especially in todays heightened cyber-threat environment.

Hegseth described the system as outdated, calling it a legacy system created over a decade ago, during the Obama administration. He confirmed that the Department of Defense would conduct a full internal review to uncover any similar practices across its networks. Additionally, the department has started evaluating other cloud service providers to ensure similar outsourcing arrangements arent being used elsewhere.

The Defense Secretary has also announced a two-week review of all Pentagon cloud agreements to ensure that China will no longer have any involvement whatsoever in our cloud services, effective immediately. He added, We will continue to monitor and counter all threats to our military infrastructure and online networks.

Microsoft Responds Swiftly

In response, Microsoft promptly updated its internal protocols to address the concerns.

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, Frank Shaw, Microsofts Chief Communications Officer, wrote in a post on X.

Broader Implications For U.S. Cloud Security

Microsofts decision directly impacts its Azure cloud division, which competes with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud, and is heavily integrated into the U.S. government and defense infrastructure. In 2022, Microsoft secured a share of a $9 billion multi-vendor contract awarded by the Defense Department alongside Amazon, Google, and Oracle.

Before the ProPublica investigation, the company had emphasized that its engineers and contractors complied with US government laws at all times, but has acknowledged that growing public concern called for tighter security measures moving ahead.

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, Shaw said.
Now that the Emmy nominations have been announced, you've got two months to catch up on some of the year's most acclaimed shows.

Some binges may take longer than others, but the list below should help you choose what to watch and how long it should take to catch up. For those looking for the most bang for their streaming buck, HBO Max has the most shows nominated this year.

Comedian Nate Bargatze hosts the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

"Severance" (27 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Apple TV+

In "Severance," Adam Scott's character Mark works for a corporation that implants a chip in its employees' brains, so they forget about their outside lives while at work and have no memory of their work when they're off. Mark begins to question his work life when he encounters a colleague outside who knows who he is. Beyond the dinner party conversation of "would you want that microchip," the show has become an obsession for fans who analyze scenes, look for clues and try to make sense of its many mysteries.

Number of seasons: 2

Total number of episodes: 19

Season 2 episodes: 10

Season 2 binge time: 8 hours, 29 minutes

Total binge time: 15 hours, 29 minutes

"The Studio" (23 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Apple TV+

Cinephile Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) has been promoted to his dream job as the head of a fictional Hollywood studio. Juggling the desire to create art with marketing and focus groups makes the work harder and more stressful than he imagined. "The Studio" has similarities to "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Entourage," with awkward scenarios and actors and industry types including Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard playing heightened versions of themselves.

Number of episodes: 10

Total binge time: 5 hours, 15 minutes

"The White Lotus" (23 Emmy nominations): Streaming on HBO Max

A dark comedy anthology  nominated as a drama  about privileged guests and the staff at a luxury resort, this year's season took viewers to Thailand. The series often has themes of wealth, power, greed, lust and self-worth. Each of the show's three seasons has also had a murder mystery, with a pair of characters from Season 1 making a tense return.

Number of seasons: 3

Total number of episodes: 21

Season 3 episodes: 8

Season 3 binge time: 8 hours, 36 minutes

Total binge time: 21 hours, 55 minutes

"The Last of Us" (16 Emmy nominations): Streaming on HBO Max

"The Last of Us" is set in a postapocalyptic U.S. where Pedro Pascal's character Joel is hired to smuggle a girl named Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country. They're two decades into a pandemic that turns the infected into mutated creatures and Ellie may be key to a vaccine.

Number of seasons: 2

Total number of episodes: 16

Season 2 episodes: 7

Season 2 binge time: 6 hours, 21 minutes

Total binge time: 15 hours, 7 minutes

"Andor" (14 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Disney+

Diego Luna plays out Rebel spy Cassian Andor's radicalization against the Galactic Empire, leading up to "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Created by showrunner Tony Gilroy, the two-season run  which put emotions under the spotlight in this sci-fi story  took the characters right up to the events of the Gilroy-written "Rogue One."

Number of seasons: 2

Total number of episodes: 24

Season 2 episodes: 12

Season 2 binge time: 10 hours, 19 minutes

Total binge time: 19 hours, 49 minutes

"Hacks" (14 Emmy nominations): Streaming on HBO Max

A female comedian of a certain age (played by Jean Smart ) and a Gen Z comedy writer (Hannah Einbinder) are frenemies and each other's muses in "Hacks." Smart has won an outstanding lead actress Emmy for each of the show's first three seasons. Einbinder, who is also a standup comic, has been nominated three times in the supporting actress category. Season 4 debuted in April.

Number of seasons: 4

Total number of episodes: 37

Season 4 episodes: 10

Season 4 binge time: 5 hours, 33 minutes

Total binge time: 20 hours, 14 minutes

"Adolescence" (13 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Netflix

Thirteen-year-old Jamie Miller (played by newcomer Owen Cooper) is arrested in the stabbing death of a schoolmate. His family struggles with this new reality as investigators and a psychologist piece together what led up to the crime. Each episode was filmed in one continuous shot, with the best one chosen for air. The cast and crew had extensive rehearsals ahead of time, blocking out the camera's movements  and sometimes requiring it to be passed off between operators.

Number of episodes: 4

Total binge time: 3 hours, 48 minutes

"The Pitt" (13 Emmy nominations): Streaming on HBO Max

Noah Wyle puts his stethoscope back on and returns to the ER (not THAT "ER") in "The Pitt," short for Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. Wyle stars as an emergency room physician who goes by Dr. Robby. We meet him in the pilot as he's beginning his workday. Each of the 15 episodes is one hour of that shift, treating patients usually in need of critical care while navigating American health care challenges like low budgets, staffing shortages and red tape from insurance policies.

Number of episodes: 15

Total binge time: 12 hours, 7 minutes

"The Bear" (13 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Hulu

An award-winning chef who has worked in some of the world's greatest restaurants attempts to transform his family's sandwich shop in Chicago into a fine-dining establishment in FX's "The Bear." The show, now in its fourth season, has been a star-making vehicle for cast members like Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Liza Colon-Zayas. Its nominations are for its third season.

Number of seasons: 4

Total number of episodes: 38

Season 3 episodes: 10 (Season 4: 10)

Season 3 binge time: 5 hours, 45 minutes (Season 4: 6 hours, 9 minutes)

Total binge time: 21 hours, 50 minutes

"Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez story" (11 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Netflix

A true-crime dramatization of the story of Lyle and Erik Menendez, privileged brothers living in Beverly Hills who murdered their parents, Jose and Kitty, in 1989. The brothers said it was self-defense because their father was sexually abusive. They were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison but recently became eligible for parole. The limited series presented the case from multiple perspectives. It also introduced viewers to new talents Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch, who played Lyle and Erik.

Number of episodes: 9

Total binge time: 7 hours, 50 minutes

"Dying for Sex" (9 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Hulu

Elizabeth Meriwether ("New Girl") helped adapt a popular podcast about TV personality Nikki Boyer's experience into this limited series for FX. Michelle Williams stars as Molly, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and decides to live out her days seeking pleasure. The title and premise may sound risque, but the show is fundamentally about the love story between Molly and her best friend Nikki (Jenny Slate), who puts her life on hold to be a caregiver.

Number of episodes: 8

Total binge time: 4 hours, 6 minutes

"Only Murders in the Building" (7 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Hulu

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez play residents of the same Manhattan apartment building who start a true-crime podcast when there's a murder on the premises.

Number of seasons: 4

Total number of episodes: 40

Season 4 episodes: 10

Season 4 binge time: 5 hours, 27 minutes

Total binge time: 22 hours, 46 minutes

"Shrinking" (7 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Apple TV+

A widowed therapist (Jason Segel) adjusts to single life and raising a teenager thanks to friends, neighbors, colleagues and his unconventional methods with patients. The show features a standout cast that includes Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Michael Urie and Luke Tennie. Segel created the series with Bill Lawrence ("Scrubs," "Cougar Town") and Emmy winner Brett Goldstein, who played Roy Kent on "Ted Lasso."

Number of seasons: 2

Total number of episodes: 22

Season 2 episodes: 12

Season 2 binge time: 7 hours, 13 minutes

Total binge time: 12 hours, 35 minutes

"What We Do in the Shadows" (6 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Hulu

A documentary crew follows four vampires living together on Staten Island. The roomies often bicker among each other and have ridiculous interactions with humans and modern life. In Season 6, we meet another vampire housemate named Jerry. He went to sleep in 1976 and was supposed to be woken up 20 years later, but everybody forgot about him. The show is based on a film of the same name that was directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, who are executive producers on the series.

Number of seasons: 6

Total number of episodes: 61

Season 6 episodes: 11

Season 6 binge time: 4 hours, 50 minutes

Total binge time: 24 hours, 42 minutes

"Abbott Elementary" (6 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Hulu

If you ever wondered as a kid what went on in the teachers lounge at school, then "Abbott Elementary" is for you. The quirky, bighearted staff of a Philadelphia elementary school is followed by a documentary crew as they navigate underfunding, school board meetings and bus driver strikes, plus the fun stuff like field trips and class pets. It stars Quinta Brunson, who also created the show. Both Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph have won acting awards for the series.

Number of seasons: 4

Total number of episodes: 71

Season 4 episodes: 22

Season 4 binge time: 7 hours, 42 minutes

Total binge time: 24 hours, 51 minutes

"Slow Horses" (5 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Apple TV+

The British spy series stars Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, an eccentric, rude MI5 agent leading a group of spies called "slow horses" because they've made big mistakes on the job. It's based on Mick Herron's "Slough House" novels. The series didn't catch the attention of Emmy voters until its third season but it's got a near-perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Number of seasons: 4

Total number of episodes: 24

Season 4 episodes: 6

Season 4 binge time: 4 hours, 34 minutes

Total binge time: 18 hours, 25 minutes

"Paradise" (4 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Hulu

Sterling K. Brown returned to TV in this dystopian series as a Secret Service agent protecting the president (played by James Marsden). This president is not living at the White House or in Washington but a "Pleasantville"-like community. A mystery quickly presents itself with an unspooling of more questions after that.

Number of episodes: 8

Total binge time: 6 hours, 44 minutes

"Presumed Innocent" (4 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Hulu

Real-life brothers-in-law Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard star as adversaries in this TV adaptation of the Scott Turow novel. Gyllenhaal plays Chicago prosecutor Rusty Sabich, charged with murdering his colleague  an accusation that has fractured the district attorney's office. Sarsgaard is attorney Tommy Molto, another co-worker intent on proving Sabich's guilt. Meanwhile, Sabich's marriage to Barbara (Ruth Negga) is falling apart under the weight of the accusation and the potential he could be found guilty.

Number of episodes: 8

Total binge time: 5 hours, 55 minutes

"The Residence" (4 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Netflix

Uzo Aduba stars as a quirky detective investigating a murder at the White House in this Netflix comedy. The series features a number of recognizable actors including Ken Marino, Randall Park, Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee and Branson Pinchot in regular roles. The recurring cast includes Jane Curtin, Kylie Minogue and Al Franken.

Number of episodes: 8

Total binge time: 7 hours, 40 minutes

"Nobody Wants This" (3 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Netflix

Adam Brody and Kristen Bell co-star as a young rabbi and a podcaster with no religious affiliation who meet and begin dating in "Nobody Wants This" for Netflix. Is it smooth sailing from here? Not quite. The two must overcome their respective baggage, differences of religion and expectations from others.

Number of episodes: 10

Total binge time: 4 hours, 19 minutes

"Disclaimer" (2 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Apple TV+

In "Disclaimer," an acclaimed documentary filmmaker (Cate Blanchett) who has dedicated her career to uncovering truths is given a novel with a plot that sounds like a secret she's been hiding for years. The series was written and directed by Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuaron. It also stars Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Lesley Manville and Louis Partridge.

Number of episodes: 7

Total binge time: 5 hours, 51 minutes

"The Diplomat" (2 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Netflix

Keri Russell stars as Kate, a career diplomat assigned to be the U.S. ambassador to England. She wants to focus on foreign relations and policy but keeps getting pulled to do things like attend parties and give interviews to fashion magazines. Kate's also got a rocky marriage to Hal (Rufus Sewell), who has also served as a diplomat and can't seem to stay out of her way.

Number of seasons: 2

Total number of episodes: 14

Season 2 episodes: 6

Season 2 binge time: 4 hours, 53 minutes

Total binge time: 11 hours, 36 minutes

"Poker Face" (2 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Peacock

Natasha Lyonne stars as a woman with an uncanny ability to detect lies and finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery each episode. The show features recognizable guest stars like Adrien Brody, Cynthia Erivo, Nick Nolte, Tim Meadows, Katie Holmes, and John Mulaney. Its creator Rian Johnson is the writer and director of "Knives Out" and "Glass Onion." He says the show is not a whodunit but a howdunit and its format is based on the case-of-the-week shows he watched as a kid.

Number of seasons: 2

Total number of episodes: 22

Season 2 episodes: 12

Season 2 binge time: 9 hours, 15 minutes

Total binge time: 18 hours, 20 minutes

"Somebody Somewhere" (2 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Max

Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller star in this comedy. Everett plays Sam, a single, middle-aged woman living in Manhattan, Kansas, who when we first meet her, is grieving the death of her sister and distant from those around her. It's like someone turns the lights on in her world when she befriends Joel (Jeff Hiller), a religious, gay man with a big heart who laughs at all of Sam's jokes and loves her for who she is. Joel invites Sam to sing with his gay choir and she finds the acceptance and community she was looking for.

Number of seasons: 3

Total number of episodes: 21

Season 3 episodes: 7

Season 3 binge time: 3 hours, 22 minutes

Total binge time: 9 hours, 50 minutes

"Matlock" (1 Emmy nomination): Streaming on Paramount+

Kathy Bates stars as Madeline Kingston, a wealthy lawyer who comes out of retirement under the alias Mattie Matlock. Mattie claims her reason for returning to work is that she needs money but, in reality, she's out for revenge against the law firm.

Number of episodes: 19

Total binge time: 13 hours, 9 minutes

"Dope Thief" (1 Emmy nomination): Streaming on Apple TV+

In "Dope Thief," Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura play longtime best friends who pose as DEA agents, conduct fake drug raids and steal stuff. It's a great scam until they rob the wrong people.

Number of episodes: 8

Total binge time: 6 hours, 26 minutes

"The Four Seasons" (1 Emmy nomination): Streaming on Netflix

A group of three middle-aged couples who have been best friends for years meet four times a year for a vacation. When one of the couples gets a divorce, their dynamic is thrown off. The series, co-created by Tina Fey, is based on a 1981 film written and directed by Alan Alda and stars Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo and Will Forte.

Number of episodes: 8

Total binge time: 4 hours, 13 minutes

"The Handmaid's Tale" (1 Emmy nomination): Streaming on Hulu

"The Handmaid's Tale" is based on Margaret Atwood's novel in which the U.S. government has been overthrown by a patriarchal dictatorship called The Republic of Gilead. In Gilead, there's a fertility crisis and women who can conceive are relegated to handmaids, baby makers for affluent families. Elisabeth Moss stars as June, a handmaid determined to resist this regime and reunite with her family. A sequel adapted from Atwood's "The Testaments" is in the works.

Number of seasons: 6

Total number of episodes: 66

Season 6 episodes: 10

Season 6 binge time: 7 hours, 49 minutes

Total binge time: 56 hours, 21 minutes
The 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, themed Digital Transitions: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, is being held in Shusha, the cultural cradle of Azerbaijan. The sacred city, long seen as a symbol of national memory and inspiration, has produced many prominent intellectuals, writers, and publishers who have enriched the countrys cultural and scientific legacy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration, highlighted the significance of holding the Forum in a city once ravaged by conflict but now undergoing rapid reconstruction.

This forum is particularly meaningful as it is taking place in a city that once bore the scars of war, where misinformation and disinformation were rampant. Shusha was the target of unprecedented fake news and provocative narratives. Just a few kilometers from here, the Khojaly genocide was committed in the early 1990s. At the time, very few media outlets were present to report on that tragedy, Hajiyev stated.

Hajiyev emphasized that the Forum serves not only as a global platform for media dialogue but also as a rare opportunity for direct engagement with President Ilham Aliyev.

Through this forum, participants can hear firsthand about the development of the region. Some guests have already visited Khankendi, and others will travel to Aghdam and Lachin, he added.

This year also marks a milestone for Azerbaijani journalism: the 150th anniversary of the national press. Hajiyev paid tribute to Akinchi, the countrys first newspaper founded by Hasan bey Zardabi, which promoted enlightenment and public education despite facing severe censorship.

It laid the groundwork for intellectual progress and the spread of modern thinking, he noted.

He also drew attention to Molla Nasreddin, the influential satirical magazine that fought ignorance and social stagnation during its publication in Baku, describing it as a psychological struggle for truth and awareness.

Turning to contemporary challenges, Hajiyev warned of rising waves of disinformation targeting Azerbaijan, particularly during the 44-day Patriotic War. Our domestic media stood resilient in the face of that information war, he said, adding that artificial intelligence now presents new dilemmas.

Truth has changedand is under serious threat. Facts and figures no longer shape perceptions. People increasingly rely on beliefs over evidence, he remarked.

Hajiyev called for global responsibility and ethical regulation of AI technologies. Humanity is failing to control social media. This failure leads to chaos. Were now fighting against machines that influence our thoughts. It is time to build new platforms that reflect human values.
One killed as South Korea rain death toll rises to 11



Seoul, July 20 (AFP) Jul 20, 2025



At least one person was killed and four missing during heavy downpours Sunday in South Korea, officials said, bringing the death toll to 11 from torrential rains that have lashed the country this week.

Close to 170 millimetres (6.7 inches) of rain hit Gapyeong county in Gyeonggi province, 70 kilometres (40 miles) east of Seoul, early Sunday.

"We expect at least four missing now on top of one dead in Gapyeong," an interior ministry official told AFP.

The total number of deaths from the five-day deluge is now at least 11, according to official data.

A woman in her 70s was killed when her house collapsed in a landslide around 4:40 am Sunday in Gapyeong, Yonhap news agency reported.

Most of the deaths have occurred in the southern county of Sancheong, which has seen nearly 800 millimetres of rain since Wednesday.

South Korea typically experiences monsoon rains in July and is usually well-prepared. But this week, the country's southern regions were hit by especially intense downpours, with some of the heaviest hourly rainfall on record, official weather data showed.

Scientists say climate change has made extreme weather events more frequent and intense around the world.

In 2022, South Korea endured record-breaking rains and flooding, which killed at least 11 people.
'No life without water': settler attacks threaten West Bank communities



Kafr Malik, Palestinian Territories, July 20 (AFP) Jul 20, 2025



From his monitoring station on a remote hill in the occupied West Bank, water operator Subhil Olayan keeps watch over a lifeline for Palestinians, the Ein Samiyah spring.

So when Israeli settlers recently attacked the system of wells, pumps and pipelines he oversees, he knew the stakes.

"There is no life without water, of course", he said, following the attack which temporarily cut off the water supply to nearby villages.

The spring, which feeds the pumping station, is the main or backup water source for some 110,000 people, according to the Palestinian company that manages it -- making it one of the most vital in the West Bank, where water is in chronic short supply.

The attack is one of several recent incidents in which settlers have been accused of damaging, diverting or seizing control of Palestinian water sources.

"The settlers came and the first thing they did was break the pipeline. And when the pipeline is broken, we automatically have to stop pumping" water to nearby villages, some of which exclusively rely on the Ein Samiyah spring.

"The water just goes into the dirt, into the ground," Olayan told AFP, adding that workers immediately fixed the damage to resume water supply.

Just two days after the latest attack, Israeli settlers -- some of them armed -- splashed in pools just below the spring, while Olayan monitored water pressure and cameras from a distance.

His software showed normal pressure in the pipes pulling water from the wells and the large pipe carrying water up the hill to his village of Kafr Malik.

But he said maintenance teams dared not venture down to the pumping station out of fear for their safety.

Since the start of the war in Gaza, deadly settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank have become commonplace.

Last week, settlers beat a 20-year-old dual US citizen to death in the nearby village of Sinjil, prompting US ambassador Mike Huckabee to urge Israel to "aggressively investigate" the killing.



- Annexation -



Issa Qassis, chairman on the board of the Jerusalem Water Undertaking, which manages the Ein Samiyah spring, said he viewed the attacks as a tool for Israeli land grabs and annexation.

"When you restrict water supply in certain areas, people simply move where water is available", he told AFP at a press conference.

"So in a plan to move people to other lands, water is the best and fastest way", he said.

Since the start of the war in Gaza, several Israeli politicians and officials have become increasingly vocal in support of annexing the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967.

Most prominent among them is Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, himself a settler, who said in November that 2025 would be the year Israel applies its sovereignty over the Palestinian territory.

Qassis accused Israel's government of supporting settler attacks such as the one on Ein Samiyah.

The Israeli army told AFP that soldiers were not aware of the incident in which pipes were damaged, "and therefore were unable to prevent it".

The damage to Ein Samiyah's water facilities was not an isolated incident.

In recent months, settlers in the nearby Jordan Valley took control of the Al-Auja spring by diverting its water from upstream, said Farhan Ghawanmeh, a representative of the Ras Ein Al Auja community.

He said two other springs in the area had also recently been taken over.



- Water rights -



In Dura al-Qaraa, another West Bank village that uses the Ein Samiyah spring as a back-up water source, residents are also concerned about increasingly long droughts and the way Israel regulates their water rights.

"For years now, no one has been planting because the water levels have decreased," said Rafeaa Qasim, a member of the village council, citing lower rainfall causing the land to be "basically abandoned".

Qasim said that though water shortages in the village have existed for 30 years, residents' hands are tied in the face of this challenge.

"We have no options; digging a well is not allowed", despite the presence of local water springs, he said, pointing to a well project that the UN and World Bank rejected due to Israeli law prohibiting drilling in the area.

The lands chosen for drilling sit in the West Bank's Area C, which covers more than 60 percent of the territory and is under full Israeli control.

Israeli NGO B'Tselem reported in 2023 that the legal system led to sharp disparities in water access within the West Bank between Palestinians and Israelis.

Whereas nearly all residents of Israel and Israeli settlements have running water every day, only 36 percent of West Bank Palestinians do, the report said.

In Dura al-Qaraa, Qasim fears for the future.

"Each year, the water decreases and the crisis grows -- it's not getting better, it's getting worse."
UK pledges to halve sewage pollution



London, July 20 (AFP) Jul 20, 2025



The UK government on Sunday promised to halve sewage pollution caused by water companies by 2030, after the number of serious contamination incidents in England was revealed to have risen by 60 percent in a year.

Privatised in 1989, UK water companies have been under attack over the discharge of significant quantities of sewage into rivers, lakes and the sea.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said water industry regulator Ofwat, which is reportedly facing abolition, was "clearly failing".

"It's failed everybody. It's failed customers, we saw those huge bill rises. It's failed the environment," he told the BBC.

"I've been up and down this country and spoken to wild swimmers, parents, everybody furious about the state of our water," Reed said, adding that regulation of the industry "must change".

Suffering from underinvestment in a sewerage system that dates largely back to the Victorian era, UK water companies have faced a barrage of criticism for several years over pollution.

Britain's public spending watchdog warned in April that the water sector as a whole will need to invest pound290 billion ($388 billion) over the next 25 years to meet environmental and supply challenges.

The government pledge comes after the Environment Agency on Friday said the number of serious pollution incidents caused by the water firms in England rose by 60 percent in 2024.

On Monday, a landmark review of the water industry will outline recommendations to the government on tackling the sector's environmental and financial performance.
A million people sign French petition against bringing back bee-killing pesticide



Paris, July 20 (AFP) Jul 20, 2025



More than a million people had by Sunday signed a petition urging the French government to ditch a law allowing the reintroduction of a banned pesticide known to kill bees.

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.

A 23-year-old master's student launched the petition against the law on July 10, with support quickly snowballing with the backing of many including actors and several left-wing lawmakers. More than 500,000 people signed it in 24 hours from Saturday and Sunday alone.

The law's proponents however argue farmers face too much regulation in France as is, and allowing them to use acetamiprid again would help reduce the constraints they face.

National Assembly Speaker Yael Braun-Pivet on Sunday ruled out abandoning the legislation, named after the conservative lawmaker who proposed it, as it would "save a certain number of our farmers".

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.



- '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 branded the chemical "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".

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.

Speaker Braun-Pivet told the broadcaster franceinfo on Sunday she would be in favour of such a debate, but lawmakers "could not in any case go back on the law which has been voted through".

In late June, ahead of the law's passage, several thousand demonstrators -- including farmers, environmental organisations and scientists -- rallied across France calling for the bill to be withdrawn.
Belgium stashes sunken ship with rare oysters in marine life boost



Ostend, Belgium, July 20 (AFP) Jul 20, 2025



A cargo ship lying at the bottom of the sea off the Belgian coast has been fitted with a new treasure chest: a stash of rare flat oysters.

The mollusc has mostly disappeared from the North Sea due to human activity including overfishing.

Now, a Belgian project is trying to reintroduce it in a move scientists believe will help boost other marine species.

"We have to bring them back because they are essential elements in our marine ecosystems," Vicky Stratigaki, an engineer working on the restoration project, told AFP.

In mid-July, a load of 200,000 oyster larvae attached to biodegradable materials was deposited 30 metres under the sea in the ship's hull.

The environmental project, named "Belreefs", aims to turn the wreckage into a biodiversity sanctuary.

Flat oysters form reefs that purify water and that other sea animals, from fish to algae, use as breeding and feeding grounds, explained Stratigaki.

"There is a lot of predation in the sea, it's a wild environment," she said, with about 30,000 of the oyster larvae expected to survive their first year at sea.

"Then they will start reproducing, extending the reef and also supporting the biodiversity of the reef."

The laying of the oyster stash is the culmination of two years' work for the Belgian government project, which is supported by European Union funding.

"Until around the 1850s, the North Sea and the European waters were full of these oyster reefs," Stratigaki explained.

Then overfishing, the spreading of an imported parasite called Bonamia and "climatic adverse effects" caused them to disappear, she said.

The 1906 wreckage, located about 30 kilometres off the coastal city of Ostend, was selected to house the pilot as fishing and other disruptive activities are banned around it.

"In Belgium every wreck that is for more than one hundred years on the sea bottom gets protected automatically as cultural heritage, because it's nice for divers to go there," said Merel Oeyen, a marine environment expert at the Belgian ministry of health.

"It's also a hot spot for biodiversity".
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The family of Martin Hemmings, who accused The Salt Path author Raynor Winn of stealing 64,000 from his business in 2008, have said that trusting her was their greatest mistake.

Winn has been under fire after an Observer investigation found apparent inconsistencies in her bestselling memoir, which follows her and her husband, Moth, on a 630-mile trek of Englands southern coast after being left homeless and financially destitute after a bad investment.

The report alleged that the couple lost the property after Winn defrauded her employer of 64,000, which she attempted to repay after taking out a loan from a relative.

The author has called the claims highly misleading and grotesquely unfair in a statement posted on her website on 9 July. She said that the loss of their home was unrelated to the mistakes made while she was employed at Hemmings estate agents in Wales.

I think shes just trying to put the best spin on the question, Ros Hemmings, wife of Martin, told BBC Wales in response. The mistake was that we ever employed her, and the biggest mistake my husband made, because obviously Id recommended her in a way, was that he trusted her.

She added: I cant forgive her for sort of destroying my husbands confidence in people, because it did. I think thats partly why we didnt talk about it. He was so embarrassed that this had happened to his business.

Ros recommended Winn for a job at her husbands company after she met her husband, Moth, while working at a National Trust site together in the 1990s. She said he told her that Winn had lost her job as a hotel bookkeeper in 2001, which coincided with Martins bookkeeper retiring.

I suggested her to my husband, Ros said. She came for an interview, and she was the one. She seemed very efficient, we liked her.

But the business quickly started facing financial issues.

open image in gallery Raynor Winn has been under fire for alleged inconsistencies in her bestselling memoir ( Getty Images )

Within a year or so we werent making any money, she said, assuming the shortfall was because her husband was rubbish at sending out bills.

Their daughter Debbie Adams, who was around 29 at the time, choked up as she recalled the moment her father told her that he was in financial trouble.

He said: I just dont know whats gone wrong. Im working every hour God gives me and theres no money, said Debbie, now 46.

About five days after that first call, he rings up and goes, she [Raynor] has been nicking money. I was like, Dad, come on now, no. Surely theres something gone wrong? He said no, weve had a look and theres money missing.

The family say that a meeting with their bank manager identified a shortfall of 6,000 to 9,000, at which point Martin contacted the police and a solicitor.

Ros recalled Winn crying as she brought a cheque for 9,000, saying she had to sell some of my mothers things to do this. She said Martin was advised to take the money on the advice of police, who also suggested they go back through their accounts to check if any more funds were missing.

open image in gallery The book has been adapted into a film, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs ( Black Bear Pictures )

It was a very upsetting thing to do and it took us weeks and weeks, but we found she had taken about 64,000.

Ros said that they were offered 90,000 by a solicitor a few weeks later to cover the cost of the lost funds and legal fees on the condition that they did not pursue criminal charges.

He [Martin] was keen to do it in a way, we had no money and had nearly been basically bankrupt, said Ros. She also had young children, and to have a mother in prison or facing a criminal charge, he didnt want that to happen.

She said she has not read the memoir: Id have stamped on the book, I think. Just to gloss over why they ran out of money to me was shocking.

Debbie added: I dont wish ill of them. I just wish that they would tell the truth, and the truth needs to be told.

open image in gallery The Salt Path has sold more than two million copies ( Black Bear Films )

Ros and Debbie said they have no paperwork to back up their claims, but the Observer said their allegations have been corroborated by their solicitor, Michael Strain, in the original investigation.

Winn said in a statement earlier this month: Any mistakes I made during the years in that office, I deeply regret, and I am truly sorry. She added that the issue had been settled on a non-admissions basis by all parties involved as she did not have the evidence required to support what happened.

She wrote: The Salt Path is about what happened to Moth and me, after we lost our home and found ourselves homeless on the headlands of the south west.

Its not about every event or moment in our lives, but rather about a capsule of time when our lives moved from a place of complete despair to a place of hope.

North Wales Police told the BBC that they are unable to confirm or deny any details relating to the issue.

The Independent contacted representatives for Winn, who referred back to the authors original statement released on 9 July on her website.

The Salt Path has sold more than two million copies and has since been adapted into a film, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.
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There are Aussie actors so enveloped in British and American pop culture that you might need to be reminded that theyre from the land Down Under. These are your secret Australians, your Margot Robbies and Rose Byrnes or your Jacob Elordis. Eric Bana, the strong-of-jaw star of Troy, Munich, and Ang Lees Hulk, is not a secret Australian. His accent is thick. His skin is sun-kissed. His surname sounds as if it needs to be shouted, rowdily, across the length of a busy pub. Oy, Baa-naa! some Crocodile Hunter-type might blare. So it feels wrong to find him sitting in a checked button-up shirt in a New York office, where hes been promoting his new Netflix drama, rather than on a beach somewhere in Melbourne, feet up, tinnie in hand, boasting about his remarkable sense of chill.

Im really good at not working, the 56-year-old jokes. Its never felt like a big risk to say no to things. Ive never panicked about work. Its just not how I operate.

Fire up the barbie, Banas here.

There was a period, nearly 25 years ago now, where Bana was positioned for a kind of stardom that he never found particularly appealing. He has the face and musculature of the ideal action-oriented leading man, went Vanity Fair back then. But Bana has taken a tougher route. After putting on two stone of weight to play the notorious Aussie criminal Mark Read in 2000s Chopper, then losing it to reveal a sculpted face and physique that Hollywood could hardly say no to, Bana went rogue. Yes, he played to romantic pin-up type in The Time Travelers Wife, but otherwise he gravitated towards prickly, difficult anti-heroes. He stayed rooted in Melbourne with his partner Rebecca, whom he married in 1997, and their two children, and in 2003 played the angriest, greenest of the Marvel superheroes in the most dour of the Marvel superhero movies. Then he played a Mossad agent for Steven Spielberg in Munich (2005), before donning prosthetics to nefarious effect in JJ Abrams Star Trek. He dug it all so much more than the easy stuff.

Im very happy to die, you know? Im happy to be killed off in something, he tells me. Im happy to support [other actors]  its just more interesting. I dont want the audience to see me and think hes going to be the main guy until the end credits roll.

We didnt have a finished script. And it was early in my career, so I wasnt in the position Im in now where I can ask for changes On 2003s Hulk

And I suppose that lends an additional air of intrigue to Untamed, Banas new Netflix series. Its a mystery set in Yosemite national park in California, with Bana playing a taciturn parkland agent tasked with solving the murder of a young woman thrown off a clifftop. In less elegant parlance, Banas Kyle Turner is a bit of a moody git  brusque, mean, thoughtless, admired by his colleagues for his crime-solving acumen but not for his people skills. Hes no hero, so naturally Bana found him appealing.

Its not often that your lead character is allowed to get away with being so uncharming, he says. And we got to lean into the gruffness, the darkness and the uncomfortable [areas].

There is, of course, a bit of levity here and there  mainly whenever Sam Neill appears as a senior park ranger whos seemingly the only person able to crack Turners tough exterior. Somewhat inexplicably, Neill and Bana  two of the most successful exports from New Zealand and Australia, respectively  had never met before Untamed.

I really felt like I knew Sam, and Sam felt like he knew me, he remembers. But wed not only never met, wed never even been at the same function together  just nothing. Never been anywhere near each other. They bonded over wine. And now hopefully well go back to never seeing each other again, he jokes. Hang on, this is in writing, isnt it?

open image in gallery Woodsman: Bana in the Netflix drama Untamed ( Netflix )

Before speaking to Bana, I found an old quote from the television writer Alexandra Cunningham, who cast him as a seductive sociopath in her limited series Dirty John in 2018. She spoke about being desperate to work with him, but that shed been told that hed historically had parameters for how a project needed to be set up. It intrigued me. How hard really is it to get Bana to commit to a project?

It doesnt come from a place of arrogance, he explains now. You just have to be brutally honest about the quality of your material. If something has potential but its not there yet, lets not be shy about talking about it. No single actor, writer or director is so good that they can overcome scripts that arent good. I dont care whos involved. Some people can elevate things a little bit, but once youre underwater, youre underwater.

Naturally, my mind jumps to Hulk. Production on the movie was a famously tortured affair, with filmmaker Ang Lee  an undeniable genius, if ill-suited for comic book films  sometimes demanding hundreds of takes of scenes. Bana struggled. Humour and irony were not welcome on the set, he once told GQ. The film drew mixed reviews and didnt make enough money to warrant a sequel  a failed reboot was made in 2008 with Edward Norton, and Mark Ruffalos Hulk has only ever been a supporting player in Marvel films since.

We didnt have a finished script, Bana remembers. I came on board [the film] based only on elements. And it was early in my career, so I wasnt in the position Im in now where I can [ask for changes].

open image in gallery Green giant: Bana (ish) in Ang Lees Marvel misfire Hulk ( Shutterstock )

He thinks his approach to scripts stems from his comedy background. Before Chopper placed Bana on the international stage, he was famous in Australia as a stand-up comedian, appearing for years on Full Frontal  an Aussie spin on Americas Saturday Night Live  and then his own sketch show, Eric. When youre writing, if an idea doesnt fly in the room with other writers and were not laughing, you cant expect the audience to make the joke better. So you have to be forensic about it  working in comedy always felt like being an X-ray machine, you know?

One film he knew was great on the page was Munich, which has taken on a very different life since the events of 7 October. Spielbergs movie cast Bana as the leader of a team of Mossad agents ordered to assassinate 11 Palestinians involved in the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. It was beset by controversy upon release, with Spielberg accused from different parties of being anti-Israeli, anti-Palestinian, or for gesturing towards moral similarities between the most zealous of both states. But the films reputation has improved in the years since, with critic Lisa Schwarzbaum writing in The New York Times in 2023 that it reverberates with deep meaning and gravitas and is the best movie about Israel and Gaza that has ever been made.

Someone sent me that article, which was a lovely thing to get, Bana says. But I felt like the film was on a slow burn ever since it was released. It was so politicised when it came out. It was almost like people used the film as an opportunity to talk about how much they knew about the region  they were never talking about the film, the script, the performances, or any of the technicality involved.

But over time, people have just seen the film as the film, and its always been one that I get people come up and talk to me about, whove discovered it years later. Its, I think, a film that has aged really well. Tony Kushners writing is incredible, and the language is kind of timeless in terms of what it says about revenge and the region and the politics of it all. So Im not that surprised [about its legacy].

open image in gallery Controversy magnet: Bana in Steven Spielbergs Mossad thriller Munich ( Shutterstock )

I ask if hed likely be cast in Munich if it were made today, as hes not Jewish himself. He shrugs. I dunno, mate, Ive never really thought about it, he says. But he thinks Munich itself probably wouldnt be made today  not because of its subject matter, but more because most of the films that Bana made back then (among them Judd Apatows brilliant Funny People, or the gambling drama Lucky You) would struggle to find backing in 2025. Would there be budget for it? Would those films be considered commercial? I dont know.

Hes not a total cynic when it comes to modern filmmaking, though. Youre constantly told that they dont make comedies or dramas anymore, but I just dont listen to it, he says. Im sure there are some young actors whove been told over the last 10/15 years that its just the Marvel Universe and nothing else for you, but I completely disagree with it.

He points to Saoirse Ronan, with whom he worked on the cult action movie Hanna when the now four-time Oscar nominee was just 16 years old. Just look at the career that shes carved out for herself, he says. Ive loved watching her progress, because Ive seen her manoeuvre the industry in a similar manner to what I did  in the sense that Im not going to go on someone elses ride, Im going to do what I want.

He knows it takes bravery, though.

You have to be really determined, but at the same time, I believe that if youre patient enough, you will find another great drama, another great film. Its harder now, but its still possible.

Spoken with the relentless chill of a true-blue beach bum.

Untamed is streaming on Netflix
Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Josh Lucas has married Brianna Ruffalo after dating for three years.

The Yellowstone actor, 54, and the Los Angeles meteorologist, 34, both took to Instagram on Friday to share photos from their nuptials, which took place inside the Vatican City in Rome, Italy.

Ruffalos post featured mostly black and white photos as she was seen wearing a strapless, lace wedding dress while Lucas donned a traditional black tuxedo. The two exchanged vows in a private ceremony in the city.

Mr. and Mrs. Incredibly blessed to receive this sacrament together inside the heart of the Catholic Church and holy city, she captioned the round-up of photos from the big day.

Many people were quick to turn to the posts comments section to express their congratulations to the newly married couple. Even Lucas chimed in on the comments, writing, I love you! Easily one of the greatest days of my life. I am so so grateful.

I love you! Easily one of the greatest days of my life. I am so so grateful, Lucas wrote about the ceremony on Instagram ( Getty Images )

The meteorologist then shared a second post on Instagram on Saturday of her and Lucas in their wedding attire as she expressed how grateful she was for those who helped plan the event.

We are grateful to the many people who helped us get to this moment in the Catholic Church, the caption read. I am so thankful for Father Winters at the parish I grew up in, and Sister Angelica at the archdiocese of Los Angeles- as well as several others within the archdiocese.

The caption continued, We also absolutely couldnt have done this without our stellar wedding planning team who coordinated with the Vatican. Thank you for making our wedding day so beautiful and easy. Thank you P & J team.

The Sweet Home Alabama actor commemorated the occasion on social media as he shared similar black and white photos from the wedding while thanking everyone involved.

A huge thank you to deeply talented @caterinaerrani_photography & to @weddings_italy @paolo_nassi @JinaneKafrouny @sena_wedding_world who helped make the dream of wedding in the #vatican come true,Lucas wrote. Many many people to thank for this to come.

Lucas and Ruffalo first started dating in 2022, before Lucas proposed to her while they were on vacation in Italy in June 2024.

Almost 2 years ago this fall, and with no expectations, Josh walked into my life, Ruffalo wrote on Instagram at the time, and we knew almost immediately we had each found our person in a way weve never experienced  on every level.

This was the easiest and best question Ive ever answered, she continued. So, heres to forever with my love, my best friend. I cant wait to keep living this life with you.

The Yellowstone actor was previously married to Jessica Clencin Henriquez from 2012 to 2014. The two share one 13-year-old son named Noah.
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Richard Osman has admitted to pining for his wife Ingrid Oliver one year before they met on his quiz show House of Games.

The former Pointless presenter, 54, said he was instantly smitten with the actor and comedian who appeared on the celebrity game show in 2021  and had been holding a flame for her before their first interaction.

I was aware of Ingrid from social media and thought she was very funny, but beyond a single tweet wed never communicated, he told The Times. Osman asked their mutual friend Lou Sanders if the actor, known for playing Petronella Osgood in Doctor Who, was available at the time, but she wasnt.

Twelve months later, in 2021, Ingrid was a guest on my quiz show House of Games, he said. This time Lou told me Ingrid was available, so I spent a long day in front of the cameras desperately trying not to flirt.

He continued: Unlike most couples, though, I do have a record of the first thing I ever said to my soulmate: Im looking for two rhyming answers. A musical instrument filled with rice played by shaking, and the capital of Venezuela.

Ingrid buzzed in  Maracas and Caracas. I was instantly smitten. Osman said he got her phone number that night and weve been in each others pockets ever since.

The TV star, who has two children in their twenties from a previous relationship, had never been married prior to his relationship with Oliver. The couple moved in together a few months after they met and married the following year in what he called the best day of my life.

Couple have been married since 2022 after meeting on House of Games ( Getty Images )

Oliver told The Times that she was aware Osman had asked their mutual friend whether she was single.

Even then  and I dont want to sound stalkerish  I had an inkling wed get together later, she said.

I love House of Games, so I was excited to appear on the show. We knew we liked each other by that point so it was sort of, Oh my God, this is actually happening. I remember feeling slightly sick and trying not to flirt; no one wants to see that.

Having worked behind the scenes on shows including Channel 4s 8 out of 10 Cats, Osman shot to wider fame after pitching the idea for Pointless, which he hosted alongside his university friend Alexander Armstrong. The show was a success when it launched in 2009 and Osman co-presented it for 1,300 episodes before leaving in 2022. In 2017, he started hosting House of Games.

Osman has become renowned for his bestselling mystery novels, starting with The Thursday Murder Club, which was released in 2019. The book has been adapted into a Netflix film, which will be released on 28 August. Its produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Chris Columbus.
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Three Alabama men are in custody after a months-long investigation led police to discover an underground bunker that the trio were allegedly using to sexually abuse children.

According to the Bibb County Sheriffs Office, detectives began an investigation in February 2025 into child abuse in the area. During that investigation, suspect William Chase McElroy, 21, was arrested, followed by the arrest of a second suspect, Dalton Terrell, 21, in April. Days later, the third suspect, Andres Velazquez-Trejo, was also taken into custody.

Police believe that the abuse in the bunker went on for over a year from New Years Day 2024 until April 2025. Its not clear exactly where the bunker was located. The three suspects are all from the community of Brent, 50 miles south of Birmingham.

McElroy is facing four counts of first-degree rape, six counts of human trafficking, six counts of sodomy, and four counts of kidnapping. Terrell is charged with six counts of rape, 12 counts of sodomy, and five counts of human trafficking. Meanwhile, Velazquez-Trejo, 29, is accused of six counts of human trafficking.

open image in gallery The suspects, Dalton Terrell, top left, Andres Trejo-Velazquez, top right and William Chase McElroy, bottom ( Bibb County Sheriff's Department )

Terrell is charged with having sex with multiple minor victims whose ages range between three and 16 years old. A six-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl were identified as victims during the course of the investigation.

One of the suspects is charged with selling children to various clientele for sexual pleasure, reports AL.com.

McElroy confessed to at least one of the rape charges, the website reports. During interrogation, McElroy named Terrell as an alleged co-conspirator.

Terrell is accused of paying to sexually abuse at least four children aged between three and 10.

Velazquez is accused of selling naked pictures of minor victims to people in addition to selling the children.

The suspects all live within a mile of each other in mobile homes.

Sheriff (Jody) Wade reiterates that such abhorrent behavior will not be tolerated in Bibb County and that offenders will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, the sheriffs office said in a statement.

Anyone with any information in the case is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriffs Office.
Step inside the world of African masquerade artists with this New Orleans catalog and exhibition
A lawsuit brought on behalf of Australian cattle farmers who exported to Indonesia over a decade ago has been criticised for moving at a glacial pace.

The class action was brought in October 2014 by farmers who allege they lost income after then-Labor senator Joe Ludwig banned live cattle exports to Indonesia in June 2011.

The government had reacted to public outcry after an ABC Four Corners program showed graphic footage of cattle being inhumanely slaughtered.

At a brief hearing on Monday, Federal Court Justice Tom Thawley criticised the lawsuits slow pace.

It has taken an inordinate amount of time for these proceedings to be heard, he told lawyers representing both the class action and Ludwig.

The parties have carried on at a glacial pace for years.

In June 2020, Justice Steven Rares found Ludwig committed misfeasance in public office by suspending the export of live cattle to Indonesia for six months from June 2011.

An additional 88,000 head of live cattle would have been sent to Indonesia in 2011 if the minister had acted properly, the court found.

In a June judgment, Justice Thawley limited the potential compensation farmers could receive over the then-senators unlawful order.

On Monday, class action barrister Patrick Holmes said his clients were still considering whether to appeal the June decision.

Settlement talks are ongoing.

AAP
Brussels: One of the enduring acts of Diana, Princess of Wales, is reverberating years later in a mounting dispute over European plans to bring back the deadly weapons she wanted to ban.

Her campaign against landmines drew government complaints in January 1997 when she walked through a minefield in Africa to bring the worlds attention to the hidden killers.

Princess Diana visits a minefield in Angola in January 1997. Credit: AP

That moment, seven months before she died, was remembered only days ago when her son, Prince Harry, followed in her footsteps in the same Angolan village.

Her campaign faces its strongest challenge in decades as parts of Europe prepare to lay new minefields along their borders due to fears about Russian incursions.
DEIR AL-BALAH: At least 73 people were killed while attempting to access aid at locations across Gaza on Sunday, the health ministry in the Palestinian territory said.

The Israeli military said that soldiers had shot at a gathering of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza who posed a threat, and that it was aware of some casualties. But it said that the numbers being reported by teams in Gaza were far higher than the militarys initial investigation found.

Palestinians carry sacks of humanitarian aid unloaded from trucks convoy that had been heading to Gaza City. Credit: AP

The military added that it is attempting to facilitate the entry of aid, and blamed Hamas militants for fomenting chaos and endangering civilians.

The largest toll, according to the Gaza ministry, was in the northern part of the territory, where at least 67 Palestinians were killed while trying to reach aid entering northern Gaza through the Zikim crossing with Israel, according to the ministry and local hospitals.
2028 Scout Traveler Concept - Nutson's First Look Preview

The New Scout Traveler

Coming in 2028

By Larry Nutson

Executive Editor and Bureau Chief

Chicago Bureau

THE AUTO CHANNEL

At the recent mid-May 2025 Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Spring Rally, Scout Motors, a new brand from the Volkswagen Group, provided an in-person look at their new Scout Traveler Concept.

The MAMA Spring Rally is held each year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin where automakers are invited to present their newest vehicles through detailed product briefings. In addition, MAMA members can drive a wide variety of new vehicles on the famed racetrack, over a challenging off-road course, in an autocross competition, and of course, the way most cars and trucks spend their life, on the public roads like those around Wisconsins Kettle Moraine.



The production-intent Scout Traveler Concept was available for viewing and photography. Scout designers were on hand to provide a product overview and answer questions.

The Traveler is a full-size, all-electric SUV designed and engineered in Michigan. It's designed as a capable off-roader, drawing inspiration from the classic International Scout vehicles of the 1960s and 1970s. The Traveler will be offered with both fully-electric (BEV) and range-extender electric (EREV) powertrains.



The Traveler is designed with a body-on-frame construction, solid rear axle, and front and rear mechanical locking differentials, making it suitable for off-roading. Projected towing is over 7,000 pounds for the Scout Traveler with nearly 2,000 pounds of payload..

The Traveler with its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system is targeted to hit 60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds, with its nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque. The BEV powertrain is expected to offer up to 350 miles of mixed city/highway driving range on a single charge. The EREV powertrain uses a gasoline VW engine-powered generator, called Harvester, that provides electric charge to the battery and is projected to extend the total range to over 500 miles. The Traveler will support the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and utilize an 800-volt architecture with up to 350 kW charging capability.



The interior has seating for two or three up front and three in the rear. A large central screen, real knobs and tactile climate controls, and mechanical door handles, reminiscent of the classic Scout II, are featured.



The Traveler is slated to enter production in 2027 at a new factory in Blythewood, S.C. More than likely debuting as a 2028 model, Scout says starting price will be under $60,000.

Scout Motors is offering reservations now. https://www.scoutmotors.com

 2025 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
Attack on Saif Ali Khan: Accused files bail plea, claims FIR imaginary story





MUMBAI :

The Bangladeshi national held for allegedly stabbing and injuring actor Saif Ali Khan has moved a bail application before a court here claiming he was innocent and that the FIR against him was an imaginary story. The 54-year-old actor was repeatedly stabbed with a knife inside his 12th floor apartment in upscale Bandra on January 16 this year. He underwent an emergency surgery at Lilavati Hospital, from where he was discharged after five days. Police nabbed Mohammad Shariful Islam (30) two days after the incident from neighbouring Thane. He is lodged at Arthur Road Jail in the metropolis at present. In his bail plea filed on Friday through advocate Vipul Dushing, the accused asserted he was innocent and that he had no prior criminal record.

His plea stated that the investigation into the incident had practically concluded, with only filing of chargesheet remaining. It also said critical evidence, including CCTV footage and call records, was already with the prosecution. Islam poses no threat of tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses, the plea further contended. The present FIR is nothing but an imaginary story of the complainant. Therefore, he prays for bail , the plea said. The application also raised concerns about the legality of the arrest.
Book reveals Israeli Ministers covert 1977 talks with Desai, Vajpayee





NEW DELHI :

THEN Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan came to India in 1977 on a clandestine visit, in disguise and under a false name, to meet Prime Minister Morarji Desai and his counterpart Atal Behari Vajpayee in a failed attempt to establish diplomatic ties between the two countries, says a new book. The Israeli Minister failed in his mission and left empty-handed. Visibly annoyed by the outcome, Dayan declined the parting gift of antique Indian silverware offered by his hosts, Abhishek Choudhary writes in Believers Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Rights Path to Power. He flew out mocking Indias poverty, cursing its rulers moral cowardice, says the book that uncovers a little-known episode in India-Israel ties. The awkward meeting, the author notes, was a sign that for all its ambitions, the Janata Government did not have the mandate or confidence to revamp Indias foreign policy. Dayans covert visit to India was top secret as Desai feared it would lead to the collapse of the Janata Government if made public. The meeting, held at a poorly furnished Government house in New Delhi, was so discreet that Vajpayee got to know of it only after Dayan landed. Even foreign secretary Jagat Mehta wasnt told anything.

On the afternoon of 14 August, Israeli foreign minister, Moshe Dayan, alighted in New Delhi. He was travelling under a fake name and had disguised himself with dark glasses and a large straw hat. He was put up at a private residence in south Delhis Safdarjung Enclave, reads the book, a sequel to Chaudharys award-winning bestseller Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right. The purpose of his visit: to advance talks on establishing diplomatic relations between India and Israel. India recognised Israel in 1950 but established full diplomatic relations with the country on January 29, 1992. As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, India had some clout among the non-aligned nations. At the very least, Dayan was hoping to receive Indias backing for the Israel-Egypt peace plans in the NAM, neutralizing Indias longstanding support to the Arabs, the book adds.

At Indias request, the meeting was kept top secret. No other cabinet minister, not even Foreign Secretary Mehta, got a whiff of it. Morarji Desai thought that if the news of Dayans visit became public, the Janata Government would collapse, it claims. Janata Party, a political alliance formed in 1977 by various opposition groups, came into power in 1977 defeating Indira Gandhis Congress after the Emergency period. Desai, who became the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India, remained in the office for 856 days -- serving till 1979. Vajpayee, despite his long standing support for formal ties with Israel, appeared visibly uneasy during the meeting with Dayan. According to Desai -- who shared the episode months later with Indian diplomat I.K. Gujral, then Indias ambassador to the USSR -- Vajpayee was terrified about the implications of the encounter and was told not to worry.

Desai, however, remained steadfast in rejecting Dayans overtures. While acknowledging that India had recognised Israel in 1950, Desai made it clear that full diplomatic relations could only be considered only after peace came to the region. He reiterated Indias longstanding support for a Palestinian state and resisted even minimal gestures, such as opening an Israeli consulate in Delhi. Both Vajpayee and Desai argued that such a step would be misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary complications in diplomatic relations with West Asia... He (Desai) suggested Dayan meet Vajpayee during the conferences in the US and Europe but refused to risk sending his foreign minister, formally or secretly, to his country, the book recounts. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, an embassy opened in New Delhi, and the consulate in Mumbai -- operational since 1953 -- became a Consulate-General. Believers Dilemma, priced at Rs 999, is described by publishing house PanMacmillan India as a political history of contemporary India covering the crucial period between 19782018 -- a transformative 40-year span that saw the Hindu Right move from the fringes into the corridors of power.

Book reveals Chenab Formula for J&K before Kargil war and other secrets
Chinas mega dam project on Brahmaputra kicks off, raises concerns in India





BEIJING/NEW DELHI :

(IANS) 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 peoples 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. The issue was also raised during the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Beijing on January 26-27.
FIP slams Wall Street Journal, Reuters over AI171 crash reports, seeks apology





By Shafali Nigam

New Delhi,

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 7actions 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 Gujarats Ahmedabad last month. In the statement, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said, 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. We fully support the AAlBs public appeal, which was released Thursday, and will continue to support its ongoing investigation. All investigative questions should be addressed to the AAIB, (ANI)

Premature and speculative: US NTSB chief raps media

NEW DELHI,

July 19 (IANS)

CALLING recent media reports on Air India Ahmedabad crash premature and speculative, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has urged the media and public to wait for the final report from the AAIB, which is leading the inquiry into the deadly Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. In a statement on X social media platform, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said that 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. We fully support the AAIBs public appeal, which was released Thursday, and will continue to support its ongoing investigation, said Homendy, adding that all investigative questions should be addressed to the AAIB. The US NTSB is the federal agency tasked with investigating aviation and major transportation incidents. Earlier, as certain media houses continued to plant unverified and fake news regarding the Air India Ahmedabad crash, the AAIB cautioned against selective and unverified reporting, calling such coverage irresponsible and potentially damaging to the probes integrity. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that a cockpit recording of dialogue between the two pilots of the ill-fated Air India flight, that crashed last month, allegedly indicates the captain cut the flow of fuel to the planes engines. It has come to our attention that certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting, said AAIB in a statement. Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing. We urge both the public and the media to refrain from spreading premature narratives that risk undermining the integrity of the investigative process, the probe agency added. According to aviation experts, the NTSB, the FAA, EASA in addition to the AAIB need to investigate to the fullest as to why did the Fuel Switch to Cut Off. This will be a complex crash to investigate for the NTSB, AAIB, Boeing, EASA, the Indian DGCA and the UKCAA, and no stone should be left unturned with this investigation, they added.
NMC schools to impart education in semi-English medium from Class 1





By Kunal Badge

To be at par with changing times, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is heralding a substantial change in education system in its schools from this year. NMC has introduced education in Semi-English medium in Class 1 in most of its primary and secondary schools from this year. The Semi-English medium will be introduced in subsequent classes progressively in coming years. Earlier, most of the NMC schools offered education in only Marathi, Hindi, or Urdu medium that was seen as a weak point for the students compared to other students studying in private schools. The NMC provides free education to students across its 117 schools spread over ten zones. These include 100 primary schools (31 Marathi medium, 44 Hindi medium, 18 Urdu medium, and 7 English medium) and 17 secondary schools (7 Marathi medium, 5 Hindi medium, 5 Urdu medium). However, the majority of these schools continue to impart education solely through Marathi, Hindi, and Urdu mediums. According to information, only 11 NMC schools currently offer semi-English education up to Class 10. Sadhana Sayam, Education Officer, NMC, emphasised the significance of the initiative.

The syllabus introduced in Class 1 of the Semi-English medium is at par with that of CBSE syllabus. This will help our students to compete with any student from private school on any platform in future. For the past two decades, numerous other municipal corporations in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Aurangabad have successfully converted their schools to semi-English medium. Some have even established CBSE and ICSE board schools. In stark contrast, NMC schools remain solely affiliated to the State Secondary Education Board, with not a single CBSE or ICSE school in sight. Now, with the introduction of Semi-English medium schools from Class 1, the picture seems to be changing. As per sources, currently, 14,637 students are enrolled in the 114 NMC schools, with 4,763 in secondary schools and 9,874 in primary schools. Recently, teachers from NMC schools and officials, including Vaishnavi B, Additional Municipal Commissioner, NMC, engaged in direct dialogue with parents to encourage an increase in student enrollment in NMC schools. This forward-thinking initiative, by aligning with national education standards and developing crucial language skills, promises to be a game-changer for the citys public education landscape. Its more than just a language shift; its an investment in the future, designed to empower every NMC student to confidently pursue higher education and seize opportunities in a globalised world, ultimately contributing to a more skilled and competitive generation from the city.

NMC to provide workbooks for value-addition of students The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), for the first time, has invited tenders for printing of books as per a specified list for English language learning under its educational initiative Majhi Shala Saksham Shala project. This project focuses on providing educational resources, specifically English language books, to NMC-run schools. The last date of submitting tender was July 17. Normally, the NMC procures books to be supplied for NMC schools from Balbharati. Sadhna Sayam, Education Officer, NMC, informed that the tender is for workbooks of English language to boost language skills in students. These books were not available with Balbharati and hence, the NMC has invited the tenders for printing of these books, added Sayam.
Odisha horror: Miscreants set 15-year-old girl on fire, victim under treatment at AIIMS





BHUBANESWAR :

Three youths forcibly took her to the banks of Bhargavi River, poured an inflammable substance on her, and set her on fire: Preliminary report

A 15-YEAR-old girl was set on fire by unidentified persons in Odishas Puri district on Saturday, officials said. The girl is undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and she is in a critical condition, having suffered 70 per cent burn injuries, but she is able to speak, they said. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who is in charge of the Women and Child Development Department, said the Government will bear the expenses of the girls treatment and that the police have been asked to arrest the culprits as soon as possible. BJD supremo and Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Naveen Patnaik, expressed deep anguish over the incident and said such cases point to a systemic failure of governance.

The incident took place at Bayabar village in Balanga police station area around 9 am when the girl was returning from her friends house. Preliminary investigation revealed that three unidentified motorcycle-borne youths intercepted her, forcibly took her to the banks of Bhargavi River, poured an inflammable substance on her, and set her on fire, a police officer said. The spot of the incident is around 1.5 km from her house at Nuagopalpur Bustee and around 5-7 km from Balanga Police station. The miscreants fled the spot after setting the girl on fire. Local people doused the fire and later took her to Pipili Government hospital, from where she was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. The girls parents lodged an FIR with Balanga Police station, the officer said, adding she was a class 8 dropout and her father works at an automobile repair workshop. AIIMS Bhubaneswar formed a 14-member team of doctors for the proper treatment of the girl.

The committee comprises doctors from medicine, pulmonary medicine, anesthesia, gynecology, forensic medicine, nephrology, cardiology and other departments. Odisha Director General of Police Y B Khurania asserted that the police will soon nab the accused persons. This is a sensitive incident. The police will explore legal possibilities to punish the accused persons, he said. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra, who was at the spot, said that police were probing the incident and were questioning some people. Scientific teams are engaged in the investigation. No one has been detained or arrested so far, the SP said. Pipili Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Debasish Mishra, said that the girl suffered burn injuries on her back, abdomen and other parts. Two teams have been formed to nab the culprits. We are trying to search for clues from CCTV cameras installed in private homes, he said. The police team, during the spot verification, got hold of the bottle which contained the inflammable substance that was used to burn the girl, Mishra said. A dog squad has been deployed to search for the accused persons, while a manhunt has been launched in the neighbouring areas in the district as well as Bhubaneswar, he said. Deputy CM Parida, in an X post, stated: I am saddened and shocked to hear the news that some miscreants at Balanga in Puri district poured petrol on a fifteen-year-old girl and set her on fire. The girl has been immediately shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and all arrangements are being made for her treatment. All the expenses of the treatment will be borne by the Government. The police administration has been directed to arrest the culprits immediately and take strict action, she said. Meanwhile, separate delegations of Opposition BJD and Congress visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar and met the family members of the girl.

She is currently under treatment... We pray for her speedy recovery, senior Congress leader and former Union minister Srikant Jena said. Patnaik, a former Chief Minister, said in a post on X: 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. The incident has happened just within a week of the self-immolation of a student of FM College after she was denied justice even after knocking on every door, which took place after the horrific incident of gang-rape in Gopalpur, he added. Patnaik said such incidents show that criminals have become emboldened under the present government and are not worried about being punished. It also shows how Odisha is becoming highly unsafe for women due to government inaction and political patronage, he said.

Will the Odisha Govt wake up from its 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, he added. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das said, Even though such incidents keep happening repeatedly, the Government and administration have turned into mere spectators. Female students and women are unsafe in the state. Criminals no longer fear the Government, administration, or police. The situation is becoming more complicated day by day. Yet, the BJP Government, utterly insensitive, continues to beat the drum of good governance, he added. NSUI activists also staged demonstrations at some places, including Bhubaneswar, in protest against the incident.
TRF TERROR





THE United States has officially stated now what India has been insisting upon from the beginning -- that The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is a terror organisation. This designation by the United States only endorses what India has been saying for long. An official statement issued by the US Department of State now has stated unambiguously that TRF was behind the Pahalgam terror attack in which terrorists had targeted only Hindu males by asking them straight questions about their religious faith. This should be considered a major development in the global fight against terrorism across countries.

It needs to be recalled here that on April 22, 2025, terrorists belonging to the TRF had attacked unsuspecting tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir and killed only men with Hindu faith. That terror attack had triggered what got known to be Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian security forces in possibly the best known strike-back in global history. The tech-driven Operation Sindoor proved to be very effective and was hailed by the world for its precision and non-escalatory approach. Later, India declared officially that it had achieved its stated targets and did not stray from its chosen trajectory even by an inch. India later also announced proudly that the Operation Sindoor did not allow any damage on the Indian side and that foreign media was only heaping biased falsehood on the world accusing that India suffered much damage in Pakistanis retaliation. When the Pahalgam attack took place, The Resistance Front had accepted the responsibility of the act. Having ascertained the details, now the US Department of State has designated TRF as a terrorist organisation -- thus endorsing what India has been insisting upon since the beginning. This designation will have a significant effect on the global considerations on terrorism and may have a bearing on the action various countries would undertake to keep terror at bay.

For decades, India has been pushing for concerted global action against terrorism. Many countries, including the United States, have accepted the Indian stand and have taken appropriate measures in support. Despite that, many countries are known to have taken selective approach to tackling terrorism officially. Even in this particular instance, India was not quite sure if the US would ever designate TRF as a terrorist organisation. However, the evidence against TRF was so decisive that the US administration could not reject the Indian argument. This is no mean an achievement on the part of India and its aggressive diplomacy against terrorism. For, the US Administration has realised the correctness of the Indian stand and has then designated TRF as terror outfit. At the level of the United Nations, as well, India has registered certain successful campaigns against terrorists and their groups. Some countries often oppose the Indian stand, all right. But the overall performance of Indian diplomacy on this issue has been lauded by the world in general. China has been one country that has not accepted the Indian approach to terrorism. In the case of Pahalgam attack, Beijing has not still condemned that dastardly act, nor has it accepted that India was the sufferer of terrorism from time to time. Such instances have been rare as the world at large has accepted the Indian stand on the issue.
Bingham Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 5,613 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $512,000.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Dell Technologies by 1,124.1% during the first quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,775 shares of the technology companys stock worth $162,000 after acquiring an additional 1,630 shares during the period. Optimist Retirement Group LLC raised its holdings in Dell Technologies by 33.2% during the first quarter. Optimist Retirement Group LLC now owns 2,800 shares of the technology companys stock worth $255,000 after purchasing an additional 698 shares in the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky raised its holdings in Dell Technologies by 75.4% during the first quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 498,394 shares of the technology companys stock worth $45,429,000 after purchasing an additional 214,294 shares in the last quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Dell Technologies by 16.9% during the first quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 18,215 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,660,000 after purchasing an additional 2,629 shares in the last quarter. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc raised its holdings in Dell Technologies by 61.6% during the first quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 7,521 shares of the technology companys stock worth $686,000 after purchasing an additional 2,867 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.37% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Evercore ISI reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Dell Technologies in a report on Thursday, May 29th. KeyCorp started coverage on shares of Dell Technologies in a report on Thursday, June 26th. They issued a sector weight rating for the company. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $116.00 to $123.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, May 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $125.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Dell Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 14th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $140.06.

Insider Transactions at Dell Technologies

In other Dell Technologies news, Director Iv (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 625,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $126.20, for a total transaction of $78,875,000.00. Following the sale, the director owned 960,050 shares in the company, valued at approximately $121,158,310. The trade was a 39.43% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, General Counsel Richard J. Rothberg sold 70,165 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.82, for a total value of $7,635,355.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel owned 79,928 shares in the company, valued at $8,697,764.96. This represents a 46.75% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 12,897,063 shares of company stock valued at $1,570,909,812 in the last 90 days. 42.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Dell Technologies Trading Up 5.8%

DELL stock opened at $131.08 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $88.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.91, a PEG ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.02. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $117.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of $105.93. Dell Technologies Inc. has a twelve month low of $66.25 and a twelve month high of $147.66.

Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 29th. The technology company reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.68 by ($0.13). Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 226.48% and a net margin of 4.63%. The business had revenue of $23.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $23.17 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.27 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.93 EPS for the current year.

Dell Technologies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 22nd will be given a $0.525 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 22nd. This represents a $2.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.60%. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.49%.

About Dell Technologies

(Free Report)

Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG).

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CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 312.2% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 911 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 690 shares during the period. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $121,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mowery & Schoenfeld Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 50.4% during the first quarter. Mowery & Schoenfeld Wealth Management LLC now owns 424 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. Elyxium Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth about $348,000. OneAscent Family Office LLC grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 141.4% during the first quarter. OneAscent Family Office LLC now owns 4,796 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $636,000 after buying an additional 2,809 shares in the last quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth about $236,000. Finally, AustralianSuper Pty Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth about $724,000. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Abbott Laboratories

In related news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total transaction of $337,116.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 34,058 shares in the company, valued at $4,415,960.28. The trade was a 7.09% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.46% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $123.81 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $132.98 and its 200-day moving average is $129.56. The company has a market cap of $215.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 0.73. 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 12 month low of $99.92 and a 12 month high of $141.23.

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, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.26. The business had revenue of $11.14 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.01 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 18.83% and a net margin of 32.43%. The companys revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.14 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be given a $0.59 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.91%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 30.61%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on ABT. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $147.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday. BTIG Research lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $148.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday. Raymond James Financial lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $141.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised Abbott Laboratories from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the company from $143.00 to $145.00 in a report on Friday. Five 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 stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $144.47.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ABT

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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CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC cut its holdings in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 7.2% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 7,124 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 556 shares during the period. Bank of America accounts for about 0.1% of CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th largest position. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $296,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. TAGStone Capital Inc. lifted its stake in Bank of America by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. TAGStone Capital Inc. now owns 19,802 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $870,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares during the period. Hayek Kallen Investment Management lifted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 2.0% in the 4th quarter. Hayek Kallen Investment Management now owns 12,022 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $528,000 after purchasing an additional 233 shares during the period. Continuum Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 16,707 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $734,000 after purchasing an additional 237 shares during the period. Menard Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. Menard Financial Group LLC now owns 20,620 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $906,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares during the period. Finally, Northern Financial Advisors Inc lifted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Northern Financial Advisors Inc now owns 14,383 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $600,000 after purchasing an additional 252 shares during the period. 70.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Bank of America Stock Performance

Shares of BAC opened at $47.33 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. The firm has a market cap of $356.48 billion, a PE ratio of 13.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.30. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $45.53 and its 200-day simple moving average is $43.64. Bank of America Corporation has a 12-month low of $33.07 and a 12-month high of $49.31.

Bank of America Dividend Announcement

Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.89 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.86 by $0.03. Bank of America had a net margin of 14.81% and a return on equity of 10.25%. The firm had revenue of ($22,273.00) million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $26.79 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.83 EPS. Bank of Americas quarterly revenue was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 6th were issued a $0.26 dividend. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 6th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is presently 30.41%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

BAC has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Bank of America from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $46.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $51.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 9th. Finally, HSBC cut shares of Bank of America from a buy rating to a hold rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $47.00 to $51.00 in a research report on Monday, July 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $50.03.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on BAC

Bank of America Company Profile

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets.

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Diversify Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY  Free Report) by 24.4% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 32,159 shares of the mining companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,311 shares during the period. Diversify Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Harmony Gold Mining were worth $495,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in HMY. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 22.6% in the 4th quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 28,456 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $234,000 after acquiring an additional 5,241 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the 4th quarter valued at $624,000. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 13.6% in the 4th quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 59,527 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $489,000 after acquiring an additional 7,144 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans increased its position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 105.3% in the 4th quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 241,840 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $1,986,000 after acquiring an additional 124,037 shares during the period. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the 4th quarter valued at $77,000. 31.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Harmony Gold Mining Trading Down 0.4%

HMY opened at $13.95 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 1.84 and a quick ratio of 1.46. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $14.53 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $13.27. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited has a 1-year low of $7.97 and a 1-year high of $18.77. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.09 and a beta of 0.94.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Hsbc Global Res raised Harmony Gold Mining from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on Harmony Gold Mining in a research report on Thursday. They set a market perform rating and a $16.00 price target on the stock. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $12.20.

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About Harmony Gold Mining

(Free Report)

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited engages in the exploration, extraction, and processing of gold. The company explores for uranium, silver, copper, and molybdenum deposits. It has eight underground operations in the Witwatersrand Basin; an open-pit mine on the Kraaipan Greenstone Belt; and various surface source operations in South Africa.

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Heritage Investors Management Corp decreased its stake in shares of United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS  Free Report) by 2.7% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 80,232 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 2,216 shares during the quarter. Heritage Investors Management Corps holdings in United Parcel Service were worth $8,825,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of UPS. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 4.1% during the 1st quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 56,481 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $6,212,000 after acquiring an additional 2,221 shares in the last quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 1,608.0% during the 1st quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC now owns 427 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 402 shares in the last quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 147.2% during the 1st quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 179,320 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $19,723,000 after acquiring an additional 106,782 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 7.2% during the 1st quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 8,504 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $935,000 after acquiring an additional 571 shares in the last quarter. Finally, OneAscent Financial Services LLC boosted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 108.6% during the 1st quarter. OneAscent Financial Services LLC now owns 5,362 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $588,000 after acquiring an additional 2,791 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 60.26% of the companys stock.

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United Parcel Service Stock Performance

United Parcel Service stock opened at $99.21 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.09. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $99.85 and a two-hundred day moving average of $108.02. The company has a market capitalization of $84.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.46, a PEG ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 1.21. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $90.55 and a fifty-two week high of $146.17.

United Parcel Service Dividend Announcement

United Parcel Service ( NYSE:UPS Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The transportation company reported $1.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.38 by $0.11. United Parcel Service had a return on equity of 40.15% and a net margin of 6.44%. The business had revenue of $21.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.25 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.43 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down .9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 7.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 19th were given a $1.64 dividend. This represents a $6.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.61%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 19th. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 95.63%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on UPS. Susquehanna decreased their target price on United Parcel Service from $120.00 to $110.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $98.00 price objective (down from $120.00) on shares of United Parcel Service in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Loop Capital decreased their price objective on United Parcel Service from $115.00 to $105.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. BNP Paribas raised United Parcel Service to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 3rd. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on United Parcel Service from $100.00 to $90.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, March 31st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have given a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $119.13.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on United Parcel Service

United Parcel Service Profile

(Free Report)

United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of express letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States.

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J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF (BATS:ICLO  Free Report) by 164.4% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 268,720 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 167,092 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc.s holdings in Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF were worth $6,850,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Quest 10 Wealth Builders Inc. lifted its holdings in Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF by 19.7% during the 1st quarter. Quest 10 Wealth Builders Inc. now owns 15,449 shares of the companys stock worth $394,000 after buying an additional 2,543 shares in the last quarter. Transce3nd LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $77,000. Regal Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF by 19.5% during the 4th quarter. Regal Investment Advisors LLC now owns 19,903 shares of the companys stock worth $510,000 after buying an additional 3,253 shares in the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA acquired a new stake in Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $127,000. Finally, LifeWealth Investments LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF by 70.2% during the 1st quarter. LifeWealth Investments LLC now owns 16,692 shares of the companys stock worth $425,000 after buying an additional 6,882 shares in the last quarter.

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Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF Trading Up 0.6%

Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF stock opened at $25.65 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $25.57 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.55. Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF has a 52-week low of $23.80 and a 52-week high of $25.84.

Invesco AAA CLO Floating Rate Note ETF Profile

The Invesco Aaa Clo Floating Rate Note ETF (ICLO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is actively managed to invest in USD-denominated floating rate CLOs that are rated AAA or equivalent. ICLO was launched on Dec 9, 2022 and is managed by Invesco.

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Materion (NYSE:MTRN  Get Free Report) and Impala Platinum (OTCMKTS:IMPUY  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, risk, earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and profitability.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

93.6% of Materion shares are held by institutional investors. 2.6% of Materion shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Materion and Impala Platinums gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Materion $1.68 billion 1.16 $5.89 million $0.50 188.48 Impala Platinum $4.62 billion 1.99 -$926.25 million N/A N/A

Materion has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Impala Platinum.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent recommendations for Materion and Impala Platinum, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Materion 0 0 1 0 3.00 Impala Platinum 0 0 0 0 0.00

Materion presently has a consensus price target of $112.00, suggesting a potential upside of 18.85%. Given Materions stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Materion is more favorable than Impala Platinum.

Volatility & Risk

Materion has a beta of 0.8, indicating that its stock price is 20% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Impala Platinum has a beta of 1.01, indicating that its stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Materion and Impala Platinums net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Materion 0.59% 12.83% 6.49% Impala Platinum N/A N/A N/A

Summary

Materion beats Impala Platinum on 9 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Materion

(Get Free Report)

Materion Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces advanced engineered materials used in semiconductor, industrial, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, consumer electronics, and telecom and data center in the United States, Asia, Europe, and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Performance Materials, Electronic Materials, Precision Optics, and Other. The company provides advanced engineered solutions comprising beryllium and non-beryllium containing alloy systems and custom engineered parts in strip, bulk, rod, plate, bar, tube, and other customized shapes; engineering and product development services; alloyed metals, beryllium products, and beryllium hydroxide; precision strip, rod, and wire products, as well as engineered strip metal products; and ToughMet alloys and SupremEX aluminum silicon carbide metal matrix composite formulation products. It operates the bertrandite ore mine and refinery located in Utah that provides feedstock hydroxide for its beryllium businesses and external sale. In addition, it produces advanced chemicals, microelectronics packaging, precious metal, non-precious metal, and specialty metal products, including vapor deposition targets, frame lid assemblies, clad and precious metal pre-forms, high temperature braze materials, and ultra-pure wire. Further, the company designs and produces precision thin film coatings, optical filters, and assemblies. The company sells its products directly from its facilities, as well as through company-owned service centers, outside distributors, agents, direct sales offices, and independent sales representatives. The company was formerly known as Brush Engineered Materials Inc. and changed its name to Materion Corporation in March 2011. Materion Corporation was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Mayfield Heights, Ohio.

About Impala Platinum

(Get Free Report)

Impala Platinum Holdings Limited engages in the mining, processing, concentrating, refining, and sale of platinum group metals (PGMs) and associated base metals. The company produces platinum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, and by-products, as well as ruthenium, iridium, and gold. It has operations on the PGM-bearing orebodies, including the Bushveld Complex located in South Africa; and the Great Dyke situated in Zimbabwe, as well as the Canadian Shield. The company markets and sells its products in South Africa, Japan, China, the United States, and Europe. Impala Platinum Holdings Limited was incorporated in 1957 and is based in Sandton, South Africa.

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BKM Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD  Free Report) by 2.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 8,799 shares of the fast-food giants stock after buying an additional 215 shares during the period. McDonalds makes up 1.1% of BKM Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 23rd largest position. BKM Wealth Management LLCs holdings in McDonalds were worth $2,749,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. WNY Asset Management LLC increased its position in McDonalds by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. WNY Asset Management LLC now owns 4,911 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $1,534,000 after buying an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. Aspen Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in McDonalds during the 1st quarter valued at about $201,000. OneAscent Financial Services LLC grew its stake in McDonalds by 134.5% during the 1st quarter. OneAscent Financial Services LLC now owns 7,428 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $2,326,000 after purchasing an additional 4,261 shares during the last quarter. Counterweight Ventures LLC purchased a new stake in McDonalds during the 1st quarter valued at about $336,000. Finally, Mowery & Schoenfeld Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in McDonalds by 113.9% during the 1st quarter. Mowery & Schoenfeld Wealth Management LLC now owns 400 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $125,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares during the last quarter. 70.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other McDonalds news, CMO Edith Morgan Flatley sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $300.00, for a total transaction of $300,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief marketing officer owned 8,858 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,657,400. This represents a 10.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 939 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $288.52, for a total value of $270,920.28. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 10,222 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,949,251.44. This represents a 8.41% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 3,817 shares of company stock valued at $1,165,843 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock.

McDonalds Price Performance

Shares of McDonalds stock opened at $296.87 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $302.50 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $302.81. McDonalds Corporation has a 12 month low of $246.12 and a 12 month high of $326.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $212.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.20, a PEG ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.53.

McDonalds (NYSE:MCD  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The fast-food giant reported $2.67 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $2.67. McDonalds had a negative return on equity of 195.27% and a net margin of 31.75%. The business had revenue of $5.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.17 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.70 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

McDonalds Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 2nd were issued a dividend of $1.77 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 2nd. This represents a $7.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.38%. McDonaldss payout ratio is currently 62.49%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have weighed in on the company. BTIG Research reiterated a neutral rating on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Redburn Atlantic restated a sell rating and issued a $260.00 target price (down previously from $319.00) on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Tuesday, June 10th. Barclays upped their target price on McDonalds from $347.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Loop Capital downgraded McDonalds from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $346.00 to $315.00 in a research note on Friday, June 6th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating and issued a $345.00 target price (up previously from $340.00) on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Monday, May 5th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $319.72.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MCD

About McDonalds

(Free Report)

McDonalds Corp. engages in the operation and franchising of restaurants. It operates through the following segments: U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets and Corporate. The U.S. segment focuses its operations on the United States. The International Operated Markets segment consists of operations and the franchising of restaurants in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.K.

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Diversify Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:MUFG  Free Report) by 33.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 41,630 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,440 shares during the period. Diversify Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group were worth $529,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in the first quarter worth approximately $41,000. Financial Management Professionals Inc. raised its stake in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group by 116.7% during the 1st quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 3,257 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 1,754 shares during the last quarter. Olde Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group during the 1st quarter valued at $87,000. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC acquired a new position in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group during the 4th quarter valued at $98,000. Finally, May Hill Capital LLC acquired a new position in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group during the 4th quarter valued at $121,000. 13.59% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Stock Down 1.0%

Shares of NYSE MUFG opened at $13.29 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $13.63 and its 200-day moving average is $12.94. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $8.75 and a 1 year high of $15.03. The firm has a market capitalization of $160.38 billion, a PE ratio of 12.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a current ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.57.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group ( NYSE:MUFG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 15th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.03 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $22.91 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.47 billion. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group had a net margin of 13.70% and a return on equity of 9.45%. Equities analysts expect that Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. will post 0.99 EPS for the current year.

Separately, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, June 14th.

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Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc operates as the bank holding company, that engages in a range of financial businesses in Japan, the United States, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Digital Service, Retail & Commercial Banking, Japanese Corporate & Investment Banking, Global Commercial Banking, Asset Management & Investor Services, Global Corporate & Investment Banking, and Global Markets.

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Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSE:ONC  Get Free Report) Senior Officer Andrew P. Aromando purchased 25,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 15th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$1.62 per share, with a total value of C$41,425.92.

Oncolytics Biotech Price Performance

Shares of TSE ONC opened at C$1.73 on Friday. Oncolytics Biotech Inc. has a twelve month low of C$0.44 and a twelve month high of C$2.08. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$0.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$0.95. The company has a market capitalization of C$133.34 million, a PE ratio of -4.82 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a quick ratio of 8.86, a current ratio of 2.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.75.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Jones Trading downgraded shares of Oncolytics Biotech from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 16th.

Oncolytics Biotech Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Oncolytics Biotech Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery and development of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cancer. The company is developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent, which is in phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive / human epidermal growth factor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer and advanced/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

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RLI (NYSE:RLI  Get Free Report) is projected to announce its Q2 2025 earnings results after the market closes on Monday, July 21st. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.75 per share and revenue of $445.55 million for the quarter.

RLI (NYSE:RLI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The insurance provider reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.88 by $0.04. RLI had a return on equity of 16.26% and a net margin of 16.22%. The company had revenue of $36.73 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $442.20 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.95 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 8.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect RLI to post $3 EPS for the current fiscal year and $3 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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RLI Stock Down 0.2%

RLI opened at $70.20 on Friday. RLI has a one year low of $69.16 and a one year high of $91.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.35. The stocks fifty day moving average is $73.21 and its 200-day moving average is $75.06. The company has a market capitalization of $6.44 billion, a PE ratio of 23.09 and a beta of 0.67.

RLI Increases Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 30th were issued a dividend of $0.16 per share. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.91%. This is an increase from RLIs previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 30th. RLIs dividend payout ratio is currently 21.05%.

Several research firms recently weighed in on RLI. JMP Securities restated a market perform rating on shares of RLI in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price target on shares of RLI from $95.00 to $85.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. Compass Point downgraded shares of RLI from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, April 25th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of RLI from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, May 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, RLI currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $78.60.

Get Our Latest Analysis on RLI

Institutional Trading of RLI

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of RLI by 110.8% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 185,504 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $14,902,000 after acquiring an additional 97,501 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in shares of RLI by 115.1% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 56,386 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,529,000 after acquiring an additional 30,170 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC grew its stake in shares of RLI by 472.3% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 29,177 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,344,000 after acquiring an additional 24,079 shares in the last quarter. 77.89% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About RLI

(Get Free Report)

RLI Corp., an insurance holding company, underwrites property and casualty insurance. Its Casualty segment provides commercial and personal coverage products; and general liability products, such as coverage for third-party liability of commercial insureds, including manufacturers, contractors, apartments, and mercantile.

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Sse Plc (OTCMKTS:SSEZY  Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Buy from the six brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company.

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on SSEZY shares. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of SSE in a research report on Thursday, March 27th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of SSE in a research report on Friday, May 23rd.

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SSE Stock Up 1.8%

SSE Increases Dividend

SSE stock opened at $25.65 on Tuesday. SSE has a 12-month low of $18.60 and a 12-month high of $27.01. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $24.72 and a 200 day moving average price of $21.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.01.

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 25th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 28th will be given a dividend of $0.537 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 25th. This is a boost from SSEs previous dividend of $0.27. This represents a dividend yield of 3.1%.

SSE Company Profile

(Get Free Report

SSE plc engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity. It generates electricity from water, gas, coal, oil, and multi fuel. The company distributes electricity to approximately 3.8 million homes and businesses across the north of the central belt of Scotland and central southern England; and owns, operates, and develops high voltage electricity transmission system in the north of Scotland and remote islands.

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Eagle Bay Advisors LLC lowered its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 5.4% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 473 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 27 shares during the period. Eagle Bay Advisors LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $258,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. WNY Asset Management LLC grew its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. WNY Asset Management LLC now owns 1,420 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $776,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Twin Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 66.6% in the 1st quarter. Twin Capital Management Inc. now owns 10,702 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $5,846,000 after purchasing an additional 4,277 shares during the last quarter. Morse Asset Management Inc grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 11.5% in the 1st quarter. Morse Asset Management Inc now owns 7,480 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $4,086,000 after purchasing an additional 771 shares during the last quarter. Covenant Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 86.4% in the first quarter. Covenant Asset Management LLC now owns 1,001 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $547,000 after buying an additional 464 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Calton & Associates Inc. boosted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 925.2% in the first quarter. Calton & Associates Inc. now owns 14,630 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $7,992,000 after buying an additional 13,203 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 0.3%

NYSE:GS opened at $708.31 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.26, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 1.12. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a one year low of $437.37 and a one year high of $726.00. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $647.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $601.08. The stock has a market cap of $217.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.35.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 16th. The investment management company reported $10.91 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.82 by $1.09. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 13.84% and a net margin of 12.37%. The business had revenue of $14.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.53 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $8.62 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 29th will be issued a dividend of $4.00 per share. This represents a $16.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.26%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 29th. This is an increase from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 35.26%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the company. Citizens Jmp restated a market perform rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Citigroup cut their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $585.00 to $550.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $625.00 to $614.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 3rd. Daiwa America downgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, April 4th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $649.29.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on GS

The Goldman Sachs Group Profile

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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Wealth Alliance LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 100.8% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,781 shares of the investment management companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,396 shares during the quarter. Wealth Alliance LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $1,519,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Bingham Private Wealth LLC lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 16.6% during the 1st quarter. Bingham Private Wealth LLC now owns 669 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $365,000 after buying an additional 95 shares in the last quarter. Sargent Investment Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 9.4% during the 1st quarter. Sargent Investment Group LLC now owns 1,125 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $615,000 after buying an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 89.0% during the 1st quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 603 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $329,000 after buying an additional 284 shares in the last quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 80.7% during the 1st quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 42,262 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $23,087,000 after buying an additional 18,874 shares in the last quarter. Finally, J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 25.1% during the 1st quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 9,861 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $5,387,000 after buying an additional 1,980 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 0.3%

NYSE:GS opened at $708.31 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $217.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.61, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.35. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $437.37 and a 1-year high of $726.00. The companys fifty day moving average price is $647.01 and its 200-day moving average price is $601.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.26, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 0.68.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 16th. The investment management company reported $10.91 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.82 by $1.09. The company had revenue of $14.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.53 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 12.37% and a return on equity of 13.84%. The firms revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $8.62 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, August 29th will be given a dividend of $4.00 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 29th. This is a positive change from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. This represents a $16.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.26%. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is presently 35.26%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

GS has been the topic of a number of research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $650.00 to $785.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Citizens Jmp reiterated a market perform rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Monday, July 14th. Daiwa America downgraded shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, April 4th. Evercore ISI set a $715.00 price target on The Goldman Sachs Group and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, July 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $649.29.

Read Our Latest Research Report on GS

The Goldman Sachs Group Profile

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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The governorship candidate of Labour Party in the recent gubernatorial election in Edo state, Olumide Akpata, has taken a swipe at the statement made by Governor Monday Okpebholo of the state.

Over the week, Governor Okpebholo, while speaking in Uromi during a defection ceremony, declared that former LP presidential flag-bearer, Peter Obi must not enter Edo State without first seeking security clearance from him.

The governor, in a direct and aggressive tone, said Obis security would not be guaranteed if he visited the state unannounced.

He added that the former Anambra governor should take responsibility for whatever happens to him during such visits.

Okpebholos comments were triggered by Obis recent visit to Benin City, where he donated 15 million to St. Philomena Hospital.

According to the governor, He came the other day and donated 15 million. After he left, there was a crisis, and three people died in Benin.

Tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me. A new sheriff is in town, he added.

In response, Olumide Akpata, blasted the governors remarks, calling them ill-judged and deeply troubling.

Akpata said he initially thought the video was fake, perhaps AI-generated or a poorly written skit, but was shocked to find it real and undisputed.

Lets be clear: Mr. Peter Obi does not need anyones permission to visit Edo State or any other state for that matter  not now, not ever, Akpata said in a strongly worded statement.

He described Edo people as warm and welcoming, not the kind to threaten respected figures with hostility.

Akpata also noted that the governors threats coincided with Obis 64th birthday, a day many Obidients across Nigeria marked with charity and service.

Governor Okpebholo should focus more on governance and earning the peoples love, not intimidating national leaders, Akpata added.
Mobile operators industry body GSMA and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a multi-year agreement to drive digital transformation and mobile connectivity across the APAC region.

The agreement aims to leverage mobile technology to bridge digital divides and foster economic growth in ADBs developing member countries.

The GSMA and ADB say they will focus on knowledge sharing, policy reform, public-private partnerships, and capacity building, particularly in sectors such as health, education, finance, and disaster resilience.

John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer of the GSMA, said mobile technology has the power to transform lives, especially in regions where access to essential services is limited.

"This partnership with the Asian Development Bank is an important milestone in our shared mission to create inclusive digital economies and build resilient societies across Asia and the Pacific," Giusti said.

"Together, we aim to unlock investment, drive policy innovation, and deliver real impact on the ground.

F. Cleo Kawawaki, Director-General, Sectors Department 2 of the ADB, said the partnership with the GSMA underscores ADBs commitment to accelerating digital transformation and achieving its vision to a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable APAC region.

"By leveraging GSMAs deep expertise in mobile connectivity, digital inclusion, and policy advocacy, ADB aims to strengthen its support for member countries in building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital ecosystems, Kawawaki said.

The partnership will involve a joint work program running from 2025 to 2027, which includes research, targeted events, policy dialogues with governments and regulators, and support for the development of mobile-based solutions for sectors including agriculture, health, and climate adaptation.
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In compliance with the order of the Calcutta High Court imposing strict restrictions on Trinamul Congresss annual Martyrs Day rally on 21 July, 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 the Media 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.

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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 TMC workers marching towards the main rally venue between 9 and 11 a.m.

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On Saturday, Mr Verma issued a helpline number 9830811111 and 9830010000, which could be used to register any traffic-related grievances on that day for citizens.

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 commissionerates 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, Mr Verma added.

We are hopeful that everything will be alright and we will be able to comply with the court order, Verma said.
Taking a serious note of the death of students at academic institutions in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, both of which have BJP-led governments, the Trinamul Congress leaders have criticised the saffron party for not ensuring the safety of the students in the states. They have also taken on the National Commission for Women for not being proactive in the states, which have BJP as the ruling party.

The TMC, in its official X handle, put out two posts. One read: @narendramodi lands in Bengal to preach about womens safety, while in @myogiadityanaths Uttar Pradesh, a second-year BDS student of Sharda University in Greater Noida died by suicide after being subjected to mental harassment and humiliation at the hands of two faculty members.

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These abusers, cloaked in academic authority and shielded by political muscle, prey on vulnerable students. @BJP4Indias moral posturing collapses under the weight of their own failures. Shame on Modi. Shame on Yogi. And shame on BJPs culture of complicity.

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The other post in X read: In Double Engine states, victims of abuse are driven to take extreme steps because they know the administration, police, @NCWIndia, and the entire system are on @BJP4Indias payroll.

A second-year BDS student of Sharda University died by suicide citing humiliation and mental harassment by faculty members. What did @myogiadityanaths @Uppolice do? Brutally lathi-charged students demanding justice.*

And BJP dares to preach about womens safety in Bengal? Shameless. Inhuman. Criminal.

Trinamul Congress leader, Chandrima Bhattacharya on Saturday came down heavily on the Odisha government, where a 15-year-old girl was set on fire by three miscreants in Puri in broad daylight. She is battling for her life in a hospital.

Chandrima Bhattacharya said that Mr Modis slogan of beti bachao is ringing hollow as women are dying in the states where his party is in power. Where is the NCW now? They are busy in states ruled by non BJP parties finding out problems there and overlooking places like Odisha and UP, she said.

Highlighting the case, women and child development minister Dr Shashi Panja asked why the national women commission and national child commission members are absent in Odisha. They wash their hands when a crime on women takes place in BJP-ruled states and rush to Bengal to probe into any incident, she said on Saturday.
Delhis Social Welfare Minister, Ravinder Indraj Singh, on Sunday greeted Kanwar pilgrims at Shiv Temple in Rohini Sector-20 and stated that the state government holds deep respect for the faith and devotion of the pilgrims.

On the occasion, he showered flowers on the devotees of Lord Shiva and extended his gratitude and best wishes for their arduous spiritual journey.

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Indraj stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, unprecedented and historic arrangements have been made for this years Kanwar Yatra.

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He mentioned that Delhi has transformed into a city immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva. Inspired by the Jyotirlingas, 17 grand welcome gates have been erected at various border points and key locations.

According to the minister, a total of 374 Kanwar camps have been set up across Delhi  more than double the number from last year. These camps are well-equipped with facilities for accommodation, drinking water, food, and electricity.

He further noted that the number of Kanwar pilgrims passing through and departing from Delhi is in the millions. The yatra is a deeply spiritual experience, and the people of the national capital are contributing to its success through their dedicated service and cooperation with the devotees.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is installing three biogas plants in dairy colonies to prevent waste from flowing into the Yamuna River.

The biogas plants will be installed in the dairy colonies under the jurisdiction of the MCD to scientifically manage the disposal of cattle dung, Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma said on Sunday.

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This initiative aims to curb direct or indirect discharge of organic waste into the Yamuna River.

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Satya Sharma informed that the biogas plant at Nangli Dairy will be operational from August, while plants at Goyla and Ghoga dairies are expected to be ready by next year.

The Standing Committee chairperson pointed out that approximately 1,500 dairies operate in the Nangli and Goyla areas. These dairies generate a large quantity of cattle dung daily, much of which flows through small drains into the Najafgarh Drain. Since this drain directly connects to the Yamuna, the waste pollutes the river. With the construction of these plants, dung will be scientifically processed, effectively preventing pollution of the Yamuna.

She further shared that in a recent meeting, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had emphasised the need for the MCD to make serious efforts at its own level to clean the Yamuna. Acting on her directions, the Corporation is expediting all related works. This initiative will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the Yamuna cleaning mission.

Sharma mentioned that in a Standing Committee meeting, officials were directed to avoid unnecessary delays in the setting up and operation of these plants. The initiative will not only support Yamuna cleaning efforts but will also be an inspiring step toward making Delhi a cleaner and greener capital.

These three biogas plants will have the combined capacity to scientifically-processed 200 tonnes of cattle dung daily.

Each plant is constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore.

The plants will produce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and organic compost. The generated CNG will be used as an energy source, helping conserve natural resources.

The organic manure will be used in the horticulture activities of the Municipal Corporation.

The project represents a major step toward environmental protection, waste management, and improvement in local sanitation.

She added that these plants are an important step towards safeguarding the environment. Not only will the project ensure proper utilisation of organic waste like cattle dung, but it will also allow for local-level production of energy and organic manure.

Moreover, it will help reduce foul odors and unhygienic conditions. She concluded by saying that in alignment with the Delhi governments vision, MCD is making concrete efforts to make Delhi a cleaner and waste-free city.
Police on Sunday arrested three cybercriminals for their alleged involvement in duping people through online investment frauds from Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.

The accused  identified as Deepak Verma (20), a resident of Tonk in Rajasthan, Surendra Kumar Dudi, a law student hailing from Sikar, and Rajveer from Sirsa in Haryana  were arrested in Delhi.

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Two of the accused hail from Rajasthan and one from Haryana. The arrests were made in Tonk, Sikar, and Delhi. These areas have increasingly become active bases for cyber fraud networks, a senior officer said.

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The Cyber Police Station of Delhis Dwarka district launched a special operation following a surge in cybercrime complaints from residents.

Our officers deployed teams to the suspected regions after digital trail analysis in three separate cases revealed connections to remote locations in Rajasthan, the officer added.

However, the preliminary investigation in this case directed the line of inquiry towards new and emerging cybercrime hotspots in Rajasthan.

To take targeted and effective action against the fraudsters, our teams conducted a detailed operation in Tonk, Sikar, Jaipur, and Sirsa, based on intelligence from digital footprints and field surveillance.

Deepak, arrested on July 2, was allegedly involved in investment fraud and provided fake bank accounts and SIM cards used in cybercrime.

Furthermore, Surendra Kumar Dudi, arrested on July 2, was allegedly receiving funds generated through a digital arrest scam  a method in which victims are coerced into transferring money through fake law enforcement threats.

Rajveer, arrested in Delhi on June 30, allegedly received a portion of the defrauded money in an investment fraud case.

All three have been booked under relevant provisions, and further investigations are underway to identify other members of the cybercrime network.

The Delhi Police added that several similar cases remain under investigation, and the search for other suspects is ongoing.
Mamata Banerjee sends wishes to Shah Rukh Khan: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly sustained muscle injuries while shooting for his upcoming action film King.

Though his team has not officially commented on the incident, the news has sparked concern among fans and colleagues alike.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who shares a close bond with Shah Rukh Khan, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to wish him a speedy recovery.

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Calling Shah Rukh her brother, Mamata Banerjee wrote, Reports regarding my brother Shah Rukh Khan sustaining muscular injuries during shooting make me worried. Wish him speedy recovery. @iamsrk

Reports regarding my brother Shah Rukh Khan sustaining muscular injuries during shooting make me worried. Wish him speedy recovery. @iamsrk  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 19, 2025

As per media reports, the injury happened while Shah Rukh was filming an intense action sequence for King, his next big project. The actor, known for performing many of his own stunts, was said to be fully involved in the scene when he reportedly strained some muscles.

So far, theres been no official confirmation from Shah Rukh Khans team about the extent of the injury or any change in the shooting schedule. However, sources close to the production say that he is currently resting and will resume work once medically cleared.

Earlier this year, Shah Rukh spoke about King during an event in Dubai, where he hinted at the film being a high-energy action thriller. He shared that the film is being directed by Siddharth Anand, the filmmaker behind the blockbuster Pathaan.

I am 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 cant tell you but I can assure you that it will be entertaining. You will enjoy it, SRK had said during his interaction with fans.

Last year, while speaking at the 77th Locarno Film Festival, Shah Rukh had shared that King is a project very close to his heart. The actor revealed that he has been thinking about doing a film like this for nearly seven years. He also mentioned his collaboration with filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh for the project.

There are certain kinds of films that I want to do, maybe its more age-centric. I mentioned it to Sujoy one day while we were sitting together. He works with us at the office, and he said, Sir, I have a subject, SRK recalled.

He also talked about physically preparing for the role, saying, For King, I have to lose some weight, do some stretching and get into better shape.
The All-India K-pop Contest 2025 Grand Finale was held in New Delhi on Saturday that showcased the countrys finest K-pop talent in a high-energy battle.

Delhi-based K-pop group, 3plus4crew was awarded the top prize under the dance category based on its scintillating performance on Super by Seventeen.

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In the vocal category, Shylee Preetam from Hyderabad was declared winner after her soulful performance on U & I by Ailee.

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In the inaugural rap category competition that was introduced this year, Riniya Taku from Itanagar was adjudicated as the winner after performing Backpacker by Zerobaseone.

Moreover, the three winners  3plus4crew, Shylee Preetam, and Riniya Taku  will be nominated to represent India at the prestigious K-Pop World Festival to be organised in Changwon, South Korea, later this year.

The event that has over the years spotted some exceptional talent in India marked its 15th edition with high-octane performances by K-pop enthusiasts from pan India.

The winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs 2,00,000 for the first spot, Rs 1,00,000 for the second spot, and Rs 50,000 for the third spot in each category.

One of the highlights of the evening was the scintillating performance by upcoming K-pop boy band, NOMAD, that had travelled from Korea, exclusively for the contest.
Kapil Sharmas Surrey-based cafe, Kaps Cafe, has reopened its doors to customers after being shut for over a week following a shocking shooting incident that took place outside the premises.

The comedian and actor, known for bringing laughter to millions, took to Instagram to share the news of the reopening.

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Posting a heartfelt message, Kapil praised his team for staying strong during this challenging time. Proud of you, Team, he wrote.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaps Cafe (@thekapscafe_)

On July 10, at around 1:50 am (local time), the quiet of Surreys Newton neighbourhood was shattered when multiple gunshots were fired outside Kaps Cafe. According to the Surrey Police Service, staff members were present inside at the time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The aftermath of the incident left visible scars on the cafe. Witnesses reported at least ten bullet holes in one of the cafes windows, while another window was completely shattered.

The cafe, which had only recently opened its doors to the public, suddenly became the scene of a crime that left the local community in shock.

The building where the cafe is located houses various retail outlets on the ground floor and residential apartments above. Its still unclear how many residents were present during the incident. Alongside Kaps Cafe, a multi-faith centre and two other yet-to-open businesses also occupy the complex.

The area was quickly cordoned off by the police. Officers gathered evidence from the cafe while, just across the street, children played outside a nearby daycare centre, unaware of the heavy police presence. The Vancouver Sun reported that investigators have since been working to determine the motive behind the shooting.

In the days following the attack, the team at Kaps Cafe issued a deeply emotional message titled A Message From the Heart.

We started Kaps Cafe with the dream of building a warm and welcoming space. A place where people could share coffee and conversation, the cafes note read. To have violence touch that dream is heartbreaking. We are still processing this shock, but we refuse to give up.

The cafe team thanked the Surrey community for their outpouring of support, kind messages, and prayers.
Union Minister of Home and Cooperation Amit Shah has ordered formation of a multi-sector Central team for Himachal Pradesh in view of the increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the state.

In a recent meeting chaired by the Union home minister, it was noted that the state has witnessed an increase in the frequency and intensity of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and torrential rainfall, causing widespread loss of life, damage to infrastructure, livelihoods and environmental degradation in the state, according to an official release issued here on Sunday.

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Shah ordered the constitution of the Central team comprising experts from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Roorkee, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, Geologist, and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, it said.

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Further, in the wake of floods, flash floods and landslides during southwest monsoon in different parts of Himachal Pradesh, the Central government has already deputed an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) in advance, without waiting for their memorandum, for on-the-spot first-hand assessment of the damages. IMCT is visiting the affected areas of the State from 18-21 July 2025.

The Central government stands firmly with the states in times of disasters without any discrimination, the document asserted.

In this direction, a high-level committee chaired by the Union home and cooperation minister has already approved an outlay of Rs 2006.40 crore to Himachal Pradesh for recovery and reconstruction in areas affected by disasters like floods, landslides and cloudbursts for the year 2023, and has also released first instalment of Rs 451.44 crore on July 7.

Further, in order to support the affected people of the state, the government has released the first instalment of its share of Rs 198.80 crore for Himachal Pradesh from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for relief measures of immediate nature.

It has also provided all logistic assistance to all states, including deployment of requisite National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, Army teams and Air Force support. Total 13 teams of NDRF are deployed in the State for rescue and relief operations.
Walking ahead with the idea of Make in India, Make for World, the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), a flagship production unit of Indian Railways has exported a total of 174 locomotives to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Tanzania, Sudan, Mozambique, Senegal, Angola, Mali and Malaysia till June this year.

The BLW has manufactured Broad Gauge (1676 mm), Cape Gauge (1067 mm) and Meter Gauge (1000mm) locomotives for the Export Market.

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This year, India is exporting 10 Diesel Electric Locomotives of 3300 horsepower (HP) to Mozambique. These locomotives are manufactured by the BLW.

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During the years 2021-22 and 2022-23, the BLW successfully supplied 6 diesel locomotives (3000 HP, AC-AC) to Mozambique Railways (CFM).

The Mozambique Railways has awarded another major contract to the BLW of manufacture and supply of 10 state-of-the-art 3300 HP AC-AC Diesel-Electric Locomotives.

Talking to The Statesman, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board Dilip Kumar said, Two Locomotives have been successfully dispatched to Mozambique in June 2025, remaining eight are planned to be dispatched by December 2025.

In the financial year 2024-25, the BLW manufactured a record 472 electric locomotives, which is a strong step towards self-reliant India. On July 19, the Rail Engine Factory created history by manufacturing 2,500 electric locomotives for the nation in eight years.

The WAP-7 class 6000 HP engine was the 2500th electric locomotive which was flagged off by the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) General Manager Naresh Pal Singh on Saturday in Varanasi. Built with cutting-edge technology and indigenous innovation, the 2500th electric locomotive reflects BLWs rapid growth since it began producing electric engines in 2017. Reaching this milestone within just eight years is considered a record in Indian Railways manufacturing history.

At the event, General Manager Singh was joined by BLWs empowered workforce, including women employees like fitter Anita Devi and assistant Shruti Srivastava, symbolising the increasing participation of women in core engineering roles.

Ahead of the flag-off ceremony, officials of the BLW presented a detailed overview of BLWs progress through a multimedia presentation. The session highlighted the factorys achievements in locomotive production, exports, green energy initiatives, and ongoing development projects.

Technically advanced, the new WAP-7 electric locomotive is equipped with real-time monitoring systems, air-conditioned driver cabs, regenerative braking, and a modified gear ratio for hauling high-speed passenger and express trains at speeds up to 140 km/h. It will be deployed at the South-Western Railways Krishnarajapuram shed.

Since its inception, the BLW has manufactured a total of 10,822 locomotives, including 7498 diesel and 2500 electric engines.
Emphasizing that the BJP governments across India are committed to the development of states, enabling them to attract industries and generate employment, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said investments worth over Rs 1 lakh crore have been made in Uttarakhand alone in the past two years.

Under the leadership of Modi Ji, BJP governments are transforming states into hubs of good governance and development, making them preferred destinations for investment, industry, and employment. I am delighted that in Uttarakhand, over Rs 1 lakh crore worth of investments have already been grounded in the past two years, Shah posted on X.

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I interacted with investors and young entrepreneurs at the Uttarakhand Investment Festival  2025 held in Rudrapur. In the double-engine government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand is emerging as a new hotspot for sectors ranging from tourism to healthcare, infrastructure, and food processing, he added.

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Earlier in the day, the Union home minister addressed the Uttarakhand Investment Festival  2025, organized on the occasion of the realisation of Rs 1 lakh crore worth of investments in the state.

On the occasion, Shah also criticised the Congress party, accusing it of torturing agitators when the people of Uttarakhand were demanding a state for themselves.

Speaking on the occasion, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the Narendra Modi government has created a conducive environment for overall development of states by curbing terrorism and naxalism.

Dhami described the event as a historic moment for the states development. The country has set new benchmarks in the field of cooperation. Todays event has been marked as an important chapter in the development journey of Uttarakhand, he said while addressing investors during the event.

A day earlier, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev also praised the Uttarakhand Nivesh Utsav, terming Rs 1 lakh crore investment a foundation stone for the states golden future.

Addressing the summit, 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 media persons.

An investment of more than Rupees one lakh crore is huge. Uttarakhand has become a huge destination for health, education, religion, and spirituality worldwide, he added.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday voiced deep concern over the abduction of Ranjeet Singh, a resident of the Ramban district of Jammu & Kashmir, by terrorists in West Africas Niger, and urged External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to intervene in the matter immediately and secure his safe and swift return.

A post on the chief ministers official X handle read: Chief Minister has expressed concern over the abduction of Ranjeet Singh, a resident of Ramban, in Niger. He urges the Honble EAM @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to urgently intervene to secure Ranjeets safe and swift return.

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According to a post on X by the Indian Embassy in Niamey, a heinous terror attack occurred on 15 July in Nigers Dosso region, claiming the lives of two Indian nationals and resulting in the abduction of a third.

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Ranjeets devastated parents and wife have also sought intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his swift return.

Ranjeet, a senior safety officer for Transrail Lighting Limited, was working at a construction site when gunmen opened fire, killing two of his colleagues and taking him captive.

His wife, Sheela Devi, said they last communicated via WhatsApp on the day of the attack and have had no contact since. Initial responses from his employer suggested that there was no network at the work site, but later, a friend confirmed Ranjeet had been abducted.

Ranjeets parents, based in the remote village of Chakka Kundi in Ramban district, are devastated and desperate for help. Ranjeets father, Mohan Lal Sen, pleaded: We want to tell Modiji to act on it. The Government of India should work to bring him back. We have been suffering for the last 56 days. He has three little children. We are very worried about himwhere he is abducted, has he eaten anything or not?

Ranjeets mother, Sadhu Devi, remains in deep distress. Please bring my son back. I want him back. I havent slept in nights or eaten anything. When will my son come back, she asked, tears streaming down her face.

Anguished, Sheela Devi lamented: I believe there is no effort to secure my husbands release from his captors.

She expressed frustration at what she described as a cold response from his employer and a lack of visible action by them. She has appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Indian government to press for her husbands release.

Local officials, including Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, have reportedly offered assurances of support, but as yet, no breakthrough has been achieved.
The 15-year-old girl from Odishas Puri district, who sustained around 75 per cent burn injuries after being set ablaze by unidentified miscreants, was airlifted to AIIMS, New Delhi, from Bhubaneswar on Sunday to provide advanced medical treatment to the victim, still battling for life.

The minor girl, with 75 per cent burns, was stable and was on the oxygen support system at the Intensive Care Unit of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. As it was found that it was a fit case for airlifting, the victim was evacuated in a special flight, said AIIMS-Bhubaneswar officials here.

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The team of experts monitoring the health of the victim was of the view that medical facilities available at AIIMS-Delhi were much better than those available in Bhubaneswar. Thats why experts suggested the airlifting of the victim, they said.

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Doctors and two family members accompanied the victim on the special flight. A green corridor was created from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar to Biju Patnaik International Airport here for the unhindered movement of the ambulance carrying the victim.

At a time when the BJP Government is facing backlash over a spurt in crime against women, the minor girl was allegedly set ablaze in broad daylight on Saturday by three motorcycle-borne miscreants at 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 as the miscreants stuffed a handkerchief on the victims mouth and dragged her to the crime spot. Later, they poured inflammable substances and set her afire. Sporting masks, they swiftly fled from the spot as the victim in flames ran for life.

A day after the horrific incident, police are still groping in the dark with the identity of the miscreants yet to be established. The CCTV video footage gathered from various spots has failed to throw much light on the miscreants, confided a senior police official.

The crime was perpetrated at a remote place, and a CCTV installation could not be found within a five-km radius of the crime spot. The miscreants might have fled from the spot as there were many escape routes, uncovered by CCTV, added the official.

Meanwhile, local police are questioning at least eight people, including a few relatives of the victim girl, in an attempt to identify the miscreants and ascertain the motive of the crime. However, nothing tangible or definite clue has emerged to crack the sensational crime, the official added.
On the 44th 44th birthday of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars son Nishant on Sunday, senior leaders and workers of the Janata Dal (United) renewed their demand for his entry into active politics to take the partys leadership forward.

Former Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Mocha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha also joined the chorus, saying Nishant is the new hope of JD(U). He also advised Nitish Kumar to continue leading the government but hand over the partys leadership to Nishant.

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The RLM chief asserted that any delay in doing so could prove detrimental to the JD(U)  possibly a loss that might never be compensated.

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In a message posted on social media platforms, Kushwaha said: I humbly request Nitish Kumar Ji to kindly accept the truth, considering the sensitivity of the time and circumstances, that it is no longer appropriate for him to manage both the government and the party simultaneously.

He said the chief ministers vast experience in running the government should continue to benefit the state, which is currently essential for the states interest. However, as regards the transfer of the partys responsibility (which, in my opinion and that of thousands of workers/leaders of his own party, the time has now come), Nitish should take a firm decision in a timely manner.

This is in the interest of his party. Any delay in this matter could cause irreparable damage to the party, perhaps a loss so severe that it may never be compensated, he said.

What I am saying, perhaps the JDU leaders may not be able to say to the chief minister, and even if some people could say it, they might not be able to reach him, he added.
The anti-corruption vigilance wing of the Odisha Police on Sunday detected the highest accumulation of housing properties by a government functionary by uncovering as many as 115 plots owned by a divisional forest officer in the Keonjhar district.

This is the highest detection from unscrupulous officers in immovable property in the form of land and residential plots. The government servants, who are indulging in corrupt practices, have seemingly developed a penchant for investing their wealth acquired by unfair means in real estate, said a senior official of Odisha Vigilance Directorate.

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On the allegation of possession of disproportionate assets (DA) by Nityananda Nayak, Divisional Forest Officer, Kendu Leaf Division, Keonjhar, simultaneous searches were conducted by Odisha Vigilance on the strength of search warrants issued by Special Judge, Vigilance, Keonjhar.

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The search operation that is still on has so far unearthed as many as 115 plots owned by Nayak, his spouse, sons and daughter, said Vigilance officials.

The senior forest officer purchased all these plots in Chhendipada, Angul for the period from 1992 (since his entering into Govt. service as Forest Range Officer) to 2024, while serving in different capacities such as Forest Range Officer, Assistant Conservator Forest, Deputy Conservator of Forest and Divisional Forest Officer.

The measurement and valuation/assessment of the above plots are being carried out by the Vigilance Technical Wing, they said.

Investment of ill-gotten wealth in purchasing land, housing plots is the latest ploy adopted by corrupt officers as Vigilance have booked several officers for huge investment in real estate.

While Pravas Kumar Pradhan, Chief Construction Engineer, Anandapur Barrage Project, Salapada, Keonjhar was found in possession of 105 plots, Rama Chandra Mishra, Joint Commissioner of Excise Bhubaneswar was nabbed with ownership of 52 plots in anti-corruption raids in the last one year.

Similarly, Pradeep Kumar Rath, Additional Chief Engineer, Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC), Roads & Building Cuttack Circle owned50 plots and was booked under relevant sections of prevention of corruption act, said the vigilance officials.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P Sandosh Kumar on Sunday said that his party will raise key concerns, including the alleged intelligence failure in Pahalgam attack, US President Donald Trumps India-Pakistan ceasefire claim, Bihar SIR exercise, and the Bharat Mata portrait row, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, kicking off Monday.

Criticising the government over the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Kumar demanded accountability from the government for security lapses.

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The Prime Minister must come clean before the nation through the doors of Parliament, he said.

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The CPI MP also highlighted the repeated assertions by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, following Operation Sindoor.

Kumar said that these statements have emboldened attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue, which is an internal matter.

The CPI has also criticised the Prime Ministers silence and dubbed it a direct consequence of the current governments foreign policy failures and reiterated that Indias sovereign matters cannot be subject to external meddling.

Kumar further drew attention to the situation in Bihar, where the misuse of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to serious concerns of disenfranchisement of the poor, socially marginalised sections, minorities, and migrant workers.

The CPI MP called for immediate action on a pending impeachment notice against Justice Shekhar Yadav for his blatantly communal remarks, saying it was a test of Parliaments commitment to the constitutional value of secularism.

He also condemned the ongoing annihilation of adivasis under the guise of Operation Kagar, and demanded a probe into the reports emerging from Dharmasthala, Karnataka, involving allegations of killings, rapes, and mass burials, urging that the matter be handed over to the NIA.

Raising working-class issues, the MP raised the demands of workers and peasants who mobilised for the July 9 all-India strike, demanding a rollback of the anti-worker labour codes and a legal guarantee of MSP. He also demanded the immediate release of the central share of wages due to Asha workers in Kerala.

Furthermore, he questioned why the Christian community continues to be denied representation in the National Minority Commission and raised concerns over Governors displaying inaccurate maps of the country in official functions in the name of Bharat Mata portraits.

He also targeted the Centre for its complete failure to provide any resolution to the continuing crisis in Manipur.

The CPI will raise these issues during the Monsoon Session and will hold the government accountable to the people of the country, he added.
Under its Zero Tolerance for Crime policy, the Haryana Government has implemented significant and effective steps to strengthen law and order across the state. As a result, the crime rate has seen a notable decline compared to previous years.

Focused initiatives are being undertaken to ensure womens safety, curb cybercrime, and dismantle drug and gangster networks. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to transform Haryana into a safer and more law-abiding state.

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Dismissing recent opposition statements on the law and order situation as misleading and factually incorrect, an official spokesperson said such remarks are merely attempts to create fear and misguide the public. The spokesperson added that a fair comparison of police data from 20042014 with that of 20142024 would expose the hollowness of the oppositions claims.

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Reaffirming his strong commitment to public safety, Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini has issued firm directives to uphold a robust and responsive law and order system across the state.

Chairing a recent high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, he stressed that strict and uncompromising action must be taken against criminals, with no tolerance for negligence.

Ensuring the safety and security of citizens is the governments foremost responsibility, he said, adding that a strong law and order framework is the backbone of peace and sustainable development.

The Chief Minister continues to personally monitor the law and order situation across Haryana and regularly issues strategic instructions to senior police officers. His focus remains on maintaining transparency, accountability, and swift response at all administrative levels.

Citing data from the Haryana State Crime Records Bureau, the spokesperson noted that during the Congress regime (20042014), the average annual increase in crime was 18.69%. In contrast, between 2014 and 2024, most crime categoriesexcept snatchingshowed a negative growth trend. For example, murder cases rose from 733 in 2004 to 1,106 in 2014 (an annual rise of 3.81%), but declined to 966 by 2024, reflecting a significant reduction.

Between January 1 and June 30, 2025, several major crimes recorded a drop as compared to the same period in 2024: Murder: 7%, Robbery: 30.13%, Snatching: 11.64%, Burglary: 13.27%, General theft: 6.55%, Rape: 26.14%, Kidnapping: 16.67%, and Molestation/sexual harassment 16.90%.

Highlighting its action against organised crime, the spokesperson said Haryanas Special Task Force (STF), in coordination with other agencies, has been targeting hardened criminals and gang networks since 2023. The STF has arrested 433 most-wanted criminals with cash rewards, 248 gangsters and gang members, and 792 individuals involved in heinous crimes.

Efforts have also been made to pursue international fugitives. In partnership with central agencies, STF Haryana has issued 83 Look Out Circulars (LOCs), 37 Red Corner Notices (RCNs), 27 Interpol references, and 21 passport cancellation requests.

Nine absconders operating from abroad and directing criminal activities in Haryana have already been deported or extradited, breaking their syndicates. Extradition proceedings are nearing completion for fugitives in the USA, UK, Georgia, and Australia.

To further bolster policing, digital surveillance systems have been upgraded at police stations and district headquarters. The expansion of CCTV networks, womens helpline services, crime control rooms, and the setting up of fast-track courts have collectively enhanced the judicial process and strengthened public safety mechanisms.
Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Devender Yadav, along with a large number of party leaders and workers, paid floral tributes to former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on her 6th death anniversary at the partys state unit office, Rajiv Bhawan, on Sunday.

Remembering Dikshit, Yadav said that the welfare schemes introduced by the then Congress government under her leadership for slum dwellers, street vendors, Dalits, minorities, and the marginalized have largely been discontinued by the Aam Aadmi Party and BJP governments.

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He noted that Delhi witnessed massive development during the 15-year tenure of the Congress government led by Dikshit.

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Calling that period a golden era for Delhi, Yadav highlighted transformative projects such as the Delhi Metro, flyovers, underpasses, the CNG-based public transport fleet including DTC buses, well-paved roads, modern hospitals, new universities, colleges and schools, and the expansion of green cover, which significantly changed the face of the capital.

According to him, the people of Delhi still remember Sheila Dikshit for the unprecedented development she ushered in as Chief Minister. In contrast, over the past 1112 years, the AAP government and now the BJP dispensation have only eroded the infrastructure and public services built during the Congress regime, he alleged.

Yadav further stated that significant progress in education, health, environment, transport, the metro, and womens welfare was made during Dikshits time, but all such development has come to a grinding halt over the last 12 years.

Among others who paid tribute were Dikshits son and former MP Sandeep Dikshit, daughter Latika, former MP Udit Raj, former Delhi ministers Dr Narendra Nath, Mangat Ram Singhal, Dr Yoganand Shastri, Professor Kiran Walia, and several others.

Yadav also alleged that the current Rekha Gupta-led administration has failed to fulfill its electoral promises, including cleaning the Yamuna, providing 2,500 to every woman, generating youth employment, resettling slum dwellers, and tackling air and water pollution.

Further attacking the BJPs triple engine regime, he claimed it has completely failed to address Delhis problems, including waterlogging, pollution, traffic congestion, and worsening law and order.
The opposition INDIA bloc has shortlisted eight key issues on which it will corner the government during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on Monday.

According to Congress leader Pramod Tiwari, these issues were discussed during a virtual meeting held earlier in the day, attended by representatives from all 24 constituents of the INDIA bloc.

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All 24 constituents of the INDIA bloc attended the meeting and unanimously shortlisted a host of issues, of which eight will be raised with prominence, Tiwari stated.

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The prominent issues include the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the Election Commissions special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, U.S. President Donald Trumps repeated claims of brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire, concerns over foreign policy, the demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, rising atrocities against women, problems faced by farmers, unemployment, and issues related to safety and security.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, attended the virtual meeting from New Delhi. Other constituent parties were represented by either their party chief or designated representatives.

The month-long Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to begin on Monday.
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India is taking steady, confident steps towards oil self-sufficiency and, under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, the country is securing its energy future, step by step.

Taking it to social media platform X, the minister said, While 1 million square km offshore area is now open for oilfield exploration, 99 per cent of No-Go areas have been cleared.

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Twentyfive blocks under OALP-X; 154 exploration blocks active; 14 new oil and gas discoveries; Rs 792 crore invested in Mission Anveshan; 6,200 GLKM seismic data already collected; ONGC producing 34,000 BOPD oil and 3 MMSCMD gas, he mentioned.

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The oil and gas blocks being offered under the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) have already garnered attention from global and domestic energy players, and Round X is expected to set new benchmarks for participation and investment.

Puri also said this is a great time for entrepreneurs and industry leaders to look at oil and gas exploration in India. It has never been easier, faster, or more profitable to invest in Indias energy future.

In a separate development, Hardeep Singh Puri also slammed the European Union for threatening sanctions on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian oil amid its war with Ukraine.

He claimed that the European Union, a group of states threatening sanctions, is the largest buyer of Russias LNG exports, followed by China and Japan.

In terms of LNG or natural gas, the EU was the largest buyer, the EU is purchasing 51 per cent of Russias LNG exports, followed by China, 21 per cent, and Japan, 18 per cent, Puri said.

According to the provisional data, in FY 202425, Indias oil dependency climbed to around 88.2 per cent. In fiscal year 202324, India imported approximately 87.7 per cent of its crude oil needs.

For the period AprilDecember 2024 (9 months), dependence was about 88.1 per cent, allowing just ~11.9 per cent of demand to be met by domestic production.
National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Sunday highlighted the importance of sincere and structured dialogue between India and Pakistan as the only viable path to lasting peace in the region.

Sadiq was speaking at a peace and dialogue conference between India and Pakistan. The event was organized by the Centre for Peace and Progress.

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He said before engaging in any external peace efforts, internal reconciliation within Jammu and Kashmir must be prioritized. The National Conference has always stood for peace, dignity, and the constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. But for any meaningful external dialogue to succeed, there must be a foundation of internal peace and understanding within the region, he said.

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Sadiq also stressed that the responsibility for creating a conducive environment for peace does not solely rest on India but also on Pakistan. He urged Pakistan to take concrete steps to end its support for violence and terrorism, and instead, adopt a path of genuine and constructive engagement in the peace process.

Dialogue is not a sign of weakness; it is a reflection of democratic strength and political maturity, he said, reinforcing the National Conferences commitment to fostering peace through dialogue.

Sadiqs remarks continue to underscore the National Conferences unwavering dedication to achieving peace while safeguarding the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Taking note of the excessive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools by members of the district judiciary, the Kerala High Court, in a first for the country, has issued guidelines stating that judges must not use AI tools to arrive at any findings, grant relief, or issue orders or judgments under any circumstances.

Recognising that while AI tools can be beneficial in many ways, there are also several negative consequences of AI use, including privacy violations, data security risks, and erosion of trust in judicial decisions, the Kerala High Court on Saturday advised the district judiciary to exercise caution while using such tools.

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As per this policy, judges must not use AI tools to arrive at any findings, grant relief, or issue orders or judgments under any circumstances.

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Further, the policy also bars the use of tools like ChatGPT and Deepseek. Only AI tools approved by the High Court or the Supreme Court can be used.

Most AI tools, including ChatGPT and DeepSeek, operate as cloud-based technologies. On such platforms, any input provided by users may be accessed or used by service providers to further their interests, including fine-tuning their models. Submitting information such as case facts, personal identifiers, privileged communications or uploading any other documents related to litigation to these AI tools may result in a serious breach of confidentiality, it stated.

Hence, the use of all cloud-based services should be avoided, except for approved AI tools, the High Court said.

The policy has been designed to ensure responsible use of AI tools in judicial work, protecting privacy rights, addressing security risks, complying with legal and ethical obligations, and ensuring accountability at every level.

The policy also aims to ensure that, under no circumstances, AI tools are used as a substitute for decision-making or legal reasoning.

It directs members and staff of the district judiciary to attend training sessions and maintain a strict record of every instance of AI use.

The High Court has issued the following 10 guidelines:

1. It shall be the obligation of the members of the judiciary and employees assisting them to ensure that any Al tool they use for official purposes adheres to the integral principles of transparency, fairness, accountability, and protection of confidentiality

2. Prohibition on submission of information, including facts of the case, personal identifiers, or privileged communications, or uploading any other documents relating to the litigations to non-approved generative AI tools. Hence, the use of all cloud-based services should be avoided except for the approved AI tools.

3. Any results generated by approved AI tools, such as legal citation or references, or others, have to be verified by the judicial officers.

4. Translations generated by AI tools are to be verified by judges or qualified translators.

5. Human supervision is to be exercised over approved AI tools at all times.

6. AI tools are not to be used to arrive at findings, grant relief, orders, or judgments.

7. The approved AI tools are to be used solely for the purposes for which they have been provided.

8. Courts have to maintain a detailed audit of all instances of AI use, including the names of tools used and the human verification process adopted.

9. The members of the judiciary and the employees must attend training programmes of the Judicial Academy or the High Court regarding ethical, legal, practical, and technical use of AI

10. The errors or issues noticed in outputs of approved AI tools are to be reported immediately to the Principal District Court, and the same has to be forwarded to the IT department of the High Court promptly.

These guidelines will also apply to any interns or law clerks working with the district judiciary in Kerala.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday chaired an all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is set to begin on Monday, July 21, and will continue till August 21. The meeting was attended by top Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, Deputy Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, and BJD MP Sasmit Patra, among others.

During the meeting that was held in the Main Committee Room of the Parliament House Annexe, the government sought cooperation from all political parties to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament during the month-long Monsoon Session.

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Several important legislations are scheduled for discussion and passage during the Monsoon Session.

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Meanwhile, the Opposition INDIA bloc has shortlisted as many as eight key issues on which it will seek to corner the government during the session. The Oppositions alliance held a virtual meeting today to shortlist the issues they would raise. The meeting was attended by representatives from all 24 constituents of the INDIA bloc.

All 24 constituents of the INDIA bloc attended the meeting and unanimously shortlisted a host of issues, of which eight will be raised with prominence, senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari stated.

These issues include the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the Election Commissions special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, US President Donald Trumps repeated claims of brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire using trade, concerns over foreign policy, the demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, rising atrocities against women, problems faced by farmers, unemployment, and issues related to safety and security.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has officially exited the INDIA alliance, has stated that it will raise several issues in the upcoming monsoon session, including the claims made by the US President regarding the ceasefire and the bulldozer action in Delhi.

The first question is related to the security of the country and the manner in which the US President is repeatedly saying that he got the ceasefire done in the name of trade deal, so the Indian government should give a clarification on this. The Prime Minister should come to the House and give a statement, I will raise this matter. He is also talking about five jets being shot down which is not his job. I will raise it prominently on behalf of the Aam Aadmi Party in todays (all party) meeting, said AAP MP Sanjay Singh.

He further added: The second thing is the bulldozer action in Delhi. After giving the Prime Ministers guarantee card, the people of UP, Bihar, Purvanchal, who used to run their lives by setting up small shops on carts, you have ruined them. I will raise this issue. More than 5,000 schools have been ordered to be closed in Uttar Pradesh. The plane crash, in which our own pilot is being blamed, that issue will also be raised. There is a big issue regarding Bihar elections, in which an election scam is happening openly, so that will also be raised.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday visited the Baltal Base Camp and reviewed the arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra.

The lieutenant governor chaired a meeting with the camp director, officials of the District Administration, police and security agencies and discussed the measures taken to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims.

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He also reviewed the mud-slide preventive measures and other arrangements in place for comfortable stay, food, healthcare, connectivity, sanitation, water & power supply, traffic management, on spot registration and other facilities for pilgrims.

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The LG interacted with pilgrims and service providers and received their feedback. He also took stock of the preparedness and response mechanism of the stakeholder departments to tackle any weather vagaries.

He directed the concerned officers to take dedicated measures to ensure safety of the pilgrims at vulnerable areas.

At the Baltal Base camp hospital, the LG interacted with the doctors and medical staff and inspected the healthcare facilities for the pilgrims. He lauded the dedicated efforts of all the departments and agencies involved in yatra management for ensuring the safe and seamless pilgrimage of the devotees of Shri Amarnath.

The LG was accompanied by VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, Science & Technology Department; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal and senior officials of SASB, Police, Security Forces and stakeholder departments.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Sunday described his week-long official visit to Dubai and Spain from 13 to 19 July as the most successful foreign tour to date, saying it has given fresh momentum to Madhya Pradeshs international engagements.

According to state government officials, the Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing media persons at New Delhi International Airport upon his return from the trip.

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Dr Yadav credited the success of the visit to the visionary leadership and capable guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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He said there is immense investment potential across various sectors in Madhya Pradesh, and the visit to Dubai and Spain has opened promising avenues for creating employment opportunities for the states youth.

Dr Yadav informed that several agreements were signed with international companies during the tour, focusing on investment and knowledge sharing in key sectors.

He further noted that earlier initiatives such as the Regional Industrial Conclave and the Global Investors Summit in Bhopal had already attracted investment proposals worth over 30.77 lakh crore, many of which are now progressing towards implementation.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the foreign tour revealed vast opportunities for investment in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, mining, industry, and tourism, which will not only generate employment but also accelerate industrial development in the state. He affirmed that Madhya Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a model investment destination.

However, the Chief Minister did not provide specific figures on the actual investment secured for Madhya Pradesh during the Dubai and Spain visit.
In a first, the Madhya Pradesh government accorded a guard of honour to an elderly lady from Gwalior, who passed away on Saturday and whose family donated her body for medical research.

On 1 July, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced that the state government would provide a guard of honour to those who donate their bodies and vital organs after death.

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The CM also said that the government would felicitate the family members of body and vital organ donors on 26 January and 15 August.

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In line with that decision, the police provided a guard of honour to Pancho Bai Rajoriya (78), who breathed her last at her Thathipur residence in Gwalior on Saturday.

Her family members donated her body to the Gajraraje Medical College in Gwalior for medical research.

This was the first such guard of honour in the state following the CMs announcement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a visit to the UK and Maldives from July 23 to 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced in a statement on Sunday.

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, The Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to the United Kingdom from 23  24 July 2025. This will be Prime Minister Modis fourth visit to the UK, the MEA said in its statement.

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During the visit to the UK, PM Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Starmer on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. Both sides will review progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership focusing on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defense and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties.

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During his stay in the UK, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to call on King Charles III.

In the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to Maldives from July 25 to 26, on the invitation of the President of the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu.

This will be Prime Minister Modis third visit to Maldives, and the first visit by a Head of State or Government to Maldives during the Presidency of Mohamed Muizzu.

In Maldives, the prime minister will be the Guest of Honour at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives on July 26. He will also meet Mohamed Muizzu and hold discussions on issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024.

The visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in Indias Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship.
For the second consecutive day on Sunday, adverse weather and poor visibility thwarted the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lamas, much-anticipated visit to Zanskar, the remote southwestern region of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

An Indian Air Force helicopter carrying the Dalai Lama from Leh to Karsha Phodrang in Zanskar was forced to return mid-route due to dense fog and low visibility. Saturdays scheduled flight was also cancelled owing to similar unforeseen weather conditions.

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This would have been the Dalai Lamas first public visit to Zanskar in several years. The local Buddhist community, deeply attached to the spiritual leader, had gathered in large numberssome from remote villagesto receive his teachings and blessings.

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A long queue of hopeful devotees was seen outside the venue, despite the uncertainty, in the hope that the weather might clear.

All preparations had been made, and people had arrived early this morning, said the organisers.

Prior to his arrival in Leh for a month-long stay in Ladakh, the Dalai Lama had announced his intention to visit Zanskar. The visit holds immense spiritual and emotional significance for the people of the region.

Hundreds of devotees had reached Karsha days in advance, and local authorities, alongside volunteers, are working to manage logistics in anticipation of a rescheduled visit.

Despite the delay, the spirit among the people remains strong.

The atmosphere in Zanskar is still filled with devotion and excitement as the region prepares to welcome one of the worlds most revered spiritual figures, whenever the skies allow.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Medical Education, Health, Family Welfare, and Mother and Child Welfare Brajesh Pathak has announced that post-mortem examination reports in cases of accidents or other medico-legal incidents will now be provided to families within five hours.

He stated that the government will ensure timely delivery of post-mortem reports in accidental death cases across the state and is also considering measures to address the shortage of paramedical staff in hospitals.

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Speaking to the media in Gorakhpur on Sunday, Mr. Pathak said that Purvanchal has overcome the menace of brain fever, which has helped restore public trust in government hospitals.

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He added that the campaign against infectious diseases has been effective through the Dastak program, and health workers have been instructed to remain prepared to tackle mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue. Doctors have also been directed to provide medical services and essential medicines in flood-affected areas.

The Deputy CM informed that Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established in both rural and urban areas, ensuring that basic health facilities are accessible within walking distance. These centers also offer telemedicine and specialist referral services for complex medical conditions. The motto of these centers is Arogya Param Dhanam (Health is the Greatest Wealth).

He further said that over 5.20 crore Ayushman Golden Cards have been issued in the state, enabling low-income families to receive free treatment of up to 5 lakh in government and selected private hospitals. So far, 83 percent of claims made by Golden Card beneficiaries have been successfully settled.

Mr. Pathak emphasized the integration of medical treatment with modern technology, adding that all super-specialty hospitals in the state will be linked to the Ayushman Card scheme. Currently, 5,854 hospitals are empanelled under this scheme.

Highlighting improvements in medical education, he said that medical colleges have now been established in nearly all districts, and around 6,500 doctors will graduate every year to serve the public. He also acknowledged the essential role of nurses, saying the government stands firmly with them.

As in previous years, a free health camp will be organized in Lucknow from September 17 to October 2, to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mr. Pathak also said that under the Prime Ministers initiative, all individuals above the age of 70 have been provided with the Vaya Vandana Ayushman Card, which enables them to receive treatment for serious ailments at higher medical centers without any shortage of medicines.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday slammed the Opposition parties attempt to create an unnecessary row over Prime Minister Narendra Modis presence during proceedings of Parliament, saying that seeking the presence of the Prime Minister in the House at all times, that too against the conventions, is unfair.

Rijiju said the Prime Minister makes it a point to attend proceedings unless he is visiting a state to attend an important event or is abroad.

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The Parliamentary Affairs Minister asserted that PM Modi is one among those who have registered the highest attendance in Parliament.

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Addressing mediapersons after chairing an all-party meeting on the eve of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said, Seeking the presence of PM Modi in the House at all times, that too against the conventions, is unfair, he said, hitting out an attempt to target the Prime Minister while ignoring the established system for proceedings.

Rijiju said, Whenever there are questions taken up during Question Hour related to PM Modis ministry, he is there. He has not missed the proceedings even once.

In the House, the Cabinet functions on the basis of collective responsibility. The Cabinet minister concerned is always present in the House during Question Hour, he said.

As per the convention, the Minister related to the department on which a question is asked remains present in the House, and in addition to that, at least one Cabinet Minister and two Ministers of State are always present in Parliament, he said.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has expressed hope that the Prime Minister will address critical issues in Parliament, particularly regarding defence, foreign policy, and electoral structure.

Gogoi emphasised the importance of PM Modis presence in Parliament to provide clarity on the Pahalgam terror attack, responding to US President Donald Trumps claims about mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and the Election Commissions functioning, particularly about the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and its potential extension to other states.

At the all-party meeting, a day before the monsoon session of Parliament, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that the government will have to put forth its point on the security lapse in the ghastly April 22 terror attack.

There are some crucial issues that will be raised in the monsoon session, and this is why we have more hope than before that Prime Minister Modi will address the country through the House. Those important issues are Pahalgam and the security lapse, as well as the things the Lieutenant Governor said about it. A lot of time has passed, and the government will have to put forth its point on it, Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, told reporters here.
In a determined effort to eliminate poverty at its roots, the Uttar Pradesh government is launching a major initiative under its Zero Poverty Campaign in the state.

As part of this drive, members of families identified through the campaign will receive guaranteed skill training, along with active support in securing employment with reputed national and international companies.

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The goal is to link economically vulnerable families with stable livelihood opportunities, ensuring a steady income and a better quality of life. With this initiative, the government has made its intent clear: no family in the state should have to struggle for basic necessities like food due to poverty.

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Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said here on Sunday that CM Yogis Zero Poverty Campaign is one of the key initiatives of the government aimed at truly empowering the poor. He explained that this effort is not just about making people economically self-reliant, but also about promoting social harmony and equal opportunities. He added that the campaign could become a model for the entire country, where the government and industries work together to fight poverty.

The chief secretary informed that under this campaign, the head of each identified poor family will be enrolled in a guaranteed skill training program. In the first phase, heads of 300 families will receive skill training, followed by all identified families across the state. This training will be provided by the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Department, with support from around 1,000 training partners. The training will focus on practical, job-oriented skills in areas where employment opportunities are high.

The chief secretary elaborated that the training will follow a comprehensive 360-degree approach, focusing on seven essential skill areas  including office and toilet cleaning, guest handling, housekeeping, and hospitality. To boost participants confidence in professional environments, language skills will also be a key part of the curriculum. The training will be aligned with industry standards to ensure both quality and relevance, equipping candidates to succeed in the corporate sector.

He said once the training is complete, candidates will be placed in jobs with leading national and international companies such as Hotel Taj, State Bank of India (SBI), L&T Limited, Medanta, and the Adani Group. This is the first time a government is directly connecting the poor to private sector jobs through skill training. The Yogi government has also ensured that trained individuals will earn a minimum monthly salary of Rs 18,400, helping them support their families with dignity.

Notably, the UP governments Guaranteed Skilling Program and Guaranteed Placement Program under the Zero Poverty Campaign have received strong support from industries across the state, the country, and even abroad. So far, 40 major business leaders have pledged to provide jobs to members of families identified under the campaign, reflecting the wide reach and growing success of this initiative.

The governments efforts go beyond economic growth; they are also aimed at ensuring social justice and equality. The Zero Poverty Campaign embodies this vision  instead of offering charity or grants, it focuses on providing dignity and opportunities to poor families.

The state government believes that development remains incomplete until the poorest person in society is brought into the mainstream. This campaign is a step toward uplifting those who have remained on the margins. Through this historic initiative, Uttar Pradesh is not just talking about development but is taking concrete steps to ensure that every citizen benefits from it.
A day before the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Central government on Sunday held an all-party meeting urging both the ruling and the Opposition sides to coordinate with each other to ensure smooth functioning of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

There will be a total of 21 sittings of both houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session, which will draw to a close on August 21.

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Talking to reporters after the conclusion of the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called it very positive, stating that 54 MPs presented their views on the issues that they intend to raise during the monsoon session.

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Rijiju stressed that it is a collective responsibility of both the ruling party and the Opposition to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament. It was conveyed that it is everyones responsibility to ensure that the Parliament runs smoothly, he said.

Leaders from various political parties attended the meeting. The government was represented by Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

After the all-party meeting, Rijiju told mediapersons that the Union government was ready to hold discussions on key issues, including Operation Sindoor during the session.

Terming the meeting constructive, the Union minister emphasised the shared responsibility of all political parties, regardless of ideological differences. Government noted their points. We have requested that to ensure that the House functions properly, the ruling side and Opposition should work together with good coordination. We might be political parties of different ideologies but it is everyones responsibility to ensure that Parliament functions properly  Oppositions as well as Governments.

When asked about a discussion on Operation Sindoor, he said, This is a very good opinion. The all-party delegations to different parties in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor had gone down very well, effectively and all those great experiences must be shared before the nation. We must welcome it.

On the issue of Justice Yashwant Varma, Rijiju said more than 100 MPs have signed a motion seeking his impeachment, which the government plans to bring forward during the current Parliament session. In the Justice Varma case, the process will be undertaken together by all parties. This is not the move by the Government alone, he added.

A total of 54 members from 51 groups participated today, and 40 people expressed their partys views. It has been very positive. All the political leaders have expressed their parties positions and have also presented the issues that they want to bring up in this session. We have noted all these points on behalf of the government, the parliamentary affairs minister said.

He underlined the importance of collaboration, saying, The government requested that the session run smoothly. The ruling party and the Opposition will have to work together, and coordination among themselves will have to be maintained.

Our political parties may have different ideologies, but it is everyones responsibility to ensure that the Parliament runs smoothly. The Opposition has a responsibility and the government has a responsibility too, he added.

Addressing the concerns raised by smaller political outfits, Rijiju noted that their representatives often get limited time to speak due to the numerical strength-based system of the House.People from small political parties, especially the parties with one or two members, get less time to speak because the system of Parliament runs on the basis of numbers. But we have taken this into our notice and we have also agreed on how to give enough time to small parties with 12 MPs. We will put this in front of the Speaker and the chairman of the house, he said.

The government reiterated its openness to discussion on all key issues raised by different parties, provided they align with parliamentary norms, he added.

Rijiju said, The Opposition presented their opinions. Leaders from the NDA, UPA (INDIA alliance), and other non-aligned parties spoke freely. We will take all these issues to Parliament. What will be discussed and how will be finalised in the Business Advisory Committee.

The Monsoon Session is expected to witness heated debates with the Opposition gearing up to raise a range of issues, including foreign policy transparency, internal evictions, and electoral exercises like Bihars SIR campaign.

During the monsoon session of Parliament, the government plans to push its legislative agenda, which includes 8 new bills.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Sunday emphasised the aspirations of Bihars youth for employment opportunities over political rhetoric at the Maharojgar Mela.

In a post on handle X, Gandhi highlighted the struggles of Bihars youth due to high unemployment rates under the BJP and Nitish Kumar government.

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He underlined that massive unemployment forces lakhs of youths to migrate for livelihood, leaving behind families and villages.

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Gandhi, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, described Bihars youth as hardworking, capable, and talented, needing local and respectable employment.

The massive crowd at the Maharojgar Mela is not just a gathering, but a messagethat the youth of Bihar no longer want speeches, but employment to shape their future. The way the BJP and Nitish government have plunged Bihar into the fire of unemployment, lakhs of youths are forced to migrate for livelihoodleaving behind their village, their family everything, Gandhi said in his post.

The youth of Bihar are hardworking, capable, and talentedthey only need local and respectable employment, Gandhi said, asserting: Now, the beginning of change has arrived. Congress and the INDIA alliance are not just bringing promises, but solutions. Our focus is clearrights to skills, employment for every youth, stopping migration, and keeping every family together. This is the path to a prosperous Bihar!

Gandhi has been vocal about employment issues and economic challenges in states like Bihar. As a prominent leader of the INDIA alliance, he emphasised inclusive development and youth empowerment.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), originally envisioned as a bulwark against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, faces a moment of reckoning. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, at the recent foreign ministers meet in Tianjin, reminded the forum of its founding purpose. In doing so, he placed Indias security concerns ~ especially after the recent Pahalgam attack ~ squarely at the centre of SCOs collective conscience. His pointed message, delivered in the presence of Pakistans foreign minister, was both a diplomatic assertion and a regional call to action. The Pahalgam attack of April 2025, which claimed 26 lives, was more than just a terrorist strike. Its calculated timing and location targeted the Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector ~ an economic lifeline ~ and attempted to stoke religious tensions in a region long plagued by insurgency.

For India, the link between terrorism and its external sponsorship is clear, and the country has acted decisively with Operation Sindoor. But what is at stake now is whether multilateral platforms like the SCO are willing to move beyond platitudes and acknowledge the role that some members play ~ directly or indirectly ~ in perpetuating the very evils the organisation was formed to fight. The refusal to issue a joint statement at the recent SCO defence ministers meet ~ due to disagreement over language on terrorism ~ underscores how deep the divisions run. When consensus falters on condemning violence, the credibility of the forum is inevitably diminished. Indias stance, therefore, is not just about calling out hypocrisy. It is about safeguarding the credibility of multilateralism itself. When countries refuse to agree on basic language condemning terrorism, it raises fundamental questions about the purpose of regional groupings.

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Mr Jaishankars insistence on sovereignty, mutual respect, and territorial integrity is not just aimed at one member ~ it reflects broader concerns, especially in light of past border tensions with China. That he raised these points while on Chinese soil speaks to New Delhis calibrated but firm diplomatic approach. At the same time, Indias outreach to Afghanistan and its commitment to development assistance signal that its foreign policy is not defined solely by conflict. It is also driven by a regional vision grounded in stability and inclusive growth. In promoting the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), India presents an alternative to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative ~ one that is more transparent, multilateral, and respectful of sovereignty. While India and Pakistan continue to engage under the SCO umbrella, the limits of this engagement are becoming clearer. Dialogue without accountability achieves little.

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For the SCO to remain relevant, it must confront the contradictions within its own fold. A selective fight against terrorism cannot be the foundation of a regional order. Ultimately, Indias message in Tianjin was simple but forceful: regional security and cooperation cannot coexist with ambivalence toward terror. The SCO must choose whether it will be an effective forum for collective action ~ or a stage for polite evasion.
The threatened demolition of Satyajit Rays ancestral home in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, is not merely a matter of bricks and mortar. It is a deeper rupture in the fragile fabric of a shared cultural and historical legacy that India and Bangladesh have painstakingly preserved, often in the face of political and logistical neglect. The structure, built by Rays grandfather Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury  himself a towering figure of Bengals literary and intellectual renaissance ~ is more than just the birthplace of a legendary lineage. It is a silent witness to the rise of modern Bengali thought, art, and identity. This is not the first time South Asias cultural history has stood at the edge of irreparable loss. But what makes this instance particularly poignant is the symbolism it carries.

At a time when geopolitical relations between India and Bangladesh are relatively stable, cultural diplomacy could and should serve as a potent tool to strengthen bonds. Unfortunately, acts like these ~ dismissive of shared memory and historical depth ~ end up doing the opposite. The Indian governments call to reconsider the demolition and its offer to assist in preserving the structure as a literary museum is not just timely but necessary. It is a call to recognise that certain spa  ces belong not just to the land on which they stand, but to a wider community of people who see their own stories, struggles, and aspirations reflected in them. India and Bangladesh may be sovereign nations, but their cultural identities are deeply intertwined.

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To erase such a monument is to chip away at a heritage that neither partition nor time has managed to sever. Preserving such spaces is not about nostalgia ~ it is about continuity. Cultural heritage sites serve as anchors in turbulent times, offering societies a sense of rootedness and perspective. Their loss diminishes not only memory but also the potential for reconciliation and unity. The justifications offered by authorities ~ safety concerns, structural instability, and lack of resources ~ are not without merit. Yet the neglect that led to the buildings decay is itself a political choice. For years, calls from local poets, historians, and residents went unanswered. The building was left to rot, its cultural value reduced to bureaucratic inconvenience.

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And now, in the guise of civic necessity, a vital thread of Bengali history may be severed. Recent acts of vandalism at other heritage sites in Bangladesh underscore a troubling trend: the slow erasure of the regions pluralist roots. Whether by apathy or aggression, these losses threaten to shrink the space that once celebrated diversity, dialogue, and dissent. What is needed is not just preservation, but participation. If India is willing to help, let Bangladesh show the political will to accept that help. Let this house be saved ~ not only for the legacy of the Ray family, but for the generations who still find meaning in their story.
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.
Indias confidence in navigating a potential cut-off in Russian oil supplies due to looming secondary sanctions reflects not only geopolitical pragmatism but also the hard lessons of energy security learned over decades. At a time when Western powers are tightening the screws on Moscow, Indias Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has projected a calm assurance that the country can weather disruptions  an assertion that deserves closer inspection.

To begin with, Indias heavy reliance on Russian crude, which currently accounts for about 35 per cent of its oil imports, is a relatively recent development catalyzed by post-Ukraine war discounts and flexible payment terms. It is not built on deep strategic alignment but rather short-term economic advantage. That distinction matters when evaluating Indias ability and willingness to pivot away from Moscow if the cost of association becomes too high. Mr. Puris statement that India now sources oil from around 40 countries  up from 27 ~ indicates a proactive diversification strategy already in motion. Emerging suppliers like Guyana, and consistent players such as Brazil and Canada, expand Indias import cushion.

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The plan to intensify domestic exploration and production further enhances its capacity to offset disruptions, though in the short term this remains a modest component of total supply. Indias private refiners have also proven nimble in optimising their sourcing strategies to global price signals, making the import ecosystem more adaptive than a centrally regulated system. Indias diplomatic posture  emphasising prevailing global circumstances and warning against double standards ~ is a subtle reminder to the West that energy needs in the Global South cannot be viewed through the same normative lens as transatlantic sanctions regimes. Indias refusal to be boxed into one camp or the other is not an act of defiance but a strategic assertion of autonomy.

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Indias energy calculus also considers long-term consumption trends. With demand projected to rise steadily for the next two decades, building flexible, multi-origin supply chains is not just a crisis response ~ its a structural necessity. This balancing act is not without precedent. During the Cold War, India skillfully maneuvered between superpowers to secure economic and defence interests. Today, with energy being the lifeline of its $3.7 trillion economy and aspirations for high growth, the stakes are even higher. It is also significant that the fallback plan, as articulated by Indian Oil Corporations chairman, is a return to pre-Ukraine supply patterns ~ when Russian oil constituted less than 2 per cent of imports.

This is not a leap into the unknown but a reversion to a familiar baseline, which adds to the credibility of the governments assurances. Still, the larger question persists: how long can India navigate between Western pressure and pragmatic energy procurement? As the geopolitical landscape polarises further, India may find it harder to maintain its non-aligned stance without friction. For now, however, its strategy ~ diversify, prepare, and respond as needed ~ seems grounded in realism. In energy diplomacy, agility may be Indias most valuable asset.
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.

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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 Roadan important link between Chakwal and Jhelumand 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.

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Speaking at the Chakwal Deputy Commissioners 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 controllife 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.
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.

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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.

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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.
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. Were 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.

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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.

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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.
INDIA bloc parties on Saturday resolved to raiseduring the Parliament's Monsoon sessionthe issues of Pahalgam attack terrorists not being brought to justice, US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of brokering an India-Pakistan 'ceasefire' and the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar that the opposition alleges "threatens people's voting rights".

Ahead of the start of the session on July 21, the leaders of 24 opposition parties of the bloc held an online meeting and decided to raise eight major issues like foreign policy "failure" and "atrocities" in Gaza, a delimitation exercise, and the "targeting" of SCs/STs, women, and minorities in the country.

ALSO READ | What does Aam Aadmi Partys exit mean for INDIA bloc?

Addressing the media after the meeting, Congress' deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said that the opposition parties expected the PM to be present in Parliament and to respond to the issues raised on the floor of the House, asserting that the "Parliament is more important than travelling abroad".

He also said that an in-person meeting of the bloc leaders would take place "soon" after today's "successful and cordial" online meeting.

Leaders who participated in the meeting included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jharkhand Cchief Minister Hemant Soren, NCP (SP)'s Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray (SS-UBT), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), M.A. Baby (CPI-M), D. Raja (CPI), and CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, among others.

The leaders expressed serious concern over the government's "inaction" in bringing to justice the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack and its "silence" on repeated claims made by US President Donald Trump in bringing about a 'ceasefire' on the hostilities between India and Pakistan, according to Tiwari.

ALSO READ | Voluntary or volatile? Punjab land pooling policy sees unified pushback from opposition, farmers' bodies

The leaders also expressed concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar that "threatens the voting rights of people" in the state, he said. "There is an undeclared Emergency that has been imposed and voting rights are under threat."

Tiwari also stated that the leaders expressed concern over India's foreign policy, asserting that Prime Minister was answerable to everyone in the country.

He said that some of our colleagues raised the issue of delimitation and "atrocities" against SC, ST, women and minorities.

"We have also decided that soon an INDIA bloc meeting will be held physically," he said while noting that today's online meeting was "very cordial and took up the concerns of the 140 crore people of the country".

ALSO READ | From BIMARU to bright future: PM Modi's ambitious plan for Bihar ahead of assembly elections

"We would want Parliament to function so that we raise the issues and the government answers," he said.

Sources close to Banerjee said that he had also raised the issue of the SIR in Bihar, alleging that the BJP and the Election Commission were using it in the form of "backdoor NRC".

He said that the BJP was using "E square" (E2) in its attack: "ED for opposition leaders and EC for voters".
Investigators probing the Ahmedabad Air India crash are trying to ascertain whether a "contained electric fire" in the tail assembly of the AI1171 Boeing aircraft during take-off led to the fatal incident on June 12. The fatal crash resulted in the death of 260 people.

Investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are planning to carry out a detailed analysis of the tail assembly components. "They hold the key for a detailed analysis of a possible malfunction in the electric supply of the aircraft during lift off, an officer involved in the probe told The Indian Express.

According to investigators, the wreckage of the tail assembly shows signs of a contained electric fire. However, investigators said the fire was restricted to only a few components located in the rear.

It needs to be probed if the electric fire in the tail was due to a fault that originated in one of the flight components when it began rolling for take-off, or was it purely a fire following the impact. The fire was contained in the tail section, which, despite being embedded in the hostel mess of the BJ Medical College, did not spread to the structure or its electrical framework, the official told the publication.

An official involved in the probe said, Any malfunction of the electrical system that originated before the flight became airborne could have led to disruption of interconnected flight sensors and, in a cascading effect, triggered incorrect data to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) of the flight to cut off fuel supply."

The AAIB released a preliminary report of its probe on July 12, a month after the tragic crash. The London-bound Air India flight crashed soon after it took off from the Ahmedabad International Airport.
In a letter that is now circulating online, Member of the Rajya Sabha Santhosh P Kumar wrote to the Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, urging a probe into the pattern of crimes and alleged concealment of them in Dharmasthala.

Kumar describes the confession made by the Dharmasthala ex-sanitation worker and whistleblower on July 3, who alleged that he has buried over 500 human bodies, mostly belonging to women and minors. The ex-sanitation worker had said in his complaint that influential men in Dharmasthala forced him to bury the bodies that had been sexually assaulted and disfigured by acid.

He also highlights several past cases that have been left open-ended, linking them to the recent developments in the town.

Some of the cases highlighted in the article are

1979: A school teacher named Vedavalli was burnt alive in her bathroom after winning a promotion, which many opposed.

1986: Padmalatha, a young PU student and daughter of a communist leader, was kidnapped and was later found dead and naked in the Netravathi river.

2004: Medical student Ananya Bhat went missing after visiting Dharmasthala, and after her mother, who was a CBI employee, tried to investigate, she was attacked and fell into a coma. No FIR was ever filed in the case.

2012: Narayan and Yamuna, two siblings, were brutally murdered in their home close to the KSRTC bus stand. According to reports, the siblings' family had resisted pressure to vacate the land. Their house was razed and replaced with a commercial building.

Also in 2012, Sowjanya, 17, a PU student, was abducted, raped and murdered. A mentally ill man who was jailed for the crime was acquitted years later, and witnesses of the case died mysteriously.

The MP then goes on to explain how locals of Dharmasthala have been aware of how bodies have turned up in all their nearby forests and hills.

Kumar points out that the number of unnatural deaths in the town has been alarmingly high for it to be dismissed as a statistical anomaly.

The MP states in the letter that the confession made by the ex-sanitation worker on July 3 was detailed, specific and supported by evidence.

He claimed that the murders are not isolated incidents but showcase the working of an organised criminal enterprise that has been able to silence the administration. He also claims that activists, RTI petitioners, journalists and grieving families have faced threats and fabricated cases, online abuse and even physical harm.

Recently, YouTuber Sameer MD had been booked for making a video about the mass burials. The case against him was that he used fake AI-generated content to mislead the public. This was not the first time Sameer had a case against him. In March, he was booked for making a video about the Sowjanya case and hurting religious sentiments.

MP Santhosh Kumar then urges the Ministry of Home Affairs to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency, saying that only an agency with full authority will be able to unravel the criminal network and identify those responsible.

In the most recent development, Karnataka has set up a Special Investigation Team SIT to probe the mass burials at Dharmasthala. The SIT will be headed by the Director General of Police (DGP), Internal Security Division and Cyber Command, Pronab Mohanty. The team will include DIG (Recruitment) MN Anucheth, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the City Armed Reserve (CAR) headquarters, Soumyalatha and Superintendent of Police (SP) Jitendra Kumar Dayama.

Lawyers who represent the whistleblower in the Dharmasthala mass burial case had handed over a memorandum to CM Siddaramaiah, raising concerns about pressure tactics ot derail the investigation, such as police collusion and information leaks.
Ahead of the monsoon session of parliament, the government convened an all-party meeting on Sunday where the opposition leaders raked up a range of issues, including electoral roll revision and the Pahalgam attack.

Gaurav Gogoi and Jairam Ramesh of the Congress, Supriya Sule of NCP-Sharad Pawar, DMK's T.R. Baalu and RPI (A) leader and Union minister Ramdas Athawale were amongst those who attended the meeting.

The government side was represented by Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and his junior minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Congress seeks Modi's statement

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the party has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement in parliament on US President Donald Trump's claim that he had brokered 'ceasefire' between India and Pakistan.

The Congress also sought Modi's statement on the alleged security lapses that led to the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

"It's incumbent on PM Modi to give a statement in Parliament on the key issues raised by the Congress at the all-party meeting," Gogoi said.

AAP raises Bihar electoral roll revision issue

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said he had raised the alleged "poll scam" of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. He also raked up Trump's claim on the India-Pakistan ceasefire.

Singh reiterated his party's decision to stay away from the opposition grand alliance. The INDIA bloc is only for Lok Sabha polls, and AAP is contesting assembly polls on its own, he said.

BJD rakes up law and order in Odisha

At the meeting, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Sasmit Patra alleged a "complete collapse" of law and order in Odisha, where the BJP is in power. He was referring to an incident of self-immolation by a college student and another case of a 15-year-old being set on fire by a group of men.

"The Centre can't escape responsibility for failing law and order in states," Patra said, demanding that Parliament debate it.

SP questions govt's foreign policy

The Samajwadi Party launched a scathing attack on the government, saying its foreign policy has completely failed and no country supported India during Operation Sindoor.
A Kolkata court granted bail to a student of the Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta accused of rape. The accused was reportedly granted bail, considering the victim is yet to record her statement.

The Alipore additional chief judicial magistrate court granted bail to the accused student on a bond of Rs 50,000. The court also told the student from Karnataka to deposit his passport and not to leave the state without its permission.

The accused IIM-Calcutta student was arrested on July 11 following a complaint from a woman clinical psychologist, who alleged she was raped by the student, in campus premises, when she visited the hostel for a counselling session. Haridevpur police arrested the accused on the victim's complaint on July 11. However, the victim's father had denied the charges and said she suffered injuries falling off from an autorickshaw. The victim alleged the accused spiked her drink and raped her.

The court had remanded the accused till July 19. The prosecution opposed the bail and said releasing him could jeopardise the probe.

However, the court observed that the victim had failed to turn up for recording her statement during three instances. The accused lawyer said the accused should not be remanded as medico-legal test of the complainant had not been done.

An IIM-Calcutta official told The Telegraph India the student would be allowed to attend classes if the court permits. If the court permits campus entry, he can attend classes. We are ready to give him compensatory attendance for missed days," an official told the publication.
India and the United Kingdom may sign free trade agreement next week, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on state visit to Britain on July 23. Modi will also be visiting Maldives during his upcoming two-nation visit starting from July 23.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said prime minister will engage in wide ranging talks with his UK counterpart Keir Starmer during the visit. According to the ministry, PM Modi will visit the UK from July 23-24. This is Modi's fourth visit to the UK.

"During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold wide ranging discussions with Prime Minister Starmer on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance," it said. Modi is also likely to call on His Majesty King Charles III during his two-day visit.

"The two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties," it said in a statement.

In Maldives, Prime Minister Modi will be the guest of honour during 60th Maldives Independence Day celebrations on July 26. "This will be prime minister's third visit to Maldives, and the first visit by a Head of State or Government to Maldives during the Presidency of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu," it said.

Prime minister and Maldives president will hold discussions on issues of mutual interest. "The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024."

Modi's visit to Maldives comes after whole row following his visit to Lakshadweep last year. Several Maldives politicians took offense of Modi's visit, and charged he was trying to pull down Maldives tourism, a contributor to the economy of neighbouring country. However, the controversy disuaded several Indians from visiting the neighbouring island nation.
Two Indians were killed while one was abducted following a terror attack in the Dosso region of Niger earlier this week, the Indian Embassy has said.

The attack took place on July 15 when some unidentified armed attackers ambushed a Nigerien army unit providing security at a construction site for an electrical line. Dosso is around 100 kilometres from the capital city of Niamey.

The Embassy said they were in touch with the local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains of those killed and ensure the safe release of the abducted.

"In a heinous terror attack on July 15 in Niger's Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives and one was abducted," it said in a social media post.

Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate mortal remains and ensure the safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant, the post further said.

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

The man, who was abducted by terrorists during the attack, was identified as Ranjeet Singh, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district.

Singhs wife, Sheela Devi, on Saturday requested the intervention of the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safe release of her husband.

Singh was working as a senior safety officer at Transrail Lighting Limited, an integrated power transmission and distribution company.

Devi said she lost contact with her husband on July 15 and learned about his abduction the next day through his friend.

"We talked on WhatsApp on July 15, and since then, I have not been able to contact him. I called his management and was initially told that there is no network at the work site, she was quoted by PTI news agency.

"It has been four days since then. I believe that there is no effort to secure my husband's release from his captors," she said.

The couple has three children.
In a shocking incident, a tribal youth died in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's capital, after Congress workers refused to let an ambulance pass amidst a protest. Party members blocked the ambulance for about 20 minutes at the Vidura Taluk Hospital, which reportedly cost the patient his life, according to Malayalam media reports.

The victim was identified as Vinu, a Vidura native, who was being transported for advanced treatment to another hospital when protestors blocked the ambulance's path. The local Congress committee organised the protest against the poor condition of the Vidura hospital and its ambulances. The Congress workers refused to let the vehicle go, despite the ambulance driver and Vinu's relatives explaining that his condition was critical and he needed to be shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College at the earliest, 24 News reported.

The ambulance was stopped before it could even leave the hospital premises, the TV reoprt said.

Following the protest, Congress leaders even shared photos of the protest online, claiming to have organised it at the hospital.

Public outcry over Congress protest

There is a public outcry against the incident, as social media users pointed out the irony of protesting against the terrible condition of the hospital by jeopardising a patient's chance to live. Many commented that stopping ambulances midway is not a civilised method of democratic protest.

Vinu was rushed to the Taluk hospital after attempting to take his own life over a personal matter.

Congress heads the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance in Kerala. They are on war path against the Left government in the southern state, particularly hitting out against the health ministry in the recent months over various issues. The Kerala Legislative Assembly election is expected to be held before May 2026.
The health condition of 15-year-old minor girl, who was set ablaze by miscreants in Puri on Saturday, is stable, and the Odisha government has decided to airlift her to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) -Delhi for further treatment.

According to doctors treating the victim at AIIMS-Bhubhaneswar, the victim's health condition is stable and she will be airlifted to Delhi later on Sunday for further treatment.

The health condition of a 15-year-old girl, who was set ablaze by unidentified miscreants in Odisha's Puri district, was stable on Sunday morning, and she will be airlifted to Delhi, officials said.

"The minor girl, with 70 per cent burns, is stable and she is currently on oxygen support in the ICU and is responding. We are giving fluid treatment to the patient. A team of 12 doctors and two nursing officers are looking after the patient," said Sanjay Giri, Head of Department of Burn Centre, AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

AIIMS-Bhubaneswar Executive Director Asutosh Biswas told reporters that the victim will be airlifted to Delhi in a special flight. The Odisha government and AIIMS-Bhubaneswar authorities held discussions with experts in Delhi and the victim's parents and decided to shift her to the national capital for better treatment.

Odisha police recorded the statement of the victim in presence of a magistrate as the victim was able to speak. As per preliminary probe, three motorcycle-borne youths stopped the teenager, while she was returning home after meeting a friend. According to police, the accused stopped the girl on the banks of Bhargavi River, poured an inflammable substance on her, and set her on fire. The accused fled the scene after setting the victim ablaze, police said.

Local people who noticed this doused the fire and saved the girl. She was rushed to Pipili government hospital for treatment, and was later shifted to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government is ready to discuss all important issues like Operation Sindoor in parliament during the monsoon session, which begins on Monday.

"The government is open to discussing all issues in Parliament in line with rules and traditions," he said.

Rijiju's remarks came amid the oppositions demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement in the house on US President Donald Trumps claim that he had brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during the military conflict.

#WATCH | After the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "This is a very good opinion. The all-party delegations to different parties in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor had gone down very well, effectively and all those great experiences must be pic.twitter.com/JzyhjPkULT  ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2025

The opposition led by the Congress has also trained guns at the government over Trumps latest claim that at least five fighter jets were shot down during the aerial clash between the two countries.

Though Trump has not specified which countrys aircraft were downed, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has been insisting that the government clarify Indias losses during the confrontation.

Rahul had also accused the government of informing Pakistan in advance about targeting terror infrastructure as part of Operation Sindoor.

READ | From Pahalgam to Bihar SIR, opposition flags a range of issues at all-party meet

India launched air strikes in at least nine terrorist hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack. Indias strikes sparked off an intense military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

"Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. EAM has publicly admitted that GOI did it. Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our air force lose as a result?, Gandhi, who is the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, had asked.

The ceasefire between India and Pakistan was first announced by Trump, who said he forced both countries to stop the war by threatening them with stopping trade.

India, however, rejected his claims and said the decision for ceasefire was made bilaterally and there was no role of any third party.

At Sundays all-party meeting, several opposition parties demanded that the government make a clarification on Trumps claims and that the prime minister give a statement in parliament.
The 12-day Iran-Israel war proved to Iran that it is alone when it comes to fighting its battles, despite the abundant moral support from its allies. While Russia and China, Irans allies, issued statements condemning Israel for its military campaign, the support was limited to just that.

Now, an article that appeared in Iranian state media has slammed China for its strategic silence, stating it was time for Beijing to abandon its foreign policy of non-interference, if it wanted to position itself as a global leader. The cornerstone of Chinese foreign policy emphasises that states should not intervene in the internal affairs of other sovereign nations.

A report said that despite the widely discussed 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China, Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, adopted a cautious stance on the Iran-Israel war. Chinese President Xi Jinping did not directly blame Israel and refrained from providing arms or direct aid to Iran in consistent with its non-interventionist foreign policy.

The article added that if China wanted to make a legitimate claim to global leadership, it may have to take on a greater role as Irans security partner. All that winning a war without fighting rhetoric is great, but if a country wants to be at the top of the global table, it sometimes has to provide military support to its allies, not just point to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as proof of its credibility as a reliable partner,  the report added.

Pointing at Chinas supply of weapons to Pakistan, and other Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakistan, the report added that If Beijing does not shirk the political obligations that come with arms sales, even in the absence of a mutual defense treaty, it will reap the benefits of increased accountability and meeting the expectations of its new partner.

The report hailed Chinas trade ties with African and Central Asian countries, but said that despite the trade opportunities, they may have doubts about Beijings reliability, especially after how a comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran was followed only by press statements in response to Israeli attacks.

By helping Iran rebuild and modernise its offensive and defensive military capabilities, China has another chance to deliver on its promises to Tehran and prove to Africa and Central Asia that it is more than a friend in good times, the report said. It also called on Beijing to reconsider its non-interventionist foreign policy, which was satisfactory for a developing country but not for a country seeking global leadership.
As Syria battles a new wave of civil war, a report has claimed that Islamic militants, who have the covert support of the Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, could target the northwestern town of Latakia next. The allegations are that the Syrian government and its soldiers covertly supported the Bedouins in attacking the Druze fighters in Suweida.

Despite the fall of Bashar al-Assads regime, al-Sharaa hasnt been able to control the whole of Syria. In fact, the new government only controls a small part of Syrias territory. Post the fall of Assad, the Russians withdrew the bulk of their military force, military systems, and weapons from Syria, except for Latakia, where they still maintain their base.

A report that appeared in the Hebrew website Channel 7 cited IDF intelligence sources to claim that al-Sharaa could continue to consolidate his control over various areas in Syria. The two areas that are currently the focus of the regime's attention are Suweida in southern Syria and the coastal region of Latakia in western Syria, the report added.

It is in such a context that the militant groups, with the support of the Syrian government, clashed with Russian soldiers stationed at Latakia in recent months. A number of incidents occurred last May during which at least five Russian soldiers were killed in violent incidents with jihadist militias. Russia did not publicise the events, and they have been kept under wraps.

According to Channel 7, the same militants used by al-Sharaas forces to seize power in Syria. However, it is unclear whether the militant groups still enjoy a rapport with the Syrian president. It is also unclear whether the attack on Russians was an act directly directed by the regime.
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at the Maldives Independence Day celebrations to be held on July 25 and 26. This will be the Prime Ministers third visit to the Island but the first after Mohamed Muizzu assumed the presidency of the Maldives.

Modi will be the 'Guest of Honour' at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of the Maldives on July 26. The two leaders will discuss a plethora of issues, including mutual cooperation, India-Maldives Joint Vision, and others, the MEA said.

The statement indicates that India and the Maldives have reset their diplomatic relations, which tanked after the Muizzu government took charge following an India Out campaign. The ties soured further after he demanded India withdraw its security personnel from the island, which India completed by May. Muizzu also decided to adopt a China-first policy, opting for Beijing as his first foreign destination. After his visit, he declared, India was a bully.

But, as the dust settled, reality dawned. The leader who ran his campaign on nationalistic fervour had to recalibrate his policy Maldives faced an economic collapse. As the relationship with India soured, Indian tourists began ditching the island.

His attempt to court alternative partnerships with China and Gulf nations failed as China didnt show much enthusiasm in providing aid due to the Maldives existing debt burden and restructuring requests. Responses from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations havent been good either.

That forced Muizzu to turn to India, which continues to be the countrys biggest trading partner. It was using Indias bailout that Muizzu was able to avert a sovereign default in September 2024. India extended aid to the Maldives equivalent to US$757 million. It was decided to continued large-scale infrastructure development work, including an international airport in northern Maldives, a bridge and road project in southern Maldives, a large housing development project in the capital Male, and a new bridge connecting the island of Male with its western suburban islands.

The next month, Muizzu was in India on a state visit which mend the strain in ties. It was during this trip that Muizzu invited Modi to the Maldives. Later, Foreign Minister Abdullah Halil visited India and invited the PM to visit the Island.
A tsunami warning was issued for Hawaii after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake was reported off Russia on Saturday night. The earthquake occurred at 8:49 p.m. local time, and the warning was issued at 9:03 p.m. It was subsequently cancelled at 9:42 p.m.

"Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat to the state of Hawaii. Therefore, the tsunami watch for Hawaii is now cancelled. This will be the final message," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated, according to local media reports. According to the center, a "Tsunami Watch" signifies that a tsunami is possible, but the situation is still being evaluated.

Two earthquakes, the larger with a magnitude of 7.4, struck in the sea off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on Sunday. The larger quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometres and was 144 kilometres east of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which has a population of 180,000, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A few minutes earlier, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 was recorded nearby.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) indicated that twin earthquakes of over 6.5 magnitude struck near the coast of Kamchatka, in Russia's far east, early on Sunday. It measured the earthquakes at 6.6 and 6.7, with the depth of both at 10 kilometres, the Associated Press reported.

"If a Pacific-wide tsunami is generated, the estimated earliest arrival of the first wave is 2:43 a.m. HST," the center had stated earlier. Meanwhile, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami threat for parts of Russia, and a separate tsunami watch was issued for the state of Hawaii.

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The once tree-lined avenues of the Grand Trunk Road in Haryana are now flanked by sprawling dhabas, forever teeming with visitors. Not all of them are travellersmany drive over a hundred kilometres on a Sunday, lured by what is now termed as highway tourism.

Xuanzang was neither an emissary of state power nor an agent of empire; he was a seeker, mediator and bridge-builder. Prof Siddharth Singh, vice chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Xuanzang arrived 1,100 years after the Buddha. Cunningham retraced Xuanzangs path 1,200 years later. Now, Deepak walks the same route, 1,400 years on. - After Haryana, Deepak guided us through UP and Bihar. We saw him climb nameless mounds, consult elderly farmers, listen to village priests, and study the land with near-mystical familiarity. His GIS maps seemed committed to memory.

But our destination was of a more contemplative kind. Past Karnal, we exited National Highway 44. Before us, the wheat fields stretched outrecently harvested, their golden stubble shimmering under the April sun.

This fertile Yamuna basin, renowned for its high-grade basmati rice, is now home to one of Indias most celebrated single malts: Indri. But we were headed 40 kilometres further, in search of something deeper for the spirit.

Our first stop was Topra Kalan, a quiet village in Yamunanagar district. Tranquil and unassuming today, it once stood near Sughthe ancient city of Shrughnachronicled in the seventh century by the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang.

In his travelogue, Xuanzang described Shrughna, then part of the Kuru kingdom, as a thriving spiritual centre with five monasteries housing a thousand monks: They deliberate and discuss in appropriate language, and their clear discourses embody profound truth. Men of different regions of eminent skill discuss with them to satisfy their doubts. There are a hundred Deva temples. Outside the east gate, towards the river and to the southeast of the city, there was a stupa built by Ashoka on the spot where Buddha had preached his doctrine. Beside it stood another stupa containing hair and nails of the Buddha; and all around, to the right and to the left, there were many dozens of stupas containing relics of holy men, such as Sariputra and Moggalayan, the Buddhas key disciples.

The Kuru kingdom is broadly identified with the region around Thanesar, its capital Indraprastha believed to be near present-day Delhi. It was here that the Buddha is said to have delivered some of his most profound sermons, including the Mahasatipatthana Sutta, the discourse on the four foundations of mindfulness that has shaped modern Buddhist practice, particularly in the west.

Today, the Ashokan stupa Xuanzang saw at Sugh is gone. But the Ashokan pillar that once stood at Topra Kalan was moved 200 kilometres away, to Delhis Feroz Shah Kotla. In the 14th century, Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq had it transportedwrapped in silk and cottonalong the Yamuna to his palace, where he reinstalled it as the Minar-e-Zareen, the Pillar of Gold. Over centuries, the pillar acquired a layered identity: a relic of imperial ambition, a site of spiritual belief in djinns, and more recently, a cultural symbol.

Stories in stone: Ranvijay Singh of Ayer-pathri village in Bihar has turned his home into a private museum of terracotta shards and idols rescued from surrounding fields | Sanjay Ahlawat

It was this very pillar that Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked in his inaugural speech at the G20 Summit in Delhi, quoting its ancient inscription (stanzas 4-5) to welcome the worlds leaders: Hevam lokasa hita-sukhe ti, ath iyam naatisu hevamthe welfare and happiness of humanity should always be ensured.

Back in Topra Kalan, the memory of the pillar endures. The villagers have erected a modern 30ft-tall Dharma Chakra as a symbolic return to their ancient Buddhist legacy.

With me was Deepak Ananda calm, deliberate presenceresearcher, heritage guide, and one of the few people in India to have retraced Xuanzangs journey on foot. His work has brought long-forgotten Buddhist sites back into public consciousness. Deepaks journey is more than a pilgrimage; it is a resuscitation of stories, spiritual and cultural, that once resonated in this land. He was leading our way.

In 2020, guided primarily by Xuanzangs text, he undertook a 3,000-kilometre trek across several Indian states and Nepal, concluding at Nalanda.

Xuanzang was a seventh-century Chinese monk who came to India in search of the original teachings of the Buddha. His expedition, spanning 16,000 kilometres, took him through the Gobi Desert and across the Hindu Kush, until he finally reached Nalanda. He spent 16 years in the Indian subcontinent, learning Sanskrit and Pali, practising Yogacarabhumi-sastra and other Mahayana texts under Buddhist masters, and visiting sites associated with the Buddha. When he returned to China, he carried with him 657 manuscripts in 520 cases, 150 Buddha relics, and a caravan of 100 porters, 72 horses, and an elephanton which he rode.

In 1973, I found a Buddha statue and gave it to the Nalanda district magistrate for the museum. I have been collecting idols since 2013. I have never let anyone steal them. Ranvijay Singh (in pic)

His return took two years. The Chinese welcomed him as a hero; people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the monk who had returned with a spiritual treasure.

Xuanzang presented his observations to the Tang emperor in a magnum opus: Da Tang Xiyu Ji (Records of the Western Regions of the Great Tang Dynasty). It became the most detailed written account of India from that eraencyclopaedic in its descriptions of people, beliefs, climates, flora and philosophical traditions.

He documented caste divisions, legal systems and even medical customs. If someone fell ill, he wrote, he fasted for seven days. Punishment was nonviolent. When laws are broken, the matter is sifted and the offenders imprisoned. There is no corporal punishment; they are simply left to live or die, and are not counted among men.

Xuanzang provided, in Deepaks words, the finest, most authentic record of India from that period. He came 1,100 years after the Buddhas death, when Buddhism was among the prominent philosophies. His observations have become invaluable historical documents, he said.

By Xuanzangs time, the Buddha was already represented in human form. For the first 500 years after his death, the Buddha had been represented through symbolsan umbrella, footprints, the Dharma Chakra or the Bodhi tree. His image started to appear with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism, especially in the Gandhara school (with Greco-Roman features) and the Mathura school (with indigenous elements), where Buddha appears with a topknot called ushnisha.

The wheel of time: Villagers of Topra Kalan, Haryana, have erected a modern 30ft-tall Dharma Chakra as a symbolic return to their ancient Buddhist legacy | Sanjay Ahlawat

Born in 602 CE, Xuanzang grew up in a Confucian and Buddhist household. He became a monk at 20 and, by 27, defied an imperial ban on foreign travel. Xuanzang would go on to influence the spread of Mahayana Buddhism in China and become an icon of devotion and scholarly rigour.

In India, however, his legacy was largely forgotten until the 19th-century western orientalist movement. French scholar Stanislas Juliens translation of Xuanzangs work in 1853 proved foundational for Alexander Cunningham, the father of Indian archaeology. Cunningham used it to locate and excavate key Buddhist sitesNalanda, Sarnath, Sankissa, Sravasti and othersand identified present-day Sugh as Xuanzangs Shrughna.

Most of the stupas Xuanzang described no longer exist, but his words endure. He arrived 1,100 years after the Buddha, following the trail of Ashokan edicts and pillars erected 200 years after the Enlightened One. Cunningham retraced Xuanzangs path 1,200 years later. Now, Deepak walks the same route, 1,400 years on.

The Ashokan pillar at Feroz Shah Kotla | Sanjay Ahlawat

I wanted to identify the places that were part of the Buddhas charikathe path of his wanderings, Deepak said. Today, only eight sites are officially recognised in the Buddhist circuit. My effort is to help rediscover and revive others mentioned by Xuanzang.

Raised in a defence personnels house in Bihar, Deepak followed a path that was not unconventionalhe studied instrumentation and control engineering, earned an MBA, and worked with a few NGOs. But, over time, he found his calling in something esoteric. Through a solitary but extensive journey across ancient Buddhist geographies, he blended archaeology, spiritual mapping and historical recovery. His meticulously documented journeys have begun to stir interest in Buddhist circles, even though the stamp of approval from academia is still to come.

After months of conversations over phone, we finally met the day before what was Xuanzangs 1,423th birth anniversary. Deepak63, lean, dressed in cargos and a T-shirt, with a cap completing the look of an intrepid travellerhad made Xuanzang his lifes mission. Through him, we rediscovered the ancient monk himself.

Deepak has spent more than two decades studying Buddhist heritage. What began as curiositysparked by reading Sun Shuyuns Ten Thousand Miles Without a Cloudbecame a personal pilgrimage. Xuanzangs Da Tang Xiyu Ji is more than history for him; it is a living guide. He pored over Cunninghams reports, archaeological papers, and travelogues of past explorers, before adding something new: using GIS mapping and topographical data to plot Xuanzangs journey.

And then, like the monk, he began to walk.

Deepak Anand began at Adi Badri, a little-known archaeological site with Buddhist roots that the Haryana government recently promoted as the origin of the mythical river Saraswati. With a backpack containing only two T-shirts, a pair of shorts, and a bedsheet, he took his first step towards Topra Kalan.

There, we met Sidhartha Gauri, a fellow researcher who played a key role in installing an 8,500kg Dharma Chakra to commemorate the sites significance. Sidhartha is now collaborating with the state government to develop a formal Buddhist circuit in Haryana. I am convinced that Topra Kalan is Kamasdhammathe place mentioned in Pali texts in the Kuru country where the Buddha delivered three of his major sermons: Mahasatipatthana, Magandiya and Mahanidana, he said.

The solitary seeker: Deepak at Dungeshwari Hills, the site of a cave where the fasting Buddha is painted in gold, resembling the iconic Gandhara-style sculpture now housed in Lahore Museum | Sanjay Ahlawat

Deepak agrees. Ashoka chose this place to erect a pillar transported from Chunar, a thousand kilometres away, he said. That says something. A recent ground-penetrating study by IIT Kanpur suggests the presence of ancient structures beneath the surface.

I wanted to identify the places that were part of the Buddhas charikathe path of his wanderings. Today, only eight sites are officially recognised in the Buddhist circuit. My effort is to help rediscover and revive others. Deepak Anand

Interestingly, decades ago, Vipassana pioneer S.N. Goenka had identified Kamasdhamma not at Topra but near Sonipat, over a hundred kilometres away. Goenka built a meditation centre there.

What Deepak is certain of is the stupa Xuanzang described in Sugh. Today, a mound lies buried under a house in Amadalpur village. The property belongs to Valerie Hara, a Canadian who married Jat Sikh farmer Surinder Hara, whom she met in Geneva more than 30 years ago. Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution, once visited their farm to study its sustainable practices combining agriculture, forestry and horticulture.

Valerie greeted us warmly. I wanted a Jat Sikh identity, she said of her adopted surname. She pointed to a swimming pool they had dug. While building it, she said, we found terracotta toys and odd weights.

Deepak believes this site is linked to the Buddhas teachings. While the claim remains unverified, he persuaded Valerie to allow Buddhist monks to visit. I felt peaceful hearing them chant, she said. They are always welcome.

According to Deepak, the descriptions from Xuanzangs account closely match the location of this mound.

And moundsheaps of earth, hiding lost civilisationsare a recurring marker in our travels with Deepak. In India, such unremarkable mounds have revealed wonders. Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Rakhigarhi and Nalandaall began as mounds.

Along the walking route, Deepak has been quietly cultivating a network of local volunteers and heritage enthusiasts dedicated to preserving Indias buried Buddhist legacy. His efforts are now supported by a heritage initiative of the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, a deemed university under the Union government in Nalanda. Xuanzangs life is a template for cultural diplomacy at its finest, said Prof Siddharth Singh, vice chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara. He was neither an emissary of state power nor an agent of empire; he was a seeker, mediator and bridge-builder.

Meeting the philosopher prince: Visitors take pictures in front of a Buddha statue in Patnas Bihar Museum | Sanjay Ahlawat

Deepaks discoveries would need archaeological validation. So far, across this corner of Haryana, there were only scattered references to Buddhist archaeologyfaint yet evocative. But the most striking symbol of the regions Buddhist past stands some 20 kilometres from Topra Kalan, in a village called Chaneti.

There, hidden behind a row of modest houses, stands a mesmerising brick stupaa relic from another era. It stands with the quiet poise of antiquity, matching the height of nearby single-storey homes. The baked-brick constructionconcentric layers, carefully laidevokes a hemispherical form. Niches carved into its surface may once have housed votive images or relics. There were traces of candles and burnt oil lamps, indicating that worshippers were returning.

This stupa at Chaneti must have been one of the tens of stupas referred to by Xuanzang, reads the official description. To construct this baked brick stupa, concentric layers were placed one atop the other, each time leaving a slight offset, creating a hemispherical form. This stupa corresponds to the Shahpur and Dharmarajika stupas at Taxila.

Holy ground: The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar | Sanjay Ahlawat

The stupa seemed to quietly complete our journey through Haryanaa land now tied to three foundational histories: the Indus Valley, via Rakhigarhi; the Mahabharata, through Kurukshetra; and the Buddhas sojourns among the knowledgeable people of the Kuru realm.

The Buddha was born more than 2,600 years ago in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, as Prince Siddhartha Gautama. In his twenties, he renounced his palace, his wife, and his infant son to seek the truth behind human suffering. After years of asceticism and deep meditation, he attained enlightenment beneath a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya. From that moment, Siddhartha became the Buddhathe awakened one.

For the next 45 years, he walked the Gangetic plains, teaching a radical yet simple message: suffering arises from craving, and it can be ended by following the Eightfold Patha practice rooted in ethics, mindfulness and wisdom. His teachings, passed down orally, spread rapidly, especially with the support of powerful patrons like Emperor Ashoka, who dispatched emissaries as far as Sri Lanka and Central Asia. In later centuries, Sunga, Kushan, Gupta and Pala dynasties patronised Buddhism.

The religion flourished. Monasteries across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh became hubs of learning. Great institutions like Nalanda and Vikramashila nurtured Buddhist scholarship. Over time, Buddhism splintered into various schoolsTheravada, Mahayana, Vajrayanaand travelled along the trade routes into Southeast Asia, Tibet and, most significantly, China.

Trade felicitated social and cultural exchange over centuries. In fact, in 2014, when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India, he bonded with Modi over their shared link to Xuanzang: the monk had stayed in Vadnagar, Modis birthplace, and spent his final year in Xian, Xis hometown. Xuanzang called Vadnagar O-nan-to-pu-lo in his records. There are some ten sangharamas with fewer than 1,000 monks, he wrote. They follow the Hinayana school and adhere to the Sammatiya tradition.

That bilateral meeting led to the joint film Xuanzang, produced by renowned filmmaker Wong Kar-wai in 2016.

Xuanzangs travelogue remains the most elaborate and reliable account of early medieval India. His descriptions of Kanauj, Varanasi, Pataliputra and Shrughna not only captured architecture and rituals, but also the subcontinents cultural, spiritual and political life. His precisionmeasuring distances in li (roughly 350 metres)has led some scholars to speculate about a covert geopolitical agenda linked to Tang ambitions in Central Asia. Xuanzangs journey, writes historian William Dalrymple, was one of the richest moments of cultural and philosophical interactions in world history.

When Deepak began his walk in February 2020, the chill of a North Indian winter still lingered as spring stirred the fields to life. He covered 30 kilometres a day, carrying only minimal clothing. I kept a sachet of tomato sauce in my bag, he said. That way, I could eat anything. He often found shelter in temples and meals from generous strangers. In rural areas, the age-old tradition of welcoming and feeding a traveller on a spiritual mission still exists, he said.

As Deepak walked, the world changed. A virus originating in China brought life to a standstill. He was forced to pause in Sankissa, a town in UP where the Buddha is believed to have descended from heaven. Today, Sankissa is one of the eight principal Buddhist pilgrimage sitesalong with Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, Sravasti, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Vaishali, and Rajgir. Both the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh have delivered sermons here.

By the time the lockdown lifted, summer had arrived. I used to start walking at 2:30am and continue until 7:30, then resume after 3:30pm, he recalled. I got blisters, even lost toenails. But I kept walking. The only nuisance he faced while walking these odd hours were dogs who challenged the unannounced visitor. I found a way to tackle them, he said. Respond with authority, and they would back off.

After Haryana, Deepak guided us through UP and Bihar. We saw him climb nameless mounds, consult elderly farmers, listen to village priests, and study the land with near-mystical familiarity. His GIS maps seemed committed to memory.

Most archaeologists here follow Cunningham, Deepak said, with some disappointment. But Cunningham never came to these places. Xuanzang did.

In Chintamani village, near the perfume capital of Kannauj, we found a broken Buddha statue by the roadside. Last time I came here, it was lying under a tree, Deepak said. Three years later, it had been placed on a cement platform alongside other broken idols. Still unclaimed, but now treated with reverence.

Around Kannauj, we visited other villagesDhaelpur, Gumtiya, Bhagwantpurwhere ancient bricks jutted from fields. Locals referred to them as qilas (forts). Deepak speculated that many Buddhist sites may have been absorbed or replaced by later Brahminical shrines. Xuanzang mentioned temples and monasteries here, he said. A detailed archaeological study could confirm the truth.

It was in Kannauj that Xuanzang met King Harshavardhana, then the most powerful ruler in northern India. The monk wrote that Harsha hosted a 23-day religious assembly in his honour. While some scholars suspect exaggeration, the encounter remains a fascinating window into the spiritual politics of the time. Harshas court even established diplomatic ties with China, thanks to Xuanzangs influence.

In Khambolia Buddha charika site mentioned by Xuanzang, in neighbouring Unnao districtDeepak showed us a mound with exposed bricksthree inches thick, which he said indicated the Kushana period. In Bhagwantpur, near the Yamuna Expressway, history had been completely erased. When I first came here, the bricks were exposed, he said. Now they have been plastered over. Green and saffron flags fluttered from rooftopssigns of newer faith-based battles.

Parveen Kushwaha, a local schoolteacher and our guide, said the land was being levelled for the Agra Expressway, and the bricks had to go. The villagers, he said, felt more relief than neglect. Otherwise, we would have to remove them ourselves to farm, he said. Deepak pointed to a small collection of artefactspottery shards, terracotta figurines, a womans coiffured head kept in the village temple. In the past, Kushwaha said, this mound gave up coins, statues, even tools.

And so it was, in village after village: relics lying by roadsides, idols broken and piled in temple courtyards, ancient stones mistaken for rubble. The past, in pieces, waiting to be heard.

When Xuanzang visited India, Buddhism was showing signs of decline. The near disappearance of Buddhism from the plains of India is one of the most puzzling conundrums in the countrys history, noted Buddhist scholar Prof K.T.S. Sarao. At Bodh Gaya, Xuanzang saw the statue of Avalokiteshvara. He found it sunk up to the chest, and estimated that it would be completely buried in about 150 to 200 years.... Xuanzang saw abandoned and derelict monasteries. By Xuanzangs account, Buddhism had already fallen on bad days.

In Jethian village, in Rajgir district, we encounter a rare reversal of this decline. There, in 1999, a submerged Buddha statue was unearthed, prompting villagers to build a shrine. This turned Jethian into a magnet for monks. We welcomed hundreds of monks during the walks. The temple was built with Japanese support. Gold leaves shine over the black Buddha statue in this sacred setting, said Dinesh, a local resident.

We were in Deepaks home terrainsacred ground walked by the Buddha, and retraced by our indefatigable guide. The Jethian Valley has many sacred spotsBuddhavana, Asura Cave and Yashodharasthan, he said. This trail is now being developed as the Buddha Valley.

In nearby Ayer-pathri village, we meet Ranvijay Singh, 80, who has turned his home into a private museum of terracotta shards and idols rescued from surrounding fields. In 1973, I found a Buddha statue and gave it to the Nalanda district magistrate for the museum, Singh said. I have been collecting idols since 2013. I have never let anyone steal them.

We saw a rock shelter near Ayer-pathri. The road leading to it gave way to a dirt track; the final stretch had to be walked. Children followed us as Deepak led like a modern-day pied piper. There is a pond where the Buddha may have bathed, a villager offered. We take it with a pinch of salt.

This was the first site I discovered, Deepak said as we scaled the hill. I even brought Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and made him climb this hill. Near the rock shelter, a Ladakhi monk had installed a new idol beside older, broken Buddha statues. The landscape below was idyllica layer of fog hung over palm treesmaking the spot a natural meditation retreat.

Xuanzang had described a similar rock shelter above a nearby village. Today, the site has been rebranded Ayer Dhama spiritual centre with growing footfalls and economic hope. If the Buddha is often seen through the lens of Ambedkarite politics in UP, he remains a native deity in Bihar, revered by all.

Deepak does not wait for official excavations to validate what the land whispers. At Dungeshwari Hills, formerly Pragbodhi, we visited a cave where the fasting Buddha is painted in gold, resembling the iconic Gandhara-style sculpture now housed in Lahore Museum.

This hill is significant. Xuanzang had noted that Ashoka had erected stupas here to mark the Bodhisattvas footsteps. The stupas are damaged and no longer worshipped, but the legend lives on: it was here, on the fateful day of Vaishakh Purnima, that the Buddha-to-be arrived after receiving food from Sujata and deciding to reject extreme asceticism and follow the Middle Path. He left his shadow to appease the dragon of the cave and walked to the Bodhi Tree, where he finally attained enlightenment. Dungeshwari, renamed in the later medieval period, reflects how temples often replaced monasteries as Buddhism waned.

We conclude our journey in NalandaXuanzangs final and most important destination, and Deepaks, too. When Xuanzang arrived here, 200 monks and a thousand lay supporters welcomed him with banners, flowers and incense. Today, in the nondescript Baragaon village, the ruins of the ancient university stand as a testament to the era gone by, when 2,000 teachers taught 10,000 monks subjects as varied as Buddhist philosophy, logic and grammar, and medicine, mathematics and astronomy.

As Deepak explored the ruins of this great seat of learning, monks followed him in a file, keeping their right shoulder aligned to the stupa as a mark of respect. It was here that Xuanzang spent years studying under the ageing Shilabadra, an exponent of Yogacara thought. The guru-shishya bond became a catalyst for the spread of Mahayana Buddhism to China.

There is more awareness about Buddhism now, said Mahathero, a Thai monk who has undertaken 40 vassa (rainy season retreats) in Nalanda. Monks begin arriving in October. We are also training 40 Indian students.

The only monument to Xuanzang is in Nalanda. A joint Indo-Chinese effort begun by prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and premier Zhou Enlai in 1957, it was completed and inaugurated only in 2007. Crafted in Chinese architectural style, it rises in quiet magnificence, standing in sharp contrast to the modest buildings and the subdued surrounding landscape.

I was here when this memorial was inaugurated, said Deepak. This was my first meeting with Xuanzang. The government plans to house Xuanzangs relics here.

At the site, we met a group of young men, some of them wearing turbans, from Punjab. I discovered the Buddha after reading Ambedkar, said Arvind, one of them. I immediately applied to convert to Buddhism in Jalandhar.

They bombarded Deepak with questions. What about Pushyamitra Shungas role? one askedreferring to the general who overthrew the last Mauryan king and performed the ritual of Ashvamedha yagna, marking the resurgence of vedic Hinduism.

The encounter was heartening. Their enthusiasm for rediscovering history evoked the very spirit of Xuanzanginquiry, reverence and discovery.

No Buddhist journey is complete without visiting the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya. Beneath the canopy of the Bodhi treea descendent of the very tree under which Siddhartha attained enlightenmentDeepak revealed what he wanted to do next. Unmarried and with few family obligations, he said, he had the freedom to continue his lifes work. His next mission: to trace Xuanzangs route across China, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and, finally, Kashmir.

However long it takes, he said.

A REBEL WITH A CAUSE

WHEN XUANZANG left China, he defied an imperial travel ban (intended to stop people from joining insurgent groups on the western border). He was caught, but managed to escape. Thereafter, he hid during the day and travelled by night. He had to go through desert waste, guessing the way by the trail of skeletons and horse dung. Soon, he was caught again, but the captain in charge was a pious Buddhist and aided him, despite having received an order to arrest him.

HES THAT GUY

XUANZANG, MEANING mysterious canon or profound storehouse, was born Chen Hui (Chen, family name; Hui, given name). Indian texts call him the Mahayana Tripitaka master or Moksadeva (god of liberation). Older western sources use spellings like Hsuan-tsang, Hiuen Tsang or Hiuen Tsiangall from the Wade-Giles romanisation system. Modern usage follows Pinyin (the official romanisation system used in modern China), leading to Xuanzang. Despite the variations, all refer to the same legendary seventh-century monk who journeyed to India in search of sacred texts.

FEEDING WISDOM

KING HARSHAVARDHANA, the Hindu emperor of Kannauj, had tasked two hundred families each in over a 100 villages with the daily supply of cartloads of rice, milk and butter to the Nalanda monastery-university. As an honoured guest at Nalanda, Xuanzang was given twenty betel leaves, areca nuts and nutmegs, over an ounce of fine incense, almost a pint of rice, and an unlimited supply of butter and milk daily and for free. He was also provided

with two servants and an elephant to

help him get around.

A SWEET INDIAN IDEA

XUANZANGS ACCOUNT of his Indian journey so intrigued Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty that he initiated a series of missions to India, both spiritual and political. Nalanda was honoured with gifts from the emperor; Chinese envoys began discussing with Indian rulers ways to check the rising power of Tibet, and the Indian technology to make sugar from sugarcane (boiling and cooling sugarcane juice to get solid sugar masses called khanda in Sanskritthe root of candy) was taken to China.
Interview/ Max Deeg, professor of Buddhist Studies at Cardiff University, Wales

Prof Max Deeg specialises in the history of Buddhism, especially the spread of the religion from India to Central and East Asia. He was part of the Xuanzang Trail project, started in 2020 as an international collaboration between Cardiff University and the Bihar Heritage Development Society. Deeg is currently working on a new English translation of Xuanzangs Record of the Western Regions of the Great Tang Dynasty, which the Chinese monk presented to the Tang emperor Taizong after his journey to India in the seventh century. The Record is now considered the most detailed written account of India from that era.

What is presented in Xuanzangs account is not a pure documentation of Indian society.... An honest interpretation of the text has to take into account how it is situated in the Chinese context. I would hope that he (Xuanzang) again attains the status of someone who links South Asia and East Asia. If you would force me to be more specific: he can contribute to a beneficial mutual understanding between India and China.

Nevertheless, according to Deeg, Xuanzangs account requires careful interpretation and contextualisation before conclusions can be drawn about Indias social, religious and political situation in the early medieval period. An honest interpretation of the text, he says, has to take into account how it is situated in the Chinese context.

Edited excerpts from an interview:

Q/ How significant are Xuanzangs accounts for our understanding of medieval India? What aspects of Indias history, society or culture might have remained obscure without his writings?

A/ Xuanzangs account has played a major role in the reconstruction of Indian Buddhism and its history since the second half of the 19th century, starting with Stanislas Juliens translation of the Record into French. It has been crucial in the discovery of major Buddhist sites in India, particularly in the northwest and the Gangetic plain. Without Xuanzangs account, early archaeologists like Alexander Cunningham would not have been able to find major Buddhist sites like Bodh Gaya and Sarnath. Without Xuanzangs account, particularly his general description of Indiawhere he talks about education, law, military and society in generalwe would not be able to compare and, sometimes, match the information with the data we can extract for much earlier periods from the Dharmashastras, the Arthashastra, and so on.

Q/ What do we know about Xuanzangs motivations for undertaking such a long and perilous journey? Were his reasons purely religious, or were there political or intellectual designs?

A/ In principle, Xuanzang was interested in two things: in visiting the Buddhist sacred placesthats the pilgrimage part of his storyand retrieving authentic Buddhist doctrinal and philosophical texts like the Prajnaparamita, Abhidharmakosa and the Yogacara for translation into Chinese.

There are indeed what I call different layers of intentionality in Xuanzangs account, where he addresses issues like good governance or highlights the vibrant intellectual environment in great Buddhist monastic institutions like Nalanda.

Q/ Based on his observations, what can we infer about the social and political landscape of seventh-century India?

A/ This question is difficult to answer. Since what is presented in Xuanzangs account is not a pure documentation of Indian society, deducing historical realities from it [is tough]. An honest interpretation of the text has to take into account how it is situated in the Chinese context: the record was written on the request of the second Tang emperor Taizong after Xuanzangs return from India in 645. Since the account is written from a Buddhistone could say propagandisticperspective, other religions are only mentioned in passing. So, although the account gives a wealth of information about India in the seventh century, it clearly has a certain bias that calls for careful interpretation and contextualisation before drawing conclusions about the societal, religious and political situation of India in the early medieval period.

Q/ To what extent can Xuanzangs account be considered reliable?

A/ This has to be decided case by case. But generally speaking, it is quite surprising how exact his record is. One has to be careful to not read his description as a kind of documentation of the situation in seventh-century India. When comparing Xuanzangs records with Indian sources, the matches often point to his knowledge of normative textseither Buddhist or brahminicalthan to a pure eyewitness report. One may assume that he reports what is to be expected, and not necessarily what was done, practised or lived in a normal societal environment. After all, his interest in, and access to, commoners life beyond the walls of the monasteries he lived in was restricted.

Remnants of the past: Monks near the site of the Nalanda Mahavihara ruins.

Q/ Are there elements in Xuanzangs writings that seem exaggerated or possibly shaped by political agendaeither his own or of his patrons?

A/ Xuanzang did not write in a vacuum. It is interesting to see how he tried to use the Record to further the agenda of promoting Buddhism in the political climate of the early Tang dynasty, in which the political establishment was not necessarily supportive. In that sense, some of the information contained in the Record may be called exaggerated, but for me as a scholar, these parts are sometimes more interesting than the plain descriptions of places.

To give an example: in order to promote nonviolence, Xuanzang states that in India the death penalty does not existwhich is not true. But the crucial point here is that he wants to project an idealised Buddhist society to the ruling Tang elitewhich he may have hoped could inspire the emperor. My personal feeling is that Xuanzang tried to foster diplomatic ties between the Tang empire and the kingdom of Harsha, attempts which may have had some success for a short period of time: according to Chinese sources, envoys between the two polities were exchanged on a quite regular basis until the momentum was brought to a halt by the assassination of the Indian king and the turmoil that followed.

Q/ How do Xuanzangs descriptions compare with what archaeological and Indian textual sources tell us about the same period?

A/ Xuanzang does not give us descriptions as such, and it is therefore not surprising that quite often we find differences between the archaeological situation and his account. A good example is the Nalanda Mahavihara, the monastery in which Xuanzang spent most of his time in India. The layout of the excavated remains of the monastery differs considerably from what can be reconstructed from Xuanzangs description: while most of the monastic courtyards at Nalanda are oriented south-north, Xuanzang describes their arrangement almost as a circular cluster. Now, we have to be careful because the excavated site is only a fraction of what the monastery was in the past, with quite some remains lying underground and still awaiting excavation.

We encounter similar problems in other cases. Example: the large monastic site of Telhara close to Nalanda, and partly excavated recently by my Xuanzang Trail project colleague Dr Bijoy Chaudhury. It is extremely difficult to reconcile the neat layout of the Telhara monastery given by Xuanzang with the reality on the groundeven if we, once more, take into account that only a small part of the monastery has been excavated so far.

Q/ In what ways did Xuanzangs method of engaging with Buddhist texts and sites differ from other pilgrim-scholars like Faxian or Yijing?

A/ First of all, although these three are usually treated as the triad of Chinese pilgrims, their accounts are quite different. Yijing, about half a century after Xuanzang, wrote two works about his journey and stay in India. One is a collection of biographies of Chinese monks who had gone to India between Xuanzangs time and his own visit. Without this collection, we would not know that quite a lot of Chinese monks went to Indiasome of them staying there and not returning to China. The other work, Record of the Inner Dharma Sent Back from the Southern Sea (southeast Asia) is a description of the customs and life in Buddhist monasteries. I am using quotation marks here because this again, like in the case of Xuanzangs account, is not a documentation of the lifestyle in Indian Buddhist monasteries, but quite often a paraphrasea translation into practice of the normative monastic code. Thus, Yijings two records are not travelogues like the two texts of Faxian and Xuanzang.

Faxian, writing more than 200 years before Xuanzang, produced a much shorter text but often refers to the same places and sites in Xuanzangs much more detailed record. Xuanzang talks about far more places and sites than Faxian. Taken together and compared, these two records sometimes allow us to see changes of Buddhism over a 200-year period.

What unifies the three Chinese monks is the fact that they had, of course, knowledge of Buddhist texts, particularly of Buddha biographies that had been translated into Chinese. They carried [this knowledge], so to speak, in their mental baggage, and it certainly had an influence on how they described India and the Buddhist places. In some cases, it was not so much what they saw but what they expected to see which made it into their records.

Q/ How do you think Xuanzang should be acknowledged or celebrated in India today? What would you recommend to Indian archaeologists, historians or cultural scholars interested in following in his footsteps?

A/ My experience is that Xuanzang is better known in India than in western countries, and therefore also held in high esteem. I am always surprised by the public interest in India when I give a lecture about Xuanzang or a related topic. I would hope that he again attains the status of someone who links South Asia and East Asia. If you would force me to be more specific: he can contribute to a beneficial mutual understanding between India and China.

I would recommend scholars and researchers who want to use Xuanzangs account to collaborate with people who know the Record, instead of relying on old translations and sometimes drawing quite wild conclusions. I also would like to be cautious not to uncritically mingle the Record with information from Xuanzangs biography: both texts were written for completely different purposes and audiences, and also they may, taken together, enrich the narrative of the Chinese traveller, such a narrative should not be mistaken for objective history.

My own experience with a year-long project in Bihar, called the Xuanzang Trail project, has shown that such collaborationin my case with archaeologist Chaudhury and his team in Patnais extremely rewarding for both sides. It leads to results and discoveries which enable us to throw new light on the history and material culture of the past.
When you come to the end of your stint on this planet, how do you know whether your life has amounted to anything? That thing called legacy is so tenuous. Who decides your legacy anyway? For most of us, our children and grandchildren are the custodians of our legacy. At centenary celebrations and memorial services, they will recount our life and achievements in technicolourhow we always lived life to the full, how we liberally lent to the poor or how we had a great sense of humour (We probably didnt. People almost always exaggerate their ancestors achievements.) But by the time we reach the fourth or fifth generation, the technicolour starts fading. How many of us know our great-great grandfathers name, let alone sense of humour?

But this is not the case for some very lucky people, who have everything from roads to rodents named after them. There are asteroids named after astrophysicists and birds and beetles named after celebrities. Long after Beyonces time, the horse flies named after her will live on, carrying forward her legacy.

But Sumanto Chattopadhyay, creator of The English Nut, an award-winning social media channel, is not interested in celebrity beetles. He is interested in words. Most people are addicted to something in lifetravel, alcohol, fitness or adventure. There are few, however, who get their kick from etymology and grammar. For Chattopadhyay, vocabulary is his vodka. Thats why hes written a book on the origin of words and phrases.

For English nuts like him, the book is delightful. What takes one by surprise, however, is how many ancient warriors and medieval knights have lent their names to words we use every day. It is amusing to imagine that, every time one connects ones mobile with the wireless technology we call bluetooth, the Danish king Harald Bluetooth Gormsson, who united Denmark and Norway in the tenth century, must be smiling from heaven and thanking his dentist for not removing his blue-grey dead tooth. After all, in this dental oversight would lie his legacy.

Excerpts from Stories of Words and Phrases: Discovering the Fascinating Stories Behind Everyday Expressions:

BOYCOTT

It was 1880. After a year of bad harvests, Lord Erne, an absentee landlord, decided to be generous and offer his tenants a 10 per cent discount on their rent. The tenants asked for a bigger reduction to help them make ends meet, but the ruthless landlord decided to evict these tenants rather than accept their demand. And for this job he sent his land agent, Captain Charles Boycott.

Aha! So is that where the word came from? Yes! Here is the rest of the story: shortly before this incident, Charles Stewart Parnell, leader of the Irish National Land League, gave a speech encouraging the social ostracism of new tenants who took the places of evicted tenants. Now Captain Boycott had to find other tenants or seasonal workers to harvest the crops. But it was understood by the locals that those who took the place of the evicted tenants would be socially shunned. So, nobody came forward. Finally, Boycott had to bring in 50 men from other areas to harvest the crop. He arranged for a regiment of the 19th Royal Hussars and more than 1,000 men of the Royal Irish Constabulary to protect the harvesters, because it was beyond Boycotts understanding that this was a non-violent protest. The exercise ended up costing the British government more than 10,000 to harvest crops worth just about 500.

Boycott himself was socially isolated not only by his employees but also by others in the community. His household help abandoned him. Local businessmen stopped trading with him. Shops refused to serve him. Even the postman stopped delivering his mail.

Boycott rapidly became a household name as first the British and then the international press picked up the story. James Redpath of the New-York Tribune was the first overseas reporter to write about the boycott. The first documented usage of the word in its figurative sense is found in the 22 January 1881 edition of The Spectator: Dame Nature arose.... She Boycotted London from Kew to Mile End.

BLUETOOTH

Bluetoothwe all sort of know what it means. Its the wireless technology that connects mobile phones with computers and other electronic devices. But why is it called Bluetooth? Does it have something to do with a rotten old tooth thats turned blue?

Apparently, it does. In fact, the original Bluetooth is more than a thousand years old! The Danish king Harald Bluetooth Gormsson was famous for two things. One, he united Demark and Norway in the tenth century. And two, he had a dead tooth with a grey-blue colour that earned him the nickname Bluetooth.

In the 1990s, when companies like Intel, Ericsson and Nokia met to standardise the technology, Jim Kardash of Intel suggested the codename Bluetooth because it was a technology that was going to unite the PC and cellular industries, the way the original Bluetooth had united Scandinavia. The codename was to be replaced at the time of launch with a snazzier name by the marketing people in these multinationals. PAN (Personal Area Networking) and RadioWire were the two front runners, but by the date of the launch of the technology, neither name had been cleared by legal. Hence, Bluetooth remained the only viable option. The Bluetooth logo is a combination of the letters H and B, the initials of Harald Bluetooth, written in runes, the ancient letters used by the Vikings, the Scandinavian seafaring pirates and traders.

As it turned out, the name Bluetooth became an overnight sensation and has remained unchanged since the time it was first launched in 1999.

TEDDY BEAR

He is the youngest man ever to become the president of the United States of America. His face is carved on Mount Rushmore. As historical and contemporary records show, he is one of the most popular American presidents, beloved to people the world over.

Yet, arguably, rather than with his robust foreign policy, the great mans name is more commonly associated with stuffed, cuddly toy bears.

I refer to Theodore Roosevelt, the twenty-sixth US president, who assumed office at the age of 42 in 1901 and served till 1909. Soon after he became president, Roosevelt was invited to a bear hunt in Mississippi by Governor Andrew H. Longino. Most of the other hunters on the trip had killed bears already, so Roosevelts attendants decided to help the president bag one too. They caught, injured and tied an American black bear to a tree and suggested that Roosevelt shoot it. The former president found this unsportsmanlike and declined.

Soon after he became president, Roosevelt was invited to a bear hunt in Mississippi by Governor Andrew H. Longino. Most of the other hunters on the trip had killed bears already, so Roosevelts attendants decided to help the president bag one too.

This story spread like wildfire and, on 16 November 1902, it became the subject of a political cartoon in The Washington Post. Drawn by Pulitzer prize-winning cartoonist Clifford Berryman, it depicted a bear lassoed by a handler as the president looked on in disgust. While this original cartoon featured an adult black bear, in later drawings it was replaced with a younger, cuter bear.

Brooklyn candy-shop owner Morris Michtom and his wife Rose also made stuffed toys. They were inspired by the cartoon to create a stuffed toy bear cub. Michtom put it in his shop window with the sign Teddys BearTeddy being the traditional American nickname for Theodore. The bear was a hit with the public and there was demand for many more. Taking the presidents permission to use his name, Michtom decided to mass produce the toy bears. He soon founded the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co.which became the largest doll-making company in America.

Apart from fuelling a boom in stuffed toys, Teddys bears helped change the image of wild animals in the public imagination. They were no longer dangerous and fearsome beasts, but creatures that should be protected and perhaps even cuddled, thus contributing to wildlife conservation consciousness in America.

Teddys bears, which soon came to be known simply as teddy bears, became a part of the cultural fabric.

SIDEBURN

He gave his name to a gun and a facial hairstylethough in the latter case, it was back to front!

Ambrose Everett Burnside (182481) was a Rhode Island senator and a Union Army general in the American Civil War. By his own admission he was a poor military commander, associated with spectacular defeats in battle. Yet, President Lincoln not only kept him on in the army, but promoted him too.

Perhaps the president was influenced by Burnsides likeable personality, the gun he invented, and his legendary side whiskers. The general is said to have always had a smile on his face and a knack for remembering peoples names. The gun he designed and patentedthe Burnside carbinewas widely used in the Civil War. Which brings us to his third and, in terms of legacy, most enduring contribution: lending his name to a facial hairstyle.

Sideburns are the strips of hair that come down the sides of a mans face, from the hairline just above the ears to the area just below the ears. When they extend further down towards the chin, they become classified as a beard. Burnsides luxuriant sideburns were connected to his moustache. His chin was clean-shaven.

Before Burnsides sideburns became famous, this section of facial hair was called side whiskers or sideboards. Or, if they were particularly thick, like the generals, they were termed mutton chopspresumably because they resembled said cuts of meat. My sideburns are, of course, far less impressive!

The Evening Telegraph, May 1866, has the earliest mention in print of Burnsides hairy legacy: the hairstyle was referred to in it as Burnside whiskers. In the 1870s and 80s, people started calling these whiskers burnsides, but by 1887, the syllables were switched and burnside became sideburn, placing side first, perhaps to emphasise the words association with the sides of the face.

Excerpted with permission from Rupa Publications India.

STORIES OF WORDS AND PHRASES

By Sumanto Chattopadhyay

Published by Rupa Publications

Price Rs395; pages 296
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.

(AP)
Venezuela on Friday released 10 jailed U.S. citizens and permanent residents in exchange for getting home scores of migrants deported by the United States to El Salvador months ago under the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, officials said.

The complex, three-country arrangement represents a diplomatic achievement for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, helps President Donald Trump in his goal of bringing home Americans jailed abroad and lands Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele a swap that he proposed months ago.

Every wrongfully detained American in Venezuela is now free and back in our homeland, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement in which he thanked Bukele, a Trump ally.

Bukele said El Salvador had handed over all the Venezuelan nationals in its custody. Maduro described Friday as a day of blessings and good news for Venezuela. He called it the perfect day for Venezuela.

Venezuelans leave El Salvadors mega-prison

Central to the deal are more than 250 Venezuelan migrants freed by El Salvador, which in March agreed to a $6 million payment from the Trump administration to house them in its notorious prison.

That arrangement drew immediate blowback when Trump invoked an 18th century wartime law, the Alien Enemies Act, to quickly remove the men that his administration had accused of belonging to the violent Tren de Aragua street gang, teeing up a legal fight that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The administration did not provide evidence to back up those claims.

The Venezuelans had been held in a mega-prison known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, which was built to hold alleged gang members in Bukeles war on the countrys gangs. Human rights groups have documented hundreds of deaths as well as cases of torture inside its walls.

Lawyers have little access to those in the prison, which is heavily guarded, and information has been locked tight, other than heavily produced state propaganda videos showing tattooed men packed behind bars.

Photos and videos released by El Salvadors government on Friday showed shackled Venezuelans sitting in a fleet of buses and boarding planes surrounded by officers in riot gear. One man looked up and pointed toward the sky as he climbed aboard a plane, while another made an obscene gesture toward police.

After arriving in Venezuela, some of the migrants crossed themselves, cried and hugged one another. They wore face masks and street clothes.

Maduro alleged that some of them were subjected to various forms of abuse at the Salvadoran prison, and one of them even lost a kidney due to the beatings he received.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello told reporters the men would undergo medical tests and background checks before they can go home.

One of the men is reportedly Andry Hernandez Romero, a makeup artist who fled Venezuela last year and was taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody at a border crossing in San Diego before eventually being flown to El Salvador.

Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., posted on social media Friday night: 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.

In April, Bukele proposed exchanging the Venezuelans for the same number of what he called political prisoners held by Maduro. The suggestion provoked a harsh response from Venezuelan authorities, who called his comments cynical and referred to Bukele as a neofascist.

Families say the Americans released are innocent

The State Department office responsible for negotiating the release of American detainees posted a photo Friday evening of the newly released prisoners smiling for the camera inside an airplane bringing them home, some clutching an unfurled American flag.

A plane carrying the freed Americans arrived late Friday evening at Joint Base San Antonio, with some waving flags and rushing to embrace welcomers after they landed.

Among those released was 37-year-old Lucas Hunter, whose family says he was kidnapped in January by Venezuelan border guards from inside Colombia, where he was vacationing.

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

Venezuelan authorities detained nearly a dozen U.S. citizens in the second half of 2024 and linked them to alleged plots to destabilize the country.

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, said a statement from Christian Castaneda, whose brother Wilbert, a Navy SEAL, was arrested in his Caracas hotel room last year.

Global Reach, a nonprofit organization that had advocated for his release and that of several other Americans, said Venezuelan officials initially and falsely accused him of being involved in a coup but backed off that claim.

The three-country swap gives Maduro a boost

The release of the Venezuelans, meanwhile, is an invaluable win for Maduro as he presses his efforts to assert himself as president despite credible evidence that he lost reelection last year.

Long accused of human rights abuses, Maduro for months has used the migrants detention in El Salvador to flip the script on the U.S. government, forcing even some of his strongest political opponents to agree with his condemnation of the migrants treatment.

Their return will allow Maduro to reaffirm support within his shrinking base, while demonstrating that even if the Trump administration and other nations see him as an illegitimate president, he is still firmly in power.

Just a week ago, the U.S. State Department reiterated its policy of shunning Maduro government officials and recognizing only the National Assembly elected in 2015 as the legitimate government of the country. Signed by Rubio, the cable said U.S. officials are free to meet and have discussions with National Assembly members but cannot engage with Maduro regime representatives unless cleared by the Department of State.

Maduros crackdown on dissent spurs detentions

The Americans were among dozens of people, including activists, opposition members and union leaders, that Venezuelas government took into custody in its brutal campaign to crack down on dissent in the 11 months since Maduro claimed to win reelection.

Besides the U.S., several other Western nations also do not recognize Maduros claim to victory. They instead point to tally sheets collected by the opposition coalition showing that its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won the July 2024 election by a more than a two-to-one margin.

The dispute over results prompted immediate protests, and the government responded by detaining more than 2,000 people, mostly poor young men. Gonzalez fled into exile in Spain to avoid arrest.

More than 7.7 million Venezuelans have migrated since 2013, when its oil-dependent economy came undone and Maduro became president. Most settled in Latin America and the Caribbean, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, many saw the U.S. as their best chance to improve their living conditions.

The US and Venezuela have agreed on other releases

Despite the U.S. not recognizing Maduro, the two governments have carried out other recent exchanges.

In May, Venezuela freed a U.S. Air Force veteran after about six months in detention. Joseph St. Clairs family has said the language specialist, who served four tours in Afghanistan, had traveled to South America to seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Three months earlier, six other Americans whom the U.S. government considered wrongfully detained in Venezuela were released after Richard Grenell, Trumps envoy for special missions, met with Maduro at the presidential palace.

Grenell, during the meeting in Caracas, urged Maduro to take back deported migrants who have committed crimes in the U.S. Hundreds of Venezuelans have since been deported to their home country.

Maduros government had accused the Trump administration of kidnapping the children by placing them in foster care after their parents were deported.

(AP)
On Wednesday, July 16th, Agudath Israel of America recognized Senator Ted Cruz for saving the historic school choice provision in the Big Beautiful Bill.

Watch Senator Ted Cruz explain:
A Syrian Druze woman living in the United Arab Emirates frantically tried to keep in touch with her family in her hometown in southern Syria as clashes raged there over the past days.

Her mother, father and sister sent videos of their neighbors fleeing as fighters moved in. The explosions from shelling were non-stop, hitting near their house. Her family took shelter in the basement. When she reached them later in a video call, they said her father was missing. He had gone out during a lull to check the situation and never returned.

Now I only pray. Thats all I can do, she told The Associated Press at the time.

Hours later, they learned he had been shot and killed by a sniper. The woman spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing that using her name would put her surviving family and friends at risk.

A ceasefire went into effect late Wednesday, easing days of brutal clashes in Sweida. Now, members of its Druze community who fled or went into hiding are returning to search for loved ones and count their losses. They are finding homes looted and bloodied bodies of civilians in the streets.

Systemic killings

The fighting began with tit-for-tat kidnappings and attacks between local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze militias in the majority-Druze Sweida province. Government forces that intervened to restore order clashed with the Druze militias, but also in some cases attacked civilians.

Almost 1,000 people were killed in four days of clashes, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor. It said the dead included hundreds of civilians, mostly Druze, including women and children, who were rounded up by fighters and collectively shot to death in what the monitor called field executions.

These are not individual acts but systemic, the Observatorys director Rami Abdul-Rahman told the AP. All the violations are there. You can see from the bodies that are all over the streets in Sweida clearly show theyre shot in the head.

In response, Druze militias have targeted Bedouin families in revenge attacks since the ceasefire was reached. Footage shared on Syrian state media shows Bedouin families putting their belongings in trucks and fleeing with reports of renewed skirmishes in those areas. There was no word on casualties in those attacks.

Gunned down in the street

One Syrian-American Druze told the AP of his fear as he watched the clashes from the United States and tried to account for his family and friends whom he had seen in a recent trip to his native city Sweida.

Despite internet and communications breakdowns, he tracked down his family. His mother and brother fled because their home was shelled and raided, he said. Their belongings were stole, windows shattered. Their neighbors house was burned down. Two other neighbors were killed, one by shelling, another by stray bullets, he said.

He also pored over online videos of the fighting, finding a harrowing footage.

It showed gunmen in military uniform forcing a number of men in civilian clothes to kneel in the street in a well-known roundabout in Sweida. The gunmen then spray the men with automatic fire, their bodies dropping to the ground. The footage was seen by the AP.

To his horror, he recognized the men. One was a close family friend  another Syrian American on a visit to Sweida from the U.S. The others were the friends brother, father, three uncles and a cousin. Friends he reached told him that government forces had raided the house where they were all staying and took them outside and shot them.

We affirm that protecting your rights and freedoms is among our top priorities, al-Sharaa said in a speech broadcast Thursday, where he addressed the Druze people in Syria, promising to hold perpetrators of civilian killings to account.

But some rights groups accused Syrias interim government of systematic sectarian violence, similar to that inflicted on the Alawite religious minority in the coastal province of Latakia in the aftermath of Assads fall as the new government tried to quell a counterinsurgency there.

Footage widely circulated on social media showed some of the carnage. One video shows a living room with several bodies on the floor and bullet holes in the walls and sofa.

In another, there are at least nine bloodied bodies in one room of the home of a family that took in people fleeing the fighting. Portraits of Druze notables are visible, smashed on the floor.

Searching for her husband

Evelyn Azzam, a Druze woman, is searching the Damascus suburb of Jaramana, trying to find out what happened to her husband, Robert Kiwan.

Last week, the 23-year-old Kiwan left home in Jaramana early as he does every day to commute to his job in Sweida.

He got caught up in the chaos when the clashes erupted. Azzam was on the phone with him as government forces questioned him and his coworkers. She heard a gunshot when one of the coworkers raised his voice. She heard her husband trying to appeal to the soldiers.

He was telling them that they are from the Druze of Sweida, but have nothing to do with the armed groups, the 20-year-old Azzam said.

Then she heard another gunshot; her husband was shot in the hip. An ambulance took him to a hospital, where she later learned he underwent an operation. But she hasnt heard anything since and doesnt know if he survived.

Back in the U.S., the Syrian-American said he was relieved that his family is safe but the video of his friends family being gunned down in the street filled him with disbelief, betrayal, rage.

He said his family and friends protested against Assad, celebrated his downfall and wanted to give al-Sharaas rule a chance. He said he hadnt wanted to believe that the new Syrian army  which emerged from al-Sharaas insurgent forces  was made up of Islamic terrorists.

But after the violence in Latakia and now in Sweida, he sees the new army as a bunch of militias  with a huge majority being radicals.

I cant imagine a world where I would be able to go back and integrate with these monsters, he said.

(AP & YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
An off-duty Border Patrol agent was shot in the face and arm late Saturday night during an attempted robbery in Fort Washington Park, allegedly carried out by a moped-riding illegal immigrant with a long criminal history and an active deportation order.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a Dominican national, allegedly ambushed the agent and a female companion around 11:50 p.m. as they sat along the Hudson River in Manhattan. Police say Mora, along with an accomplice, approached the pair on a moped and attempted to rob them before a brief struggle erupted.

During the altercation, Mora reportedly shot the 42-year-old federal agent in the face and left forearm. The agent, though seriously wounded, returned fire with his own weapon and struck Mora three times, according to officials.

Mora later walked into a Bronx hospital with gunshot wounds and was taken into custody. The second suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Mora entered the U.S. illegally through the southern border in April 2023 and was released with a notice to appear in court due to overcrowding at the detention facility. Since then, he has racked up multiple arrests in New York City and Massachusetts.

At the time of Saturdays shooting, Mora was wanted on kidnapping and weapons charges in Massachusetts and had four prior arrests in New York  including for assaulting a pregnant woman and threatening another migrant with a machete in August 2024, violating an order of protection in November 2024, and failing to appear in court earlier this year.

Despite the serious nature of his charges, Mora had been released without bail after each arrest, according to sources familiar with the case.

The injured agent underwent surgery and is in stable condition, DHS confirmed.

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(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Iran, Britain, France, and Germany may hold talks next week on Tehrans nuclear program, Irans Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.

The report comes after warnings by the European countries that if Tehran doesnt resume negotiations, they will reimpose international sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

The principle of talks has been agreed upon, but consultations are continuing on the time and place of the talks, the Tasnim report said, as translated by Reuters. The country in which the talks could be held next week has not been finalized.

The European countries have resolved to reimpose sanctions on Iran via the snapback mechanism if talks are not resumed by the end of August.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
In a blistering lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Harvard University is being accused of shielding antisemitic attackers, obstructing justice, and retaliating against a Jewish student who says he was violently assaulted on campus following the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre in Israel.

Yoav Segev, a student at Harvard, alleges in the suit that after he was physically attacked during an anti-Israel protest on campus, the university not only failed to protect him but actively worked to silence and punish him  while rewarding those responsible for the assault.

Harvard did everything it could to defend, protect and reward the assailants; to impede the criminal investigation; and to prevent Mr. Segev from obtaining administrative relief from the university, the complaint states.

According to the lawsuit, Segev was filming an anti-Israel die-in protest on Harvards campus in October 2023 when he was confronted by demonstrators wearing keffiyehs. After asserting his right to remain and record in a public space, Segev says he was physically surrounded and violently grabbed by the protesters  two of whom were university student-employees.

Rather than protect the victim or enforce campus safety policies, the university is accused of stonewalling accountability. When Segev filed a formal complaint, Harvard allegedly refused to discipline the attackers on the grounds that he wished to remain unnamed  despite the school having independent evidence and a duty to investigate. A university inquiry conducted in January 2024 was, according to Segev, a sham that yielded no results and offered no transparency.

The complaint goes further, alleging that Harvard retaliated against Segev by effectively unmasking him. Despite his attempts to remain anonymous in other legal actions against the university, Harvard allegedly released information that made his identity easily traceable. The Harvard Crimson later published an article naming Segev as a plaintiff.

Adding insult to injury, the university allegedly went on to reward two of the student-employees involved in the October incident. One was awarded a paid fellowship with the prestigious Harvard Law Review, and the other graduated as class marshal of Harvard Divinity School.

After Oct. 7, 2023, antisemitism exploded on Harvards campus, said Mark Pinkert, a partner at Holtzman Vogel and legal counsel for Segev. Yoav Segev was violently assaulted simply because he is Jewish. Harvard not only failed to protect him  it empowered his attackers.

This type of treatment would be unimaginable for other minorities at Harvard, except Jews, Pinkert told JNS.

The lawsuit paints a stark portrait of what Segev describes as a hostile and discriminatory campus environment. It claims Harvards failure to act  and its alleged retaliation  has had lasting effects on his health, mental wellbeing and sense of security.

In response, Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said the university remains committed to combating antisemitism and enforcing our anti-harassment and anti-discrimination rules and policies at all times, and that it would defend the university against these claims.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
An Arab armed with a knife approached a group of yeshiva bochurim on Shabbos afternoon in Lucerne, Switzerland, and began attacking one of the bochurim.

Bchasdei Hashem, with the intervention of the other bochurim and local passersby, the Arab fled the scene before he harmed anyone.

Police forces were called to the area and collected all security camera footage.

One of the bochurim told Kikar HShabbat the details of the incident. The bochurim went for a walk before Shalosh Seudos. Upon arriving at the train station area, they were attacked by an Arab man, armed with a knife, who, while shouting Pro-Palestine and other remarks, began stabbing one of the students in the stomach. The bochurim yelled for help and within seconds a crowd gathered at the scene. The Arab ran away before the arrival of police forces who were called to the scene.

The police officers began collecting testimonies from the bochurim, but since it was Shabbos, the bochurim refused to sign any documents or travel to the local police station to file a complaint.

The bochurim offered to come to the police station on Motzei Shabbos or Sunday, but the police told them that the complaints department is closed at night and on Sundays, which means that the bochurim cant file a complaint until Monday, allowing the assailant ample time to flee the area.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
IDF spokesperson in Arabic Avichay Adraee on Sunday issued an evacuation notice to the residents of the southwestern area of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

This is the first time that the IDF is planning to carry out a ground operation in the Deir al-Balah area, previously avoiding combat in the area due to fear for the safety of hostages thought to be held there. During the last hostage release deal, some of the hostages were released from the Deir al-Balah area and the fact that no ground operation had taken place there could be seen in the footage, with buildings standing intact.

The IDFs announcement comes against the backdrop of the crisis in the negotiations for a hostage release deal. The political echelon is seeking to exert further pressure on Hamas via military operations.

The IDF continues to operate with great force to destroy the enemy and terrorist infrastructure in the area and is expanding its operations to an area where it has not previously operated, Adraee stated. For your safety, evacuate immediately south towards Al-Mawasi.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, which represents some hostages families, issued a statement in response: The hostages families are anxious and shaken by the publications that the IDF intends to operate in areas in the central Gaza Strip where it has not yet operated. Can anyone promise us that this decision will not come at the cost of the loss of our loved ones? We expect the prime minister, the defense minister, and senior IDF officials to urgently explain to Israeli citizens and the families what the combat plan is and how exactly it protects the hostages who are still in Gaza.

Unfortunately, despite all the spin and false promises, many families have already learned firsthand the meaning of expanding the fighting in the shadow of negotiations and the lack of a clear war plan. One can only recall with horror the murder of the six hostages last August.

For the hostages, this is not a bargaining chip in negotiations but a tangible and immediate danger to their fate. Enough!

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
The Druze religious sect, enmeshed in an outbreak of tit-for-tat violence in Syria, began roughly 1,000 years ago as an offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam.

Most Druze religious practices are shrouded in secrecy, with outsiders not allowed to convert and intermarriage strongly discouraged.

More than half 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.

Heres a look at the Druze sect:

The principles Druze live by

A core social doctrine for Druze is defending their brothers, meaning defending one another, said Makram Rabah, assistant professor of history at the American University of Beirut.

If a Druze person anywhere in the world needed the help of another Druze person, he would automatically get it, said Rabah. Youre part of a bigger community.

He stressed how social and cultural rituals keep the community together. Theyre a big tribe, he said.

Intermarriage is not encouraged. Rabah said mainstream Druze would shun people who marry outside the sect. You are under the risk of being isolated socially and community wise, he said.

How Druze have interacted with the Syrian government

Syrias Druze have a long history of cutting their own path to survive among the countrys powerhouses. They were heavily involved in revolts against Ottoman and French colonial rule to establish the modern Syrian state.

The Druze largely celebrated the downfall in December of Syrian autocrat Bashar Assad but were divided over interim President Ahmad al-Sharaas rule.

The latest violence has left the community more skeptical of Syrias new leadership and doubtful of peaceful coexistence.

In Israel, members of the Druze community had called for intervention to protect the Druze in Syria.

Druze have armed militias

Multiple Druze armed militias have existed for years, originally set up to protect their communities against Islamic State group fighters and drug smugglers coming in from the eastern desert.

Assad reluctantly gave Druze a degree of autonomy, as they wanted to avoid being involved on the front lines. The Druze were exempted from conscription into the Syrian army and instead set up local armed factions made of workers and farmers to patrol their areas.

Since Assads ouster, the Druze have been reluctant to lay down their arms, with the recent violence, torture, abductions, and murders justifying the move.

(AP)
New details are emerging about Israels intelligence and operational preparations that led to the attack in Iran, following serious warnings about Tehrans progress in advancing its military nuclear program.

Channel 12 News reported that the political leadership instructed the IDF last November to prepare for an attack in Iran.

Immediately afterward, the IDFs Intelligence Directorate formed a special team, a covert unit that included technological experts who focused on analyzing progress in the nuclear field.

As early as January, the team warned of Tehrans initiation of a systematic project to produce the final stage required for launching a nuclear missile. Around the same time, another warning bell was noted when the Intelligence Directorates research division published a warning about disturbing signs of Iranian nuclear weapons development.

The warning noted secret activity by a team of Iranian nuclear scientists who were working on previously untested componentssignaling progress towards a critical stage of the program.

In May, the head of the Intelligence Directorate, Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, echoed the warnings and alerted the political leadership: I would like to warn decision-makers about troubling developments in Irans nuclear weapons program. It appears that Iran is making determined progress, narrowing both the technological and cognitive gaps needed to complete the development of a nuclear weapon.

At this stage, preparations for the attack were already in full swing. The operational requirement was to launch a powerful opening attack, including the simultaneous elimination of senior officials, commanders and key nuclear scientists.

The Intelligence Directorate tracked multiple potential locations for each targetincluding offices, private residences, hideouts, and even places they had occasionally stayed over the past year.

During the two weeks leading up to the attack, the Intelligence Directorate developed a technological tool that monitored, in real time, the number of senior officials who could be eliminated in real time. This tool determined the exact timingearly Friday morningand the attack locations for each target.

The result: the elimination of over 30 senior officials, including the Iranian Chief of Staff, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, and senior nuclear scientists.

Two of the senior officials who were supposed to be at home ended up going on vacation, but they were located and eliminated at what turned out to their final vacation.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Sunday sent a letter to Justice Minister Yariv Levin in which he demands that Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara be forced to adhere to the guidelines that she herself set and bear the cost of her personal defense in the Supreme Courts discussions regarding her dismissal by the government.

In the past, Baharav-Miara instructed ministers, including Ben-Gvir, to hire their own representation concerning petitions against their continued tenure. However, now that she herself is in that position, she has not hired her own representation but is using the resources of the State Attorneys Office to defend herself.

Ben Gvir stated in the letter, It is astonishing to see how someone who sets guidelines for the government blatantly deviates from them when it concerns herself. The Attorney General not only thwarts the governments policy since the day she took office but also uses public funds and employees to fight against the Israeli government in a petition dealing with her dismissal. The public should not pay for her defense, nor should the employees who report to her.

Ben Gvir noted that according to Baharav-Miaras own directive, elected officials cannot be represented by the state regarding petitions against their continued tenure. But now, contrary to the rules she set, she is using the petitions department in the State Attorneys Office to defend herself, in a clear conflict of interest and at the expense of the taxpayer.

The list of reasons for which the government is obligated to dismiss her is longer than the sea. And now, there is also a brimming bucket of hypocrisy, double standards, and contempt for elected officials and the public as a whole, Ben-Gvir concluded.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
A rift is deepening between the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as senior White House officials express growing alarm over what they describe as Netanyahus increasingly aggressive and unpredictable military actions in the Middle East.

In a series of remarks reported by Axios, multiple U.S. officials voiced concern that Netanyahus behavior is undermining President Donald Trumps regional strategyespecially in Syria and Gazajust weeks after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed to stabilize southern Syria.

Bibi is acting like a madman. He bombs everything all the time. This could undermine what Trump is trying to do, one White House official said, using Netanyahus nickname.

Another official described Netanyahu as like a child who just wont behave, pointing to a series of unexpected Israeli airstrikes, including one that damaged Gazas only Catholic church, during a recent operation. The IDF confirmed the incident, attributing it to stray artillery fragments.

The tensions reportedly escalated further following Israels bombing of Syrian military assets in Suwayda earlier this week, despite direct appeals from U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to de-escalate. Six U.S. officials told Axios the White House was caught by surprise by Israels renewed bombing campaign, which came just days after Netanyahu met with President Trump in Washington.

The President doesnt like turning on the television and seeing bombs dropped in a country hes actively trying to stabilize, one official said, referencing Trumps efforts to support a fragile new government in Syria. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly warned Netanyahu to stand down after the initial strikes, but Israel continued operations near the Syrian presidential palace and military headquarters.

The Israeli government defended the strikes, saying they were in response to Syrian military involvement in violent attacks against the Druze minority in Suwayda. A senior Israeli official pushed back on the criticism, saying Israel has a long-standing commitment to protect the Druzemany of whom serve in the IDFand that Netanyahus actions were based on security intelligence, not domestic politics.

The U.S. wants stability in Syria but doesnt understand our obligation to protect the Druze, the official said.

However, within the White House, frustration appears to be mounting. Several aides close to Trumpincluding Barrack and White House envoy Steve Witkoffreportedly warned the president that Netanyahus conduct could backfire. One official noted, Bibis political agenda is driving his senses. It will turn out to be a big mistake for him long-term.

Officials also cited growing concern over Netanyahus far-right coalition partners and the influence of extremist elements on Israeli policy. This unease has reportedly spread within the broader MAGA movement as well, which has historically been staunchly pro-Israel.

Another source of friction emerged last weekend, when a Palestinian American, Saif Musallet, was killed by a mob of Israeli settlers. The Trump administration condemned the attack as terrorism, with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, a longtime Netanyahu ally, releasing a rare public rebuke. Huckabee also criticized Israels recent visa restrictions on American evangelical travelers.

Despite these tensions, President Trump has yet to publicly criticize Netanyahu. It remains unclear whether Trump fully shares his aides sense of urgency or whether he views Netanyahus escalations as ultimately beneficial to U.S. regional objectives.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Admiral Group plc (LON:ADM  Get Free Report) insider Michael Brierley purchased 28 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 15th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 3,272 ($43.92) per share, with a total value of 916.16 ($1,229.74).

Admiral Group Price Performance

ADM opened at GBX 3,326 ($44.64) on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of GBX 3,317.81 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 3,049.40. The company has a market capitalization of 10.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.38, a PEG ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.18. Admiral Group plc has a 1-year low of GBX 2,383 ($31.99) and a 1-year high of GBX 3,474.42 ($46.64). 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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Shares of CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the ten ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, seven have issued a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $152.78.

A number of research firms have issued reports on CBRE. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on CBRE Group from $163.00 to $141.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, April 10th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on CBRE Group from $143.00 to $147.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. UBS Group upped their price objective on CBRE Group from $130.00 to $146.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 2nd. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $170.00 price objective (up previously from $160.00) on shares of CBRE Group in a research note on Thursday, June 12th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on CBRE Group from $129.00 to $131.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th.

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Insider Activity

Institutional Investors Weigh In On CBRE Group

In other CBRE Group news, insider Chad J. Doellinger sold 494 shares of CBRE Group stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $126.05, for a total transaction of $62,268.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 27,945 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,522,467.25. The trade was a 1.74% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, CFO Emma E. Giamartino sold 1,972 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.10, for a total value of $254,585.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 105,371 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,603,396.10. This represents a 1.84% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 6,031 shares of company stock worth $814,080 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.42% of the companys stock.

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CBRE. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in shares of CBRE Group by 322.9% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 14,492 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,903,000 after purchasing an additional 11,065 shares in the last quarter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of CBRE Group during the 4th quarter valued at $405,000. Independent Advisor Alliance grew its position in shares of CBRE Group by 34.9% during the 4th quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 2,217 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $291,000 after purchasing an additional 574 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of CBRE Group by 175.0% during the 4th quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 62,347 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $8,185,000 after purchasing an additional 39,678 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of CBRE Group by 42.8% during the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 684 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $90,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.41% of the companys stock.

CBRE Group Price Performance

CBRE Group stock opened at $139.47 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The company has a market capitalization of $41.58 billion, a PE ratio of 42.65 and a beta of 1.30. CBRE Group has a one year low of $96.38 and a one year high of $147.75. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $133.13 and a 200 day simple moving average of $131.79.

CBRE Group (NYSE:CBRE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The financial services provider reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.81 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $8.91 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.73 billion. CBRE Group had a return on equity of 17.37% and a net margin of 2.74%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.78 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that CBRE Group will post 5.99 EPS for the current fiscal year.

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CBRE Group, Inc operates as a commercial real estate services and investment company in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The Advisory Services segment offers strategic advice and execution to owners, investors, and occupiers of real estate in connection with leasing of offices, and industrial and retail space; clients fully integrated property sales services under the CBRE Capital Markets brand; clients commercial mortgage and structured financing services; originates and sells commercial mortgage loans; property management services, such as marketing, building engineering, accounting, and financial services on a contractual basis for owners of and investors in office, industrial, and retail properties; and valuation services that include market value appraisals, litigation support, discounted cash flow analyses, and feasibility studies, as well as consulting services, such as property condition reports, hotel advisory, and environmental consulting.

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CLEAR Secure, Inc. (NYSE:YOU  Get Free Report) Director Adam Wiener sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.00, for a total value of $150,000.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 207,634 shares in the company, valued at $6,229,020. The trade was a 2.35% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link.

Adam Wiener also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, July 1st, Adam Wiener sold 3,000 shares of CLEAR Secure stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.50, for a total value of $82,500.00.

CLEAR Secure Stock Down 2.6%

Shares of CLEAR Secure stock opened at $30.35 on Friday. CLEAR Secure, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $18.23 and a fifty-two week high of $38.88. The firm has a market cap of $4.04 billion, a PE ratio of 18.97 and a beta of 1.25. The businesss fifty day moving average is $26.39 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.55.

CLEAR Secure Dividend Announcement

CLEAR Secure ( NYSE:YOU Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 8th. The company reported $0.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.30 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $211.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $208.02 million. CLEAR Secure had a return on equity of 115.09% and a net margin of 21.96%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.28 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that CLEAR Secure, Inc. will post 0.98 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, June 10th were issued a $0.125 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, June 10th. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.65%. CLEAR Secures dividend payout ratio is currently 31.25%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on YOU shares. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $45.00 price objective on shares of CLEAR Secure in a research note on Monday, March 24th. Wall Street Zen downgraded CLEAR Secure from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, July 13th. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $32.00 price objective on shares of CLEAR Secure in a research note on Friday, May 9th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $32.00.

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Institutional Trading of CLEAR Secure

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lifted its holdings in CLEAR Secure by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 54,947 shares of the companys stock worth $1,524,000 after buying an additional 2,854 shares during the last quarter. Accurate Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in CLEAR Secure by 12.8% in the second quarter. Accurate Wealth Management LLC now owns 37,179 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,082,000 after acquiring an additional 4,220 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its stake in CLEAR Secure by 61.8% in the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,806 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 690 shares during the period. Park Avenue Securities LLC bought a new stake in shares of CLEAR Secure during the second quarter valued at approximately $225,000. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of CLEAR Secure by 6.6% during the second quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 25,246 shares of the companys stock valued at $732,000 after buying an additional 1,565 shares during the last quarter. 73.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About CLEAR Secure

(Get Free Report)

Clear Secure, Inc operates a secure identity platform under the CLEAR brand name primarily in the United States. Its secure identity platform is a multi-layered infrastructure consisting of front-end, including enrollment, verification, and linking, as well as back-end. The company also offers CLEAR Plus, a consumer aviation subscription service, which enables access to predictable entry lanes in airport security checkpoints, as well as access to broader network; and CLEAR mobile app, which is used to enroll new members and improve the experience for existing members.

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BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:BFZ  Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 4,933 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.74, for a total value of $52,980.42. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 4,542,761 shares in the company, valued at approximately $48,789,253.14. This represents a 0.11% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Large shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, July 15th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 7,132 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.79, for a total value of $76,954.28.

On Monday, July 14th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 46,385 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.83, for a total transaction of $502,349.55.

On Friday, July 11th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 14,505 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.78, for a total value of $156,363.90.

On Thursday, July 10th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 14,116 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.86, for a total value of $153,299.76.

On Wednesday, July 9th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 25,849 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.83, for a total transaction of $279,944.67.

On Monday, July 7th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 3,054 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.87, for a total transaction of $33,196.98.

On Wednesday, July 2nd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 33,982 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.85, for a total transaction of $368,704.70.

On Monday, June 30th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 43,937 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.80, for a total transaction of $474,519.60.

On Friday, June 27th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 31,062 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.80, for a total transaction of $335,469.60.

On Thursday, June 26th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 35,213 shares of BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.83, for a total transaction of $381,356.79.

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Stock Down 0.5%

Shares of NYSE BFZ opened at $10.55 on Friday. BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust has a fifty-two week low of $10.17 and a fifty-two week high of $12.23. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $10.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $10.97.

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust Announces Dividend

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be given a $0.059 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $0.71 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.71%.

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Elequin Capital LP purchased a new stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust in the 4th quarter valued at about $52,000. Shufro Rose & Co. LLC purchased a new stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust in the 1st quarter valued at about $110,000. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust in the 4th quarter valued at about $138,000. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. purchased a new stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust in the 4th quarter valued at about $147,000. Finally, Nomura Holdings Inc. purchased a new stake in BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust in the 4th quarter valued at about $150,000.

About BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust

(Get Free Report)

BlackRock California Municipal Income Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in investment grade municipal bonds that are exempt from regular federal and California income taxes.

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Profitability

This table compares Hugoton Royalty Trust and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Hugoton Royalty Trust N/A N/A N/A Hugoton Royalty Trust Competitors 57.69% 1,199.90% 167.41%

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Hugoton Royalty Trust and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Hugoton Royalty Trust $11.53 million N/A 1.04 Hugoton Royalty Trust Competitors $82.48 million $18.27 million 28.11

Hugoton Royalty Trusts rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Hugoton Royalty Trust. Hugoton Royalty Trust 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.

Volatility and Risk

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Hugoton Royalty Trust has a beta of -0.73, indicating that its stock price is 173% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Hugoton Royalty Trusts rivals have a beta of 0.32, indicating that their average stock price is 68% less volatile than the S&P 500.

17.0% of Hugoton Royalty Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 30.4% of shares of all OIL  US RYLTY TR companies are owned by institutional investors. 5.0% of shares of all OIL  US RYLTY TR companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Hugoton Royalty Trust rivals beat Hugoton Royalty Trust on 8 of the 8 factors compared.

Hugoton Royalty Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hugoton Royalty Trust operates as an express trust in the United States. It holds 80% net profits interests in various natural gas producing working interest properties in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming under conveyances. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Dallas, Texas.

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ADT (NYSE:ADT  Get Free Report) is one of 41 public companies in the PROTECTION  SFTY industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare ADT to related companies based on the strength of its earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, profitability, risk and analyst recommendations.

Profitability

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

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets ADT 11.03% 17.23% 4.07% ADT Competitors -19.22% -74.49% -1.08%

Dividends

ADT pays an annual dividend of $0.22 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. ADT pays out 37.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, PROTECTION  SFTY companies pay a dividend yield of 1.6% and pay out 44.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. ADT has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. ADT is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio ADT $4.90 billion $501.05 million 14.59 ADT Competitors $1.23 billion $110.42 million 50.87

This table compares ADT and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

ADT has higher revenue and earnings than its competitors. ADT 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.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings for ADT and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score ADT 0 3 1 0 2.25 ADT Competitors 347 648 1062 62 2.40

ADT currently has a consensus price target of $9.05, suggesting a potential upside of 6.97%. As a group, PROTECTION  SFTY companies have a potential upside of 10.14%. Given ADTs competitors stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe ADT has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

Volatility and Risk

ADT has a beta of 1.21, indicating that its stock price is 21% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, ADTs competitors have a beta of 8.62, indicating that their average stock price is 762% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

87.2% of ADT shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.9% of shares of all PROTECTION  SFTY companies are held by institutional investors. 2.7% of ADT shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 18.2% of shares of all PROTECTION  SFTY companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

ADT beats its competitors on 8 of the 15 factors compared.

ADT Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ADT Inc. provides security, interactive, and smart home solutions to residential and small business customers in the United States. It operates through two segments, Consumer and Small Business, and Solar. The company provides burglar and life safety alarms, smart security cameras, smart home automation systems, and video surveillance systems. It primarily offers security designed to detect intrusion, control access, sense movement, smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, temperature, and other environmental conditions and hazards; and address personal medical emergencies, such as injuries or unanticipated falls. The company also provides automation and smart home solutions that allow customers to use their smart phones, smart phone application, or touchscreen panels in their homes to arm and disarm their security systems; record and view real-time video; and creates customized and automated schedules for connected devices; programs systems to react to defined events; integrates system with third-party connected devices, such as cameras, lights, thermostats, appliances, and garage doors, as well as offers monitoring and maintenance services. In addition, the company offers energy storage solutions, energy efficiency upgrades, and roofing services. It offers its products under the ADT, ADT Pulse, ADT+, and ADT Commercial brand names. The company was formerly known as Prime Security Services Parent, Inc. and changed its name to ADT Inc. in September 2017. ADT Inc. was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.

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Bingham Private Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR  Free Report) by 21.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 3,046 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 531 shares during the quarter. Bingham Private Wealth LLCs holdings in Ingersoll Rand were worth $244,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Compass Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Ingersoll Rand by 62.8% in the 1st quarter. Compass Wealth Management LLC now owns 355 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its position in Ingersoll Rand by 8.6% in the 4th quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 1,825 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $165,000 after buying an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Arrow Financial Corp raised its position in Ingersoll Rand by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Arrow Financial Corp now owns 32,343 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,926,000 after buying an additional 149 shares during the last quarter. GeoWealth Management LLC raised its position in Ingersoll Rand by 10.2% in the 4th quarter. GeoWealth Management LLC now owns 1,726 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $156,000 after buying an additional 160 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC raised its position in Ingersoll Rand by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 10,655 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $853,000 after buying an additional 161 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.27% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on IR shares. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $104.00 target price (up from $91.00) on shares of Ingersoll Rand in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $94.00 to $77.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 14th. Melius Research set a $93.00 price objective on Ingersoll Rand in a report on Monday, July 14th. Barclays lifted their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $85.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $86.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 1st. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ingersoll Rand presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $99.42.

Insider Transactions at Ingersoll Rand

In related news, insider Vicente Reynal sold 38,657 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.03, for a total transaction of $3,209,690.71. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 193,186 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,040,233.58. This trade represents a 16.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Elizabeth Meloy Hepding sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.78, for a total value of $293,230.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 10,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at $920,407.08. This represents a 24.16% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.59% of the companys stock.

Ingersoll Rand Trading Down 2.5%

Shares of NYSE:IR opened at $85.55 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $34.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.35, a PEG ratio of 3.61 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 2.38 and a quick ratio of 1.76. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a 1 year low of $65.61 and a 1 year high of $106.03. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $83.71 and its 200-day moving average price is $83.14.

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.72 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.74 by ($0.02). Ingersoll Rand had a net margin of 11.30% and a return on equity of 12.33%. The firm had revenue of $1.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.73 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.78 EPS. The firms revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Ingersoll Rand Inc. will post 3.32 earnings per share for the current year.

Ingersoll Rand Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 15th were given a $0.02 dividend. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.09%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 15th. Ingersoll Rands payout ratio is 3.96%.

Ingersoll Rand announced that its board has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, May 1st that authorizes the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the industrial products company to purchase up to 3.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Ingersoll Rand Profile

(Free Report)

Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, gas, liquid, and solid flow creation technologies services and solutions worldwide. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. The Industrial Technologies and Services segment designs, manufactures, markets, and services air and gas compression, vacuum, and blower products; fluid transfer equipment and loading systems; and power tools and lifting equipment, including associated aftermarket parts, consumables, air treatment equipment, controls, other accessories, and services under the under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Nash, CompAir, Elmo Rietschle brands, etc.

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Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 89.0% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 603 shares of the investment management companys stock after buying an additional 284 shares during the quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $329,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 17.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,474 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,989,000 after acquiring an additional 508 shares in the last quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 7.0% in the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 888 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $508,000 after buying an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $583,000. Highview Capital Management LLC DE grew its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 4.7% during the 4th quarter. Highview Capital Management LLC DE now owns 3,817 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,186,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Blueshift Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter valued at $231,000. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 0.3%

Shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock opened at $708.31 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $647.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $601.08. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $437.37 and a 52-week high of $726.00. The firm has a market cap of $217.34 billion, a PE ratio of 15.61, a P/E/G ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.26, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 1.12.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 16th. The investment management company reported $10.91 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $9.82 by $1.09. The firm had revenue of $14.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.53 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 13.84% and a net margin of 12.37%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $8.62 EPS. On average, analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 29th will be issued a $4.00 dividend. This represents a $16.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 29th. This is a positive change from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 35.26%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. JMP Securities reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $600.00 price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Monday, July 14th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $650.00 to $785.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Barclays dropped their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $760.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Citizens Jmp restated a market perform rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets cut The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 price target for the company. in a report on Friday, April 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The Goldman Sachs Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $649.29.

View Our Latest Research Report on The Goldman Sachs Group

The Goldman Sachs Group Profile

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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Heritage Investors Management Corp trimmed its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 3.6% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 153,858 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 5,713 shares during the period. Heritage Investors Management Corps holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $9,384,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC now owns 17,763 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,004,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares during the period. Marcum Wealth LLC increased its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Marcum Wealth LLC now owns 19,296 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,177,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares in the last quarter. Heron Bay Capital Management lifted its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. Heron Bay Capital Management now owns 10,795 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $611,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 52,480 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,968,000 after acquiring an additional 221 shares during the period. Finally, Nemes Rush Group LLC raised its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 27,027 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,529,000 after purchasing an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently weighed in on BMY. Wall Street Zen lowered Bristol Myers Squibb from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 6th. Argus upgraded Bristol Myers Squibb to a hold rating in a report on Friday, April 25th. Piper Sandler assumed coverage on Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set an overweight rating and a $65.00 price objective for the company. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $55.00 price target on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $55.00 price target (down previously from $67.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $57.69.

Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Down 1.4%

BMY 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 firms fifty day simple moving average is $47.47 and its 200-day simple moving average is $52.91. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 12 month low of $41.90 and a 12 month high of $63.33. The company has a market capitalization of $96.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 0.36.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 24th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.50 by $0.30. The firm had revenue of $11.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.77 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 11.38% and a return on equity of 87.62%. Bristol Myers Squibbs quarterly revenue was down 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($4.40) earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current year.

Bristol Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.62 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.23%. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 92.88%.

Insider Activity at Bristol Myers Squibb

In related news, EVP Samit Hirawat acquired 4,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 25th. The stock was bought at an average price of $47.58 per share, with a total value of $202,215.00. Following the purchase, the executive vice president directly owned 83,513 shares in the company, valued at $3,973,548.54. The trade was a 5.36% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

(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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Meridian Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT  Free Report) by 0.5% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 22,490 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the quarter. Trane Technologies accounts for 1.3% of Meridian Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest position. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Trane Technologies were worth $7,577,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. WFA Asset Management Corp increased its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 208.3% during the 1st quarter. WFA Asset Management Corp now owns 74 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Minot DeBlois Advisors LLC bought a new position in Trane Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC bought a new position in Trane Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Trane Technologies during the 1st quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Bogart Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies by 97.9% during the 1st quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 93 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.97% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently commented on TT. Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on shares of Trane Technologies from $396.00 to $450.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $470.00 to $500.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $445.00 to $502.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $370.00 to $410.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 1st. Finally, HSBC upgraded shares of Trane Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $405.00 to $415.00 in a research report on Friday, April 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $441.40.

Trane Technologies Stock Performance

NYSE:TT opened at $447.29 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $429.64 and its 200 day moving average price is $383.59. Trane Technologies plc has a 1-year low of $298.15 and a 1-year high of $451.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 0.74. The firm has a market cap of $99.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.91 and a beta of 1.15.

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The company reported $2.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.20 by $0.25. Trane Technologies had a return on equity of 36.10% and a net margin of 13.47%. The business had revenue of $4.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.46 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.94 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Trane Technologies plc will post 12.83 EPS for the current year.

Trane Technologies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 5th will be issued a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.84%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 5th. Trane Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 31.28%.

Insider Transactions at Trane Technologies

In other Trane Technologies news, insider Donald E. Simmons sold 3,571 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $380.00, for a total value of $1,356,980.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 3,593 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,365,340. The trade was a 49.85% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.38% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Trane Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps.

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Wealth Alliance LLC increased its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report) by 13.7% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 111,370 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 13,447 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF accounts for approximately 2.3% of Wealth Alliance LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th largest position. Wealth Alliance LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $19,032,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Brighton Jones LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 25.3% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 10,028 shares of the companys stock worth $1,786,000 after purchasing an additional 2,023 shares during the last quarter. Heck Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $81,990,000. Highview Capital Management LLC DE boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 4.9% during the 4th quarter. Highview Capital Management LLC DE now owns 36,991 shares of the companys stock worth $6,587,000 after buying an additional 1,731 shares in the last quarter. Madison Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,453,000. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 63.1% during the 4th quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 212 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 82 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Up 4.2%

Shares of QUAL opened at $183.98 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $53.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05. The businesss fifty day moving average is $179.86 and its 200 day moving average is $176.38. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 12-month low of $148.34 and a 12-month high of $187.26.

About iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector.

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Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp trimmed its position in Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 6.5% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 23,424 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 1,621 shares during the period. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corps holdings in Accenture were worth $7,309,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of ACN. Visionary Wealth Advisors grew its stake in shares of Accenture by 3.5% in the 4th quarter. Visionary Wealth Advisors now owns 778 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $274,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares during the period. Vivaldi Capital Management LP boosted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 3.6% in the 4th quarter. Vivaldi Capital Management LP now owns 782 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $292,000 after acquiring an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 418 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $147,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares in the last quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,981 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $3,863,000 after acquiring an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sentinus LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 4.2% in the 4th quarter. Sentinus LLC now owns 763 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $268,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. 75.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 2,251 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $282.45, for a total transaction of $635,794.95. Following 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 transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Mauro Macchi sold 500 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction on Friday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.34, for a total transaction of $141,170.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 2,283 shares in the company, valued at approximately $644,582.22. The trade was a 17.97% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 5,454 shares of company stock valued at $1,646,780 in the last quarter. 0.02% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Accenture Stock Down 0.1%

Accenture stock opened at $282.37 on Friday. Accenture PLC has a twelve month low of $273.19 and a twelve month high of $398.35. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $306.32 and a 200-day moving average price of $324.54. The company has a market capitalization of $176.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.48, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.49 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.32 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $17.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.26 billion. Accenture had a net margin of 11.61% and a return on equity of 26.55%. Accentures revenue for the quarter was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.13 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Accenture PLC will post 12.73 EPS for the current year.

Accenture Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 10th will be issued a $1.48 dividend. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.10%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 10th. Accentures payout ratio is 47.13%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Mizuho set a $348.00 price target on Accenture and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 24th. Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on shares of Accenture from $364.00 to $355.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $395.00 target price (up previously from $390.00) on shares of Accenture in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Barclays lowered their target price on Accenture from $390.00 to $360.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, June 23rd. Finally, Guggenheim lowered their target price on Accenture from $360.00 to $335.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, June 23rd. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $365.43.

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About Accenture

(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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J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. increased its position in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP  Free Report) by 82.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 24,082 shares of the payment services companys stock after acquiring an additional 10,852 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc.s holdings in American Express were worth $6,479,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of American Express by 5.5% during the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 680,308 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $183,037,000 after buying an additional 35,295 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc boosted its position in shares of American Express by 1.4% in the first quarter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc now owns 167,534 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $45,243,000 after purchasing an additional 2,259 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its stake in American Express by 6.4% in the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 94,458 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $25,088,000 after buying an additional 5,693 shares in the last quarter. Navis Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in American Express by 368.7% during the first quarter. Navis Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,548 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $955,000 after acquiring an additional 2,791 shares during the period. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in American Express by 8.9% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 95,443 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $25,679,000 after acquiring an additional 7,822 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.33% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of American Express in a research report on Monday, July 14th. BTIG Research set a $277.00 price target on shares of American Express and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Monday, July 14th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on American Express from $250.00 to $311.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $327.00 price target on American Express in a report on Wednesday, July 2nd. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $327.00 price objective (up from $300.00) on shares of American Express in a report on Wednesday, July 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $307.68.

American Express Stock Performance

Shares of American Express stock opened at $308.38 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $304.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $291.09. The company has a quick ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. The company has a market capitalization of $216.05 billion, a PE ratio of 21.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 1.25. American Express Company has a 52 week low of $220.43 and a 52 week high of $329.14.

American Express (NYSE:AXP  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 18th. The payment services company reported $4.08 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.86 by $0.22. The company 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 firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.49 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that American Express Company will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.82 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.06%. American Expresss payout ratio is currently 23.02%.

Insider Buying and Selling at American Express

In other news, insider Howard Grosfield sold 9,450 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.50, for a total transaction of $2,603,475.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 9,402 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,590,251. This represents a 50.13% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Glenda G. Mcneal sold 3,019 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 29th. The stock was 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 approximately $2,889,822.54. The trade was a 21.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

American Express 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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Twin Capital Management Inc. trimmed its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 2.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 17,947 shares of the companys stock after selling 363 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company comprises about 1.7% of Twin Capital Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 8th biggest position. Twin Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $14,823,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of LLY. Garner Asset Management Corp raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. Garner Asset Management Corp now owns 532 shares of the companys stock worth $411,000 after buying an additional 12 shares during the period. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 22.0% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 9,597 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,409,000 after acquiring an additional 1,730 shares in the last quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,471 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,136,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC now owns 1,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,243,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.1% during the 4th quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG now owns 64,758 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,993,000 after acquiring an additional 2,568 shares in the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,100.00 to $1,050.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued an overweight rating and a $975.00 target price for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $892.00 to $888.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. HSBC downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a reduce rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $1,150.00 to $700.00 in a research report on Monday, April 28th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, June 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,012.56.

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $771.78 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $767.03 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $800.02. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $677.09 and a 12-month high of $972.53. The firm has a market cap of $731.45 billion, a PE ratio of 62.80, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.18.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.64 by ($1.30). The company had revenue of $12.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.77 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.67% and a return on equity of 85.51%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 45.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.58 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be given a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.78%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 48.82%.

Eli Lilly and Company 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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Eagle Bay Advisors LLC grew its stake in Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report) by 3.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,614 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after purchasing an additional 89 shares during the quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLCs holdings in Oracle were worth $365,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in shares of Oracle by 189.3% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 153,580 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $25,593,000 after buying an additional 100,494 shares during the last quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Oracle by 8.1% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 5,418 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $903,000 after buying an additional 404 shares during the last quarter. Magnetar Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Oracle during the 4th quarter valued at about $394,000. Independent Solutions Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Oracle by 9.3% during the 4th quarter. Independent Solutions Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,393 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $232,000 after buying an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Millstone Evans Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Oracle during the 4th quarter valued at about $753,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.44% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have commented on ORCL shares. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on shares of Oracle from $145.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, June 12th. Roth Capital restated a hold rating on shares of Oracle in a research report on Wednesday, June 18th. JMP Securities upped their target price on shares of Oracle from $240.00 to $315.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research report on Friday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a $240.00 target price (up previously from $200.00) on shares of Oracle in a research report on Thursday, June 12th. Finally, Westpark Capital upped their target price on shares of Oracle from $195.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, June 12th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-three have given a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $218.29.

Oracle Stock Down 1.4%

ORCL stock opened at $245.30 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.07, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.75. The firm has a market cap of $689.01 billion, a PE ratio of 56.52, a P/E/G ratio of 3.67 and a beta of 1.39. Oracle Corporation has a 12 month low of $118.86 and a 12 month high of $251.60. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $196.21 and a 200 day simple moving average of $168.95.

Oracle (NYSE:ORCL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, June 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.06. Oracle had a net margin of 21.68% and a return on equity of 87.34%. The business had revenue of $15.90 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.58 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.63 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Oracle Corporation will post 5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Oracle Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 24th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 10th will be given a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 10th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.82%. Oracles payout ratio is 46.08%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Oracle news, Director Naomi O. Seligman sold 3,303 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $233.32, for a total value of $770,655.96. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 31,447 shares in the company, valued at $7,337,214.04. This represents a 9.51% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Rona Alison Fairhead bought 480 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 7th. The stock was bought at an average price of $233.87 per share, with a total value of $112,257.60. Following the transaction, the director owned 22,110 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,170,865.70. This represents a 2.22% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 448,669 shares of company stock worth $85,555,309. Insiders own 42.20% of the companys stock.

About Oracle

(Free Report)

Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

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

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Actually, good friends who are trustworthy (or at least honest about being scumbags) are probably more important than satisfying any kind of demographic requirement . . . Nevertheless, whilst not quite local . . . This bit of advice from the former Commander-In-Chief is worthy of consideration . . .

During his guest appearance on his wife and brother-in-law's podcast, the former president discussed raising "emotionally intelligent" young men and why boys need male figures other than their fathers in their lives . . .



The ex-president argued that men need LGBTQ friends to model kindness and empathy and to be a role model to their own kids, who may come out as gay or non-binary.



"You need that, to show empathy and kindness," he continued. "And by the way, you need that person in your friend group, so that if you then have a boy who is gay or non-binary or whatever, they have somebody that they can go, 'Okay, I'm not alone in this,' right? So that, I think, is creating that community. I know it's corny, but that's what they need."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Barack Obama says men need gay friends to teach empathy, be role models to kids Former President Barack Obama urged men to have gay friends as role models for their kids and to teach them kindness, during a podcast appearance this week.

Barack Obama Explains Why Every Man Needs LGBTQ+ Friends While speaking on his wife Michelle Obama's podcast, Barack opened up about the importance of raising "emotionally intelligent, competent men."

Developing . . .
We covered this protest this week but a new write-up deserves another look for Sunday.

Accordingly and according to progressive/activist National Catholic Reporter . . .

KANSAS CITY CHRISTIAN PROTESTERS CASTIGATE ICE WITH "DOMESTIC TERRORISM" TAG FOR ENFORCING MAGA'S CRACKDOWN!!!

From our perspective, we think that denizens of the political discourse are getting a little too comfortable using that kind of language . . .

And this advocacy ignores polling that suggests Democratic Party support for MAGA mass deportations along with the inconvenient fact that Prez Trump still lags far behind former Prez Obama in deportations according to all known and verifiable government data.

Accordingly, here's the testimony from the group . . .

The United Church of Christ passed a resolution at its General Synod this week denouncing what it called "domestic terrorism" by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing the U.S. Constitution.



The denomination's criticism focused on immigration raids "carried out by ICE agents working without uniforms, wearing masks or refusing to identify themselves."

The measure was approved July 14 by a vote of 627-8, with one abstention, at the UCC's 35th biennial General Synod, which began July 11 and continued through July 15 in Kansas City, Missouri. The resolution reaffirmed a prior resolution from the 31st synod, in 2017, "On Becoming an Immigrant Welcoming Church."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

National Catholic Reporter: United Church of Christ synod denounces ICE raids as 'domestic terrorism'



Developing . . .
In this post we notice a national robbery scheme linked to Super Bowl ballers in addition to local stories concerning ALLEGED misdeeds, police action, court cases and community outreach.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

DOJ files charges against Kansas City men accused of robbing metro banks Two men from Kansas City are being charged after a string of bank and business robberies around the Kansas City Metro, the United States Department of Justice says.

NYC pawn shop owner pleads guilty to his role in burglary of Mahomes, Kelce, and other star athletes' homes "I am very sorry for my actions," the 44-year-old New Jersey resident said in Brooklyn federal court.

'It's frustrating': Several car windows smashed in Overland Park neighborhood Police believe around 1 a.m. Friday, a group of possibly teenagers went around bashing people's car windows near 124th and Pflumm.

'Reckless actions' alleged in new civil suit against Independence officers A lawyer representing the family of Maria Pike and her infant Destinii Hope filed a wrongful death lawsuit Thursday in Jackson County Circuit Court.

Bill honoring slain Kansas City paramedic could increase penalties for attacking first responders The bill calls for anyone who is convicted of knowingly assaulting and seriously injuring a working first responder to face up to 10 years in prison.

'We just want our stuff back': Family at a loss after burglary leaves them without valuables worth $13,000 Chandler Coon and his family have been sleeping in their living room after thieves broke into their home Monday afternoon, making off with more than $13,000 worth of valuables.

19-year-old identified as victim in deadly Kansas City shooting at Penn Valley Park Kansas City Missouri police say the victims drove themselves to the Crossroads after the shooting at Penn Valley Park

Man charged with shooting, killing the mother of his children during argument A Kansas City man has been charged with murder after investigators say he shot and killed a woman at an apartment complex on the south side of the metro.

Platte County man sentenced to 20 years in prison for 'brutal' beating of girlfriend A Riverside, Missouri, man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for brutally assaulting his girlfriend in 2019.

Pair charged after cutting cables at cell tower that serves hundreds in the metro A pair has been charged for cutting cables at a cellphone tower and disrupting service to hundreds.

Kansas City woman charged with manslaughter in deadly fentanyl overdose A Kansas City woman is charged with involuntary manslaughter in a February fentanyl overdose death.

Kansas City, Missouri, police searching for suspect in August 2024 homicide The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is searching for the suspect in an August 2024 homicide.

Police investigating deadly shooting in Kansas City, Kansas Tuesday night KCK police officers responded to the shooting just after 6 p.m. in the area of N. 25th Street and Freeman Avenue.

Lenexa tax preparer sentenced to prison for false income tax returns Sixty-one-year-old Hophine Bwosinde pled guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in fraud and false statements.

With legal case behind him, Chiefs' Rice should talk to teens about reckless driving | Opinion The Kansas City Chiefs' Rashee Rice pleaded guilty to felonies in a Dallas crash, avoids prison, and commits to safe driving advocacy as part of his probation.

Former Jackson County politician says prison time could be good for his health Carnes says the federal investigation leading up to his 2022 indictment is "a case of incompetence" that current leaders of the FBI and Justice Department should look into.

Youth ambassadors lead peace walk to promote unity and a safer Kansas City In a display of youth-driven advocacy, more than a hundred teenagers marched along Troost Avenue on Thursday, calling for peace and unity in their community.

Vandals cause thousands in damage at three city parks in Independence Independence police are asking for the public's help after vandals caused thousands of dollars in damage at three city parks.

How long can I leave my car parked on Kansas City streets? What the law says Vehicles can park in free street spots around Kansas City for 2 days before they could potentially get towed, according to city ordinances and Missouri law.

Overland Park Police Department welcomes new K-9 officer Meet Ty, the Overland Park Police Department's newest K-9 officer.

Kansas City nonprofit unveils housing for domestic violence survivors Synergy Services in Kansas City is expanding its efforts to provide safe and dignified housing for domestic violence survivors with a new facility.

Lawmakers introduce 'Graham Hoffman Act' for crimes against first responders On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the "Graham Hoffman Act," increasing the penalties for crimes against first responders.

Developing . . .
The surprising success of NYC mayoral primary winner Zohran Mamdani has sparked debate amongst progressives regarding the future of the Democratic Party. This weekend the socialist democrat movement away from more moderate progressive goals evokes nationwide discussion of cowtown policy.

To wit . . .

WAPO FEATURES KANSAS CITY GROCERY STORE SUBSIDY FAIL WHILST PONDERING PROGRESSIVE MOVE TOWARD SOCIALISM!!!

Sadly, this was national recognition that Mayor Q didn't share BUT some of our smarter readers picked up the conversation and wanted to consider it . . .

Never mind that WAPO didn't scratch the surface of this LOCAL DISASTER and didn't include deets about CONSTANT THEFT, parking lot prostitution and/or the naked lady who kept coming in and lifting steaks.

Even if the report exists behind a paywall . . . We quickly jumped the fence in order to pull this quote:

KC Sun Fresh lost $885,000 last year and now has only about 4,000 shoppers a week. Thats down from 14,000 a few years ago, according to Emmet Pierson Jr., who leads Community Builders of Kansas City, the nonprofit that leases the site from the city. Despite a recent $750,000 cash infusion from the city, the shelves are almost bare.



Were in a dire situation, Pierson said.



As grocery prices continue to climb and 7 million Americans face losing federal food assistance, more cities and states across the country  in Illinois, Georgia and Wisconsin  are experimenting with the concept of publicly supported grocery stores as a way to help provide for low-income neighborhoods.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Kansas City poured millions into a grocery store. It still may close. More cities and states are experimenting with the concept of city-owned grocery stores, but these experiments often don't account for social issues.

Here's more of the free version posted online.

Developing . . .
On this Sunday, yet again, we're inspired by angel Candice to check out pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Seoul Food En Route To Locals

Kansas City's food truck scene is heating up. Try these 6 Asian and AANHPI kitchens More food trucks are popping up around Kansas City, especially during the summer. Around town you'll find these restauranteurs offering menus inspired by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cuisines.

Rock Chalk Cuts Coming Soon

'They saved our lives': Now, Kansas disability rights group's funding is in peril The center stands to lose more than 60% of its guaranteed federal funding in 2026 if the Trump administration's budget proposals are adopted as written.

Show-Me Puff, Puff, Give . . .

Missouri's low tobacco tax and minimal cessation funding concern health advocates Four F's and a C. Those were the grades Missouri received this year in the American Lung Association's annual State of Tobacco Control report, which urged the state to strengthen its tobacco control policies. One major sticking point?

Round World Glory

Billy Long will be sworn in as IRS commissioner, taking over an agency he once sought to close Former Missouri congressman Billy Long is set to be ceremonially sworn in as IRS commissioner on Friday

Local Good Deeds Celebrated

Northland nonprofit is filling gaps and building community from a church basement From town halls to tech classes, Parkville Living Center connects the community with resources like meals, workshops, and Gap Assistance. Learn more.

Great War Redux

Arts News: "Iron Harvest" exhibition documents WWI's chilling environmental legacy - KC STUDIO National WWI Museum and Memorial knew they wanted to do something about the Great War's environmental legacy.

Angel Shares Moment In Sun

Candice Swanepoel, 36, shows off her curves in swimsuit on sun-kissed shoot GOLDEN girl Candice Swanepoel blings her A game to a sun-kissed photoshoot. The supermodel's dazzling accessories included a chain belt as she showed off a cozzie from her own swimwear range Tropic...

MAGA Moves Money?!?

Trump Drafted a Letter to Fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell. But Can He? Here's how President Trump may go about removing Fed Chair Jerome Powell and what it could mean for the economy.

Hint: It's Going Progressively Worse . . .

Here's where Democrats stand in polls at Trump's six-month mark Recent polling is painting a mixed picture for Democrats as they look to chart a path forward in the wake of their loss to President Trump in November. Trump's approval rating remains comfortably u...

Funny Tech Money Stays Winning

Crypto sector breaches $4 trillion in market value during pivotal week The crypto sector's market value hit $4 trillion on Friday, according to CoinGecko, marking a milestone that reflects its shift from a nascent asset class to a central part of the global investment landscape.

MAGA Is Revolting?!?

Trump meets toughest opponent: his Epstein-fixated base An aggressive pressure campaign forced Trump to flinch, generating a rare moment of weakness.

La Migra Detains Solider

A US citizen and Army veteran was detained at an immigration raid and held for 3 days. His family scrambled to find him | CNN George Retes, a 25-year-old Army veteran and father of two, had been planning his three-year-old daughter's Minnie Mouse birthday party at the park for weeks.

Holy Land Delivers Walking Papers

Israel Orders Civilians Out Of Central Gaza Ahead Of New Campaign The Israeli military on Sunday issued an evacuation order for Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip, warning of imminent action against Hamas militants in an area "where it has not operated before".

Vlad FINALLY Ready To Deal

Kremlin says Putin is ready to discuss peace in Ukraine but wants to achieve goals Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to move toward a peace settlement for Ukraine but Moscow's main objective is to achieve its goals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television in a clip published on Sunday.

Redux: El Papa Talks Peace

Pope Leo XIV renews his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking on Sunday after his Angelus prayer, he urged the international community to respect humanitarian laws and protect civilians.

Home Team Drops Latest

Royals bullpen blows another game; they lose to Marlins 3-1 The Royals are not making a good case that they should be considered fringe playoff contenders

Cowtown Swamp Cont'd

Spotty rain chances Sunday and Monday Extreme heat takes over all of next week

Creed - Higher is the Sunday song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
At the end of this month Kansas City's Westside suffered double tragedy that escaped the local news scene.

We have to be careful with this one but the news is too important to ignore . . . Here are the basics:

Kansas City Westsiders and the metro Latino community mourns after the lives of two high-profile locals were (likely) tragically ended by way of fentanyl OD.

These guys were in their early 40s, beloved, with big extended families . . . Many of whom are still in shock. We don't want to delve into their biz but the reality is that the ODs represent a PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT and by sharing this warning with the community we only want to help so that others don't have to suffer this kind of tragedy.

Meanwhile . . . The political debate continues as partisans argue over harm reduction strategies vs. border control and legal crackdowns.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Trump administration extends opioid emergency as fentanyl deaths drop U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the Trump administration will continue to treat opioid overdoses as a "national security" emergency even as fentanyl deaths decline.

Pam Bondi Claims Trump Saved 75% of Americans From a Fentanyl Overdose "Are you ready for this, media?" the attorney general asked, but what followed was a heaping pile of horsecrap about a very serious subject.

US drug overdose deaths saw an unprecedented drop in 2024, but federal cuts could threaten momentum | CNN Drug overdose deaths in the United States made an unprecedented drop to the lowest they've been in five years, according to a new federal government estimate released Wednesday.

Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 20. A total of 327 families, consisting of 1,433 people, have returned to Khojaly district, the villages of Ballicha, Tezebina and Khanyurdu, said Elchin Yusubov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Khankendi, Aghdara and Khojaly districts at a meeting with the participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum in Khojaly, Trend reports.

According to him, another 400 families will return to Khojaly by the end of this year.

About 140 foreign guests from 52 countries are participating in the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, including representatives of more than 30 news agencies, 7 international organizations, about 80 media structures, as well as other specialized organizations. The forum under the theme Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI is being held from July 19 to 21, 2025.
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 20. The future of news agencies lies in their ability to adapt to rapid technological changes while strengthening cooperation, said Alexandru Giboi, Secretary General of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA), during a round table discussion titled AZERTAC at 105: The Past, Present, and Future of Cooperation, held in Lachin, Trend reports.

Giboi opened his remarks by emphasizing the need to look ahead rather than dwell on the past.

The topic of today is cooperation. And although in the title we have past, present, and future, both due to time constraints and also due to the fact that it makes no sense at this point to look back, but to look forward, I would focus on the future, he said. The future is something which, as news agencies and media specialists, we all should look to.

Speaking to media professionals gathered for the event marking AZERTACs 105th anniversary, Giboi underscored the unpredictability of the digital age and its impact on journalism.

We live in times now in which, I believe, it's more difficult than ever to get a glimpse or a better understanding of what the future will look like due to extremely rapid advancements in technology, due to challenges with our partners and customers who are facing pressures from social platforms, he said.

Giboi noted that even the present is marked by considerable strain, with news agencies confronting a fast-changing landscape.

News agencies are facing challenging times in the present and uncertainty in the future. Of course, this doesn't mean that we shouldn't be optimistic. We shouldn't try to do our best to evolve in a way that keeps up with the times, he stated. It's very difficult. It's not easy to keep up with the times, the pace everything's going.

Reflecting on the speed of technological disruption, Giboi recalled his own prediction about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

If you remember, a bit more than three years ago, we didn't know about artificial intelligence at the level that we know today. I was discussing with someone at a forum some time ago, two years ago, and I said, look, it's possible that in two years' time we're going to have videos created automatically by software, and that would pose a huge challenge to the creative industry, he recounted. But it seems that I was close, and that type of challenge is now one that is faced also by news agencies worldwide.

He pointed out that the impact of artificial intelligence varies from one media organization to another, depending on their readiness and level of integration.

Of course, different as we are among ourselves, we face these challenges in different ways, and we meet them at different levels. For some news agencies, maybe artificial intelligence is not so important right now. For others, they might be already very much engaged in deploying it or using it in ways in their new jobs, he said.

Giboi concluded by reaffirming the importance of future-oriented dialogue, especially within platforms like EANA and forums such as the one hosted by AZERTAC.
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 20. Preserving the past, building the future - this inscription we saw yesterday in Khankendi is just as true for news agencies, said Kiril Valchev, Director General of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), as he addressed a roundtable titled "AZERTAC at 105: The Past, Present, and Future of Cooperation" held in Lachin, Trend reports.

Reflecting on the long-standing ties between AZERTAC and BTA, Valchev noted that the partnership dates back to 2004.

We celebrated 21 years since the beginning of the partnership between the national news agencies of Azerbaijan and Bulgaria, he said. Two years ago, we deepened our cooperation with a new agreement that allows each agency to publish at least one news story with a photo from the other daily.

This collaboration has borne tangible results. Today, BTA hosts a dedicated section on its website featuring AZERTAC news from Azerbaijan  part of a broader initiative that includes similar partnerships with 15 national agencies, including Romania and Georgia.

Valchev emphasized that cooperation among news agencies is more than a matter of content sharing  it plays a role in maintaining peace. They give people from all over the world the opportunity to understand each other, he said.

"Knowing and comparing each other is not only a way to benefit from good practices but also a guarantee of peace. We may not agree, but we must respect each other and find a way to live together without war.

Looking ahead, Valchev presented a seven-point vision for the future of news agencies. First and foremost, he called on agencies to maintain professional standards in contrast to the unfiltered nature of social media. We must continue to provide facts before opinion, he said, warning against the dangers of propaganda and editorial irresponsibility. It is important not to spread propaganda, especially that which supports wars and human rights violations.

He also urged agencies to rethink their financial models to ensure real news can stand against the tide of misinformation. Should we remain silent when someone is telling lies unless someone else pays us to tell the truth? No, Valchev stressed.

Among other key recommendations were: embracing social and video networks to better reach younger audiences; using artificial intelligence responsibly for tasks like transcription and translation; deepening cooperation between national agencies; and prioritizing journalist exchanges and investment in agency archives.

We must develop natural human intelligence before artificial intelligence, Valchev said, underlining the importance of training new generations of journalists. He also called for greater access to and preservation of historical archives, which are critical for context in news reporting.

In conclusion, the BTA chief noted that the strength of national news agencies lies in unity. The future of news agencies is in their cooperation, he said. And such a forum is very valuable for that future.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his steadfast support on the Cyprus issue, Trend reports.

Speaking at the official ceremony commemorating Peace and Freedom Day on July 20, Erdogan paid tribute to the fallen martyrs and wished long and healthy lives to the veterans.

I extend my warmest greetings to everyone who shares this pride and excitement with us, especially our esteemed guests from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Bulgaria, he said.

Highlighting the recent ECO summit in Khankendi, President Erdogan noted that the flag of the heroic Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was proudly displayed alongside those of other participating nations.

I sincerely thank President Ilham Aliyev and the brotherly Azerbaijani people for their invaluable support in our struggle over Cyprus, Erdogan added.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 20. The third Shusha Global Media Forum under the theme Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI continues its work, Trend reports.

The second day of the event will continue in the format of panel sessions.

The forum is expected to attract about 140 foreign guests from 52 countries, including representatives of more than 30 news agencies, 7 international organizations, about 80 media structures, as well as other specialized institutions.

The participants include not only foreign media representatives, but also Azerbaijani journalists, experts and officials.

The forum also plans to include trips to the Aghdam region and the city of Lachin.

The event will last until July 21.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 20. Azerbaijani media managed to cope with the disinformation that the country faced during the 44th war, said Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration within the framework of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

According to him, the development of Azerbaijani media during the period of the country's independence was accompanied by serious challenges and intense struggle.

"Azerbaijan faced a powerful wave of disinformation, manipulation and psychological warfare directed against the state and society.

The culmination of this information attack was the 44 days of the Patriotic War. We witnessed large-scale disinformation campaigns against Azerbaijan. However, Azerbaijani journalists and media did not just provide accurate facts and data - they fought to destroy the entire system of lies built against Azerbaijan and its people. I am glad to note that thanks to professionalism, unity and international cooperation, we were able to achieve success in this information war," Hajiyev emphasized.

About 140 foreign guests from 52 countries are participating in the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, including representatives of more than 30 news agencies, 7 international organizations, about 80 media structures, as well as other specialized organizations. The forum under the theme Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI is being held from July 19 to 21, 2025.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 20. The introduction of artificial intelligence is radically changing the approach to journalism, said Ayna Zadabek, Chairperson of the Board of JSC "Qazcontent" within the framework of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

According to her, AI significantly expands analytical capabilities and returns interest to genres that had previously begun to disappear.

"Now journalists have more opportunities for in-depth research. We are talking again about analytics, about the genre of journalistic investigation, which was previously lost - now it is returning with new tools," she noted.

She also emphasized that AI training should cover not only journalists, but the entire media sector, contributing not only to efficiency, but also to the preservation of the national context.

"We started training all employees of the media company - not only journalists, but also accountants, HR specialists. This gave impetus: the processes accelerated, and AI began to help preserve our identity, including cultural codes, such as the popularization of Kazakh music in the digital space," added Zadabek.

140 foreign guests from 52 countries are participating in the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, including representatives of more than 30 news agencies, 7 international organizations, about 80 media structures, as well as other specialized organizations.

The forum under the theme Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI is being held from July 19 to 21, 2025.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 20. Azerbaijans absence from the CIS Economic Council meeting was due to a number of objective factors and does not reflect the state of Baku-Moscow relations.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, explained that the non-participation may have been linked to adjustments in the working schedules of delegation members.

This meeting focused on multilateral cooperation within the CIS and had no bearing on bilateral Azerbaijani-Russian relations, Hajiyev noted.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 20. Azerbaijan views the recent meeting with Armenia in Abu Dhabi as a pragmatic and meaningful step forward in the peace process, said Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, Trend reports.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Hajiyev noted that the talks were held in a direct and open format, without any involvement from external mediators.

One of the key aspects of this round of negotiations was that the dialogue took place directly between the two sides, without third-party involvement, he said.

Hajiyev emphasized that this format allowed for tangible progress on several important issues, including alignment on parts of the draft peace agreement and steps forward in the border delimitation process. He added that overall, there is a positive momentum that supports growing regional stability.

He also confirmed that the peace agreement was one of the main topics discussed during the meeting. Azerbaijan, he said, demonstrated flexibility and proposed a preliminary endorsement of the draft text. However, Hajiyev stressed that some sensitive issues still need to be addressed  including constitutional provisions in Armenia that contradict previous agreements, and the unresolved question of formally closing the OSCE Minsk Group.

Asked whether a peace deal could be finalized by the end of the year, Hajiyev said it was too early to offer a prediction.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 20. Azerbaijan has a strong chance to establish itself as a leader in the field of artificial intelligence, thanks to its young population and growing potential in education, Alexandru Giboi, Secretary General of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA), told Trend.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Alexandru Giboi highlighted the countrys prospects in the evolving AI landscape.

Every country needs to find its own path when it comes to applying artificial intelligence, based on its specific needs and realities, Giboi said. Azerbaijan has real potential in this area, particularly because of its youthful demographic and focus on education.

He emphasized the importance of a long-term and well-structured approach: It needs focus on education and it needs a strategic and maybe even planned approach on how to implement AI to the benefit of Azerbaijan. It has obviously a huge range of uses - from medicine to education and beyond. And I think each country, Azerbaijan included, has to find its own way to use it better for the good of the population in the end.

Giboi also pointed out the importance of responsible AI use: We also need to be mindful of the risks and challenges that come with AI when its not used with an awareness of those risks. These are the kinds of issues well be discussing further during the panel session, he added. It also ties in closely with media literacy and information literacy.
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 20. People should be approaching information they read in the media with critical thinking, said Alexandru Giboi, Secretary General of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA), in his address at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trends special correspondent reports.

Giboi warned against the "relativization" of truth. Thats one of the dangers of the informational landscape that we live in, this relativization, he said. The fact that, from time to time, you see opinions that try to instill the view that there is more to something than meets the eye.

While encouraging critical thinking, he cautioned against taking it to extremes. Critical thinking is really important because it helps any person understand that they need to recheck information, they need to reasonably question what they see, what information theyre being fed, and the key word here is reasonably, Giboi stressed. I have friends who have turned from reasonably questioning information that they see to questioning everything. And I wouldnt really want to live in a world in which I question everything I see, specifically because I see a lot of things, Im exposed to a lot of information.

He emphasized the importance of relying on trained professionals for credible information. Basically, when youre sick, you go to the doctor. When youre sick, you dont go to your neighbor who says that he read online something about your potential sickness. Its the same thing with journalism, he said. If you want trustworthy, quality information, you go to the people who are specialists in that. You go to the people who have been educated on that.

He also underscored the distinction between merely expressing an opinion and practicing journalism. No offense to everybody in this room, but youre not journalists, mostly. I mean, everybody can do what a journalist does, but that does not make them a journalist, Giboi noted. Because anybody can have an opinion on sickness, or on war, or on politics, but that doesnt make them a doctor, or a politician, or a war expert.

Trust, he said, is an essential component of the publics relationship with the media - and one that needs defending. Trust is very important. The ones who call you not to trust, and to question everything, thats where probably you should have a second look at.

Turning to solutions, Giboi emphasized the role of cooperation among professional media organizations as a remedy to fragmentation and misinformation. And this is when, of course, cooperation comes in, he said. It really answers your question.

He spoke proudly of EANAs inclusive and diverse membership. Im happy and honored to run the largest association of news agencies in Europe, and the most important in the world, in my opinion, which is the European Alliance of News Agencies, he said. We have 33 members from 33 European countries. We have AZERTAC from Azerbaijan as our valued member also. We have a very diverse membership. We have private news agencies, we have public news agencies, we have state-run news agencies. And we welcome all of them, because we understand that collaboration between all of these entities, in the end, will lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved.

He praised Trend News Agency for its international engagement and commitment to trustworthy journalism.

A very good example is the partnership I have with Trend News Agency, the largest private news agency in Azerbaijan. Theyre focused on the international side. They are extremely well-quoted outside the country, Giboi noted. We have a project bringing together other news agencies to generate content from the Balkans and Central Europe. And we do this because we know the value of trustworthy information. We know the value of reliable sources that have already been confirmed, he said.

Giboi described the many forms cooperation can take, reinforcing the spirit of exchange. Cooperation can take many forms. It can take the form of news exchange. It can take the form of journalism exchange. It can take the form of practice, of good practice examples, right, which can be used from one media organization to the other.
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 20. Amid the rapid growth of disinformation and technologically created fakes, news agencies are becoming the first line of defense for the truth, said Vugar Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), as he addressed the Roundtable on AZERTAC at 105: The Past, Present, and Future of Cooperation held as part of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Trend reports.

According to him, in the modern world, millions of people rely on information transmitted through news agencies every day, often without even realizing it.

"Whether it is a war, a pandemic or elections, it is the agencies that become the backbone of reliable information in the chaos of rumors and manipulations," Aliyev noted.

He stressed that the key task today is to actively combat fake news and deliberate disinformation. To this end, AZERTAC is introducing artificial intelligence technologies, including image verification and deepfake recognition tools.

"A journalist of the new era is not just a pen-wielding specialist, but a specialist with technical skills who can identify falsifications and distinguish fake from truth," he added.

Aliyev also recalled that AZERTAC currently publishes about 600 news items daily in eight languages, actively exchanging information with international partners. According to him, such a dense network exchange is a powerful mechanism for countering disinformation and improving media literacy.

He also confirmed that in 2028 AZERTAC will host the General Assembly of OANA, the largest association of news agencies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Iran's non-oil exports to Kazakhstan move down

Irans non-oil exports to Kazakhstan totaled $52 million and 95,500 tons in the first three months of the current Iranian year. These exports mainly included agricultural products, tobacco, and petrochemicals. The volume reflects a significant trade activity between the two countries during this period.

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Iran's import of products from Kazakhstan descends

Irans imports from Kazakhstan fell sharply in the first three months of the current Iranian year. Value dropped by 58.1 percent and weight by 47.2 percent compared to the same period last year. During this time, imports totaled about $8.69 million and 27,500 tons.

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Iranian product imports from Uzbekistan surge

Irans imports from Uzbekistan rose sharply in the first three months of the current Iranian year, reaching $23.3 million and nearly 16,300 tons. This marks a 30 percent increase in value and 108 percent in weight compared to the same period last year.

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SouthSide Motor Club, Waterford are hosting a charity drive in aid of Bumbleance on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Cars can gather for Waterford's monthly cars and coffee and will then depart approx 1pm to head on a coastal scenic drive with end location Waterford Raceway for a few laps and photo opportunities.

Bucket collection and Raffle on the day.

Registration fee 10 per car.

All funds raised on the day goes to Bumbleance.
Waterford TD Conor D McGuinness has made calls for the national anthem to be on the school curriculum.

Currently, teaching Amhran na bhFiann in primary or secondary schools is not mandatory and is a matter for each individual school to decide.

Deputy McGuinness said last week: The national anthem is taught in many schools, but only because teachers choose to include it. It is not guaranteed. It is not protected. It is not included anywhere in the actual curriculum.

Amhran na bhFiann should be taught to every child in every school. Its a basic expression of national identity and civic belonging. I am calling on the government to fix this and ensure Amhran na bhFiann is included in the curriculum.

A poll by The Journal this week found that 89.3% of people believe the national anthem should be taught across all schools in Ireland.

We asked locals in Waterford city centre this week if they think it should be mandatory to teach the Amhran na bhFiann in schools.

Derek Rellis said: Of course it should. 100%.

It is important for young people to know and I think there should also be more Irish flags in our schools too.

We cant get rid of our Irish identity. Our Irish history should be kept in the minds of young people."

James Lissack added: It definitely should be on the curriculum. Our national anthem is who we are. Its important. The country has to have its identity. If we get rid of that what is the country?"

Claire Rockett Dalgarno said: "It should be taught in schools. I would say all our history should be on the curriculum. We cant tear it apart or lose it.

What we teach our kids is important. It's part of our culture. Its who we are."
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.
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.
Think tank report highlights significance of cultural subjectivity for Global South's modernization

Xinhua) 09:20, July 20, 2025

This photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

MEXICO CITY, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Xinhua News Agency released a think tank report here on Friday, expounding on the historical lineage and evolution of China's cultural subjectivity and its far-reaching global significance.

Cultural subjectivity refers to the unique values and spiritual characteristics that a country or its people demonstrate through cultural inheritance, innovation and development.

The report, titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization," emphasizes the importance of upholding cultural subjectivity.

Moving from a world where "each appreciates its own beauty" to one where "all share in the beauty of others," cultural subjectivity strengthens the spiritual cornerstone for engagement, exchange and integration among diverse cultures, collectively creating a bright future of peaceful development for human civilization, according to the report.

AWAKENING OF CHINESE CULTURAL SUBJECTIVITY

The cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation is deeply rooted in an extensive historical lineage. From its roots in ancient agrarian traditions to the rich intermingling of diverse ethnic cultures and the vast influence of foreign exchanges, Chinese cultural subjectivity has evolved continually, making enduring contributions to human civilization.

The report highlights that, despite historical changes, external pressures and the impact of modernization, China has consistently maintained its cultural subjectivity, forging a path of cultural confidence, self-strengthening and an inclusive worldview.

Chinese civilization is the only great, uninterrupted civilization that continues to this day in the form of a state. This unequivocally affirms the cultural identity and robust vitality of Chinese civilization as it has responded to challenges and broken new ground through self-development.

Since modern times, China has gradually been reduced to a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. Facing a crisis of national survival, Chinese cultural subjectivity experienced unprecedented disruption.

The Communist Party of China has steadfastly integrated the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and the best of its traditional culture (the "two integrations"), thus reshaping and solidifying Chinese cultural subjectivity.

REVITALIZING CHINESE CULTURE

According to the report, culture embodies a wealth of moral principles, values and behavioral norms, subtly shaping people's thoughts and actions while fostering an intrinsic motivation to do good and strive for progress. It serves as a vital spiritual force in advancing coordinated economic and social development.

-- Playing a Guiding Role in Inspiring Strong Spiritual Power

China remains steadfast in its commitment to forging a socialist ideology imbued with strong cohesion and leadership. Under the guidance of the core socialist values, it continues to shape the essence of Chinese identity, its spirit, values and strength.

China emphasizes the coordination between material and spiritual civilization, pursuing both material abundance and cultural enrichment. Today, customs that have endured for thousands of years are evolving with the times in an imperceptible manner. A culture rich in national spirit and vitality subtly integrates with productive capability and daily life.

-- Enhancing Cohesion to Fortify Shared Cultural Identity

As a country or a people strengthen their cultural subjectivity, they inevitably foster a powerful cohesive force. The shared identity of the Chinese nation, the familiar patriotic spirit that binds it together, and the collective aspiration for progress unite all Chinese people to become a tightly knit and forward-looking community.

The report emphasizes that cultural subjectivity fosters a strong sense of identity among the people toward their nation and country, as well as a powerful spiritual momentum toward a shared aspiration: achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

-- Fostering Creativity to Drive High-Level Cultural Development

The consolidation and development of cultural subjectivity have deeply activated the intrinsic heritage of Chinese civilization, injecting new vitality into its modern transformation.

The creative transformation and innovative development of the best of Chinese traditional culture, the flourishing of new popular arts, and the continuous emergence of "Culture+" industries stand as vivid manifestations of China's consolidation of cultural subjectivity and advancement of Chinese civilization.

-- Expanding Cultural Influence to Showcase National Soft Power

In an era of deepening globalization, the interconnectivity and interdependence among nations continue to grow. China remains committed to the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits in global governance, establishing platforms for dialogue among civilizations, advancing cultural exchanges and dissemination, and actively expanding its cultural influence.

By presenting a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China internationally, it enhances global understanding of Chinese culture, values and development path, contributing Chinese wisdom and Chinese strength to the pursuit of world peace, development and the progress of human civilization.

SAFEGUARDING CULTURAL SUBJECTIVITY

The traditional cultures of some countries have been influenced by erroneous ideologies, such as cultural nihilism and extreme cultural conservatism, leading to disruptions in the transmission of civilization, crises of cultural identity, and a weakening of cultural innovation, which in turn erode cultural subjectivity.

"For developing countries to truly forge their own path of modernization, they must transcend and overcome the myths of Western modernization, grasp their cultural subjectivity and handle the relationship between tradition and modernity properly," said Zhang Zhiqiang, director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Consolidating cultural subjectivity requires a balance of upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, safeguarding the spiritual roots of the nation while adopting an open and inclusive attitude toward other advanced cultures. Nations should approach their cultural achievements with a stance of inheritance and development, grasping the generative logic and practical value of culture in the evolution of globalization, and realizing the modern renewal of their indigenous cultures based on understanding the laws of cultural development.

The report makes a compelling case for the importance of cultural subjectivity. China's path to modernization provides significant insights for countries in the Global South seeking to achieve modernization while maintaining their independence. Modernization is neither the exclusive privilege of a select few nations nor a rigid binary choice. It cannot be reduced to a simplistic process of uniformity or mere copying and pasting. For any nation embarking on modernization, adherence to universal modernization principles must be balanced with an approach rooted in national conditions and cultural characteristics.

In the face of the dynamic interplay of global cultures, the report advocates for strengthening cultural subjectivity, which not only serves as the spiritual cornerstone of China's path to modernization but also offers valuable insights for countries in the Global South as they collectively strive for modernization.

This photo shows a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization." The "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" was held in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on Friday. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Participants read a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

This photo shows copies of a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization." The "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" was held in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on Friday. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A participant reads a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
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.
When someone makes a workers compensation claim, the insurer needs to figure out two main things: whether the person meets the definition of a worker and whether the injury is one that falls under the scheme, Denning said. To do that, they often ask for personal detail, like how the person was employed, where they live, and exactly what was happening when the injury occurred. Thats especially the case for injuries that happen on a journey to or from work. Mullers WorkCover claim was rejected as he was injured during his commute outside work hours. Credit: Paul Jeffers Denning said if someone was worried about what could happen with their data  especially if the claim ends up being rejected  it was a good idea to speak with a lawyer before proceeding. Under Victorian legislation, employees are entitled to compensation if their injury arises out of or in the course of any employment.

But as the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry notes, there is no single definition of what will and will not be deemed to be a work-related injury  leading to ambiguity on whether a workers injury should lead to compensation. Loading The chamber said the legislation provided some clarity by listing several examples deemed to be in the course of employment, such as where the worker is travelling for the purpose of their employment, or where they are injured whilst attending a compulsory training course. Insurer Allianz Australia, an authorised agent of the Victorian WorkCover Authority, rejected Mullers claim because he was injured during his commute outside work hours. Allianz has determined that your injuries have not arisen in or out of the course of your employment  you sustained the injuries while travelling from your home to your workplace, it said.

Allianz did not respond to requests for comment on Mullers case. Muller accepts the decision to reject his claim but does not understand why he was interviewed about his personal life when his accident did not fall under WorkCovers umbrella. I thought, why the hell did I go through all this? This should never have proceeded, he said. He is also frustrated that Allianz says it is unable to delete his personal information  particularly when large-scale cyber breaches are increasingly common. Regarding the request to erase information obtained during the claim investigation, please note that we are unable to delete this information. However, rest assured that no personal data will be disclosed externally, it said. Investigators are not required to determine whether a person is eligible for WorkCover before interviewing them about their personal life. WorkSafe, which manages workers compensation in Victoria, said investigators had a responsibility to ask a wide range of questions regarding a claimants personal and health matters to assess a claim. It also said it was required to hold on to claimants data for various periods in case claimants made future claims or launched legal proceedings.

Loading John Pane, a data privacy expert and chair of digital rights not-for-profit Electronic Frontiers Australia, said the Victorian and federal governments needed to update privacy laws to require organisations to delete individuals data on request, as happened in the European Union. There is no current right in Australia that grants individuals the power to demand that their personal data be deleted from any organisation that holds it, even if they unlawfully or erroneously captured it, Pane said. And the retention period of these records could be for a substantial period of time. While there is no right to erasure in this country, Allianz is required, under the Australian Privacy Principles, to use or disclose personal information only for the purpose for which it is collected.
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. Associate Professor Neera Bhatia from Deakin University says finding a sperm donor online carries huge risks. Credit: Eddie Jim 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. 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. The Family and Federal Circuit Court. Credit: Fairfax Media 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. 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.
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 learnt 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?
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: The death toll from a tourist boat accident in Vietnams Ha Long Bay was revised to 35 on Sunday, as rescuers continued to search for bodies while bracing for the approach of Typhoon Wipha.

The vessel capsized on Saturday afternoon carrying 48 Vietnamese 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 were thought to have died, but that figure was revised to 35 on Sunday.

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.

The pair 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 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 any more. 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 2 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.

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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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Colby opted for a classic liberal arts degree at Harvard University, majoring in history and political and moral theory, where he studied alongside the political philosopher Harvey Mansfield, whom he admires. This background remains a point of pride, and he harbours a slight disdain for the tight-knit  some would say cloistered  world of foreign relations and national security experts. I dont identify as a member of the national security community, Colby told the Intercollegiate Studies Institute last year. Wheres their source of intellectual and moral confidence? I dont think youre going to find that just by reading the latest textbook on international relations theory. Later in college, he gravitated towards Cold War history. He graduated and began work in government shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the US. The experience afforded him a peanut gallery view of a pivotal moment in American history, including as a staffer on a commission looking into why US intelligence on Iraqs alleged weapons of mass destruction was wrong.

Colby obtained a law degree from Yale University, but decided it wasnt his calling. His interest is in national security and foreign affairs strategy  concepts, rather than operations or the day-to-day minutiae. Loading I think Ive always had  it sounds a little ridiculous  but sort of a maverick mindset, he told the ISI. I dont think one should be contrarian. Being able to think for yourself and on your own is good. In the first Trump administration, Colby served as principal adviser to the defence secretary on defence and foreign policy, and led the development of the 2018 National Defence Strategy, which shifted the USs focus to China. Now he has been asked to create a 2025 version.

Book of revelations In his 2021 book, The Strategy of Denial, Colby said the USs top strategic priority was to act as an external cornerstone balancer for a strong coalition that can frustrate Chinas desire for hegemonic power in Asia. The best way to do this, Colby contends, is through a denial defence. The USs goal is not to dominate China militarily, but to deny it the ability to achieve its objectives  peeling off an ally, or seizing or holding an allys territory. This strategy can work only if the United States and its allies and partners apply the needed level of effort and focus, he wrote. The most obvious of Beijings targets is Taiwan, which it sees as part of China. For years, Washingtons foreign policy establishment has fixated on the notion  suggested by then INDOPACOM commander Phil Davidson in 2021  that China wants to be ready to attack in 2027, the 100th anniversary of the Peoples Liberation Army.

This masthead and the Financial Times have reported that Colby is asking Australia  and Japan  to make clear commitments about what they would do in the event of a conflict with China over Taiwan. That includes how Australia would use the nuclear-powered submarines it buys from the US under AUKUS. How Canberra handles this will be critically important to the ongoing relationship with Beijing. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese enjoyed a relatively cozy visit to China last week  even lunching with Chinese President Xi Jinping  Colbys demands loomed over the pomp and ceremony of the trip. He has quickly shifted from relative obscurity to playing a key role in the future of the Australia-China relationship. Meanwhile, a senior US defence official told this masthead that while public reporting had focused on Taiwan, US concerns were broader than that. There are clues in Colbys book as to what that entails.

He writes that the Philippines is likely to be Beijings second-best target among US allies. He identifies Australia and Japan as two allies with the capacity to contribute significantly to the collective defence of both Taiwan and the Philippines. Loading Colby views US allies in the region as vital, but he is also wary of their willingness to contribute and commit to collective defence. Specifically, he says Australia, Japan and South Korea may resist formally committing to the defence of Taiwan and the Philippines. He supports the alliance with Australia, noting it has an advanced economy, capable military and is relatively easy to defend due to its distance from China. But Colby also observes that if China dominated South-East Asia, it would make it far more painful, challenging and risky for the US and others to defend Australia. The US should therefore seek to enlist Canberra to prepare its forces to aid US efforts to defend the Philippines and Taiwan, he wrote in the book, and noted Australia was already heading in that direction.

Courting controversy Part of Colbys pivot to the Indo-Pacific and containing China means focusing US resources there. He is sceptical about deploying weapons in other conflicts, including Ukraine, and is one of the driving forces behind the latest push for NATO members to lift their defence spending and take care of their own backyard. Colbys recent attempt to halt arms for Ukraine was controversial. The Wall Street Journal reported he wrote a memo in early June outlining how Ukraines request for more weapons could further stretch already depleted Pentagon stockpiles. Has Elbridge Colby overplayed his hand with US President Donald Trump? Credit: AP But Trump reversed the decision and committed new Patriot missile defence systems to Kyiv (paid for by Europe, he said).

Many in Washington see this episode as Colby overplaying his hand  freelancing  even though Hegseth was ultimately responsible for the decision, and reportedly failed to tell the White House in advance. There are also tensions between Defence and the State Department, which was surprised by the AUKUS review. When the review became public, the department sent its diplomats a message We are not aware of a review of the AUKUS agreement. A recent story by Politico unveiled the depth of tensions between Colby and the government. He is pissing off just about everyone I know inside the administration, one person familiar with the situation told the outlet. Some believe Colby is now in a weaker position. However, as one well-connected source told this masthead: It would be a mistake on the Australian side to think hes going to go away.

On Friday, Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd told the Aspen Security Forum that Australia was working with Colby and his team on the AUKUS review and was confident of working through each of the issues Colby raised. He indicated they were familiar with each other. Loading Bridge has been round to my place a lot of times, Rudd said. We have known each other for a long period of time. Former ambassador Arthur Sinodinos, now with the Asia Group and a co-chair of the AUKUS Forum, says its important to remember Colby is not a think-tank person seeking to apply theoretical views to the real world. He has an extensive background in defence strategy, force development and planning, which means he is a serious player in shaping current defence priorities, including on AUKUS, Sinodinos says.

United States Studies Centre chief executive Mike Green, who was on the National Security Council staff from 2001 to 2005, says Colby has made his mark in foreign policy circles by pushing hardest to make the difficult choices many people know are necessary. Part of his success, but also potentially his failure, is that the Trump administration has diminished the usual bureaucratic processes that co-ordinate policy development, such as the NSC. So theres much more space for policy entrepreneurs to push their agenda, and Bridge is clearly doing that, Green says. Hes seized by urgency, and hes reducing these hard choices down to stark choices, but without the very important inter-agency process to consider the consequences. Green says Australia and other allies will likely have to deal with more of this pressure. But I dont think it changes the fundamental interests of the United States and key stakeholders to move forward with AUKUS.
Now that the merger of Killala and Tuam dioceses into a new ecclesiastical unit edges ever closer and the curtains are being drawn on the way we were, Ive been throwing my eye over the soon to be defunct dispensation that was once Killala diocese with, after an extended span of over more than nine centuries, its life now drawing to a close.

The following statistics give a sense of how history has a habit of suddenly packing its bags and heading off in a different direction. In the 914 years since the diocesan boundaries of Irish dioceses were first discussed in the Synod of Rathbrazil in the unforgettable year of 1111, in the case of Killala, I have been able to name an estimated 75 bishops, 1,086 priests, 796 religious sisters and 45 religious brothers who have served an area comprising North Mayo and West Sligo. It is not, even in the case of bishops, a complete listing as there are huge gaps that remain to be filled in  and may now never be.

As numbers of priests, religious sisters and religious brothers decline in future years, it will be easy to tabulate them and one figure that reflects the prevailing downward graph is that when the present mergers of dioceses are completed the number of bishops in Connacht will have declined in the last decade or so by 50% - from six to three!

The difficult truth is that within the geographical entity that was once the diocese of Killala, it looks as if that, relative to the past, there will be few vocations to count. A friend of mine, in acute denial, refuses to accept what he regards as my overly pessimistic assessment and points to the sudden blooming of religious vocations in unexpected categories like cloistered or enclosed religious orders. That may be true but, relatively, such figures flatter to deceive like when numbers categorised as interested in the religious life as distinct from those who actually sign up for it are flaunted unconvincingly as evidence of a corner being turned.

Even within cloistered orders like the Trappists, mergers are in hand. Last January, according to a report in Conversations  the Dominican publication  Mount Melleray in Waterford has closed "for at least a year and a half" in order to assess a possible Trappist merging with the monks of Roscrea and Mellifont. After that time the monks will vote "as to where the future of this new community will be".

It seems a sensible and inevitable course to form a stronger community of existing novices, though Mount Mellerays closure  the oldest living monastery in Ireland and the first founded since Catholic Emancipation in 1829  is a stunning loss. Its not just a place of exceptional natural beauty with views over the Blackwater valley and the Knockmealdown mountains but  to use that over-used term  it holds an iconic status in terms of a religious community, heirs to the Celtic monasticism of the early Middle Ages that refused to die.

In 1817, Mellarey Abbey was founded in Brittany by the Trappists  a seventeenth-century reform of the Cistercians  as an eclectic mix of Irish, English and French monks set up their monastic stall. However, just 13 years later, the 1830 Revolution in France, responding to growing liberal sentiments in Europe, led to the expulsion of foreign monks from France. This led in turn to a decision by the Brittany Trappists to move to Ireland (where Catholics had recently gained new liberties with Catholic Emancipation) and to source a suitable site for a new Mellarey Abbey.

The prior, Vincent Ryan and his companion, Brother Malachy, travelled to Ireland and, an important port of call was a visit in Dublin to Daniel OConnell, the Liberator of Catholic Ireland. OConnell graciously invited Ryan to dinner and there - providentially or otherwise - was Dean John Patrick Lyons, PP , of Kilmore Erris parish, on his way to England to source support for his parishioners during one of the periodic famines that afflicted the Mullet at that time.

OConnell introduced the two Trappists to Lyons and explained their mission to Ireland. Lyons could scarcely believe his ears. Here were Trappists/Cistercians, acknowledged pioneers of modern systems of agriculture, and here was Lyons, from the Mullet, where he was experimenting with a Model Farm in order to improve the lives of his hungry parishioners.

As Ryans biographer, Killian Walsh described it, Lyons  "as if angels and manna had dropped about him from heaven"  in surprise and joy rose to his feet and immediately offered "800 acres of good reclaimable land" to the Trappists. Some weeks later, Lyons met Ryan in Dublin and they set off on "a journey to the promised land by the shores of Blacksod Bay". On their way, they called to Ballina where two startled bishops  Peter Waldron and his coadjutor, John MacHale  were introduced by Lyons to Ryan and to the incredible prospect of a proposed monastic foundation in Kilmore Erris.

Unfortunately, when Ryan surveyed the Mullet with Lyons and saw "the dreary bog, dotted with miserable hovels of the poor, scarcely fit to house animals" and "with soil that was little more than a source of fuel", he knew that, despite Lyons buoyant optimism, the Mullet was a bad fit for the new Mount Mellarey.

Lyons dream of a monastic foundation in the Mullet had come to nothing and, as he surveyed the bleak landscape with Dom Vincent Ryan on a little boat pulling out of Blacksod Bay, he must have pondered how, in Kevin Hegartys memorable comment, "even the Cistercian capacity for austerity was exhausted by the barren landscape of Shanahee".

In the event, a new Mount Mellarey didnt rise from the limited circumstances of life in the Mullet, and Dom Eugene Ryan, through the good offices of a philanthropic Protestant landlord, Sir Richard Keane, was gifted with a site on the then untamed wilderness of the Knockmealdowns.

The rest, as they say, is history.
Fun with fossils: SA kids learn more with museum visit

The country still has low acceptance rate of human evolution. Learners understood human origins better after interactive workshops at a museum.

South Africa has one of the worlds richest fossil records of hominins (humans and their fossil ancestors). But many misconceptions still exist regarding human evolution, and school textbooks contain inaccuracies.

South Africans still have some of the lowest rates of acceptance of human evolution, mostly due to conflicting religious views. Religion and the non-acceptance of evolution hinders the understanding of evolution by teachers and learners.

It doesnt help that school subjects (evolution being one of them) are often taught in unengaging ways, rather than interactive methods.

Many studies have shown that collaborations between schools and informal science learning centres, such as natural history museums, can have a positive effect on school learners. Inquiry-based activities at museums have been shown to help learners gain knowledge and meaning about the past. Museum visits foster thinking skills through guided conversation and questions asked by educators and learners. New information is gained through reasoning, inference and deduction, which enhance learning.

In 2018, a team of researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand launched workshops on human evolution for grade 12 learners (in the final year of secondary school) in South Africas Gauteng province. The aim was to stimulate interest in the palaeosciences and improve learner performance. We worked with learners from 13 schools in the area. The workshops were conducted at the museum of the universitys Evolutionary Studies Institute.

From tests before and after the workshops, we found that they improved the learners understanding and acceptance of concepts related to evolution. More teacher training and school visits to museums and exhibitions could build on this success.

Workshops on human evolution

Our human evolution workshops were conducted with well-resourced and historically disadvantaged schools attending. The grade 12 learners, aged 17 and 18 years, visited the fossil preparatory laboratory, searched for clues in the museum while answering a worksheet, and did activities on human evolution using inquiry-based approaches.

These activities included measuring and describing skulls of apes and hominins, comparing hip bones to see whether the creature was able to walk upright on two legs, investigating stone tools, and drawing a phylogenetic tree (a diagram showing how species are descended from each other). Due to financial constraints, some of the workshops were held at the schools themselves.

The 687 learners wrote a test before and after the workshop to test their knowledge of hominin evolution. Their scores increased from an average of 39% to 61%.

The location of the workshops (either at the museum or at the school) did not affect the scores, suggesting that workshops can be scaled to reduce costs. Feedback from interviews indicated that learners regarded the workshops as beneficial, enabling them to learn new facts and gain a deeper understanding of human evolution. Teachers echoed the same view.

One learner said:

It was pretty enjoyable, and informative and interesting. Especially the part when we asked questions and we actually got answered. It helped us to understand the knowledge more.

Another said:

It is always better to physically see things as compared to seeing a picture of it, it is easier to understand it this way.

A teacher commented that learners

could literally see exactly what is happening and it is not just talk, they can touch it and they can take part in the experiment, which is not something they are exposed to at school.

It was apparent that learners understood human evolution better after the workshops. In the preliminary exam paper of Gauteng province, learners who attended the workshops scored nearly double (average 41%) the score of schools that did not attend (average 21%). While the scores are still low, and there is still much room for improvement, the results suggest that a short, hands-on workshop can make a major difference to learners.

The workshop also increased the acceptance of evolution from 41% to 51%. (It was not the purpose of the workshops to increase acceptance, but rather to improve understanding of the topic.)

Why the workshops worked

In our view, the workshops were successful because they used inquiry-based learning, learners working in groups using problem solving and physical handling of fossil casts. This enabled active participation in the learning process.

With this approach, learners took ownership of the learning process and it developed their curiosity, interest and a desire to learn. The guidance of a subject expert during the workshops enhanced the quality of the workshops and the learning experience. Its clear that visits to places like natural history museums created connections which helped with understanding concepts such as human evolution in the classroom, and developing an enjoyment of learning.

Whats next

We recommend that teachers receive training in human evolution and how to teach this topic. Common misconceptions of teachers can be identified through surveys, and intervention training must be planned around these misconceptions. The Gauteng Department of Education has a free professional development programme offering training to teachers (not publicly available), which can be used for this purpose.

Various institutions in Gauteng offer exhibitions on human evolution and fossils, including the University of the Witwatersrand, the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Maropeng Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. The provincial education department must promote school visits to these places. Human evolution can be one of the most rewarding topics for learners, especially in a country where the fossil record is right on the doorstep.

Its vital for grade 12 learners in South Africa to have a solid understanding of human evolution  it fosters critical thinking about science, identity and our shared African origins. This knowledge not only deepens their appreciation of the continents fossil heritage, but also counters misinformation with evidence-based insight.
At the International Trade Union Confederation Africa (ITUC Africa) Regional Conference on Peace and Security July 18, a high-level gathering of trade union bureaucrats from over 30 African countries convened in Nairobi to discuss how to safeguard the capitalist order they serve.

Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), delivered a chilling directive to the countrys youth.

Francis Atwoli [Photo: Francis Atwoli/X]

As COTU(K), we cannot afford to be bystanders and allow for political instability to creep in and destroy the peace that many depend on for economic and social reasons, he declared. For the young men, the Gen Zs, I want you to forget about demonstrations, remain home, silent, and promote peace. Demonstrations are scaring investors away, patience pays, embrace dialogue.

Atwolis concern for profits, and not the 1.5 million workers across 36 affiliated unions that he nominally represents, confirms his longstanding role as a mouthpiece for capitalist interests. He routinely speaks like an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official, preoccupied with maintaining Kenyas appeal to foreign capital. What made his remarks especially grotesque was their timing. It came just days after one of the bloodiest acts of state repression by the Kenyan bourgeoisie since independence: the July 7, 2025 Saba Saba massacre.

The 2025 massacre vastly surpassed the scale and brutality employed against the original Saba Saba protest of 1990, which it commemorated. That historic protest, named after the date seven seven in Kiswahili, was organised by sections of the bourgeois opposition against the Western-backed police state of President Daniel arap Moi. Thousands took to the streets demanding the reintroduction of multiparty democracy and democratic rights. The regime responded with arrests, beatings, and the killing of 20 people.

Three and a half decades later, the Ruto regime transformed this day of remembrance into a bloodbath. Hundreds of thousands of youth and workers marched in cities and towns across the country, defying explicit threats issued by President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in the wake of the June 25 demonstrations. That earlier protest, marking the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z uprising against IMF dictated austerity and tax hikes, had already been met with brutal force. At least 18 were shot dead by police.

In the days that followed, the government ramped up its incitement of the police, branding demonstrators as criminals, saboteurs, and enemies of the state. Atwoli echoed Ruto, calling on the national government to implement firm measures to curb the unrest, lamenting that investors are being scared away and cynically claiming women and children were the most affected.

By July 7, the state had prepared a coordinated national crackdown, including erecting police road blocks across Nairobi. Far from intimidating the masses, hundreds of thousands marched in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and beyond. The government responded with live-fire squads, tear-gas units, mass arrests, and disappearances. Eyewitness accounts and video footage show officers in uniform and plain-clothes executing protestors at point-blank and removing bodies from the streets. Hospitals were overwhelmed and ambulances blocked by the police. The repression rapidly swelled to 57 dead and 600 injured.

The next day, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi met privately with Atwoli. Emerging from this closed door meeting, Atwoli launched a tirade against the protesters, parroting the governments narrative that the movement was orchestrated by the opposition. Those people you saw burning police stations and taking guns, thats not something Gen Z can do, he said. The people you saw in the streets, like Maraga Maraga was the Chief Justice; hes not Gen Z. He was escorting his grandchildren to go destroy peoples property.

It is now widely acknowledged that the state itself deployed goons to loot and incite chaos, fabricating a pretext for violent repression and sowing tribal division to fracture the movement. Claims that the opposition was behind the protests are a transparent ploy to delegitimise a popular uprising that has arisen independently of Kenyas bankrupt political establishment.

The Saba Saba massacre of 2025 now stands among the worst state atrocities carried out by the Kenyan bourgeoisie since independence. It must be counted alongside the 1969 Kisumu massacre and the 1984 Wagalla massacre in Wajir. In Kisumu, President Jomo Kenyattas security forces opened fire on a crowd protesting during his visit to the opposition stronghold, killing more than 100 people. Fifteen years later, Moi rounded up 5,000 ethnic Somali men at the Wagalla airstrip in Wajir. Held without food or water for days, they were tortured, starved, and executed. At least 1,000 were killed.

Atwolis speech at the International Trade Union Confederation Africa is a signal that COTU fully endorses the Ruto regimes shoot-to-kill policy that has claimed the lives of over 160 protesters and maimed thousands more. Days after the Saba Saba massacre, Ruto doubled down, publicly instructing police to shoot protesters in the legs , a directive that his government would continue using live ammunition to terrorise the population as he proceeds to impose IMF austerity and tax hikes amid soaring costs of living.

Atwolis speech has been condemned across Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, where thousands of youth and workers denounced him with contempt. One user on Facebook replied: Haiya, to remain silent so you can eat without disturbance? Wonders never cease. Another echoed the popular slogan Ruto must go and said you must go too.

BuzzFeed Kenyas Instagram page, witnessed a torrent of anger: What hes basically saying is: dont protest so they can steal quietly, wrote one. Expired product, this one, read a third. You cant serve two masters, a user snapped.

More combative users wrote: You, the old guard, thieves of our taxes, on God! Your time is very near. Even if you fill the rivers with the bodies of young people, abduct, torture, rape, intimidate or murder us, your time is ending. Others ridiculed COTU directly: COTU is eating the chickens workers are rearing at home. Leave our young people alone. One comment summed up the general sentiment: This guy and his whole organisation called COTU is a useless waste of money.

Fuelling this outrage was a viral online rumour that Atwoli had announced plans to use artificial intelligence to scan the social media profiles of job applicants and blacklist anyone who had participated in the protests. The post attributed to Atwoli read: With the help of artificial intelligence, we will scan through social media accounts of job applicants to identify anyone who participated in protests. If your name shows up, no jobs for you. Atwoli dismissed the post as a fabrication, calling it a fake post alert.

Last April, Atwoli publicly called for social media censorship, attacking users of being unpatriotic by criticising Ruto.

The eruption of public anger at Atwoli reflects deepening hostility towards the entire trade union bureaucracy, long integrated into the state machinery. Leading COTU for nearly a quarter of a century, the seventy-five-year-old regularly flaunts his wealthgold jewellery, Franck Muller watches worth over $2,000, a Mercedes Maybach 6 Cabriolet valued at nearly half a million dollarsand owns a lavish estate in Ildamat, Kajiado County, reportedly with a helipad. He has homes in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kilifi, and his rural base in Khwisero.

Behind him stands an entire layer of union bureaucrats who are prepared to say and do anything to defend their privileges and protect the capitalist system.

Workers must begin to build rank-and-file committees, independent organs of struggle rooted in the factories, plantations, neighbourhoods, and schools and universities, democratically controlled by their members and committed to fighting for their real interests. These committees must unify workers across tribal, regional, and sectoral lines, and link up with the youth already in rebellion against the capitalist system.

The decisive question is political leadership. The uprising of the Kenyan masses must be armed with a socialist programme. This requires the building of a Kenyan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, rooted in the international working class, uncompromising in its opposition to imperialism, the IMF, and their local agents, and dedicated to the political education and mobilisation of workers and youth.
Greeces right-wing New Democracy (ND) government has imposed a three month temporary suspension of all asylum applications from migrants reaching Greece from North Africa. The measure was rammed through Greeces parliament on July 11 with 174 MPs out of 300 voting in favour.

Speaking to German tabloid Bild, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure stating, Greece is not an open transit route. The journey is dangerous, the outcome uncertain, and the money paid to smugglers is ultimately wasted. Illegal entries will not lead to legal residence.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at a This is Europe debate in the European Parliament, July 5, 2022

The measure is a death sentence on many desperate people who are trying to flee economic hardship, political persecution or escape war, risking their lives in the process. They will be sent back to their country of origin or the country they departed from without an opportunity to file a request for international protection. According to the InfoMigrants news and information service, the majority of those affected are from Somalia, Sudan, Egypt and Morocco.

The suspension comes amid an increase of migrant inflows arriving on the island of Crete from Libya. According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), more than 16,800 migrants have reached Greece by sea so far this year, with over 7,000 arriving in Crete. Maritime Minister Vassilis Kikilias stated that migrant flows to Crete have increased 350 percent compared with last year.

The suspension of asylum applications is part of a wider set of measures, which form part of a new bill released for public consultation on July 17. The bill aims to increase the time undocumented migrants are detained from 18 months to two years. There are currently over 2,000 people held in detention centres that have no adequate infrastructure, cleaning or medical staff in inhumane conditions. The bill aims to impose at least a three year custodial sentence with no probation along with a 10,000 Euro fine for refugees who do not leave the country after their asylum application has been rejected. Undocumented migrants will no longer be offered automatic legal status if they can prove theyve been in the country for at least seven years.

The bill is the brainchild of Makis Voridis, a fascistic figure who joined New Democracy in 2012 after being expelled from the far-right Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS). Voridis was Migration Minister until the end of June, but was forced to resign after being named in a European Union (EU) investigation over the misuse of subsidies to Greek farmers.

Signalling that there will be no let-up in the governments anti-migrant agenda, Mitsotakis appointed Thanos Plevris to replace Voridis. Plevris is another LAOS defector who joined ND around the same time as Voridis. Son of notorious fascist antisemite Konstantinos Plevris who served as an official in the military junta that ruled Greece between 1967-74, Plevris has called openly for the killing of refugees. In an event hosted by right-wing magazine Patria in 2011, Plevris declared border security cannot exist if there are no casualties and, to be clear, if there are no deaths.

In the same speech he called for brutal measures to deter migrants from entering the country in first place. He declared, When youre here, there will be no social benefits, you wont get anything to eat or drink, you wont be able to go to the hospital, and youll be telling others in Pakistan, Were worse off here. They must be worse off here. Hell must look like heaven to what they will go through here!

Speaking to Skai TV last week Plevris was on script with his fascistic rant a decade and a half ago: What we say to the Greek people is this: We will not tolerate an invasion from North Africa with a continuous influx of boats. And this is also a clear message to the rest of Europe.

As for deterrents he declared that from this point on the government will implement a drastic reduction in benefits [for asylum seekers] while also announcing plans to impose cuts on the food menu at detention centres, which he slammed as hotel grade. He stated: In asylum centres there is currently a choice of three items on the menu four times a day. The Immigration Ministry is not a hotel i.e. I lodge an asylum claim, I eat, sleep collect 75 euros in benefits and if my application is accepted I receive [additional benefits]. I asked for this to stop.

The new measures represent a brutal step up of the anti-migrant agenda of successive Greek governments, which for years have carried out illegal push-backs. Just over one month ago a Naval Court in Piraeus found that Hellenic Coast Guard personnel should face criminal charges relating to hundreds of preventable deaths on the Adriana on June 14, 2023.

En route from the port of Tobruk to Italy with an estimated 750 on board, the Adriana capsized off the coast of Pylos after being towed by the Hellenic Coast Guard towards Italian waters. Over 600 people drowned as a result, including women and children trapped below deck inside the ship.

Greeces new measures are in line with the EUs policy on migration. The conclusions document adopted by the European Council meeting on June 26 cited the worrying situation in Libya, and its possible consequences also in terms of European security, as well as concerning migratory flows. The document advocated for the prevention and countering of irregular migration, including through new ways in line with EU and international law, as well as efforts to facilitate, increase and accelerate returns, using all relevant EU policies, instruments and tools.

Citing these discussions, Markus Lammert, spokesperson for Internal Affairs, Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law at the European Commission, endorsed the Greek governments decision to suspend asylum applications stating that Greece faced an exceptional situation. Any measures taken by Greece must be understood against this backdrop, he said, adding that we are ready to step up that support further and we continue to work closely together when it comes to intensifying the work with partner countries.

This was corroborated by Plevris, who made clear in an interview to Greek daily Proto Thema that the new measures were drafted in consultation with the European Commission: We are no longer in the era when [former German Chancellor Angela] Merkel was welcoming refugees, now we dont want them to bother to come.

There has been an even more draconian shift against asylum seekers and refugees by governments of all stripes since Merkels departure. And a plethora of reports over the last decade attests that the EUs Frontex agency has long been involved in the overseeing of pushback operations carried out by Greece and other member states as part of its Fortress Europe policy.

The pseudo-left Syriza-Progressive Alliance is posturing against the governments anti-migrant agenda, with its deputies voting against the suspension of asylum application. Commenting on Plevris appointment two weeks ago Syriza leader Sokratis Famellos wrote on X, Its provocative for the post of Migration Minister to be held by another ex-LAOS member and one that called for dead refugees and migrants at the border.

But Syriza was a willing accomplice in Fortress Europe while in government between 2015 and 2019. Tens of thousands of refugees were interned under its watch as part of the dirty deal signed between Greece and Turkey in 2016, which stipulated that all refugees crossing into Greece from Turkey be interned until their cases are processed, before deportation back to Turkey. The brutality of this policy was epitomised by Moria, the internment camp on the island of Lesbos that burned down in 2020. Dubbed by the BBC as the worst refugee camp on Earth, Morias appalling conditions were routinely condemned by aid groups and described by inmates as hell on earth.




NEED TO KNOW

Margot Robbie and husband Tom Ackerley shared a sweet moment on a hotel balcony in Naples, Italy, on July 18

The romantic sighting took place months after the couple welcomed their first baby, a boy, in November 2024

Robbie and Ackerley first met on a film set in 2013 and later wed in 2016







Romance is in the air for longtime loves Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley!

On July 18, the actress and her film producer beau, both 35, were spotted together on a hotel balcony in Naples, Italy, where they shared a romantic moment.

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Ackerley wrapped his arms around Robbie  and planted a kiss on her head  as she drank from a glass water bottle.

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COBRA TEAM / BACKGRID Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley in Naples, Italy on July 18 Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley in Naples, Italy on July 18

The Barbie alum wore a strapless dress she has previously been spotted in: the Elephant Tapestry Mini Dress by Kristin Mallison, which retails for $675. (Photos on the Brooklyn-based designers website show Robbie rocking the custom number, which is made from a vintage french tapestry, on a different occasion.)

Robbie had her hair down in beachy waves, parted down the middle, while Ackerley also kept things casual and breezy in a simple button-down shirt and shorts.

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The couples Italian balcony sighting comes after they welcomed their first baby, a boy, in November.

Since welcoming their son, Robbie and Ackerley have been spotted out and about a few times, including during a beach appearance. In April, the new parents were spotted spending time on the Gold Coast in Australia with friends.

The beach sighting came as Robbie was on break from filming Wuthering Heights on location in the U.K. alongside Jacob Elordi. In March, Robbie was spotted on the set of the Emerald Fennell-directed adaptation of the classic novel (set to hit theaters in 2026) in an extravagant bridal look, complete with a cinched corset and long, tulle train.

COBRA TEAM / BACKGRID Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley in Naples, Italy on July 18 Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley in Naples, Italy on July 18

Since welcoming her baby boy, Robbie has been keeping busy with work  and enjoying motherhood, a source close to the star previously told PEOPLE. "Margot has several projects lined up next year," the insider said at the time. She wants to rest now and spend time with the baby.



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Around the same time, another source said the couple was settling into being parents." Added the insider: They waited a long time to get pregnant, so it was almost unbelievable when the baby actually arrived.

A separate source shared similar sentiments in July 2024, telling PEOPLE that the actress and producer wanted to start a family for quite some time.

Family means a lot to both of them, the insider told PEOPLE, "and they knew early on in their relationship being parents was something they really wanted."

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Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie in 2024 Tom Ackerley and Margot Robbie in 2024

Robbie and Ackerley first met in 2013 on the set of Suite Francaise  he was an assistant director and she was in front of the camera  and they began dating the following year. They later wed in private ceremony in Australia in 2016.

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When she first met her now-husband, Robbie was the ultimate single gal (a.k.a. not looking for a relationship) when "the best-looking guy in London" caught her eye on the set of the war-romance film, she recalled in a 2016 Vogue interview.

The idea of relationships made me want to vomit," she told the magazine at the time. "And then this crept up on me. We were friends for so long. I was always in love with him, but I thought, Oh, he would never love me back. Don't make it weird, Margot. Don't be stupid and tell him that you like him.

"And then it happened, Robbie continued, and I was like, of course we're together. This makes so much sense, the way nothing has ever made sense before."

Read the original article on People
Mother of All Models, 60, Stuns on Roman Holiday After Health Setbacks originally appeared on Parade.

Supermodel Linda Evangelista is having a Roman holiday this summer. The stunning 80s and 90s icon, who famously coined the phrase "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day," shared photos from her Italian getaway  including rare snaps of her 18-year-old son, Augustin James, whom she shares with Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault. The famous beauty seems to have put past health struggles behind her as she enjoys her summer abroad.

Evangelista has been candid about her medical history, including two breast cancer diagnoses  the first in 2018 and the second in 2022. After undergoing a bilateral mastectomy, additional surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, the Canadian model told the Wall Street Journal in 2023 that her prognosis is "good."

Related: Tennis Legend, 66, Makes Bold Admission About His Life Falling Apart

In 2022, Evangelista also spoke publicly about a five-year hiatus from the spotlight, during which she says CoolSculpting  an FDA-approved fat-freezing procedure  left her "permanently deformed" and "brutally disfigured." In July 2022, she revealed on Instagram that she had settled with the parent company behind CoolSculpting.

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Fans quickly filled the comments section, with one referring to Evangelista as the "mother of all models" and praising her enduring beauty.

Related: Country Star's Epic Rendition of 'Hallelujah' Leaves Concert Goers Speechless

"You are so beautiful, Linda," wrote one fan. Another added, "Youre still my favorite supermodel."

"Beautiful and inspiring as always," said one commenter, capturing the sentiments of many.

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Mother of All Models, 60, Stuns on Roman Holiday After Health Setbacks first appeared on Parade on Jul 19, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Just like every state is known for producing a certain kind of food or produce, every U.S. state is famous for consuming a lot of one particular food. From the state that consumes the most Spam to the state that drinks the most alcohol, consumption habits in each state are wholly unique and fascinating to follow. It gives a glimpse into the lives of people in various states, as well as some insight into what makes the food scene in every state unique.

By extension, the statistics of food waste in America are equally interesting. All states produce some amount of food waste, or edible food that is discarded and not consumed, regardless of what they prefer to eat or drink, but the state that produces the most food waste in America by far is Arizona. Previous studies have indicated that Arizona throws away the equivalent of $9.5 billion in food waste every year.

Not only does Arizona produce the most food waste, but it also has a low rate of recycled and donated food, which doesn't help. The reasons why Arizona produces so much food waste isn't precisely known, but it can likely be attributed to a lack of state policies for reducing food waste and misunderstanding of expiration labels. Lack of knowledge of tips to help reduce food waste could also be a factor.

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Read more: The Most Iconic Sandwich In Every State

Food Waste Across America

person handling produce food waste in compost pile - Viktor Sergeevich/Shutterstock

For several years, Arizona has taken the top spot for producing the most food waste in America. While Arizona has begun making attempts to mitigate food waste, currently it is still not enough to offset the high amount of food wasted in direct contrast to the low amount of food recycled or donated.

Other states that rank significantly high when it comes to food waste include North Dakota, Hawaii, Nevada, and Oklahoma. North Dakota in particular tends to consistently place high when it comes to food waste and is similar to Arizona in that it has high food waste in direct contrast to low recycled or donated food. Other states have high food waste for different reasons, like higher cost of living in Hawaii and excess due to places like buffets in Nevada, primarily in Las Vegas.

On the other hand, the states with the least amount of food waste include Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, Connecticut, and Louisiana. Massachusetts has the direct opposite habits of Arizona; the state's generally lower food waste combined with higher share of recycled and donated food, as well as high amount of compost facilities, results in Massachusetts producing significantly less food waste. Other states, like Washington, have low food waste due to direct commitments to reducing landfill-disposed organic material in large amounts or tax credit initiatives for donating food, like in Oregon.

Read the original article on Chowhound.
At least two people died after a group of six were swept over a waterfall in Oregon, prompting a search and rescue mission that continues as one remains missing as of Monday, authorities said.

The group went over Dillon Falls, which are rapids along the Deschutes River in central Oregon, near the city of Bend, on Saturday afternoon, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As the agency writes in a description of Dillon Falls on its website, the area is a popular location for visitors participating in water activities like boating.

Authorities have not shared details about the circumstances surrounding Saturday's incident. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office said it was initially reported just before 3 p.m. local time, prompting a response from deputies along with local fire officials and search and rescue teams. AirLink and a drone provided by the police department in Bend assisted with an aerial search, the sheriff said.

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One person was confirmed dead at the site on Saturday, according to the sheriff's office. Another body was found Monday around 11 a.m. local time, the sheriff's office said. Three others were initially rescued from the river and taken by ambulance to a hospital in Bend. One other person who went over the falls had still not been found as of Monday afternoon.

"[Search and rescue] teams continue to work diligently, using all available resources," the sheriff's office said Monday. "Over the past two days, crews have utilized boats, drones, swift water rescue teams, and K-9 units to search, map, and narrow down high-probability locations along the river corridor between the Dillon Falls Day Use Area above the falls and the Aspen Day Use Area below the falls."

Authorities have not publicly identified the victims or survivors "to allow for proper family notification," but the sheriff's office said the two who have been found dead were female and the person who remains missing is a male.

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NEED TO KNOW

A group of six people went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River in Oregon on Saturday, July 19

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, three people were rescued, but two remain missing and one died at the scene

An aerial and ground search is being conducted as the search and rescue operation continues







One person has been found dead and two remain missing amid a search and rescue operation in Oregon.

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At around 2:57 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 19, emergency responders received a report that a group of people were swept over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) stated in a news release.

"A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway after a group of six individuals went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend Saturday afternoon," the DSCO said, per the news release.

Three individuals were rescued from the river and transported to St. Charles-Bend by ambulance, while one person died at the scene and two others remain missing.



Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Oregon/Facebook Emergency responders search the Deschutes River for survivors on July 19 Emergency responders search the Deschutes River for survivors on July 19

DCSO Search & Rescue and Bend Fire & Rescue crews continued recovery efforts into the evening and will work until sunset. If unsuccessful, operations will pause overnight and resume in the morning, the DCSO said, per the news release.

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The names of the victims and survivors have not been shared at this time.



The DCSO were assisted by the Bend Fire & Rescue team and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) in their search for the group. The Bend Police Department and AirLink also conducted an aerial search.

Photos shared by the sheriffs office on Facebook show the emergency response teams searching the waters for the missing individuals.



Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Oregon/Facebook Three people have been rescued and two remain missing in the July 19 incident Three people have been rescued and two remain missing in the July 19 incident

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The Deschutes County Sheriffs Office thanks all partner agencies for their swift and coordinated response. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available, the DSCO said, per the news release.

PEOPLE has reached out to the DSCO and the Bend Police Department for comment.



Read the original article on People
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  A woman and a 2-year-old girl were stabbed to death in a Queens home in what appeared to be a murder-suicide on Saturday evening, sources said.

Officers received a 911 call at 7:09 p.m. for a home located at 65-35 Forest Ave.

A 54-year-old man was found to have stab wounds to his chest, and a 41-year-old woman had stab wounds to her neck and chest, police said. A 2-year-old girl was also found stabbed at the scene.

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Numerous ambulances were called to assist, sources say.

Emergency Medical Services transported all three to a local hospital. The 41-year-old woman was pronounced dead by hospital staff.

The 2-year-old girl was also taken to a local hospital. She was later pronounced deceased, police said.

The man from the Queens home remains in critical condition, authorities said.

It remains unclear what the relationship between the three is. Other details were not immediately available. Authorities said a full investigation remains ongoing.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
CHICAGO  One person was killed and two others were wounded in a triple-shooting at a shopping center on the citys South Side late Saturday night.

According to Chicago police, officers responded to a call of multiple people shot just after 11:45 p.m. in the 100 block of West 87th Street, where 87th Street Center in the Chatham neighborhood is located.

Woman in custody, homicide investigation underway after baby drowns in Lake Michigan on South Side

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Police say a preliminary investigation indicates that an unknown suspect displayed a gun and opened fire, hitting multiple people who were standing outside.

A 24-year-old man was shot multiple times in the body and taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to police. Additionally, police say a 25-year-old woman was shot in the head and taken to an area hospital in critical condition and another 24-year-old man was shot in the left shoulder and taken to an area hospital in good condition.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Police say nobody is in custody, and Area Two detectives are investigating.

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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 WGN-TV.




NEED TO KNOW

A woman in Chicago is in custody after police allege she drowned a 1-year-old boy in Lake Michigan

Police found the woman near South Shore Beach on July 18

The Chicago Fire Departments Marine Unit recovered the body of the boy, but he was pronounced dead at a local hospital





A woman in Chicago is in custody after police allege she drowned a young child in a lake.

On Friday, July 18, at around 9:45 p.m. local time, police found the 31-year-old woman  whose identity has not yet been made public  in Lake Michigan near South Shore Beach, according to WOOD-TV, ABC 7 and WGN-TV.

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An investigation indicated that the woman had allegedly drowned a 1-year-old boy in the lake, the outlets reported.

The woman was taken into custody and transported to a hospital, according to WOOD-TV.

The Chicago Fire Departments Marine Unit recovered the body of the boy. He was then taken to Comer Childrens Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, per WGN-TV.

The investigation remains ongoing. It is unclear what led to the incident.

PEOPLE reached out to the Chicago Police Department for information, but did not immediately receive a response on Sunday, July 20.

Getty Lake Michigan in Chicago Lake Michigan in Chicago

The identity of the baby has yet to be released, but a law enforcement source told WGN-TV that the child and the woman were related.

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Authorities have yet to announce the charges against the woman, but the case has been classified as a homicide, per WGN-TV.

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Street Pastor Donovan Price, who visited the hospital after hearing of the incident, told WGN-TV, "The more I heard, the more tragic it got, the sadder it got."

Read the original article on People
House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana speaks to reporters about the Republican budget reconciliation package at a weekly press conference on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

Speaker Mike Johnson is celebrating massive cuts to foreign aid programs and public media that he successfully navigated through the House of Representatives.

But Johnsons own political campaign budget just took a modest hit, too  thanks to a thief, according to new federal records reviewed by OpenSecrets.

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The Mike Johnson for Louisiana congressional committee lost $9,995.50 on April 28 when an unidentified person swiped one of the committees paper checks, which was reissued to a fraudulent payee, and processed, Johnsons campaign wrote to the Federal Election Commission last week.

Federal Election Commission filing

This was not due to misuse of funds internally, the campaign committee told federal regulators. The Committee is currently working with the bank to retrieve the lost funds if possible.

Greg Steele, spokesman for Johnsons campaign, told OpenSecrets on Friday that they do not know who stole the check and are exploring whether to involve law enforcement.

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We just caught it during our normal reconciliation process at the end of the financial quarter, and the account is locked down, Steele said.

He added that Johnsons campaign has had no other theft-related issues since.

While losing $10,000 will barely dent Johnsons overall political finances  his committee reported more than $6.7 million in cash on hand as of June 30  the theft is the latest in a series of incidents involving fraudsters hitting high-profile politicians and party committees.

Taken together, federal political committees have lost millions of dollars this decade, an OpenSecrets analysis of federal records and media reports indicates.

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Thieves have successfully targeted the political campaigns of President Joe Biden, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Virginia Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Tulsi Gabbard, who ran for president as a Democrat in 2020 and now serves as President Donald Trumps national security advisor.

The campaign committee of Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) lost nearly $700,000 in 2022, prompting an FBI investigation.

In May and June of this year, Morans committee reported two small unauthorized charges for purchases at a Target store in Overland Park, Kan., that have since been reimbursed, according to FEC records.

Scammers have also hit the Republican National Committee, Wisconsin Republican Party, Oregon Republican Party, anti-Trump super PAC Lincoln Project and the Democratic-supporting Retired Americans PAC.

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In addition to Johnson, OpenSecrets has found evidence of more than a dozen federal political committees experiencing a financial crime against them since the November election, including those of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Reps. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.) and Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.).

Someone used the National Republican Congressional Committees credit card for a shopping spree  the damage: $2,425  at retailers Canada Goose and Fendi.

The FEC acknowledges that while misappropriation of political committee funds is not common, it has encountered a number of cases.

If a political committee discovers misappropriated funds, it must notify law enforcement as well as the FEC to properly disclose any reporting errors caused by a theft or unauthorized expenditure of campaign money.

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The FEC recommends political committees take several proactive steps to avoid theft, including limiting the number of people authorized to sign checks, carefully controlling credit and debit cards and placing dollar restrictions on financial account withdrawals.

Dave Levinthal is a Washington, D.C.-based investigative journalist. He served as OpenSecrets editorial and communications director from 2009 to 2011.

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This article was originally published by OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that tracks money in politics. View the original article.
CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA)  For the second consecutive year, 100% of nursing students at Eastern Illinois University passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a test which determines if a candidate is prepared to practice as an entry-level nurse.

The university said the achievement is rare  especially considering the national average pass rate for the exam is around 88.5%.

Mattoon businesses getting helping hand after do not drink order is lifted again

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This is amazing news-a 100 percent NCLEX pass rate two years in a row is a remarkable achievement given the various demands and complexities of the nursing curriculum, EIU President Jay Gatrell said. Since the launch of the [Gail and Richard Lumpkin] School, our faculty, staff and students have accomplished great things, and I deeply appreciate everyones efforts to teach, to learn, and to enhance the quality of health care in and across our east central Illinois communities.

Eastern Illinois University established the Gail and Richard Lumpkin School of Nursing in 2021 to address the nursing shortage in Central Illinois. Since then, university leaders said enrollment has grown, and the program has become more competitive.

You can learn more about EIUs nursing program options on the universitys 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.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  The 10th anniversary of the Drive 2 Remember Car Show was held at the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview on Saturday.

Martin House unveils plans for new center to help child abuse victims in Longview

Every year dozens of East Texans bring out their classic and modern automobiles to host the Drive 2 Remember Car show which is free to the public but collects donations for the East Texas Alzheimer`s Alliance.

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The nonprofit Drive 2 Remember Car show was started in 2016 by Cameron Williams after his father died with Alzheimers that year.

My father passed away from Alzheimers disease in 2016. So thats the direct connection to why I wanted to start this, Williams said. Then theres numerous other people that have suffered similar losses that we would like to be able to provide encouragement to and also help those suffering from it currently.

To learn more about the nonprofits work, visit Drive 2 Remember online.

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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NANTUCKET, Mass. (WPRI)  A 1,653-pound great white shark was pinged off of the coast of Nantucket on Friday.

According to OCEARCH, a global nonprofit organization the conducts research on sharks and other marine life, it was the largest great white they have ever tagged in the western North Atlantic Ocean.

OCEARCH said Contender, an adult male, was tagged back in mid-January, about 45 miles off of the Florida/Georgia coast. The shark was 13 feet and nine inches long.

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The SPOT (Smart Position and Temperature Transmitting) tag will provide real-time tracking data and migration patterns of Contender for about five years.

The organization has also collected important biological samples, including urogenital material, which are currently being analyzed.

Contender is named after Contender Boats, a longtime partner of OCEARCH.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Sunday marks 13 years since the mass shooting at an Aurora theater that killed 12 and injured dozens more.

A father of one of the victims, Tom Sullivan, said that around this time of year is always hard as he remembers it like it was yesterday.

Blood drive to honor Aurora theater shooting victims on 13th anniversary

You might be a little shorter with someone than you normally would be and its hard to understand why and then its like, oh, thats what it is, says Sullivan.

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His son, Alex, wouldve celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday. Instead, the day marks 13 years since he was killed inside that Aurora theater.

They never get easier, says Sullivan.

Since then, Sullivan has taken action. Currently a state senator, he became a Colorado congressman in 2019 and immediately became the prime sponsor of the states red flag law, which allows family members or law enforcement to request the temporary confiscation of guns from people who pose a threat.

While there is plenty of opposition, Sullivan says his work in the state legislature is a direct response to how he felt after losing his son.

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When it happened to us and I looked out for someone for some guidance and some support, there wasnt anybody there, said Sullivan.

While he believes the country has taken steps towards better gun safety, he says theres still work to do, citing how at the time, the Aurora mass shooting was the largest in American history.

13 years later and the Aurora theater massacre isnt even in the top ten anymore, said Sullivan.

Sullivan says he has no plans to stop fighting to make a difference and hopes others will too, so that July 20, 2012, is a day no one ever forgets.

Theres people who this day is forever on repeat in our minds, said Sullivan.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Nearly 1,000 affordable housing units are on the way to San Diego County, thanks to a $14 million boost from the State of California aimed at tackling the regions deepening housing crisis.

In a joint announcement last week, the San Diego Foundation (SDF) and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) revealed that 10 affordable housing projects across the county will receive funding through Californias Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 2.0) program. The initiative is designed to help local governments meet the states housing and climate goals.

In San Diego, were seeing our teachers, nurses, firefighters and essential workersthe very people who ensure our neighborhoods remain safe and vibrantface enormous challenges in finding affordable housing, said Jim Howell, SDF chief financial officer. The REAP 2.0 funding allows us to accelerate innovative housing solutions to address our regions most pressing housing needs while advancing our climate commitments.

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Department of Justice requests data on non-citizen inmates from California jails

The $14 million will support 966 new affordable units expected to enter the market between December 2026 and June 2030, with over two-thirds of them available by 2027. The homes will serve a wide range of residents, including low to middle income families, veterans, seniors, refugees, immigrants, and single women.

Since 2020, home prices in San Diego County have risen by 42%, and more than one-third of residents spend over 30% of their income on housing, according to SDF. With the San Diego Housing Federation estimating a need for more than 134,000 affordable units, the REAP 2.0 funds are a welcome intervention.

This partnership between SANDAG and San Diego Foundation will facilitate much-needed housing solutions across our region, said Lesa Heebner, SANDAG chair and mayor of Solana Beach. This funding, provided by the State of California, will give individuals and families more opportunities to find affordable places to live and build their futures, while helping meet regional and state housing goals.

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The SDF, selected by SANDAG to oversee the distribution of REAP 2.0 funding through a new regional housing trust fund, reviewed 24 applications and selected 10 projects through a competitive evaluation process. The awards include six grants totaling $8 million and four low-interest loans amounting to $6 million.

One of the selected recipients is Casa Familiar in San Ysidro, which will receive funding to support a resident-led development focused on environmental resilience and long-term community ownership.

A look back: San Diego remembers tragic McDonalds massacre 41 years later

This grant award represents more than financial supportit is a commitment to climate justice, community empowerment and equitable development at the border, said Lisa Cuestas, CEO of Casa Familiar. Together, we are not just building housingwe are building a just, climate-resilient future for San Ysidro.

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The table below lists the 10 projects awarded in the region, with additional details like location and population served:

For SDF, this latest announcement builds on ongoing efforts, including the launch of the San Diego Housing Fund in 2022. That fund aims to generate 1,000 new homes per year for the next decade, and is currently backing about $1 billion in new workforce housing construction throughout the region.

More details on the selected REAP 2.0 projects, including maps and renderings, are available on the San Diego Foundation website.

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Jul. 20Casa Grande hosts groundbreaking for new building

BURLINGTON  Local business and political leaders turned out on Tuesday for the ground breaking of a new building for Casa Grande.

The new restaurant is being constructed adjacent to the current location, at 47 Township Rd. in Burlington.

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"We love our community and our community deserves the best. We are so excited to start this next chapter of our Casa Grande story," owner Carlos Ortiz said.

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Mart Conley, of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event, served as master of ceremonies.

"Casa Grande has been more than just a restaurant," he said. "It has been a gathering place, a local favorite and a constant source of fellowship."

Like many of the speakers, Conley praised Ortiz's community involvement.

"Carlos has always been there, supporting local groups and stepping up for those who need help," Conley said.

Ortiz thanks several in his remarks.

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"The Lord, my family and my team," he said. "Without them, this would not be happening."

Casa Grande opened in Burlington in 2010, when Ortiz, who is featured prominently in its marketing, moved to the area from Covington, Virginia, where he had been managing another restaurant. He opened the business with his brother, Francisco, who served as head chef, and his uncle Gabriel Valadez, who was his business partner in the venture.

In the decade and a half since opening in Burlington, Casa Grande has expanded to include locations in Jackson and New Boston.

The Burlington restaurant is expected to open in 2026.

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Police in middle Georgia are investigating a shooting that killed a 19-year-old who was walking home earlier this month.

Albany police say Jamarion King was shot and killed in broad daylight on July 3.

Kings family told WALB that he was walking home from the barbershop with a friend when shots rang out.

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Earlier this week, police named Kayveon Lyles, 20, and Jaquan McIntyre, 17, as suspects. Jaquan Jordan, 21, was also named a person of interest.

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They added that Markelvin Hicks, 22, was arrested Tuesday and charged with murder, three counts of aggravated assault and more.

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Police are also investigating the deadly shooting of Patricia Duncan, a 52-year-old woman shot and killed while sitting on her porch just hours after Kings death.

Investigators say they believe the two shootings are connected, but have not named any suspects in Duncans death.

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A two-week-old baby who was found unresponsive in an area home has died.

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Officers and medics responded Tuesday to a 911 call on reports of an unresponsive two-week-old baby at a Randolph Street home in Richmond, Indiana, according to a social media post.

Medics transported the infant to Reid Health with a police escort.

The baby died at the hospital, Richmond Police said.

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There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child, said Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly. Our hearts are with this family as they navigate this profound loss.

The Wayne County Coroners Office also responded.

They called it a heartbreaking incident in a social media post on Wednesday.

Losing a child is something no family should ever have to face. In those moments, we do everything we can to offer compassion and support, said Wayne County Coroner R. Brent Meadows.

Chief Weatherly thanked their partner agencies for coming together to carry out their responsibilities, but also to support a grieving family.

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This story previously aired on Oct. 20, 2018.

It's a murder case that shook a community and one that hinges on a personal activity tracker and another technology: Google Dashboard, a tool that many people don't even know they have. But could it convict a killer?

Nicole Vander Heyden went out with friends for a night on the town in Green Bay, Wis., on May 20, 2016. She never made it home. A day later, she was found dead in a field, having been beaten and strangled to death.

Nicole Vander Hayden

The murder left her friends and family shaken, and the community wondered how it could happen. At the time, Vander Heyden was living with her boyfriend, Doug Detrie, and their 6-month-old son. Detrie was interviewed by sheriff's deputies and quickly became the prime suspect when blood was found on the floor of their garage and in Vander Heyden's car.

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Investigators also wondered why Detrie waited hours before reporting her missing. "It doesn't seem like a guy who's particularly worried about his girlfriend, the mother of his child, does it?" Slinger tells "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty.

Detrie was wearing a Fitbit device when he was interviewed and when he was arrested. Data recorded about his activities during the window of time Vander Heyden was murdered told a very different story  one that cleared him. He was released 18 days after his arrest.

Over the next several months, Nicole's clothing and items at the murder scene were processed for DNA. That would lead investigators in yet another direction  and to another man.

"Nobody knew who he was," says Kate Briquelet, a writer for the Daily Beast and a native Wisconsinite. "He had no connection to Nikki, no connection to Doug, no connection to any of their friends. I mean, he was literally a mystery man."

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A YOUNG MOM VANISHES

Kate Briquelet: Green Bay is supposed to be a really safe place. You know, mothers don't go missing, and  police don't find their bodies in farm fields.

In February 2018, friends and family of Nicole Vander Heyden gather in a packed Brown County courtroom, seeking justice for her brutal, senseless murder, two years earlier.

Kate Briquelet: What happens in this case could definitely come down to the technology.

Kate Briquelet: Who would do this? Who would do this to Nikki?

Tiffany Hoffman was a close friend of Nicole's, who everyone called Nikki. They had been friends for years and shared a love of the outdoors.

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Tiffany Hoffman: I was just  it's not real, you know, that can't be 

Erin Moriarty: What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of her?

Tiffany Hoffman: Light. Spirit. A verve and a zest and zeal.  She was close with her family, and loved her children.

Nikki was a mom to three: Mikayla and Tyler from a previous marriage, and 6-month-old Dylan, whose father was her boyfriend, Doug Detrie.

A cellphone photo of Nicole Vander Heyden and Doug Detrie at the Steel Panther concert. / Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

The two had met in January 2015, and soon moved in together.

Tiffany Hoffman: She was really, really happy. When she talked to me, she said they both were excited. Yeah, they both were excited to have a baby.

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On the night of Friday, May 20, 2016, the couple make last-minute plans to get a babysitter and join friends at a bar called the Watering Hole to see a Steel Panther concert.

Kate Briquelet: I think Nikki was really looking to let loose and have a good time.

As the concert is ending, Nikki decides to go with his friends to another bar, called the Sardine Can.

Erin Moriarty: And leave him.

Kate Briquelet: Doug agreed that he would  finish his conversation that he was having and find her at the next bar.

Nikki, seen on security camera video at the Sardine Can, appears to be having a great time, talking and dancing with friends.

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But as the night wears on, and Detrie still hasn't shown up at the Sardine Can, Nicole gets upset and begins sending him angry texts.

Kate Briquelet: They were scorching. And they were all but accusing him of infidelity.

Sometime after 11:30 p.m., Nikki tries calling Detrie, but he doesn't answer.

Kate Briquelet: So another friend calls Doug, and he answers. And this enrages Nikki.

So she gets up and leaves the bar.

One of Detrie's friends runs after her, begging her to come back to the bar. But she refuses. Instead, Nicole walks up the street, turns left, and vanishes into the night.

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When Detrie finds out that Nikki has left, he and his friend Greg drive around looking for her.

When they can't find her, they go in to the Sardine Can, where Detrie, who can be seen on surveillance video, has more to drink before the two of them head out.

911 Operator: Brown County 911  where Is your emergency  Richard Vandehey: We just found a human body laying in some weeds

Early the next afternoon, farmer Richard Vandehey makes a gruesome discovery.

Richard Vandehey: At first I thought it was deer, because of the rust color in her hair  then I realized it was a young lady.

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: She was naked.  Other than socks that were on her feet and a pink wristband.  Other than that we had no form of identification

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Brown County Sheriff Sergeant Rick Loppnow is among the first to respond to the scene.

Sgt. Rick Loppnow:  there was a lot of blood. There was obvious injury trauma on the side of her face.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Obviously the first step of the investigation is to identify who the person is.

Sergeant Brian Slinger is the lead detective on the case.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: That in and of itself was difficult due to the severity of the injuries.

Deputies get their first lead at 4:30 that afternoon, when Doug Detrie calls 911 to report Nikki as missing.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Her description matched what we had found in the field as far as age, approximate size  hair color.

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Slinger sends officers with a hidden camera to Detrie's home, which is just a little over three miles away from where the body has been found.

Officer: So you left the Sardine Can and drove around for another 30-40 minutes? Doug Detrie:Yeah we didn't get back here till  I don't even know what time it was. It was  it was late. 2:30.

Detrie tells deputies that after Greg dropped him off, he fell asleep around 3 a.m. And except for getting to check on the baby, he was asleep until after 6 a.m.

Officer: Did you do anything to cause her to go missing? Doug Detrie No, not at all.

That night, Detrie's parents watch baby Dylan, while Doug is further questioned at the station. It's here they tell him that Nikki has been murdered.

Doug Detrie: It can't be  no please, no.

As Detrie is being questioned, detectives get a warrant to search his and Nikki's home. They find blood on the floor of the garage  and in Nikki's car.

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Sgt. Brian Slinger: on the headboard, on the side and, then, in the backseat area.

They also discover a pair of Air Jordan's in the garage that appear to match the shoe print found on Nikki's back, and seem to have blood smudges on the bottom.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: For us, it's adding up. OK. This  this is our guy.

Just before dawn, an off-duty patrolman reports items scattered along a highway ramp less than two miles from where Nikki's body has been found.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: There was a purse  as well as her cellphone and  items that she was wearing that night

And there are more damning clues found in a neighbor's yard, who lives across the street from Doug and Nikki.

Erin Moriarty: And what was found here?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: A large quantity of blood that was determined to be Nicole's as well as some clumps of blonde hair  And, then, there was also a cord which I would describe as, a phone  charging cord.

Kate Briquelet: This was a huge discovery for police.  Now they had a murder scene. And it was 118 feet from Detrie's front door.

More than70 pieces of evidence are sent to the state crime lab. Now detectives had a theory about how Nikki had died.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: There was some sort of argument between her and Doug, maybe, when she got home and that  somehow ended up out in the street

Sheriff deputies are recording when they arrest Doug Detrie, who quickly becomes emotional.

Detrie isn't charged with murder, but deputies hold him on a $1 million bond, while they wait for DNA results.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Is there DNA on the bottom of this shoe? Is that blood on the bottom of this shoe?

Eighteen days later, investigators are stunned. Crime lab tests show the blood in the car isn't Nikki's, the blood in the garage isn't human, and the stains on the shoe aren't blood at all.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: We had nothing on Doug. So he was released.

What's more, on the night Nicole disappeared, Doug just happened to be wearing a Fitbit  a personal tracking device. It goes on your wrist, like a watch, and it tracks your activities: the steps you take, your heart rate, even your sleeping patterns.

When the Fitbit data stored in Doug's phone is examined, it corroborates his story.

Sgt. Brian Slinger:  he had a few footsteps throughout the night  getting up to go to the bathroom, check on the baby, whatever. His story that he told us was absolutely, 100 percent true.

So who killed Nicole Vander Heyden? Will high tech forensics blow this case wide open?

TRACKING A MYSTERY MAN

Nicole's mother and her brother Brandon struggle to understand how anyone could murder their beloved Nikki.

Vicki Meyer: It was a horrendous thing and it's just so hard to let that out of your heart.

Erin Moriarty: What do you miss the most?

Vicki Meyer: I'm waiting for her to come walking through my door again, you know. I miss her in the most  I miss her.

Brandon Meyer: I have a picture of  me and her when  we were younger  And just I look at that every night and I miss her all the time.

Remember, the evidence appears to clear Doug Detrie, so in June of 2016, his focus turns to raising his son Dylan, while Nicole's two older children live with their father.

The case torments Sergeants Brian Slinger and Richard Loppnow. They are back at square one, with no idea who did this.

Erin Moriarty: The two of you have this horrific murder on your hands. What are you feeling at that moment?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: We needed to figure out how Nicole got home.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: We pulled video cameras from every single bridge in the city of Green Bay  because in order for her to walk home, she would've had to cross a bridge ...

They reinterview witnesses and re-examine phone logs.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: I'll be honest with you, it was getting to the point we worried it was going to become a cold case.

Their first big break comes over the course of the summer. DNA results trickle in  and they are tantalizing. The officers learn that many of the samples taken from Nicole's clothing and from the neighbor's yard have DNA from an unidentified man. On dozens of samples, the same partial profile  but never enough for a positive ID.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: We had this one consistent mystery guy, I guess you'd call it.  And our job was to try and find out who that was.

Kate Briquelet: It was just a very confusing time. Nobody knew who would have done this to Nikki.

And then finally, that August, almost three months after Nicole disappeared, the officers get a call from the crime lab. One of the socks Nicole had been wearing has enough DNA to run through the national database  and they get a name.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: The excitement was amazing.

The DNA belongs to a man named George Steven Burch.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: It was a hit out of the state of Virginia.

Erin Moriarty: Virginia?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Yeah. Virginia.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: So it was like, OK, who is  who is George Burch? And  and why is he in Green Bay, Wisconsin, of all places?

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: Yes. We have a name now. But, now, we need to start digging on who this person is.

Burch moved from Virginia to Green Bay on March 1, 2016, looking for a fresh start. A longtime friend gave him a place to stay and helped him get a job. He also loaned Burch a car  a red, Chevy blazer.

That red Blazer would provide crucial evidence. It had been involved in a hit-and-run accident and destroyed in a fire a few weeks after Nicole's death. So when detectives run Burch's name through the local police database, up pops the accident report, which leads them to an address  for George Burch.

Surveillanance video caprures George Burch smoking on his front porch. / Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

Sgt. Brian Slinger: First time I drove by the house, there he is standing outside in front of the house smoking a cigarette. And my  my hair stood up on the back of my neck. I had goose bumps. It was like, "Oh my God, there's our guy."

They videotape his movements and keep their suspicions to themselves. And they learn that when Burch was questioned about the hit-and-run, he handed over his cellphone. And on it, a high-tech treasure trove.

Kate Briquelet: He gave them consent to search his phone. They extracted the entire thing.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: So I requested a copy of that. It's an Android phone. [It] had  a Gmail account associated with it. We were recently made aware of this Google Dashboard data that could, potentially, give us GPS data.

Most people aren't aware, Google Dashboard is a program that combines cellphone tower data, local Wi-Fi hot spots and GPS locators to calculate the actual location of the phone  at any given time.

The officers subpoena Google for the contents of George Burch's phone. What they get back is astonishing. Burch apparently spent much of the night Nicole disappeared at Richard Craniums, a bar a half-mile from the Sardine Can.

The data tracks Burch at 2:30 a.m. leaving Richard Craniums, and driving to Nicole's house  the crime scene  where he stayed for nearly an hour.

Sgt. Rick Loppnow:  it was very obvious that here's our guy.

He is next tracked at the field where Nicole's body was found, then near the off-ramp where her bloody clothes were discarded, and then, at 4:22 a.m., back at his home.

Erin Moriarty: When you saw that he was right there, what  what was your reaction?

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: It's a huge piece of evidence, obviously.

Finally  enough for an arrest  captured on police dashboard cameras.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: we sent one guy out to the house a little bit earlier to get eyes on.  And [he]  called me.  And he's like, "Oh my God  he's on the move. We gotta go now."  We all had to rally up, get in our cars and drive.

Four months after Nicole Vander Heyden's murder, George Steven Burch was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide / Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

On a drizzly September day, four months after Nicole's death, George Burch is arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide.

Interrogation room: Officer: The reason you're here  is in reference to a homicide investigation, into Nicole Vander Heyden. So if I read you your Miranda rights, you don't want to talk to me? George Burch: I would prefer a lawyer. Officer: OK.

Nicole's former brother-in-law, Shawn Vander Heyden, says the news came as a big surprise.

Shawn Vander Heyden: I had no clue who he was or where this guy came from  but  I was just happy to hear that they had  they had someone.

Nicole's family and friends have a new anguish; waiting for a trial. In March 2017, on what would have been Nicole's 32nd birthday, they came together on Lake Michigan to release lanterns in her honor.

Tiffany Hoffman: It was so cold. So cold. But her memory, you know, warmed us.  we all went out on that dock, on that pier, and lit our lanterns, and sent 'em off in  into  into, you know, her memory.

Erin Moriarty: Why lit lanterns? Why was that used to honor her?

Tiffany Hoffman:The lights. Her light. She was a light for so many in this world.

Nearly one year later, on Feb. 19, 2018, George Burch goes on trial for Nicole's murder.

The prosecution has a strong case.

Prosecutor David Lasee [in court]: Mr. Burch must be held accountable.

But, according to the defense, prosecutors have the wrong man.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: You will know that Douglas Detrie, Nicole's boyfriend, murdered Nicole.

THE TECHNOLOGY EVIDENCE

For Nicole Vander Heyden's family, every day of George Burch's murder trial is agony.

Erin Moriarty: Vicki, how did you get yourself to go every day to that courtroom?

Vicki Meyer: I don't know. God. He must have just taken our hands and led us there because, we wanted answers.

Friends say it is agonizing for Doug Detrie too, especially once he learns George Burch's defense team is planning to blame Nicole's murder on him.

Shawn Vander Heyden:  he was nervous. And I would be, too.  you know, you were accused of murder, and it's so many things goin' through your head.

And now, Doug Detrie's testimony is critical to the prosecution.

Erin Moriarty: It's kind of interesting that the man who you first thought might have killed his girlfriend is gonna be one of the most important witnesses at this trial. Right?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Right.  He will be very important.

Just as important would be "the technology evidence"  data collected from both Doug Detrie's Fitbit and George Burch's phone. Prosecutors say that Detrie's Fitbit shows he couldn't be the killer.

Prosecutor David Lasee [opening statement]: The autopsy results, the DNA identification, the Google Dashboard data, the records from Fitbit  that is the evidence that will drive you. You will follow that evidence and you will find the truth.

Doug Detrie is seen wearing his Fitbit tracker as investigators record him filing a missing persons report. / Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

Detrie's Fitbit is seen in the video captured by officers on their very first interview the day he reported Nicole missing. Prosecutors say downloaded data shows Detrie barely moved in the hours they believe Nicole was killed and left in the field.

Prosecutor David Lasee: Is that based on the data you obtained directly from Fitbit?

Tyler Behling | Forensic crime analyst: Yes it is. Everything that I could view directly on the device it lined up with what had previously been stated.

Erin Moriarty: Did you ever during this trial or have you thought much about it that how lucky it was that Doug happened to be wearing a Fitbit that night and the next morning?

Shawn Vander Heyden: Yeah.  That was huge in this case, I think, right there.  That pretty much said he  he wasn't there when this all happened.

On day three of the trial, Detrie takes the stand. Prosecutors aim to present him as a normal guy; not the best boyfriend, maybe, but an unlikely killer.

Prosecutor David Lasee: Tell us about your family?

Doug Detrie: My mother, my father, my amazing little son Dylan.

Detrie tells the jurors he and Nikki dreamed of getting married one day. And early on in the night she disappeared, they were having fun. Nikki didn't usually drink, he says, but that night they were both partying hard.

Prosecutor David Lasee: What was the pace she was drinking that night?

Doug Detrie: Pretty quickly. I think she had, like, two down and I was still on my first one.

Once they got separated and Nikki went ahead to the Sardine Can with friends, Detrie continued drinking and smoked some marijuana. Before long, Nikki sent him her first angry text, wondering where he was.

Nikki's texts got angrier, and she accused him of being with other women.

Prosecutor David Lasee: ... at any point in response to those messages, did you get upset with with Nikki?

Doug Detrie: No, I didn't.

The texts kept coming. Detrie said he offered to pick her up, but her phone died.

Prosecutor David Lasee: Were you concerned that Nikki was missing at that point in time?

Doug Detrie: I was  not concerned that she was missing. I was kinda concerned, like, why is she upset?

Prosecutor David Lasee: Doug, did you have absolutely any involvement in Nikki's disappearance or death?

Doug Detrie: No, I did not.

Under cross-examination, Burch's attorney Lee Schuchart pushed Detrie on whether things at home were really as good as he said they were.

Burch's lawyer shows jurors a text Detrie sent to his mom 10 days before Nikki died:

"I'm very seriously thinking about telling Nikki and the kids they have to move "

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: So in May of 2016, though, there were times where you were seriously considering breaking up with Nikki and the kids?

Doug Detrie: I never really, like, seriously thought about it. Like  like, made plans or anything like that.

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: It was just a lie to your mom.

What the jury would never hear is that several of Detrie's past girlfriends accused him of being jealous, abusive, and controlling.

Kate Briquelet: One girlfriend claims that he put a tracking device on her phone so he'd always know where she was.

Nicole Vander Hayden and Doug Detrie / Credit: Facebook

In her barrage of angry texts to Detrie that night, Nicole also accused him of being abusive.

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: Did you hurt Nikki that night?

Doug Detrie: Do you mean physically or what? I  no. I mean 

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: Did you physically beat her in the past?

Doug Detrie: No, I never physically beat N  Nikki.

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: Had you cheated on her in the past?

Doug Detrie: No, I have not.

Erin Moriarty: Doug is not an angel. Isn't that gonna be a problem in this jury?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Doug Detrie's not on trial. George Burch is on trial.

Defense attorneys ask the babysitter who took care of Dylan that night, to recount an odd conversation she had with Detrie the day after Nicole died.

Dallas Kennedy | Babysitter: I just asked, "What happened?" you know, "What happened?" and he replied, "I don't know, she hit her head and she just wanted to walk home."

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: So specifically, when you asked him what happened, he said that I don't know, she hit her head, correct?

Dallas Kennedy: It came out of his mouth, that comment. I don't know what that meant, but it came out of his mouth.

Would the questions raised about Detrie make jurors wonder if the right man was on trial? And would they buy George Burch's stunning version of what happened that night?



GEORGE BURCH'S STORY

It's day eight of the George Burch murder trial and with it comes the testimony everyone has been waiting to hear: Burch's version of what happened the night Nicole Vander Heyden was murdered.

Kate Briquelet: There was a lot of skepticism about George Burch's story  yet we all wanted to hear it from George's mouth.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: Let's start from the beginning.

George Burch: OK.

Prompted by his attorney, Burch tells jurors he's a hard-working family man with an easy going nickname:

George Burch: Most people call me "Big Country."

Public Defender Scott Stebbins takes Burch back to the night of the murder. Burch claims he ran into Nicole at the local bar called Richard Craniums.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: How were you acting towards her?

George Burch: I was flirting 

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: And how was she acting towards you?

George Burch: Somewhat the same pretty much  flirting back and forth with each other.

George Burch takes the stand in his trial for the murder of Nicole Vander Heyden / Credit: CBS News

According to Burch, they continued flirting until closing time around 2:30 a.m. And just as the Google Dashboard evidence showed, he drove Nicole the eight miles to her house and pulled up to the curb across the street.

George Burch: We sat there and talked for a few minutes.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: OK, what happened after that?

George Burch: Started, I guess, foolin' around, messin' around a little bit, started kissing.

Burch then detailed what he says was consensual sex. Nicole was in the back seat and Burch, too big to fit in the back seat with her, stood just outside the rear passenger door.

George Burch: I was standing outside the Blazer.

Nikki's family and friends had to sit there silently and listen.

Shawn Vander Heyden | Nicole's former brother-in-law: Anyone who knew Nicole knew that that was nothing that she would ever do  ever do  that was not her.

But it's what Burch says happened to him while he says he was having sex that was perhaps the most difficult to accept. He says he was knocked out.

George Burch: The next thing that I remember apart from us having intercourse was literally waking up on the ground outside the truck.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: Did you hear anything?

George Burch: The first thing I heard was, "don't even f------ think about it."

Burch said he turned and saw someone standing behind him holding a gun.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: At that point did you know who that individual was?

George Burch: Never seen him before in my life.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: Do you know who that individual is now?

George Burch: Now I do.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: Who was it?

George Burch: It was Doug Detrie.

Burch says he saw Nicole laying on the pavement.

George Burch: I didn't know if she was alive. There was a lot of blood.

The 6'7 250-pound Burch said Detrie told him to put Nicole's body in the Blazer and then drive to the field. Detrie, he said, ordered him at gunpoint to carry Nicole's body down an embankment.

George Burch: That's when I turned and with everything I had I lunged at him and pushed him as hard as I possibly could.

Burch said he ran back to the Blazer and headed for home, throwing Nicole's clothes out the window on the way. The next day, he met up with friends and went fishing.

George Burch went fishinn the day after Nicole Vander Heyden was murdered

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: You didn't call 911.

George Burch: No sir.

But he didn't tell anyone else either.

George Burch: You don't tell on people. People get killed all the time where I'm from for that.

As Burch told his story, two women were in the courtroom listening to every word. They had travelled more than a thousand miles to be here every day.

Carla Rhoads: We just wanted him to see our face every day and know that we haven't forgotten what he did. And we've never forgotten Joey.

In 1997, Joey White was murdered in Newport News, Va. The man accused of killing him: Neighborhood rival George Burch. But this jury will never hear about it.

Shayna Stowe: He was out on bond when he killed Joey.

Joey White / Credit: Shayna Stowe

Shayna Stowe was White's fiance and mother of his child.

Shayna Stowe: He was my first love. He was it.

Carla Rhoads is Joey's sister.

Carla Rhoads: I miss him a lot.

Burch testified at that trial, too.

Carla Rhoads: He looked at us, laughed at us, you know the whole time. Smirked.

Erin Moriarty: And what happened?

Shayna Stowe: Not guilty.

Carla Rhoads: It was shocking when they said "not guilty."

Neither was surprised that Burch had been accused of another murder.

Shayna Stowe: I'm not shocked at all  I mean I wouldn't be surprised if he's killed other people. I mean look at what he did. I mean it's brutal.

When it was finally District Attorney David Lasee's turn to cross examine Burch he had one thing in mind:

Prosecutor David Lasee:  to show how ridiculous his story was.

And he says he had plenty to work with  like Burch's claim that Nicole would have agreed to have sex in the car.

Prosecutor David Lasee: So Nicole would rather have sex with you in front of her neighbor's home with your butt hanging out of the door of the car, than ask the babysitter to go home.

George Burch: Sir, I don't know. I wasn't the one making decisions.

And if Burch was hit hard enough to knock him out, why didn't anyone see bumps or bruises on his head when he went fishing the next day?

George Burch: I'm 6'7" so it's hard for someone to see the top of my head.

And why would Detrie murder Nicole and let Burch get away?

Prosecutor David Lasee: So rather than just beating you or killing you in the middle of the street he decided to enlist you  a total stranger  to help him dispose of the body of his girlfriend.

George Burch: I don't know what his plans where.

At one point, Lasee pushes Burch on a possible motive:

Prosecutor David Lasee: What really happened was you drove Nicole home fully expecting that you were going to have sex right?

George Burch: I was hoping that we would.

Prosecutor David Lasee: And when you get there and it becomes clear that Nikki isn't going to have sex with you, when she attempts to go into her house and leave your vehicle that's when your mood changes right?

George Burch: No sir.

Prosecutor David Lasee: That's when things get aggressive don't they.

George Burch: Not at all.

Prosecutor David Lasee: That's when you grab that cord and strangle her don't you?

George Burch: No sir, not at all.

Prosecutor David Lasee: That's when Nikki gets slammed on the ground repeatedly when she's trying to run toward her house.

George Burch: None of that is true.

And Burch loses his cool when Lasee presses him on an inconsistency in his story.

Prosecutor David Lasee: So clear this up for me, you're backing down the embankment with Nicole's body in a fireman's carried position, right?

George Burch: No.

Prosecutor David Lasee: What are you doing?

George Burch: I told you before and I will say it one more time for you sir. I was carrying her over to this area 

Shawna Stowe: I think it was a big turn when you saw him lose his temper.

Carla Rhoads: And I think we both said, "Well, there's the real Steve Burch coming out  not George. Not Big Country. This is how we knew him.

Prosecutor David Lasee: You're assaulted, you're held at gunpoint, you carry the mangled body of a woman to her final resting place and the next day you're going fishing with your buddy with a smile on your face and not a care in the world.

George Burch: I wouldn't say not a care in the world. That would definitely not be something I would say.

WHO WILL THE JURY BELIEVE?

The prosecution got one last chance to present witnesses to rebut the story George Burch told the jury.

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: During George Burch's testimony he specifically said, I recall, that they were having sex, her pants were off already at that point. So during the rebuttal, we brought those pants to enter into evidence and make sure they were viewed.

Prosecutor David Lasee: If she had been disrobed in her car, how do those clothes get not just bloody, but dirty and hairy? Those clothes are filthy. And they're demonstrative of being worn during a struggle.

Carefully and respectfully, Sgts. Brian Slinger and Rick Loppnow unwrapped and displayed the pants that Nicole wore the night she died found blood soaked and muddy on the highway.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: It goes to George's credibility, which is zero, that this was not a consensual act  She fought, escaped the vehicle  he bludgeoned her, strangled her with her clothes on, and then transported her body to the scene  His story was a lie  he disrobed her at the scene and forgot her socks.

And then the final arguments: the prosecution reminded the jurors of the weight of evidence against George Burch.

Prosecutor Mary Kerrigan-Mares: Whose DNA is on her sock?  Who is with Nikki at the four key areas of Brown County?  Their explanation is ridiculous and it's insulting to your intelligence.

While the defense hoped to plant doubt.

Defense attorney Lee Schuchart: Justice for Nicole is not going to be delivered by a wrongful conviction of George Burch. Doug Detrie had the motive, the opportunity and the connection to this crime.

Prosecutor David Lasee: The man that met this woman in a bar, and admitted by his own account to dumping her body in that field, looks like this the next day [shows photos of Burch fishing]. Who does that?

Erin Moriarty: What was the feeling in the courtroom as the case went to the jury?

Kate Briquelet: It was very tense  And I was surprised that, I think, 45 minutes later, I mean not even an hour later, the jury had a question.

Jurors asked to see the bloody wire used to strangle Nicole, as well as cords found in Doug Detrie's garage, to see if they were possibly a match.

The jury asked to see the bloody wire used to strangle Nicole, as well as cords found in Doug Detrie's garage, to see if they were possibly a match.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: You know, the fact that they're thinking about that is telling me, 'OK, are they actually believing George Burch's story here?"

Kate Briquelet: It really made me wonder where this was gonna go.

After a nine-day trial and more than 50 witnesses, the jury took just over three hours to reach a verdict.

Shayna Stowe: I just had this horrible feeling it was coming back not guilty  It just was really hard. I could not breathe.

Carla Rhoads: And you could feel everybody was, like, shaking.

Judge: We the jury find the defendant, George Steven Burch, guilty of first-degree intentional homicide

Vicki Meyer: Everybody was just like  Just thank God that he was guilty. Thank God.

George Burch reacts to his guilty verdict / Credit: CBS News

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: What sticks out in my mind was the gasp  hearing that from the family and knowing the relief that they had at that moment  that'll stick with me.

Erin Moriarty: In a good way 

Sgt. Rick Loppnow [emotional]: Absolutely.

Shayna Stowe: I know Joey was there for this  It was his 20-year anniversary of his death in October. It's just  trying not to get upset.

Erin Moriarty: Could you see Doug Detrie?

Kate Briquelet: Doug Detrie, I think, was relieved. Doug Detrie was holding his mother.  Doug wasn't even on trial in this case, but he was finally free of any suspicion.

Erin Moriarty: So what you found from this case is that this technology can do more than connect someone to a crime, it can actually exonerate a person.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Absolutely, yeah. I feel bad that he sat in jail for 18, 19 days.  I mean, technology is very important and our goal is to exonerate people just as it is to find them guilty.

Kate Briquelet: If we didn't have these Google data locations on George's phone, if we didn't have the Fitbit  Would it be Doug Detrie sitting in prison as opposed to George Burch?

Back in court two months after the verdict, the judge speaks to George Burch before sentencing him, while Doug Detrie and his mother look on.

Judge: ... this family is destroyed and will never be like this again. This is a crime that would, I believe, merit the death penalty and for that you have to die in prison.

In a state with no death penalty, the sentence is as harsh as possible: life without parole.

It is what the families wanted, and yet, this is not a time for celebration.

The only comfort for Nicole's family is that George Burch can never destroy lives again.

Brandon Meyer: When they convicted George  It was a feeling of happiness, but yet still, like, somewhat of a realization that she's actually gone now. And it's hard.

Erin Moriarty: What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your daughter?

Vicki Meyer: Her big smile, her big gorgeous smile. She just radiates. She just does. She was always happy. And that just so reflects who she was.

Erin Moriarty: What do you all tell her children? Michaela, Tyler, Dylan?

Shawn Vander Heyden: Nicole is lookin' over 'em  that she loves 'em, and she'll see 'em again. And every night, I know Tyler and Michaela always say a prayer, and talk to their mom, and say good night.

Tiffany Hoffman: We gained an angel. We lost a breath of fresh air.  The memory lives on through the stories we share, things we never forget and she's okay. She's OK.

Vicki Meyer: She just had a passion for life, for living  She had good morals  Just what more can a mom ask for?

Would you go on a retirement cruise?

Linda Gwozdz speaks at her sentencing

Linda Duffey Gwozdz and the tale of Elmer Fudd
2 women, 1 girl dead in Renton neighborhood shooting, suspect still at large

Officers are investigating a shooting involving multiple people in a Renton neighborhood on Saturday evening, according to the Renton Police Department.

Three people are dead, according to the Renton Police Department.

The victims are two women and a girl. Police said the girl is nine or ten-years-old.

Two witnesses were inside the apartment at the time of the shooting and were able to escape.

Police know who the suspect is.

It appears the scene is limited to an apartment unit. Neighbors tell us its a senior living home. Weve seen K-9 units in the area as well as several agencies outside of just Renton PD pic.twitter.com/tF4OlApwYc  Brandon Thompson (@BThompsonNews) July 20, 2025

The shooting occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Kirkland Avenue Northeast and Northeast 18th Street.
President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBB) has become the law of the land, and the likelihood of it affecting you or someone you know is probable. The comprehensive new legislation offers some benefits. At the same time, it has evoked a strong sense of consternation among critics and millions of low-income Americans already living on the edge of precarity.

Read Next: 5 Ways Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill Could Impact Your Wallet

Find Out: 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025

Supporters of the BBB welcome several benefits it grants. For instance, companies can now immediately write off costs associated with building new manufacturing plants, which proponents argue drive economic growth and jobs, according to PBS.

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Meanwhile, Americans earning between $318,000 and $460,000 could save approximately $8,900, as reported by The Hill. For the richest of the rich (the top 0.1%), the Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates they could gain as much as $290,000 in annual income.

That being said, the bill could add trillions to the national debt, while clawing back critical programs millions rely on. Republican lawmakers argue these cuts are necessary to reduce spending and trim the deficit, but when the costs of these initiatives are compared with the fortunes of Americas wealthiest  particularly the billionaire class  it becomes increasingly clear what deserves greater priority.

The following figures have been compiled from Americans for Tax Fairness and other sources. They outline various programs the BBB plans to cut in the coming years and compare the cost of cutting them to the wealth of billionaires.

Federal Medicaid Funding ($1 trillion from 2025  2034)

Millions rely on Medicaid for healthcare, according to the American Hospital Association. Established in 1965, the joint federal and state framework subsidizes medical care for the poorest Americans in the country. The Congressional Budget Office, a non-partisan entity, estimates 11.8 million Americans could be left without any coverage by 2034 as a consequence of the BBB.

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This comes at a time when medical debt is already the leading cause of bankruptcy. As millions of low-income families could lose access to vital healthcare, Americas 885 billionaires collectively own $7 trillion, with the worlds richest person, Elon Musk, alone holding $404.2 billion.

Child Care Credit ($55 billion)

Six-point-five million families rely on this program to offset expensive childcare costs. Ironically, the same party thats incentivizing families to have more children with $1,000 Trump accounts is now simultaneously rolling back this credit.

Though $55 billion is considerable, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is worth $236.8 billion.

Lifetime Learning Credit ($26 billion)

According to the IRS, this initiative aims to help pay for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree courses  including courses to acquire or improve job skills. In a hypercompetitive global economy, where education is essential for acquiring skills, ideally, governments would bolster funding to help their constituents get ahead and succeed. This bill does the exact opposite.

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At the same time, Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, is worth $282.2 billion, ranking behind only Musk.

The Bottom Line

The purpose of this article is not to vilify billionaires or suggest it is practical to liquidate their fortunes, as most of their wealth is tied up in stocks. Rather, its to illustrate the scale and magnitude of how critical these programs are  while outlining how well those at the top are doing.

Capitalism has undeniably raised living standards and has pulled millions out of poverty. Yet, two things can be true: a healthy capitalist economy requires opportunity and a strong middle class  not extreme wealth concentration and the reduction of vital safety net programs, as the latter is neither sustainable nor conducive to long-term economic growth.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Government Programs That Cost Less Than One Billionaires Fortune
Three people were rescued from an overturned boat in the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday.

Around 5 p.m., fire and rescue personnel from St. Marys County were dispatched about 300 yards offshore in the Chesapeake Bay for three victims stranded in the water, according to Maryland State Police.

A state police aviation crew stationed in California, Maryland, overheard the report dispatched on the radio and self-launched after coordinating with St. Marys officials to assist with locating and rescuing the stranded people, according to police. The crew was requested to conduct an aerial hoist rescue due to the extended arrival time of the closest fire rescue board, police said.

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The Augusta Westland W139 helicopter hovered over the three people, lowered a rescue basket and lifted one person into the aircraft, according to a news release from police.

Police said a fireboat from Calvert County then arrived on the scene and was directed to rescue the remaining two people stranded in the water.

According to police, the airlifted victim did not require medical evacuation to a hospital and was offloaded to an awaiting ambulance and family.

Have a news tip? Contact Matt Hubbard at mhubbard@baltsun.com, 443-651-0101 or @mthubb on X.
Jul. 19WASHINGTON  Fifty years ago in June, elected officials gathered in Lewiston to celebrate a remarkable feat: With the completion of the Lower Snake River dams, a $1 billion project had effectively turned the Inland Northwest town into a seaport some 300 miles from the Pacific coast.

"This is in every sense a historic occasion," Gov. Robert Straub of Oregon said at the dedication ceremony for the Little Goose Dam on June 19, 1975. "For more than 100 years, slack water from the Pacific Ocean to Lewiston has been a dream."

In Lewiston a day later, Gov. Cecil Andrus of Idaho was less sanguine, even as he hailed the "magnificent system" the federal government had just completed.

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"The cost of this system has been horrendous in money spent and the cost to natural resources," The Spokesman-Review reported Andrus saying at the time. "We did not realize all the ramifications this system would have. But we shouldn't wring our hands. These problems are solvable."

When the chief of the Army Corps of Engineers chided the Idaho governor at an event the next day, saying Andrus "didn't seem to realize that we have fish ladders on the dams," Sen. Frank Church of Idaho replied, "We do know of the fish ladders, and we know of their deficiencies."

Since the four Lower Snake River dams were completed, the economic benefits they provide have been in tension with their impact on the salmon and steelhead that hatch above the dams and must return there from the ocean to spawn before they die. After the Biden administration and Northwest Democrats took tentative steps toward the potential of breaching the dams in hopes of restoring dwindling salmon runs, President Donald Trump's return to the White House seems to have foreclosed that possibility  at least for now.

On June 12, a week before the 50th anniversary of the dams' dedication, Trump announced his administration would withdraw from a Biden-era agreement with four Northwest tribes, conservation groups and the states of Washington and Oregon. Half a century after Sen. Warren Magnuson, a Washington Democrat, recalled how plans to develop the Snake and Columbia rivers were once denounced as "socialist schemes," most Northwest Republicans have taken up defending the dams as a signature cause, while some of the region's Democrats have hinted at being open to breaching them and replacing the benefits they provide.

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"We're blessed, unlike anywhere else in the country," Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, said of the energy the dams provide. "It just makes sense for us to utilize the hydroelectric system."

In addition to the power generated by the river flowing through turbines, the dams help irrigate arid farmland and turn the Snake and Columbia rivers into a series of pools that let barges move vast amounts of cargo between Lewiston and the Pacific more cheaply than by road or rail.

Sitting in his office at the U.S. Capitol on June 27, Newhouse said hydropower must be a major part of the United States' energy future, even as the Trump administration pushes to increase the country's production of  and reliance on  oil, gas and coal. Unlike Trump, who frequently rails against "ugly" wind turbines, the GOP congressman said wind and solar projects have a place in the nation's energy mix, but only "where it makes sense."

Newhouse represents a heavily agricultural swath of central Washington that includes the Yakama Reservation and the western half of the Colville Reservation. He said the end of the federal government's $1 billion pledge to restore salmon habitat, invest in tribal energy projects and study the possibility of dam breaching represents an opportunity to move past the fight over the Snake River dams and work together on other efforts to increase salmon populations, such as habitat restoration and culling sea lions, whose population has exploded in recent decades, and other predators.

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"We're wasting time  the salmon are imminently in danger  on this whole breaching fight," Newhouse said. "And what we should be doing is putting our time and resources into things that will actually help."

Chairman Shannon Wheeler of the Nez Perce Tribe, which ceded millions of acres of land to the federal government in an 1855 treaty in exchange for the guaranteed right to fish in all their "usual and accustomed" places, said the Trump administration's withdrawal from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement hasn't changed the reality facing salmon and steelhead in the Snake River. The Nez Perce were one of four tribal parties to the agreement, along with the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation.

"The truth of it is the status of the fish hasn't changed," he said, adding that decades of habitat restoration work and improved fish passage technology at the dams haven't restored the populations to levels that can be de-listed under the Endangered Species Act.

"They're nowhere near healthy, harvestable, abundant numbers, and they're definitely not even close to the historical numbers that returned to the Native waters here," Wheeler said. "And so the plan was always to advance the Pacific Northwest in the services that were provided by the four Lower Snake River dams, and if we could replace those services while recovering the species, that was the portion that we, as a tribe, were rolling the dice on."

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That plan, which the Nez Perce and other tribes developed along with Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho, the sole Republican to back dam breaching, involves replacing the benefits the dams provide by developing new energy generation and storage capacity, alternative modes of transportation for the goods that travel up and down the river and modified irrigation techniques to draw water from the river after its natural flow is restored.

"All of these things would have happened prior to breaching the four Lower Snake River dams," Wheeler said. "Advancing the Pacific Northwest into a better, stronger, smarter place was exactly what we were all doing."

Proponents of the dams argue that growing energy needs mean hydropower still will be an important part of the country's energy infrastructure even if other sources, such as wind and solar power, are expanded. Wheeler emphasized that while those are projections about the future, the data collected by the tribe's fishery scientists that show dangerously low numbers of fish returning to spawn are current and urgent.

"There's only one way that these fish are going to recover," Wheeler said, "and that's with the breaching of the four Lower Snake River dams."

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Newhouse welcomed the Trump administration's withdrawal from the agreement with tribes, states and conservation groups, which he said was the product of a flawed process that excluded public utility districts and other proponents of the dams. Those in favor of the agreement point out that it arose out of litigation that didn't involve those parties, so they weren't involved to begin with.

"Nobody wants to see salmon go away," the congressman said, but he felt that the outcome of the negotiations between Democratic government officials and advocates of dam breaching was predetermined. "If you go into a negotiation with anybody and you already know that the deck is stacked against you, that it's already determined that those dams are coming out, it kind of lessens the productive outcome that's possible."

Newhouse said he would do everything he can to help the Trump administration understand the importance of letting salmon thrive.

"That's got to be part of our obligation," he said. "If we're going to keep the dams  if that's going to be the privilege that we get  then the responsibility that we have is to do all we can on behalf of the salmon and the people that depend on them."

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The congressman, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, said in the June 27 interview that he didn't realize the Trump administration had axed a $500 million fish passage project at Howard Hanson Dam on the Green River east of Tacoma. But in a statement on Friday, Newhouse called that project "a great example of ways we need to support salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest."

"I supported this project throughout the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process," Newhouse said, adding that although the funding wasn't included in the short-term bill that is currently funding the government after Trump sank a bipartisan appropriations bill in December, "I will continue to support fish passage efforts and ensure dams and salmon continue to coexist."

The congressman cited that fish passage project and an effort this year to remove a fish-killing causeway at Bateman Island where the Yakima River meets the Columbia River  "unless Trump pulls that money, too"  as examples of the kind of work that can help restore salmon if the region can move past the dam-breaching fight.

Newhouse drew the president's ire when he was one of just 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for inciting the Capitol riot in January 2021, but he has recently been a reliable vote for the White House's priorities in Congress and said he has a good relationship with Energy Secretary Chris Wright, whom he described as a smart and open-minded ally on hydropower issues. The lawmaker said he disagrees with the idea that the dams and healthy fish populations are mutually exclusive.

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"I'm determined to prove that the dams and the salmon can coexist," Newhouse said. "We've got more work to do, absolutely, but I think it's absolutely worth it for us to redirect our energy and our resources so that we can have both, long term."

Newhouse, who grew up near the Yakama Reservation, said he respects the cultural significance of salmon to the tribes but sees the benefits of the dams as too valuable to tear them out.

"As a state, as a region, as a nation  we need to have some of the things that the dams provide us, too," he said. "It's not an easy equation to solve, but it's one that we have to."

Wheeler said the Nez Perce are willing to work with the federal government, as long as it abides by the treaty it signed with the tribe, as Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution requires, and understands the tribe's need to preserve their way of life.

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"I believe that they honor tribal nations," he said, "and they understand that treaty rights are the supreme law of the land, and we're all subject to the Constitution and the rule of law."

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.
(NewsNation)  State authorities have confirmed a nine-year-old girl is dead after she went missing from Lake George, New York.

Melina Galanis Frattolin, a Canadian resident, was located by authorities in Ticonderoga, New York, on Sunday.

Due to jurisdictional considerations, the Warren County Sheriffs Office has turned the investigation over to the New York State Police,  New York State Police said in part of a statement. At this time, there is no indication that an abduction occurred, and there is no threat to the public.

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Teen arrested in connection to death of Maine paddleboarder

Frattolin was last seen Saturday night around 9:40 p.m. EST in a white van on I-87 southbound near Exit 22 in Lake George, according to the Warren County Sheriffs Office.

They added that she was taken under circumstances that led them to believe that Frattolin was in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.

An Amber Alert had been issued hours prior to Frattolins body being discovered.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
LAKE GEORGE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  A 9-year-old girl from Canada was found dead on Sunday in Ticonderoga, NY. The girl had been the subject of an Amber Alert issued by the NY State Police, at the request of the Warren County Sheriffs Office, early Sunday.

Our sister station, WTEN in Albany, is reporting that 9-year-old Melina Galanis Frattolin, the object of an Amber Alert issued this morning, has been found dead, citing the State Troopers, who took over the investigation from the Warren County Sheriffs Office.

The station reports that, according to the State Police, there is no indication that an abduction took place.

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Troopers say that shortly before 10:00 PM Saturday, the Warren County Sheriffs Office received a call from a man reporting that his daughter was missing. The man, who has been identified as Luciano Frattolin, of Canada, said that his daughter was missing and possibly abducted. Mr. Frattolin reported that Melina was last seen near Exit 22 on the Northway, I-87. He reported that she was in a white van heading south on the Northway.

Ticonderoga  where the child was found  is on the north shore of Lake George, almost 70 miles away. State Police took over the investigation of the incident when inconsistencies in Mr. Frattolins story began to surface.

The Times Union reports that Luciano Frattolin is a 45-year-old business entrepreneur who founded a coffee company in Montreal.

No arrests have been made. We will update this story as new details become available.

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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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
A US official said there's "growing skepticism inside the Trump administration" regarding Netanyahu, noting that his policies in the Middle East are too disruptive.

White House officials reportedly believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be out of control and that his actions could undermine US President Donald Trumps plans in the Middle East, a report said Sunday.

Bibi is acting like a madman. He bombs everything all the time. This could undermine what Trump is trying to do, a White House official told Axios.

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Another US official said theres growing skepticism inside the Trump administration regarding Netanyahu, noting that his policies in the Middle East are too disruptive.

Netanyahu is sometimes like a child who just wont behave, the official added.

An additional US official highlighted the strike on Gazas Holy Family Church, a Roman Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip, last week.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US President Donald Trump at the White House, in Washington DC, US, July 8, 2025 (credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO)

The Prime Ministers Office confirmed that stray ammunition hit Gazas Holy Family Church, and the IDF said that fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area hit the church mistakenly.

White House officials say 'every day there is something new' with Netanyahu and the region

White House officials say, Every day there is something new with Netanyahu and the region. The incident resulted in Trump calling Netanyahu to demand answers and explanations. Axios noted that Netanyahus spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

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Regarding escalations in Syria, six US officials told Axios that despite a US-brokered ceasefire that paused fighting in Sweida in southern Syria, the White House is significantly alarmed regarding Netanyahu and his regional policies.

Reuters contributed to this report.
UPDATE: The missing boy has been located. View the original story below:

ADAMS, Mass. (WWLP)  Police are seeking the publics assistance in locating a missing juvenile last seen Sunday morning.

Local cooks search for deals as beef prices rise

The Adams Police Department shared that Julius Valentine was last seen at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. He is described as white with brown hair, 56, and 200 pounds.

(Adams Police Department)

Julius is possibly traveling on foot. If you see him or have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Adams Police Department by calling 413-743-1212.

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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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Twenty-one employees of cruise ships have been detained  and some deported  while their ship was docked in Norfolk by federal authorities who accused them of possessing child pornography, immigrant advocates alleged Sunday morning.

Customs and Border Protection officers, escorted by Carnival Cruise Line security staff, detained the crew members in a series of raids dating back to April, advocates said, to their downtown office a few blocks away.

Around 50 people gathered on the edge of Town Point Park, in sight of hundreds of people disembarking and boarding the Carnival Sunshine on Sunday, protesting the actions of federal authorities and the cruise line.

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Aquilina Soriano Versoza, the executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center, said all 21 crew members had been falsely accused of possession of child pornography and were not being afforded due process.

Soriano Versoza said all the detentions are baseless, targeted actions made to bolster deportation quotas as part of the Trump administrations crackdown.

Carnival said its staff merely has cooperated with federal law enforcement.

The FBI and U.S Customs and Border Protection have made a series of arrests of cruise ship employees, going back to the Biden administration. It is not clear whether any of the employees detained in Norfolk have been charged with any crimes.

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At the rally, Soriano Versoza said the latest detention had happened Sunday morning.

She said authorities would stop suspected lower-ranking employees, like cooks, casino workers and custodians, and demand their phones. Crew members were removed from the ship and held at the CBP office, in hotel rooms or at the airport.

There were no formal charges at all. Only accusations with no evidence, Soriano Versoza said in an interview.

Soriano Versoza said those who were detained didnt have criminal records. They held approved visas.

The Pilipino Workers Center, a West Coast-based advocacy group, hurriedly put together the demonstration starting Friday after they were contacted by crew members aboard the Sunshine.

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In one such case in June, nine crew members were escorted off the ship at once.

The crackdowns, she said, are made against workers who often dont fully understand whats happening, what their rights are or who have any ties to the Hampton Roads region.

Soriano Versoza said the cases in Norfolk are unlike previous cases of cruise ship employees involved with child pornography.

When accused crew members ask to see evidence that would incriminate them, authorities have nothing to show, she said.

Its just a justification for deporting hardworking migrants, Soriano Versoza said.

This is a law enforcement matter, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement. Carnival always cooperates with law enforcement investigations. We also have active training and education programs to make sure our crew members follow internet safety guidelines.

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Monica Sarmiento, Executive Director of the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights, speaks during a demonstration on Sunday, July 20, 2025 bringing attention to deportations of Filipino workers with legal work visas aboard the Carnival Sunshine operating out of Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) The Carnival Sunshine sits in port at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk on Sunday, July 20, 2025. According to Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, U.S. Customs and Border Protection have boarded the Sunshine and taken away more than 20 workers in handcuffs with legal visas since April, one as recent as Sunday morning shortly before the demonstration. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) Betsy Ainspac educates cruise-goers walking by on the deportations of Filipino seafarers with legal visas working aboard the Carnival Sunshine operating out of Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk on Sunday, July 20, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) Demonstrators line the fence as cruise-goers walk by to board the Carnival Sunshine at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk on Sunday, July 20, 2025. People gathered to bring attention to U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection agents removing Filipino workers with legal visas who work aboard the Carnival Sunshine. About 20 workers have been detained since April and all have been deported back to the Philippines according to organizer Aquilina Soriano Versoza, Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) Demonstrators participate in a demonstration on Sunday, July 20, 2025 bringing attention to deportations of Filipino workers with legal work visas aboard the Carnival Sunshine operating out of Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk. According to Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, U.S. Customs and Border Protection have boarded the cruise line and taken away more than 20 workers in handcuffs since April, one as recent as Sunday morning shortly before the demonstration. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, speaks during a demonstration on Sunday, July 20, 2025 bringing attention to deportations of Filipino workers with legal work visas aboard the Carnival Sunshine operating out of Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) Demonstrators line the fence as cruise-goers walk by to board the Carnival Sunshine at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk on Sunday, July 20, 2025. People gathered to bring attention to U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection agents removing Filipino workers with legal visas who work aboard the Carnival Sunshine. About 20 workers have been detained since April and all have been deported back to the Philippines according to organizer Aquilina Soriano Versoza, Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) Show Caption1 of 8Cruise-goers walk by demonstrators bringing attention to deportations of Filipino seafarers with legal visas working aboard the Carnival Sunshine operating out of Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk on Sunday, July 20, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot)Expand

An official with Nauticus and the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, the terminal which cruise ships make port at in Norfolk, said while they were generally aware of the situation, it was a matter of CBP and they didnt know any specifics.

CBP officials had not responded to calls and emails requesting comment by Sunday evening.

They are dedicated parents and spouses who have undergone rigorous background checks to obtain their work visas, said Hampton Roads NAACP president Gaylene Kanoyton, who also spoke at the event. Every person deserves dignity and inclusivity regardless of their immigration status.

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She said the detentions happening in Norfolk were just the latest case of aggressive action taken against immigrants in Virginia, comparing it to the arrests of a dozen people made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at a Chesterfield County Courthouse.

Julie Jamora, an activist in the Filipino community, said the news shared by Soriano Versoza has already rattled Filipinos across Hampton Roads.

Jamora, a native of Virginia Beach and a daughter to Filipino immigrants, said the messaging on display in Norfolk matches the idea of tago ng tago a Tagalog expression meaning always hiding.

They leave it up to God, she said. This is life or death for a lot of Filipinos. If we dont act now, all of us will be suffering, fighting for our rights some day.

John Buzbee, 757-879-7421, john.buzbee@virginiamedia.com
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  All month long farms across West Virginia have opened their gates to show you a glimpse of the farming life. Every weekend in July, different farms and agricultural producers in the state are offering tours and open houses as part of the Department of Agricultures Farm Crawl.

12 News stopped by Heasleys Homestead for some maple syrup treats, as well as Mals Local Market, which sells fresh produce, eggs and cheese from over 50 local producers.

Bridgeport Cattle Battle raises funds for FFA, showcases bull riding talent

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To Stevie Hayes of Mals, there are many benefits to eating locally produced foods.

Its important for us to nourish our bodies, Hayes said. Its more than food, its a way of life. So much of what we get in the grocery stores, it lacks nutrition, it has pesticides in it and all these added chemicals so what were bringing, it not only supports the local farmers themselves but its going to help nourish the community as well.

Keith Heasley of Heasleys Homestead said that he thinks showing people behind the scenes of his maple production with its trees and evaporator can be insightful. I certainly believe when I was younger that maple syrup was expensive, but I think if you come out here and see how much work we put into making it, you wont complain so much about the price.

A full list of farms and agricultural producers participating in the farm crawl can be found here.

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(NewsNation)  The Parkinsons disease world may have just received its next big breakthrough.

Scientists have developed a self-powered pen  with magnetic ink  that can potentially discover early signs of Parkinsons disease by analyzing handwriting.

Detection of subtle motor symptoms unnoticeable to the naked eye is critical for early intervention in Parkinsons disease, Jun Chen, PhD, an associate professor of bioengineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, told Parkinsons News Today.

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Our diagnostic pen presents an affordable, reliable, and accessible tool that is sensitive enough to pick up subtle movements and can be used across large populations and in resource-limited areas.

More than 130 Royal Caribbean passengers gets sick from stomach bug

With an average accuracy of 96.22%, the pen recorded handwriting signals for patients with Parkinsons. It also successfully analyzed one-dimensional convolutional neural network-assisted analysis.

This pen is diagnosing the problem with handwriting, which is just one of the many symptoms that we see in our patients, Chrystalina Antoniades, University of Oxford, acknowledged to The Guardian. But it can be complementing what we already found, picking up something that might be difficult to see.

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The pens cost is significantly lower than commercial electronic pens for tablets and digital pens for writing pads.

Parkinsons disease affects 10 million people worldwide.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Badly needed humanitarian supplies started to reach Syria's Druze-majority Sweida province on Sunday, a day after a ceasefire was announced following a week of sectarian fighting that left hundreds dead, according to activists.

Despite the ceasefire and calm, tensions linger on. On Sunday, the Syrian government accused militias linked to Hekmat al-Hajiri, a senior Druze leader, of barring a government aid convoy from entering Sweida.

Only a convoy escorted by the Syrian Red Crescent was allowed in.

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The convoy including medical and food supplies as well as ambulances was to head to the National Sweida Hospital that went out of service due to the fighting over the past week, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported.

The fighting erupted last week in Sweida between Druze factions and Sunni Muslim Bedouins amid reports of atrocities against civilians.

The violence resulted in a dire humanitarian situation and a mass exodus of civilians from the province, according to activists.

Syria's state news agency SANA, citing the Interior Ministry, reported that the city of Sweida, a capital of the province, had been cleared of all tribal fighters and clashes in the neighbourhoods had ended after the deployment of government troops.

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Interior Minister Anas Khattab said Sunday security forces succeeded in calming the situation inside the province after deploying in its northern and western parts and implemented the ceasefire within Sweida city, according to SANA.

However, the UK-based Syrian Observatory, which relies on a network of reporters inside Syria, said new clashes had erupted in the Sweida countryside after an attack by tribal fighters.

The latest violence raised fears of aggravating the humanitarian situation in the province and wrecking the ceasefire deal.

At least 1,017 people have been killed since July 13 as a result of fighting in Sweida, summary executions and Israeli strikes, according to the Observatory.

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The Druze are a religious minority that emerged from Shiite Islam and live mainly in Syria, but also in Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.

After the violence broke out, Syrian government troops intervened.

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.

The situation remains fragile in Syria under the new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power after the ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

While the new administration has promised to restore stability, ethnic clashes, militia violence, and terrorist attacks continue to plague the country.

Medical aid convoy arrives to As Suwayda. The Syrian Ministry of Health sent a convoy of 20 fully equipped ambulances with medical teams and supplies to As Suwayda Governorate. Health Minister Dr. Musab Al-Ali told SANA the convoy, delayed by Israeli airstrikes, reflects the ministry's commitment to support all regions. Maowia Atrash/dpa
A man was caught trying to smuggle endangered primates hidden in his suitcase through airport security. The arrest highlights a growing global crisis: wildlife trafficking through major travel hubs.

What happened?

According to the New Straits Times, a man attempting to board a flight from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to Mumbai, India, was detained after it was discovered he was trying to smuggle four endangered black-handed gibbons inside his luggage.

The animals, valued at around RM30,000 (roughly $6,400 USD), were discovered during a routine inspection at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

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"The suspect was detained on the spot and taken to the Aeropolis police headquarters for further action," officials from Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency confirmed in a statement.

The gibbons have since been handed over to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan). Authorities are pursuing charges under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008.

The arrest was part of a coordinated enforcement effort launched in partnership with Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Perhilitan, aimed at cracking down on trafficking activity through high-risk aviation entry points.

"AVSEC and Perhilitan will continue to tighten security controls at KLIA and will not compromise with any party involved in wildlife trafficking via air routes," the statement added.

Why is wildlife trafficking concerning?

Trafficking endangered species isn't just a crime; it is also a direct threat to global biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems that humans rely on.

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When animals are taken from their habitats and moved across borders, they can introduce disease, destabilize local ecosystems, and fuel illegal trade networks that undermine years of conservation progress.

Many species are on the brink of extinction due to deforestation and poaching. When they are pulled from the wild, they leave gaps that forests can't easily fill.

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.

Gibbons play essential roles in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Without them, ecosystems grow weaker and become less resilient.

What's being done about wildlife trafficking?

In Malaysia and other countries across Southeast Asia, officials have stepped up efforts to intercept smugglers at key transit points like KLIA, which often serve as launch points for illegal animal exports. But long-term success depends on sustained coordination between wildlife agencies, customs, and law enforcement, as well as stronger international penalties.

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There's also a role for the public. Avoiding the purchase of exotic pets or products made from endangered species, reporting suspicious animal listings online, and supporting reputable wildlife organizations can help shrink demand and pressure traffickers' supply chains.

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.
MARENGO COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  A 34-year-old Marengo County woman was killed in a crash early Sunday morning, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Laporsha Dumas, of Dixon Mills, was fatally injured when the Nissan Altima she was operating departed the roadway and hit a tree. The crash happened around 12:45 a.m. Sunday on Highway 10 about a mile west of Dixon Mills.

Northport woman fatally struck in Tuscaloosa County

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Dumas, who reportedly was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene. Troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division investigated the crash.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. (WRBL)  A man is in jail facing a capital murder charge after a deadly home invasion in Alexander City on Saturday. Investigators say 22-year-old Steven Abercrombie broke into a home in the 4000 block of Washington Street on the morning of July 19.

When officers arrived, they found 32-year-old Toyias Gopher shot to death inside the home.

The Alexander City Police Department asked the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to take over the investigation. Special Agents with ALEAs State Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene around 11:15 a.m.

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Abercrombie was arrested and charged with Capital Murder during a robbery. He is also charged with burglary and theft of property. He is being held in the Tallapoosa County Jail with no bond.

DA Mike Segrest with The Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office, which prosecutes cases in Tallapoosa County, released a statement saying his office stepped away from the case because one of its employees has a conflict of interest.

At 10:05am Saturday, July 19th District Attorney Mike Segrest was notified of a murder investigation involving the above named defendant. At 10:12am District Attorney Mike Segrest contacted the Attorney Generals office asking the AG to take over the investigation and prosecution of the case because of an internal conflict of interest of an employee in the District Attorneys office. The District Attorneys office has been fire-walled from this investigation from the very beginning and does not have any information related to the investigation, said Segrest.

ALEA says the investigation is still ongoing. Once it is complete, the findings will be handed over to the Attorney Generals Office.

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Amazon is in the news again, and not entirely for good reasons.

A new warehouse in Woodburn, Oregon, is Amazon's largest in the Northwest and has many positive benefits, such as creating thousands of jobs, but it's also among the largest in the world for a company that produces more yearly pollution than many countries. This follows its CEO's controversial wedding, which required flying in more than 100 private jets.

What's happening?

The 3.8 million-square-foot facility, shipping its first products in early June, is equipped with 30 miles of conveyors and 6,000 robots, and it will eventually employ nearly 3,000 people.

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While the site represents a technological milestone, it also underscores the scale of Amazon's operations and the environmental and community toll they may bring, including concerns of excessive heat and noise on workers' long-term health.

The $500 million warehouse, internally called PDX8, can store up to 40 million items, serving customers across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, just off the I-5. Local officials say they have yet to see traffic disruptions, but the facility is expected to generate up to 1,200 new trips per hour during peak distribution times.

Why is this important?

Like Amazon's data centers, the energy and transportation requirements of warehouses have major consequences for people and the environment.

Massive fulfillment centers are not just logistical achievements; they are also major sources of pollution and resource usage. Amazon's delivery network, energy-hungry facilities, and sprawling logistics hubs contribute significantly to planet-heating pollution and noise pollution, raising questions about the company's sustainability commitments.

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In recent years, Amazon has faced multiple investigations for unsafe heat and noise conditions for workers. The company's packaging has also come under fire for its reliance on single-use packaging products, which contribute to the global plastic crisis.

While some facilities are making strides toward sustainability, Amazon's overall footprint continues to grow, and the company has even been accused of distorting data to make that footprint seem smaller.

What's being done about it?

It's true that it's more about the total pollution across a company's entire operations than any one giant warehouse making it seem more noticeable. In some ways, one large warehouse doing the job of several could be more efficient on energy and other resources.

And to its credit, Amazon has made some tangible progress by rolling out electric delivery vans from Rivian and investing in renewable energy. But critics argue that the positive steps aren't enough to counterbalance the growth of new warehouses like the one in Woodburn, along with the company's forays into giant data centers that require huge amounts of electricity.

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Consumers can push for accountability by supporting sustainable retailers, advocating for eco-friendly initiatives, minimizing unnecessary online purchases, and calling for stricter regulations on corporate pollution.

On a policy level, local governments can play a role, as Woodburn did when it denied Amazon's request for tax breaks and required $15 million in local infrastructure upgrades.

While automation and speed drive efficiency, they don't erase the underlying costs to communities and the environment. To move toward a cleaner future, it's crucial to look beyond convenience and examine what powers it  and how it affects everyday people and the global environment.

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.




NEED TO KNOW

A 9-year-old girl was abducted from Lake George on Saturday, July 19, according to police

Authorities in New York state have issued an Amber Alert and are asking locals to help find Melina Galanis Frattolin

The child is described as being of Indian descent with brown hair and blue eyes







Authorities in New York are asking for the public's assistance with locating a missing girl they believe is in "imminent danger" after being abducted from Lake George.

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Melina Galanis Frattolin, 9, was last seen in a white van on Saturday, July 19, at 9:40 p.m. local time, going southbound on Interstate 87 near exit 22 in the area, New York State Police announced in an Amber Alert, as well as in a Facebook post, issued on Sunday, July 20.

According to authorities, the Warren County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is investigating the case as a child abduction.

"The child was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death," the state police announcement read. A suspect was unknown at the time of the Amber Alert, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information tied to the girl's whereabouts to call the WCSO at 518-743-2501 or to dial 911.

Frattolin is described as being of Indian descent with brown hair and blue eyes. She is five feet tall, weighs 100 pounds and was last seen wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, shorts and white Adidas sneakers.

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State police and the WCSO did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for updated information on July 19.

New York State Police/Facebook Melina Galanis Frattolin Melina Galanis Frattolin

The Times Union of Albany reported that the initial Amber Alert said Frattolin was last seen at 7:40 p.m., before the time was updated to 9:40 p.m.

The outlet reported that the alert did not elaborate on what the girl was doing at the time of the reported abduction, where she was or who she was with.

Per the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Frattolin's case marks the third active Amber Alert issued in the U.S. Others currently active involve two teens who have been missing in Idaho since June.

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Amber Alerts are activated in "the most serious child-abduction cases," per the NCMEC, which reported that 1,268 children have been "recovered" as a result of them since the end of 2024  226 of which followed Wireless Emergency Alert messages. In New York, the state police administer the alerts.

"The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of a missing child. These alerts are broadcast through radio, TV, road signs, cellphones, and other data-enabled devices," the nonprofit shared on its website, further explaining that the system is being used in all 50 states and beyond.



Read the original article on People
LAKE GEORGE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  WNYT in Albany is reporting that 9-year old Melina Galanis Frattolin, the object of an Amber Alert issued this morning, has been found dead. The station cites sources confirming that she was found deceased. No other details on where she was found or the circumstances surrounding her death have been released.

At 3:45PM Sunday, there was no notice of either the abduction or the discovery of the victim on posted on either the Warren County Sheriff Office website or their Facebook page. No information regarding the suspect or suspects have been released.

The New York State Police, at the request of the Warren County Sherriff Office, issued an Amber Alert for a 9-year-old girl who is believed to have been abducted Saturday night in Lake George. Part of the Amber Alert states that the child was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death. That statement is part of conditions that is needed in order for an Amber Alert to be issued.

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The missing is Melina Galanis Frattolin, 9-years old, she is reported to be 5 foot tall and weight about 100 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Frattolin was last seen wearing a blue and white striped shirt, shorts and white Adidas sneakers. Melina is of Indian heritage. She was last seen in a white van, which was traveling south on I-87, the Northway, around 9:40PM Saturday evening.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Americans largely oppose recent efforts by Donald Trumps administration to scale up its deportation program, a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds, with a rising majority saying the president has gone too far in carrying out deportations.

In the latest survey, 55% say the president has gone too far when it comes to deporting immigrants living in the US illegally, up 10 points since February.

Opposition among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents has risen in that time from widespread to nearly universal: Ninety percent of Democratic-aligned adults now say that Trumps deportation policy has gone too far, while just 15% of Republican-aligned adults say the same.

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A 57% majority also say they oppose plans to build new detention facilities capable of holding up to 100,000 undocumented immigrants, while 53% oppose increasing the budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement by billions of dollars  two White House priorities reflected in the sweeping policy bill that Trump recently signed into law.

Nearly 6 in 10 oppose efforts to end birthright citizenship, another Trump priority. The courts are reviewing the presidents executive order seeking to bar birthright citizenship for children born on American soil to parents who were in the country unlawfully or who were there lawfully but temporarily.

Overall, just shy of half, 46%, say Trumps immigration policies have made the country safer, and 42% say the federal government has been careful about following the law in carrying out deportations. Both figures are largely unchanged since April. The presidents approval ratings are around 40% for his handling both of immigration in general and deportations specifically

Less support for targeting immigrants without criminal records

In CNNs poll, 59% of Americans oppose arresting and detaining undocumented immigrants who have resided in the United States for years with no criminal record.

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That echoes a theme seen in much immigration polling this year  support for immigration enforcement tends to erode when pollsters specify that people without criminal records or longtime residents will be among those affected. A CNN review of government data found that most immigrants taken into ICE custody between last October and May had no serious criminal convictions.

While only about one-quarter of Republicans and Republican-leaners are opposed to arrests aimed at this group, just shy of half  47%  offer outright support, far below the 83% who approve of his handling of deportations overall.

The most important issue is how ICE is focusing on immigrants with no criminal history, wrote one California woman polled, who stood among the minority of Republicans who thought Trump had gone too far with his deportation campaign. They should research on immigrants that pose a huge threat the country.

Even as views of Trumps second-term immigration platform have soured, support for specific policies can vary depending on how theyre described. In CNNs poll, 16% of Americans who said they were opposed to increasing the budget for ICE also said, in a separate question, that they viewed the increase in spending on border security, enforcement of immigration laws and detention of those charged with entering the country illegally as a reason to support Trumps recently passed spending bill.

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Theres also relatively muted opposition to punitive ideas Trump has advanced against those who do have criminal records regardless of their current citizenship status. Americans are closely split on whether theyd favor or oppose Trump carrying out threats to send US citizens convicted of violent crimes to detention in a foreign country (37% would support this, with 39% opposed and the rest offering neither opinion). And theres narrow support, 43% to 35%, for efforts to prioritize revoking US citizenship from naturalized citizens convicted of certain crimes  the only positive reading on any policy tested.

By contrast, Americans overwhelmingly say, 71% to 12%, theyd oppose Trump acting on his threats to deport high-profile critics of the administrations policies, even if they live in the US legally and have not been convicted of any crimes.

Immigration becomes a top issue for Democrats

Asked in the same survey to name the issue they consider most important, 20% of Americans mention immigration, ranking it second only to economic concerns.

While thats similar overall to January, the partisan dynamics of the issue have shifted somewhat. At the start of the year, Republicans and Republican-leaning independents were 26 points likelier than those aligned with the Democratic Party to mention immigration. Now, while its still a more potent issue among Republicans than Democrats, that gap has narrowed to 10 points amid the rising Democratic opposition to Trumps deportation policies.

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The poll also finds more support than backlash for protests against the Trump administrations deportation policies. Americans say, 55% to 45%, that the protests of the Trump administrations deportation policies have been mostly justified. And by a 9-point margin, 47% to 38%, they say theyre more concerned that the government will go too far in cracking down on protests rather than fearing that the protests themselves will get out of hand.

Theres particularly strong backing for the protests among Democratic-aligned adults (78% of whom call them justified), adults younger than 35 (63%), and people of color (59%).

Most Americans, 59%, say they oppose Trump using National Guard troops, who are typically controlled by state governors, in response to immigration protests even if a states governor does not support the use of those troops.

The CNN poll was conducted by SSRS from July 10-13 among a random national sample of 1,057 US adults drawn from a probability-based panel. Surveys were either conducted online or by telephone with a live interviewer. Results among all adults have a margin of sampling error of 3.5 percentage points.

CNNs Jennifer Agiesta and Edward Wu contributed to this report.

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Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday hell pack his bags and flee to Florida if he loses the NYC mayoral race to socialist Zohran Mamdani.

Its all or nothing. We either win or even I will move to Florida. God forbid! Cuomo told business leaders and other honchos at a Hamptons breakfast hosted by supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis.

The statement drew laughs  and Cuomos campaign later insisted he was joking.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo told business leaders at a Hamptons breakfast Saturday hell move south to Florida if he loses the NYC mayoral race to socialist Zohran Mamdani, but his campaign later said he was joking. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

It was a wow line, said one attendee. It got everyones attention.

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Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary last month to Mamdani and is running in Novembers general election as an independent, repeatedly referred to the 33-year-old socialist as kid throughout the breakfast held at hot spot 75 Main.

The governor took plenty of shots at Mamdanis pie-in-the-sky proposals to freeze rents on stabilized apartments, calling it a death sentence for the housing market because it would likely lead to many landlords spending less money maintaining properties.

Mamdanis campaign did not respond to The Post.

Cuomo saved plenty of ammo for Mayor Adams, another Dem seeking re-election as an independent.

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He claimed the Big Apple hasnt had a competent mayor since Michael Bloomberg left office at the end 2013 and that Adams could not focus for much of his three-plus years on the job because of a now-closed federal corruption probe and other controversies.

The city feels out of control, Cuomo said.

The Hamptons crowd included real estate titan Bruce Mosler, former US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis, state Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, Democratic fundraiser Dennis Miehl, longtime Cuomo top aide Melissa DeRosa and Cuomo campaign chairman and former top aide Bill Mulrow.

Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, is the frontrunner to win the NYC mayoral race. Paul Martinka

Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi said Cuomo was joking about moving to Florida and that the crowd got it.

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Governor Cuomo would never give up on New York, Azzopardi said. That said, the line underscored the stakes in the upcoming election and the risk of electing a dangerously inexperienced, hate-spewing 33-year-old socialist whose campaign consists of unrealistic bumper sticker slogans.

Adams  who told The Post earlier this week hed never leave New York even if its run by a socialist  said Saturday if Cuomo is serious about moving to Florida, he should go ahead  hes already spent three [recent] weekends in the Hamptons.

Additional reporting by Craig McCarthy.
Bouts of severe weather coupled with unrelenting heat threaten to provide Americans with a tumultuous and possibly deadly weather week, forecasters say.

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms will bring risks of flash flooding through the Midwest and East on the periphery of a "heat dome" that could bring triple-digit temperatures to parts of multiple states, AccuWeather warned.

More than 50 million Americans from Texas to Missouri were already under National Weather Service extreme heat warnings or advisories on July 20. Thunderstorms at night could bring hail downpours from southern Nebraska to Canada, with wind gusts possibly reaching 85 miles per hour.

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The severe weather threat sweeps across the Midwest and East on July 21, with Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia all facing the possibility of flash flooding and gusty winds. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said that much of the region was hammered by heavy thunderstorms recently and can't absorb another round.

"We are highly concerned about the risk of dangerous to life-threatening flash flooding in the zone from southern Illinois and Indiana to central and eastern Kentucky, central and southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia," Sosnowski said.

Heat dome could last for weeks

A bulge in the jet stream developing as high pressure builds could create a persistent heat dome lingering well into August, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said. The Kansas City, Missouri, area, which hasn't hit 100 degrees in two years, could reach the figure multiple times this week, he said. Dallas could see 100 degrees for the first time in 2025.

"This has the look of a long-lasting heat wave with limited rainfall," Merrill said. "Drought will expand through the central Plains by mid-August and worsen in Kansas and Nebraska, where there are already pockets of moderate to extreme drought."

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Number missing in Texas floods drops from 97 to 3, officials say

A van drives along a flooded street in the Elmsford area of Westchester, New York, July 15, 2025.

Number of people missing in deadly Texas flooding drops to 3

The number of people thought to be missing in the devastating floods in Kerr County, Texas, over the Fourth of July holiday weekend has been revised down from 97 to three, officials announced July 19. The city of Kerrville, Texas, said the Kerr County Flood Disaster Joint Information Center confirmed that "through extensive follow-up work among state and local agencies, many individuals who were initially reported as missing have been verified as safe and removed from the list."

On July 15, Gov. Greg Abbott said 97 people were still listed as missing in the greater Kerrville area, down from 160-plus about a week ago. As of July 17, Abbott said, the death toll stood at 135 statewide, with 116 from Kerr County perishing in the floods. Read more here.

Contributing: Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wild weather: Angry storms, 'heat dome' fuel forecast for much of US
ANKENY, Iowa  A 2-alarm fire resulted in the total loss of a home in Ankenys southwest side on Saturday.

According to the Ankeny Fire Department, just before 1 p.m., police and fire crews were called to the 4300 block of SW Ash Court after a neighbor called 911, saying the house was on fire.

As crews arrived on scene, they noticed a large plume of smoke and upgraded the call to a 2-alarm fire, which called in additional units from other fire departments. Crews at the scene then identified heavy flames in the attic of the residence.

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Madison County Chairwoman files restraining order to bar Sheriff from accessing phone, laptop after search warrant is served

Crews began efforts to knock down and extinguish the flames while others began aggressively searching the home for occupants or pets. A majority of the fire was extinguished from the exterior of the home with the assistance of a ladder trucks elevated master stream.

Ankeny Fire says no one was home at the time of the fire and there have been no injuries reported. Crews were able to pull a dog and a cat from the fire before evacuating due to extreme fire conditions.

The owner of the home told WHO 13 News staff on scene that the home was a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation; no other information has been made available at this time.

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The Ankeny Fire Department would like to thank these agencies for their assistance: Ankeny Police Department, Altoona Fire Department, Bondurant Fire Department, Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District, Mid-American Energy, Polk City Fire Department, and the Polk County Sherriffs Office Communications Center.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Anthony ISD to host Back to School Health Fair, gives free supplies to students

ANTHONY, Texas (KTSM)  Anthony Independent School District will host its annual community Back to School Health Fair this week for students before the new school year.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 25, at the Anthony High School auditorium, located at 825 Wildcat Dr.

According to the news release by Anthony ISD, childrens immunizations will be provided by the El Paso Public Health Department, while supplies last.

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Other health resources will be offered at the event to the community, Anthony ISD said.

In addition, the school district will provide free backpacks and supplies to students who are present and are registered with Anthony ISD for the new school year, the news release read.

Anthony ISD says parents and legal guardians are encouraged to reach out to enroll their child with the following phone numbers:

Anthony Elementary School, (915) 886-6510

Anthony Middle School, (915) 886-6530

Anthony High School, (915) 886-6550

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBIA, Pa. (WHTM)  Protests against the Trump administration continue taking place across the country and right here in the Midstate.

On Saturday, hundreds of Trump demonstrators walked across the Veterans Memorial Bridge, which connects Lancaster and York counties, for the Good Trouble Marches On protest.

Were showing unity on the bridge by them marching from their side and us marching from our side and were going to meet in the center of the bridge and what were showing is that we are unified against injustice, said Rachel Moore, a Co-Founder of Indivisible MT.

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Moore also served as an organizer of the protest.

This is part of a nationwide series of events called Good Trouble Marches On, she added. It is honoring the work of civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis and we believe that the Trump administration has been unjust.

Unjust in his treatment of the LGBTQ community, the poor and non-citizens  according to some protesters abc27 News spoke with.

People are rising up and starting to resist a lot of the policies that this administration is implementing, shared Alicia Ferrari, a Wrightsville borough council member.

It makes me proud to be an American when I see people from so many of these issues have been made into partisan issues, Ferraris colleague, Sara Barrett added. You know, the Republicans, the Independents, a lot of the Democrats, they did not vote for a lot of the things that are happening. And so, you know, this is people are kind of waking up and saying this is not okay.

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No surprise, not everyone is on the same side, but even those who support the Trump administration say everyone has the freedom to speak their minds.

Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices

Its no secret that Im from the other party, so the protests, I dont agree with them, but certainly we support them because everybody can have a song, said Eric White, a Wrightsville borough council member. We support free speech everywhere and would like to make any effort possible to allow people to express their opinion.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

A new tomb was discovered at Petras Khazneh, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The tombs discovery, as revealed on Discovery Channels Expedition Unknown, also included 12 skeletons from over 2,000 years ago.

In addition to being a true archaeological marvel, the ornate facade of Jordans ancient city of Petra has served as a backdrop in a number of movies, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The sandstone cliff faces of the ancient city of Petra (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World) have long been in the archaeological limelight. Theyve even spent time in the Hollywood limelight as the location for several scenes in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. But in their most recent on-screen appearanceand no offense to Harrison Fords iconic professorthey were the site of a very real discovery.

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Discovery Channels popular show Expedition Unknown was on site to document the discovery of 12 human skeletons and artifacts dating back at least 2,000 years, which had all been long hidden beneath the famed Khazneh (or Treasury) in Petra. The colossal find was accomplished by a team lead by archaeologist Pearce Paul Creasman.



Its a find that, were he real, Indiana Jones would certainly be proud of.

This is a hugely rare discovery, said Josh Gates, host of the Discovery Channels program, according to CNN. In the two centuries that Petra has been investigated by archaeologists, nothing like this has been found before. Even in front of one of the most famous buildings in the world  there are still huge discoveries to be made.

Creasman, executive director of the American Center of Research, employed ground-penetrating radar to first see if it was possibile that additional tombs were located at the site. The gathered data matched up to data collected from areas where tombs had been found in the past, and the Jordan government gave the approval for excavation beneath the world-famous site.

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The team was beyond pleased to see an actual tomb materialize, and truly shocked by the fact that it was full of remains and artifactsmany of the tombs at the ancient city have been found empty, picked clean long ago.

Along with the 12 sets of skeletal remainsseveral of the bones from which had mold, thanks to the porous sandstone allowing moisture into the space in the flood-prone areathe team found a mix of bronze, iron, and ceramic artifacts. This included one ceramic chalice tucked in the arms of one of the deceased, ironically reminiscent of the Holy Grail depicted in The Last Crusade. It really was this awesome moment, Gates said, of history imitating art.

The Treasury, located near the main entrance to the city, is believed to be at least 2,000 years old. It is a striking mausoleum carved into the sandstone cliffs that has long attracted tourists aplenty, but dating this iconic monument has proven difficult because of the lack of finds within the tombs.

We were hopeful to find anything that might tell us more about the ancient people and place, Creasman said. For instance, Gates believes that the individuals buried in the newly discovered tomb show must have been of very high status because of the prime real estate used for the burial place.Human remains, Creasman continued, can be a really valuable tool in that regard. The burials in this tomb are articulated, so the bones havent been rummaged around and moved, so thats exceedingly rare.

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Delving deeper into the remains and artifacts found in the tomb could open additional information about the Khazneh, Petra, and the lives of the Nabataeans who once inhabited the area. I think learning who they are, Gates said, is really going to help unlock part of the story of the Treasury.

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If this is the summer to finally sell your house, Archway Homes may be able to help. This hometown real estate company, owned by husband and wife team Jon and Stacy Bichelmeyer, has more than 20 years of experience buying homes in all conditions and does it quickly without the often painful and stressful selling process.

They buy houses as is in any condition: houses needing little to no repair, houses needing everything repaired from leaking roofs to bad foundations, cluttered houses, or those simply in need of cosmetic updating. Archway provides a no-obligation offer within 24 hours, can pay cash and close within three days or on a future date of the sellers choice, and there are no fees or commissions to pay.

One of the advantages of working with us is selling as is, said Jon. That means you dont have to do any extensive and expensive renovations to make your home appeal to todays buyers or have it ready to show at a moments notice, wait for the right buyer, wait for it to close, and then pay a real estate agents commission or sellers closing costs.

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A third-generation real estate investor with roots in the Kansas City community for over 40 years, Jons extensive experience really makes a difference. The ability to sell a house quickly, in lieu of the traditional, lengthy home selling method, to an established and reputable company has been the perfect solution for numerous homeowners all over the Kansas City area, including Henry C. when he assisted his elderly mother in downsizing from her home in Olathe.

It was really becoming dangerous for my 89-year-old mother to maneuver in her home. Even with a stair-lift, she was at risk of falling so she decided it was time to sell. I wanted to make the move as simple as possible for her. Archway was awesome to work with. They treated my mother with a lot of patience. I want her to enjoy whats left of her life and Archway allowed her to move on with no pressure, he said. I felt we got a fair price, and Jon let us leave quite a bit of things in the house that she could not take with her. The whole process went very smoothly, and I would definitely recommend Archway to others.

Archway has purchased homes in all sorts of situations. Sometimes the properties need extensive repairs. Archway Homes will buy the home and make the repairs needed, relieving the sellers of the hassle and expense. Sellers can even leave the unwanted contents, saving time and expense. We are committed to working with sellers, even in difficult situations, to find a solution for all, Stacy said.

They strive to make the difficult process of selling a home as stress-free as possible, especially in these challenging times. We even wrote the book on it. Literally! Home to Home Local Edition  Kansas City Metro outlines the steps homeowners can take to sell their home and our experiences helping people do just that, Jon said.

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Weve seen some great times; we lived through the real estate crash in 2008-2010 and have come through the other side. We plan to keep working with sellers no matter what the market is doing, said Jon. I know people are being cautious and careful, so we are using smart technology and every health precaution to make sure our sellers feel comfortable.

Archway Homes features a no-obligation offer process. The first step is to call the office at 913-599-5000 to schedule an appointment. Jon will then walk through the home and can provide an offer price within 24 hours. Archway Homes can pay cash and close in as fast as three days. However, some sellers need the opposite approach, needing a delayed closing several months away. They may need time to find their next home, or they are building a home and need time for it to be completed. Coordinating closing schedules in a traditional sale can be challenging. Archway Homes sets a closing date that will meet the sellers needs.

Anyone who wants to sell a home quickly for cash should call Jon Bichelmeyer at 913-599-5000 or email him at jon@archwayhomesinc.com. Or they can visit Archway Homes website at archwaypropertieskc.com to fill out an online form or to get a free copy of our book Home to Home Local Edition  Kansas City Metro, Kansas and Missouri, call our office.

Archway Homes

Location: 15301 W. 87th St. Parkway, Suite B35 in the UMB Bank building

Contact: Jon Bichelmeyer at 913-599-5000 or jon@archwayhomesinc.com

Website: archwaypropertieskc.com
An area man was arrested after authorities said he made terroristic threats against ICE agents.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Anthony Kelly of Cincinnati is facing federal charges connected to threatening to assault, kidnap, and murder a United States official, according to Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security.

TRENDING STORIES:

During a search, Homeland Security found a gun and ammunition, McLaughlin said.

Kelly is in the custody of the Butler County Jail.

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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is extremely disturbed by ICE agents wearing masks. She calls it bad law enforcement.

Do you know whats bad law enforcement?

Mayes own party, the Democratic Party, promoting violence against ICE agents for simply doing their job. Now, they need to wear masks because people are threatening officers and their families.

Think of it as just another COVID-19 mask. ICE face coverings make more sense than that previous fiasco.

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If the Democrats ever decide to have the backs of law enforcement, perhaps ICE agents will no longer need to wear masks.

Charles Lopresto, Phoenix

Restaurants can help us conserve water

While on a recent trip to Ridgeway, Colorado, I learned they have mandatory water conservation.

All restaurants ask each person if they want a glass of water. If patrons prefer a different beverage, they can opt out of water.

This is a simple, easy way to incorporate water conservation into everyday life.

More letters: Grand Canyon Lodge was a treasure. Why did we not protect it?

It may not save acre-feet of water, yet it makes conservation simple and invites everyone to participate.

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Water conservation is inevitable in Southwestern states. Arizona restaurants could easily incorporate this practice so everyone can see how simple steps make a difference.

M. Oie, Prescott Valley

Another person who belongs on list of monsters

I can agree with just about everything Phil Boas wrote in his July 12 article, Donald Trump is a necessary evil. Nice guys like Jeff Flake don't get that, except for one glaring omission.

When listing monsters of this day, he left out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who systematically killed and starved more than 50,000 Palestinians and has admitted he will be taking over more of their land.

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Bombing, shooting and starving men, women and children is not retaliation for the killing of 1,200 Israelis. Its genocide!

Karen Hadley, Mesa

I wrote captions for 2 Steve Benson cartoons

Your closing quote in your July 9 editorial was correct. Steve Benson was a true legend (Steve Benson skewered everyone with his cartoon ink. Those splotches wont fade).

I was sad to hear of his passing. His cartoons were the highlight of every daily reading experience. He had a unique way of capturing the essence of the moment in a single drawing.

Two of my most prized possessions are signed copies of his work. He used to run a contest in which he would draw the cartoon and readers would send in ideas for captions. I was fortunate enough to win two of those contests. One is framed, and I see it every time I leave the house.

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The cartoon was of a haggard looking man crawling in the desert when he comes across a cow skull with a flower in a pot atop it. The cow skull is saying something to the man. I wrote, Does this make me look fat?

Dumb, I know, but Steve must have found it funny.

He signed it with a note that read, My cartoon was half baked, but your caption certainly wasnt. That self-deprecating note means a lot to me. I will always treasure it.

In a cynical world that is getting more cynical every day, we could use more people like Steve Benson. He will be missed. Thanks for everything, Steve.

Dan Peel, Scottsdale

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Whats on your mind? Send us a letter to the editor online or via email at opinions@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ICE wouldn't need masks if Democrats weren't so hostile | Letters
ASHTABULA  A city man was recently honored for his work as a community ambassador for the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council.

Raymil Norton has been an advocate for people with disabilities in Ashtabula County and beyond.

I like to call myself the voice of other voices, Norton said in a telephone interview. He said he tries to bring light to situations or issues that others may not be able to speak to but are concerned about.

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He and friend Khalia Miller organized a picnic last week at Lake Shore Park to gather people with disabilities for an afternoon of fun.

The picnic was awesome, he said. There was more people there than I expected.

One of Nortons focuses has been on public transportation. He said he misses out on a lot of opportunities because transport options close at 5 p.m.

Norton said he has talked with the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners about his concerns.

The ODDC is looking for new applicants for the statewide council.

In addition to advocating about public transportation needs, Norton has worked to create awareness of disabilities in public schools, and promote the celebration of Disability Pride Month through the picnic.

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He visits local schools to share his experiences growing up with cerebral palsy while encouraging students to challenge stereotypes and learn more about what it means to have a disability, a press release from the ODDC states.

The Community Ambassador Program was initiated in the fall 2024, and is led by people with developmental disabilities.

He said he gets 24-hour home care to assist him in his day to day life.

Norton said he tries to not let his disability define him. He said he enjoys asking students to listen to his story, then go out and learn more about disabilities.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  On Saturday, the Austin Office of Police Oversight organized its first-ever open house for the community at the Austin Central Library.

The OPO open house provided attendees with an insight into how citizen complaints and compliments are submitted, reviewed and analyzed, as well as how data, research and feedback are implemented.

Gail McCant, Director of Austin Offices of Police Oversight, speaking to the audience. (KXAN Photo/ Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) Attendee visiting booths at the OPO open house. (KXAN Photo/ Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) Attendees visiting booths at the OPO open house. (KXAN Photo/ Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) Booth at the OPO open house. (KXAN Photo/ Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) Attendees visiting booths at the OPO open house. (KXAN Photo/ Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) Gail McCant, Director of Austin Offices of Police Oversight, talking with media. (KXAN Photo/Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) Booth at the OPO open house. (KXAN Photo/ Christian Rodriguez-Panesso)

The open house began with the Director of Austins Office of Police Oversight, Gail McCant, speaking to attendees, giving Insight into OPOs mission, current initiatives, and future goals for oversight in Austin.

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We work to promote transparency and accountability by accepting complaints from community members and compliments from community members, McCant said. We want the community to know that they have a place that they can come to when you are having a great interaction with the officer, or when its not so great.

The event had various booths, ranging from informative ones detailing what occurs after an investigation to giveaways and handouts for the community.

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, said Director of the Office of Police Oversight, Gail McCant.

Attendee Lily Ortiz said she thought the event was rare and a privilege for Austinites.

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I think for us, its huge, and I think that what theyre doing in the rate that theyre going at is wonderful, Ortiz said. Not many people, or not many cities, do things like this, or have things like this, or vote for things like this  especially in the state of Texas.

For more information, visit Austintexas.gov

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Authorities ID 57-year-old man fatally shot by deputies in rural Minnesota originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

The arson suspect fatally shot by St. Louis County deputies on Tuesday has been identified.

Adam Clinton Wolf, 57, was shot and killed in Normanna Township while law enforcement was responding to a reported arson.

According to an investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, deputies were dispatched to the 6200 block of Heritage Road at around 9:30 a.m. after a man, later identified as Wolf, had reportedly set fire to his home and two neighboring homes.

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Wolf was allegedly riding a lawnmower while armed with a rifle-style weapon. A responding firefighter and Duluth police officer reported being shot at.

Wolf then allegedly shot at deputies as they arrived at the scene. Deputies returned fire, with Wolf killed in the exchange.

BCA personnel later recovered a firearm similar to a shotgun, spent cartridge casings and "improvised shotgun-type devices" from a nearby road.

The five deputies involved in the incident were all placed on critical incident leave. They were identified as:

Sgt. Zachary Peterson

Deputy Charles Bennett

Deputy Matt Miranda

Deputy Forest Lunemann

Deputy Michael Pikul

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Jul. 20The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico announced last week the recent recovery of nearly $5 million to help compensate hundreds of victims of a multi-million dollar criminal fraud scheme in which one of the largest guardianship firms in Albuquerque operated as a "family ATM."

For over a decade, records show, the top officials of the now-defunct Ayudando Guardians Inc. embezzled more than $11 million from nearly 1,000 vulnerable clients who relied on the firm to help them manage their financial affairs because of disability or special needs. Three of the four convicted in the case are still in prison after pleading guilty in 2019.

But victim restitution has taken years.

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"From the outset, we have pursued every possible avenue in close partnership with our federal law enforcement colleagues to ensure victims of this complex scheme are not forgotten," U.S. Attorney for New Mexico Ryan Ellison said on Friday. "We remain committed to using every available legal tool to achieve justice and restore what was unjustly taken from vulnerable New Mexicans."

The U.S. Marshals Service in Albuquerque first took control of Ayudando in the summer of 2017, ceasing its operations after the four Ayudando officials were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy, fraud, theft and money laundering.

The nonprofit's president, Susan Harris; her husband, William Harris; son, Craig Young; and her business partner Sharon Moore tapped client trust accounts to pay for personal celebrity Caribbean cruises, luxury items, sporting events, vehicles and upscale homes, records show.

But so lavish was their spending, there was little for the government to forfeit to repay victims. There was no equity in several of the homes, court records show, and a Tanoan house owned by Harris and her husband had two liens that had to be paid off first.

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Yet eight years after the scandal broke, one legitimate expense incurred by the firm has paid off  a "Wrap + Crime" insurance policy "designed to insure, among other things, losses incurred due to theft by Ayudando employees," according to court records.

The Social Security Administration required that Ayudando maintain such coverage, because the firm provided representative payee services for clients who received monthly federal benefits. The federal payments would go to Ayudando to administer for their clients.

The firm, which opened in 2004 and later expanded to Arizona, also held funds for clients who had received insurance settlements, or other payments. The firm also acted as a court-appointed guardian or conservator for others.

Ayudando's insurer, Travelers Casualty and Surety Co., denied coverage related to the criminal conduct at Ayudando, so the U.S. Attorney's Office filed suit in 2022. Government attorneys alleged that Travelers' denial of the United States' claim was unfounded and frivolous, and that Travelers misrepresented the coverage afforded, court records state.

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After a court-facilitated settlement conference last September, the parties reached a settlement of the United States' claims, in which Travelers agreed to pay $4.9 million. Another $138,767 was previously made available for victim restitution as the net recovery from forfeited assets, said Tessa DuBerry, of the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico.

The recovered funds satisfy a portion of the $6.8 million money judgment against Susan Harris, she said.

"We will continue to seek assets to pay restitution in full," DuBerry told the Journal.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has retained a third-party administrator to assist with disbursing the funds to the 969 victims identified by Senior U.S. District Judge Martha Vazquez of Santa Fe.

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She wrote in an order last fall that the defendants "used their position of public trust over their vulnerable clients ... to steal money for their own extravagant use and enjoyment."

The scheme operated for years until several employees, noticing irregularities in the firm's operations and client accounts, went to the FBI.

But five years earlier, an accountant for the firm realized that the business was being used as "a family ATM," according to a prosecutors' memorandum filed in 2021. But he didn't alert authorities after signing an agreement with an attorney for Ayudando.

Susan Harris, considered the architect of the scheme and primary owner, is serving a 47-year prison sentence in Alabama. She is 78.

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William S. Harris, who worked as a guardian, received a 15-year prison sentence. Moore, former chief financial officer and 5% owner, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Young was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison and is no longer listed as a federal inmate on the Bureau of Prisons website.

The case took a twist in March 2020 when Susan Harris and her husband fled New Mexico after pleading guilty. When they were captured weeks later in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the couple was living under assumed names with their pet Chihuahua. They had just $400 in their possession.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has announced that his country is preparing documents to appeal to international courts against Russia regarding the crash of an Azerbaijani Airlines (AZAL) plane near Aktau.

Source: Minval, an Azerbaijani media outlet, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Aliyev stated that the circumstances of the incident are "as clear as day", yet Azerbaijan has received no meaningful response from Russia after seven months.

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He noted that the prosecutor general of Azerbaijan sends requests to the head of Russias Investigative Committee but is met only with the reply: "The investigation is ongoing." The president described this stance as counterproductive and reaffirmed Bakus intention to seek international justice.

The Azerbaijani president has said that the country informed Russia of its preparation of a dossier for a corresponding lawsuit. He referenced the investigation into the Malaysian Boeing crash, which lasted over a decade. "We are ready to wait ten years, but justice must win. And unfortunately, the situation, which is currently in limbo, does not contribute to the development of bilateral relations between Russia and Azerbaijan," he said.

Aliyev emphasised that Azerbaijan has a clear understanding of what happened to the AZAL plane and Russian officials possess this information too. "The question arises: why dont they do as any neighbour would do in a similar situation?" he remarked.

Aliyev outlined Azerbaijans demands: Russias guilty plea, prosecution of those responsible for downing the plane, payment of compensation to the families of the victims and compensation for damages suffered by AZAL.

Background:

On 25 December, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer aircraft en route from Baku to Grozny crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau on the Caspian Sea, killing 38 people.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev stated at the time that the plane had been shot down from the ground.

On 4 February, a source within Azerbaijan's government told Reuters that they had conclusive evidence that the plane was downed by a Russian Pantsir-S air defence system.

In early July, Azerbaijani journalists released a recording that contains an order to open fire on an Azerbaijan Airlines flight.

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Rep. Don Bacon (Neb.), a moderate Republican, suggested in a Sunday interview that first lady Melania Trump deserves some credit for President Trumps apparent pivot against Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Well, Im glad that the president has pivoted on Ukraine, Bacon said in an interview on NewsNations The Hill Sunday.

I think we owe Melania some thanks here. Even the president said that his wife reminds him every day that Russia is bombing Ukrainian cities every night, he continued.

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The president announced on Monday a deal with NATO to provide weapons to Ukraine, and he also warned Russia that he is prepared to levy 100 percent secondary economic sanctions in 50 days, which would target other nations that do business with Russia.

President Trump has in recent weeks expressed increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin as Moscow continues to fire missiles into Ukraine despite the White Houses push for a ceasefire. He described his frustration in a Monday White House meeting.

I go home and tell the first lady, I spoke with Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation. She says, Oh really? Another [Ukrainian] city was just hit,' Trump said on Monday.

Were very, very unhappy with them and were going to be doing very severe tariffs if we dont have a deal in 50 days, he said. Tariffs at about 100 percent.

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The White House later clarified that Trump meant secondary sanctions and not tariffs.

Bacon, one of three Republicans elected in districts that voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, praised Trumps announcement on Monday but said he wants to see more from the president. Bacon recently announced he would retire after his term.

I think we should have total moral clarity here. Russia is the invader. Theyre bombing the cities. And what will happen if Russia prevails in Ukraine? And we should have this clarity. We know Moldova will likely follow immediately. Georgia and Azerbaijan are very vulnerable, he said.

If we fail in Ukraine, its going to cost us a lot more in the future. And Ukraine, how do we get here? They wanted to be aligned with the West. They want to be democracy. They want free markets. Theyd like to be in the EU. And Russia couldnt tolerate that, Bacon added.

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And so I hope the president does more than just sell weapons to NATO, for NATO to give to Ukraine. I hope that he does that, plus more, he continued.

On the secondary sanctions, Bacon added: I wish it wasnt 50 days. I wish it was like 20 days or 30 days, but we do need to punish China, Iran, North Korea, for basically propping up Russias war effort against Ukraine.

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These are salad days for the likes of Joseph Uscinski, who spends his time peering down rabbit holes and poking in the dark spaces where weird and woolly things grow.

There are loads of conspiracy theories out there, the granddaddy of them all being the conjecture surrounding John F. Kennedy's assassination. But most tend to fade and be forgotten, said Uscinski, who teaches political science at the University of Miami, where he studies public opinion and mass media, with a focus on conspiracies.

"Only a select few will attract a large number of believers, have movies made... get talked about by politicians," Uscinski said.

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The Jeffrey Epstein saga has all the elements of one of those top-shelf intrigues, with an added Shakespearean twist  a president whose political rise has been fueled by outlandish conspiracy theories and now faces a backlash from some of his most faithful devotees, as he tries to wriggle free from a deceitful web of his own design.

Delicious, especially if you enjoy your schadenfreude served piping hot.

Read more: Trump resists bipartisan calls to release Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein

The known facts are these:

Epstein was an eye-poppingly wealthy financier, luxe man-about-Manhattan and convicted sex offender who sexually trafficked women and girls. In 2008, he agreed to an exceedingly lenient plea deal with federal prosecutors that resulted in a 13-month prison sentence, with freedom granted 12 hours a day, six days a week, under a work-release program.

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A decade later, an investigative reporter at the Miami Herald identified scores of alleged survivors of sexual abuse by Epstein and some of his associates. In 2019, a new federal criminal case was brought against him. About a month after being arrested, Epstein was found dead in his cell at a jail in New York City. Investigators ruled Epstein's death a suicide.

An A-list fixture of the upper-crust social scene, Epstein has been linked in court documents with a galaxy of celebrities from the worlds of Hollywood, business and politics. It's an article of faith among some true believers  particularly within the MAGA movement  that a secret list of those serviced by Epstein's sexual enterprise exists somewhere in the bowels of the federal government, hidden by agents of the hated, anti-Trump "deep state."

In a Fox News interview in February, Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi said a list of Epsteins clients was "sitting on my desk right now to review," with its public release seemingly just a matter of time.

Then, like one of Trump's threatened tariffs, the list  or "list"  abruptly vanished. There was no such thing, the Justice Department announced earlier this month, along with a finding that Epstein had, in fact, killed himself and was not, as some assert, murdered by forces wishing to silence him.

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A piqued president urged everyone to move on and forget about Epstein. "Somebody that nobody cares about," sniffed Trump, who moved in many of the same social circles as Epstein but now downplays their yearslong friendship.

All in all, conspiratorial catnip.

"Saying there are files and then saying there aren't files... setting up some expectation for revelations and then insisting that actually there's nothing there" has only deepened the well of suspicion, said Kathryn Olmsted, a UC Davis conspiracy expert who's studied past instances of government deflection and deception involving the CIA and FBI, among others.

Unlike some of the crackpot stuff she's heard  like Bill and Hillary Clinton murdering Joan Rivers to cover up Michelle Obama's transgender identity  the conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein have at least some grounding in reality.

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"He was very rich and powerful and he associated with some of the most powerful and richest people in the world, including members of both the Democratic and Republican parties," Olmsted said. "And he was trafficking girls. There's an actual crime at the heart of this. It's not just something that people have made up out of thin air."

That's the thing that gives the Epstein conspiracy theories their distinctly frothy frisson: a blending of vital ingredients, one very old and the other comparatively new.

False allegations of child abuse date back to the blood libel of the Middle Ages and the assertion that Jews tortured and murdered Christian children as part of their ceremonial worship. From there, a through line can be traced all the way to the 2016 "Pizzagate" conspiracy, which claimed that Hillary Clinton and her top aides were running a child-trafficking ring out of a Washington pizza parlor.

Truly vile stuff.

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Take that ancient trope and marry it to a modern lack of faith in the federal government and its institutions and you're gifted with an endless source of lurid speculation.

"The number of threads that you can pull out of [the Epstein] fabric are many," said retired University of Utah historian Robert Goldberg, another conspiracy expert. "And they're going to be long."

Read more: Trump slams his own supporters as 'weaklings' for falling for what he now calls the Epstein 'hoax'

Democrats, for their part, are eagerly fanning the controversy, as a way to undermine Trump and drive a wedge in his granite-firm base.

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He said he was going to release [the complete Epstein files] and now hes saying theres nothing to see here and appears to be wanting to sweep the whole thing under the rug, Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, who played a prominent role in the Jan. 6 congressional hearings, taunted on MSNBC. "There is overwhelming bipartisan, popular demand, congressional demand, to release all of this stuff.

Indeed, Trump need only look in one of his gilded mirrors to see what's driven years of fevered Epstein obsession.

"He built a coalition of people who have these beliefs," said the University of Miami's Uscinski. "And I think he's learned that once you build a coalition of conspiracy theorists, you can't get them to [stop believing]. They came to him because he was telling them what they want. He can't turn around and do the opposite now."

Oh, what a tangled web we weave...

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MOUNTAIN TOP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A community celebration in Mountain Top honoring four decades of childcare and a young girls brave fight against cancer.

Families turned out at the Mountain Top Hose Company for food, crafts, and carnival games all to mark the 40th anniversary of Mountain Top Kids.

Saturday was also about eleven-year-old Braelynn McCarroll, whos battling a rare form of brain cancer.

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A portion of the events profits will help her family cover medical expenses.

Running for youth non-profits in Scranton

Braelynn has been coming to us for a number of years so weve been side by side with her throughout this entire trial that shes been going through, and were just there to help her in any way that she needs, expressed Vicky Bartolotta, owner, Mountain Top Kids.

The owner says they will consider doing it next year based on the communitys response to the event in Mountain Top.

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A female brown bear who killed a jogger in the Italian Alps in 2023 has reached Germany and is resting in the sanctuary where she is due to stay following a long-running dispute over her future.

The bear, known as JJ4 or Gaia, has been transferred to a high-security enclosure at the Alternative Wolf and Bear Park in Germany's Black Forest in the south-west of the country.

Accompanied by a team from the park, Gaia reached Germany at 6 am (0400 GMT). Her 9-hour journey from Italy went well, staff said. "She is being cared for, has eaten and is behaving calmly."

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Gaia was sedated before the transfer in order for her to be lifted into the box. But the group only departed once she had regained consciousness to prevent her from being thrown around during the trip.

Every two hours, she was offered water and fruit containing glucose, such as apples and pears. Vital signs such as pulse and heart rate were constantly monitored by sensors during the journey.

Gaia was initially extremely agitated and nervous and repeatedly launched mock attacks upon arrival in Germany, a park spokeswoman said.

That meant staff could only put her in a preliminary enclosure that was closed at the top and surrounded by steel bars, the spokeswoman said.

Jogger killed in 2023

Gaia will probably only be transferred to the large high-security enclosure where she will live in future on Monday.

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The bear attacked and killed a jogger on a popular mountain path in the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige in April 2023.

The animal was captured and taken to an enclosure near the city of Trento. Regional president Maurizio Fugatti ordered Gaia to be killed, but courts stopped the decree after petitions by animal rights activists.

Gaia was set to be transferred to Germany in 2024, but construction of the 1 million ($1.1 million) enclosure, funded through donations, faced significant setbacks due to heavy rainfall in the mountainous, wooded terrain.

The date of her transfer from Italy was initially kept secret amid fears of protests.

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Jurka, Gaia's mother, has been housed at the animal sanctuary since 2010.

Gaia is also due to be renamed, as a wolf at the sanctuary has the same name. "We don't want to exhibit her as a 'killer bear'," the spokeswoman said.

'She will never be happy again'

The space where the bear is to live is shielded from the public and has an electric fence, camera surveillance and anti-digging protection to prevent her from escaping.

Keeping her in captivity was the worst possible solution, the spokeswoman said, adding captivity is a nightmare for a wild bear.

Gaia had lived in the wild for almost two decades and raised cubs there. "Shooting her would have been more humane," she said.

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Gaia's admission is to be the last of a wild bear in the Black Forest Bear Park. Two other wild bears have been living in the park for a long time  Jurka, Gaia's mother, and her half-sister Isa. However, experience with these two has shown how much wild bears still suffer in captivity, even after many years.

In captivity, the bears' urge for freedom is gradually being broken, the spokeswoman said. While Gaia will eventually resign herself to her fate, the process could take years. "She will never be happy again."

Brown bears protected

Brown bears are protected in Europe by a range of agreements and also under an EU directive.

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Only bears deemed to be a problem may be captured, relocated and, if necessary, shot. This rarely happens, and the shooting of Bruno, Gaia's brother, in June 2006 in the Rotwand area of Bavaria, led to outrage.

Bears generally tend to avoid humans but there have been several encounters in Italy's Trentino region which is popular among tourists.

The animals occasionally venture closer and closer to farms and villages in search of food.

Mother bears in particular can be dangerous when they fear for their young. Gaia also had her cubs with her when she encountered the jogger.
Azerbaijans absence from the CIS Economic Council meeting was due to a number of objective factors and does not reflect the state of Baku-Moscow relations.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, explained that the non-participation may have been linked to adjustments in the working schedules of delegation members.

This meeting focused on multilateral cooperation within the CIS and had no bearing on bilateral Azerbaijani-Russian relations, Hajiyev noted.
BETHALTO, Ill.  An apparent standoff ended with a suspects arrest Saturday after a vehicle was set on fire and windows were smashed at a Bethalto, Illinois, apartment complex.

The standoff occured after the Bethalto Police Department responded to calls over the vehicle fire and broken windows in the 300 block of Grant Street.

When police arrived, they found one individual with serious injuries at the scene. That individual was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

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Police then located another individual who ran toward an apartment building and barricaded himself inside the complex, prompting a tactical response unit and a tense standoff.

According to the Bethalto Police Department, the apartment complex was evacuated as officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, who refused several orders to leave the building.

An Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System. (ILEAS) Tactical Team later arrived to the scene, and despite negotiations, the suspect still refused to surrender. At some point, the tactical team successfully breached the door and took the suspect into custody without injury to any parties, according to the Bethalto Police Department.

The suspect is being held in custody pending formal charges and a further investigation by Bethalto Police Department detectives.

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Several Metro East agencies, including the Madison County Sheriffs Office, East Alton Police Department, Highland Police Department, the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and the ILEAS Tactical Team, helped the Bethalto Police Department with the response.

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Top politicians and civil society representatives on Sunday commemorated those behind a failed attempt to assassinate Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler 81 years ago, and warned against historical amnesia amid a rise of the far right.

"July 20 became a symbol of resistance against injustice, for justice and conscience, for a better Germany," said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in front of around 250 recruits in the Bendlerblock, the headquarters of the Defence Ministry in Berlin.

Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg and three other Wehrmacht officers were shot dead in the courtyard just hours after their failed attempt to kill Hitler with a bomb planted in his military headquarters on the eastern front on July 20, 1944.

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Marking the events that unfolded about a year before the end of World War II, Pistorius stressed the day did not stand for failure, but for a new beginning.

Don't look away, former chancellor's son warns

Speaking at a commemoration ceremony at the Plotzensee memorial in Berlin, where Germany's war-time Nazi dictatorship carried out many executions, the son of former chancellor Willy Brandt warned Germans against forgetting the atrocities committed by the regime.

"We are seeing it again today, including in election results, how the poison of hatred, racism and exclusion is penetrating and shows itself in social coarsening," Matthias Brandt said.

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He cited a number of racist terms used by the Nazis, noting they were increasingly being used again. Doing nothing to counter this was a decision to let things run their course, he warned.

His father Willy Brandt fled to Norway as a young man in 1933 to avoid persecution by the Nazis. He later returned to Germany and was elected chancellor at the head of a centre-left government in 1969.

Germany has seen an unprecedented rise of the far right in recent years, with the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party coming in second in February's elections, the best-ever result for a far-right party since the Nazis rose to power.

Many in the party have trivialized the crimes committed by Hitler's regime, including the Holocaust, and have been accused of knowingly using Nazi slogans.

'The responsibility of all of us'

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig said that Germany could not again be the source of a horror of the kind that it produced in the 1930s. "This is the responsibility of all of us resulting from this debt," she said.

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"We should and must say the more unflinchingly and louder, we will not allow the rule of law or democracy to be destroyed again," she said.

Hitler only sustained minor injuries in the July 20 assassination attempt and a subsequent coup plot was foiled. The Nazi regime then carried out a wave of executions of those suspected of being involved in the plans to bring down the regime.

German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius speaks at the ceremonial swearing-in of soldiers of the Bundeswehr as part of the Federal Government's commemoration of July 20, 1944 in the Bendlerblock. Christophe Gateau/dpa
Republicans in Texas, at the suggestion of President Trump, are looking to hold a rare mid-decade session to redraw the congressional map of the state, drawing condemnation from Democrats. Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) joins Alex Witt to share his insight on the matter, discuss Trumps ongoing Epstein saga, and more.
WASHINGTON  For many years, final decisions over how much the U.S. government spends, and how, have required sign-off from leaders of both parties, no matter who controlled the White House or Capitol Hill or the level of polarization.

Now, that last vestige of the bipartisan funding process is at risk of dying after a one-two punch by President Donald Trump and the Republican-led Congress.

The appropriations process, whereby both parties pass detailed funding bills for various federal agencies every year, has been in a slow decline for decades. But recent moves by the Trump-era GOP to disrupt past funding agreements have accelerated that decline  and, in the view of Democrats and even some weary Republicans, undermined Congress power of the purse in deference to the White House.

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First, Republicans passed a $300 billion hike in military spending and immigration enforcement as part of Trumps megabill; and second, they cut $9 billion in domestic money and foreign aid under a rarely used rescission process, allowing the GOP to cancel already approved bipartisan spending with a party-line vote.

A Sept. 30 deadline to fund the government or risk a shutdown will test whether a bipartisan deal is still possible, particularly as Trumps top budget aide publicly calls for a more partisan approach.

House Republicans have undermined the bipartisan path for years by slamming the resulting deals as swamp creations by a uniparty that is addicted to spending. Now, GOP lawmakers in both chambers are going it alone, suggesting theyll bring more rescissions packages to undo past bipartisan spending agreements because the existing process is failing.

We dont have an appropriations process. Its broken. Its been broken for a while, said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

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He said Congress will likely fall back on continuing resolutions, which largely maintain the status quo, and rescission packages for the remainder of Trumps presidency.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., a senior appropriator, said the once-respected government funding process has disappeared, calling the latest rescissions package a step backwards.

Its basically saying: No matter what you decide on, the president is going to be able to change the bill, even for money thats been appropriated, Durbin said.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, insist the process is alive and well. They will test that theory this week as Thune plans to bring at least one  if not more  appropriations bills to the Senate floor. He has argued that the $9 billion cut hits a tiny portion of the federal budget and shouldnt dissuade Democrats from working toward a deal.

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I would hope, at least for the functioning of our government, that they would be willing to work with us on some things, Thune said Wednesday on Fox News. They havent been so far.

But even some GOP proponents of the bill admit it adds to the challenges.

The rescission package  of course, I understand that could complicate things, said Rep. Robert Aderholt of Alabama, a senior Republican on the House Appropriations Committee.

Vought weighs in

Just after the Senate overcame objections in both parties to approve the $9 billion spending-cut bill requested by Trump, a comment from White House budget director Russell Vought dropped like a bomb on Capitol Hill.

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The appropriations process has to be less bipartisan, Vought told reporters at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast Thursday. Its not going to keep me up at night, and I think will lead to better results, by having the appropriations process be a little bit partisan.

He added that more rescission packages would be coming.

The backlash was fierce. Senate Republicans responsible for crafting the government funding bills were taken aback by his candor.

Mr. Voughts lack of respect and apparent lack of understanding of how Congress operates is baffling, because hes served in government before, Collins told NBC News.

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Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Vought disrespects the appropriations process in Congress with his dismissive comments.

I think he thinks that we are irrelevant, she said.

And Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Thursday called on Trump to fire Russell Vought immediately, before he destroys our democracy and runs the country into the ground.

The series of clashes escalates tensions leading up to the fall deadline, with top Democrats warning ahead of the vote that they would have little incentive to provide the 60 votes to cut a deal.

It is absurd to expect Democrats to play along with funding the government if Republicans are just going to renege on a bipartisan agreement by concocting rescissions packages behind closed doors that can pass with only their votes, Schumer warned in a recent speech.

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The debate over the demise of individual lawmakers getting to dictate where federal funding is allocated came to a head during a recent meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee, with many senators arguing that the work they were doing in that moment may just be overridden by congressional leadership and the president.

The one thing we all agree on is the appropriations process is broken, former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., lamented, describing how during his 18 years leading the GOP conference he helped oversee a shift away from government funding levels being decided by committees and instead being negotiated by only the highest levels of leadership and the White House.

I concluded our failure to pass our bills empower every president, regardless of party, because Ive been in those discussions at the end, the big four and the guy with the pen, and that makes all of our requests irrelevant, McConnell said.

Collins has repeatedly blamed the decline of the process on Schumers refusal to put appropriations bills on the Senate floor. That has also been a slow-moving trend: McConnell and former Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., also short-circuited the process on the floor when in charge.

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Rising partisanship has weakened committees broadly and placed more power in the hands of leadership. In the context of government funding, that led to omnibus spending bills and continuing resolutions  or CRs  negotiated by party leaders and jammed through Congress, often with an impending deadline to pressure holdouts to fall in line quickly.

But House Republicans raised hell, torching the massive bills negotiated behind closed doors as a betrayal to their constituents. In recent years, they have successfully steered their leadership away from that approach. And it leaves few options going forward.

'What the math tells us'

Durbin, who is retiring after a 30-year Senate career, reminisced about when the process was at the peak of its powers  last century. The last time Congress completed it through regular order was in the 1990s.

There was a time when we called 12 appropriation bills to the floor, open for amendment! Can you imagine that? Durbin said. I remember. And you had to do your job in the committee. You had to have a subcommittee lined up on a bipartisan basis, a full committee lined up on a bipartisan basis. And the committee stood together. And you could find enough to support it to pass something. That, I think, really reflected the best of the Senate.

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He attributed the change to the growing discord between the parties and the declining reputation of the Appropriations Committee, although he credited Collins and Vice Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., with trying to restore the bipartisan spirit of the panel.

Collins, notably, is on an island as the only GOP senator who voted against both attempts to rewrite government funding  in the megabill and rescissions package. Collins is also up for re-election next year in a Democratic-leaning state that Trump lost in 2024.

Sarah Binder, a political scientist at George Washington University and the Brookings Institution, said the megabills changes to GOP spending priorities undermines the rough parity between defense and nondefense discretionary spending that until recently made bipartisan deals possible.

She added, The Trump OMBs aggressive impoundments of enacted appropriations severely threatens Congress power of the purse and with it the authority and expertise of and oversight by appropriators.

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Yet even as Republicans find new ways to go around the Senates 60-vote threshold, Thune has promised he wont abolish the filibuster. He distanced himself from Voughts remarks.

Well, that runs contrary to what the math tells us around here, he said. So, we need 60 on approps bills. And its going to take 60 to fund the government.

The path to a new funding law is murky, at best.

And Collins, for now, maintains confidence in the bipartisan appropriations process. When asked if she has any concerns about its future, Collins told NBC News, None whatsoever.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A version of this story first appeared in Talk of the Town  a daily newsletter from the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown.

BELLEFONTE  After years of debate, Pennsylvanias near-total ban on Sunday hunting is off the books thanks to a bipartisan push, an unlikely political advocate, and a key policy shift from the states farm lobby.

The new law, signed last week by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, gives the Pennsylvania Game Commission the authority to decide which Sundays to include when setting hunting season dates. It also includes penalties for hunters who trespass on private property.

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Supporters of the repeal credit its success to years of advocacy, along with new backing among farmers seeking relief from crop damage. However, some outdoor groups, citing safety concerns, are disappointed and hope the state agency will be vigilant about letting the public know which Sundays allow hunting.

The ban, which dated back at least 200 years, made exceptions for hunting crows, coyotes, and foxes during open seasons. In 2019, lawmakers approved an update that permitted hunting on three Sundays each year, a move that eased some concerns, said Kevin Askew, executive director of Hunters United for Sunday Hunting.

Those three Sundays allowed the politicians to see  well, wait  the sky didnt fall. Theres no doom and gloom here, he told Spotlight PA. Maybe there is something to having more Sundays.

More momentum came when the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau reversed its longstanding opposition, helping clear the way to end one of the states remaining blue laws, which are rooted in the tradition of keeping one day for rest and religious observance.

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State Rep. Mandy Steele, a Democrat from a swing district in Allegheny County, wasnt an obvious champion of the cause. But she brought a fresh approach and worked to understand the longstanding roadblocks, Askew said.

She actually wanted to solve the problem.

Steele, who took up hunting in adulthood with her kids, said years of work by advocates and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle  including state Sen. Dan Laughlin (R., Erie)  helped lay the groundwork for the change that balances the needs and desires of hunters and farmers.

Hunters were eager for more time in the woods, and farmers wanted one day when they didnt have to worry about trespassers or hunters knocking on their doors early in the morning asking for permission to shoot.

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Her role, she said, was to help those groups find common ground.

We really just needed someone to unite everyone, Steele said.

For years, hunting groups lobbied against the Sunday restriction. They called the ban discriminatory because other outdoor activities  such as hiking, biking, and horse riding  are permitted seven days a week.

Farmers, however, had long been skeptical. They worried about trespassing and other disruptions on their property. But when crop damage resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, the farm bureau reversed its position in 2023.

Mitchell Kurek, the farm bureaus state and local affairs specialist, told Spotlight PA that Sunday hunting isnt the end-all be-all solution, but its still an important step.

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Vince Phillips, a former lobbyist for the Pennsylvania State Grange  an agricultural and rural advocacy organization that consistently opposed efforts to expand Sunday hunting  said that shift was crucial.

It outmuscled those against the change, he told Spotlight PA.

During the bill signing, Shapiro called the repeal a smart change to an outdated law that better reflects the needs of todays hunters and said it could stoke an economic boon by creating more opportunities for hunters to spend time  and money  in rural areas.

Still, not everyone is excited about the repeal.

Hiking and horse riding organizations long argued that one hunting-free day per week lets people enjoy nature safely and without the sound of gunshots. Those concerns havent gone away, Brook Lenker, executive director of Keystone Trails Association, told Spotlight PA in an email.

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We are disappointed that the governor signed the Sunday hunting bill and hope that the PA Game Commission will assure there is broad public awareness about Sundays when hunting is occurring, he said.

The law takes effect in early September. Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith said during a news conference last week that the board is considering its options and will communicate with hunters ahead of the upcoming hunting year.

All I can tell them as of today is to stay tuned and buy your hunting license, he said.

SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A Birmingham man was arrested in connection to a shooting that left a man dead and a woman injured Wednesday.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, 21-year-old DeAerius Johnson is charged with the murder of a 23-year-old man. Cameron Little was found fatally shot in East Lake Park late Wednesday night.

A woman suffering from a not life-threatening gunshot wound arrived at UAB Hospital via private vehicle. Johnson is also facing a first-degree assault charge.

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3 men arrested in connection to ongoing child sexual abuse investigation in Bibb County

The BPD Crime Reduction Team and Jefferson County Sheriffs Office arrested Johnson in the 300 block of 15th Street Ensley on Saturday. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail under no bond.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office is investigating after a mans body was pulled from a Kansas City, Kansas, lake Sunday morning.

According to sheriffs deputies, at about 10 a.m., units were dispatched to Big Eleven Lake on reports of an unresponsive person in the water.

Man killed in morning shooting at south Kansas City apartment complex

Crews with the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department were called to the scene to help pull the body out of the lake. The victim was pronounced dead shortly after.

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Deputies said the victim was a Black male who appeared to be in his 50s. His identity has not been released.

At this time, the Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office is investigating the events leading up to the mans death.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.

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Jul. 19BEMIDJI  The pie orders just kept coming in, and it was all Michelle Ruport could do to keep up in her home kitchen.

Thus, Borealis Baking Company became a downtown Bemidji storefront. The business opened last month at 419 Beltrami Ave. NW, in a cozy space formerly occupied by Rother's Just Desserts.

Ruport started her business as a cottage foods producer out of her home, selling baked goods at the farmers market and taking orders. She had been a food inspector in the military, and as a stay-at-home mom, she paid attention to food labels and ingredient lists.

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"I've always been a foodie," she said. "I was really worried about some of the stuff that was in our food. And I've always liked making my own things."

Customers liked her things, too. Especially her pies. As Thanksgiving approached last year, Michelle was overwhelmed with pie orders.

"It got to the point that it was too much for us," she said. "I've always wanted to own my own little space. It just kind of seemed like that was the push to get it out of the house and start figuring out what our next steps were. And here we are."

Borealis Baking Company is a family affair for the Ruports. Daughter Braelyn, 16, has created the signature drink menu. Her younger siblings Daxson and Lily also like to help out, along with dad Zachary.

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Michelle said in addition to pies, top sellers are pastries, cinnamon rolls and brown butter chocolate chip cookies. On Saturdays they offer "Walking Waffles," house-made waffles sold in a boat with the customer's choice of toppings. On Sundays, it's "High Rollin' Sundays" featuring a variety of rolls from 9 a.m. until they're gone.

Michelle says she uses only butter and avoids seed oils for her baked goods.

"We make 90% to 95% of our own product," she said. "I am very particular with the ingredients. There are no artificial food dyes, and just as many local ingredients as possible."

The shop's summer hours are Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The content of the same email sent multiple times to The Jerusalem Post contains the text written in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

The Jerusalem Post email account was spammed on Sunday night with dozens of emails containing the exact same message from numerous accounts that are allegedly from southern Syria, asking for help on behalf of the Druze population.

The content of the same email sent multiple times contains the text written in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

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"We appeal to you from Sweida, southern Syria, amid a brutal campaign of systematic violence against the Druze community," the message said. "Government forces and allied militias are committing atrocities: killing children and women, burning homes, destroying hospitals, blocking aid, and executing young men."

The email also warned that social media is "being weaponized to spread dangerous disinformation," mentioning Facebook in particular and saying that such posts are being done by "propaganda accounts."

Facts being twisted, the message says

"Facts are being twisted to falsely portray us, the victims, as the terrorists. Deceptive videos are published showing kidnapped Druze being 'treated well,' only for them to be tortured and executed off-camera," the email continues. "Devices stolen from our martyrs are used to post fake content, exposing more people to risk. This is digital warfare aiding physical extermination."

Bedouin fighters ride on a motorbike, 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)

"Digital silence is complicity when it empowers genocide," the message concluded.
NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  A 5-year-old boy was found floating in a pool at a New Jersey home Friday evening, according to police.

Wayne police received a 911 call for a possible drowning at around 6:30 p.m. The call was for a residence near Armstrong Avenue and Maple Lane, police said.

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Witnesses told officers a boy had been found floating in a pool.

Other witnesses stated the 5-year-old boy had left his residence alone at around 5:30 p.m., authorities said.

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Emergency Medical Services transported the boy to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased by hospital staff an hour later.

A full investigation remains ongoing, police said.

Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valves and Wayne Police Department Chief

Joseph Rooney announced the incident on Saturday.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

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On Tuesday afternoon, as her newspaper prepared to publish details of a bawdy birthday card Donald Trump allegedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein, Emma Tuckers phone rang.

It was the US president, dialling in from Air Force One to have a word with the British editor of the Wall Street Journal.

Earlier that day Mr Trump had been announcing an AI investment package in Pittsburgh. Now he was irate, demanding the fake story was pulled and threatening to sue if Ms Tucker did not yield.

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His efforts were in vain.

On Thursday night, the newspaper published details of a message said to be signed off with a drawing of a nude woman. Mr Trump had used his signature to represent pubic hair, it is alleged.

The report was certainly salacious; it sparked further questions about Mr Trumps relationship with the paedophile financier.

It helped fan the flames of arguably the biggest crisis of Mr Trumps presidency so far, the growing demand for his administration to release the full so-called Epstein files.

But it also brought Mr Trump into open conflict with one of the worlds most powerful media moguls, the Wall Street Journal owner Rupert Murdoch.

The Wall Street Journals story has brought Mr Trump into open conflict with the newspapers owner, Rupert Murdoch - Reuters/Carlo Allegri

The call between Ms Tucker and Mr Trump was tense, The Telegraph understands. After the story was published, Mr Trump fired off a lengthy denial on Truth Social, his own media platform.

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The 79-year-old accused Ms Tucker of running a false, malicious, and defamatory story and filed a $10bn lawsuit against the WSJ, naming Mr Murdoch and the reporters who wrote the story as defendants.

Holding her nerve has earned Ms Tucker the wrath of the US president and many of his loyal followers. But the Epstein story is the type of reporting Ms Tucker made a name for on Fleet Street  and now the US  those close to her say.

For months, Mr Trump has been angered by the WSJs coverage of his policies. While NewsCorps media outlets, the New York Post and Fox News, often portray the president in a positive light, the WSJ has not attempted to curry favour with the White House.

Media executives such as Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have appeared to try to appease the US president, but the WSJ has stood out for critical pieces, at times skewering his policies.

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In May, when a reporter from the newspaper attempted to ask Mr Trump a question on Air Force One, he denounced the paper as rotten and as having truly gone to hell.

However, the WSJ has maintained its influence. Last month, JD Vance, the vice-president, travelled to Mr Murdochs Montana ranch to speak to the media mogul, his son Lachlan and other Fox News executives.

As seen by the Trump-Epstein birthday card story, the WSJ has not attempted to keep on the right side of the White House - Getty Images

Ms Tucker, 58, was selected by Mr Murdoch as the newspapers first female editor-in-chief, replacing Matt Murray in February 2023 in a bid to shake up the publication.

Born in London in 1966, she grew up in Lewes, Sussex, before going to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at University College, Oxford, where she edited the university magazine Isis.

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After joining the graduate trainee programme at the Financial Times, where she met her close friend Rachel Johnson, Boris Johnsons sister, she went on to work in the newspapers Berlin and Brussels bureaux.

In 2020, she became the first female editor of The Sunday Times in more than a century. Ex-colleagues describe her as tenacious.

Asked about the run-in with Mr Trump, John Witherow, the former editor of The Times, told The Telegraph of his former deputy: I know shes tough.

Within weeks of arriving at the WSJ, Ms Tucker demonstrated her determination to back her reporters in the campaign to release WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich, who had been detained in Russia.

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But while she received praise for her campaign for Mr Gershkovichs release, her arrival was not welcomed by everyone. Many staff were abhorred by job cuts, restructuring and a push to digital-first to attempt to bring an edginess back to the publication.

Last year, more than 100 journalists staged a protest against the changes, covering the walls of her office in Post-it notes with comments such as the cuts are killing morale.

Ms Tucker told Vanity Fair that while the cuts may look callous, its so that we get it right, so I dont have to do it over again.

She has also come under fire for coverage from both sides of the political aisle. The WSJ was the first newspaper to report on Joe Bidens mental fitness, journalism that was denounced by some left-leaning publications at the time.

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She also clashed with Mr Murdoch, with reports suggesting he was livid with her after the WSJ described a newsletter launched by a former CNN reporter as a must-read.

Ms Tucker has also been outspoken about standing up to the Trump administration. Responding to claims by the CEO of Elon Musks X that her newspaper had run a fake news story about the platform, she said: Many of the stories we publish do upset political leaders or CEOs, but we cant, you know, we have to be thinking about the validity of the story.

Ms Tucker is now likely to face Mr Trump in court in some form as her paper defends the $10bn lawsuit. Whether full details of the alleged birthday card will come to light is not yet clear.

Unlike the two reporters who brought her the story, and Mr Murdoch she is not named in Mr Trumps legal action.

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Since parts of the letter were published on Thursday, the Trump administration has already promised to release more transcripts from the investigations into Epstein.

But the scandal shows little sign of going away.

Many of Mr Trumps own supporters want to see a full release of the Epstein files - AFP/Alex Wroblewski

The release of the grand jury documents may fall short of what many of Mr Trumps supporters have sought.

On Sunday, one of Epsteins former attorneys called on the US Justice Department to release additional investigative records from its sex-trafficking investigation, and urged the government to grant Ghislaine Maxwell  Epsteins former girlfriend and British socialite  immunity so that she can testify about his crimes.

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In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Alan Dershowitz said the grand jury transcripts that Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday asked a federal judge to unseal would not contain the types of information being sought by Mr Trumps supporters, such as the names of Epsteins clientele.

I think the judge should release it, but they are not in the grand jury transcripts, Dershowitz said on the programme. Ive seen some of these materials. For example, there is an FBI report of interviews with alleged victims in which at least one of the victims names very important people, he said, adding that those names have been redacted.

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The Boston Police Department announced that a Brockton man was arrested on multiple firearm charges following a traffic stop in Roxbury on Saturday.

Allante Pires, 28, has been charged with:

Unlawful possession of a firearm

Unlawful possession of ammunition

Unlawful possession of a large capacity firearm

Operating under the influence of alcohol

Open container

Speeding

The incident occurred around 2:42 AM when officers observed a vehicle speeding near Moreland Street and Warren Street. Officers then conducted a traffic stop at 14 Hazelwood Street when they noticed signs of intoxication from the driver, including glossy eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol.

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During the traffic stop, the driver, identified as Pires, was unable to provide a registration and was found with an open bottle of alcohol in the vehicle. Officers also noticed a knife on Pires waistband.

Despite initial refusal from both the driver and the passenger to exit the vehicle, officers were able to remove them and conducted a pat frisk. A Glock 19 firearm with one round in the chamber and a magazine containing twenty-four rounds was discovered inside the vehicle.

Pires was placed under arrest and is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) applauded President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their plans to release relevant grand jury testimony in the case of sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein after nationwide pressure to produce more information related to the case, saying the grand jury files will pretty much cover everything.

I applaud the president and Attorney General Bondi for wanting to release the grand jury files, he said during a Sunday interview on ABCs This Week. I believe that will pretty much cover everything.

Burchett, who last week slammed the findings from the Justice Departments (DOJ) report on Epstein, also warned that just because somebody flew on a plane doesnt mean theyre a daggum pedophile.

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I have a lot of wealthy friends, and they fly on peoples planes. And their plane will be down, and theyll say, Hey, were going somewhere, and weve got an extra seat, do you want to go? And they dont even know the person on the plane, he said. So, you know, thats one of the things I worry about too.

But I worry about some of those innocent names being out on that too as well, he added.

When asked whether unsealing the grand jury records is enough for him now, Burchett responded that its a start.

I dont think were ever going to get to the bottom ofall of it, maam, he said, mentioning the assassination of late President John F. Kennedy and the magic bullet theory, a debated theory put forward by the Warren Commission Report in the year after his assassination. That commission concluded that one of the bullets fired at the late presidents limousine struck the president and hit Texas Gov. John B. Connally Jr. in multiple places.

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Burchett also accused the Biden administration of withholding the Epstein documents.

Id warn people too, now were getting a hold of this stuff, he said. What happened the last four years under the Biden administration?

Burchett previously suggested the Biden administration may have destroyed Epsteins client list.

When asked again whether he thinks all the files should be released, Burchett clarified he does, but that he is warning not to release files that have innocent names on them, such as people who were then children, now adults, that were abused by this dirtbag, Epstein.

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Still, Burchett criticized Bondis communication at the beginning of the DOJs release of the files.

I think her communication with us early on was not as good, he said. I mean, the binder, for instance, that she put out, I was very excited about that. But then I found the contents of it. I think it was her limited knowledge and taking advice from the wrong people, which you do a lot of in Washington.

Bondi handed several binders of case files titled The Epstein Files: Phase 1 to conservative influencers at an event earlier this year and vowed to be transparent with the investigation into Epstein.

Burchetts comments follow Trumps directive last Thursday to Bondi to release the grand jury files related to Epstein. Still, the president remains skeptical that the release of the files will quell the demand for more information on the case.

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It will always be more, more, more, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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WHITE SALMON, Wash. (KOIN)  Anne and Ian Burns home was in the path of the Burdoin Mountain Fire and they knew they had to evacuate quickly.

I took a step out of the front door and just looked to my right and saw that our whole property was engulfed with all this orange smoke, and so I called the fire department right away, Anne Burns told KOIN 6 News.

The Burdoin Mountain Fire is burning east of Bingen, Wash. near Milepost 68, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire is in Klickitat County near the city of White Salmon, the Washington State Fire Marshals Office said.

The Burdoin Mountain Fire near White Salmon, Washington, July 18, 2025 (KOIN)

Saturday evening, the South East Washington Incident Management Team said the Burdoin Mountain Fire had expanded to 6506 acres.

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Burdoin Fire evacuations expand east, Lyle at Level 3 Go Now

They didnt hesitate to flee.

We just without hesitation, grabbed photo albums because thats the first thing we thought about. And a little toiletry bag. And we hopped in the car, she said.

With their neighbors out of town, the Burns grabbed their neighbors dog, too.

He saw the smoke and jumped right in the car, too, Ian said. Hes not a stupid dog.

Anne said she was shocked how fast it was spreading. That I didnt really anticipate. I thought wed have more time.

The couple believes the fire passed their property but they cant go home yet.

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Were still under the evacuation notice because they still have Hotshot teams up there putting out hot spots, Ian said. So were considered the red zone still.



The Burdoin wildfire in Columbia River Gorge prompted Level 3 Go Now evacuations on July 19, 2025. (Klickitat Co. Department of Emergency Management)

The fire  0% contained  has damaged 37 residences, destroyed 14 homes and is threatening another 250, according to the Southeast Washington Incident Management Team. One firefighter was injured.

But the Burns said their house looks untouched.

We went to Mosier and looked through the binoculars and it looks like the house is safe, Ian said. Dont know about the barn and the other stuff, but big deal. The house is still there.

And theyre giving credit to the first responders.

Ian and Anne Burns fled the Burdoin Mountain Fire near their home in White Salmon, Washington, July 19, 2025 (KOIN)

I take my hat off to all the firefighters and the volunteers, all the guys and gals that were there, Ian said. I mean, instantly dressing up and its sort of nice to see where your tax dollars go.

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In addition, a evacuation shelters have been established at Columbia High School in White Salmon, as well as the Dalles Middle School, officials said.

Anyone with livestock who needs animal evacuation assistance can contact the Klickitat County Emergency Operations Center.

The fire has also caused closures at SR 14, from the east end of Bingen to Lyle (mileposts 66-76). Further, Highway 142 is now closed from Hwy 14 to milepost 4 and Centerville Highway is also closed from Hwy 14 to milepost 5.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed 200 new student physicians during its annual White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, July 19.

The ceremony was held at Centennial High School in Las Cruces and represented their first symbolic step into the medical profession, Burrell said in a news release.

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Photos courtesy of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

This ceremony is a powerful reminder of what it means to pursue a life in medicine, said John Hummer, president and co-founder of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. We are proud to support these future physicians as they begin the next phase of their journey, and we are confident they will make a lasting impact in New Mexico and beyond.

The White Coat Ceremony is a time-honored tradition across medical schools that signifies a students commitment to the practice of medicine and the communities they will one day serve, Burrell said.

At Burrell College, it also reinforces the colleges mission to increase access to care in medically underserved areas  especially in the rural and border communities of the Southwest, it said.

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Each white coat placed on our students shoulders represents the responsibility they now carry, Dr. Bill Pieratt, dean of Burrell College, said. This tradition reminds us all of the importance of compassion, humility, and service in the path toward becoming a physician.

During the ceremony, each student received a white coat embroidered with their name and the Burrell College insignia. The event concluded with the recitation of the Osteopathic Oath, affirming the core values of empathy, respect, and holistic care.

This years ceremony will also included a special benefactors recognition  the GECU Foundation THRIVE Scholarship Award, totaling $242,000 to be distributed over the next three academic years.

We believe that when people have access to the essential health care they need, theyre able to live longer and have more fulfilling lives, said Crystal Long, GECU Foundation chairman. Its a privilege to collaborate with the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and support them in their mission to keep physicians in the Borderland and in Southern New Mexico, promoting the overall health of those who live and work here.

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To learn more about Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, click here.

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Goshen Center for Cancer Care welcomes Jessica Vander Molen

Biz Briefs 2

Jessica Vander Molen

GOSHEN  Jessica Vander Molen has joined the oncology team at Goshen Center for Cancer Care. As a board-certified nurse practitioner, Vander Molen brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to cancer care.

Vander Molen provides comprehensive support to patients throughout their cancer journey, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship. She collaborates closely with oncologists and a multidisciplinary team to ensure each patient receives compassionate care that addresses their physical and emotional needs. Vander Molen treats a wide range of oncology and hematology patients, including those undergoing active treatment, individuals in post-treatment surveillance and patients managing chronic hematologic conditions.

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Vander Molen earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana University in South Bend and her bachelor of science in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Shasta RV launches industry leading sidewall construction

MIDDLEBURY  Shasta RV has announced a strategic partnership with UFP Factory Built, manufacturers of BRAWN, a premium American-made structural wall system specifically engineered to enhance the structural frame of Shasta RVs. This collaboration brings exclusive, next generation sidewall construction to Shastas introductory travel trailers, raising the bar on strength, safety and reliability in this market segment.

Starting June 13, Shasta began integrating BRAWNs single-piece wall system into production.

Our customers are value-conscious, but they dont want to compromise on quality, said Meg Grierson, general manager of Shasta RV. By partnering with UFP Factory Built on BRAWN, were giving our buyers structural integrity they can count on. From ease of towing to long-term durability, these walls deliver real benefits you can feel.
DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Residents reported calm in Syria's Sweida on Sunday after the Islamist-led government announced that Bedouin fighters had withdrawn from the predominantly Druze city and a U.S. envoy signalled that a deal to end days of fighting was being implemented.

With hundreds reported killed, the Sweida bloodshed is a major test for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, prompting Israel to launch airstrikes against government forces last week as it declared support for the Druze. Fighting continued on Saturday despite a ceasefire call.

Interior Minister Anas Khattab said on Sunday that internal security forces had managed to calm the situation and enforce the ceasefire, "paving the way for a prisoner exchange and the gradual return of stability throughout the governorate".

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Reuters images showed interior ministry forces near the city, blocking the road in front of members of tribes congregated there. The Interior Ministry said late on Saturday that Bedouin fighters had left the city.

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said the sides had "navigated to a pause and cessation of hostilities". "The next foundation stone on a path to inclusion, and lasting de-escalation, is a complete exchange of hostages and detainees, the logistics of which are in process," he wrote on X.

Kenan Azzam, a dentist, said there was an uneasy calm but the city's residents were struggling with a lack of water and electricity. "The hospitals are a disaster and out of service, and there are still so many dead and wounded," he said by phone.

Another resident, Raed Khazaal, said aid was urgently needed. "Houses are destroyed ... The smell of corpses is spread throughout the national hospital," he said in a voice message to Reuters from Sweida.

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The Syrian state news agency said an aid convoy sent to the city by the government was refused entry while aid organised by the Syrian Red Crescent was let in. A source familiar with the situation said local factions in Sweida had turned back the government convoy.

Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported on Sunday that Israel sent urgent medical aid to the Druze in Sweida and the step was coordinated with Washington and Syria. Spokespeople for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Foreign Ministry and the military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Druze are a small but influential minority in Syria, Israel and Lebanon who follow a religion that is an offshoot of a branch of Shi'ite Islam. Some hardline Sunnis deem their beliefs heretical.

The fighting began a week ago with clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters. Damascus sent troops to quell the fighting, but they were drawn into the violence and accused of widespread violations against the Druze.

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Residents of the predominantly Druze city said friends and neighbours were shot at close range in their homes or in the streets by Syrian troops, identified by their fatigues and insignia.

Sharaa on Thursday promised to protect the rights of Druze and to hold to account those who committed violations against "our Druze people".

He has blamed the violence on "outlaw groups".

While Sharaa has won U.S. backing since meeting President Donald Trump in May, the violence has underscored the challenge he faces stitching back together a country shattered by 14 years of conflict, and added to pressures on its mosaic of sectarian and ethnic groups.

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COASTAL VIOLENCE

After Israel bombed Syrian government forces in Sweida and hit the defence ministry in Damascus last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had established a policy demanding the demilitarisation of territory near the border, stretching from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to the Druze Mountain, east of Sweida.

He also said Israel would protect the Druze.

The United States however said it did not support the Israeli strikes. On Friday, an Israeli official said Israel agreed to allow Syrian forces limited access to the Sweida area for two days.

A Syrian security source told Reuters that internal security forces had taken up positions near Sweida, establishing checkpoints in western and eastern parts of the province where retreating tribal fighters had gathered.

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On Sunday, Sharaa received the report of an inquiry into violence in Syria's coastal region in March, where Reuters reported in June that Syrian forces killed 1,500 members of the Alawite minority following attacks on security forces.

The presidency said it would review the inquiry's conclusions and ensure steps to "bring about justice" and prevent the recurrence of "such violations". It called on the inquiry to hold a news conference on its findings - if appropriate - as soon as possible.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights said on July 18 it had documented the deaths of at least 321 people in Sweida province since July 13. The preliminary toll included civilians, women, children, Bedouin fighters, members of local groups and members of the security forces, it said, and the dead included people killed in field executions by both sides.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, another monitoring group, has reported a death toll of at least 940 people.

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Reuters could not independently verify the tolls.

(Reporting by Khalil Ashawi in Damascus, Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Suleiman al-Khalidi, Firas Makdesi and Kinda Makieh in Damascus, Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; Jaidaa Taha and Muhammad Al Gebaly in Cairo; Daren Butler in Istanbul; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Aidan Lewis, Giles Elgood and Andrew Heavens)
CAMPBELL, Ohio (WKBN)  The recently-hired bailiff for Campbell Municipal Court was arrested early Sunday morning.

Read next: Trumbull County judge charged with DUI and felony gun offense

David Horvath, who Campbell Police Chief Kevin Sferra has confirmed is the courts bailiff, is being held in the Mahoning County Jail on a drug charge.

According to a police report, David Horvath was pulled over just after 1 a.m. on Wilson Avenue near 2nd Street in Campbell. Police said his car was weaving and nearly going off the road. Horvath said he was only trying to avoid a pothole, according to the report.

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Officers asked him to exit the vehicle so a K-9 could do a sniff test, and police said Horvath agreed to being patted down so officers could check for weapons.

During the pat-down, one officer found a cut straw in Horvaths pocket, the report states. He told them he uses it to ingest nasal medication, police said.

Officers noticed a white powder on the straw and also found a bag of suspected drugs in his pocket, according to the report.

Horvath told officers that the substance was not his  that a friend had given it to him to hold and he forgot about it, police said.

According to the police report, the substance tested positive for cocaine.

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Hiring documents show Horvath was hired as bailiff on July 7.

WKBN 27 First News reached out to Campbell Municipal Court Judge Mark Kolmacic, who said he had no comment.

Horvath is expected to appear in court on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Kristy Regula and Gerry Ricciutti contributed to this report.

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Jul. 20OGDENSBURG  Re-enactors from Canada were not in attendance at this weekend's Le Siege hosted by Fort De La Presentation Association.

Organizers said that trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada and issues at the border for the Canadian re-enactors were to blame for the Canadians not attending the event that demonstrates what life was like during the French and Indian War at Van Rensselaer Point, also known as Lighthouse Point.

Despite a lack of re-enactors that prevented the event from having major battle reenactments, the presentation turned into more of a living history event  with children's activities, historical talks and demonstrations, exhibits and food vendors.

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The event has been ongoing for more than a decade and is "especially instructive to children who can touch, feel and live history. Participants dressed in clothing from the time period to show how they lived, made sashes, wove baskets, started fires and threw tomahawks," a posting stated on the association's website at www.fort1749.org.

"Our event attempts to recreate the Siege of Fort Levis. Fort Levis was an island in the St. Lawrence River downstream from Fort La Presentation. The Siege of Fort Levi began on August 19, 1760. The English forces comprised of 10,000 allied troops and 1,000 First Nation warriors surrounded, by water, the small fort whose defenders were composed of 350 French troops, and Canadian militia. The siege lasted three days before the French commander agreed to terms of surrender."

The Siege of Fort Levis was, in effect, the last river battle of the French and Indian War on the St. Lawrence.
LOWELLVILLE, Ohio (WKBN)  One local club is celebrating a significant milestone Sunday.

Trumbull Canoe Trails celebrated its 50th anniversary at Lowellville Water Front Park.

The event included the clubs annual picnic, a club meeting, and a canoe and kayak trip from Struthers to the Lowellville launch.

Paddling is indeed a lifelong sport. We have folks from very young ages, teens, all the way up to the 90s, said Mark Vallecorsa, vice president of Trumbull Canoe Trails.

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Trumbull Canoe Trails was founded to promote canoeing on the Mahoning River and other Trumbull County waters.

We were a semi-regional club but weve grown tremendously since then, with members from Erie, Pittsburgh, East Liverpool, Cleveland. Its amazing how people grow and how many rivers weve done since Ive been president, Mike Danko said.

If youre interested in becoming a member of the club, you can visit their website. Admission is $10 for a single person or family.

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GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  There are over 1,000 homes on Cape San Blas. However, erosion over the years has caused two homes to be condemned, and put 30 more at imminent risk.

The erosion is not just hurting homeowners.

Were losing a lot of turtle eggs, losing dunes. Were losing habitat for all the species that live in this area, and were losing properties and losing tourism interest and coming to the area because of the nature of how the beach looks in many of the areas with the erosion, theres exposed stumps and debris, Cape San Blas homeowner Maria Thomas said.

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Lynn Haven to hold community meeting regarding City Manager Vickie Gainer termination

In past renourishment projects, they have just added sand back to the beach. Theyve found a more permanent solution, they will be adding breakwater structures to the Gulf.

They are submerged rock structures that will absorb the impact of waves. The total project is expected to cost $34.5 million.

The county is providing $24 million, and residents pushed the state legislature for the other $10 million. They recently found out that the funding was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis.

The coastal community association wanted to thank Representative Jason Shoaf for his help in getting the project to the finish line.

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They named Shoaf their Superman.

Shoaf wasnt able to attend the meeting in person, but he spoke to residents on a phone call,

News 13 spoke to Shoaf last week about the project.

Now that this money has been approved, and once the county has this structure installed, now we can bring in sand, we can save the homes on Cape San Blas. Unfortunately, weve already lost too many homes. And so now I think it will protect folks investment. Itll help secure our future with tourism in this community and make this area even a better place to live, State Representative Jason Shoaf said.

Now that they have received funding, beach restoration is in the near future. But the Save the Cape battle isnt over yet.

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The last thing they need is a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Before they supply the permit, the Army Corps consults with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service, who give them information about the project.

Residents say one of them is taking longer than expected.

Vehicle fire shuts down Highway 189 in Okaloosa County

The consult from National Fishery Services has been going on for basically almost three years. And so it seems like we often get word that maybe theyre kind of close to completing their consult, but then it just never kind of crosses the finish line. So thats the one last piece that were really hopeful can move forward, Shoaf added.

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Companies had the chance to make a bid request to work on the project.

At Tuesdays Gulf County Commission meeting, they will open the sealed bids to see the proposed cost of the project.

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A car fire set off a wildfire that affected traffic on Interstate 84 near Boise and prompted evacuations, officials said Saturday afternoon.

The fire, called the Mile Marker 65 Fire because of its location about 8 miles south of Boise, started shortly before 1 p.m., according to WildCAD, a wildfire dispatch system. The fire grew to about 8,000 acres by 7 p.m.

Bureau of Land Management fire officials told the Idaho Statesman that the fire is related to a reported vehicle fire in the same area. That incident was reported near Blacks Creek Road around 12:15 p.m., according to Idaho Transportation Department 511 records. Its unclear what caused the vehicle fire.

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Fire and Ada County Emergency Management officials warned of lane closures and possible interstate shutdowns around 4 p.m. Bureau of Land Management officials closed Orchard Access Road for firefighting efforts.

The Bureau of Land Management said in a social media post that it had no estimate on when the fire would be contained or controlled.

Residents to the east and south of the fire were under Level 3 evacuations, the Office of Emergency Management said on social media. Level 3 is the most extreme evacuation stage, also referred to as Go now!

Its unclear how many residences were affected by the evacuation order. The Statesman has reached out to county officials for more information.

Firefighters were using multiple methods to extinguish the blaze, including aircraft, fire engines and water tenders, bulldozers and other equipment. Resources from the Mountain Home Rangeland Fire Protection Association were on the fire Saturday afternoon, and additional resources were on route from Twin Falls, according to the Bureau of Land Management.
Care program that helps free up hospital beds is at risk of expiring

Hospitals in Massachusetts and around the country are constantly facing a shortage of beds. To help alleviate the capacity crisis, a program is offering hospital-level care in the comfort of patients homes.

Following a fall in his Westwood garage, 85-year-old Herb Irvine went to urgent care to get his knee stitched up, only to wake up the next day in more pain.

Thats infected, Herb Irvine said the doctor at the urgent care told him. You probably have to stay in the hospital.

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Herb and his wife Julia went to Newton-Wellesley Hospital and initially were told he would have to stay there for four to five daysuntil they learned about an alternative option --home hospital.

All of the world-class clinical care will come to you in a comfort and privacy of your home setting, again, with the medications and the medical supplies that you would require, said Heather OSullivan, the President and Chief Operating Officer for Mass General Brigham Healthcare at Home.

OSullivan says home hospital allows patients to receive hospital-level care for conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, and in herbs case, infections-- from the comfort of their home.

The nation-wide program is offered locally in 71 communities across the state through five Mass General Brigham hospitals and its a mutual decision between the patient and care team.

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We came home and a whole army followed us, said Julia Irvine, Herbs wife. We, it wasnt five minutes in between us coming from the hospital and having the services rendered.

The team sets up the equipment and offers around the clock carewhich impressed the Irvines.

People like that, to come to your house and just be so nice and just, you just can tell how thorough they are with what they do and their work and stuff, said Herb. Wow, its really something.

And theres good reasonOSullivan says studies show home hospital patients experienced fewer complications and lower readmission rates.

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It can provide you with that more personalized experience and we also see tremendous outcomes, clinical outcomes, quality outcomes, better than at times you would receive in a brick and mortar hospital, said OSullivan

The model also helps free up crucial bed space, as recent research shows annual hospitalizations are expected to rise from 36 million in 2025 to 40 million in 2035.

Theres so many patients in the hospital, said Julia. And for them to be able to tend to everybody, the attention that he got would not happen.

Since 2022, Mass General Brigham has treated 7,000 home hospital patients. However, a Mass General Brigham spokesperson says the CMS waiver program that was started during the pandemic, a critical initiative for Medicare beneficiaries to receive this type of care, is scheduled to expire on September 30th. Mass General Brigham says its committed to the future of home care and is advocating for a five-year extension of the waiver. The spokesperson says this creates the opportunity for hospitals to invest and innovate within the proven care model.

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If we lose the federal funding, its only going to make the hospital capacity crisis that much worse, said OSullivan.

There is currently a bipartisan bill that would extend the waiver for another five years. Mass General Brighams is one of the largest home hospital programs in the country and it recently expanded its care to patients with cancer.

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New Release: Farm, merge, grow and expand your land in this new puzzle game!

New Release: Farm, merge, grow and expand your land in this new puzzle game!
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY)  After initially voting to deny a rezoning request from Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) in June for a compressor station, Chesapeake City Council approved the request by a 6-3 vote on July 15, according to the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

According to the organization, ahead of the meeting, dozens of community members demonstrated outside City Hall in opposition to the proposed compression station at 2512 South Military Highway. According to the Chesapeake Planning Department, the location is 23.2 acres, in an industrial area east of Bainbridge Boulevard.

The rezoning request would make way for a new compressor station 900 feet from several historically Black and working-class neighborhoods, according to the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

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After voting to deny the rezoning just two weeks ago, they came back and betrayed the people in impacted communities, who showed up to standing-room-only capacity and expressed their valid and passionate concerns for their community and family to a cold council, said Lynn Godfrey, Environmental Justice Community Leader.

VNG says the new compressor station would move natural gas through a pipeline, enhancing reliability and resiliency while ensuring Virginia residents have access to clean, safe and affordable natural gas.

In addition, the compressor station would be built in an area that has already been in use for 65 years, said VNG.

In a statement VNG emphasized its commitment to ensuring their projects do not disrupt daily lives and said the expected sound levels for the project would be equivalent to that of a normal conversation or background music.

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You can view a virtual open house of the project, at this link.

VNG says it has distributed this fact sheet about the project.

VNG-Chesapeake-Project-Fact-SheetDownload

For more information on the project, visit ChesapeakeVNG.com or email ChesapeakeVNG@erm.com.

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CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Chicopees Department of Public Works is facing a challenging situation with severe staff shortages.

As a result, theyre relying on residents to report any road repair needs in the area. The DPW encourages residents to use the See-Click-Fix platform to report any problems they come across, especially on smaller neighborhood roads, from potholes to broken sidewalks and storm drain issues.

Chicopee fitness meetups aim to bring calisthenics to community

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We are doing our best with the resources we have to resolve the increasing demand on our department, said Chicopee DPW Superintendent Elizabette Batista. All work requests are prioritized by the level of safety concern and volume of vehicles that would be impacted. Sink holes, damaged manholes or catch basins structures, and potholes on main roads and heavily traveled roads are prioritized. Once we have completed high-priority concerns, we move on to secondary roads with lower speeds.

Residents will be able to report the issues location, as well as post pictures and videos. This will allow city officials to address the reported issues as quickly as possible.

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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Chinese researchers say they've devised a new way to extract water from lunar soil and convert it into fuel.

As detailed in a new paper published today in the journal Joule, the team found that their proposed "photothermal strategy"  essentially converting light into heat  could effectively convert carbon dioxide from extracted water into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and oxygen gas, a "potential route for sustaining human life on the Moon and enabling long-term extraterrestrial exploration."

"The sustainable utilization of local resources is essential for long-term human survival on the Moon and beyond," the researchers write, pointing out that bringing water from Earth is cost-prohibitive at roughly $83,000 per gallon.

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"We never fully imagined the 'magic' that the lunar soil possessed," said Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen professor and coauthor Lu Wang in a statement.

"The biggest surprise for us was the tangible success of this integrated approach," he added. "The one-step integration of lunar H2O extraction and photothermal CO2 catalysis could enhance energy utilization efficiency and decrease the cost and complexity of infrastructure development."

While plenty of questions remain about our future efforts to harness local resources on the surface of the Moon, it's a glimmer of hope that humanity could indeed establish a more permanent and potentially sustainable presence there.

For their research, the team focused on simplifying existing proposals for how to extract water from lunar regolith, which tend to be energy-intensive and stop short of breaking the water down into its usable elements.

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The researchers also propose using the extracted water to turn carbon dioxide exhaled by astronauts into carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, which could be used to make fuels.

The team tested their photothermal approach on actual Moon samples gathered during China's Chang'E-5 mission, which launched in November 2020, and collected samples from the northwest of the Moon's near side before returning to Earth.

While their lab-based experiments turned out to be a success, the actual lunar surface will likely prove a far more challenging place to extract and convert lunar water. As the paper points out, radiation, low gravity, and extreme temperature fluctuations could complicate matters significantly.

However, the advancements highlight how far the Chinese space program has come in a matter of years. A mere two decades ago, China was a distant underdog in the international space race. But now that the country is launching its own astronauts to space while the Trump administration is effectively looking to eviscerate NASA when it comes to space science, China could stand a chance to surpass the US in its plans to build a Moon base by 2035.

More on extracting lunar water: Chinese Scientists Extract Water From Lunar Soil
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Christmas came early in Austintown on Sunday, as Cafe Rose hosted its annual Christmas in July Market.

The event featured about 40 local artisans, crafters and bakers offering holiday-inspired handmade goods.

But it wasnt just about the shopping, it was all for a good cause. There was a basket raffle and collection of personal care items to help the Senior Support Action Group, a local organization that helps seniors in the community.

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The whole goal of this event is just to bring our community together to support those local businesses and support the people in our community, said cafe owner Leah Sakacs, Last year, we had just under 20 vendors, and weve doubled it this year. Weve doubled the number of baskets weve had to  we usually have about 20. This year, we have 50.

Shoppers were encouraged to bring new, unopened items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, lotion and other toiletries. All the money raised and items collected will help seniors in the community have everyday necessities.

Wilson Corbisello contributed to this report.

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  Like many organizations, churches struggle with attendance during the summer months.

Statistics show that pastors of both smaller and larger churches face the challenges of lower attendance and lower giving during the summer, when families are traveling and are engaging in extra activities with their children.

According to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, the summer slump" churches face an average of a 20-30% decrease in attendance. This often means a decline in giving or tithing during the summer, as well.

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Longtime Pastor Doug Walter, of Ashland United Methodist Church, said that for all the challenges that came with the COVID-19 pandemic, one potential positive was that individuals and churches got into the habit of tithing electronically.

"Churches of all sizes have made a major shift about how giving takes place," Walter said. "So most of our giving now comes from online giving, and that includes both younger and older attenders."

Walter added that a wide range of online giving apps and programs are now available for churches of all sizes and budgets, and the technology is usable for all members of the congregation, regardless of age.

For Ashland, the teens who are involved in their youth group's e-sports program set aside time each month where congregants can come in and learn about apps for online giving.

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"For us, we have an offering plate in the back of the church," Walter said. "People give in that traditional way, but the overwhelming percentage of our giving is done through our app, which includes planned giving where people set aside a certain amount each month that is electronically transferred to the church."

Even so, larger churches like Ashland still experience the so-called "summer slump" when it comes to attendance.

However, another lesson that churches seem to be learning, according to Walter, is to provide alternate ways to connect through online services and services during the week.

"Families have ball games, activities and travel that will draw them away during the summer," Walter said. "As the church, if we say that the only 'correct' thing is to be here on Sunday as some sort of ultimatum, they will likely not be in church."

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Walter said, maintaining a sense of community, even during times of travel through the creative means available, is essential for churches of all sizes.

Tim Doyle, who pastors Restoration Church, a congregation that's been around for 11 years in Downtown St. Joseph, said that the impact of summer is especially noticeable due to his congregation's smaller size.

"The challenge in times when there is a lull is staying positive about what the church is about," Doyle said. "It is a challenge to ask for money without sounding like you're a 'money grubber.'"

However, Doyle said, the church's main goal is not simply to collect money, regardless of whether giving is up and down. He said the key is to teach the overall principle of giving, so that whether people are present or absent on any given Sunday, they remember to give.

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"You have those swings that every congregation goes through," Doyle said. "But if people appreciate what the church provides for the community, it is the giving that allows that to continue. The church's job, though, is not to collect money, but to teach people the importance of giving: Generosity is the overall principle."

Since Restoration Church's building Downtown is around 150 years old, Doyle said that it's difficult to keep cool for any service beyond Sunday morning. Like many older and smaller churches, they find creative ways.

"In the summer, we shift around our classroom spaces to provide comfortable settings," Doyle said. "We meet off campus at times during the summer, as well.

Regardless of church size, both pastors said the summer slump can be overcome with creativity and with the use of online giving opportunities that congregants can now use to plan their tithing. Providing that inconsistent in-person attendance issues don't have to become times of disconnection or financial hardship for churches.
Landing a job after graduating college can be daunting  knowing where to look for one can help.

Amid a volatile economy, a tough job market and a trend of AI eliminating some entry-level jobs, New York City and Chicago may not be the best places to job hunt. Smaller cities and their surrounding areas can serve as a great place to find a new gig, new research from payroll services company ADP suggests.

The job market in Raleigh, North Carolinas metro area ranked at the top of the list in terms of annual wages, hiring rates, and affordability, the study found.

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To rank each place, the study analyzed the annual wages of 140,000 people in their 20s, the cost of living in 55 U.S. metro areas with at least 1 million residents, and how often people in their 20s with a bachelors degree were hired within the last 12 months compared to the number of people employed in those jobs.

The metro areas of Raleigh, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Austin, and Birmingham, Alabama claimed the top five spots.

Raleigh, North Carolina is crowned in the top spot for college grads to land jobs, in terms of affordability, hiring rates, and annual wages, new research found (Getty Images)

Raleigh, Baltimore and Austin, for example, are saturated with technology, health and financial firms, Ben Hanowell, ADP Researchs director of people analytics, told the Wall Street Journal.

Each of these five regions boast hiring rates of 2.8 percent or greater; Raleigh has a hiring rate of 4.2 percent, the highest of all locations analyzed.

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The so-called Research Triangle has been providing an influx of new jobs at nearby universities.

Weve seen this stream of office projects over the last 18 months, and North Carolina State University and some of our private colleges are all supplying this great pipeline of workers, Kyle Touchstone, director of Raleigh Economic Development, told the Journal.

Jordin Young, who graduated in 2024 from Bowdoin College, told the outlet that he took a job in Raleigh despite just knowing one person who lived there.

I knew I wanted to explore a new city, Young told the Journal, noting he appreciates the citys social scene, affordability, and accessibility to parks.

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The promising finds come as the nations unemployment rate lingers at 4.1 percent, but jobless rates for recent grads hovers at 7.3 percent.

Theres a lot more great people than there are great jobs, Susan De La Vega, a senior vice president at global consulting firm Korn Ferry, told the outlet.

The study also looked at locations that were affordable with robust hiring but offered lower wages. These included the metro areas of Tucson, Arizona, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Cleveland, Ohio.

Then there are the more expensive cities that offer high wages, but work is harder to find. Places around Boston, San Francisco and Newark, New Jersey offer high-paying jobs, but have low hiring rates.
The National Urban League said the dismantling of protections against discrimination under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 are a threat to democracy. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Since taking office Jan. 20, President Donald Trump has issued executive orders that forced businesses, schools, universities and state and federal agencies to dismantle all diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

Describing Black America as in a state of emergency, the National Urban League said the directives show the federal government is determined to sacrifice its founding principlesequality, liberty, and justicerather than accept the truth of a diversifying nation and deliver equitable opportunity for all.

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The National Urban League, a civil rights and advocacy organization focused on economic empowerment of Black and other underserved communities, is scheduled to release its annual State of Black America 2025 report Thursday morning at 8:30 at its conference in Cleveland.

In an executive summary, it credits the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with the true birth of American democracy. But the federal government under Trump has set fire to policies and entire departments dedicated to protecting civil and human rights, providing access to an equal education, fair housing, safe and effective healthcare, and ensuring that our democratic process is adhered to across the nation, the executive summary said.

Yet despite those actions, Americans bolstered by the civil rights community are pushing back. The group pointed to lawsuits filed across the country by state attorneys general, governors and civil rights groups, including the National Urban League, NAACP Legal Defense Funds and Lambda Legal. As of May 23, 247 cases challenging Trump administration policies had been filed in federal courts.

There is a state of emergency in Black America, and our report this year is a warning and rallying cry as civil rights protections are being unraveled, said Marc Morial, National Urban League president and CEO, during a briefing ahead of the reports release. Democracy is under siege. What began as what we thought were fringe attacks on racial equity has now become national policy.

National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial said what we thought were fringe attacks on racial equity has now become national policy. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for National Urban League)

Since 2013, U.S. Supreme Court decisions have struck down portions of the Voting Rights Act that required federal preclearance in communities with a history of racial discrimination before making changes to voting practices, the report notes. And after a 2023 decision that declared affirmative action unconstitutional in college admissions, the National Urban League said the ruling threatens the ability to sue over racial discrimination in voting and to challenge district maps. Other voting-related practices from mail-in ballots and early voting to requirements to provide voting materials in languages other than English are at risk, the group said.

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The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, once a protection against discriminatory practices, is now seen as a threat to enforcement of civil rights laws that could become a tool of retribution, the report summary said. Harmeet Dhillon, a Trump attorney and election denier, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in April to serve as assistant attorney general of the Civil Rights Division, one of the largest at Justice. Dhillon also opposed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act Amendment in an op-ed which would have restored the landmark law, the executive summary said.

The group defended the value of diversity, equity and inclusion, saying that it protects and advances democratic ideals. But the Trump administration has targeted colleges, universities and businesses for simply having the words diversity and inclusion as part of their mission, adding that Michigan and Columbia universities were forced to end their programs.

In short, DEI policies dont just level the playing field in education and employment; they fortify democracy itself. By expanding opportunities, ensuring equitable access to information, and creating leadership pipelines, DEI helps guarantee that every Americannot just the privileged few can contribute to the nations future, the group said in the summary.

Dividing America

The report also notes how hate and extremist views are more prevalent on social media that began to increase after the COVID-19 pandemic and the acquisition of Twitter (now X) in 2022 by billionaire Elon Musk. The summary said that a day later, right-wing accounts on the platform jumped while those with progressive views dropped. And two years later during the election, accounts of progressive candidates were banned without explanation.

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In short, DEI policies dont just level the playing field in education and employment; they fortify democracy itself ... DEI helps guarantee that every American  not just the privileged few  can contribute to the nations future.

 National Urban League

A study published in February by researchers from the University of Southern Californias Viterbi Information Sciences Institute showed that general hate speech increased by 50% and transphobic slurs increased by 260%. The study analyzed posts between January 2022 and June 2023.

People have become very adept at misinformation, disinformation. But my mother called it something different: She said it was lying, Morial said.

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One way to counter that, he said, is increasing voter turnout in next years midterm elections and in local elections this year such as mayoral races in Atlanta, New York City and New Orleans.

I think people should host town hall meetings. I think people should make their voices known on social media, Morial said. All of this is important to building a bulwark of resistance. What are we resisting? Were resisting [a] dividing America. Were resisting an America where the agenda is white supremacy or white nationalism. But it also is the fight for a multiracial American democracy.

The report includes nearly two dozen contributors such as congressional officials, attorneys and civil rights activists with a focus on the official name of this years report: State of Emergency: Civil Rights, Democracy & Progress Under Attack.

Beth Lynk, executive director of the When We All Vote initiative established by former first lady Michelle Obama in 2018, wrote an essay in the report entitled, A Revised Movement for Democracy  On the Ground and in the Culture.

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Voting rights is the foundation of all other rights in this country, she said in an interview Monday. This essay is really a call to action understanding that we can empower Black Americans to shape the next chapter of our democracy, as we always have from the ground up, by reimagining voter education and registration.

Lynk noted how Maryland has crafted policies to protect voting rights, crediting Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Maryland), chair of the states Legislative Black Caucus, who worked with other caucus leaders.

One topic missing from the National Urban Leagues executive summary this year: reparations.

For the first time, the Maryland caucus officially endorsed the creation of a Reparations Commission in a bill that passed this year. Maryland became one of the few states in the nation to assess appropriate benefits for those affected by historical inequity.

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But Gov. Wes Moore (D), the nations only Black governor, vetoed the bill in May. With the caucuss backing and a Democratic majority in the General Assembly, legislators and advocates are confident that a veto override will take place when the legislature returns in session.

We strongly believe that its essential to see this commission through [and] bring it to fruition, especially at a time like this as were seeing the most grave attacks and threats to our freedoms since Reconstruction, Wilkins said. Now is the time for us to boldly go forward here in the state of Maryland around repairing harms, while we continue to fight back around the present attacks on our freedoms.

This report was first published by Maryland Matters, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States Newsroom network.
The U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives approved by narrow margins on July 17 and 18, 2025, a law that claws back federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Once President Donald Trump signs it into law, the US$9 billion rescissions package will withdraw $1.1 billion Congress had previously approved for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes money to NPR, PBS and their affiliate stations, to receive in the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.

In addition, it makes deep foreign aid cuts. All Democrats present voted against the measure in both chambers. They were joined in the Senate by two Republicans: Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Two House Republicans also voted no: Michael R. Turner of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. The Conversation U.S. asked Allison Perlman and Josh Shepperd, who are both media scholars, to explain why the measure will have a big impact on public broadcasters.

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 get 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. Theres nothing more American than PBS, said the networks CEO, Paula Kerger, at a congressional hearing on March 26, 2025.

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, will 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.

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.

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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.

Want crucial information about water systems in your drought-prone community? Public radio station KVMR in Nevada City, Calif., has a program for you. ( KVMR screenshot

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.

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.

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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 was updated after the House passed the measure.

Allison Perlman, Associate Professor of Film & Media Studies, University of California, Irvine and Josh Shepperd, Associate Professor of Media Studies, University of Colorado Boulder

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The post Clawback of $1.1b for PBS and NPR Puts Rural Stations at Risk  And Threatens a Vital Source Of Journalism appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
The battle isnt over about whether to save a tiny, 1965 oceanfront cottage in Cambria or replace it with a much larger structure.

Two Cambria residents have appealed to the California Coastal Commission a county permit that would allow the removal of the distinctive 1,170-square foot cottage designed and built by noted designer Warren Leopold and, subsequently, for construction to proceed on a 2,419-square-foot replacement structure.

The Commission will consider the appeals in August, Devon Jackson, a Commission coastal planner, told The Tribune on Monday. Those meetings will be held Aug. 13-15 in Calabasas.

The state Coastal Commission will rule in August 2025 whether this tiny oceanfront cottage in Cambria can be removed and replaced with a much larger structure. Noted architectural designer/builder Warren Leopold created the cottage in 1965.

County supervisors voted 4-1 in June to deny similar appeals against the 2675 Sherwood Drive project and Peter and Beata Przybyslawskis plans for a new, three-bedroom, three-bath home on their shoreline property.

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The supervisors vote also included removing the propertys current vacation rental zoning clearance because of the close proximity of another vacation rental unit.

Christina Galloway, on behalf of the North Coast Advisory Council, and Cambria resident Jeffrey Lentz opted to continue pursuing their appeals, despite an unusual email Jackson sent to them July 2.

He asked if theyd be willing to pull their objections because staff is recommending that commissioners find no substantial issue with the project and, in effect, deny the appeals.

Is the sun setting forever on this tiny Cambria cottage created in 1965 by noted architectural designer/builder Warren Leopold? The California Coastal Commission will review appeals filed against the plan to replace the cottage with a home thats more than twice as big.

It is your right to move forward with the appeal process, but we believe there is a very low chance that the commissioners will wish to find substantial issue on a project of this nature, Jackson wrote.

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As such, I am respectfully requesting that each of you withdraw your appeal so that we can avoid the lengthy and time-consuming process of bringing this project to hearing, he added.

There are dueling hopes for North Coast property

When the original appeals were filed, their primary emphasis was to minimize environmental impacts, protect the propertys scenic views for the public and help to preserve the communitys character, according to Jeff Kwasny, who chairs the councils land-use committee.

He said the countys interpretation of protections for the North Coast shoreline area, as outlined in the items agenda listing, just considered the sand and rock and not the bluff.

We have policy  that says otherwise, and includes the bluff and visual resources, he said.

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Property owners Peter and Beata Przybyslawski of Lake Tahoe wanted to use the new, 2,419-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath residence theyre planning on the site as a vacation rental, just as they had the existing one-bedroom, one-bath one.

The California Coastal Commission will consider in August 2025 plans that would allow this home to replace a tiny Cambria cottage created by noted designer/builder Warren Leopold in 1965. Appeals against the plan cite environmental and view impacts, among others.

Now according to the county supervisors decision, thats not possible, and its not known if the Przybyslawskis will want to continue to pursue their demolition and rebuild plans.

Having a vacation rental there wasnt their only reason for wanting to put a different house on their oceanfront property thats about 200 feet from the entrance to the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Bill Isaman of San Luis Obispo, their architect and spokesman, told The Tribune in June.

They love the property and want to live there, he said.
An undercover investigation found animal welfare violations at Woodcrest Dairy, which the report said was, at least at one time, a supplier to Coca-Cola's Fairlife milk brand.

What's happening?

According to World Animal News, Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) documented many cases of animal mistreatment at the Woodcrest facility in New Mexico between December 2024 and March 2025.

Workers were filmed forcibly extracting unborn calves from cows not yet in labor using chains. Newborn calves were left to suffer and die from blunt force trauma and neglect.

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Investigators also recorded pregnant and sick cows being whipped, punched, kicked, and beaten with metal objects, including shovels, wrenches, and pipes. The abuse was carried out by various staff, including owners, managers, and ranch hands.

In a statement to The Cool Down, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said the company has not sourced milk from Woodcrest since 2023 and that it was never a primary supplier, and that the company stopped sourcing milk other farms in previous investigations by ARM.

"Fairlife is committed to ensuring strong animal welfare at supplying farms and has zero tolerance for animal abuse," the spokesperson said. "Woodcrest Dairy in New Mexico is not a supplier to fairlife, and upon learning about the incident in Arizona in February, fairlife stopped accepting milk from those farms and has not received milk from them since. As a milk processor, fairlife does not own farms or cows and requires all farms that supply milk for fairlife products to adhere to stringent animal care guidelines and comply with regular 3rd-party audits."

This marks the ninth time ARM has found abuse at a Fairlife supplier, despite the company's public claims about sourcing from farms with high animal care standards. Since learning about these findings, Fairlife has cut ties with Select Milk Producers and quietly removed animal welfare marketing claims from its website.

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ARM founder Richard Couto stated, "Fairlife milk is now a habitual offender, and Coca-Cola will be forever known as the global corporate leader in animal cruelty."

Why is Coca-Cola's Fairlife milk division concerning?

The repeated pattern of animal abuse across multiple Fairlife suppliers points to system-wide problems in Coca-Cola's oversight of its dairy supply chain. This directly affects communities through consumer deception, as many people choose Fairlife products based on promises of ethical treatment.

In February 2025, ARM released two more investigations from Arizona dairies also in Fairlife's supply chain, where cows were stabbed, beaten, shot, and electrocuted. Thousands of calves were kept in illegal veal crates and left to suffer.

The legal consequences are mounting. In 2019, Fairlife agreed to a $21 million class action settlement for false advertising related to its animal welfare claims after similar abuse was exposed at Indiana dairies. In June 2025, a new class action lawsuit was amended to include both the Arizona and New Mexico cases.

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Coca-Cola has made some good steps in other areas, such as water conservation and promises to reduce plastic waste through its World Without Waste plan. However, these animal welfare issues contradict the company's public statements about responsible sourcing.

Editor's note: This article was updated to include a statement from a Coca-Cola spokesperson.

What's being done about Coca-Cola's Fairlife practices?

ARM has submitted its findings to several authorities, including the Chaves County Sheriff's Office, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, the USDA, and the FDA for potential legal action.

As a consumer, you can make a difference, too. Pick plant-based milk options. If you prefer dairy products, look for brands with third-party animal welfare certifications.

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Contact Coca-Cola directly through their customer service to share your concerns about Fairlife's supply chain practices. Consumer pressure often leads to corporate policy changes more quickly than government regulations.

Sign ARM's petition asking for accountability and real changes to Fairlife's supply chain practices. Customer voices create public pressure that companies notice when their brand image is on the line.

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.
Col. James Burd made an inspection tour of forts on the Pennsylvania frontier during the French and Indian War from Feb. 16 to March 10, 1758.

Burd was a colonial American soldier who played an important role in fortifying the Pennsylvania frontier.

The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was a conflict between Great Britain and France fought in North America. It was part of a larger war, known as the Seven Years War, in Europe.

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Both sides sought to expand their influence and trading networks in North America, particularly the Ohio River Valley. Ultimately, the conflict was won by the British, leading to significant territorial gains.

Benjamin Franklin played a key role in establishing a line of forts across the colonys northern frontier during the war. They were built primarily to protect settlers from Indian raids in the region.

Burd kept a journal, a portion of which was reprinted in the History of Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe, Carbon and Schuylkill Counties by I. Daniel Rupp, published in 1845.

On February 19, 1758, he reached Fort Swettarrow (Swatara), west of Pine Grove in Lebanon County. Built in 1755, it guarded Swatara Gap, a natural passage in Blue Mountain.

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Included in the defensive line were Fort Allen, near Lehighton; Fort Franklin, at the foot of Blue Mountain south of Tamaqua; Fort Lebanon in Auburn and Fort Northkill, west of Hamburg.

Col. Burds tour provides insight into conditions on the frontier.

The country is thickly settled, Burd wrote. Here are very fine plantations.

The roads, however, were very bad. Soldiers, volunteers, marched with great difficulty.

At several of the forts, there were no arms fit for use and no kettles, no blankets and no tools. Burd assured worried settlers improvements would be made.

Eventually making his way to Easton, he met with Teedyuscung, known as king of the Delaware Indians.

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A great many Indians came to see me, Burd wrote, and desired their compliments (be given) to his Honor, the governor; commissioners and the Assembly, and assure them that they remain friends.

Dangerous times

The Delaware might have been friendly, but that was not the case with tribes hired by the French.

According to Morton Montgomerys History of Berks County, about 150 people were killed and 30 captured in raids during the French and Indian War. Many were wounded. Some captives were returned after the war.

Part of a journal kept by an unknown soldier in the summer of 1755 or 1756, also published in Rupps history, cites incidents around Fort Northkill.

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Scouts discovered a woman shot and scalped as she plowed a field. Her husband, who heard the shot, was killed as he held his one year old in his arms. The child was scalped but lived. Three daughters were taken captive, according to the journal.

In September 1757, three Amish settlers were killed and three taken captive at the Hochstetler farm near Northkill Creek in present day Tilden Township. The family was a member of the first Amish Mennonite congregation in America, founded in 1740, which disbanded after the attack.

At Fort Lebanon, three farmers reported a 14-year-old boy had been captured by a group of Indians and white men. When his captors got drunk and fell asleep, the boy untied himself and escaped, according to the journal.

The Indians were this night about the fort, the officer wrote, but as it was very dark I did not sally out.
BRECKENRIDGE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A Colorado City man was killed in a boating accident on Hubbard Creek Lake Saturday morning.

On July 19, a man and his 18-year-old son were riding a boat after dark when it struck an island in the lake. The 53-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His son was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

The Stephens County Sheriffs Office, Breckenridge Police Department, and local emergency medical services responded to the incident. Out of respect for the family, officials are not releasing names at this time.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A Colorado federal search and rescue task force of fire agencies has given an update on their efforts in Texas following the deadly July 4 floods in Kerr County.

In a post to Facebook, the Colorado Task Force 1 has reported that with a team effort, primary assigned searches are 100% complete in the area along the Guadalupe River, which is in Kerr County.

Colorado Task Force 1 efforts in Kerr County (Colorado Task Force 1)

Colorado Task Force 1 efforts in Kerr County (Colorado Task Force 1)

The next few days, the team says it will continue working in the harder to reach areas along the rivers tributaries and clearing up designated search targets.

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Steamboat Springs mans best friend, family members killed in Texas flooding

Colorado Task Force 1 was deployed on July 7 to Texas to help with water rescue and recovery. The team is supported by 23 different fire agencies across the state of Colorado.

The flash floods killed at least 135 people, and most deaths are said to have been along the river.

The team also said they have been working alongside other state agencies, including Oklahoma Task Force 1 and K9 teams from South Carolina and Ohio Task Force 1.

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Johnson County commissioners agree that the Goodland Development, which will sit mostly in Grand Prairie but also partially in Johnson and Ellis counties, hold promise for huge benefits. They agree also, however, that it entails numerous challenges.

Representatives from Grand Prairie and the development company discussed the project during the workshop portion of Mondays meeting of the Johnson County Commissioners Court. Court members made no decisions on a proposed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ, request or a proposed partnership with Grand Prairie.

For one thing [Commissioner Larry Woolley] was out of town and unable to attend Mondays meeting, County Judge Chris Boedeker said. This is too big of a decision to make without the input of the entire court.

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Court members expressed other concerns as well.

Goodland representative Daniel Twigge described the development as a city within a city and likely the biggest development prospect in the history of Johnson County.

The 5,000 acre masterplan will be near the planned connection of U.S. 360 and Farm-to-Market Road 287.

Project work on the mixed-use development, which recently began in Ellis County, will take decades to complete. The development, which involves more than $5 billion in investment, will provide housing for 40,000 residents, Twigge said.

Included also will be a town center, parks and other amenities as well as additional business, retail and government service facilities, Twigge said.

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Grand Prairie Deputy City Manager Megan Mahan spoke of the projects importance to her city.

We know growth is coming to our area, Mahan said. Several years ago we began discussions on how we can just let growth happen in a way we cant control or we can take ownership to manage and control that growth.

This is not a typical development project. Its something that comes around once in a generation. We want to make sure its a lasting project and want to do it responsibly.

While much of the development will sit within current Grand Prairie city limits other portions, such as the city center, will be within Johnson County. The plan, Mahan said, is for Grand Prairie to eventually annex the entire development, which would make the city responsible for water, sewer, public service, and other services. The annexations would also bring a part of Grand Prairie into Johnson County.

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Completion of the project requires participation from Grand Prairie and Johnson County, Twigge said, in order to finance the infrastructure necessary via a TIRZ agreement.

Under a TIRZ agreement, participating governmental entities determine the base value of affected properties as per property tax collections before development.

As development or redevelopment occurs, the appraised value of the property in the zone should increase, according to the Texas Comptrollers website. The difference between the increased appraised value of property in the zone and the base value is the captured appraised value.

That percentage of captured increased value goes back into the reinvestment zone to fund infrastructure and other allowable needs.

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Johnson County, Cleburne and other county cities have long participated in Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, programs, which are synonymous with TIRZ but have never done so in projects involving residential housing.

The proposed TIRZ agreement calls for the county to participate at a rate of 70% over 30 years.

Commissioners on Monday voiced concerns over who would handle responsibility for supplying water to the development not to mention governmental services such as police and fire protection, water, sewer, roads and so on.

I think it needs to be clear that every bit of the Johnson County portion of this development will be within Grand Prairies city limits, Commissioner Kenny Howell said.

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Boedeker also expressed concerns.

Its unusual for developers to ask for TIRZ participation on residential development, Boedeker said. Thats an issue weve not worked through before. While there are commercial and industrial aspects to this project, the lions share is residential.

Howell agreed.

Weve done commercial and industrial, Howell said. Weve never done any kind of abatement or TIF or whatever on residential. Thats because reinvestment in infrastructure and all is more for things that are going to help the county grow, bring jobs and employ people, increase mobility and safety and things like that, not for residential.

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Howell also called the proposed 70% participation rate too high.

Id love to have it, Howell said. It seems like a great deal and a huge project. But at the same time, we have to be very protective of our resources and our taxpayers dollars in the county.

Twigge said the project would come with no maintenance responsibility on the countys part in relation to roads, utilities and other costs but would also bring the benefit of billions in new tax values and revenues.

Theres benefit in growth, increased values and economic development, Boedeker said. Also governmental services closer and more readily available for residents in that part of the county. But we dont want our existing residents to have to pay the price for new development.

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Boedeker, and others, added that under the proposed agreement, Johnson County would still collect millions in property tax revenues.

Boedeker said he remains hopeful that concerns over the development can be worked out paving the way for the project to move forward and succeed.
DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africas longest conflicts with thousands killed this year.

The African Union called Saturdays signing, facilitated by Qatar, a major milestone in peace efforts. Qatari authorities said it paves the way for a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict in the Central African nation.

The conflict dates back to the Rwandan genocide

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The conflict can be traced to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994, when Hutu soldiers and militias killed between 500,000 and 1 million minority Tutsis as well as moderate Hutus and the Indigenous Twa. When Tutsi-led rebels stopped the genocide and ousted the Hutu government, nearly 2 million Hutus fled into neighboring Congo, fearing reprisals.

Rwandan authorities accused the authorities in Kinshasa of sheltering those responsible for the mass killings among the civilian refugees, most of whom had returned when Rwanda first invaded Congo in 1996. But Kigali said the remaining Hutu fighters in eastern Congo are still a threat to Rwanda's Tutsi population, and wants them neutralized.

At least 6 million people have been killed in the conflict since then, mostly characterized by on-and-off fighting but also famines and unchecked disease outbreaks.

Minerals hold key to the conflict

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Analysts have said a lot of interests in the conflict in Congo are tied to the mostly untapped minerals in the east, estimated to be worth as much as $24 trillion by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The Trump administration has pushed to gain access to the minerals key to much of the worlds technology. It is also to counter China, a key player in the region where the U.S. presence and influence have eroded. That is already playing out with KoBold Metals, a U.S. mining company that on Friday announced it has signed an agreement with Congo for large-scale minerals exploration program in the east.

Rwandas interests are also tied to the conflict minerals, although it often says its involvement is to protect its territory and punish those connected to the 1994 genocide.

A team of U.N. experts said in a report in December that Rwanda was benefitting from minerals fraudulently exported from areas under the control of the M23. Rwanda denied this.

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Although the M23 has touted itself as a group independent of Rwanda and capable of governing territories under its control, it still relies heavily on Kigali. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan troops in eastern Congo.

Justice remains a major issue

The U.N. and rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities and possible war crimes since fighting escalated in January. It includes children being killed in summary executions, the rape and sexual abuse of thousands of children, attacks on hospitals, forced recruitments and disappearance of residents in rebel-held areas.

We cannot build peace without justice and reparation, Goma resident Amani Muisa said.

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Saturday's declaration is supposed to lead to a final peace deal

The declaration of principles was the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels, supported by neighboring Rwanda, seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year.

The signing sets in motion negotiations for a final peace deal, to be signed no later than Aug. 18. It also reflects provisions of a U.S.-brokered peace deal signed between Congo and Rwanda on June 27.

However, the ink has barely dried on the document signed in Qatar before both sides appeared to contradict each other in interpreting a major highlight of the declaration on whether the rebels will withdraw from seized territories or not.
NEW YORK  Two people were killed when a stolen out-of-control rental car vaulted onto a bustling Chinatown pedestrian island Saturday morning, police said.

One of the victims legs was severed during the blistering 7:30 a.m. crash at the corner of Bowery and Canal Street at the mouth of the Manhattan Bridge, police said.

One victim, a 63-year-old woman, was sitting on a metal bench before the car careened into her, witnesses said. The metal bench was ripped from the ground as the Chevrolet Malibu slammed into it.

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The driver and passenger of the blue Malibu  two women in their early 20s  were taken into custody after they tried to leave the area on foot after the crash, police said.

A witness pointed them out to arriving police officers as they made their escape. Cops nabbed them about a block away from the scene, officials said.

The two women were taken to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries as they were being questioned.

Witnesses told police that the Malibu had exited the Manhattan Bridge at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control and careened onto a a triangle-shaped pedestrian island at the corner, where it struck a 63-year-old woman sitting on the bench and a man in his 30s riding a bicycle.

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The sedan then struck an unoccupied New York Police Department van parked by the crosswalk on the east side of Bowery before coming to a stop in the middle of the street, cops said.

The man and the woman died at the scene. Their names were not immediately disclosed.

The bike one victim was riding was torn in half, witnesses said. Pieces of it remained scattered around the crash scene.

The Malibu, its doors wide open, remained at the scene Saturday morning, resting at an odd angle in the street outside a TD Bank about six feet from where the bench was uprooted.

The car had extensive front-end damage, and both airbags had deployed.

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The car had been reported stolen from a rental company in Staten Island, police sources said. Whoever rented the vehicle never returned it, cops were told.

Criminal charges against the driver and passenger were pending Saturday.

The NYPD van the pair rear-ended was propelled across Bowery, coming to a stop in front of the New York Jewelers Exchange, officials said.

As of Thursday, 60 pedestrians had been killed by vehicles across the city this year  10 fewer than the 70 who died by this time last year.
MOULTRIE COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  The Moultrie County Coroner has identified a man who drowned in Lake Shelbyville over the weekend.

Lynn Reed, coroner, said 43-year-old Billy J. Briscoe of Hidalgo was pronounced dead around 9:21 p.m. on Saturday.

Springfield Police investigating homicide following early morning shooting

Around 11:20 a.m. earlier that day, the Moultrie County Sheriffs Office responded to the Coal Shaft Bridge area of Lake Shelbyville after an unoccupied boat was reported in the area. The Moultrie County Dive Team, the Shelby County Dive Team, the Sullivan Fire Department, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Conservation Police also responded, and helped to search for a missing boater.

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Briscoe was located by divers at 9:16 p.m. and pronounced dead a short while later. The Sheriffs Office said that they are investigating the drowning, along with the Illinois Department of Conservation Police and the Moultrie County Coroner.

The Moultrie County Coroners Office said an autopsy will be done on Sunday.

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A county council has finally cut all ties with a Pride group, four years after whistleblowers raised serious concerns about its paedophile founder.

Surrey councils chief executive has withdrawn funding from the controversial Pride in Surrey group, and has barred staff from attending Septembers Pride event in an official capacity.

In 2021, the council was accused of ignoring whistleblowers who raised safeguarding concerns against Pride in Surrey, to which it had given tens of thousands of pounds.

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The organisation was co-founded by Stephen Ireland, who was found guilty in March of raping an extremely vulnerable 12-year-old boy. He was jailed for 24 years in June.

Stephen Ireland was arrested by Surrey Police, who had previously listed Pride in Surrey as a partner agency on LGBTQ+ issues - Surrey Police

Earlier this month, The Telegraph disclosed that concerns about Ireland, including that he had appointed himself as the organisations head of safeguarding, had been passed to the council years ago.

Ireland set up Pride in Surrey in 2018, and the county council has given it funding of more than 140,000 since 2020, including 24,275 for the year 2024/25.

Two whistleblowers told The Telegraph that their concerns were ignored by Joanna Killian, then chief executive of the council.

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Now Terence Herbert, her successor, has written to staff to say the council took action after concerns were raised that the group was not truly representative of the whole LGBT community.

Council still committed to LGBTQ+ people

While we continue to wholeheartedly support the LGBTQ+ community in Surrey, there have been concerns raised about Pride in Surrey as an organisation, he said.

At this time, we do not believe Pride in Surrey to be truly representative of the whole LGBTQ+ community.

Therefore, Surrey county council will not be attending or funding Surrey Pride.

I will be writing to Pride in Surrey to make them aware of this decision, and I will make any necessary arrangements to cancel any commitments to attend Pride this September.

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This decision does not change our ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ people, and we firmly believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We will continue to work with other representative organisations across the county to champion the rights of protected groups, and we continue to be a strong advocate of the LGBTQ+ staff network who we are engaging with fully on this issue.

Surrey county council previously took part in Surrey Pride but will not be attending this years event in September - Facebook

Kate Barker, the chief executive of the charity LGB Alliance, said: Surrey council has made the right decision.

Pride in Surrey has shown complete disregard for safeguarding even after its founders despicable crimes were exposed.

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Irelands trial was told the 42-year-old arranged for the 12-year-old boy, referred to as Child A, to meet him at his flat after messaging on dating app Grindr.

The boy told police they had sex in the flat, smoked a bong, which was later found to have contained methamphetamine, and that pornography was played on a laptop.

Judge Patricia Lees told Ireland he took advantage of a vulnerable child. He was convicted of one count of rape, three counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child, and arranging commission of a child sex offence.

Earlier this month, Marion Harding, a former volunteer with Pride in Surrey, told The Telegraph she contacted Ms Killian in 2021 to raise safeguarding concerns about the organisation.

The Pride in Surrey banner is carried at a previous Surrey Pride event - Facebook

She said she and her wife Cathy, who also volunteered, were concerned Ireland had appointed himself head of safeguarding  a role that, according to guidance for voluntary bodies, should not be the most senior person in the organisation.

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He also had sole responsibility for the groups helpline for young people  meaning he had direct access to vulnerable children.

Volunteers were also concerned that Ireland appeared to be in a polyamorous relationship involving a young man, and that social media posts by Pride in Surrey celebrated fetishes  some involving young people  while Ireland was in charge.

In a letter to Ms Killian, Ms Harding, 62, also pointed out Ireland was in a relationship with a young man who is barely 18, in what amounted to an abuse of power from a person in a position of trust, and could cause the wrong message to go out to young, vulnerable gay people.

The chief executive replied to say an investigation would take place, but nothing happened.

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Until earlier this year, Surrey Police listed Pride in Surrey on its website as a partner agency that can also offer information, advice, and support on LGBT issues, in addition to the forces LGBT liaison officers.

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What a purr-fect cat-astrophe.

A Canadian couple is being hounded with calls about their missing cat  and all because their number was splashed across a t-shirt decorated with a poster of a lost cat by a brand 3,000 miles away on Long Island.

Jonathan McCurrach and Natasha Lavoies phone has been on fire with strangers calling to tell them theyve found their feline, Torbo.

The contemporary clothing company, Wisdumb, based in Smithtown, NY, made the missing cat t-shirt. CBC News

However, the British Columbian couple doesnt even have a cat named Torbo. Their furry friend is Mauser, and hes happily chilling at home.

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Sometimes, like six times a day, Im getting these really random phone calls and people leaving me voicemails saying that they found my cat and they want money for my cat, Lavoie told CBC News.

Im like, My cats at home in the air conditioning.'

At first, the pair thought the calls, which mainly came from the U.S., were scams.

When we started actually picking up the calls or responding to the voicemails, I thought it was some attempt at a scam. You hear about scams all the time about missing pets, McCurrach told the outlet.

Half the time, they just cut you off and go like, No, Ive got your cat. I want the money for the cat. And Im like, No, theres no money, theres no cat. And they usually hang up.

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After months of their phone ringing off the hook, McCurrach finally asked a caller how they got their number.

The caller explained their digits were printed on the t-shirt, made by the contemporary clothing company Wisdumb, based in Smithtown, NY.

CBC News reached out the business, which reported the shirt was no longer available for purchase online, and said in an email that the use of a real number within the art created was not intentional.

The couple also contacted the company, which offered them a similar answer, but no real apology.

Natasha Lavoie and Jonathan McCurrach didnt receive a real apology from the company. CBC News

Lavoie said shes not ready to change her number because it has a 604 area code, British Columbias first, which is now difficult to get.

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Ive had my number for 20 years, she told the outlet firmly.

I dont want to change it. Ill just keep not answering.

Lavoie thinks purr-haps she deserves compensation for the aggravation the clothing has caused.

I feel like I deserve a T-shirt after this, she added. I think we both do.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As the Cram Fire approaches the 100,000-acre megafire status in Central Oregon, officials say it is now nearly 50% contained as of Sunday morning.

The fire, which began July 13 about 15 miles north of Madras, is estimated at 95,748 acres with 932 personnel actively engaged in the battle.

The acreage also makes the Cram Fire the largest wildfire of the year so far in the United States, according to InciWeb.

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Burdoin Fire explodes to over 6,500 acres

The Oregon State Fire Marshal said firefighters successfully reached 49% containment on the fire after a week of round-the-clock efforts.

[Sundays] focus remains on the southern edge, where saw teams are thinning juniper trees to reduce fuels that could spark new fires, OSFM said in a release. Ground crews, supported by engines, will continue systematically gridding for heat sources near control lines.

Officials say the Cram Fire is nearly 50% contained as of July 20, 2025. (Oregon State Fire Marshal)

So far, the fire has destroyed 4 homes and 578 are still threatened, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.

Evacuations remain in effect. Jefferson, Wasco and Crook County Sheriffs have issued Level 3 (Go Now), Level 2 (Be Set), and Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuations across multiple zones.

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Despite the large fire, officials said there are no closures to Bureau of Land Management land at this time. But conditions are constantly monitored and may change.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, the Cram Fire was sparked by a transformer in the area. However, the cause remains under investigation.

In recent years, Oregon has seen several megafires during peak fire season, including six in 2020 alone.

That historic season burned well over a million acres of land statewide. Last summer also brought significant megafire activity and burned more acreage than in the 2020 season.

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Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.

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JUAB COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  Search and rescue crews have recovered the body of a man who went missing at Yuba State Park Reservoir on Saturday afternoon.

The Utah Department of Natural Resources confirms that search crews located the missing 39-year-old man and recovered him around 8:30 p.m. this evening. He was initially reported missing after swimming in the North Beach area of the lake around 4:30 p.m.

Crews from the Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, Juab County Sheriffs Office, Utah County Sheriffs Office and the Utah Department of Public Safety assisted with the search.

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The incident remains under investigation.

Latest headlines:

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Tinley Park debuted its long-awaited Harmony Square plaza Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, dozens of food and drink vendors, speeches by elected officials, special deals on village merchandise for residents and a concert by the rock band BoDeans.

Thousands of residents packed the square, and several security guards working the event said lines to all three entrances spanned several blocks for almost three hours.

Residents, including families, teenagers and retired longtime residents, praised the event for bringing the community together, but said some flaws still need to be worked out, such as long entrance lines and parking.

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Mark Michalow, who has lived in Tinley Park for 36 years, said the square is exactly what was needed in the community, noting it was the largest community gathering he has seen in the village. He said hes excited to go for walks at the square and said the space could make community events like the annual block party easier and more convenient.

Finally we got a mayor who finished this, Michalow said.

Yet he said when he left the event to get his phone, he waited over an hour in line to get back in, and said hes concerned about parking.

Roy Geiger, a longtime Tinley Park resident, said he also waited in line for over an hour and said he had trouble finding parking, which he said showed a lack of preparation.

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Ive lived in this town for 48 years and was looking forward to this, but its total disorganization, Geiger said. The whole town is grid locked.  I went through less security to see The Rolling Stones.

Patti Bagus, who lives in Palos Heights but has been driving to Tinley Park concerts for years, said despite being in line for over an hour, she found parking down the street easily. She said she plans to visit more often due to the squares opening and good restaurants.

Hudson McCormick, who has two young children, said the square is perfect for the kids, as the space is family-oriented and gives them something to do close to home. His wife, Jordan McCormick, who grew up in Tinley Park, said the square makes her excited to invite more people to the area.

I feel like Tinley Park was kind of always viewed as older and now its just so bright and new, McCormick said. Its something to brag about, honestly, and it gets people out here and more familiar with Tinley Park.

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A group of teenagers entering the square said they want to attend more events now that the space is open. Zoe Lavery, 19, said she hopes the village brings in more younger bands, and Ryan Mitchell, 19, said shes excited to use Harmony Squares synthetic ice rink in the winter.

Village spokesman Jason Freeman said he expected 7,500 people to attend the event. By early Friday morning, he said, groups of curious, excited residents started visiting the square, and some children played in the water feature, which brought a large enough crowd that officials had to turn the feature off while preparing for the event, he said.

By noon, people had set up lawn chairs and picnic blankets in preparation for the concert.

Freeman said hes excited for the community to have an adaptable space, which can expand for larger concerts like the BoDeans, but also still accommodate smaller events like a farmers market, yoga and light shows.

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Carolyn Mitera, who does Tinley Park marketing and economic development, said there was great energy when she arrived Friday morning, as staff were excited and helping each other finalize event preparation.

The villages recently opened popular Irish bar, Teehans, and the next door restaurant, Durbins, also joined the squares debut celebrations. By early afternoon, many of the tables on Durbins rooftop bar overlooking the Squares stage were reserved.

Teehans bartender Emy Willis said Teehans reopening has been successful, already bringing together generations of new and old customers, that grandsons sit in their grandfathers old spot at the bar. Customers have also brought back bar traditions like thirsty Thursdays, when residents celebrate the beginning of the weekend with a bar crawl.

Everybody just knows each other by their name or at least everyones friendly, Willis said. Theres a lot of new regulars too. A lot of people are interested.

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Fridays events were followed by a block party Saturday and Sunday at the square with live music on two stages, food and drinks, rides and games.

The squares first schedule of regular programing begins July 22 with a car show and will be followed by a jumbo game night, a youth performance, farmers market and music in the plaza later in the week. The city also launched a website for the square.

Harmony Square is bordered by 172nd and 173rd streets on the north and south, and the 67th Avenue and 67th Court on the east and west. Gaus said she is looking forward to the squares opening.

awright@chicagotribune.com
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44)  Central Texas College (CTC) welcomed hundreds of future students and their families for its annual open house event!

Discover CTC: Eagle Edition also had special cake-cutting ceremony with CTC Chancelor Dr. Michele J. Carter and the Board of Trustees. This was an event highlight to celebrate CTCs 60th anniversary!

Guests also enjoyed guided tours of the colleges 565-acre campus, met instructors, watched live Battle Bot demos, and cheered on CTCs College for Kids Fashion Design students as they hit the runway!

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The fall semester at Central Texas College starts on August 18.

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An off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer was shot and wounded in the face by an immigrant who entered the country illegally during a botched robbery in an upper Manhattan park late Saturday, cops said.

This shooting is a clear example of everything thats broken in our criminal justice system, Mayor Adams said at a Sunday press conference.

One, the perpetrator or the person of interest that we have in custody has been known to have repeated violent interactions, he said. The second is the proliferation of guns. Thirdly, the violent immigrating asylum-seekers who are bringing violence and really tarnish the reputation of those who come to this country legally to pursue the American Dream.

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The officer was sitting in Fort Washington Park by W. 178th St. when two robbers pulled up on a moped Saturday night around 11:50 p.m., cops said.

Video released on the Homeland Security Departments X.com page shows the suspects approach the victim as hes sitting on a rock with a woman near the waterfront. A man in a white shirt gets off the back of the moped and approaches the officer, gun in hand. After a brief fight, he fires a shot and appears to duck out of view by a bush while the officer aims his own weapon.

Cops said the officer returned fire, striking one of the fleeing robbers, who later arrived at a nearby hospital, police sources said.

Medics took the 42-year-old officer to Harlem Hospital in stable condition.

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Homeland Security Department officials identified the suspect as Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, 21, a citizen of the Dominican Republic with a lengthy rap sheet whos in the country illegally.

RE ENTERED and RELEASED under Biden on April 4, 2023 the United States Border Patrol apprehended him at/near San Luis, AZ, reads a post on Homeland Securitys X.com page.

Police sources said hes also wanted on a warrant in Massachusetts in a kidnapping and weapons possession case, was arrested in the Bronx on Oct. 1, 2024, on a felony assault charge, and is wanted for a robbery and a stabbing in New York.

In one year he has inflicted violence in our city, and once he is charged for last nights crimes he will be able to add attempted murder to his rap sheet, Adams said at the press conference, which he attended with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Frank Russo, acting director of the New York field office for ICE.

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Officials attended the press conference after visiting the injured officer at the hospital, where they said he is recovering nicely.

Five minutes before attempting to rob the ICE officer, authorities believe Mora and his accomplice robbed a woman of her phone, who then called 911 to report the incident. After the shootout, the officers companion also called 911.

The location in the park where the incident occurred is one where an ambulance would not be able to get to quickly, and NYPD was very quick to escort our officer to the hospital to help save his life, Russo said.

Authorities believe the crime was one of opportunity.

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At this time, we have no indication that the officer was targeted for his occupation, Tisch said. Detectives have not yet recovered the perpetrators firearm, but we did recover discharged shell casings  at the scene, which is now being processed for DNA evidence.

Mora was apprehended after walking into a hospital with gunshot wounds to the leg and groin, consistent with where the suspect appears to be hit in CCTV footage of the crime recovered by police officers, Tisch said.

This individual has two prior arrests for domestic violence in New York, and he has an active warrant after not showing up to a court date on one of those cases, Tisch said.

He is also suspected in the robbery of a pawnshop in which guns were stolen, according to Tisch.

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Lets make something incredibly clear today, our officer is a hero, Russo said. He did exactly what we ask of all of our officers under the circumstances. He executed our mission, which is to protect the country, and he did it by stopping a threat. If not for his efforts, this person of interest would have committed more armed problems.

The second suspect remains at large.
A SNAP judgment

I'm heartbroken by the recent reconciliation bill passed in Congress, which will cut SNAP benefits and reduce Medicaid coverage.

How alarming it is that the interests of the wealthy elite conflict with those of millions of hardworking people, who face increasing hardships that push them into poverty.

This disparity affects real families under immense strain. We must advocate for policies that benefit all citizens, not just the privileged few. The future of children in poverty is at risk as they miss out on the full Child Tax Credit.

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It's encouraging to see that many bipartisan lawmakers opposed this bill since it undermines the very people they promised to serve. Those who supported the bill betrayed fairness and decency.

We, the people, have the power to advocate for the dignity and worth of every individual. Our collective voice is strong and we will not be silenced. Let's use this power to support local social welfare programs.

Susan Lamb, Austin

How about better policies?

In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump received 56.14% of votes from Texans, and Kamala Harris received 42.46% of Texans' votes.

In the unprecedented 2003 mid-decade redistricting by what was a new Republican majority in the Texas Legislature, then-U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay argued that our Congressional delegation should reflect the percentage of votes that then-President George W. Bush received from Texans. Under that rationale, Republicans are currently over-represented in Congress, meaning that Texans do not have the representation that we want. No taxation without representation sound familiar?

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If it aligned with how Texans voted in the latest presidential election, our Congressional delegation would have 21 Republican seats and 17 Democratic seats. Instead, 25 districts were drawn to benefit Republicans, and GOP lawmakers now want to add to that.

Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott and apparently the Republicans in the Legislature would rather cheat Texans out of fair representation. If they want more Republicans elected to Congress, how about coming up with better policies, policies that people actually want, rather than cheating us out of the representation for which we've clearly shown in our presidential voting we want.

Kathi Thomas, Austin portion of Hays County

Special session's real goal

The special session in Austin this summer will have one real goal and two other goals for cover.

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The two worthy goals are regulating the THC industry in Texas and funding an effective flood warning system on Texas rivers. Both goals need to be addressed now for the safety and health of all Texans.

The real goal, however, is to revisit redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms to give President Donald Trumps Republican Party five new safe Republican districts, mostly in the Houston area.

Trumps Department of Justice has sent a letter that Texas Republicans can use to disguise their goal. The DOJ letter is embarrassing, or should be embarrassing, because it accuses the 2021 Texas legislative map of denying minority voters, Democrats, a few safe districts of their own.

At the time the map was passed, Texas Republican representatives staunchly defended the maps fairness and lack of racial bias. Now, the same Texas Republicans are rushing to correct the map.

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The legal rationale is weak, but the purpose is obvious  to increase Republican chances of gaining national legislative seats in the 2026 midterm election.

Does Texas need a redistricting fight that takes away from real issues in our state? Write your state representatives and senators and let them know how you feel about this grab for more political power while Texans suffer.

Dawn Cochran, Bergheim

First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald J. Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott attend a roundtable discussion July 11 at the Community Emergency Operations Center in Kerrville, after devastating floods in the area.

Neighbors deserve answers

As a former second-in-command at a U.S. disaster response agency, Ive seen what a fast, coordinated federal response looks like.

What weve seen so far from the federal government in the Texas Hill Country has left me with questions, and I am not alone.

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Did recent cuts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service weaken preparedness? Why did it take days for the federal water rescue and recovery team to be deployed? Would a competent FEMA administrator with actual disaster experience have been more effective?

Why did Kerr County fail to use allocated federal funds for a flood warning system, despite knowing the risks?

These floods have taken more than 130 precious lives, devastated families and upended communities. Texans deserve answers and action. Public safety must come first. That means real investment, coordination and leadership at every level.

Lives depend on it.

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Dilawar Syed, Austin resident and former deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration

Create river authority

Its fine to install sirens for emergencies along the Guadalupe River, but lets fix the problem permanently.

Death and destruction reigned on the Tennessee River in the 19th and early 20th centuries just like the Guadalupe River, but not now. Why not? Because the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), championed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Sen. George Norris, built a series of dams for flood control that still work today.

There needs to be a Guadalupe River Authority, and the fastest way to get it built is for all Texas senators and representatives to get behind HR4052  the National Infrastructure Bank (NIB) Bill  soon to be reintroduced in this Congress.

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Roosevelt and Norris used the last NIB to finance the TVA construction without increasing taxes or the deficit. There's no reason we cant do this again and ensure what happened on the Guadalupe on July 4 will never happen again.

Don Siefkes, San Leandro, Calif.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Children's future at risk, 'Beautiful Bill' cuts SNAP benefit | Opinion
Staff Sgt. Jake Larson, better known as Papa Jake, went from landing at Normandy on D-Day to amassing over one million followers on TikTok. Larson referred to himself as The Luckiest Man in the World, a fitting name, given that he also survived the Battle of the Bulge, lived past 100, and even won an Emmy.

With his passing, lets reflect on the incredible life of Papa Jake.

Larson was born on December 20, 1922, in rural Hope, Minnesota. Growing up through the Great Depression, he lied about his age and joined the National Guard in 1938 at the age of 15. During World War II, Larson was sent to the European Theater where he was able to apply a special skill: typing.

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You think doing the weekly PowerPoint brief or five-paragraph order is tough? Try typing up the plan for the invasion of Normandy.

Larson as a corporal during World War II (The Eisenhower Foundation)

Leading up to D-Day, one of Larsons assignments was to type the names of all the soldiers who would land on Omaha Beachincluding his own. Every person who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Daycame through these fingers, Larson told CBS at the age of 101. With the plan finalized, Larson and his comrades executed it and stormed the beach.

It was hell, he said of the landing. That whole beach under us had over 1 million land mines planted.

After making it to the sea wall, Larson set up a command post to coordinate the push inland.

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Larson served throughout the entirety of the war and, miraculously, survived it unscathed. Upon his return to the U.S., Larson settled in Californias Bay Area where he raised his family with his sweetheart, Lola. Well into retirement and with the help of his granddaughter, Larson found a new calling on social media where he shared Stories from a WW2 Vet.

Papa Jake during a 2021 visit to the USS Constitution (U.S. Navy)

At the time of his passing, Larson had 1.2 million followers and 11 million likes on his TikTok account, @storytimewithpapajake. Sharing stories from WWII, Larsons videos connect young people to the greatest generation, especially those who didnt make it home. I feel like Im a messenger for these guys that gave their life, he told CBS.

Following his TikTok fame, Larson was honored by the San Francisco Giants with a first pitch, by the Anaheim Ducks with a signed jersey, and even by Disneyland with an extra special flag retreat ceremony. It was the long-time Californians first visit to the park, and he was made an Honorary Citizen of Disneyland.

For his interview with CNNs Christiane Amanpour, Larson was awarded an Emmy.

Papa Jake and Lola on their wedding day (@storytimewithpapajake via Instagram)

As a D-Day survivor, Larson returned to Normandy for the 75th, 79th, 80th, and 81st anniversaries of the invasion. Papa Jakes TikTok also includes family moments; notably, Papa Jake walking granddaughter McKaela down the aisle at her wedding and dancing with her at the reception.

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However, Papa Jakes most popular video is his reaction to an AI filter that brought a picture of his beloved Lola back to life. This past November 23rd, we would have been married 75 years, Larson said through his tears in the April 2021 video. and I still love her.

On July 17, 2025, Papa Jake passed away peacefully, even cracking jokes. Social media saw an outpouring of love and support for the veteran. Highlighting the French appreciation for D-Day vets, the Normandy, France tourism Facebook account posted:

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jake Larson Papa Jake, at 102 years old. A true American hero, beloved D-Day veteran and TikTok star, Jake landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy on 6th June 1944, and dedicated his life to honoring the memory of his fallen brothers. Jake returned to Normandy one last time early June, and spent a whole week sharing his stories with the school children and young people of the region. He will never be forgotten.

(@storytimewithpapajake via Instagram)

Papa Jake Larson leaves behind a legacy of a free world, a loving family, and a grateful nation that better understands the sacrifices that he and so many others made for the freedoms we enjoy today. In his 2025 Memorial Day video, Papa Jake told his viewers, you continuing to honor those guys is a great help. Thats the object of my staying here. With Papa Jake gone, its up to us to continue his work and honor veterans like him, keeping their memories alive.

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Manhattans top prosecutor showed off his painting skills at Washington Square Park this week in a bizarre bid to heal the city, while drug addicts nodded off all around.

Soft-on-crime District Attorney Alvin Bragg was spotted by The Post brush in hand, lost in a watercolor sketch, as part of his art of healing July workshop series.

The choice of location was no coincidence  the northwest corner of the park has spiraled into a depraved drug den, with syringes littering the ground and zombies shooting up on park benches and under trees.

Bragg painted a tree in watercolor in the infamous northwest section of the park. J.C. Rice

We want to take back the park and make it available for those who live and visit the area to do things like the artwork we were just doing, you know listen to music, enjoy the park, Bragg told The Post.

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Its very intentional to pick that part of the park which has had some challenges, Bragg, who was there for about an hour with his entourage and fielded questions from a handful of community members, added.

The DAs office has been putting on these taxpayer-funded summer art workshops annually  in past years focusing on gun violence.

Its absolutely baffling, fumed Trevor Sumner, Greenwich Village resident and president of the Washington Square Association.

The whole thing is an utter farce. To have the guy whos most responsible for the rampant drug use, mental illness and violence in the park come here to gaslight the entire neighborhood like it doesnt exist. Its infuriating.

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Moments before Bragg began painting a tree in watercolor, the citys drug crisis blossomed in real time a few feet away.

Officers tried clearing out the parks drug den before Braggs arrival. J.C. Rice

A couple hours before Braggs arrival, workers from George Soros nonprofit handed out free needles in the park. J.C. Rice

Police officers tried to revive a glassy-eyed junkie slumped on a bench  and workers from the nonprofit Drug Policy Alliance were seen covertly slipping free syringes to addicts.

The needles are part of so-called harm reduction kits the $13 million pro-drug non-profit touts online.

They come complete with drug paraphernalia that includes syringes, alcohol wipes, cotton, tourniquets and cookers, according to the group.

Its unclear how long the group  which was founded in 1994 with funding from far left-billionaire George Soros and lobbied for marijuana legalization  has been operating in the junkie-filled section of the park.

Bragg painted a tree Wednesday at Washington Square Park. J.C. Rice

Soros is the Drug Policy Alliances chief donor and previous chairman. His son Alex Soros still sits on its board.

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The organization, which said its philosophy is about meeting people where they are, declined to comment.

Harm reduction enables addicts to shoot up rather than getting them to quit, critics have charged.

The group touts its harm reduction kits online. Drug Policy Alliance

The group hands out harm reduction kits with complete drug paraphernalia to safely shoot up. Drug Policy Alliance

The idea is that people should only seek treatment when theyre ready. But most people addicted to drugs are addicted for their whole lives, Charles Fane Lehmann, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, recently told The Post.

They often regard efforts to get people into treatment . . . as actively hostile to the interests of people who use drugs.

Meanwhile, the NYPDs Sixth Precinct continues to arrest the parks regular half a dozen dealers  most of whom are released shortly after.

One of the outreach workers was wearing a Drug Policy Alliance tee-shirt, a pro-drug group started with Soros backing. J.C. Rice

A woman walks by with a baby in a stroller this week at the park, while people smoke crack. J.C. Rice

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No one should feel comfortable selling drugs in the West Village, especially Washington Square Park, cops posted this week after another bust.

A record 471 narcotics arrests have been made in the precinct alone so far this year, up 68% from a year ago, according to NYPD data.
VIBORG, S.D. (KELO)  Every summer, hundreds of people gather in Viborg for four days of Danish traditions. The event dates back to more than a century ago.

Danish days have been going on for years and years. I mean, we have pictures of 1905 and they were doing Danish Days parades back then, said Renae Hansen, a staff member at the Daneville Heritage Museum.

Hansen works at the local Danish museum, where they have displays of Danish toys, clothes and household items.

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A new approach to community theater

It makes us happy that were able to just keep the whole Danish tradition alive, keep the Danish Days tradition alive, said Hansen. You know, Viborg is very, very into our Danish heritage here. And it just makes us happy that were able to carry on some of the traditions.

The tradition is one that brings people back to their hometown, even if they havent lived there in years.

I think all of it is my favorite part, its just fun, said Jennifer VanDriel, a volunteer at Danish Days. Its good to see people come home. Its good to see the kids run around. The parade gets bigger and bigger every year.

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And if you still want to take part in the celebrations, the fun isnt over yet.

Tomorrow, we have friends and family night at Glood Park, and then we have, the community center does a huge meal. Root beer floats, pork loin sandwiches, the whole meal. And then of course we have the beer tent. And we always have music at Glood Park and at the fire department, said VanDriel.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The daughters of a missing Valley Center foster mother battling cancer are pleading for answers as investigators continue to search for her remains and investigate allegations of fraud involving her property.

Pictured, missing Nadine Jett, 65. (Photo credit: Lucci Family)

Sheriffs detectives this week dug up a section of land at the 20-acre ranch belonging to Nadine Jett, 65, who has been missing for months. Jett, a retired attorney from Los Angeles, was fighting pancreatic cancer at the time she disappeared.

Authorities probe missing foster mothers death, alleged theft by former foster son

Sheriffs detectives digging up a section of land at the 20-acre ranch belonging to missing Nadine Jett (FOX 5/KUSI)

On Saturday, Jetts foster daughters, Tiffany and Madison Lucci, visited the property for the first time since she vanished. They described the home  Jetts retirement retreat  as overrun by squatters and littered with debris.

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Definitely emotional. This was Nadines retirement homeits definitely not cared for. Theres a lot of junk everywhere, Tiffany said.

I feel very empty, added Madison. She always loved this property, and looking at it now  its trashed. She would have never wanted that.

About 25 yards from Jetts house, deputies recently spent two days excavating a large hole, searching for human remains. The Lucci sisters believe their foster brother, Cedric Von Ferdinand  also known as Charles  buried Jett there early last year.

Real Estate agent speaks out as sheriffs investigators search for missing foster mom

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The sisters say Von Ferdinand has offered conflicting accounts of Jetts fate, including claims she died at local hospitals, in Mexico, or was cremated  but no death certificate or remains have been found.

Von Ferdinand is now the subject of two investigations  a homicide inquiry and a real estate fraud case. He and Raymond Joseph Alto, a notary, face a dozen charges, including forgery and grand theft, after allegedly forging Jetts signature to seize ownership of her ranch, valued at $1 million.

Its very overwhelming, Tiffany said. I dont see why these individuals decided to defraud Nadine while she was dying. It just shows how sick people are. Nadine didnt deserve that at all. She was a wonderful woman, a well-respected attorneyshe definitely deserves justice.

Neighbors and community members have been leaving flowers and signs at the property demanding justice for Jett. The Lucci sisters said they will continue fighting for the woman who they said treated them as her own children.

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Best mother anyone could ask for. She saved us, Madison said.

She fought for us all our life, so we are going to continue to fight for her, Tiffany added.

Sheriffs investigators have not yet released additional information about the excavation or whether any remains were found.

A GoFundMe has been set up with the money going to help cover the costs of Nadines funeral and memorial services, as well as attorney costs as the family seeks to reverse a fraudulent deed and return the property to Nadines name.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
(WHTM)  On This Week in Pennsylvania, Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) joins Dennis Owens to discuss last weeks Inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Event held in Pittsburgh.

Dennis is also joined by State Representatives Emily Kinkead (D) and Abby Major (R) after they introduced a 189 page marijuana legalization bill.

Our political analysts this week, J.J. Abbott and Christopher Nicholas, discuss the latest in Pennsylvania politics.

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Every week, This Week in Pennsylvania gives a comprehensive look at the weeks biggest news events in Pennsylvania, provided by the abc27 News team, along with the latest updates on local stories.

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PEA RIDGE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  On July 20, 1956, Congress enacted legislation to accept a 5,000-acre land donation from the state of Arkansas, laying the groundwork for what would become the Pea Ridge National Military Park.

The battlefield, located in Benton County, was the site of a pivotal Civil War clash in March 1862.

Efforts to preserve and commemorate the historic site gained momentum in the late 1950s, led in part by local historian Mrs. W. W. Vaught of Fayetteville, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Under the umbrella of the Benton County Historical Society, she proposed the formation of the Pea Ridge Memorial Association in 1958.

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By 1961, the association began annual memorials and installed markers at key Civil War sites.

$250,000+ awarded to fairs, live stock shows across Northwest Arkansas, River Valley

The park was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Oct. 15, 1966, and remains one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the country.

The park features Elkhorn Tavern, parts of Telegraph Road and the Trail of Tears. A museum opened in 2010, and a 140-acre donation was added in 2023.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Northeast D.C. on Friday.

Police say officers received reports at 12:15 a.m. of a disturbance between roommates in the 100 block of Fort Drive NE.

There, a man, later identified as 41-year-old Allen Sharpshire, was found suffering from an unknown injury and was pronounced dead by DC Fire and EMS.

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Firefighter injured in Fairfax County apartment fire, officials say

According to police, on Saturday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled that Sharpshire died from a gunshot wound and his death was ruled a homicide.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text the departments tip line at 50411.

MPD currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A fuel truck is seen overturned in Indian Creek in the Elwha River watershed after it crashed on Friday, July 18, 2025, near Port Angeles. (Photo courtesy of Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue)

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Sunday visited near the site of a tanker truck crash that spilled thousands of gallons of fuel into a tributary of the Elwha River near Port Angeles.

His visit came two days after the fuel truck failed to negotiate a turn on Highway 101, veered off the road, and careened down an embankment before landing upside-down in Indian Creek, according to the Washington State Patrol. The creek feeds into the Elwha River.

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The overturned tanker was removed from the creek early Saturday morning. Cleanup crews have deployed containment booms to limit the fuels flow and absorbent materials to mop it up.

Contamination from the spill disrupted water service to Port Angeles, a city of 20,000 residents, and killed an untold number of fish.

Ferguson called the crash a setback to restoring the Elwha, which saw the landmark removal of two hydroelectric dams in the 2010s.

There has been so much work, so much effort, so much investment by so many folks here and many others to make this place the place that it is now, to work on bringing back salmon and to restore this really amazing, amazing habitat, he said in a press conference along the banks of the river.

Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks to local, state and federal officials before a press conference along the Elwha River near Port Angeles, Washington, on Sunday, July 20, 2025. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)

On Sunday evening, Port Angeles lifted a do not drink order for the citys water supply. City officials said in an announcement at 5:15 p.m. that the Washington State Department of Health, in coordination with the Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, had tested the water and determined it was safe.

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Earlier, the city had said that the tap water in the area was safe for bathing, flushing toilets and doing laundry, but shouldnt be used for drinking, washing dishes and making ice until officials gave the OK.

The city distributed free bottled water for drinking and cooking. And distribution sites were quickly met with long lines of residents, said Mayor Kate Dexter.

The PetroCard truck, with a capacity of 10,000 gallons, leaked an estimated 3,000 gallons of fuel into the creek, according to the state Department of Ecology. Most of that was gasoline, and the rest was diesel.

The Department of Ecology responded to the spill a few hours after it happened, sending personnel from the Olympia area, said Alison Meyers, an agency coordinator focused on spill response.

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The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe calls Indian Creek the rockstar of the Elwha River, as its the most productive and diverse of the rivers tributaries, said Matt Beirne, the tribes natural resources director.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of juvenile salmon, bottom-feeding sculpin and lamprey died in the fuels wake, he said. Tribal Chairwoman Frances Charles said, Our hearts sank at the news.

Ferguson, a Democrat who took office in January, acknowledged this is the first sudden disaster hes had to jump into action to respond to.

Its pretty clear to me, he said, the level of preparation that goes into something like this. I dont think anything, maybe, truly prepares you.

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The river is Port Angeles primary source of potable water. After the crash, the city shut down water treatment processing and advised locals to limit their water use. At the time, its reservoirs had enough water for up to 24 hours without a disruption to normal service.

On Sunday morning, the city told water utility customers, both in and out of the city limits, not to drink the tap water amid ongoing state testing that was taking longer than expected.

The driver of the truck was taken to a local hospital after the crash but is now recovering at home, said PetroCard President and CEO Laura Yellig. Authorities accused the driver, a 58-year-old man, of negligent driving.

Yellig said her company takes full responsibility for the crash and the resulting impacts.

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Ferguson planned to remain in the Port Angeles area until at least Monday morning.

It is heartbreaking to see whats happened. Theres no two ways around that, he said. Were going to get through this. Its going to be a challenge.

This story was updated to note that Port Angeles on Sunday evening lifted a do not drink order for the citys water supply.
Credit: Al-Zallaqa / JNIM

When Amadou Traore was posted to an army base in western Mali, his family could take comfort that the soldier was far away from the jidahists pillaging towns and killing hundreds.

The Kayes region, where he was based, had escaped the relentless terrorist attacks that led the US and UN to label Mali and its neighbours the new global epicentre of terrorism.

But that reprieve from bloodshed ended this month. Lieut Traores family woke to reports of coordinated attacks in seven towns and cities across the region.

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Automatically, I called his wife: Have you heard from Amadou? recalls his father, Ousmane. At the same time, social media began flooding with pictures of destruction unfolding in an area previously considered safe.

As his family spent hours calling the army officers mobile, his phone rang out and later it went straight to voicemail.

It was the next day that his wife called me to tell me that she had been contacted to say her husband had died, the retired teacher told The Telegraph.

And thats how we learned. We learned and in turn, I informed his mother, I informed his brothers.

Ousmanes son was killed by the same al-Qaeda offshoot rampaging across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. It has become one of the worlds deadliest militant groups.

Amadou Traore was killed by an al-Qaeda offshoot that has rampaged its way across west Africa

Some 850 people have been massacred by Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) across the three countries in May alone, according to data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), a US crisis-monitoring group.

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The surge in attacks has marked one of the deadliest periods in the Sahels recent history and heightened fears about the stability of the region at a time when its junta regimes are estranged from former Western military allies.

After more than a decade of insurgency bloodshed which has caused mass displacement, there are fears the violence is now pushing toward coastal west Africa.

Credit: Al-Zallaqa / JNIM

Gen Michael Langley, the top US commander in Africa, said reaching the coast was one of the terrorists new objectives.

If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading, he said.

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Malis government was able to repel JNIMs attacks on July 1, but the push into the Kayes region has been described by analysts as a key change in the war.

At the same time, there has been an apparent shift from rural guerrilla tactics to a campaign aimed at controlling territory around urban centres and asserting political dominance in the Sahel, they said.

South-west Mali not only controls access to the nearby Senegal and Mauritania borders, but also contains much of Malis gold wealth.

Ulf Laessing, director of the Sahel programme at German think tank the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, said Mali still had a better grip on its south-west than elsewhere, but the new JNIM push could stretch government forces.

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JNIM is trying to establish a presence in south-western Mali near the Senegal border, which has been relatively quiet, Mr Laessing told The Telegraph.

The region is strategically important as Malis main supply route for imports from Dakar passes through Kayes and western Mali.

I think JNIM is trying to establish a new front, and force the army to move soldiers from the north and centre to the south.

Areas of Jnim activity from January 2023 to February 2025

Mali has been in deep crisis since early last decade, when Tuareg separatists and radical Islamist factions took over Timbuktu, Gao and other towns across the north.

French military intervention had some early success pushing them back, but Paris soon became bogged down in a difficult counter-insurgency mission marred by strained ties with the government.

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The violence spread into Niger and Burkina Faso and in 2017 JNIM was founded in a merger of jihadist groups including al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

JNIM and its estimated 6,000 to 7,000 fighters has since been the regions strongest militant group and is led by Iyad Ag Ghaly.

Ghaly, the former rebel leader in Malis Tuareg uprisings in the 1990s, led Ansar Dine, the fundamentalist group, as part of a coalition that briefly occupied northern Mali in 2012.

His ambition is thought to be to impose Islamic rule across the Sahel.

The fundamentalist groups aim is to imposes Islamic rule across the Sahel

Military coups in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have all capitalised on public anger at the failure to improve security in the face of JNIMs advance.

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Yet while the incoming juntas have kicked out Western allies, particularly the former colonial power France, and turned to the Kremlin for military support instead, the violence continues to worsen.

The juntas and Russian mercenaries are meanwhile accused of turning people against them by conducting atrocities as they try to beat back JNIMs advance.

Ibrahim Yahaya Ibrahim, of the International Crisis Group, said: The parties are fighting a war of attrition, with jihadist groups expanding in rural areas, and government forces and their Russian allies controlling urban centres.

Meanwhile, JNIMs battlefield tactics are reported to have become increasingly sophisticated, and now include the use of anti-aircraft weapons and drones.

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The group is also thought to gain hefty revenue from raids, cattle rustling, hijacking of goods, kidnappings and taxes on local communities.

It has imposed taxes in areas it controls and imposed a form of Sharia law, requiring women to wear veils and men to grow beards.

Mr Traore said that the JNIM attacks that had killed his son showed how powerful the group had become. He predicted only some form of negotiation would be able to stop the violence.

He said: It will take time and in my opinion, its negotiations, its dialogue that we must consider.

Because were fed up with this war all the time. Attacks here and there, killings here and there and deaths. Really, weve had enough. Weve had enough.

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A wrong-way driver crashed into another car on a DeForest highway early July 20, killing one person, and a second driver crashed into a squad car while police investigated the first crash.

Both drivers were arrested on suspicion of OWI. Five people were injured in the two crashes, including one with life-threatening injuries who was taken to a hospital by helicopter.

State troopers responded to a report of a head-on crash at 12:03 a.m. July 20 along I-39. A driver in a Chevrolet Suburban was suspected of traveling the wrong way and striking a Volkswagen Tiguan.

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The Chevrolet was fully engulfed in fire. The 30-year-old female driver from Portage was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and placed under arrest on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.

An 18-year-old female passenger in the Volkswagen was pronounced dead at the scene, and the 19-year-old male driver was flown via UW Medflight with life-threatening injuries. Both were from Minnesota.

While police were investigating and reconstructing the scene, a second crash occurred. A driver in an Acura TL crossed the yellow line and crashed into a DeForest Police squad car, which was fully lit with emergency lights and parked on the shoulder. No one was in the squad car at the time.

The Acura's driver, a 23-year-old McFarland man, was also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He and a 23-year-old female passenger from Oconomowoc were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Police are not releasing the names of the victims until their families are notified. Nearly 15 emergency response agencies responded to the crashes.

Contact Hope Karnopp at HKarnopp@gannett.com or on X at @hopekarnopp.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Two crashes kill 1, injure 5 in Deforest; drivers arrested for OWIs
Investigators are trying to determine how a man died Sunday afternoon after his body was found floating on Lake Lanier.

The Forsyth County Fire Department said they were called out to Bamby Road around 2 p.m. after the man was found near a private dock.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said the man was swimming around the dock when he went under.

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The fire department said they cannot confirm if the man drowned because his death was not witnessed.

DNR said there may have been an electric current in the water around the dock as well.

The mans body has been turned over to the Forsyth County Coroners Office to determine his cause of death.
It was a close call for a Delta regional jet pilot who said he had to make an aggressive maneuver to avoid a mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber.

The SkyWest jet was coming in for a landing in Minot, North Dakota, on Friday when the jet nearly collided with the massive military plane.

ABC News obtained video from passengers on board who recorded the apology the pilot made after landing safely at the airport.

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Given his speed ... I dont know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us, I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it, the pilot said. So sorry about the aggressive maneuver, it caught me by surprise, this is not normal at all. I dont know why they didnt give us a heads up, because the Air Force base does have radar ... long story short, it was not fun, but I do apologize for it, and thank you for understanding. Not a fun day at work.

It remains unclear how close the jets got to actually colliding or if any alarms went off in the cockpit to warn the pilots.

Minot is home to an Air Force base. The Air Force released a statement Sunday evening, saying:

We are aware of the recent reporting regarding commercial and Air Force aircraft operating in airspace around Minot International Airport. We are currently looking into the matter. We can confirm that a B-52 aircraft assigned to Minot AFB conducted a flyover of the North Dakota State Fair Friday evening. 

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In a statement, SkyWest said:

SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path. We are investigating the incident.

ABC News contributed to this story.
LOCKPORT  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 Congressional District 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.
After a recent visit to a food bank in her district, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) made an eyebrow-raising comment that has reignited debate over the use of taxpayer dollars to support illegal aliens.

Yesterday I was at a food bank in my district talking about the SNAP cuts, the horrible SNAP cuts and Medicaid cuts, and they told me that people are not even showing up to Head Start where they get their food, Jayapal said during a podcast appearance on the MeidasTouch Network.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal accidentally admits illegals receive taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits: Yesterday, I was at a food bank in my district talking about SNAP cuts people are not showing up because theyre afraid Its undocumented immigrants. Why are illegals in your district pic.twitter.com/AVY5VcmOKg  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 17, 2025

But she didnt stop there.

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Theyre not showing up to the food banks because theyre afraid  and its not just undocumented immigrants, it is. People of all legal statuses. Its undocumented immigrants who have been here for 20 years, she added, stumbling through the remark  a comment critics said appeared to contradict her partys narrative.

Online critics quickly seized on the remark as confirmation of something Democrats have long denied: that illegal aliens are receiving taxpayer-funded benefits, including food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)  a program Jayapal passionately supports.

Federal law prohibits illegal aliens from directly receiving SNAP benefits. However, in mixed-status households  where children born in the U.S. are citizens but their parents are undocumented  benefits can legally support the household, indirectly aiding the adults as well.

Democratic leaders continue to insist that SNAP benefits are limited to those who qualify under federal law. But Jayapals unscripted admission has cast fresh doubt on those claims.

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For many Americans, especially during a rising national debt and concerns over the influx of illegal immigration, the idea that benefits may be quietly extended to non-citizens, many of whom do not pay federal income taxes, is deeply troubling.

This isnt the first time Jayapal has found herself under fire this month.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials pushed back after Jayapal referred to the agency as a terrorist force in a July 1 Instagram post  sparking widespread backlash.

In a separate interview with CNNs Brianna Keilar, Jayapal doubled down, claiming that U.S. citizens were being detained by masked ICE agents without proper oversight  a claim ICE officials have called completely unfounded.

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Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons slammed the remarks as reckless and dangerous, noting a 700% rise in assaults on ICE officers, which he added is only worsened by Jayapals negative remarks. Not only that, Lyons also highlighted how Jayapals response came after a genuine terrorist attack on the ICE processing center in her own state.

An actual Antifa terrorist tried to blow up ICEs Northwest Processing Center in Rep. Jayapals home state of Washington in 2019. At the time, she tried to blame the violent attack on rhetoric from the right, in defense of an actual terrorist who tried to murder detainees and employees alike! Lyons said in a statement published two days after Jayapals post referring to ICE as terrorists.

Now, she labels ICE officers enforcing immigration law set by Congress terrorists. This, at a time when officers are facing a nearly 700% increase in assaults, in part due to the type of rhetoric she spews, Lyons added.

Voters in Washington may want to ask whether Jayapal is more interested in representing her district  or booking interviews to make provocative statements. Either way, Jayapals recent comments have added fuel to an already heated national debate over immigration, enforcement, and entitlement programs.
Donald Trumps political rivals seemed unshaken by his attempts to pin blame on them for the fallout over his administrations handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation this weekend.

As the president and his allies leveled allegations about the Biden Justice Department supposedly tampering with evidence to link Trump to the convicted pedophile, Democrats remained fixed on calling for the full release of the Justice Departments cache of evidence and investigation.

Even as news broke this past week that Trump had instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release grand jury testimony from the investigations into Epstein and his mistress, those same Democrats called the move an attempt to cover up the presidents involvement, given that it constituted less than full transparency.

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On Sunday, Sen. Amy Klobuchar laughed off a suggestion made by Trump on Wednesday in an interview with a MAGA-supporting channel, Real Americas Voice: I can imagine what they put into files, just like they did with the others.

The president blaming Democrats for this disaster, Jake, is like that CEO that got caught on camera blaming Coldplay, okay? Klobuchar joked to CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union, referencing a now-viral clip that made the rounds last week. This is a problem of his own making.

Senator Amy Klobuchar responded to Donald Trump's attempts to accuse Democrats of tampering with the investigation (Twitter - CNN State of the Union)

Eric Swalwell, a congressman from California, also discussed the presidents response and call for the release of the Epstein grand jury testimony.

If youre Donald Trump and you have Elon Musk saying youre in the files, and Mick Mulvaney, your former chief of staff, saying youre in the files, and Michael Wolff, your biographer saying that youre not just in the files but that theres some pretty disturbing things you did with underaged girls, wouldnt you want to clear your name? he asked during an appearance Saturday evening.

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I think thats why his supporters are scratching their heads, Swalwell continued, adding that the president was willing to throw his supporters overboard to keep these files buried.

Numerous other Democrats across the ideological spectrum joined in on the calls for the files release this past week, bridging across the partys ideological spectrum and revealing a generational divide more than a policy gap. Senior Democrats, like Nancy Pelosi, have referred to the controversy as a distraction.

But younger Democrats roll their eyes at the notion of letting Republicans off easy on the first issue that has truly divided the MAGA base in years.

This is Donald Trumps effortto gaslight you into thinking theyre turning over the Epstein files, when in reality, theyre turning over nothing that is relevant to what everybody deserves to know, Congressman Dan Goldman said on Friday. The grand jury testimony of course will only relate to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell  the two people who were charged in the case.

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The Justice Department moved this past week to unseal grand jury transcripts from the prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein and his girlfriend/accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while Maxwell remains in prison.

Any transcripts released from those grand jury proceedings would relate solely to Maxwell and Epstein themselves, and would not likely contain any mention of Trump or other powerful men known to have cultivated relationships with the billionaire financier who was set to face trial for sex trafficking underage girls when he died.

The motions were filed in court a day after the Epstein story again blew up with a bombshell story from Rupert Murdochs Wall Street Journal.

The Journal published the text of a note that was allegedly penned by Trump to Epstein as part of a 50th birthday card. The note itself was framed with the silhouette of a naked woman, Trumps signature in place of pubic hair; the contents alluding to a secret that Trump wrote the two men shared.

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Trump has fiercely denied the authenticity of all parts of the Journals reporting, from the drawing to the contents of the note.

On Friday and Saturday, Trump launched lawsuits against the newspaper as well as unaffiliated journalists who shared it on social media.
Democrats on Capitol Hill are pressing blue-state governors to redraw their House lines in response to a similar push by Texas Republicans, warning its the partys only chance to flip control of the lower chamber  and provide a check on President Trump  after next years midterms.

The Democrats are quick to maintain that mid-decade redistricting  a rare move defying the traditional decennial process  is a rotten trend to emulate and a bad precedent to set. But the urgency in what Democrats see as an existential fight against Trump demands a bending of the rules, they say, to fight fire with fire.

If the Republicans are going to redistrict in the middle of the decade, then we have no choice but to do the same, said Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.). Because to do otherwise would be unilateral disarmament.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is already heading in that direction, saying hes weighing multiple options for how the state can redraw its lines to counter the Texas GOP. And theres speculation that Democratic leaders in several other blue states, including Illinois and New York, are assessing whether to follow suit.

As those discussions evolve, House Democrats say theyre facing two bad options: Either they stick to their favored tradition of once-a-decade redistricting and watch Republicans, with a boost from Texas, keep control of the House in 2027, or they hold their noses and adopt the mid-decade remapping to neutralize the changes coming from Austin. Given the stakes, many are leaning toward the latter.

Its a race to the bottom, and I wish we werent in this place, said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.). But they have sort of forced the conversation, and I think you can understand why California and some other places feel like theyve got no choice but to consider something like that.

I mean, are we just going to sit back and take it?

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Trump fired off the first salvo this month when he said he was vying to pick up five seats in Texas as Gov. Greg Abbott (R) holds a special session next week to consider redistricting, among other priorities. Republicans in Washington are bracing for the traditional headwinds that accompany the presidents party in power during midterm seasons, and a midcycle map redrawing in deep-red Texas could help blunt the Republicans losses next year.

The move quickly infuriated Democrats, who saw Trump and Republicans as trying to game the system and preserve their slim House majority, before Democrats decided to change their tune and try to offset potential Republican gains by considering midcycle redistricting in blue states.

We can act holier than thou. We can sit on the sidelines, talk about the way the world should be, Newsom told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday. Or we can recognize the existential nature that is this moment.

California uses an independent redistricting commission to draw the states maps, a body that was initially borne out of a ballot measure that state voters approved in 2008, and that was later updated in 2010.

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Newsom has floated several ideas of how Democrats could tackle midcycle redistricting around the independent commission: One would be to create a constitutional amendment to go before voters, which would likely address the independent redistricting body, so that lawmakers could redraw the House maps.

Another would be what he described as a novel legal question, which would ultimately end in lawmakers crafting the lines themselves on the idea that the state constitution doesnt say anything about what happens during midcycle redistricting.

Members of Californias congressional delegation have signaled theyre on board even if their initial preference is to adhere to the independent redistricting commission.

Its out of my hands, its not really my choice or my process, but I do think that Democrats need to stop bringing [a] butter knife to a gunfight, said Rep. Dave Min (D-Calif.), who represents a competitive House seat.

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All of us want to see a fair process, but if Republicans are going to try to cheat and redistrict, I think Democratic states need to consider all options, he added.

Huffman said Democrats in California could easily pick up three or four seats through redistricting  and maybe more.

As Newsom plots his next move, some Democrats say other blue states should jump on board.

Torres said New York laws would make the process tricky, but hes pushing for it all the same, to the extent that we can legally.

New York is more complicated because of the state constitution, he said. But if Republicans are going to exhaust every means of building political power, then we should reciprocate.

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Asked if New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is considering a midcycle redistricting push, her senior communications adviser Jerrel Harvey told The Hill in a statement: Governor Hochul is closely monitoring the redistricting developments in Texas and any potential implications they may have.

In Illinois, some Democrats are singing a similar tune, arguing that Texass moves demand a retaliatory response that might include new maps in Springfield.

Given the extremity of what Texas is considering, it cant be ruled out, said Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.). Theyre dismantling the Voting Rights Act and disenfranchising communities that have been protected in the past, given their historic disenfranchisement.

We need to look at all possible recourse to keep the playing field as level as possible, he added.

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The official justification for the Texas redistricting was provided by Trumps Department of Justice (DOJ), which sent a July 7 letter to Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton saying the district lines are illegal because race was a factor in how they were drawn. The suggestion was that the process discriminated against white voters.

Four districts in particular currently constitute unconstitutional coalition districts and we urge the State of Texas to rectify these race-based considerations, Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general of the DOJs civil rights division, wrote to the Texas officials.

Democrats say that argument strains credulity, since it was Abbott and GOP legislators who drew the current lines just four years ago. Theyre accusing Republicans of abusing their authority  and diluting the minority vote  in a brazen effort to rig the map to stay in power because they couldnt win otherwise.

Its painfully clear why Republicans are doing this. They know they are going to lose the majority next year, said Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), the head of the House Democrats campaign arm.

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While Democrats believe redistricting is a needed avenue to counteract Republicans redistricting push in Texas, the party faces several hurdles of its own. For one, some members of the party have expressed qualms over the idea to redistrict midcycle, suggesting its antidemocratic.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), however, countered those concerns by saying that voters were pissed that many lost their health care under the presidents reconciliation bill.

Theyre also pissed that their neighbors are being apprehended by people wearing masks and indefinitely being detained, and these are nonviolent people that its happening to, Swalwell added. So right now, theyre saying, Protect us, and this is one break-glass way to protect it.

A more serious hurdle, though, could be how the maps are drawn and whether they violate the Voting Rights Act. Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), said that shaving down majority-minority seats runs the danger of violating the Voting Rights Act.

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Saenz said that MALDEF would sue if either party engaged in midcycle redistricting that violated the Voting Rights Act as it pertained to Latino communities.

Meanwhile, Democrats across the board say the stakes are high.

This is not just about Texas or California or any other blue state  this is really the moment where we decide as a country whether our democracy succeeds or fails, because it is about something so much bigger, said Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
DALTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A passenger on a motorcycle died after a crash in Muskegon County, on Saturday, deputies say.

It happened around 3 p.m. on Holton Road, near 5th Street. The Muskegon County Sheriffs Office says that the motorcycle and a car were headed north on Holton and that the car began to slow down to turn left.

The motorcycle was behind the vehicle and was unable to stop and crashed into the car, according to deputies.

The motorcyclist, a male, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, according to the sheriffs office. The passenger, a 58-year-old woman from Clare County, died at the scene.

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The two people in the car were uninjured.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Fresno County Sheriffs Office is investigating a homicide that happened Friday.

Police responded to the area of Seventh Avenue and Nevada Street in Kingsburg on a report of an assault with a deadly weapon.

Officers found a man with signs of trauma. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The name and age of the victim were not made available, pending notification of family.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sheriffs Detective Jose Diaz at 559-600-8204 or Detective Oscar Iniguez at 559-600-8201. Those who submit tips to Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867 or www.valleycrimestoppers.org will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case #25-7346.
Key information on Jeffrey Epstein's relationships with the rich and powerful is unlikely to be found in grand jury transcripts the White House wants to be unsealed, Alan Dershowitz, Epstein's former lawyer, said Sunday.

Instead, Dershowitz told Shannon Bream on "Fox News Sunday" that the relevant information is in "sealed records by two or three federal judges in the New York courts."

The White House has come under fire from some of its top MAGA supporters after it released a statement in early July that a Department of Justice and FBI investigation found no evidence of an incriminating client list maintained by Epstein. Then last Thursday, a Wall Street Journal article reported President Donald Trump had sent Epstein a letter marked with innuendo for the disgraced financier's 50th birthday. Trump has denied the report, and POLITICO has not independently verified the letter's existence.

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Seeking to quiet the escalating anger, the president on Thursday ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to ask a judge to unseal the grand jury testimony from Epstein's case.

But, "the information that hasn't been requested is going to be far more informative and far more relevant than the grand jury information," Dershowitz told Bream. "Grand jury information is narrowly tailored by prosecutors only to provide sufficient evidence to result in an indictment."

Instead, the longtime Harvard professor and lawyer for the likes of Epstein, Trump and O.J. Simpson on Sunday lobbied for Epstein confidant Ghislaine Maxwell, now serving a 20-year prison sentence, to be granted immunity in exchange for testifying in front of a congressional committee.

"She knows everything," Dershowitz said. "She is the Rosetta Stone. She knows everything. She arranged every single trip with everybody. She knows everything. And if she were just given use immunity, she could be compelled to testify. I'm told that she actually would be willing to testify. And there'd be no reason for her to withhold any information."
One suspect was released under restrictive conditions, while the other two were placed under house arrest until Monday. During the attack, Odehs car was damaged, and protesters spat at him.

The Rishon Lezion Magistrates Court ruled in favor of releasing three detainees on Sunday who were held for allegedly attacking Hadash-Ta'al chairman and MK Ayman Odeh during a protest in Ness Ziona on Saturday, the police said.

One suspect was released under restrictive conditions, while the other two were placed under house arrest until Monday.

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During the attack, several protesters surrounded Odeh's car, spat at him, and caused significant damage to the vehicle, including cracking the windshield and damaging the fender.

Eyewitnesses reported that police officers at the scene took minimal action, choosing instead to "contain" the situation rather than intervene forcefully.

Following the altercation, Odeh left the area under police escort. Despite his departure, the protest continued, with repeated attempts made to disrupt it. Knesset member Ofer Cassif was among those present, commenting, "The attack is coming from above."

Cassif was also accosted by protesters, according to video footage circulating on social media.

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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."

Hadash-Ta'al say attack 'echoes the dark days,' vows to continue to prevail

"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.

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."




NEED TO KNOW

Sharmaine Forpahl was fatally stabbed in Cleveland on July 10 while her five young kids were present

Charles F. Barkley, with whom Forpahl was briefly romantically involved, was arrested and charged in connection with the murder

Forpahl was "a devoted single mother to her children, according to her best friend





Five children are adjusting to their new normal after their mom was murdered.

On July 10, Sharmaine Forpahl, a 32-year-old single mother of five, was stabbed multiple times in the citys Old Brooklyn neighborhood, and died of her wounds, Cleveland 19 News reported. Police found her body near the door to her home, according to the Ohio outlet.

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Forpahls children, the youngest of whom is 7 years old, were at the scene of the crime, per Cleveland 19 News. The mom of five was stabbed to death in front of them, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser created by the late mothers best friend, Ciara Drake, on behalf of her kids.

Her body was found just a few steps from her front door, leaving her children devastated and without their mother," Drake wrote.

Gofundme Sharmaine Forpahl Sharmaine Forpahl

Charles F. Barkley was arrested and charged in connection with murder for the fatal stabbing  which Drake described as a domestic dispute  according to Cleveland 19 News. Barkley, 44, and Forpahl were briefly romantically involved, the outlet reported.

The Cleveland Division of Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Saturday, July 19.

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Forpahl was "a devoted single mother to her kids  Harlem, 7, Honesty, 9, Anastasia, 11, Nikiah, 12, and Theodis Jr., 15  Drake said in the GoFundMe she created for the grieving siblings.

She recently moved into a peaceful single-family home in a quiet neighborhood, where she enjoyed spending quality time with her children and creating a loving, safe environment for them, Drake wrote of her best friend in the GoFundMe message, which concluded: Rest in Peace, Sharmaine. You will always be loved and missed.

Cuyahoga County Jail Charles F. Barkley, the man charged with the murder of Sharmaine Forpahl Charles F. Barkley, the man charged with the murder of Sharmaine Forpahl

Through the fundraiser  which has raised more than $8,000 of its $10,000 goal as of July 19  Drake hopes to provide a financial foundation for Forpahl's kids "education and well-being. She also wants to help them remember their mom, she told Cleveland 19 News.

"Im worried about making sure her memory stays alive for her younger children, Drake told the outlet. Because when you lose someone that young, eventually memories start to fade.

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Forpahls youngest child, 7-year-old Harlem, doesnt really understand that his mom is gone yet, the late moms sister, Sky Harmon, told the Ohio outlet. And its just so sad they have to go through that at a young age.

Gofundme Sharmaine Forpahl Sharmaine Forpahl

I know youre playing. ... This has got to be a dream, Harmon tearfully told Cleveland 19 News. It hurts because Ill never hear from her.

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.

Harmon also said that since the fatal July 10 stabbing, she has been scrolling through old text conversations with her sister, who was always there to help her.

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When I need something, thats who Im FaceTiming, she said of Forpahl. I cant do that anymore. Its like, Who do I got? 

A funeral for Forpahl will be held on July 26, according to her obituary.

Read the original article on People
It seems that there is now concern in Washington that Damascus is not able to hold things together. Israel has played a complex role in this.

Days before violence broke out in Sweida between Druze and Bedouin tribesmen, the president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, was in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is a rising power in the region and has not historically played a major role in Middle East affairs. It has preferred to build its strength and economic power slowly.

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Its decision to do outreach to the new government in Damascus showed that it judged now was the time to do more. Sharaa was in Baku to discuss energy deals and other investments. Its possible he was also there to discuss Israel, because Azerbaijan and Israel are strategic partners.

However, the trip didnt end with the kind of results one might expect. Rumors that Syria might join the Abraham Accords, and that Syria was marching toward creating a new unified state, have blown up in Sharaas face. What happened in Sweida that caused things to crumble? There are likely several narratives that might explain it better.

First of all, Sharaa had also recently met with the US envoy Tom Barrack to discuss the unification and integration of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces.

A BEDOUIN fighter walks with a weapon near damaged cars and buildings in Sweida, Syria, this past Saturday. The Druze are under siege once again, the writer asserts. (credit: Karam al-Masri/Reuters)

Barrack had appeared to scold the SDF for not moving faster to integrate. This was part of a process agreed to in March 2025 by SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and Sharaa. The US was going to draw down troops, and a unified Syria was supposed to be able to deal with extremist threats such as ISIS.

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Is it plausible that, behind the scenes, some groups were working to destabilize southern Syria, while Sharaa was looking elsewhere? Some might argue that Iran and others have an interest in causing damage to a US-backed Damascus, and also in any chance of Syria and Damascus patching things up.

Iran is also nonplussed with Azerbaijan. Is it plausible that Iran or its agents in Syria set off a powder keg? To believe that one would have to believe the claims that some Druze factions in Sweida were once pro-Assad and that they harbor pro-Assad feelings, or at the very least, they are involved in contacts that could undermine Damascus. Some also claim these same Sweida factions are involved in the Captagon drug trade, which pro-Assad militias once dominated.

All politics is local

The Iranian conspiracy angle behind the Sweida violence doesnt seem to hold a lot of weight. It seems too complicated. The best explanation is also simpler. All politics is local. The fact is that Druze and Bedouin tribes have chafed before in southern Syria. On July 13, clashes began.

This is at least the third round of clashes between the Druze and pro-government groups. Therefore, this is not new. Israel has vowed to protect the Druze. Therefore, some Druze factions likely think they have power on their side. They assume that if there are clashes and the tide turns against the Druze factions, Israel will come to their aid. This means they may be willing to take more risks.

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Israel has demanded that southern Syria be demilitarized. This power vacuum means that armed groups and factions dominate the countryside. Attempts to reduce tensions take longer because Damascus cant deploy heavier forces. That doesnt mean Damascus isnt responsible for security.

It can send men on trucks to man checkpoints. It has the support of the people of Daraa and the tribes. The Druze are more complex, but some factions prefer Damascus and others do not.

What was Sharaa thinking when reports came in about the clashes? He has mismanaged this in the past. Despite his apparent good choices in foreign policy in the region, balancing various countries, he seems bad at tactical decisions relating to local groups.

Why is this? Sharaa came out of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an armed group that ran Idlib. Under his former nom de guerre, Mohammed al-Jolani, he successfully navigated local politics and tribal groups. He once served prison time in Iraq. He had a lot of experience.

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Some of the experience was working with extremist groups. However, he was able to channel that to create a successful unified HTS army in Idlib that overthrew the Assad regime. You dont overthrow a 50-year-old regime easily. Clearly it takes some acumen.

On the other hand, revolutionaries who come to power often have trouble reining in the revolution. Consider the Bolshevik revolution in Russia in 1917.

Consider also how Russia fell into a half-decade civil war that included numerous White Army factions fighting the Reds and many foreign countries intervening. Syria has already gone through 14 years of civil war with numerous fronts and factions and countries intervening. Therefore, wasnt Sharaa already an expert in this. Wasnt he steeled by war?

This is what leads to serious questions about Sharaa and his inability to control the conflict in Sweida. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio came out with a tough statement on July 19 that points to this inconsistency in Damascus. The rape and slaughter of innocent people which has and is still occurring must end, Rubio said.

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If authorities in Damascus want to preserve any chance of achieving a unified, inclusive, and peaceful Syria free of ISIS 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, he added.

Furthermore, the fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups inside the perimeter must also stop immediately.

It seems that there is now concern in Washington that Damascus is not able to hold things together. Israel has played a complex role in this.

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By demanding demilitarization in southern Syria, Israel has helped fuel the chances that there will be a power vacuum. During the Sweida crisis, Israel was quick to begin airstrikes on July 14 and 15. These grew to include a large strike on central Damascus.

The government in Damascus appears to have responded to the strikes by withdrawing its limited security forces from areas near Sweida. The result was that thousands of Bedouins then mobilized to fight. They brought trucks and weapons from home.

The Bedouin were fueled by videos circulating online that showed Bedouin being killed by Druze. Whether the videos were all confirmed is not clear, but the effect was clear. Bedouin tribes put aside their differences and went to fight. Damascus only reined them in on July 18 and 19. As such, Damascus showed that it could stand by and let fighting continue.

Damascus is between a rock and a hard place. Sharaa wants to appease groups that worked with HTS to defeat Assad. His natural feelings are toward those Sunni Arabs in Syria who made up the bulk of his fighters. However, he has also tried to have half the ministers in his government come from other groups not linked to HTS.

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The top ministers in the government are all HTS. That means that the tendency in Damascus is to side with groups like the Bedouin. Sharaa is also being told to be at war with Israel. His tendency then is to work on other issues, such as foreign affairs, where there are expected gains. There are diminishing returns in southern Syria and only bad options for Damascus.

When Damascus intervenes, it is accused of suppressing the Druze. When it doesnt intervene, it is accused of fueling attacks. Both may be true. However, the reality is that someone will need to come up with a solution that enables peace and not more rounds of violence.
MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  Another year has passed since Patricia (Patti) Adkins disappeared, who was officially declared legally dead in what is now a 24-year-old cold case in central Ohio.

But the Columbus Division of Police and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers continue to ask for the publics assistance in locating a Union County woman who has not been seen since 2001.

Flags ordered to be flown at half-staff in Ohio

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Adkins was last seen leaving the Honda of America Manufacturing plant in Marysville on June 29, 2001. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

According to NBC News, Adkins was scheduled to take a trip to Canada with her boyfriend. But when she did not return to pick up her daughter, Adkins sister reported her missing on July 8.

Crime Stoppers say no one, including Adkins daughter and family members, has heard from her, with financial and personal records showing no activity since her disappearance.

Patti Adkins

NBC News said police have interviewed Adkins boyfriend, and he has denied having anything to do with her disappearance. The Union County Sheriffs Office said the boyfriend remains the primary suspect, though little evidence has been connected to him.

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According to the NBC News report, the investigation later revealed that Adkins had given her boyfriend roughly $90,000 in the months leading up to her disappearance.

Foul play is suspected, with courts declaring Adkins legally dead at 29 years of age, per Crime Stoppers. She would be 53 years old now, and the Union County Sheriffs Office continues to investigate any and all leads.

Historic Columbus building with French bistro sold for $2 million

I dont have hope that my sisters alive, Pattis sister Marcia told NBC4 in June 2016. I knew when she didnt return that she was not alive, but I have hope that justice will happen, that someone will be held accountable for her death.

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In 2022 Crime Stoppers issued a $25,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the discovery of Adkins. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPDATE 9:40 p.m.: Weber County Sheriffs Office confirms the deceased body of the 23-year-old man was found around 9:10 p.m. His identity has not yet been released, as deputies are notifying next-of-kin.

Were extremely grateful to the diver teams for their hard work. Our heart goes out to the family of the victim, said Lt. Endsley, Weber County Sheriffs Department Public Information Officer.

Original Article:

WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  Diving crews from Weber County Sheriff Search and Rescue are currently searching for a man who may have drowned in Causey Reservoir Saturday afternoon.

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Weber County Sheriff responded to 911 texts from Causey Reservoir, about 15 miles northeast of Ogden, around 2:30 p.m.

A 23-year-old man was cliff jumping into the water when he resurfaced briefly before disappearing under and never coming back up.

An AirMed helicopter, Weber County deputies, and Search and Rescue diving crews are among those currently on the search.

Weber County Sheriff has asked the public to stay away from Causey Reservoir as the search persists. Causey Drive, the road leading to the reservoir, is currently closed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(NewsNation)  The Department of Defense is planning to use two U.S. military bases to house detained migrants, according to a letter from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The letter, first obtained by NJ Spotlight News, was sent on July 15 to the House Committee on Armed Services and members of Congress representing the areas where the bases are located. Hegseth writes that the plan will not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness or other military requirements, including National Guard or Reserve readiness.

Hegseth identified Camp Atterbury in Indiana and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey as the two bases that would temporarily house migrants but did not provide a number of how many would be moved there or when.

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Noem touts worst of the worst arrests in recent ICE raids

An official from the Department of Defense told NewsNation partner The Hill in a statement that Hegseth had approved a Department of Homeland Security request for assistance to use the two bases, adding that temporary soft-sided holding facilities, would be established.

The facilities would be similar to the tent structures in place at the detention center in Florida dubbed Alligator Alcatraz.

On Friday, White House Border Czar Tom Homan told reporters outside the White House that ICE detention facilities have about 60,000 beds for detained migrants but need 100,000.

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I woke up one morning, we had less than 200 beds, well fill them by half a day. So, we are constantly having to change flight arrangements and move deportations as quickly as we can to empty beds, Homan said. We shouldnt be in that position.

How $45B in big, beautiful bill funding aids ICE detention

A group of Democratic lawmakers in New Jersey posted a statement to social media Friday condemning the decision to use the bases writing, this is an inappropriate use of our national defense system.

This would not be the first time military bases have been used to house migrants. In 2014, the Obama administration temporarily used military bases to house migrant children during a surge at the border. During the Biden administration, some U.S. bases were also used to temporarily house Afghan refugees.

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DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has said shes been in contact with other states about opening additional migrant detention facilities like Alligator Alcatraz.

Without confirming that they have been contacted, spokespersons for governors in South Carolina, Mississippi and Texas have told NewsNation they are ready to assist in Trumps immigration enforcement plans.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Israels enemies have known that 85%-95% of their short-range rockets would be shot down by Iron Dome. But they also knew some would get through.

In dual revelations on May 28 and June 4, the IDF and Rafael said they have developed three laser platforms to use for air defense, and that one of the platforms shot down about 40 Hezbollah drones last fall.

They also confirmed earlier announcements that the laser would be fully and regularly deployed by the end of 2025, which is now only four months away.

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How will this change Israeli security and life on the home front? There are several aspects that need to be addressed to answer that question. The most important one, cost, has been the most covered so far.

Iron Dome interceptors currently cost Israel $40,000 to $100,000. Before the war, Hamas spent an estimated $300 to $800 on its cheaper rockets, with costs less well-known regarding some of its better rockets.

Iron Beam, Iron Beam M (mobile), and Lite Beam cost almost nothing, since each time they fire, it is equivalent in many ways to turning on a light with a brief burst of electricity.

The IDF announced that its Iron Beam-like laser defense system has shot down dozens of aerial threats during the war, May 28, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Less covered has been how Israeli lasers will project greater power to intimidate enemies from even bothering to fire short-range rockets and drones.

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These lasers can shoot down threatening projectiles much faster and earlier in their trajectory, because a laser moves basically at the speed of light. They can also fire multiple laser beams at once to provide wider defense coverage than one defensive shot by Iron Dome.

How motivated will a Hamas or Hezbollah terrorist be to keep firing rockets when he sees the rocket shot down just over his head shortly after it leaves its launcher and long before it gets into any position of being able to be a threat?

Israels enemies have known that 85%-95% of their short-range rockets would be shot down by Iron Dome. But they also knew some would get through, and they got to watch their rockets sail off into the distance, with the moment they were shot down usually being too far off for them to see.

This change of hitting the threatening rocket or drone much earlier in their trajectory could also extraordinarily change life on the home front.

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Until now, as soon as Israels enemies rockets lifted off, IDF warning sirens had to go off in a number of areas to give civilians enough time to reach safe rooms and bomb shelters should the rocket succeed at striking a residential area.

If the lasers can shoot down the rockets earlier in their trajectory, there may be no need to activate the air-raid sirens.

The psychological war, in which Israels enemies feel they have accomplished something by getting two million Israelis to run into safe areas in the middle of the night, even if they do not kill anyone, could be removed, thereby decreasing the motivation for firing such rockets.

Terrorist organizations have been shown to adapt

But Hezbollah and Hamas have shown they can learn and adapt. After all, the tunnel, rocket, and drone threats were all adaptations to use asymmetric, cheap weapons against Israel in areas where the Jewish states defenses were costlier and less hermetic. One alternative would be for these groups to switch to the Iranian and Houthi ballistic-missile threat.

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Their problem would be that ballistic missiles are a much more complex operation to build, set up to fire, train firing teams, conceal before firing, and pay for. But if they can gain ballistic missiles, the lasers would likely still be useless for now, with a range limited to about 10 kilometers and focused on following much slower targets.

The Arrow 2 and 3 missile-defense systems shoot down ballistic missiles much higher in the Earths atmosphere, a place where lasers are not even close to reaching. Lasers lose their intensity over distance, especially if they have to travel through clouds and other inclement weather.

No one knows how long it will take to provide lasers that can shoot down long-range threats such as ballistic missiles, but no one is even really working on that yet. Given how long it took to develop Iron Beam, a 10-year waiting period could be a realistic prediction, and a lot can change in war and security in 10 years.

There is another time factor that could delay Iron Beams effectiveness.

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Each shot is cheap, but producing enough laser batteries for it to be used on a large-scale basis, like Iron Dome, will be very expensive.

Iron Dome was first deployed in 2011, but there was a limited number of batteries. The real number is classified, but over time, public reports have placed the number of Iron Dome batteries as high as 12.

How long will it take to produce enough Iron Beam batteries to cover what 12 Iron Dome batteries can cover? While it will probably take less than 10 years, it will also probably take more than a year or two.

Make no mistake, the Iron Beam is a game changer, but it still may take some time for that change to be fully felt.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Duane Dog Chapman is mourning the loss of a beloved family member.

The Dog the Bounty Hunter stars stepson Gregory Zecca shot and killed his 13-year-old son Anthony, per TMZ, on July 19 during an accidental shooting at their apartment in Naples, Florida.

"We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident, reps for Dog and his wife Francie Frane wrote in a statement to the outlet, and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony."

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After law enforcement responded to a call about a shooting around 8 p.m. that night, per the outlet, the shooting has been determined an isolated incident. While there have not been any arrests in connection to the shooting, the investigation is ongoing.

E! News has reached out to Naples Police Department as well as Dog and Francies reps but has not heard back.

Francie, who shares Gregory with her late husband, tied the knot with Dog in 2021 after bonding over the grief of losing both of their partners to cancer.

More from E! Online

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"For a living, she's a rancher and she recently lost her husband to cancer six months before I lost Beth Chapman so we hopped on the phone, started talking to each other, crying and consoling each other and then one thing led to another and it's just incredible that I've been able to meet someone like her," Dog shared on TMZ Live in May 2020. "With Francie, I'm allowed to speak about Beth, we speak about her husband. We cry. We hold each other."

With a supportive new partner, he found himself slowly healing and feeling like himself again.

Instagram

"I am a fixer. I have to catch bad guys. I got to be at the top of my game. I can't feel sorry for myself or guilty," he continued. "I got to go out there and make a difference. That's what I do for a living so I've got to man up. She helps me do that."

And while he assured fans that his family supported his and Francies romance, Dogwho is father to 13 kidshad a hunch that his late wife would give them her blessing as well.

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"As far as my gene pool, I think she would approve, he said at the time. I didn't have ranchers in my gene pool. I don't know if Beth even knows. She's kicking around with the angels. She's all happy. I don't know if she knows."

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App




Motorists and residents are facing severe traffic congestion in Areia Preta as construction intensifies on the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) East Line and the Avenida do Nordeste pedestrian footbridge.

The Transport Bureau (DSAT) acknowledged the rising traffic woes caused by these pivotal infrastructure projects. The area, a vital traffic artery linking the Macau Peninsula to Taipa via the Amizade Bridge, and providing access to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, is experiencing significant disruptions, complicating commutes for many.

Changes include temporary closures of on-street parking spaces on Rua 1 de Maio and a reduction of Avenida do Nordeste from six lanes to just two.

The closure of these lanes has led to severe traffic jams and an increase in illegal parking, as drivers occupy travel lanes for extended periods.

Leung Yan Pong, vice president of the Association of Residents of the Northeast Zone of Macau, told local broadcaster TDM that illegally parked vehicles are blocking lanes normally reserved for loading and unloading goods, which is worsening traffic congestion.

Leung urged drivers to plan their routes carefully, especially during peak hours. He also called on authorities to take action, saying, We suggest the police issue advisories and, if necessary, enforce the law in the short term to improve traffic flow.

Drivers and residents have also voiced concerns that construction barricades and equipment are partially obscuring traffic signals, creating hazards, especially for motorcycles and unfamiliar drivers.

One driver noted that obstructed signals make navigation challenging, while a pedestrian shared that she must walk further to cross the road because some crosswalks are blocked due to construction.

DSAT said it is collaborating closely with construction teams and traffic enforcement agencies to minimize disruptions and is prepared to adjust its plans as needed to maintain smooth traffic flow.

The solutions it has implemented include phased and zoned road closures, temporarily relocating bus stops on Avenida do Nordeste, and expanding temporary traffic lanes to maintain two-way traffic flow.

The LRT East Line is expected to open in 2027, providing a new transit route between the Macau Peninsula border gate and the Taipa ferry terminal. The line will serve the newly developed Urban Zones A and E.

At the same time, construction is underway on a pedestrian footbridge along Avenida do Nordeste. Work began in early 2025, and the footbridge is set for completion by 2028. Once finished, it will connect to Avenida Venceslau de Morais.

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NEED TO KNOW

Duane Dog Chapman's stepson Gregory Zecca's son Anthony is dead

Zecca allegedly killed the 13-year-old during an accidental shooting at a Florida apartment on July 19

"We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible, tragic accident," the Dog the Bounty Hunter alum and wife Francie Chapman, who is Zecca's mother, said





Duane Dog Chapman's stepson Gregory Zecca allegedly shot his 13-year-old son Anthony, leading to the teenager's accidental death.

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The Dog the Bounty Hunter alum's family member was killed during an accidental shooting at an apartment in Naples, Fla., on Saturday, July 19, TMZ reported.

Police confirmed to the outlet that they responded to a call about a shooting around 8 p.m. local time. Authorities called the tragedy an "isolated incident" and said they haven't made any arrests.

Dog, 72, and his wife, Francie Chapman  who is Zecca's mother  told TMZ, through a representative, "We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible, tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony."

Representatives for the couple, as well as the Collier County Sheriffs Office (CCSO), did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, July 20.

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Francie Chapman/Instagram Francie Chapman, Dog the Bounty Hunter and Gregory Zecca's son Anthony. Francie Chapman, Dog the Bounty Hunter and Gregory Zecca's son Anthony.

Zecca is Francie's son from her previous marriage. She and Dog married in 2021, after they bonded over their shared grief following the death of their respective spouses. (Beth Chapman, Dog's fifth wife, died at age 51 in June 2019.)

According to TMZ, Zecca works with Dog on his bounty hunting team.

Dog is a father to 13 children total. He shares son Christopher with Debbie White, sons Duane Lee II and Leeland with ex-wife Fonda Sue Darnell, and sons Wesley, James Robert and the late Zebadiah with ex-wife Anne Tegnell.

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He is also a dad to Tucker, Lyssa and the late Barbara with ex-wife Lyssa Rae Brittain, and he shared daughters Bonnie and Cecily and son Garry with late wife Beth.

The reality TV star revealed in 2023 that he recently discovered that he fathered a son named Jon.



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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been rocked by a wave of recent firings, a sign the administration is not done culling the ranks of career officials as it seeks to shape the department under a second Trump term.

Maurene Comey, a New York-based federal prosecutor and the daughter of the former FBI director, was fired Wednesday without explanation.

And news broke this week that the Justice Department also fired immigration court Judge Jennifer Peyton, who served as head of the Chicago immigration court system, shortly after the jurist gave a tour to Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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Those firings come on the heels of the dismissal of at least 20 staffers who worked under former special counsel Jack Smith, a group that includes not only attorneys but also support staff and even U.S. marshals.

Attorney General Pam Bondi last week also fired the top career ethics official at the department, Joseph Tirrell, the latest in a string of ethics officials pushed out under President Trump.

Every time I think were at some point when the firings are over, theres another wave. So I would predict well see more, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Its more dedicated career professionals being given walking papers when they really deserve to be elevated and empowered. And to fire the ethics attorney, I think, speaks volumes about where shes taking the department, Blumenthal said.

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Justice Connection, a network of the departments alumni dedicated to protecting colleagues who are under attack, estimates that more than 200 employees have been terminated at DOJ, a figure that includes firings at the FBI and other agencies, as well as prosecutors who worked on the cases of Jan. 6 rioters at the U.S. attorneys office in D.C.

The senseless terminations at the Justice Department are growing exponentially. The very institution created to enforce the law is trampling over the civil service laws enacted by Congress. Its shameful, and its devastating the workforce, Stacey Young, executive director and founder of the group, said in a statement to The Hill

DOJ leadership is making clear the ability to keep your job is not tied to your performance, your expertise, or your commitment to uphold and defend the Constitution. Those who remain at the department are now worried about how to uphold their professional ethical standards when it seems that their willingness to do whatever they are ordered matters more than any other aspect of their work.

The Justice Department declined to comment on personnel matters.

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Many of the attorneys who were fired have received brief letters saying they were terminated under the authority of the second article of the Constitution, the one that establishes the presidency.

A letter from Comey to her colleagues referenced the guiding ethos of the Justice Department: to pursue cases without fear or favor.

Our focus was really on acting without favor. That is, making sure people with access, money, and power were not treated differently than anyone else; and making sure this office remained separate from politics and focused only on the facts and the law, Comey said in the memo. But we have entered a new phase where without fear may be the challenge.

In the case of Peyton, Durbin said he sees a direct line between the tour she gave him  something he called a routine oversight visit  and her termination.

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Judge Peyton took time to show me the court and explain its functions. Soon after, she received an email from Department of Justice political appointees. The email claimed that immigration judges should not directly communicate with members of Congress and congressional staff and required all communications from congressional offices to be forwarded to headquarters for review and response, Durbin said in a Tuesday email.

Judge Peyton was fired soon after. Her abrupt termination is an abuse of power by the Administration to punish a non-political judge simply for doing her job.

On Smiths team, the recent firings make for at least 37 staffers who have been dismissed, according to Reuters.

And on the ethics front, beyond Tirrell, Jeffrey Ragsdale, the head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, which reviews the conduct of attorneys in the department, was fired in March. Bradley Weinsheimer, another top ethics official, resigned after he was reassigned to a new working group focused on cracking down on sanctuary cities.

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Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he sees two primary patterns.

This is Pam Bondi attempting to go after all the presidents perceived political enemies, to go after dedicated prosecutors who brought cases successfully to conviction. Its also part of the broader effort to completely rewrite history about Jan. 6, he told The Hill, adding that he expects more firings of those deemed insufficiently pro-MAGA.

He then listed a string of officials inside and outside of DOJ that have been fired under Trump, including the heads of the Office of Special Counsel and the Office of Government Ethics.

They seem to be doing everything they can to eviscerate any kind of watchdog or ethical oversight  clearly part of a pattern of trying to eliminate all accountability, said Schiff, who sent a letter to Bondi this week asking for more details on Tirrells firing and plans to comply with ethics guidelines at the department.

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Beyond the firings, many Justice Department lawyers have left the department of their own accord, with several sharing with The Hill they feared being asked to do something illegal or forced to defend unlawful actions.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, said the result is a culture of fear at the Justice Department.

The Department of Justice is now a joke. When you look at the history of a once storied and legendary department, Pam Bondi has defined her job as doing whatever Donald Trump wants. Shes completely sycophantic and subservient. And there may be some lawyers still left in the building who are trying to do their jobs in an honest way consistent with professional ethics, but everything has been supported, subordinated to the political will of Donald Trump, he told The Hill.

Its a tough thing for the real lawyers who are still there, and they express a lot of fear and anxiety about where the DOJ is going.

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He added that some Republican colleagues, largely former prosecutors, have privately expressed concern over the firings.

I have had Republican colleagues who were former federal prosecutors telling me privately that they are absolutely appalled that United States assistant attorneys are being fired because they worked on the Jan. 6 case, Raskin said.

Think about the implications of that. People are being fired for doing their jobs well, and their job was bringing cases against people who violently assaulted federal police officers, he said.

But that concern was not publicly shared by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the chair of the panel.

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I have confidence in President Trump, confidence in his team at the Justice Department, if thats what they think is in the best interest of fulfilling their mission, thats their call, he told The Hill.

I dont know [the] particulars about each individual, but if thats what the attorney general believes is in the best interest of the Justice Departments mission, thats fine.

Comey and Tirrell both addressed morale in letters to their colleagues.

Comey said unjustified firings mean fear may seep into the decisions of those who remain.

Do not let that happen. Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought. Instead of fear, let this moment fuel the fire that already burns at the heart of this place. A fire of righteous indignation at abuses of power. Of commitment to seek justice for victims. Of dedication to truth above all else, she wrote.

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Tirrell, too, hinted at a call to action from colleagues.

I believe in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice, he wrote in a post on LinkedIn that included his brief termination notice.

I also believe that Edmund Burke is right and that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In the bitter fallout from the breakup of the year, President Donald Trump threatened to cancel government contracts held with Elon Musk and his SpaceX operations. Now that hes in the find out stage, hes discovering its not as easy as he thought.

Trump administration staffers tasked with reviewing SpaceXs government contracts believe that terminating them would have a serious impact on both NASA and the Defense Department, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal.

ALLISON ROBBERT / AFP via Getty Images

Following the review, only a few of SpaceXs existing contracts could face further scrutiny. None of them, however, has been canceled, as there simply isnt any rival who can do the job more cheaply or reliably.

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This is unsurprising, given that SpaceX is by far the biggest company in the world when it comes to putting stuff into space. Last year, it accounted for 83 percent of global satellite launches.

The U.S. government has contracted with the company for years, and its technology is instrumental in maintaining Ukrainian military communications in the ongoing Russian conflict. For its services, Musks company has received at least $21 billion in taxpayer funding, with an additional $13 billion still to come.

Musk is not the only billionaire in the space game though, and the government has long been concerned about the effective monopoly of Musks company. Jeff Bezos Blue Origin won seven contracts in the last round of Trump administration awards, even though SpaceX nabbed 28, a little over half.

Musk and Trump, pictured during a lively chat in the White House in March, had a high-profile fallout. / ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images

Theres no replacing SpaceX, defense and space analyst Todd Harrison told Forbes. You just do not have the capacity in our other launch options.

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Still, SpaceX is not the only Musk-affiliated company that the U.S. government has ties to. Earlier this week, the government announced a $200 million deal between the Pentagon and the Musk-owned xAI company to develop artificial intelligence capabilities in the warfighting domain. The news came not long after the xAI-built chatbot Grok described itself as MechaHitler on X.

In total, the man who was once the head of the DOGE department tasked with slashing government spending has swept up government contracts worth $38 billion.

Many of these contracts$15.7 billion of which went to Teslawere signed under former President Joe Biden. Despite the current administrations fervor for tarnishing the reputation of its predecessor, this is one area where it simply seems to be stuck.
At least 35 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 an estimated 49 people on board 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.

Initially, officials feared at least 38 had died in the tragedy, but this was later revised down to 35. Ten were rescued and crews are scrambling to trace four missing people.

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However rescue efforts have been hampered by limited visibility hours before the typhoon, which now approaching Hong Kong, reaches land.

Survivors sit on the capsized vessel as rescue workers arrive (AP)

Survivors sit on the capsized vessel as rescue workers arrive (AP)

The Wonder Sea embarked early Saturday afternoon for a three hour excursion in Ha Long Bay, a popular tourist destination, carrying 46 passengers and three crew.

But a storm quickly drew in, bringing high winds and pouring rain, survivor Dang Anh Tuan told The Associated Press.

Tuan said the passengers asked for the boat to turn back to shore, but the crew reassured them they were almost at their destination.

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"It rained for about 15 minutes, and then the boat started to shake vigorously, tables and chairs were jostled around and seconds later the boat overturned," the 36-year-old fire extinguisher salesman said.

"Water gushed in and I lost all orientation. I tried to breathe. But more water came in. I took a deep breath, got rid of my life vest and dove down. I saw a streak of light and followed it to swim out, escaping the boat, and then I climbed on the overturned boat to look for help.

Tuan and several other people survived by clinging on to the capsized boat and its propellers, waiting another two hours before the rain stopped and rescuers arrived.

Miraculously, he escaped with only minor cuts. However nine of his group of 11 friends from university, who were on holiday together, were killed, including one who was travelling with his wife and three-year-old son.

Rescuers at the scene of the tragedy in Ha Long Bay (Vietnam News Agency/AFP via Getty)

Rescuers at the scene of the tragedy in Ha Long Bay (Vietnam News Agency/AFP via Getty)

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Most of the passengers, including about 20 children, were tourists from the Southeast Asian countrys capital city, Hanoi, local media reported.

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 boy, who had been travelling with his parents, told VietnamNet.

Grieving Tran Trung Tu, 39, whose 32-year-old brother was on board, said: "My brother can swim, but I was told everything happened too fast.

The sudden thunderstorm turned the sky dark in a matter of minutes, felling trees in the capital of Hanoi, where officials at the Noi Bai international airport said nine flights were diverted and three departures temporarily halted.

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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.

"I was told life vests were available, but it was too sudden," said Do Van Hai, 42, a Halong resident. "Hopefully, the missing ones will be found soon."

People are rescued from the capsized boat (AP)

People are rescued from the capsized boat (AP)

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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.
The Israeli military killed dozens of Palestinians trying to access food in Gaza on Sunday, local officials said, the latest in a string of attacks linked to aid distribution in the strip.

Israel has widened evacuation orders in Gaza, and ceasefire talks in Qatar appear stalled, even as some officials voice optimism over a potential truce. Israel this week reportedly asked Washington to help convince other nations to take in Palestinians from Gaza, but US officials were non-committal.

There are signs Washington is increasingly frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Axios reported, especially after Israel struck Syrias capital last week.

He bombs everything all the time, one White House official said. This could undermine what Trump is trying to do.
An executive order from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker takes aim at the Presidents tariff policy. and debate picks up about what to do regarding high nitrate levels in the water around Iowa.

Host Jim Niedelman gets into that with former Iowa Republican Chair Steve Grubbs and Democratic political consultant Kevin Perkins.

Nitrate levels surpass safe drinking water standards in the Cedar, Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. All of them are among the major rivers in the state.

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Environmentalists blame runoff from farm fertilizers and want tougher regulations to keep that in check. But Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says regulations arent the answer.

Its so bad that Central Iowa Water Works banned its 600,000 customers from watering their lawns.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig announced a three-year project to reduce nitrates in the Beaver Creek watershed. That primarily impacts the Des Moines River.

Theres no doubt that the rising nitrate levels are an issue that need to be addressed, Grubbs said. Can it be done through cooperative work with the Farm Bureau and agriculture and homeowners?

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Theres ways to do it through regulation and through incentives  tax incentives, Perkins said. If youre able to utilize manure in different ways, in a more sustainable way  Ive always been a proponent of anaerobic digestion, for instance.

To hear more from our panel, click on the video.

Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
A Modesto man died Saturday afternoon after a three-vehicle collision near one of the citys busiest intersections, authorities said.

Officers responded just after 2:20 p.m. to the crash at Standiford Avenue and Sisk Road, where they found Michael Cuneo, 67, of Modesto, suffering from injuries. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died, according to a Modesto Police Department news release.

Police said a preliminary investigation revealed Cuneo was driving south on Sisk Road when he struck a pole on the center median at Standiford Avenue. He continued driving, hit another pole and veered across the median into oncoming traffic, colliding with two other vehicles.

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All drivers remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, police said. No other injuries were reported.

Investigators said they found no indication of alcohol or drug use. The crash appeared to be caused by a medical emergency, according to police. A Modesto Fire Department incident summary says Cuneo was found in cardiac arrest and AMR began initial patient care.

The roadway was closed for several hours as the departments Traffic Safety Unit investigated the crash. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Officer Cross at CrossT@Modestopd.com.
DES MOINES, Iowa  The Des Moines Police Department has released the name of the driver who led police on a chase and crashed into the Embassy Suites on Wednesday.

The incident began around 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday when several 911 callers reported a person attempting to assault pedestrians in the 600 block of Robert D Ray Drive. Callers reported the man had chased people both on foot and in a vehicle.

5 injured during crash that left car flipped, submerged in water

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DMPD officers attempted to stop the vehicle near East Grand Avenue and Robert D Ray Drive, at which point the driver appeared to intentionally hit a police car before speeding away, authorities say. The driver ignored traffic signals and eventually crashed into the Embassy Suites located at 101 East Locust.

The driver was taken into custody at the scene and later transported to a local hospital with injuries. No other injuries have been reported.

The DMPD announced Sunday that the driver, 45-year-old Shontay Escada Salenciaga, has been charged with Eluding and two counts of Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon.

Authorities say Salenciaga remains hospitalized with a leg injury.

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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 who13.com.
A driver leaving The Viking Lounge early Saturday morning nearly collided with a Thurston County sheriffs deputy before speeding away and later testing at nearly three times the legal limit, according to the sheriffs office.

The incident began when the deputy spotted the driver almost crash into their patrol vehicle while leaving the bar.

After the close call, the vehicle came to a stop in the outside westbound lane of Martin Way and remained there, blocking traffic.

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When the deputy tried to initiate a traffic stop by maneuvering around a center median, the driver reportedly drove over a curb and drove away westbound on Martin Way.

Deputies caught up to the driver and took them into custody.

According to the sheriffs office, the driver showed clear signs of impairment.

A preliminary breath test measured the drivers blood alcohol concentration at 0.227  nearly three times Washingtons legal limit of 0.08.

The driver was booked into Thurston County Jail on suspicion of DUI.
Russian authorities claimed that 16 drones supposedly headed for Moscow had been shot down on the night of 19-20 July. Falling debris caused cars to catch fire in Moscow Oblast.

Source: Russian Telegram channels; Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin

Details: Sobyanin said that Russian air defence systems shot down 16 drones within roughly two hours.

A number of vehicles caught fire as a result of debris from one of the downed drones falling in Zelenograd, located north of Moscow.

    :  ,   https://t.co/7Lm2m6gp4a pic.twitter.com/2rZLzGiT6G     (@ukrpravda_news) July 20, 2025

Due to the drone attack, flight departures and landings were suspended at all Moscow airports  Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky.

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Update: In the morning, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that Russian air defence systems shot down 93 drones overnight over nine oblasts, including 19 over Moscow Oblast.

Background: The Russian Ministry of Defence said that on the evening of 19 July, Russian air defence systems had supposedly intercepted and destroyed 40 "Ukrainian drones" over Russian territory. Seven oblasts came under attack, including the city of Moscow.

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As part of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, the Director of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Mustafa Ozcan, met with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by the organization on its X accound.

The post reads that the two sides discussed the prospects of expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and the D-8 Organization, with a particular focus on strengthening bilateral engagement in areas of mutual interest.

In addition to his meeting with Hikmet Hajiyev, Ambassador Ozcan also held talks with Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency. Their discussions centered around potential avenues for collaboration in the fields of media and communications.

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation comprises eight Muslim-majority developing countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye. The organization was initiated by Turkiye and traces its origins to the Development Cooperation Conference held in Istanbul on October 22, 1996. The organization was officially established during a summit of heads of state and government on June 15, 1997, also in Istanbul. The Secretariat of the D-8 is based in Istanbul.




The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election (CAEAL) has rejected a letter of appeal from disqualified candidate Alberto Wong, citing legal provisions that bar any objections or judicial appeals.

Wong, who was found ineligible to run, submitted the appeal on Wednesday.

On Friday, the commission reiterated that under the Legislative Assembly Election Law, decisions based on national security assessments are final and cannot be challenged.

No declaratory challenge or judicial appeal can be made against CAEALs decision regarding a candidates ineligibility, as this is based on a binding opinion from the Committee for Safeguarding National Security.

The Government Information Bureau (GCS) issued a press release on Friday, stating that a few days prior, a rejected list of candidates submitted a letter to the CAEAL to make a so-called appeal.

The CAEAL, referencing the Legislative Assembly Election Law, reaffirmed that no dissenting declaration or judicial appeal can be made against its decision on a candidates eligibility, as determined by the binding opinion of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security.

It further stated, Consequently, the CAEAL did not accept the so-called appeal from the relevant lists of candidates and has communicated this to their trustees.

All electoral work and procedures must be conducted in strict accordance with the provisions of the election law. The CAEAL is dedicated to upholding this principle and will continue to work diligently to maintain order throughout the election, ensuring that it is carried out smoothly, fairly, justly, and honestly,' it added.

Disqualified candidate Wong of the Macau Create Peoples Livelihood Force campaign, accompanied by members of his campaign team, visited the CAEAL on Wednesday to submit a letter of appeal and request a refund of the security deposit.

In his appeal letter, Wong emphasized that disqualified candidates should have the right to know the specific reasons for their non-support and non-allegiance. He also stressed that they have consistently upheld the law by actively demonstrating patriotism and love for Macau in their daily lives and work.

As of Saturday, Wong sent a message to several media outlets, announcing his decision to withdraw the appeal.

He criticized the election process, stating, This time, Macaus election system appears very dark and unfair. A week before July 15, we were approached by four entities, naming government agencies, including CAEAL. God bless Macau!, he concluded.(See update below.)

Another disqualified candidate, Ron Lam, expressed his confusion over his disqualification during a recent program on a Hong Kong commercial radio station.

He emphasized that he had submitted all required documents on the day of his candidacy, including pledges of support and allegiance.

Lam further stated that he never suspected he had committed any national security offenses and had made every effort to attend all meetings over the past four years.

He denied that his disqualification was related to a December 20 interview published by Hong Kong media outlet Ming Pao, featuring his remark on the emergence of a pan-national security atmosphere in Macau, noting a reduced space for media coverage and the publics reluctance to voice grievances.

Lam highlighted that their campaign was the only one that did not receive any government subsidies, relying solely on his salary to fund the office and team.

However, he pledged to continue expressing his views on current affairs if asked in the future.

Updated (18:50, Jul 22): Today (Tuesday), the President of CAEAL, Seng Ioi Man, denied that the agency or any other public institutions had ever approached the disqualified candidate.

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Sunrise is seen from the summit of Mount Sinai in Egypt. (photo credit: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters)

The context surrounding the smuggling into Gaza, however, may not be a surprise.

Drones are increasingly being used to smuggle items from Sinai to Gaza, according to a report at The New Arab. While any kind of report like this should be greeted with some skepticism, it is clear that drones are increasingly being used to smuggle items not just in the Middle East, but worldwide. The New Arab is also known as Al-Araby Al-Jadeed and is a London-based pan-Arab news outlet.

Several drone smuggling attempts from Egypt into Israel have been reported over the last year. In late October 2024, a drone carrying weapons from Egypt was downed. In November, a drone carrying weapons and ammunition crossed into Israel from Egypt.

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Arab News noted, The Israeli military said on Wednesday it shot down a drone that was carrying weapons and crossed from Egypt to Israel. In January, another incident took place. IDF forces identified and thwarted a smuggling attempt from Egypt into Israel overnight, The Jerusalem Post reported. In February, a drone was downed by the IDF while trying to smuggle weapons and ammunition into the Negev. In April, another two drones carrying weapons were also intercepted.

This context illustrates that the new report about smuggling to Gaza may not be a surprise. What does the report say? It claims that recently, Gazans in Mawasi, the humanitarian area in Gaza, woke up to the sound of a drone crashing. It became clear that what had fallen was a drone carrying bags that had been hit by an Israeli missile while flying over the tents, coming from the direction of southern Gaza, the Egyptian-Palestinian border.

The report claims that drug smugglers have been involved in the drone operations. They opened fire on anyone who tried to approach the area, even ambulances and civil defense vehicles were not spared.

Drone flying on high altitude mountain top; illustrative. (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK/lzf)

The report claims that one drone type can carry up to 50 kilograms of payload. That would seem like a lot for these types of drones. The report also claims that some of the drones have landed in various parts of Rafah. The report claims that a portion of these drones fall in the eastern areas of Rafah, specifically the neighborhoods of al-Shawka, Abu Halawa, Zalata, Sufa, and al-Nasr. These are areas where groups affiliated with Yasser Abu Shabab. Clearly, the report is trying to portray Shabab, who has been under the spotlight recently in Gaza, as somehow linked to this issue.

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Recent reports in Israeli media have suggested that Shabab and his men fear reprisals if a ceasefire takes place. He has reportedly been backed by Israel, but it is not clear how much influence or control he has. Drones loaded with drugs and contraband fall in the western areas, including the al-Mawasi area, as well as in the eastern areas under the control of the occupation forces and Yasser Abu Shababs gang, the source told The New Arab. Clearly, the agenda here is to slander Shabab, more than it is to discuss the drones.

THE REPORT goes on to say that smuggling via drones is not that new. It says that it began around the time of the October 7 war in 2023. This came after attempts to smuggle across the border, manually or through traditional methods, failed, and were completely exposed to the occupation army as well as to the Egyptian army forces active on the border and in Sinai in general.

The report then goes on to quote a source as saying that the smuggling is linked to larger smuggling networks that link Sinai to the Negev and possibly the West Bank, which includes smuggling weapons and drugs to gangs active in Israel.

The smuggling route to Gaza via this method is new, the source told The New Arab.

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He explained that with the closure of the Rafah crossing and the prevention of trucks carrying goods and aid from entering the Gaza Strip, smugglers have resorted to using drones, which are purchased from several sources outside Egypt and delivered to North Sinai, where they are loaded with narcotics such as hashish and Tramadol pills [opioids], and other substances.

The report then goes on to speak to a source who deals in mobile phones. The man told The New Arab that he was able to bring in mobile phones via a drone coming from Sinai, after weeks of coordination and waiting. He paid a huge sum of money for the shipment, but he was able to recover this amount due to the exorbitant prices of mobile phones in Gaza. The report claimed that the drone carried 100 phones.

Smuggling network dates back to over 10 years ago

A security expert told the report that the smuggling networks in Sinai date back to the period of 2014. There was a war that year, and it should be recalled that the Mohammed Morsi government was overthrown in Egypt in 2013, ending the Muslim Brotherhoods brief rule of Egypt.

That was an era of chaos in Sinai when massive smuggling of weapons occurred, fueling violence. Some gangs and groups within the Gaza Strip that participated in building smuggling networks through tunnels, especially during the period before 2014, are currently trying to exploit the situation to their advantage, the report says.

The issue of drone smuggling in Gaza is a concern. In April, a report at Israels N12 indicated Hamas had attempted to get Bedouin in the Sinai to smuggle drones into Gaza. The drones are worth only NIS 100,000 to 150,000 each and can carry up to 70 kilogram of cargo, the Post reported at the time.




NEED TO KNOW

A Salmonella outbreak has been linked to two jarred pistachio creams, the CDC announced on July 16

There have been 4 cases and one hospitalization linked to the outbreak, which was announced two days after an initial product recall

World Market and the FDA recalled a jarred pistachio-cocoa spread due to potential Salmonella contamination on July 14





Days after a jarred pistachio-cocoa spread similar to Dubai chocolate was recalled, a Salmonella outbreak has been linked to the product.

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On July 14, World Market and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for a batch of Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif, a product from Turkish company Emek Gda, due to a potential contamination of Salmonella.

The jarred spread, which features "Dubai" on the label is found primarily at World Market. The retail chain, known for its home decor and international food products, voluntarily issued a recall for the product, also on July 14.

The product's ingredients are similar to the viral bar, a milk chocolate shell filled with pistachio cream, tahini and knafeh (shredded phyllo pastry).

Food and Drug Administration. Emek pistachio cocao cream with kadayif, which was linked to a Salmonella outbreak in July 2024 Emek pistachio cocao cream with kadayif, which was linked to a Salmonella outbreak in July 2024

The affected batch of the cocoa-pistachio spread is packed in clear, glass 9.7 oz. jars and features the batch number 250401 and use-by date of April 1, 2027, according to the FDA.

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They were distributed at World Market locations in over 30 states. (For the full list of affected states, see the FDAs official notice.)

Emek Gda did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Sunday, July 20.

Salmonella was detected in the spread after samples of the product were collected in Minnesota as part of an investigation into Emek brand pistachio spread products, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Through laboratory testing of the samples, Salmonella was found.

In a press release announcing the recall, World Market warned: Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

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Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, the retail chain continued. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

World Market also urged any customers who purchased the Emek Gda spread not to eat it, but rather return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or they may discard the product.

Food and Drug Administration. Emek pistachio cocao cream with kadayif, which was linked to a Salmonella outbreak in July 2024 Emek pistachio cocao cream with kadayif, which was linked to a Salmonella outbreak in July 2024

When the initial recall was issued, the FDA stated that no illnesses associated with the product had yet been reported. Two days later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a Salmonella outbreak had been linked to the recalled spread and another pistachio cream from the same Turkish company.

Health officials are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to pistachio cream, the CDC said in a July 16 press release. There have been four cases linked to the products, as well as one hospitalization, across two states, the CDC said. (The agency did not specify the affected states.)

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Along with the previously recalled "Dubai" cream, the CDC also warned consumers to avoid Emek brand Pistachio Cream with a use-by date of Oct. 19, 2026, due to potential contamination.

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The FDA is currently working to determine if this lot is in distribution or if other lots or products are affected, the CDC said in the July 16 notice.

In the meantime, the CDC warned businesses not to sell, serve, or distribute Emek brand pistachio cream with the production code and date above or the newly recalled spread."

The agency also urged individuals to wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the pistachio cream.



Read the original article on People
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Days after a transformer caught fire at a Pepco substation in Northwest D.C., hundreds of customers in the Dupont Circle neighborhood are still experiencing power outages.

Shortly after midnight, on July 17, the D.C. Fire and EMS Department was dispatched to the Pepco substation in the 2140 N St. NW for a fire. A Twinned Agent Unit extinguished the transformer inside the substation, and no injuries were reported.

However, the issues had begun Tuesday night, when two feeder cables tripped, one at 11th and Clinton streets NW, and the other at 11th and Monroe Streets NW. Despite no customers seeing impacts in either of these incidents, another failure occurred Wednesday night, sparking the 22nd Street substation fire.

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About 1,800 customers were left without power in the Dupont Circle and West End areas Thursday morning, per DC News Nows previous coverage. However, Pepco restored power to most customers by Thursday afternoon.

Despite this, service disruptions continued to be an issue. On the morning of Sunday, July 20, a power line feeding the 22nd Street substation tripped again, prompting Pepco to turn off the power for hundreds of customers to help avoid further impact at the substation and prevent a larger outage.

Ashley Lund lives in a high-rise and is at wits end, concerned about her neighbors as much as her comfort.

People that have medical needs, people that have to refrigerate their medicine or that have medical devices plugged in, or even to get to work, they cant get out of the garage, Lund said.

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Neighbor Thomas Darapiza is also worried about elderly neighbors.

We have elderly people who live in this 10-story building here, Darapiza explains, and they cant walk up and down these steps. They have medications that need to be refrigerated.

Adding to residents anxiety here is that PEPCO is restoring power intermittently.

Turn it back on anytime you want, Darapiza explains. Were scrambling. We dont even know what to expect now.

Retiree Michael Silverstein wishes there was communication from the power company.

At 7 oclock in the morning, bang, exclaims Silverstein. I could have been stuck in the elevator! We simply need to know what is going on!

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Neighbors say their Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, Alex Marshall, has reached out but has no assurances of immediate relief.

Northwest DC flooding traps drivers, several rescued

Frank Tedesco, a spokesperson for Pepco, told DC News Now that the utility proactively disconnected power for about 200 customers at 9 a.m. and disconnected it for about 1,673 customers at 10:15 a.m.

As of 1:50 p.m., 1,794 customers were without power in the Dupont Circle area, according to Pepcos outage map. This comes as the District remains under a heat alert, with temperatures climbing into the lower 90s.

Tedesco said that, at this time, there is no estimated restoration time available as crews continue to make repairs to the substation and that the utility may have to drop more customers from the power to prevent more widespread outages.

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We understand how disruptive these outages can be for our customers, particularly multiple outage events in just a few days, and appreciate their continued understanding and patience as crews work safely and as quickly as possible to make additional repairs. Customers should continue to check pepco.com/Outage or our mobile app for the latest estimates on when service will be restored, Pepco wrote in a statement.

Although the exact cause of Sundays outages is under evaluation, Tedesco said permanent repairs are ongoing at the 22nd Street substation and will continue through July 30.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
The fireworks display at Dusseldorf's annual fair may not go ahead next year after a serious accident at this year's event, fair head Paul Stieber told journalists in the western German city on Sunday.

"Following the shock on Friday evening, it is difficult for me to decide in favour for the future," Stieber said. He added that he and his team would take a decision later out of respect for the victims of the accident.

Nineteen people were hurt, four of them seriously, when fireworks exploded close to the ground on Friday evening. Children were among the victims.

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Investigations are focusing on a firework holder that might have tilted. Police said on Saturday that laboratory forensic tests were proceeding.

Organizers of the Largest Fair on the Rhine, or Dusseldorfer Rheinkirmes, ended the festivities early due to the incident.

The fair, which has its roots in an annual celebration in honour of the city's patron saint Apollinaris, began on July 11 and ended on Sunday.
You've heard of Rent-a-Cops before, but this is the real deal.

A recently released app called "Patrol" has rolled out to affluent Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, and Malibu, with "more areas coming soon."

A spinoff of the company "Protector"  an Uber-style rentier app that lets users temporarily hire an armed bodyguard  Patrol offers property owners the chance to rent out "off-duty police officers to help protect their homes."

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"When you book a private patrol, you're getting more than just presence," declares a marketing video on the company's X account. "You're getting protection from trained, off-duty officers. You might not always be home, but with Patrol, someone always is."

While Protector is geared toward individuals, the marketing material for Patrol overwhelmingly features shots of single-family houses, white families, and affluent suburban neighborhoods.

Indeed, whether you're stuck in traffic and need someone to watch the kids, heading out on a vacation, or, as Patrol puts it, "it's just another quiet night, and you'd rather sleep knowing someone's looking out for you"  your personal police officer has you covered.

According to a press release, Patrol "officers" are "vetted professionals" from law enforcement, military, and special forces backgrounds.

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"Protection isn't only about responding to danger. It's about creating the kind of calm that lets families focus on living," said Nick Sarath, the CEO of Protector.

While the world portrayed in Protector's marketing materials is bright and hopeful, some say these apps are anything but.

"Sounds like there's a systemic problem with your community that you won't address and instead are saying rich people can protect their stuff, but everyone else, get used to crime," raged one user on social media.

"The cops' main job has always been to protect the rich & their property," commented Ashoka Jegroo, a journalist who writes for Common Dreams. "Now, with the help of this app, that relationship is even clearer and even more direct. A great reminder that the police aren't here to keep you safe!"

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A deep dive by HuffPost on Protector found that a number of police officers working for the company had been previously disciplined by the LAPD or are embroiled in ongoing civil litigation over use of excessive force.

Zooming out, Protector and its sister app are functionally ways to monetize and stratify access to safety and security  a perk that, in an ideal world, would be afforded to everybody by tax dollars.

In reality, police have long been criticized as primarily guardians of property, something which goes back to the foundations of policing, a system with deep roots in US chattel slavery. This was made clear in a 2022 Supreme Court ruling, which found  staggeringly  that police are under no actual obligation to protect the public.

Mohammad Tajsar, a senior attorney with the ACLU of Southern California told HuffPost that at their core, these apps are an attempt to "gamify warfare."

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"It's the perfect Silicon Valley gimmick," he told the site. "Take a fake problem  rising crime  offer a fake solution that you only find in video games, dress up your own squad of goons and roll it out to a crowd of internet-brained pseudo wealthy people who want this kind of dystopian future."

More on startups: New Device Mounts to Your Toilet to Analyze Your Turds Using the Power of AI
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN)  Thompson Park presented two awards to the community members who went above and beyond to preserve and improve the East Liverpool staple.

Those who live in East Liverpool know how much Thompson Park means to the community, but what many people dont know is the work put in behind the scenes. On Saturday, the park honored a select few who volunteered their time, money and passion with the Betsy Wells Friends of the Park Award.

We just want to recognize the volunteerism and shine a spotlight on it because its something were proud of and something we want them to be proud of and something we want to share with their families and the community, said Mike Chronister, a Thompson Park Board member.

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The Betsy Wells Friends of the Park Award is community-nominated. Local architect Scott Shephard was one of the recipients. Park Board members say he provided essential expertise as they looked to build and expand park facilities.

It was a little bit of a struggle, and Scott was there through handholding us through the entire process. He was the liaison for all the permits as well as the city, and what we can do and cannot do, and so forth, and he was just instrumental for this even happening, said Tamar Cooper, president of the Thompson Park Board.

This park is so important to our community, and I grew up just over the hill, and as a kid, I spent a lot of time in this park, said Shepherd.

The other award recipient was Amy Swoger and her husband, former East Liverpool Mayor Jim Swoger, who passed away in March. Both of them took on the challenge of maintaining the Thompson Park Pool at a time when that didnt seem plausible.

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The plan was to close the pool, and he said at the first council meeting, We cannot do that. Our kids in East Liverpool have very little to do at this time. Our movie theaters have closed, and there were limited things for children in the area, and he said, I want the pool to be open for families,' Amy said.

So, the Swogers funded the pool out of their own pocket, keeping it running for 18 years. Thanks to Amy and Jim, its still open today.

I miss him and the park misses him, but the pool was something he loved and he cherished the time that he had to give, and he would do it all over again, Amy 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 WKBN.com.
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCN)  A multi-law enforcement search has turned into a recovery effort for a 16-year-old boy who had been missing since Saturday in Kinston.

The Kinston Police Department announced Sunday afternoon that Jaylen Greens body was found in the Neuse River area.

According to officers, Jaylen Green walked away from the Neuseway Nature Center on Caswell Street around 6 p.m. Saturday.

The nature center is a park, science museum and campground near the Neuse River in Lenior County.

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Officers said several agencies across eastern North Carolina assisted in efforts to find Green, including the use of drones, watercraft and bloodhounds.

Jaylen Green, 16 of Kinston (Credit: Kinston Police Department)

Officers shifted the mission to a recovery effort late Sunday morning, zeroing in on the Neuse River.

A dozen law enforcement and emergency agencies assisted in finding Green, including:

Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue

Lenoir County Sheriffs Office

Lenoir County Emergency Management

Craven County Sheriffs Office

Pender County Sheriffs Office

Onslow County Sheriffs Office

Vanceboro Fire Department

North Carolina Emergency Management

North Lenoir Fire Department

Southwood Fire Department

Hugo Fire Department

Hertford County Emergency Management

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Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Jaylen Green, said Police Chief Keith Goyette in a statement. On behalf of the entire department, I want to express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the search and ask the community to continue offering their support to the family during this incredibly difficult 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 CBS17.com.
QUITO, Ecuador (AP)  Ecuador on Sunday extradited to the United States the leader of a violent Ecuadorian gang who relied on hitmen, bribes and military weapons to do business.

Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, whose nickname is Fito, escaped from a prison in Ecuador last year and was recaptured late June. In April, a U.S. Attorney indicted him in New York City on charges he imported thousands of pounds of cocaine into the United States.

Macias was removed from the La Roca Detention Center under the custody of the National Police and Armed Forces for the appropriate proceedings in the context of an extradition process, Ecuadors government agency responsible for overseeing prisons, SNAI, said in a message sent to journalists.

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Details of the handover were not specified.

A photograph released by SNAI showed Macias wearing a T-shirt, shorts, a bulletproof vest and helmet. Several police officers were guarding him at an undisclosed location.

The Ecuadorian will appear Monday before Brooklyn's federal court "where he will plead not guilty, Macias lawyer Alexei Schacht told The Associated Press via email. After that, he will be detained in a prison yet to be determined, Schacht added.

The extradition decision came after the United States sent a document to Ecuador offering guarantees for the respect of the rights of the 45-year-old criminal leader.

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Since 2020, Macias has led Los Choneros, a criminal organization that emerged in the 1990s. The gang employed people to buy firearms and ammunition in the United States and smuggle them into Ecuador, according to April's indictment. Cocaine would flow into the United States with the help of Mexican cartels. Together, the groups controlled key cocaine trafficking routes through Ecuador, violently targeting law enforcement, politicians, lawyers and civilians who stood in the way.

Macias escaped from a Guayaquil prison where he was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking, organized crime, and murder. He was recaptured a year and a half later on the country's central coast.

Macias has cultivated a cult status among fellow gang members and the public in his home country. While behind bars in 2023, he released a video addressed to the Ecuadorian people while flanked by armed men. He also threw parties in prison, where he had access to everything from liquor to roosters for cockfighting matches.

Macias is the first Ecuadorian to be extradited to the U.S. from Ecuador, prison authorities said. Two other Ecuadorian drug traffickers have previously been handed over to the United States but from Colombia, where they were arrested.
Eden Prairie wants your help naming city's new THC edible gummy originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Naming competitions arent unusual in local government, but the City of Eden Prairie is taking its latest contest to new ... high-ts?

The city is asking for the publics help in naming its new THC edible gummy, which will be sold at municipal liquor stores. The edible, specifically crafted for sleep, has a mixed-berry flavor and contains 5 mg of THC and 30 mg of CBN per gummy.

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"This isn't just a gummy, it's OUR gummy, and it deserves a name as bold, fun and unforgettable as the community behind it," a news release from the city reads. The winning name will be featured on the product's packaging.

City of Eden Prairie

Participants must be 21 years of age or older and contest submissions will be open through Tuesday, July 29th. The public will later be able to weigh in on the top three submissions.

A winner will be announced the week of August 11 and they will receive a free package of the new edible as their prize.

The gummy is expected to be available for sale at Eden Prairie liquor stores starting this fall.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Four mainland men, lured by a high-paying overseas job scam, were about to travel to Cambodia via Macau International Airport under the guise of tourism but were eventually stopped by the Judiciary Police (PJ) after being alerted by their mainland counterparts.

The law enforcement agencies on both sides joined forces to look into the case. At a special press conference held on Friday, police announced that the four men from mainland China, aged between 20 and 29, are friends but are not students.

On July 17, Macau police received a report from the mainlands anti-deception coordination center regarding a man from the mainland who was about to depart for Cambodia via Macau International Airport and was suspected of being a victim of a high-paying overseas job scam. Simultaneously, the mans family contacted the police seeking assistance.

In response, PJ officers were sent to the departure hall of the airport to stop the allegedly defrauded man and the three friends accompanying him. They were brought back to the PJ headquarters for further investigation.

Upon investigation, police learned that the victim had been recruited online last month to work as an investment customer service agent in Cambodia, promising a monthly salary of RMB10,000 plus high commissions.

During the press conference, the police revealed that the job the victim was recruited for was not legitimate but rather part of a telecommunications fraud scheme. The criminal gang behind the scam had given the victim money for travel and advised him to go to Cambodia through Macau as a tourist, as it would be easier to avoid the strict exit regulations enforced in the mainland.

In this context, the PJ advised the public to be cautious about believing recruitment information from strangers online. They urge people to be especially wary of job offers involving overseas travel that do not require any specific skills, qualifications, or work experience while promising high salaries.

Additionally, individuals are always urged to refrain from sharing personal identification and banking information with unknown people and to avoid helping anyone send or receive money from unfamiliar sources during the job recruitment process.

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For the first time in 60 years, Florida has two Cabinet members who were not elected by voters, but were appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

With an iron-fisted governor who values loyalty much more than competence, this spells possible disaster.

Weve already seen it. After DeSantis appointed James Uthmeier as attorney general, Uthmeier coined the name Alligator Alcatraz for an Everglades detention camp, and sold crude Alcatraz merchandise. Then he was cited for contempt by a federal judge. Uthmeier is hopelessly in over his head.

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Now DeSantis has chosen Blaise Ingoglia, a fiercely loyal state senator, to oversee state money as chief financial officer.

Ingoglia, whose appointment has been expected for months, will be sworn in Monday. A self-described conservative pit bull, he supports abolishing property taxes, a recklessly pursued DeSantis priority that could dominate the 2026 legislative session.

Ordinarily, Ingoglia would be an absolute lock to win this Cabinet seat in the 2026 election. But blocking his path is President Trump, who has endorsed another Republican for CFO: Joe Gruters, a senator from Sarasota.

A thumb in Trumps eye

Trumps endorsement is by far the most coveted asset in a Florida election (just ask DeSantis, a nobody who rode it to the Governors Mansion in 2018).

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A boost from Trump helped two Republicans recently ride to Congress, Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis, whose resignation as CFO led to Ingoglias appointment.

By elevating Ingoglia, DeSantis is poking the bear. His choice sets up a new proxy war with the president when they superficially seemed to be getting along after a bruising 2024 battle when Trump buried DeSantis for president.

The statewide race between Gruters and Ingoglia will get ugly, and quickly. If the candidates dont make sure of that, DeSantis will.

At Ingoglias announcement in Tampa on Wednesday, DeSantis repackaged Gruters as a closet liberal whos weak on guns, pro-teacher unions, pro-LGBTQ rights and spineless to boot.

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Its all about the record, DeSantis said after his brutal critique. Once a linguine spine, always a linguine spine.

Gruters is a CPA and former state GOP chairman with deep ties to Trump but whose own political views defy pigeonholing.

He supported the 2024 recreational pot amendment that DeSantis opposed, breaking the rules to defeat it at the polls.

Gruters seriously riled up the religious right by proposing the Florida Inclusive Workforce Act of 2019. It would have added sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the state civil rights law. Most co-sponsors of the bill (SB 438) were liberal Democrats.

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He did oppose a union-busting bill. He also sponsored an immigration bill that infuriated DeSantis because it would have shifted enforcement from the governor to the agriculture commissioner. It failed, but had it passed, Alligator Alcatraz likely would not have happened (A smiling Ingoglia posed in a Florida Gator shirt outside the detention camp last weekend).

Despite Gruters independent views, having Trumps backing would ordinarily seal his victory. But in a Republican primary, DeSantis influence should never be underestimated.

Let the proxy war begin: Don vs. Ron, Act II.

A broken Cabinet

Three elected Cabinet members share power with the governor, and Cabinet races are notoriously un-democratic. Always obscured by higher-profile races for governor, these vital down-ballot jobs are decided by mountains of special interest money  the worst reason to elect anybody.

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Having Ingoglia at his side makes it easier for DeSantis to deflect questions, such as why much information about juicy no-bid contracts handed out for Alcatraz suddenly vanished from the state contracting website  a site managed by the CFO.

Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, posted on X a trove of details, including purchase orders and salaries  all of it gone a day after she accessed it, she told Miami New Times.

The data showed wildly inflated salaries being paid to employees at the Everglades camp under a $78 million state contract with Critical Response Strategies (CRS), a Jacksonville firm with ties to DeSantis. By law, the information must be posted under the Transparency Florida Act. But its gone.

One of the first questions Ingoglia should answer is why he hasnt restored all that contracting information and to explain why it disappeared, when the law prohibits that.

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Florida has not had a truly competitive Republican primary for a Cabinet office in a long time (you have to go back to 2002, the year Charlie Crist was elected attorney general).

Gruters and Ingoglia both have pluses and minuses, but at least voters will have a choice. That is, if they can somehow see past Trump and DeSantis.

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.
The terrorists belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood-linked Hasm Movement, who are recognized as a terror group by both the US and UK.

Officers from Egypt's Interior Ministry conducted a raid against Muslim Brotherhood-aligned terrorists in Giza, resulting in a shootout, in which two terrorists were killed, along with the death of one civilian, and injuries to a police officer, the ministry announced on Sunday.

The civilian succumbed to wounds caused by stray bullets fired during the shootout, and the police officer was wounded trying to protect them, after terrorists "opened fire indiscriminately," the ministry added.

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The terrorists belonged to the Hasm Movement, according to the Interior Ministry.

Hasm is named after an abbreviation for Hakarat Sawa'd Misr (Arms of Egypt Movement).

Hasm Movement's logo showing a rifle imposed over Arabic letters spelling Hasm. (credit: Screenshot/Telegram)

The group was formally founded in 2016, and was proscribed as a terror organization by the UK in December 2017 and designated as a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' entity by the US in January 2018. Notably, their logo consists of a rifle imposed over Arabic letters spelling Hasm, signalling their extremist intentions.

The aftermath of a car bomb in a major terror attack linked with Hasm Movement targeting public prosecutor in Cairo, 2015; illustrative. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY)

However, terrorists from the Hasm Movement have been linked with terror attacks against Egyptian officials, including a car bomb which killed public prosecutor Hisham Barakat in June 2015.

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The terror group was most active in carrying out terror attacks against Egyptian security personnel and civilians from 2016 until 2019, but has largely been inactive in the country since.

Is Turkey playing a role in supporting Muslim Brotherhood terrorists?

Egypt's Interior Ministry alleged that "leaders of the Hasm Movement" based in Turkey were preparing and planning to "revive their activities and carry out hostile operations targeting security and economic establishments."
CAIRO (AP)  Egyptian police said they killed two suspected militants in a shootout Sunday during a raid on their hideout in Cairos twin city of Giza.

The Interior Ministry said the suspected militants belonged to the Hasm movement, which is affiliated with the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Hasm is designed as a terrorist group by the United States.

A bystander also was killed and an officer wounded in the exchange of fire between the militants and security forces in Gizas densely populated neighborhood of Bolaq el-Dakrour, the ministry said in a statement.

According to the ministry, the militants were planning to carry out attacks in Egypt. Security forces in recent years have crushed an Islamist insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula, which at times spilled over into other parts of the country.
A Dallas man was fatally shot early Saturday morning, marking the citys eighth homicide in the month of July as violent crime continues to plague neighborhoods across the city.

29-year-old Isaiah McWilliams was shot around 3:25 a.m. on July 19 in the 3500 block of Wilhurt Avenue, according to the Dallas Police Department. First responders transported him to a hospital, where he later died. The case is being investigated under report number 1025582025.

Details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain scarce. No suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Detective B. Billings at 2146713083 or brewster.billings@dallaspolice.gov.

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McWilliams death adds to a growing list of homicide victims in July. A DX review of police reports confirms eight people have been killed in the city so far this month. Victims range in age from 17 to 63.

Confirmed Homicides in Dallas  July 2025

July 1  3600 W. Camp Wisdom Road

Jaime Rokkett , 53, was shot and killed during an alleged domestic dispute.

Rashonda Lowe , 43, turned herself in and was charged with murder.

July 4  9400 Bruton Road

An unidentified man was found shot inside a car. He later died at a hospital.

No suspect has been named.

July 5  2600 Canton Street (Deep Ellum)

Caylen Fritz , 22, was fatally shot during a fight between two groups.

Gael Aguilar , 19, was arrested and charged with murder.

(Note: This incident appears in multiple press releases but includes only one fatality.)

July 5  5500 Pick Fair Circle

An unidentified man was shot and later died.

A grand jury referral has been submitted.

July 10  3100 Easter Avenue

Jaden McMillan , 17, was shot by an unknown suspect. He died at a hospital.

Investigation ongoing.

July 13  7900 Olusta Drive

Maria Manning , 63, was found dead at the scene.

A man was also injured. No arrests announced.

July 14  100 Pemberton Hill Road

An unidentified man was shot and killed.

Authorities have not released the victims name.

July 19  3500 Wilhurt Avenue

Isaiah McWilliams, 29, was shot and later died at the hospital.

No suspects named.

Community Concerns and Police Appeals

The months string of killings has amplified public concerns about the citys persistent violent crime and the strain it places on law enforcement and neighborhoods alike.

Detectives are actively investigating each case and are asking members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in solving these crimes. Tips can be submitted directly to detectives or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

The Dallas Express will continue monitoring these investigations and provide updates as new information becomes available.
ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. (KRQE)  New Mexico anglers will get a rare opportunity to win thousands of dollars doing what they love. Its a new competition happening at Elephant Butte Lake next month. The hope is to bring hundreds of fishermen to the area.

We literally do want somebody to catch the fish, we really do, said Earl Greer, President of Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce. We have incredible fishing here.

The event, hosted by the chamber, will begin on August 1 and run until the end of the month. According to officials, the states Department of Game and Fish will tag a largemouth bass and return it back into the lake. The chamber says it will be big enough not to get eaten.

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Whoever catches it will be eligible to win $10,000. People like to fish largemouth, theres a lot of fight in them, and they have a good time with them, Greer said.

Kirtland Air Force Base releases name of airman recovered from Elephant Butte Lake

If caught, the fish must be returned to Marina Del Sur, and it must still be alive. Officials will be at the marina to verify the fish and confirm a winner.

We dont know where [it will be released], Greer said. We will have one person there, by the requirements that have been set up, we have to have one person witness that in fact it does happen.

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However, it could be some time before the winner receives their money. A lot of that is determined by the company that were working with, Greer explained. Based upon what they said, we have to confirm, we verify everything, send it to them, they go through their process. So, my guess is its somewhere between 10 and 21 days.

The chamber says they hosted a similar event two years ago, encouraging people to break the smallmouth bass size record. No one won that competition, with one person coming up just one ounce shy of setting a new record. The event brought fishermen from all over New Mexico and surrounding states. They hope to have a similar turnout this year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
GOSHEN  The Elkhart County Council on Thursday voted against additional funds that would support measures to preserve the Elkhart dam.

Elkhart County Commissioner Susie Weirick told the council that RJL Solutions, an advocacy and lobbyist group out of Terre Haute, was working with the county to advocate for the protection of the dam as the licensure is up for renewal in 2025 and federal operating license is set to expire in 2030.

We needed some assistance in lobbying and advocating for the Elkhart dam and its retention and relicensure, she explained.

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The current owner of the dam, AEP, has since made a public announcement to make permanent repairs to stabilize the dam. Weirick said they will drive piles into the riverbed to stabilize the dam.

They cannot announce yet that they will keep this in their plan but we are very hopeful and we are anxiously awaiting some situations outside of Indiana to find out what that is, and when they do announce it, we have a lot of support from them. So were expecting them to move along positively, she said.

So far, commissioners have funded RJL with about $36,000 toward advocacy for the dam and they requested from the council from the General Fund an additional $16,000 as they begin discussions with Indianas Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The current goal is to hope that the federal regulation commission will support the application for more than the minimum  the minimum is 10 years, Weirick said. It would be a great goal to have them extend the permit for up to 50, although thats unrealistic. We will be needing to advocate for that. We will also need to advocate with the Indiana [Utility] Regulatory Commission on their timelines as well as all the regulations that go around repairing the structure, the utility powerhouse and the area around the dam.

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Weirick said the process is cumbersome and having the support of RJL Solutions in Indianapolis would be of great benefit.

Councilman Doug Graham said he believed the advocacy group was originally engaged to convince AEP to tackle the project, with the agreement ending back in June.

When asked how they help, Weirick said theyve answered questions, helped prevent legislation to protect commissioners from broad removal without due process, advocate for the wheel tax and worked against SB 1.

Weirick said shes also been told there is environmental pressure to remove the dam, but she doesnt know for sure.

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Councilman Graham also noted that the company was hired for the dam, but used for other things. Councilman Tom Stump said the council should support the appropriation because entities that are skilled in certain issues should handle those issues.

Councilmen Doug Hess, Randy Yohn and Stump voted in favor of the appropriation, but Adam Bujalski, Steve Clark, Graham and Darryl Riegsecker voted against it, so the motion failed.

OTHER BOARD ITEMS

 The council also did not approve final design and bid documents to bid the Lily Greenway project from the C.R. 6 and C.R. 17 Improvement TIF.

Elkhart County Redevelopment Director May Kratzer explained that the tax increment finance district captures $7.4 million per year and isnt expected to change much with the new tax laws related to SB1 so the money, $125,000 requested, wouldnt create a burden for the TIF.

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Still, the council did not approve the funding, less concerned about the immediate cost and more concerned about future maintenance costs.

The property has been considered as a future county park, with a possible memorandum of understanding that the Osolo Township Trustees Office would be responsible for maintaining the property. Councilman Clark said hes worried about what happens if the trustees office becomes unable to maintain it financially due to tax decreases, as they are likely to see a much larger impact than the TIF district there will.

The council seemed to mostly agree with Clarks concerns, with Clark, Riegsecker, Graham and Stump all voting against it and Bujalski, Hess and Yohn voting in favor.

 The council reviewed and had hearings for five CF-1 forms compliances for local businesses to determine whether they should be held in compliance.

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Dynamic Metals and Furrion were both unanimously determined to be substantially compliant. Smoker Craft was determined substantially compliant as well but, it was not unanimous with Councilman Graham voting against it. Smoker Craft did not, in fact, meet their goals, however, it was noted and determined by the councils vote that it was due to factors beyond the companys control, namely current international relations with Canada.

Steel Harbor and General RV Center were both unanimously deemed substantially not compliant.

 Several appropriations for the IT Department were approved including funds to cover a gap with the countys Microsoft server license found through audit for $150,000 and funds to purchase shelf hardware for repairs rather than being charged a maintenance fee by CISCO at $75,000

 The Elkhart County Assessors Office was approved funds to purchase, rather than lease, a copier for $17,000.

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 The council approved funds from an interlocal agreement with the city of Elkhart of a paving package on C.R. 6 between C.R. 9 and C.R. 11 for about $280,000.

 The council approved $5,100 of donation from the commissioners for maintenance to the Parks & Recreation Department to cover the cost of part-time maintenance at Six Span Landing.

 They also approved the annual contribution of $2,500 from the Elkhart County Historical Society for the department, which helps cover the cost of operations at the Elkhart County Historical Museum.

 The council approved three items, totaling about $97,000, a supplemental fund that coincides with the initial grant setup for the fiscal year 2026 grant. Its the Juvenile Community Corrections Project Income Fund, correlating with the Juvenile Community Corrections Grant, supplementing salaries due to the grant no longer covering the total cost.

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Councilman Graham asked why the numbers should be approved, given the countys current policy that if the grant goes away the position goes away. Elkhart County Court Administrator Ross Maxwell said cost has to do with increasing pay scales and that grant used to cover payroll as well as some operational budget items which have also had to be moved to the project income budget. He said its the first year theyd had to dip into the money to cover the costs. He also noted that its not general fund money, but money garnered from fees from the department.

 The Juvenile Detection Alternative Initiative Grant, totaling about $80,000  an increase from last year, was also approved for the Elkhart County Judiciary. It contributes toward items like Teen Court at Bashor, some Boys & Girls Club programs, Lifeline programming, therapy dogs at the detention center and various ways to keep low-risk juveniles in the system engaged without being placed into the detention facility.

 The health department requested approval of a grant that helps combat vaping and nicotine in the school systems. The council approved a grant for about $173,000 and another for $1,750 for staffing and programming from the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Fund.
While leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, billionaire Elon Musk oversaw massive spending cuts that have rattled the scientific community to its core.

He stood unblinkingly by the side of president Donald Trump, a climate change denier who has been carrying out a ruthlessly anti-science agenda after championing environmentalism for years.

And while the unlikely pair no longer see eye to eye following a chaotic falling out, the damage has already been done. Musk has been enormously harmful to science  something that researchers aren't likely to forget any time soon.

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As The Guardian reports, the Royal Society, the UK's national scientific academy and the oldest institution of its kind in the world, has called for Musk to resign his fellowship. The news comes after the mercurial CEO was elected a fellow of the academy in 2018 for his contributions to the electric vehicle and space industries.

Seven years later, Musk's reputation on the world stage has taken an absolute beating. The billionaire's deranged embrace of far-right extremist ideologies has left a bitter taste in people's mouths, going as far as to alienate the investors of his many businesses.

He's alienated Democrats and Republicans alike. Even leaders in the AI industry have been disgusted by his AI chatbot, which recently started calling itself "MechaHitler" while spewing racist and antisemitic vitriol.

His ruthless gutting of government agency budgets, while at the helm of DOGE, has also rattled the scientific community.

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The Trump administration's actions against the institutions of science have been nothing short of catastrophic. According to a Nature poll earlier this year, the vast majority of scientists said they're now considering leaving the United States given the greatly diminished role of research and evaporating funding.

Experts are warning Trump's outright anti-science agenda could have devastating knock-on effects for anybody looking to make a career in the sciences.

Even NASA, which allowed Musk's SpaceX to both survive and thrive, is standing at the edge of a precipice, with the Trump administration planning to deal its science directorate a devastating blow.

His cabinet members have made a mockery of the scientific community, with anti-vaccine crackpot Robert Kennedy Jr. bungling public health policy amidst the largest measles outbreak in the US since it declared the preventable disease eliminated in 2000. Newly elected leaders at the Energy Department are known for rejecting an overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change, as the New York Times reported earlier this month. Trump's health officials are still furthering contested conspiracy theories that the COVID-19 pandemic was caused by a lab leak in China.

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In short, that kind of blatantly anti-science agenda flies in the face of the Royal Society's role of promoting science and fostering international cooperation.

In an email sent to the fellowship, revealed this week by The Guardian, president-elect Sir Paul Nurse said that he had warned Musk in March of the "extensive damage" Trump had inflicted on science, asking the entrepreneur to "step in and reverse this tragedy."

Of course, that's not what happened  far from it. In May, Nurse followed up, asking that he consider resigning his fellowship.

Musk never bothered replying until Nurse and current president Sir Adrian Smith warned him the correspondence would be publicized to the fellowship.

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However, despite "sharp and opposing" differences of views, Musk "remains a fellow of the Royal Society," as a spokesperson told The Guardian.

The humiliating warning highlights just how far Musk has fallen from once being seen as a pioneer in the electrification of cars and developing reusable rockets that could allow humanity to build out a sustainable presence in space.

But now that's ancient history. Musk has sent a clear message to the scientific community: as always, he's slamming the door behind him.

More on Musk: OpenAI and Anthropic Are Horrified by Elon Musk's "Reckless" and "Completely Irresponsible" Grok Scandal
The group Blood Covenant reportedly launched the assassination campaign following fatwas issued by multiple Iranian clerics.

A crowdfunding effort, linked to a former employee of Irans state media, has raised $40 million as a bounty for the assassination of US PresidentDonald Trump, The New York Post reported last Saturday.

The group Blood Covenant reportedly launched the assassination campaign following fatwas issued by multiple Iranian clerics.

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Following Trumps orders to bomb three Iranian nuclear facilities, the clerics reportedly labeled Trump as an enemy of Allah.

We pledge to award the prize to whoever can bring the militants and those who threaten the life of the Deputy of Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for him) to justice for their actions, the Blood Covenant wrote on its website.

The US-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) think tank reported that Blood Covenant runs under the aegis of the Iranian regime.

Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump gestures with a bloodied face while he is assisted by US Secret Service personnel after he was shot in the right ear during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, US, July 13, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID)

This is a call to jihad, inviting believers to donate their money and sacrifice their lives, MEMRI said in an analysis of the fundraising effort. The poster lends religious legitimacy to assassinating Trump.

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The fact that these calls to assassinate Trump are coming from above and being echoed in the street and through all strata of society, including in the Iranian media  reflects a broad religious and regime consensus strengthened by reiterated emphasis of the reward anyone carrying out the punishment against Trump can expect to receive  in addition to the $40.3 million, also Paradise and the status of a defender of Islam.

Blood Covenants efforts were reportedly supported by ten Iranian state-appointed clerics, according to dissident media site Iran International.

Additionally, the London-based dissident media reported that Azeri, a state-appointed cleric in Iran's West Azarbaijan Province, announced a reward of 100 billion tomans (approximately $1.14 million) for the murder of the US president.

We will give 100 billion tomans to anyone who brings the head of Trump, said Mansour Emami, the provincial director of the official Islamic Propagation Organization in West Azerbaijan.

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Despite the clerics being state-appointed, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said during his interview with Tucker Carlson, To the best of my knowledge, they have not issued decrees or fatwas against any individual or against Donald Trump. It has nothing to do with the Iranian government or the Supreme Leader of Iran.

Attempts on US President Donald Trump's life

A Pakistani national alleged to have ties with Iran wascharged in 2024 for planning the assassination of a number of US officials, including Trump. The alleged goal of Asif Merchant was to target those in the US who were "hurting Pakistan and the world, [the] Muslim world," the CNN report said, citing the court documents.

Additionally, the Justice Department reported in 2024 that one of three American citizens charged with the attempted assassination of Trump was also surveilling two Jewish American citizens and claimed an IRGC official offered him $500,000 for the murder of either the president or American Jewry.

Shir Perets contributed to this report.
I was absolutely horrified to read of administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lee Zeldins plan to pollute and destroy the very wilderness he was hired to protect (I saw a golden future for American manufacturing during Komatsu tour, July 13).

Because of his detrimental actions against the environment, he is not doing his job. His job is to protect our environment and natural resources  clean air and water  not poison them with toxic chemicals. His job is to strengthen and enforce protection for endangered species, not weaken or dismantle laws, thus threatening hundreds of species with extinction.

His job is to enforce strict laws and regulations that protect vital marine ecosystems, preserve our national parks and public lands and conserve the Arctic wildlife refuge, not develop, drill or mine these wilderness areas. He was hired to protect our environment, not destroy it!

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Zeldin is correct on one issue, the US has a growing demand for more energy  but his job is to promote and support clean, sustainable energy, not toxic fossil fuels. He actually used the words clean coal when nothing could be further from the truth. Coal creates toxic poisons that are emitted into our air and water, causing irreparable harm to the environment and cardio-respiratory illness in us.

Zeldin needs to step down from his position before he decimates the very environment he was hired to protect. We will all suffer the consequences of this administrations war on the natural world.

Jodi Lynn Koehler, Franklin

Letters: What will Wisconsin lawmakers tell constituents about support for Trump bill?

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Opinion: Trump's energy dominance plans driving manufacturing renaissance in Milwaukee

Tips for getting your letter to the editor published

Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state:

Please include your name, street address and daytime phone.

Generally, we limit letters to 200 words.

Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter.

Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing.

Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person.

We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions.

We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters.

Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months.

All letters are subject to editing.

Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Zeldin's job is to promote clean energy, not fossil fuels | Letters
A former employee of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein twice asked federal authorities to look into Donald Trump while accusing Epstein of sexual assault.

Maria Farmer first accused Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell of misconduct in 1996, telling her story to the New York Police Department and the FBI. In both instances, she urged the investigators to look into Epsteins associate, Trump. Speaking to the New York Times, Farmer said she had an unsettling encounter with the president in Epsteins office in 1995.

Farmer said she went to Epsteins office in response to a late-night call. When Trump arrived, he made Farmer uncomfortable. In her telling, Trump leered at her legs until Epstein said, No, no. Shes not here for you. She added that she heard Trump comment from the next room that he thought she was a minor.

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Farmer said she pressed the FBI to look into Trump when they interviewed her a second time in 2006.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung denied the story.

The president was never in his office, he told the Times. The fact is that the president kicked him out of his club for being a creep.

The report comes as Trump scrambles to distance himself from Epstein after he angered much of his base when his Department of Justice balked at releasing more information around Epsteins case.

Start your day with essential news from Salon.

Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course.

The president has tried several different strategies to make the story go away. He began by waving away questions about Epstein before painting the news as a hoax perpetrated by Democrats. In recent days, he has fired an Epstein prosecutor and threatened to sue media outlets over reports about their friendship.

The post Epstein accuser asked authorities to look into Trump twice appeared first on Salon.com.
Typhoon Wipha is rapidly intensifying and is expected to make a direct hit within a short time, as Typhoon Signal No. 10  the highest typhoon warning  is issued while the storm closes in on the city, bringing heavy winds, torrential rains, and flooding concerns.

The last time Typhoon Signal No. 10 hit the city was in 2023, during Super Typhoon Saola.

At 12:30 p.m. today, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued Signal No. 10, its most severe alert, urging residents to prepare for the storms peak impact.

At 1 p.m., Typhoon Wipha was estimated to be about 30 km (18.6 miles) south-southeast of Macau. It is forecast to move west-northwest at around 25 km/h (15.5 mph), gradually edging closer to the city.

Wipha is advancing westward at about 25 kilometers per hour, intensifying rapidly. Winds have reached level 12, with forecasts warning of gusts up to level 14.

A yellow storm surge warning remains in effect, raising fears of flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas.

Flooding is expected to reach heights between 0.5 and 1.0 meters (1.6 to 3.3 feet), with the most severe impact expected between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Flood gates have been installed in the Inner Harbor district to limit water damage.

The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) reported that by noon, 95 people had sought shelter at four designated safe-haven centers. Since opening this morning, a total of 103 individuals have used these refuges.

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has urged all residents and visitors to remain in secure locations and monitor updates on the SMGs official channels.

Public facilities and attractions will remain closed until further notice.

Data from the Unitary Police Service (SPU) show that 27 accident reports have been recorded so far, including seven cases involving fallen trees, lampposts, or building structures, and 20 reports of hazardous signage, windows, or canopies requiring removal.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority reported that 140 flights at Macao International Airport had been canceled and 13 rescheduled as of noon.

Despite the typhoon, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau announced that casinos will maintain appropriate operations during the storm.

Temporary rest areas have also been arranged for employees and guests during the Signal No. 10 period.

The government also confirmed that water supply services are currently operating normally, while CEM reported that the power supply across the city remains stable.

CEM said that personnel at the dispatch center, Coloane power plant, and emergency repair teams are actively monitoring operations to ensure a continued supply of electricity.

All border checkpoints between Macau and Zhuhai were closed at 6 a.m., while the citys four key bridges connecting the peninsula to Taipa Island have been shut down, except for emergency access via the Sai Van Bridge tunnel.

Public transportation, including bus and taxi services, has been suspended, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge was closed to traffic from 3:30 a.m. Passenger ferry operations and airport services have ceased, with 140 flights canceled and 13 rescheduled as of noon at Macao International Airport.

In Hong Kong, its observatory lifted the signal to No. 10 at 9:20 a.m.

The highest storm alert will stay in effect until 3 p.m. in the neighbouring city.

The SMG has yet to provide a specific timeline for when the Signal No. 10 warning might be downgraded.

Updated 1:55 p.m.

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One of Jeffrey Epsteins accusers claimed she met Donald Trump in the convicted pedophiles New York office in what was described as a troubling encounter, according to a report.

Artist Maria Farmer said she urged the FBI to look into people in the disgraced financiers social circle, including the president, after the alleged encounter in the 90s, she told The New York Times.

Farmer and her younger sister Annie, who testified at Ghislaine Maxwells 2021 sex trafficking trial, have spoken publicly about their ordeal with Epstein before. But her account now sheds light on how the Epstein files could contain material that is embarrassing or politically problematic to the president, the Times reports.

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Farmers account is among the clearest indications yet of how Trump may appear in the Epstein files, the Times notes, though the White House disputed the alleged encounter.

The president was never in [Epsteins] office, said White House communications director Steven Cheung. The fact is that the president kicked him out of his club for being a creep.

It follows a turbulent few weeks for the Trump administration after MAGA outrage over the Epstein files boiled over last week. Despite campaigning on a promise to release the files, Trumps Justice Department announced in July that no further evidence in the case would be released, unleashing turmoil among the presidents MAGA supporter base.

Artist Maria Farmer said she urged the FBI to look into people in Jeffrey Epsteins social circle, including Donald Trump, after the alleged encounter in the 90s. (NBC News)

The president last week agreed to release select grand jury testimony of the case, which experts say is unlikely to produce much, if anything, to satisfy the publics appetite for new information about Epsteins crimes.

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Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail awaiting a sex trafficking trial in August 2019.

Farmer was in her mid-twenties when she claimed she met Trump in 1995, shortly after Epstein hired her to do artwork.

One night, she received an unexpected call from Epstein, who requested she come by his offices in Manhattan.

According to Farmers account to the Times, Trump was there and started to hover over her.

Farmer said that she recalled feeling scared as Mr. Trump stared at her bare legs, the newspaper reported. Then Mr. Epstein entered the room, and she recalled him saying to Mr. Trump: No, no. Shes not here for you.

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Epstein and Trump then left the room, according to Farmer, and she claimed she heard Trump comment that he thought she was 16 years old.

The White House disputed Farmers account.

After the encounter, Farmer said she had no other alarming interactions with Trump, nor did she witness him engage in inappropriate conduct with any other girls or women.

Farmer filed a lawsuit at the end of May alleging that the federal government failed to protect her and other victims of the convicted pedophile and his madam, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Maria Farmer and her sister Annie were both sexually assaulted by Epstein and Maxwell in the 90s. Annie Farmer testified at Maxwells 2021 sex trafficking trial. (US District Court for the Southe)

Farmer told the Times that she has long wondered how her complaints about Epstein between 1996 and 2006 were handled by law enforcement agencies.

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She told the newspaper that she raised Trumps name with authorities on two occasions because of the alleged encounter and because he seemed so close to Epstein.

Trump has never been accused of any wrongdoing in the Epstein case.

Farmer, who did not testify at Maxwells trial, was sexually assaulted by Epstein and his madam at his Ohio estate in 1996. Farmer later learned that her younger sister Annie, then 16, was molested by Maxwell and Epstein at his New Mexico ranch that same year.

When Farmer discovered her sister had also been assaulted by Epstein and Maxwell, she reported the sex offender to the FBI.

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There is certainly more to know, Annie Farmer told The Independent in an interview last year. I dont know whether we will ever learn more about that but I dont think we know everything.

The president has sought to distance himself from the sex offender, with whom he had a friendship from the late 80s until the early 2000s.

Last week, the Wall Street Journal published the text of a note that was allegedly penned by Trump to Epstein as part of a 50th birthday card. The note itself was framed with the silhouette of a naked woman, with the contents alluding to a secret that Trump wrote the two men shared.

Trump has denied having anything to do with the birthday card and is suing the Wall Street Journal for defamation, along with the papers owner Rupert Murdoch, the paper's parent companies Dow Jones and News Corp, and two Wall Street Journal reporters.

Those affected by rape and sexual abuse can call Rainn for support on 800-656-HOPE (4673). If you are in the UK, you can call Rape Crisis on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk.

This story has been updated to include information about President Donald Trumps lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mr Trump denied he had sent it and quickly launched a defamation suit against the newspaper, two reporters and Rupert Murdoch, its proprietor.

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HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  A man officials said escaped from a North Carolina jail is back behind bars.

The Henderson County Sheriffs Office said on Sunday that Erick Johnyy Perez had been located by the Fletcher Police Department and transported back to Henderson County.

On Thursday, the sheriffs office reported Perez had escaped from custody via an emergency exit in a recreation area and climbed over the perimeter fence.

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The sheriffs office said his escape was noticed when a detention officer found the door unsecured and conducted a head count.

Perez was in custody on charges related to breaking, entering, and larceny. He is a Mexican national and is also the subject of an immigration detainer.

The sheriffs office said it has worked with Henderson County Information Technology Department to correct a system glitch which allowed Perez to use the emergency exit.

His escape 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 WSPA 7NEWS.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova has stated that she held a meeting with Taras Kachka, newly appointed deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Source: Katarina Mathernova on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Mathernova said that she was pleased to meet Kachka in his new role as deputy prime minister for EU integration.

Quote: "He brings long-standing expertise on the EU integration track  especially trade and the Association Agreement.

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I look forward to working with him on the next phases of the accession process."

Background: On 17 July, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) approved the new Cabinet of Ministers (Ukrainian government), in which Taras Kachka will serve as deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Read more: From Brussels to Washington: Stefanishyna on her new role and Ukraine's EU path

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By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - One of Jeffrey Epstein's former attorneys on Sunday called on the U.S. Justice Department to release additional investigative records from its sex-trafficking investigation, and urged the government to grant Epstein's former girlfriend immunity so that she can testify about his crimes.

In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Alan Dershowitz said the grand jury transcripts that Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday asked a federal judge to unseal would not contain the types of information being sought by President Donald Trump's supporters, such as the names of Epstein's clientele.

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"I think the judge should release it, but they are not in the grand jury transcripts," Dershowitz said on Fox.

"I've seen some of these materials. For example, there is an FBI report of interviews with alleged victims in which at least one of the victims names very important people," he said, adding that those names have been redacted.

President Donald Trump has been under mounting pressure from his supporters to release additional information related to the government's sex-trafficking probe into Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Earlier this year, Bondi promised that the department would release additional materials including "a lot of names" and "a lot of flight logs."

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The department back-tracked on that promise earlier this month, after releasing a joint memo with the FBI which poured cold water on long-running conspiracy theories about Epstein by saying there was "no incriminating client list" or any evidence of blackmail.

The memo also backed a prior FBI investigation which concluded that Epstein died by suicide and was not murdered in his jail cell.

Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have faced a growing backlash by Trump's supporters since the memo was issued, prompting Trump last week to order the department to ask a court to unseal grand jury transcripts from the Epstein case.

The U.S. government on Friday filed a motion in a Manhattan federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts in the cases of Epstein and former associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

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Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of five federal charges related to her role in Epstein's sexual abuse of underage girls. Maxwell is appealing her conviction and 20-year prison sentence to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The release of the grand jury documents may fall short of what many of Trump's supporters have sought, including case files held by the administration, and a judge may reject the administration's request to make the transcripts public.

Dershowitz on Sunday told "Fox News Sunday" that the information that Bondi did not request to be unsealed would be "far more informative and far more relevant."

He added that the government should also grant Maxwell immunity so that she could testify before Congress about what knowledge she has of Epstein's alleged crimes.

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"She knows everything. She is the Rosetta Stone," he said of Maxwell.

"If she were just given use immunity, she could be compelled to testify."

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
This threatened woodpecker found its way back home.

Peachtree Rock, a nature preserve in Columbia, South Carolina, welcomed back a long-lost resident: the red-cockaded woodpecker.

The red-cockaded woodpecker is a small, striped woodpecker native to the southeastern United States, including Georgia and South Carolina. The woodpecker is considered near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Peachtree Rock hasn't seen this species in 50 years.

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The woodpecker was seen making a home in a pine tree, which is fantastic news. "Having a threatened species move back into an area for the first time in nearly 50 years is about the best grade you can get on your conservation report card,'' the Nature Conservancy's director in South Carolina, Dale Threatt-Taylor, told The State.

The woodpecker and other birds in the area experienced population decreases due to the removal of surrounding trees. It's not uncommon; habitat loss is one of the biggest drivers of extinction.

Over 47,000 species  28% of all assessed species  are at risk of extinction, per IUCN's Red List. Without action, many of them could go extinct within the next 25 years.

Protecting existing land and restoring lost habitats are among the best ways to bring back endangered species. Conservation teams across the globe are working to restore endangered species, including gray wolves in Colorado and elephant seals in Chile.

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Conservation works. One meta-analysis of conservation efforts found that conservation efforts, including habitat preservation and invasive species control, "improved the state of biodiversity or slowed its decline in most cases (66%)  [and] were generally found to be highly effective," according to the University of Oxford.

The woodpecker's return gives researchers hope and reassures them that hard work pays off. As Threatt-Taylor said, "Nature can do amazing things when we give her the right tools.''

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.
Netanyahus endorsement of the false claim came in the form of the sharing of a post by the Likud party from Friday afternoon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and other members of the government and coalition falsely claimed on Saturday and Sunday that the former US administration led by president Joe Biden provided nearly $1 billion in aid to Israeli groups that protested the governments controversial 2023 judicial reforms.

Netanyahus endorsement of the false claim came in the form of the sharing of a post by the Likud Party from Friday afternoon. The post cited a report by the US Committee on the Judiciary published a day earlier. According to the Likud and Netanyahu, An official document published by the US Congress reveals astonishing information confirming what many have long suspected: the previous US administration transferred close to a billion dollars to left-wing organizations in Israel.

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The data provided by the report, however, show that the maximum government funds that reached the protest groups in question were less than $600,000.

The Likud and Netanyahu called the efforts an attempt to undermine the rule of a democratically elected, stable right-wing government, adding that as part of the attempt to overthrow the government, external pressures were applied, leading to a deep social rift, encouragement of disobedience, and dangerous divisions within Israeli society.

In a conference on Sunday morning, Smotrich repeated the false claim.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich seen during a press conference, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. January 25, 2023 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Over the weekend, a report was released by the US Congress Judiciary Committee revealing that nearly $1b. were transferred to approximately 1,000 NGOs with the aim of dismantling the right-wing government and the broader national camp. This is reportedly being supported not only through funding but also by the mobilization of media and academia in service of this campaign.

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If anyone is wondering what the government has had to face from the moment it was formed, and what challenges it continues to contend with, this event must be understood first  before delving into discussions about its achievements, successes, and failures, Smotrich said.

The report listed a large number of anti-judicial reform organizations and cited various funding sources. However, a large majority of the funds listed in the report either did not originate from the US government or did not reach the organizations in question.

The report noted that Congresss Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 26 sent letters to six US and Israeli nongovernmental organizations to request documents related to any grants, cooperative agreements, or other awards received from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) or State Department.

The NGOs in question

The six NGOs were Blue and White Future, Movement for Quality Government in Israel, PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Jewish Communal Fund, Middle East Peace Dialogue Network, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA). According to the report, the organizations produced 380 total documents.

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According to the report, between 2021-2024, PEF Israel Endowment Funds, which provided some $18 million to the protest group Blue and White Future, received some $187,000 from RPA, which itself received approximately $50m. in grants from the Biden administration during the same period. The report does not specify whether the $187,000 of aid was part of the funds transferred to the protest groups, nor how much of it was received after the protests began in early 2023.

The report mentions a second grant as originating in the RPA that reached anti-judicial reform groups. According to the report, between 2021-2024, RPA donated $557,000 to its affiliate and partner Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF), which in 2023 donated $370,000 to three groups affiliated with the protests  Foundation for Middle East Peace (FMEP), New Israel Fund (NIF), and Brothers and Sisters in Arms.

Following the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, the latter organization ceased protests and launched a logistics center based on philanthropy and volunteers to assist IDF reservists and civilian evacuees. The report did not specify whether or not the RBF funds were given before or after October 7.

The report also mentions $42,000 in direct aid from the US government to the Movement for Quality Government in Israel. MQG was a central organization in the protests, but the funds in question were earmarked for educational activities for students in the 11th and 12th grades.

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A series of other contributions listed in the report to a number of organizations either did not originate in US federal funding, or did not reach protest organizations.

The Likud claim about nearly $1b. in aid may have originated in a stat in the report, noting that PEF Israel Endowment Funds, according to which between 2021 and 2024, PEF, a US-based tax-exempt entity, provided more than $884 million to over 1,000 Israeli organizations, including groups involved in the judicial reform.

However, the report does not provide proof of any state funding that may have reached PEF other than the aforementioned $187,000, and the sum of grants that the report lists as originating from the US government is below $600,000.

The actual number is likely far less, since the grants in question were provided between 2021-2024 and therefore likely came in part before the announcement of the judicial reforms in January 2023.

The report also assumes that the grants provided by RPA came specifically from its income from federal funds, even though the organization receives private funding as well.
UTJ was told to support the judicial reform as it would allow for a "basic law of Torah study," and another law as an override clause, Yitzhak Goldknopf claimed in an interview with Kikar HaShabbat.

MK Yitzhak Goldknopf, leader of the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Agudat Yisrael faction of the United Torah Judaism Party, revealed that he "made a mistake" and "failed" after "someone [Netanyahu and Levin] misled us," regarding the judicial reform and haredi draft bills, he said in an interview with haredi news outlet Kikar HaShabbat on Sunday.

He was asked what happened behind the scenes when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Justice Minister Yariv Levin attempted to gain support from haredi politicians for the judicial reform bill.

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"I do not want to think about it," he stated, before explaining that UTJ was told to support the bill because it would allow for a "basic law of Torah study," followed by another law as an override clause. He also claimed he was told in a meeting with coalition leaders that he should "support this," as "it will be for you."

Goldknopf told Kikar HaShabbat that he wanted to leave the coalition quietly, without interfering, in order to bring about "an orderly conscription law with broad agreement," but he was "mistaken" and "saw that things were not going that way."

"I saw Netanyahu wanted to pass something" as a haredi draft bill, adding that the "blame for the law not passing is primarily on Netanyahu."

Yitzhak Goldknopf at the Knesset on March 3, 2025. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

"It is definitely possible to pass a bill, it just requires will," he stated.

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"We made an agreement, and in that agreement, not a single word is written about sanctions, punishments, or targets," Goldknopf clarified, stating that he will not agree to any bill that includes recruitment quotas or sanctions.

He clarified further that "In the law we want to support, there will be no quotas and no sanctions, as there is no such thing in any law in the State of Israel. Tell me another law that has sanctions? What do you want from these poor people? Until you have haredim in the country, what do you want from them? What is all of Israel watching, and all of Israel is only looking at these 15%? What do you want from them? Let them live, they dont bother you."

The issue over haredi draft laws will remain a central issue even after any upcoming election, Goldknopf noted.

He also addressed an announcement by the IDF and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara that there will be a wave of arrests of Yeshiva students who refuse to draft in the coming weeks.

Goldknopf says arrests of Yeshiva students who refuse to draft will not happen

"This is a decree that no one will be able to implement, no one will be able to carry out. If they want to shake the country, let them shake it. The country will not rest, it will not be quiet. There will be no quiet here, in one way or another," he stated.

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"Im not saying beatings or blood, the country wont rest. If they want to shake the country, let them do it. You cant harm yeshiva students, you cant harm Torah students, you cant harm yeshivas, you cant carry out arrests," he continued.

Goldknopf also remains unconvinced that the IDF has the infrastructure to conscript haredi youths who are not studying. "First of all, I want to see where you send them. I dont know whats happening in the [IDF's haredi] Hashmonaim Brigade; they promise that those who enter as haredi will leave as haredi? I want to see how many letters I get saying its nonsense."

He also addressed the controversy of dancing at a wedding while an anti-Zionist song by the extremist Neturei Karta group was playing, including the lyrics "We will die and not enlist."

"No one saw me dancing; they saw dancing around me. They came to sing it around me," before implying that he simply refused to be disrespectful by telling them to stop.
TAIPEI  Taiwan will not provoke a confrontation with China, the self-ruled islands deputy leader said Friday, lamenting Beijings aggressive military posturing against the island democracy that is part of Chinas territory.

We do not seek conflict. We will not provoke confrontation, said Bi-khim Hsiao, adding that her government has urged Beijing to communicate with parity and respect.

Hsiao, who has served under Lai Ching-te since their election win last year, said her government has seen a dramatic uptick in provocative and proactive CCP efforts to infiltrate, sabotage and divide our society, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

China refuses to speak with Hsiao and Lai and has labeled them diehard Taiwan independence separatists, a designation for which it has threatened the death penalty.

Speaking at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club in Taipei, Hsiao said she has experienced varying degrees of pressure over the years, including sanctions by China.

But I will not let that intimidate me or stop me from voicing my views or from voicing the views of the people of Taiwan, and we will continue to be active in the international community, she said.

Taiwan is very urgently investing in our self-defense capabilities in order to deter any miscalculation and any attempt at disrupting the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, she added.

Taiwan sources most of its weapons from the United States, which is bound by its own laws to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

Like most countries, the U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as country, but acts as its main unofficial ally. Washington supports preserving the status quo in Taipeis relationship with Beijing, which means neither side should make a move toward independence or annexation, respectively.

Taiwans relationship with the U.S. is very important and has historically held through different administrations while garnering bipartisan congressional support, Hsiao said.

Trade negotiators from the two sides are working around the clock to reach a deal that would pre-empt tariffs of 32% on all Taiwanese goods from coming into effect Aug. 1, she said. Washington lowered tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 10% for 90 days to allow for the trade talks.

The tariffs are part of duties President Donald Trump levied against nearly all U.S. trading partners beginning in April, accusing them of running large trade surpluses.

MDT/AP

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The family of Aronde Odom held a birthday party to celebrate what would have been his 31st birthday next week.

Odom was walking his bike across a street in Springfield, Massachusetts, last March, when a driver hit and killed him. Odoms loved ones say it was a sudden and tragic night.

It was horrible. It was the worst day for everyone, Odoms girlfriend Alayna Anderson said. It still doesnt feel real. Its not getting any easier.

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The past few months have been tough, as family says the 30-year-old was beloved and the life of the party wherever he went.

His smile lit up any room he walked into, Anderson said.

Family and friends of Odom say around 100 people showed up Saturday to support the cause. They had food, music, and games for the kids. An event like this helps those closest to Odom grieve and see the support of the community.

It brings all the love together, Odoms brother Brandon Rose said. Theres different people from different aspects of his life. Different times of his life. Figured Id have the strength to keep my brothers spirit alive.

The driver who hit Odom has been charged. Boston 25 is working to find out where the case stands in court.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Fans disappointed by Mac Miller bobblehead distribution at PNC Park, frustrated with resellers

On Sunday night, the sought-after Mac Miller bobbleheads were listed for as much as $2,000 on eBay, leaving many fans frustrated after they had waited for hours. Channel 11 News captured footage of the long line stretching across the Roberto Clemente Bridge and into the city.

They knew people were coming for the bobbleheads, said Pirates fan Nick Briggs.

Hundreds of fans who attended Saturday nights Pirates game had hoped to receive a special edition Mac Miller Pirates bobblehead. The keepsake was promised to the first 20,000 guests, but after hours of waiting, many walked away empty-handed. This included Trisha and Nick Briggs, a couple from Bellevue, who reported they waited for more than two hours.

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Once they saw they had a sold-out crowd, why not just place a second order? Briggs questioned.

Some guests camped out as early as 8 a.m., while others joined the line at 11 a.m., nearly eight hours before the 6:40 p.m. game started. Footage sent to the station showed the line extending halfway across the bridge and looping into downtown.

Oh my God, it was crazy! The lines were stretching halfway across the bridge by 2:30 in the afternoon, said Sean Yee, who set up to sell water outside the stadium and sold over 21 cases on Saturday night.

Cars were beeping; it was not a safe situation, Briggs explained.

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Upset fans even began fighting over the bobbleheads, and video footage was sent to Channel 11 News. The couple revealed they saw other guests take multiple bobbleheads at once and then attempt to resell them both outside and inside the stadium.

You would walk inside, and it wasnt just a single person getting a single bobblehead; these resellers were coming back through and grabbing several bobbleheads. Thats how some ended up with six, Briggs said.

Online, the bobblehead is now being sold for as much as $2,000, while a commemorative Mac Miller Pirates t-shirt, which was also sold during Saturdays game, is now listed for hundreds of dollars after it too sold out on Saturday night.

Unlike the bobbleheads, the Pirates confirmed that they have ordered more shirts and will begin selling them in the clubhouse store on July 25.

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We reached out to the Pirates for a comment and to inquire if they planned to issue vouchers but have not yet received a response.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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John Mellencamp referenced a fast-food chain in his paean to teenage lust, "Jack and Diane," that made it forever famous. The song's lyrics, "Suckin' on a chili dog outside the Tastee Freez," sparked speculation as to how the teens were eating that iconic chili dog but also renewed interest in the fading franchise. Mellencamp hails from Seymour, Indiana, but apparently, when he was growing up in the 1970s, no Tastee Freez existed in his hometown, and he was more likely inspired by a neighborhood snack bar. The 1982 hit song, though, hearkens back to when times were tough for Midwesterners, but Tastee Freez was a place where you could still find pleasure and cheap eats. At one time, Tastee Freez was Dairy Queen's fiercest competitor, but a disastrous decision by its owner forced the company into bankruptcy from which it never really recovered.

Tastee Freez was the brainchild of Leo Maranz, a Chicago mechanical engineer who developed electrical refrigeration to maintain the perfect temperature for ice cream, particularly soft-serve ice cream. Maranz pitched his unique freezer to Dairy Queen, but when DQ passed on it, he opened his own business, the Electric Corporation of America. Maranz struggled financially during World War II, and he eventually pivoted to the toy business. But in 1950, he teamed up with former Dairy Queen employee Harry Axene and created the Tastee Freez corporation. They opened their first Tastee Freez in Chicago in 1951, and by offering franchise opportunities, in two years' time, they had approximately 500 locations worldwide.

Read more: 15 Failed Restaurant Chains We Actually Miss

A Fool-Hardy Scheme Brought Tastee Freez Down

tastee freez 1970s - Valley Relics Museum/Facebook

Tastee Freez quickly became a favorite with budget-conscious families and, by the early 1960s, had grown to about 2,000 franchises. But then it all came crashing down in 1963. Maranz partnered with the Lyons restaurant chain to install Tastee Freez ice cream machines in trucks to sell frozen treats in England. The concept was a hit overseas, but it failed to catch on in the U.S., and the company fell into debt of $6 million, forcing it into bankruptcy.

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On top of the financial loss, the Securities and Exchange Commission banned trading of Tastee Freez stock while it was investigating possible stockholder insider trading. The company was forced to sell its unprofitable ice cream trucks as part of its Chapter 11 reorganization, and when Maranz's assistant, Herbert Molner, bought Tastee Freez, he closed its smaller stores and added hamburgers and hot dogs to the menu, which helped the company to recover, but not to the extent it had once been. Tastee Freez was sold in 1982 to the Denovo Corporation and then again in 2003 to the Galardi Group, owner of Wienerschnitzel, which incorporated Tastee Freez's soft serve into its menu offerings. Today, Tastee Freez has only four locations -- in Alaska, Florida, Illinois, and North Dakota -- and is no longer one of the best regional fast food chains. But "oh yeah, life goes on," sang Mellencamp, and so does Tastee Freez, if only in memory, "long after the thrill of livin' is gone."

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
On Saturday, a high-speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle ended in a crash at the South Carolina line on Dravo Road.

ALSO READ: Cleveland County partners with Housing Need Project to gauge housing needs

The Cleveland County Sheriffs Office initiated the pursuit after a stolen Chevy Tahoe was spotted traveling northbound on Highway 18. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle near Davis Road, but the driver fled, leading to a chase that spanned approximately five miles.

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The pursuit concluded when the vehicle crashed into a ditch on Dravo Road, deploying the airbags. The driver fled on foot but was later captured by the York County Sheriffs Office bloodhound team.

Inside the vehicle, deputies found Marvin Alex Woody, who was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. A female passenger was also found unconscious and, despite life-saving efforts, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman has been identified as 22-year-old Aaliyah Shyann Sisk, according to the Cherokee County Coroners Office. Investigators said Sisks head hit the windshield on impact, leading to her death.

The driver, Garry Tyrone Martin, is facing charges in North Carolina, including possession of a stolen motor vehicle, felony elude, and reckless driving. Additional charges are expected in South Carolina related to the crash.

This is a developing story. Check back with Channel 9 for updates.

VIDEO: Driver crashes into ditch, gets into box truck after pursuit from Charlotte to SC
Two men from Texas appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Thursday, July 17, facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in a cross-country ATM robbery scheme that used glue, surveillance tactics, and threats to steal cash from bank machines.

Charges were announced against 22-year-old Ahmon Hogg of Humble, Texas, and 23-year-old Seth Coles-Body of Houston, who are each charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

According to the criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Washington, Hogg and Coles-Body were part of a robbery crew that targeted ATMs in multiple states, including Washington and Arizona, by deliberately disabling the machines to prompt maintenance calls.

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When bank technicians arrived to make repairs, the suspects would confront themsometimes with weaponsand demand access to the ATMs internal cash cassettes.

On December 23, 2024, investigators say the group disabled a Bank of America ATM in Renton, by applying a glue-like substance that jammed the card reader.

Surveillance footage later reviewed by the FBI showed that two masked individuals approached a technician sent to fix the machine.

One of the suspects brandished a screwdriver and demanded the technician open the machine.

The technician refused and was physically assaulted, but he managed to escape without turning over any cash.

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Cameras captured images of the suspects vehicle and distinctive clothing.

The following day, December 24, a similar robbery occurred at a Bank of America ATM located in Vancouver, Washington.

That machine had also been jammed with an adhesive substance, prompting another technician to be dispatched.

While she was attempting to repair the machine, two men rushed her, pushed her out of the way, and forcibly took five cash cassettes filled with cash.

The vehicle used in the Vancouver robbery matched the one captured on video during the failed robbery in Renton.

Investigators also noted that the clothing worn by the suspects was consistent between the two incidents.

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That same day, authorities discovered another ATM in Battle Ground, Washington, had been similarly tampered with, though no robbery took place at that location.

The investigation eventually led authorities to link Hogg and Coles-Body to additional ATM tampering incidents in Arizona.

On January 3, 2025, Bank of America and Wells Fargo ATMs in the Phoenix area were found with cards inserted and covered in a glue-like substance, disabling the machines.

Law enforcement conducted surveillance at the affected locations and observed a vehicle that matched the description of one previously associated with the Washington incidents.

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Hogg and Coles-Body were stopped in that vehicle and identified, but they were released at the time.

No arrests were made during the Arizona encounter.

On March 7, 2025, another robbery was reported in Redmond.

A technician working on a disabled Bank of America ATM said two suspects ran up and stole several cassettes after he opened the machine.

The card reader had once again been jammed with a glue-like substance.

Five of the stolen cassettes were later found damaged on the side of Highway 520.

Just days after the Redmond robbery, Coles-Body was stopped by U.S. Border Patrol agents while attempting to cross into Mexico on a Greyhound bus.

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Agents found him carrying approximately $209,000.

The money was seized, but Coles-Body was not arrested at that time.

Federal authorities obtained a criminal complaint and warrant on July 2.

Hogg and Coles-Body were arrested the next day during a traffic stop in Mississippi.

During the arrest, law enforcement recovered stolen firearms from the suspects vehicle.

The men first appeared in federal court in Jackson, Mississippi, on July 3.

A magistrate judge ordered that they be transported to Seattle by the U.S. Marshals Service for further proceedings.

If convicted, both men face up to five years in federal prison on the conspiracy to commit robbery charge.

Prosecutors emphasized that the charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
A federal judge has permanently blocked a portion of a Tennessee law passed last year that makes it a felony to recruit or transport a minor for an illegal abortion without parental consent, following a First Amendment lawsuit over the phrasing of the law.

All enforcement of the recruitment provision of the law is now permanently enjoined, following a July 18 ruling by Senior Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Julia Gibbons, sitting as district judge by designation.

The ruling is the result of a June 2024 lawsuit filed by Tennessee State Representative Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville, and Nashville family law attorney Rachel Welty, who raised concerns over the portion of the law that criminalized anyone who "recruits" a minor for an abortion, calling it unconstitutional and vague.

Rep. Aftyn Behn, D- Nashville, looks to Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, while he defends SB 1971 during a House session at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

The term recruit is not defined in state code, which opponents of the law said could prove problematic for the First Amendment.

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Gibbons appeared to agree with the free speech concerns, stating that the recruitment portion of the law prohibits speech encouraging lawful abortion while allowing speech discouraging lawful abortion.

"That is impermissible viewpoint discrimination, which the First Amendment rarely tolerates  and does not tolerate here, she wrote in her opinion.

Her ruling explicitly defends that public advocacy, information sharing and counseling, which includes informing Tennessee residents  both adults and minors  where they can receive out of state abortions is protected speech.

Because abortion is generally illegal in Tennessee, the state may constitutionally punish speech made in direct furtherance of in-state abortionsThe state may not, however, criminalize speech recruiting a minor to procure a legal abortion in another state, she said. Tennessee cannot criminalize disseminating information about an activity that is legal in another state.

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U.S. District Court Judge Aleta Trauger in September 2024 temporarily blocked enforcement of the same recruitment provision, citing nearly identical concerns.

"We won this lawsuit on First Amendment grounds because the Constitution is clear  speech is protected," said Behn, in a statement to The Tennessean. "The court recognized that the government cannot silence us for offering support, sharing information, or speaking out about issues with which the Republican supermajority disagrees. This is a critical victory not just for Tennesseans but for anyone who believes in the right to speak freely without fear of state retaliation."

Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, who defended the law on behalf of the state, has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Judge Gibbons' thoughtful and well-reasoned opinion protects the right of all Tennesseans to share truthful information about abortion without fear that crusading prosecutors will try to punish them criminally for doing so, said Nashville First Amendment attorney Daniel Horwitz, Welty and Behns lead counsel, who represented the plaintiffs alongside Horwitz Law attorney Sarah Martin. It also affirms that the government has no authority to enact overbroad laws that criminalize pure speech based on the governments disagreement with a speakers point of view. This is a major victory for Ms. Welty, Representative Behn, and all Tennesseans who believe that the government has no right to prosecute citizens for sharing truthful information.

Ruling follows tensions surrounding bills passage

The ruling comes after over a year of tensions surrounding the law since its debut on the House floor in early 2024.

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As the bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, made its way through the General Assembly in spring 2024, Democrats pressed Republicans on how the recruiting portion of the law could be applied, and whether an adult who mentions an out-of-state abortion option or other discussions of reproductive health care could be found liable under the law.

Behn even held signs in protest of the law on Lower Broadway, and said on social media she would take a younger person out of state for an abortion even if "it lands me in jail, a statement that led to a heated argument on the House floor during an April debate over the bill.

Rep.Aftyn Behn, D- Nashville, points to herself when Rep. Jason Zachary R-Knoxville, references a tweet she made while he defends SB 1971 during a House session at Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

More: Tennessee House passes bill criminalizing aid to minors seeking abortions

Tennessee is not unique in facing this legislation.

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A nearly identical law in Idaho, lobbied for by the National Right to Life Committee, whose state chapter was instrumental in Tennessee's law, saw a nearly-identical enjoinment in December 2024 on the recruitment provision, citing First Amendment reasons.

In a previous interview with the James Bopp Jr., the general counsel for the National Right to Life Committee, which largely authored the bill text used in the Tennessee and Idaho versions of the law, Bopp called concerns over the term recruitment bulls**t.

There's no confusion about that, he said, adding that nobody thinks that the word recruit could include just posting information or speaking about abortion.

It seems the courts disagree.

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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: Federal judge permanently blocks part of TN abortion travel ban
Uncertainty is hanging over this years hurricane season as meteorologists predict above-normal activity and the Trump administration sends shifting signals over the future of the federal governments role in natural disaster response.

Despite talk of eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its current form, the administration says it remains laser focused on disaster response and protecting the American people.

But red and blue states alike say they arent sure what the future of FEMA looks like.

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In June, at a hurricane preparedness news conference, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) was asked whether the state could take on more responsibilities amid the administrations push for states to take a bigger role.

I dont know what added responsibilities that would be, he responded.

A handful of states have set up task forces or commissions to prepare for changes being discussed in Washington.

A bipartisan coalition of Georgia state lawmakers led by state Rep. Clint Crowe (R) created a study committee on disaster mitigation.

Kentuckys state Legislature passed a law creating a task force to prepare for potential changes in FEMA funding. Republican state Sen. Matthew Deneen, who co-sponsored the Kentucky bill, said the panel would make sure the state is prepared for whatever comes.

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Well, I think that any time that were going to have change coming out of Washington, D.C., on the federal level, you know, we dont know exactly what those numbers are going to be, and so its very important for us to be agile, to be responsive and to be prepared, he told The Hill.

Trump administration officials and some Republicans on Capitol Hill argue the agency is inefficient and should take a more supportive role, with states taking the lead in disaster response.

Federal emergency management should be state and locally led rather than how it has operated for decades, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said earlier this month.

This entire agency needs to be eliminated as it exists today and remade into a responsive agency, she added.

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But rhetoric from President Trumps officials shifted toward reforming FEMA, rather than axing it entirely, following the devastating floods in Texas this month.

Noem faced criticism over reports of botched disaster response efforts, and the Houston Chronicle editorial board even slammed Noems leadership, comparing FEMAs response to the Texas floods to the Hurricane Katrina debacle.

The Texas floods killed at least 120 people, with more than 100 still missing. A preliminary estimate from AccuWeather projects the disaster to cost between $18 billion and $22 billion.

Still, Trump has praised Noems handling of the floods and brushed off reports that her changes to funding decisions slowed down the federal response in Texas.

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is forecasting 13 to 19 named storms this hurricane season, including three to five major hurricanes in the Atlantic basin.

As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities, acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said in May.

A FEMA spokesperson said in a statement there is no uncertainty about what FEMA will be doing this Hurricane Season.

The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades, a spokesperson said.

Stretching state budgets

States, however, are facing a barrage of new budget demands as federal lawmakers cut spending on issues ranging from health care to natural disasters.

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In April, FEMA suspended its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, eliminating $882 million in federal funding. The program helped communities reduce risk hazards by providing economic support for states to improve disaster prevention.

Twenty states sued FEMA this past week, alleging unlawful termination of congressionally approved grants. The lawsuit highlighted that many projects, in the works for years and meant to prevent devastating damage, are left unfinished or paused.

The FEMA spokesperson said BRIC was a wasteful and ineffective FEMA program. Two-thirds of the counties that received grants under the program voted for Trump in 2024, according to a CBS analysis of FEMA data.

Colin Foard, director of the Pew Charitable Trusts fiscal risk project, said the latest moves are compounding existing pressures on state budgets.

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States were already facing challenges of rising disaster costs, and our research shows that their traditional budgeting approaches were beginning to fall short in the face of those rising costs, Foard said.

So, as states are deciding how they can more proactively budget for disasters, that will come at the cost of trade-offs in other policy areas, he added.

States are already bracing for sweeping federal cuts to Medicaid services. About 16 million Americans are expected to lose their health insurance by 2034 under Trumps big, beautiful bill, likely leaving states to pick up more of the slack to cover increasing medical costs.

If states lost FEMA reimbursement on top of the hole they just blew in their health care budget because of the lack of federal funding  there are states that are just a ticking time bomb, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), a former Florida emergency management director, told The Hill.

Preparing for the worst

Mathew Sanders, a senior officer at Pew, said states should focus their resources on proactive measures.

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I would argue the states need to increase their spending on long-term risk reduction. Its always cheaper to reduce risk, to avoid risk, than it is to recover from a disaster, Sanders said.

One thing that I think is absolutely true, is that, across the disaster spectrum, the federal government is the predominant funder, he added. And so, you know, whatever the federal government may not provide in the future, states, localities, thats a gap thats going to need to be filled from other sources.

When it comes to where those gaps might be, or whether states can fill them, there are more questions than answers.

Last falls Hurricane Helene prompted some forward thinking on these questions in states that were hit.

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The study committee in Georgia recommended building code updates and a reforestation tax credit. The tax credit was signed into law in May.

Both North Carolinas and South Carolinas emergency agencies are seeking to foster more private sector collaborations and connections with other state emergency management organizations.

A spokesperson from North Carolina Gov. Josh Steins (D) office said eliminating FEMA entirely would be a man-made disaster.

We need FEMA to help us address natural disasters. Lets work together to improve FEMA so we are ready for future disasters, the spokesperson added.

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Its not only hurricane-prone states that are bracing themselves for change and looking for clarity on whats ahead.

Republican South Dakota Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen helms a state task force established in June to prepare for potential changes at FEMA.

I  understand that the federal government has a spending problem and needs to tighten the belt in some areas. And so, we are sympathetic to that, but we really need to know what the details are, Venhuizen told The Hill.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.




NEED TO KNOW

A fire tore through a ferry carrying 280 passengers while off the coast of Indonesia on Sunday, July 20

Footage shared on social media shows passengers leaping into the sea to escape the inferno

At least one person has died amid the blaze, according to local news outlet Jakarta Globe







At least one person has died and the death toll is expected to rise after a ferry burst into flames off the coast of Indonesia.

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On Sunday, July 20, the KM Barcelona VA vessel was traveling between the Talaud Islands and Manado when it caught fire at approximately 12:00 p.m. local time, near Talisei Island, local news outlets IDN Times and Jakarta Globe reported.

The ferry was carrying 280 passengers at the time of the blaze, according to the outlets. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed at this time.

MadonsaIqbal/X Ferry on fire in Indonesia Ferry on fire in Indonesia

In harrowing footage posted on X, passengers can be seen jumping off the burning boat into the sea while wearing life jackets as flames and thick black smoke arise from the top of the ship. Screams and cries can be heard as several people float in the water waiting to be rescued.

One person has died in the incident, IDN Times reported. It is not yet known whether the person died in the inferno or drowned.

Bios Andi Lariwu/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Indonesia Indonesia

A passenger identified as Abdul Rahmad Agu showed himself holding a toddler after escaping the ferry in a Facebook livestream while calling for help.

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In another video shared on X, the fire can be seen blazing through the inside of the ferry on the upper deck. Passengers on the lower level scrambled to get their belongings in what appeared to be a sleeping area.

The Manado Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) sent three ships for rescue and evacuation, IDN Times reported. "There are KM Barcelona III, KM Venecian, and KM Cantika Lestari 9F," the Manado KSOP officer told the outlet.

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Nuriadin Gumeleng, a spokesperson for the North Sulawesi Search and Rescue (SAR) Agency said rescued passengers are being brought to the nearby Ganga Island.

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Our operation is currently focused on locating and rescuing any remaining passengers who may still be aboard the vessel, Nuriadin said, according to Jakarta Globe.

MadonsaIqbal/X Ferry on fire in Indonesia Ferry on fire in Indonesia



In footage shared by Indonesian outlet KOMPASTV, local fishing boats are seen rescuing some of the passengers in the waters following the incident.

Passenger, Alwina Inang, alleged to the local news outlet Detik that she survived in the water for around an hour before being rescued.

"I was eating with the family of the Head of the Talaud Criminal Investigation Unit when suddenly flames of smoke entered the ship's bridge," said Alwina, who is the wife of the Head of Traffic Police of the Talaud Islands Police, Christian M, per Detik.

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"We immediately jumped into the sea," Alwina added.



It is not known how many casualties there are this time.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Coast Guard and the national police for comment.



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FERRYSBURG, Mich. (WOOD)  In just a few weeks, voters in Ferrysburg will narrow down their mayoral candidates.

Three are currently vying for mayor of the lakeshore city  a public vote on Aug. 5 will narrow that field down to just two contenders who will advance to the general election on Nov. 4.

One of those candidates is Richard Carlson, the current mayor of Ferrysburg. Carlson worked in technical sales for Donald Engineering in Grand Haven and was elected as mayor in 2023.

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Another in the running is Jerry Sias, a current city councilmember. Sias is a retired electrician and is also a veteran of the Gulf War.

And rounding out the group is Tim ODonnell, a former city councilmember. ODonnell is an EMT with Trinity Health as well as a lieutenant with the Ferrysburg Fire Department.

All three candidates have voiced their ideas and concerns for their West Michigan city. You can read each candidates responses to a questionnaire from the Grand Haven Tribune 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 WOODTV.com.
Typhoon Wipha has begun to move away from Macau and Hong Kong, prompting authorities to lower Typhoon Signal No. 10 to Signal No. 8.

By mid-afternoon, the Civil Protection Operations Center reported 98 incidents including fallen trees, street lamps, plaster, signs, and scaffolding. There was one elevator entrapment and one fire.

Four injuries have been also reported locally due to the typhoon, according to local health authorities.

At 12:30 p.m. today, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued the No. 10 typhoon signal. By 1 p.m., Wipha was located about 30 kilometres south-southeast of Macau, moving west-northwest at 25 kilometres per hour.

The storm continued shifting westward and by 3 p.m. was roughly 40 kilometres southwest of Macau, travelling at 22 kilometres per hour.

By 5 p.m., Macau downgraded its No. 10 typhoon signal to a No. 8. At the same time, SMG issued a blue storm surge warning. Authorities said the issuance of Typhoon Signal No. 3 is relatively likely tonight.

Despite the easing winds, intense rainbands are still sweeping across the city, bringing heavy squally showers that contribute to unsettled weather conditions.

Authorities advise residents to remain vigilant, monitor official announcements, and take necessary precautions.

Meanwhile, the storm moves away from the territory, the Hong Kong Observatory downgraded its Typhoon Signal No. 10 with a No. 8 at 4:10 p.m, while a red rainstorm warning was issued at 3:45 p.m.

The observatory also indicated it will consider further downgrading the warning signal to a No. 3 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. this evening.

Typhoon Wipha is currently moving westward along the southern coast of China and is expected to make landfall near Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, within the next 12 hours.

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In Kansas Citys West Bottoms, Jarrod Hammonds aqua cremation business  where over hours using a machine known as the Pet-550, he dissolves to the bone the bodily remains of beloved family companions that include birds and guinea pigs, dogs, cats, snakes, a bearded dragon, and once a miniature donkey  has run out of room.

Thats how in demand his business, the only one of its kind in the Kansas City area to use a water solution rather than fire to cremate the remains of family pets, has become.

Five years ago, having been let go by Cerner Corp. in a round of layoffs, Hammond  a former philosophy major, married, with three kids  started Heartland Pet Aquamation in a tiny, 1,000-square-foot space at 1414 Wyoming St. It was part of what he called a weird journey, peering at YouTube videos on the morticians trade to seek a new career, and one with an environmental bent.

Jarrod Hammond, owner of Heartland Pet Aquamation, stands next to a table full of pet cremated remains in cedar boxes ready to be returned to their owners. Running out of space, the West Bottoms company is moving to a nearby locale.

Aquamation, also called water cremation or alkali hydrolysis, touts its benefits as using less energy with no emissions or greenhouse gases.

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Green business has always been an interest of mine, he said. When I learned about the process, I thought it was really cool, because it was basically a way to remove the carbon footprint from an industry.

Plus, he said, I absolutely believe in the value of what Im doing. I really derive a lot of satisfaction from being able to help families during a time of need.

Aqua cremation in the West Bottoms

Others apparently agree.

Hammond, who not only serves individual clients, but also five veterinary clinics to date, has so outgrown his space that he is soon to move into a 5,000-square foot building at 1700 W. Ninth St. Located in the northern reaches of West Bottoms, it will sit close to the West Bottom Flats apartments and north of the ongoing $527 million SomeraRoad development.

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Working by himself, with one part-time assistant, he estimates hes cremated 4,000 pets for between about $110 to $300  the lightest, a pigeon, the heaviest, a pig.

The move, for many reasons, could not come sooner.

Jarrod Hammond, owner of Heartland Pet Aquamation, 1414 Wyamong St. sits at his computer at a desk surrounded by supplies, urns and cedar boxes filled with the cremated remains of pets.

As Hammond spoke, he stood in his front office, its conference table cluttered and stacked with 125 tiny, cedar boxes filled with the cremated, powdered remains of the bones of peoples family pets, with names like Diva, Buddy, Zoey. In the rear room, eight cats and dogs were being processed in the Pet-550. Eight more lay in the back rooms two freezers.

He said the learning curve has been steep. One unfortunate drawback of his current location is that the parking at Heartland Aquamation currently is at the rear of the building.

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When I signed the lease, I didnt know there wasnt any place to park out front, he said.

The problem: He also didnt expect so many walk-in customers.

When Hammond set the place up, he thought hed be working primarily with veterinary clinics, retrieving pets with his van, bringing them back to the business. This was to be a working space: office up front, work area in the back.

Now, on numerous occasions, when customers enter  sometimes grieving their lost pets  they come through the back door, only to be greeted by the workings of the Pet-550, the freezers and a grinding machine known as a cremulator. Once the Pet-550 is done doing its job, the cremulator turns the bones that remain into powder.

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Hammond said some customers have definitely voiced, you know, some dissatisfaction around that. Things like, you know, I wish I would have come through the front door. Or, You really ought to get a different place.

Some 125 cedar boxes, bearing the cremated remains of pets, sit stacked at Heartland Pet Aquamation in the West Bottoms, waiting to be retrieved by their owners.

After 174 Google reviews, Heartland has a 4.8-star rating out of 5. The vast majority are positive, noting the kindness and respect the business showed.

Couldnt have used a better service, said one about their dog.

Extremely sensitive in our time of loss, said another. Professional service, excellent product.

He is compassionate and understanding, a third said of Hammond. He will give you time to say good-bye to your lost loved one. Its never easy and Ive never felt rushed. I recommend this place to anyone who is looking for after death pet care.

Heartland Pet Aquamation

Kyle Little expressed more than dissatisfaction. On July 6, Little lost Pancake, a lovebird, a type of parrot that had been a family companion for 20 years. The next Monday evening (Hammond graciously agreed to stay open late for them) he and his mother, who had been caring for Pancake, brought the bird to Heartland at his mothers suggestion.

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It seemed like a gentler process that was more ecofriendly, Little said.

The Pet-550, center at Heartland Pet Aquamation, contains a warm bath of water and alkali solution that under pressure, dissolves organic matter, leaving only skeletal remains. Bones are then ground into cremated remains in a separate device.

When he entered the back door, he said, he came upon two other customers.

They were weeping, Little said. And in front of them, on a baking sheet, was a rib cage of a, like a, medium-sized dog or large cat. So I closed the door. I turned to mymom and said, I just saw remains. I was like, Is that normal? We just didnt know.

Other aspects disturbed him: Soiled animal beds and blankets piled in disarray. The sight of a dead dog that had yet to be placed in the freezer or cremation machine. The tables stacked with boxes of cremated remains.

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He and his mother initially ended up leaving Pancake at Heartland. Little returned home to his partner, Ellen Collingwood.

When I got home, I started telling Ellen about it, Little said. The more I thought about it, the more disturbed I felt. The more I felt like this is just not OK. You shouldnt feel traumatized from dropping off your pet to be cremated.

I mean, I understand the nature of the business. And Im not a prude about death. But I think most people would be disturbed by seeing remains in the way that we saw them.

That night, Little and Collingwood changed their minds. They called Hammond to say they no longer wanted to go through with the cremation. They agreed to meet the next morning to retrieve their pets body. Collingwood said that when they walked in the back door and again came upon skeletal remains.

Jarrod Hammond, owner of Heartland Pet Aquamation, inspects a freezer filled with the bodies of beloved pets which will later undergo water cremation, a process said to be more environmentally friendly than cremation by fire.

I mean they knew we were coming, Collingwood said. She called the experience unsettling.

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The couple took Pancake to be buried with some of his favorite toys, crackers and a feather from a previous parrot.

Other negative reviews mention lack of communication, waiting many days or even weeks to receive the pets cremated remains. Another customer also railed about businesss entryway.

When I first walked in, there was a lady with long rubber gloves on standing by the stainless steel tank. . .No big deal, but when I asked about my dog they said oh we think he is still drying  so they opened the bathroom door and started looking through remains on a baker sheet. . .Why is the tank in the main entryway room? Why not put it away from customers . . .or maybe get a bigger place if you are going to allow people to come inside.

Water cremation by any other name

Some customers are interested in the details of how water cremation works. Hammond is always willing to comply.

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He explained how pets, first placed in a separate compartment, are lowered into a bath into an alkali solution that is 95% water and a 5% combination of sodium and potassium hydroxide. The top of the Pet-550 (the number equals the amount of weight the system can hold) is closed. The solution is warmed and pressurized. Over 15 to 18 hours, the organic matter that makes up muscle and tissue decomposes, leaving only bones.

Albert, the beloved pet of Allyssa Kemp and her spouse, Justin, recently died. Albert was brought to Heartland Pet Aquamation on July 11 in the West Bottoms to undergo alkali hydrolysis.

As the bath empties, the organic matter is disposed of through the citys sewer system. The bones that remain are removed and ground into cremated remains. Customers take them home in urns or boxes.

When customers choose not to keep the cremated remains, Hammond gathers the ashes to be taken to a friends farm in Kearney, Missouri.

I would feel wrong throwing them away, Hammond said. He scatters them on his pastures.

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Allyssa Kemp and her spouse, Justin, were not at all bothered seeing the equipment. The couple walked into Heartland recently, having just lost their dog Albert, a pit bull, boxer, akita and chow mix that had been in Justins life for 16 years, since he was about 20 years old.

The breeds are often thought of as aggressive, but Albert has been gentle.

Every single person who met him ended up really enjoying him, Kemp said. My spouse and I would joke that if something ever happened to us, there would be like a waiting list for Albert.

But in the end, multiple illnesses took hold and when Alberts better and healthier days were outweighed by his harder days, Kemp said they decided to put Albert to sleep. He died on July 11.

Truly, never a sweeter dog, she said.

Urns and necklaces that can hold the cremated remains on pets on display at Heartland Pet Aquamation in the West Bottoms. The urns for a pigeon or gerbil can be smaller than a shot glass.

That afternoon, they brought Albert over to Heartland. Kemp, a professional vocal musician, who used to work in the veterinary clinic, had become familiar with the process. Its low cost at $300 was appealing as was the environmental aspects and the fact that Heartland was near their home.

And Hammond had been responsive, saying he could be available even on the Fourth of July when Kemp thought Albert might pass. Then she and Justin showed up.

In a weird way, I sort of like that I got to see the machine, she said. She knew what to expect from online videos. That was kind of nice in a way, being able to set him down. You see the freezer. In that field, theres always a freezer. It didnt bother me, personally.

Her husband, she said, liked seeing the machine, too.

Im happy, though, that hes expanding his space, Kemp said.

A growing business

Hammond is glad, too.

Water cremation is expanding nationwide, and not just for pets.

The Cremation Society of North America notes that in 2024, 61.2% of individuals in the United States were cremated upon death compared to 54.8% in 2019. Water cremation, to be sure, is just a tiny fraction of that.

Vials contain fur from customers pets at Heartland Pet Aquamation.

Samantha Sieber, the chief strategic officer for Bio-Response Solutions Inc., of Indiana, which is the main manufacturer of water cremation systems in the United Sates, said human water cremation is currently legal in 28 states and is being conducted in about 100 locations across the country, including Hughes Funeral Alternatives in St. Louis.

It has been used for people, bodies donated for medical science since 1995, Sieber said, at a hospital in Florida.

Pet water cremation is legal in every state. Some 450 locations exists.

In Kansas, Liberal Animal Hospital in Liberal and Cottonwood Animal Clinic in Arkansas City offer the service. In Missouri, Chillicothe Animal Hospital, Tranquil Tides Pet Aquamation in Nixa, Aqua Pet Cremations in Joplin, and Heartland offer it.

I really feel like Jarrod was one of the first, Sieber said of the systems in Missouri and Kansas. Were following a very sharp growth curve.

Ready to relocate, Hammond has already bought his second Pet-550.

The new place is going to be a monumental change, he said. I have outgrown many things about this.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

A fire broke out in Moscow Oblast overnight on July 20 as Ukraine reportedly launched a drone attack targeting the Russian capital, local Telegram channels reported.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that at least 21 Ukrainian drones were launched toward Moscow since 6 p.m. local time on July 19. Sobyanin added that emergency crews were heading to the scene of the downed drones, without mentioning the extent of the damage caused.

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The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its air defenses shot down 93 Ukrainian drones, including 19 over Moscow Oblast and another 16 en route to the region. Later in the day on July 20, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed an additional eight drones were downed shot down over Moscow Oblast in the daytime, five of which were allegedly en route to Moscow.

Russian Telegram channels reported, citing resident accounts, that a fire broke out in the city of Zelenograd, a satellite city 37 kilometers (23 miles) northwest of central Moscow.

Videos posted on social media appear to show vehicles burning near a residential building. No information was available on any casualties or the extent of the damage caused.

In a security camera videos shared by Russian Telegram channel Baza, drone debris also appears to strike the top floors of a residential building in Zelenograd.

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Temporary restrictions were imposed at all four Moscow airports amid the ongoing attacks, the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) reported. Arriving flights were being diverted to Pulkovo airport in St. Petersburg amid the attack. All flight restrictions were lifted around 4 a.m. local time.

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After months of increased attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, by Russian drones, Ukraine's military appears to have intensified its own efforts in targeting Russia's capital.

The overnight attacks marks the fourth straight night that the Russian capital has come under fire. The region faced a similar attack the night prior as Ukraine's military reportedly launched 13 drones towards Moscow.

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Kyiv rarely comments on reports of drone strikes in Russia, though Ukraine regularly launches attacks against military and industrial facilities on Russian territory.

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.





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  A fire at Iran's oldest and largest refinery in the southwest killed one person, state media reported Sunday.

A leaky pump in an under-repair unit at Abadan refinery caused the fire on Saturday, killing a worker, according to the state-owned IRAN newspaper. Firefighters put out the blaze in two hours and operations remained unaffected, the report said.

Iran's deputy parliament speaker, Ali Nikzad, confirmed Sunday that some workers were also injured, media outlets said.

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Abadan oil refinery, some 670 kilometers (nearly 416 miles) from the capital Tehran, began its operation in 1912. It is the biggest in the Islamic Republic, producing about 25% of the countrys fuel with more than 5,200,000 barrels of oil refined daily.

Several fires have broken out across Iran over the past week at residential and commercial buildings, with authorities saying gas leaks and electrical short-circuiting were to blame.

Iran is one of the worlds major producers of oil, though sanctions by Western countries have limited its sales.
SALINA, Kan. (KSNW)  Fire crews responded Saturday morning to a burning pile of logs near the Smoky Hill River, about 200 yards north of the massive log jam near Bill Burke Park.

Salina Fire Department crews were dispatched around 11:30 a.m. and accessed the fire from Indian Rock Park, working through heavy brush to reach the west riverbank, the department said in a social post. The large log jam itself was not burning, but firefighters found a smaller pile of tree limbs actively on fire nearby.

Ulysses police: Dont approach the mountain lion

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Crews extinguished the flames as much as possible, but officials say the pile will likely smolder for the next day or so. Firefighters plan to return to the area several times to monitor the situation, according to the department.

The public is asked to stay clear of the site due to hidden hot spots that could cause injury.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, 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 KSN-TV.
As the sun rises over Kabuls parched mountains, a familys daily struggle to find water  and to make it last  is about to begin.

The sound of water tankers rumbling through Raheelas neighborhood in the Afghan capital prompts the 42-year-old mother of four to rush out to the street to fill her familys battered buckets and jerrycans. The familys supply is always running low, she says, and every liter is expensive, stretching nerves and their budgets to breaking point.

We dont have access to (drinking) water at all, Raheela, who goes by one name, told CNN. Water shortage is a huge problem affecting our daily life.

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Kabul is inching toward catastrophe. It could soon become the first modern capital in the world to run completely dry according to a recent report by Mercy Corps, a non-government organization that warns the crisis could lead to economic collapse.

Population growth, the climate crisis, and relentless over-extraction have depleted groundwater levels, experts say, and nearly half the citys boreholes have already gone dry.

Raheelas family must pay for every drop of water, and watch how they use it carefully, sacrificing food and other essentials just to drink and bathe.

We are deeply concerned, she said. We hope for more rain, but if things get worse, I dont know how well survive, she told CNN.

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Its an emergency that is not just a water issue, warned Marianna Von Zahn, Mercy Corps Afghanistan director of programs. Its a health crisis, an economic crisis, and a humanitarian emergency all in one.

An Afghan boy fills his potable water tanker from a pump on the outskirts of Kabul on April 27, 2025. - Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images

A potent mix

Just three decades ago, Kabuls population was less than 2 million, but the toppling of the Taliban in 2001 led to an influx of migrants, lured by the promise of increased security and economic possibility.

As its population grew, so did the demand for water.

Kabul relies almost entirely on groundwater, replenished by snow and glacier melt from the nearby Hindu Kush mountains. But years of mismanagement and over-extraction have caused those levels to drop by up to 30 meters over the last decade, according to Mercy Corps.

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Kabul now extracts 44 million cubic meters more groundwater each year than nature can replenish, Mercy Corps said, a staggering imbalance thats steadily draining the citys reserves and its residents finances.

Some families, like Ahmad Yasins, have dug deeper wells, searching for more water to fill their buckets.

Yasin, 28, lives in a joint family of 10 in the citys north. For months, he has queued along with his brother for hours every day at the nearby mosque, which has access to a big well, to bring full buckets home for his children, parents, nieces, and nephews.

That was holding us back from our work and was affecting our income, he said. So they saved for six months, sacrificing food, to come up with 40,000 Afghanis ($550) to dig a well in their backyard.

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Yasin and his brother dug 120 meters before they could find any water  and while this water is free to use for all their basic needs, they cant drink it. Its not safe, he said.

Since we spent all our money on the well, we cannot afford to buy a water filter or purified water. Hence, we boil the well water for extended periods of time, let it cool and then drink it.

Up to 80% of Kabuls groundwater is contaminated, according to Mercy Corps, a consequence of widespread pit latrine use and industrial waste pollution.

Diarrhea and vomiting are problems people experience all the time in the city, said Sayed Hamed, 36, who lives with his wife, three children and two elderly parents in the northwestern Taimani district.

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We often get sick due to contaminated water either by drinking in someone elses house, in a restaurant, or even by brushing our teeth with the well water, the government worker said.

The crisis is further compounded by Kabuls vulnerability to climate change.

We are getting more and more rain, but less and less snow, said Najibullah Sadid, a water resource management researcher and member of the Afghan Water and Environment Professionals Network. Thats impacting a city which has less infrastructure to regulate the flash floods Snow was helping us, but now we have less, and thats harming us in terms of groundwater recharge.

If current trends continue, UNICEF predicts Kabul could run out of groundwater by 2030.

Neighbors gather to fill their drums with drinking water in Azara neighborhood in Kabul on June 14, 2023. - Rodrigo Abd/AP

When water runs dry, many turn to tankers

Those without the means to dig hundreds of meters for water are at the mercy of private companies or must rely on donations.

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Rustam Khan Taraki spends as much as 30% of his income on water, mostly buying from licensed tanker sellers.

But for families who cant afford to spend this much, the only option is to walk often long distances to mosques, which can provide water.

Dawn sees Hamed, the government worker, lining up for hours at a nearby well to fill two buckets for his family. During the day, two of his children  13 and nine years old  line up for a refill, sometimes skipping school to carry heavy buckets up their steep hill in the scorching sun.

The crisis is taking a toll on the childrens future, said Von Zahn from Mercy Corps. The hours that children should be spending in school, they are now basically spending on fetching water for their families. she said.

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These harmful coping strategies further deepen the cycle of poverty and vulnerability for women and children.

Women shoulder much of this crisis  forced to walk for hours across Kabul just to fetch what little water they can, risking their safety under the Talibans oppressive rule which prohibits them from going outside without a mahram, or male guardian.

It is not easy for a woman to go out, especially under the current circumstances where women need to have male company from her family to be able to go out, a 22-year-old Kabul resident, who did not want to disclose her name for safety reasons, told CNN.

There are numerous difficulties for every woman or girl to go out alone to get water. They could be harassed or bothered on the way, she said.

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CNN has contacted the Taliban for a response.

An Afghan boy sits atop a potable water tanker on a hillside in Kabul on April 27, 2025. - Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images

A dire future

Beyond the climate crisis, population growth and mismanagement, Kabuls water crisis is compounded by deep political turmoil.

The Taliban seized control of the country in August 2021 following the chaotic withdrawal of US-led forces after nearly two decades of war, tipping the country to the brink of economic collapse as development and security assistance to the country froze.

Since then, humanitarian aid  aimed at funding urgent needs through non-profit organizations and bypassing government control  filled some of the gap. But US President Donald Trumps decision earlier this year to halt foreign aid has further set back the country with crippling consequences.

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The freeze in US Agency for International Development (USAID) funds is one of the biggest impacts, said Von Zahn from Mercy Corps. By early 2025, only about $8 million of the $264 million required for water and sanitation had been delivered.

So what were seeing is a dangerous mix: collapsing local systems, frozen funding, and growing regional friction  all while ordinary Afghans face a worsening crisis every day, she said.

That leaves the future of many living in Kabul in limbo.

Years ago, when Raheela and her family moved to their current neighborhood, the rent was cheaper, the mosque had water and life was manageable, she said.

Now, she doesnt know how much longer they can survive in the city.

We wont have any other choice but to be displaced again, she said, Where will we go from here? I dont know.

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Millions of people wear a Fitbit or some kind of physical tracking device to log their exercise and sleep habits, but when a Wisconsin man began wearing one in 2016, he never guessed that it would provide an alibi and save him from murder charges in the brutal death of his girlfriend.

The case, that went on trial in February 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is one of the first of many to come where high tech devices will not only provide crucial evidence in criminal trials, but may prevent wrongful convictions.

Nicole Vander Hayden and Doug Detrie / Credit: Facebook

On May 21, 2016, Doug Detrie's girlfriend and mother of his infant son, 31-year-old Nicole Vander Heyden, was found beaten and strangled to death in a field a little over three miles from the home they shared. Detrie, 35 at the time, had been with her just hours earlier. They had attended a Steel Panther concert, followed by drinking and dancing.

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When the couple became separated, Vander Heyden went on to a local bar called the Sardine Can, expecting Detrie to follow. When Detrie failed to show, Vander Heyden began sending angry texts accusing him of flirting with other women. At around 12:30 a.m., Vander Heyden, now drunk and angry, walked out of the bar and was never seen alive by her friends again.

Detrie and a friend drove around searching for Vander Heyden, then went home, smoked some marijuana and, as he later told police, went to sleep. He waited until 4:30 that afternoon to report her missing, hours after her body had been found in that field.

Brown County Sheriff's detectives interviewed Detrie and later obtained a search warrant for the couple's home. Blood was found on the garage floor and in Vander Heyden's car, leaving investigators wondering if the missing woman had actually come home and had been killed by Detrie, who then used her car to transport the body to the field.

Suspicions deepened a day later when a neighbor across the street found a pool of blood and a cord that investigators believed may have been used to strangle the victim. Lead detective Sergeant Brian Slinger wondered if "there was some sort of argument between her and Doug, maybe, when she got home and thatsomehow ended up out in the street."

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At that point, Detrie was the logical suspect, although he denied killing Vander Heyden. He was arrested and jailed, but investigators wanted to wait on the results of lab tests before charging him with murder.

Those charges never came.

Less than three weeks later, Detrie was released from jail after test results showed the blood in the car wasn't the victim's, the blood on the floor wasn't human and a partial DNA of an unidentified man was found on her clothes and the cord.

What's more, Detrie appeared to have an unconventional alibi "witness": the Fitbit he was wearing when Vander Heyden went missing. Slinger said that he and others had noticed that Detrie had been wearing the personal tracking device on his left wrist when first questioned by police at home. When the data on that device was downloaded and examined, it seemed to clear Detrie.

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"He had a few footsteps throughout the night," said Slinger, " getting up to go to the bathroom, check on the baby, whatever. His story that he told us was absolutely, 100 percent true."

There was yet another device that seemed to support Detrie's innocence as well: an insurance company tracking device known as Snapshot that was installed on Vander Heyden's car. The information downloaded from Snapshot indicated that her car had not been driven that night.

But if Detrie didn't kill Vander Heyden, who did? Whose DNA was left on her clothing and the cord used to kill her? As it turns out, 21st century technology would help answer those questions as well.

In August 2016, investigators were able to recover enough of the unidentified male DNA from one of the victim's socks to send to the national database and soon they had a name: George Steven Burch.

Four months after Nicole Vander Heyden's murder, George Steven Burch was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide / Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

And as Brown County sheriff investigators would soon discover, in the early morning hours that Nicole Vander Heyden was murdered, Burch had been carrying a phone with him that contained a treasure trove of incriminating information.

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On his phone is a program known as Google Dashboard. The Dashboard collects, not just cell phone tower data, but also tracks every Wi-Fi hotspot the phone encounters, as well as GPS coordinates. The information on Burch's phone showed that on May 21, 2016, he was everywhere or very close to where Vander Heyden had been.

He started the night at a bar a half mile from where she was last seen. He was at her home eight miles away for an hour, he was then at the field where her body was found and even at a location on the highway where some of her possessions had been discarded.

Slinger was sure he had his man, and in September 2016, George Burch was charged with the intentional homicide of Nicole Vander Heyden.

It would still be a long, winding road to justice. At his February trial, Burch and his attorneys raised serious questions about the reliability of the Fitbit and the other devices, arguing that prosecutors were relying too much on untested technology. What's more, while Burch admits these devices might show that he was with Vander Heyden, they don't show who actually killed her.

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And he says the killer is Doug Detrie, the same man police initially suspected.

With all the new technology used in this case, justice for Nicole Vander Heyden would still be determined the old-fashioned way, by a jury.

Would you go on a retirement cruise?

Linda Gwozdz speaks at her sentencing

Linda Duffey Gwozdz and the tale of Elmer Fudd
An open letter to the editors and producers of our nations newsrooms:

I am writing today out of deep concern over the language being used by many media outlets to describe the immigrant detention center in Florida currently known as Alligator Alcatraz. As an English teacher of nearly 20 years, I understand that language matters. While it may seem like a harmless nickname or a clever turn of phrase, referring to this facility by such a flippant term has dangerous consequences for public understanding and moral clarity.

Lets call this place what it is: a government-run detention camp, where human beings  including children  are being held in conditions that have been widely criticized by humanitarian organizations. Hundreds held there are facing no criminal charges. A catchy nickname, especially one coined by the administration responsible for its operation, serves to sanitize and trivialize the very real suffering taking place there. It diminishes public outrage and makes it easier for these facilities to continue existing in the shadows of normalized cruelty.

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The words we choose shape public perception and, ultimately, public policy. Both history and current events offer chilling reminders of how euphemisms can be weaponized to obscure injustice.

During World War II, The United States referred to the unconstitutional incarceration of Japanese Americans as relocation, and the German Nazi government used the term Sonderbehandlung (which translates to special treatment) in the context of the Holocaust.

More recently the first Trump administrations Zero Tolerance Policy on immigration, led to the creation of detention centers for migrant children who were taken from their parents. They were branded tender-age shelters.

Right now, as our government publicly condemns China for rounding up Uyghur people and sending them to reeducation camps, it is sending people snatched from their jobs and immigration hearings to a camp that sounds like a Disney attraction.

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The mass media has no control over what an administration that has no shame will do. However, it does have a responsibility, not to repeat the governments talking points, but to speak truth to power. Going along with that name minimizes the gravity of a human rights crisis. The fact that this nickname has been circulated by officials, or gained social media traction, does not mean it should be perpetuated by responsible journalists.

I urge you, as people with power to shape public conversation, to reconsider how your organization refers to this facility. Call it what it is: a detention center, an immigrant holding facility, or  if you have the courage to name the moral reality  a modern-day concentration camp. The stakes are too high for us to play along with euphemisms. Peoples lives and dignity hang in the balance.

Sincerely,

Nikki Kincaid

Nikki Kincaid is a proud lifelong Missourian, a veteran teacher and a believer in plainspoken truth.
ORLANDO, Fla.  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 Donald 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.

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 preapproved 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.

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.

CRS has previously done around $70 million in business with the state. Will Adkins, a manager of CRS, donated $240 to DeSantis in 2021 and 2022.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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 World War II.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.
Three people are facing multiple charges after Florida law enforcement officials busted a massive skimming operation in Hernando County, reports FOX 13.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) began an investigation after U.S. Customs and Border Protection confiscated a shipment of illegal skimming devices headed to the home of Yunior Juan Camacho in Spring Hill, Florida.

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The skimming devices  which fit over card-swiping devices at ATMs and cash registers  steal sensitive information, allowing fraudsters to clone cards and make unauthorized purchases.

Camacho and two other associates were reportedly taken into custody on multiple felony charges after OALE, Homeland Security and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Camachos home.

"This was a very large ring, and so we're very proud to get this one busted up immediately," Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson told FOX 13.

'This is going to help us get a much larger network'

Agents reportedly discovered a wide range of devices when they served the warrant on Camacho's home, suggesting a sophisticated criminal network was in the works. According to authorities, the search uncovered:

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354 suspected counterfeit payment cards

Over 150 digital storage devices

17 illegal skimming devices

Electronic components used in skimming schemes

$47,350 in cash

Investigators also impounded a 2022 Ford F-350, which contained illegal fuel tanks believed to be part of a diesel fuel theft operation. In addition, officials found 17 gaffs  sharp instruments that are commonly associated with cockfighting  adding another potential layer of felony charges to the case.

All three suspects are now facing multiple felony counts for possession of skimming devices, possession of equipment used for animal fighting and trafficking in counterfeit goods.

"This is something that we have worked very hard on the last two years," said Commissioner Simpson. And we've had many busts like this around the state, [but] not to this magnitude. Very proud of that. This is going to help us get a much larger network.

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 to protect yourself from skimming devices

While skimming can happen anywhere, it's most common at gas stations and standalone ATMs because they are less likely to be monitored or inspected.

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Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to skimming fraud:

Take a close look at the card reader: If it appears loose, crooked or feels too thick, don't use it. Tug on the reader and if it moves out of place, find another option.

Check for hidden cameras: Criminals often place tiny cameras near keypads to obtain your PIN. Look for anything that looks out of place; pinhole cameras can be very small.

Use tap-to-pay: When possible, use the tap-to-pay option. These replace physical card readers and can thwart would-be scammers.

Run your debit card as a credit card: While not foolproof, it can help protect your PIN.

Use well-lit or indoor readers: Avoid gas pumps or ATMs in dark or less-trafficked areas, as these are easier for criminals to tamper with.

Cover the keypad when typing your PIN: Always fully cover the keypad when entering your PIN. This can block cameras from gaining access to your account.

Check your accounts regularly: Keeping a close eye on transactions can help you spot and report fraudulent activity faster, improving your chances of recovering losses.

The FBI estimates that consumers and banks lose more than $1 billion every year to skimming. As fraudsters get more sophisticated, keeping a sharp eye and using tap-to-pay whenever possible can help protect your finances.

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.
Enrollment for Florida Virtual Full-Time Public Schools (FLVS Full-Time) has been extended for the 2025-26 school year, allowing Florida students in grades K-12 to apply until July 31.

The first day of school for FLVS Full Time is set for August 18, offering a fully virtual learning environment.

Florida Virtual School, known for its commitment to school choice, serves over 200,000 students annually with its rigorous digital courses and flexible learning model.

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>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

FLVS Full Time students have ranked among the best in the state on the Florida Assessments of Student Thinking (FAST) progress monitoring and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments, placing in the top 10 non-lab school districts statewide across core subjects.

We believe that every student deserves access to high-quality, flexible education that meets their unique needs, said Dr. Louis Algaze, president and CEO of Florida Virtual School.

FLVS Full Time offers over 200 courses, including core subjects, electives, world languages, and Career and Technical Education.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

High school students can take Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes or pursue a Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma.

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This year, 15 students graduated from high school with their associates degree.

Beyond academics, FLVS Full Time provides families with a robust support system, including academic assistance, student services, and resources for families.

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Students can participate in in-person field trips, regional meet-ups, and over 80 online clubs and activities, fostering a vibrant school community.

In addition to the full-time option, FLVS also offers FLVS Flex for families interested in supplementing their learning or homeschool education.

Registration for individual courses is available year-round.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
In a common insult the Trump administration uses against dissidents of federal policy, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called a California judge a communist after she blocked roving immigration arrests based on race alone.

The MAGA-embraced epithet from Gov. Gavin Newsoms official press office in response, however, was hardly typical for a Democratic politician.

This fascist cuck in DC continues his assault on democracy and the Constitution, and his attempt to replace the sovereignty of the people with autocracy, the California governors office posted on social media. Sorry the Constitution hurt your feelings, Stephen. Cry harder.

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Popular among the far right and the gutters of social media, the term is used to insult liberals as weak and is also short for "cuckold," which refers to the husband of an unfaithful wife.

The low blow sanctioned by a potential 2028 presidential candidate set a new paradigm for the political left that has long embraced Michelle Obamas when they go low, we go high motto to rise above the callousness of Trump and his acolytes.

Its also an example of Newsoms more aggressive social media strategy.

This week the governor posted memes of Trump with child molester and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

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Shortly after the Department of Homeland Security detained and handcuffed U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla at a news conference in June, state Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rockland) alleged on X that he would be treated the same way if he interrupted an event held by the governor.

"Id politely ask you to leave," retorted Newsom's communications director, Izzy Gardon. "Though you do not deserve politeness in this moment for this grotesque tweet, you bald little man." (Patterson later added "Bald little man" to his profile on the social media site.)

The governor and his taxpayer-supported press office joked that HBO had cast Miller as Lord Voldemort  the pasty, hairless super villain in the "Harry Potter" stories  and mocked the scandal-plagued Texas attorney general after he accused Newsom of fomenting lawlessness.

The governor defended the more combative posture at a recent news conference. He noted that Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, had used the word last month when he called Newsom "the biggest cuck in politics."

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I don't think they understand any other kind of language, so I have no apologies for standing tall and firm and pushing back against their cruelty, Newsom said.

Newsoms advisors say the governor reached a turning point after the president sent California National Guard troops into Los Angeles to protect federal agents from clashes with protesters during immigration sweeps. Since Trump took office in January, the Democratic leader had been walking a fine line between calling out the president and playing nice in hopes of being able to work together after the California wildfires.

The governor said publicly said that the decision to militarize Los Angeles showed him that you can't work with the president, only for him. With federal troops on the ground, his aides said, Newsom also wanted to stand up for California, concerned about what would happen if he didn't.

The directive was to match the tactics emanating from the White House and meet Trump and his allies where they are. Forget the high road.

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Over the last month, theyve taken on more fights with Newsom's critics, reacted more quickly to shoot down misinformation about the governor or California, challenged narratives they find to be untrue, or unfair, and taken many of their own shots.

Sometimes the best way to challenge a bully is to punch them in the metaphorical face," said Bob Salladay, Newsom's top communications advisor. "These tactics may seem extreme to some and they are, but theres a significant difference here: Were targeting powerful forces that are ripping apart this country, using their own words and tactics. Trump and Stephen Miller are attacking the powerless like every fascist bully before them.

Read more: Gov. Newsom criticizes Trump's use of National Guard after removal of some troops

Newsom's aides say the strategy is working.

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The governor's personal social media accounts gained 2.3 million new followers, including over 1 million each on TikTok and Instagram, and more than 883 million views from June 6 to July 6, according to his tallies.

Podcasters and social media influencers, such as Fred Wellman and Brian Tyler Cohen, boosted the interest with their own posts about the governor. On TikTok in particular, there's a growing ecosystem of people who make videos about his videos.

Newsom's official state accounts also experienced an exponential rise in followers and engagement in June.

The attention bodes well for a politician considering a bid for president. His aides argue that the strategy benefits California by shutting down misinformation and helping people understand what's really going on.

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"The thing that he does so well these days is that he responds rapidly, and he responds rapidly in a way that's very snackable to the average consumer of news," said Karen North, a professor of digital social media at the USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism.

North pointed to the adage that "it takes a minute to say a sound bite, but an hour to explain why it is false."

Republicans have been considered masters of sound bites for decades, and Democrats are often criticized for trying to explain the details of policies when people just want to hear the bottom line.

Newsom is breaking that mold, she said.

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"He has emerged as the person willing and able to take on the president, but in some ways, they use the same playbook of quick, engaging responses that are easy for people to understand without any analysis," North said. "Newsom has the advantage of playing defense as an offense. So when the president says something that is problematic to California or problematic to everyday citizens, Gavin Newsom is laser-focused and ready to strike back without any hesitation, and in a way that's very simple and very engaging."

Read more: Six months after L.A. fires, Newsom calls for federal aid while criticizing the Trump administration

In some ways, the governor learned the hard way after Trump used his platforms to label Newsom as "incompetent" and blame him for the Los Angeles wildfires in January. The president made a barrage of claims at news conferences and on the social media site Truth Social about dry reservoirs, the need to transfer more water from Northern to Southern California, a lack of forest management and empty fire hydrants that went viral, leaving Newsom on the back foot defending himself.

When Trump sent the National Guard into Los Angeles, the governor almost immediately went on the attack to counter the president's claims that he deployed troops to control lawlessness that Newsom had allowed. The governor's office said his June 10 speech, which framed Trump as unnecessarily invading an American city for his own political gain, received 41 million views.

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Although Newsom's aggression has received praise from some Democrats, it's also a "a massive pivot from being a Bannon bro," said Eric Jaye, a former senior advisor to Newsom turned critic who opposed his 2018 gubernatorial bid.

Jaye is referring to the "This is Gavin Newsom" podcast, where the governor flummoxed Democrats who thought he appeared too chummy with Trump campaign architect Steve Bannon, conservative personality Charlie Kirk and others close to the president.

Newsom billed the show as an opportunity to speak to people with other viewpoints and he delivered on that premise. The governor also received criticism from within his own party for not forcefully challenging the perspectives that directly contradicted Democratic values, such as opposition to abortion rights, and agreeing with Kirk that it's unfair for transgender athletes to compete in women's sports.

Jaye credited Newsom with "a very quick turnaround," which "saved himself."

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Read more: Stephen Miller finally gets his revenge on L.A.

But now, with his amped-up social media presence, Newsom runs the risk of offending voters who miss respectful political discourse.

Trump's derogatory nicknames for his opponents, such as calling Newsom "Newscum" or Elizabeth Warren "Pocahontas," have not appeared to cause the president much political harm. He embraced "lock her up" chants about Hillary Clinton in 2016 and constantly mocked Joe Biden before the former president dropped out of the 2024 presidential contest. Trump still won both races.

North said Trump also has the benefit of saying things that appear "passionate and reckless," but people don't believe he's going to follow through.

As a potential presidential contender, the question is whether Newsom can use words such as "cuck" and say he wants to change laws to redistrict California to benefit Democrats in the midterm elections without worrying people and seeming too Trump-like to be palatable to voters who detest the president's antics.

"It has to be disturbing to a lot of people if the new era of politics involves hostile personal attacks," North said.

Times staff writer Seema Mehta contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Dr. Neha Gupta appeared in court for the first time since she was arrested for allegedly killing her 4-year-old daughter and staging it to look like a drowning while on vacation in Florida.

RELATED: Mother arrested following 4-year-olds death, police say

Dr. Neha Gupta, 36, booked arrives in Miami-Dade Co., NBC 6 South Florida

According to an arrest warrant, Gupta and her daughter were staying at an Airbnb in El Portal Florida, when the child was found unresponsive in the pool.

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Gupta told police that the two were asleep when she was woken up by a noise, then realized that her daughter was missing, before finding her submerged in the pool moments later.

An autopsy report in the arrest warrant says the medical examiner found no water in the child lungs and considered them dry, ruling out drowning as cause of death.

The medical examiner also noted cuts and bruising in the childs mouth, consistent with smothering.

It appears that what the defendant said happened, the drowning, is not consistent with what the autopsy revealed, said another attorney at the bond court.

Mother arrested for death of 4-year-old, police say. Image courtesy, NBC 6 South Florida.

The medical examiner has not stated a cause or manner of death.

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During bond court, Guptas attorney argued the arrest warrant and preliminary findings of the autopsy led to rushed judgement.

Our concern, judge, is that this was a rush to judgment. There was no official cause and manner of death, and here we are where the state files a an arrest warrant for first degree murder and is asking my client to be held without bond, said Michael Mirer, Guptas attorney.

The judge firing back at Mirer saying what Gupta told police and what an autopsy revealed are not matching up.

Ms. Gupta said they had a nice dinner, put her to bed. In the meantime, when they do an autopsy, theres no food in her stomach to indicate she had that nice dinner and her lungs were dry, indicating she did not drown. So for purposes of this probable cause hearing, there is probable cause, said Judge Mindy Glazer.

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Judge Glazer went on to say Gupta waited 10 minutes before she purportedly called 911 for help.

Shes a physician. She was attempting to resuscitate the kid and save this child. She could not, and thats when she called.

However, according to the arrest warrant, officers observed the 4-year-old unresponsive and submerged in the deep end of the swimming pool and Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue retrieved the child from the pool and began CPR.

RELATED: Court documents shed new light into the case of the Oklahoma pediatrician accused of killing her 4-year-old

Gupta and the father of the child have been in an on-going custody battle, in which previous documents show the father raising concerns over her behavior with the child.

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The judge has ordered Gupta to be held in a Miami-Dade county jail, without bond.

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Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has registered a campaign committee for the November 2026 election to win back his previous post.

Villanueva's is the biggest name yet to enter the race for the position lost to Sheriff Robert Luna in 2022. Luna has already declared his plans to seek reelection.

A filing on the California secretary of states website shows that a Villanueva for Sheriff 2026 committee has been registered.

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Its unclear when the filing was made.

In an email to The Times on Saturday, Villanueva did not immediately respond to questions seeking confirmation about his intentions, but he said, "I'll have something available next week."

Luna has run the Sheriffs Department with a relatively calm hand, after Villanueva presided over a period of controversy and lawsuits.

But Villanueva has maintained a high profile, using social media and appearances on broadcast platforms to weigh in on a wide range of issues concerning the department and county politics.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A former Southern California attorney was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2008 financially motivated murder of a Palm Springs art dealer.

David Replogle, 76, was sentenced on July 18 for the murder of Clifford Lambert, an elderly art dealer and socialite, the Riverside County District Attorneys Office announced.

Replogle, who was 59 years old during the crime, was part of a six-person team that targeted Lambert, who was 74, for financial gain.

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Lambert was stabbed to death in his Palm Springs home on Dec. 5, 2008. His body was buried off a mountainside in Los Angeles, where a jawbone and later a skull were discovered and positively identified as those of Lambert, prosecutors said.

David Replogle, 76, was sentenced on July 18, 2025, for the 2008 murder of Clifford Lambert, an elderly art dealer and socialite. (Riverside County District Attorneys Office) David Replogle, 76, was sentenced on July 18, 2025, for the 2008 murder of Clifford Lambert, an elderly art dealer and socialite. (Riverside County District Attorneys Office) David Replogle, 76, was sentenced on July 18, 2025, for the 2008 murder of Clifford Lambert, an elderly art dealer and socialite. (Riverside County District Attorneys Office)

Replogle, who was a licensed attorney, used his credentials to forge power of attorney documents, which allowed his accomplices to transfer more than $185,000 from Lamberts accounts after the murder.

Replogle also attempted to liquidate the victims assets, including his home and art collection.

In 2010, he was convicted of murder, but the ruling was overturned due to judicial misconduct. Following a retrial, in August 2022, a jury convicted Replogle of eight felonies including first-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, burglary, grand theft, identity theft and forgery. The jurors also found true a special circumstance allegation of murder for financial gain.

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After the retrial, Replogle filed multiple motions for a new trial and requested numerous continuances of his sentencing date over objections by the District Attorneys Office, court documents said. All of those motions were denied.

On July 18, 2025, a Riverside County Superior Court Judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

His accomplices  Kaushal Niroula, Daniel Garcia, Miguel Bustamante, Craig McCarthy, and Russell Manning  were also convicted for their roles in the scheme.

In September 2022, Niroula, 41, died in an apparent homicide while he was being held in a Riverside jail before his resentencing.

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Jul. 19BEMIDJI  Four Pines Bookstore will host Minnesota author Jay Martel at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at the bookstore, 102 Third St. NW.

Jay Martel is the pen name of husband-and-wife writing team Andy Bennett and Katy Helbacka. They've spent the past 20 years collaborating on everything from theatrical productions to escape rooms to their son, Theo, a release said.

"Codebreaker"

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is their debut novel. This interactive story follows a brilliant teen girl racing across D.C. to crack the codes her father left behind  codes that could save the entire country, the release added.

The intended audience for the book is ages 12 and up. Pre-order a copy of "Codebreaker" in store or online at

www.fourpinesbookstore.com.
Update: The two missing women have been safely located, according to the City of Franklin Police Department.

FRANKLIN, Va. (WAVY)  The City of Franklin Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating two missing women.

On Saturday, July 19, cousins Chanetta and Donnita Bowers departed in a black 2003 Mazda Tribute SUV with Virginia license plate VMZ8843 at approximately 10 a.m. Police say they have not been seen or heard from since.

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Chanetta, 44, is described as 57 and 220 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was last spotted wearing a light pink shirt with black pants.

Chanetta Bowers (Courtesy: City of Franklin Police Department)

Donnita, 38, is described as 57 and 170 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black shirt with a jean skirt.

Donnita Bowers (Courtesy: City of Franklin Police Department)

Those with information on their whereabouts are asked to contact Franklin Police at 757-562-8575.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB)  The Man in the Sea Museum in Panama City Beach is diving into the new school year with a special Back-to-School celebration.

According to a news release, every Saturday in August, all students (K-12) and educators can explore the museum for free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Man in the Sea Museum is located at 17314 Panama City Beach Parkway.

Panama City Center for the Arts celebrates buildings 100th anniversary

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The museum says it honors the role of teachers and school staff by containing exhibits that align with Floridas science and history standards.

Our mission is to inspire curiosity about ocean exploration, innovation, and the brave men and women who made it all possible, a representative from the museum said.

Visitors can get a hands-on experience with diving gear, walk through real undersea habitats, and learn about the iconic Sealab project that helped shape modern ocean exploration.

For more information about the museum, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Friends of Deckers Creek held a Paint Exchange Saturday at the Morgantown Utility Board, allowing people to drop off any latex paint that they didnt need anymore.

Friends of Deckers Creek will be able to dispose of the paint properly by drying it out before throwing it away. Alternatively, if the cans had enough paint leftover, they were left out for the day for anyone to pick up.

The Monongalia County Solid Waste Authority said they are also trying to work out a system so that people can pick up paint to reuse later in the summer.

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What to know about West Virginias 2025 Sales Tax Holiday

Executive Director of Friends of Deckers Creek Brian Hurley explained to 12 News that reuse or proper disposal of paint is important because it can pose serious harm to the environment by gumming up streams and poisoning animals. Hurley told 12 News that after the work done on the stream, Friends of Deckers Creek does not want to see it revert due to a few cans of paint.

Lynn Castro, Director of the Monongalia County Solid Waste Authority, said that they will be working to set up a shop for people to pick up leftover paint in August. Furthermore, they said they will make the paint available to other parts of the government for beautification efforts, such as painting over graffiti.

The event was for latex based paint, but if you have oil base paint, which the Solid Waste Authority says is hazardous waste, there will be a similar event at the Morgantown Utility Board on August 2.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  A fundraiser was held Sunday for a 17-year-old girl whose life was forever changed following last months staircase collapse at the Portuguese American citizen club in Portsmouth.

Aaron Delgado and 15-year-old Kelly Nevitt were trapped underneath the stairwell. Nevitt was killed, and Delgado was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition.

Delgado has been recovering in the ICU at Rhode Island Hospital since the incident.

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RELATED: Portsmouth community mourns teen killed in Portuguese club collapse

The Hands of Hope Foundation organized the All In for Aaron bike run to help raise support for Delgado and her family.

The event kicked off Sunday morning at the F.O.P. Lodge in Middletown.

There was be food, live music, raffles and bounce houses afterwards for those who attended.

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The National Weather Service office in Green Bay is still looking into reports of a funnel cloud in Manitowoc on July 19 and whether it reached the ground, becoming a tornado.

The NWS received reports of damage and may send a survey team to investigate on July 20 or 21, according to Scott Berschback, a meteorologist at the Green Bay bureau.

NWS could have more information in the coming hours, he added.

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Videos posted to social media showed the rotation happened at about 4:30 p.m. near I-43 and Stone Road, just west of Manitowoc and Francis Creek.

Took these at 4:25pm in Manitowoc pic.twitter.com/8IUmYrQMhr  Joseph Rosenberger (@josephrosenb) July 19, 2025

Just got video from Chad Dworak of a funnel/possible tornado in Manitowoc county.



This was at 4:28 pm on Stone Road which is a north/south road just east of Branch and west of I-43.



The Dworaks have tree and property damage. pic.twitter.com/BOfs9lEsao  Luke Sampe (@LukeSampe) July 19, 2025

What's the difference between a funnel cloud and tornado? The spinning column must either reach the surface or pick up debris to be considered a tornado.

It's fairly uncommon for pop-up thunderstorms to produce a weak tornado, Berschback said, but it's definitely possible in the summertime with heat and humidity.

Surface boundaries, including one off Lake Michigan yesterday, can make it more likely for a thunderstorm to produce a short-lived tornado.

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"It does happen every once in a while," Berschback said.

If a tornado is confirmed, it would become the fifth to occur in Wisconsin this week. Four tornados were confirmed during July 16 thunderstorms across southern Wisconsin.

Contact Hope Karnopp at HKarnopp@gannett.com or on X at @hopekarnopp.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: National Weather Service looking into possible tornado in Manitowoc
Gangster Granny, the 65-year-old leader of a U.K. crime family, and seven of her associates were sentenced to a combined 106 years in prison for dealing more than $100 million worth of cocaine across the country, officials announced Friday.

Deborah Mason, whos also known as Queen Bee and Gangsta Deb, recruited her sister, her four children and others close to her family to work as couriers and distribute her product across London as well as Bradford, Leicester, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff, the Independent reported.

Over a span about seven months in 2023, Masons drug network peddled nearly a ton of cocaine with a street value of nearly $107 million.

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This was a sophisticated operation which was extremely profitable for those involved, said Metropolitan Detective Constable Jack Kraushaar, who led the investigation.

Mason used the profits to fund her lavish lifestyle, which included extravagant vacations and a collection of luxury high-end designer goods. According to the BBC, she at one point purchased a Gucci collar and leash worth more than $500, and a nine-carat gold engraved name tag for her Bengal cat, Ghost.

Mason in April was found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. A judge on Friday sentenced her to 20 years in prison.

You recruited members of your own family  as a mother you should have been setting an example for your children and not corrupting them, Judge Philip Shorrock said, per BBC News.

Masons associates, including her sister, three daughters and son, were meanwhile ordered to spend between 10 and 15 years behind bars.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  A worker at the Geneva County Jail is behind bars after authorities claim she and an inmate had sexual relations.

In public court records, prosecutors claim Tessa Cheatwood engaged in sexual conduct with an inmate in the Geneva County Jail in late June.

Cheatwood was booked into the Dale County Jail on Wednesday and Jail records show she is being held for Geneva County authorities.

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Stay with WDHN for updates.

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A 35-year-old northeast Georgia man is facing murder charges in connection with the death of a North Carolina woman.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Thursday, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office in North Carolina arrested and charged Zachary William Ramey, 35, of Blairsville, Georgia first-degree murder and concealment of death.

The charges stem from the disappearance and death of Candice Aufrecht, a Lincoln County woman.

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The investigation into Aufrechts disappearance was initially conducted by the Lincolnton Police Department, which lasted until her remains were found in February 2025, according to our sister station, WSOC-TV.

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An autopsy confirmed that Aufrechts death was a homicide, leading to further investigation by the Gaston County Police Department.

Following the discovery of Aufrechts remains, the homicide investigation was transferred to the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. Detectives from Lincoln County, in collaboration with Gaston County police, conducted numerous interviews and searches, collecting evidence from multiple locations, WSOC-TV reports.

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Detectives traveled across North Carolina and into South Carolina and Georgia, following leads and conducting interviews.

On July 2, they obtained a warrant for Ramey related to a weapons violation from 2023, leading to his extradition from Georgia to Lincoln County.

According to WSOC-TV, while Ramey was in custody, detectives continued to develop leads and gather information, culminating in the additional charges of first-degree murder and concealment of death on Thursday. The arrest was the result of combined efforts from the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office, Gaston County Police, North Carolina SBI, and Lincolnton Police Department.

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Ramey is currently being held without bond at the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center.

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The German government has criticized the distribution of aid in the Gaza Strip by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as inadequate.

"In the view of the German government, it is now obvious that [the GHF's new distribution mechanism] does not reach the civilian population to a sufficient extent and does not operate in accordance with humanitarian principles," the Foreign Office in Berlin said in response to a query from the Greens parliamentary group, which was made available to dpa.

The GHF, which is supported by Israel and the United States, began its work at the end of May following a month-long Israeli blockade of aid deliveries. It hands out food at a small number of distribution centres in the war-torn Palestinian territory.

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There have been repeated reports of fatal incidents near GHF distribution centres, with the Israeli army accused of killing people waiting to receive aid.

According to the United Nations, hundreds of deaths have been recorded at GHF distribution centres in Gaza since the end of May.

Israel asserts that the new distribution mechanism was introduced to prevent Palestinian extremist group Hamas from stealing aid. Critics, however, accuse Israel of instrumentalizing aid to achieve its war aims.

Previously, the UN had operated around 400 distribution centres in the Gaza Strip to supply around 2 million Palestinians.

The German government statement says that no state funds are being channelled from Germany to the GHF. There are also no pending decisions on funding for the GHF.
The German government has criticized the distribution of aid in the Gaza Strip by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as inadequate.

"In the view of the German government, it is now obvious that [the GHF's new distribution mechanism] does not reach the civilian population to a sufficient extent and does not operate in accordance with humanitarian principles," the Foreign Office in Berlin said in response to a query from the Greens parliamentary group, which was made available to dpa.

The GHF, which is supported by Israel and the United States, began its work at the end of May following a month-long Israeli blockade of aid deliveries. It hands out food at a small number of distribution centres in the war-torn Palestinian territory.

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There have been repeated reports of fatal incidents near GHF distribution centres, with the Israeli army accused of killing people waiting to receive aid.

According to the United Nations, hundreds of deaths have been recorded at GHF distribution centres in Gaza since the end of May.

Israel asserts that the new distribution mechanism was introduced to prevent Palestinian extremist group Hamas from stealing aid. Critics, however, accuse Israel of instrumentalizing aid to achieve its war aims.

Previously, the UN had operated around 400 distribution centres in the Gaza Strip to supply around 2 million Palestinians.

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The German government statement says that no state funds are being channelled from Germany to the GHF. There are also no pending decisions on funding for the GHF.

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is considered dramatic after almost two years of war. Many Palestinians are suffering from hunger and hundreds of thousands of displaced people lack the most basic necessities.

The Gaza war began after the unprecedented massacre carried out by Hamas fighters and other groups in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan pledged assistance in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip on Sunday, while on a visit to Egypt.

"Germany will make a contribution to the reconstruction of Gaza once conditions allow," she said. Alabali Radovan highlighted water and energy provision, along with temporary accommodation, as areas where Germany could help.

A durable ceasefire and a secure humanitarian situation were preconditions, she said.

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UN estimates currently put the cost of reconstruction at $50 billion or even considerably more.

Germany has been assisting with development in the Palestinian Territories since the 1980s. It backed construction of a water purification plant in the Gaza Strip and has sent aid to the region.

After the United States, Germany is the largest supplier of arms to Israel. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), one third of Israeli armaments imports between 2020 and 2024 derived from German production.

Meetings planned for Alabali Radovan in Egypt include discussions with Prime Minister Mustafa Madbuli and Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atti.

Egypt has put forward a Gaza reconstruction plan that has been rejected by the United States and Israel.
Speakers at a commemoration ceremony at the Plotzensee memorial in Berlin, where Germany's war-time Nazi dictatorship carried out many executions, on Sunday warned against historical amnesia amid a rise of the far right.

"We are today again seeing [...] how the poison of hatred, racism and exclusion is penetrating and shows itself in social coarsening, not least in language, through violence and conscious playing with the images of Nazi propaganda," Matthias Brandt, son of former chancellor Willy Brandt, said.

Brandt was the main speaker at the event marking the 81st anniversary of an assassination attempt on Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in 1944, about a year before the end of World War II.

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He cited a number of racist terms used by the Nazis, noting they were increasingly being used again. Doing nothing to counter this was a decision to look away and to let things run their course, he warned.

Willy Brandt fled to Norway as a young man in 1933 to avoid persecution by the Nazis. He later returned to Germany and was elected chancellor at the head of a centre-left government in 1969.

On July 20, 1944, Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg attempted to topple the Nazi regime by planting a bomb in Hitler's military headquarters on the eastern front.

After the plot failed, Stauffenberg and three others were executed the same day, and the Nazi regime carried out a wave of further executions of those suspected of being involved in the plans to bring down the regime.
Speakers at a commemoration ceremony at the Plotzensee memorial in Berlin, where Germany's war-time Nazi dictatorship carried out many executions, on Sunday warned against historical amnesia amid a rise of the far right.

"We are today again seeing [...] how the poison of hatred, racism and exclusion is penetrating and shows itself in social coarsening, not least in language, through violence and conscious playing with the images of Nazi propaganda," Matthias Brandt, son of former chancellor Willy Brandt, said.

Brandt was the main speaker at the event marking the 81st anniversary of an assassination attempt on Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in 1944, about a year before the end of World War II.

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He cited a number of racist terms used by the Nazis, noting they were increasingly being used again. Doing nothing to counter this was a decision to look away and to let things run their course, he warned.

Willy Brandt fled to Norway as a young man in 1933 to avoid persecution by the Nazis. He later returned to Germany and was elected chancellor at the head of a centre-left government in 1969.

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig said that Germany could not again be the source of a horror of the kind that it produced in the 1930s. "This is the responsibility of all of us resulting from this debt," she said.

"We should and must say the more unflinchingly and louder, we will not allow the rule of law or democracy to be destroyed again," she said.

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On July 20, 1944, Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg attempted to topple the Nazi regime by planting a bomb in Hitler's military headquarters on the eastern front.

After the plot failed, Stauffenberg and three others were executed the same day, and the Nazi regime carried out a wave of further executions of those suspected of being involved in the plans to bring down the regime.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  A Gloucester man was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison for possession of a firearm in connection to a drug trafficking crime, according to the Eastern District of Virginia Department of Justice.

According to court documents, Kyle Jacob Buquor, 26, parked a pickup truck in the area of Market Drive before entering a store. While he was inside, a K9 unit positively identified narcotics in the truck via an open-air sniff.

Buquor was then detained when he returned to the vehicle, and a probable cause search revealed a handgun, three loaded magazines and 11.5 grams of methamphetamine.

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Officials say this case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods movement, a program that aims to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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Moscow appears unwilling to shift from its maximalist demands in ending its war with Ukraine, as Russian President Vladimir Putin remains focused on achieving his goals on the battlefield, a Kremlin spokesperson said on July 20.

"President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a Russian-state media reporter.

"The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear," Peskov added.

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The remarks reflect Moscow's growing list of maximalist demands presented in its so-called "peace memorandum" during recent negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2.

The document calls for Ukraine to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea and four partially occupied regions  Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk  and demands full Ukrainian troop withdrawal and demobilization. The Kremlin has also insisted that Ukraine dismantle and destroy all Western-supplied weapons as part of any ceasefire deal.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 19 that Ukraine has proposed a new round of peace talks with Russia for next week. The proposed talks, which will likely focus predominantly on prisoner exchanges, come as Russia has continued to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Despite previous deadlock in negotiations, Zelensky stressed the need to increase the pace of negotiations, calling for urgent steps to achieve a ceasefire. Russia has not yet agreed to a third round of peace talks, but has signalled that talks may resume in Istanbul in the near future,

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Russia's refusal to hold credible peace talks has angered U.S. President Donald Trump in recent weeks.

After months of stalled progress, Trump appeared to significantly shift his policy towards arming Kyiv by announcing on July 14 that he will send weaponry and Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine through NATO. Trump also threatened Moscow with 100% tariffs unless a deal on ending the war is achieved within 50 days.

Despite Trump's tariff threats, three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters on July 15 that Putin remains determined to continue the war against Ukraine until the West agrees to peace on his terms.

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: Russia aims to launch 2,000 drones towards Ukraine at once, German general says





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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Goose Fire did not grow overnight but still remains at 0 percent containment, fire officials said on Sunday, July 20.

The fire, burning 18 miles northwest of Silver City, has burned 1,845 acres and remained the same size for two straight days, after showing growth throughout the week.

Helicopter dipping out of Lake Roberts for bucket drop operations. Photo courtesy of the Gila National Forest.

Nearly 180 firefighters are on the scene of the fire, which is burning in the Gila National Forest.

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The fire started on July 9 and was caused by lightning, fire officials said.

It is one of two large wildfires burning in the Gila; the other is the Turkeyfeather, south of Reserve, New Mexico.

Saturday, full suppression efforts continued with progress towards establishing of alternate and contingency lines in the southern part of the Goose Fire.

Crews worked hard in the Forest Service Road 4083V (Victor Road), Goose Lake Trail No. 238, Snow Creek Trail No. 233, and Forest Service Road 282 areas.

Strategic controlled burns were conducted in the Goose Lake Trail No. 238 vicinity to secure the southeastern corner of the fire, fire officials said. These operations were necessary to remove vegetation between the fire and containment lines.

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Two helicopters operated throughout the day doing bucket drops over active areas of the fire. Initial attack crews responded to a smoke report Saturday.

Sunday, crews will continue efforts to secure contingency lines in the southern portion of the fire. Fire crews are also working to improve roads in the fire area to increase critical access, fire officials said.

Incident Commander Lino Baca said: Our firefighters have been working in extremely challenging conditions, and I remain committed to their health and safety as the top priority.

Similar to Saturdays weather, a chance of rain remains as storm systems move north. Relative humidity values will be around 30% with temperatures in the mid-80s.

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Members of the public should avoid the Goose Fire. Members of the public are also urged to be careful when driving throughout the Mimbres Valley because of firefighting traffic and activity.

A new temporary flight restriction went into effect at 6 a.m. Sunday.

You can click here to learn more about the new flight restriction.

Unmanned aircraft, such as drones, pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease, fire officials said.

Here is a link for closure information specific to the Goose Fire.

Visitors to the Gila Wilderness should be aware that the fire is burning near Goose Lake Trail No. 238, Monument Ridge Trail No. 254, and Packsaddle Trail No. 732.

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Smoke may be more visible due to increased fire activity.

Turkeyfeather Fire

The Turkeyfeather Fire, located 22 miles south of Reserve, New Mexico, has burned 24,128 acres and remains at 23 percent containment, fire officials said.

This fire is in the northern part of the Gila National Forest. Reserve is about 250 miles northwest of El Paso. Reserve has a population of about 350 people and is the county seat of sparsely populated Catron County.

The fire started on June 30 and was determined to be caused by lightning.

About 140 firefighters are on the scene of the Turkeyfeather Fire, fire officials said.

Dry lightning Friday evening led to five new fire starts in the vicinity of the Turkeyfeather wildfire. Firefighters in the area quickly responded and all were suppressed, fire officials said.

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Crews will continue to secure the new starts on Sunday.

Saturday afternoon, the Turkeyfeather wildfire received widespread, wetting rains, fire officials said.

Clouds building Saturday afternoon above the Turkeyfeather wildfire. Much of the wildfire received a wetting rain Saturday afternoon. (photo by Margo Whitt, USDA Forest Service)

The increased moisture and overcast skies helped minimize fire behavior, with the fire primarily creeping and smoldering in the area southeast of Willow Creek and around Moonshine Canyon, fire officials said.

There is a possibility of daily thunderstorms in the fire area throughout the week, with winds expected to remain light to breezy. There is a potential for heavy rainfall and erratic, gusty winds. Temperatures are expected to remain within the normal range for mid-July.

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Here are some helpful links.

For real-time smoke conditions, click here.

For Gila National Forest closures and alerts, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett on Sunday again called for the release of the Department of Justices evidence against the late accused pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, part of a growing cadre of Republicans calling for transparency in the case.

Speaking with "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz, Burchett said he wanted the Epstein files to be released, but cautioned against releasing material that might expose the identities of victims and others in the files who may be innocent.

But Burchett pushed back against criticism leveled by President Donald Trump, who earlier this week called Republicans demanding the release of the documents foolish and baselessly claimed the Epstein files were a hoax concocted by Democrats.

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MORE: Trump calls those who want Epstein files released 'troublemakers'

Was I a little ticked off he said that stuff? Sure, I was, but I'm a big boy, Ma'am, Burchett said. We're playing in the big leagues right now.

ABC News - PHOTO: Rep. Tim Burchett speaks with ABC News while appearing on This Week, July 20, 2025.

Trump has since directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to move to unseal grand jury evidence in Epsteins case, which Burchett called a start.

I don't think we're ever going to get to the bottom of  all of it, Maam, Burchett said. You know, this town doesn't give up its secrets very easy.

Asked by Raddatz if he believed Bondi should resign, Burchett said he criticized her communication on the issue but stopped short of calling for her to step down.

I have a saying: It's not how you start, its how you finish. If she finishes strong on this, then I'm all for it, Burchett said. I'm sure the learning curve is steep, and I think she blundered in the beginning, I really do, as most Americans do.
A Republican congressman who repeatedly called for the Trump administration to release all government files on Jeffrey Epstein has now watered down his demands, warning on Sunday that any flight logs related to the late sex offenders dadgum plane should not identify innocents, including, according to the lawmaker, wealthy people like President Donald Trump.

Rep. Tim Burchett has been loudly presenting himself as critical of the White Houses opacity surrounding the case, co-sponsoring the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act that would force the House to vote on whether to release all government files on the disgraced financier.

The Tennessee Republican told both ABCs This Week and CNNs State of the Union that he applauds Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondis decision on Friday to ask a federal judge to unseal grand jury testimony in the Epstein case. But Burchett paired the praise with a warning about which files get released.

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Just because somebody flew on a plane doesnt mean theyre a dadgum pedophile, you know. I have a lot of wealthy friends. I aspire to be wealthy, but Ive taken a vow of poverty because my daughter rides horses, the congressman told ABCs Martha Raddatz.

But I have a lot of wealthy friends, and they fly on peoples planes. And their plane will be down, and theyll say, Hey, were going somewhere and weve got an extra seat, do you wanna go? And they dont even know the person on the plane, he continued. So thats one of the things I worry about, too, because you know, President Trump admitted that he flew on [Epsteins] dadgum plane. And so I worry about some innocent people.  Theres over a thousand people that this dirtbag apparently offended  and currently, I believe the devils dealing with him.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) speaks with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on public broadcasting services on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 26. Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images

A spokesperson for Burchetts office did not respond to HuffPosts question about whether the congressman was trying to say that he already knows who on the flight logs is innocent beyond Epsteins underage victims.

The Trump administration is facing bipartisan backlash for the handling of its Epstein investigation, which recently concluded that the disgraced financier died by suicide while in custody in 2019, and that he was not in possession of what mostly right-wing conspiracy theorists believe was a client list of powerful figures involved in Epsteins alleged sex trafficking.

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I think it was [Bondis] limited knowledge and taking advice from the wrong people, which you do a lot of in Washington. Theres plenty of people to give you advice, but when it turns out not good, you turn around and theyre nowhere to be found. And I think thats what she did in the beginning, Burchett said. I think if she turns the corner  I have a saying, its not how you start, its how you finish. If she finishes strong on this then Im all for it. Im sure the learning curve is steep and I think she blundered in the beginning.

The lack of transparency around the Epstein case  as well as Trumps repeated urging for the public to move on from the issue  has led to anger and disappointment from many in his base. The president has called his own followers stupid, foolish and weaklings for pushing on the matter, even going so far as to say he no longer wants their support.

Burchett doubled down on excusing Trumps name-calling, saying that the presidents outrage is part of his strategy.

Was I a little ticked off he said that stuff? Sure I was. But Im a big boy, maam, he told Raddatz. Were playing in the big leagues right now. And I get criticized every day, I get death threats on a pretty regular basis, so my skins about that thick right now. I think I can take a little criticism.

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It is no secret that Trump was close friends with Epstein years ago, with photos and video showing the two joking and posing together at parties. The presidents name has appeared in the Epstein documents that have so far been made public, and is recorded as flying on the financiers private jet at least eight times.

Terrific guy, Trump said in a 2002 Epstein profile in New York Magazine. Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it  Jeffrey enjoys his social life.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday about a racy birthday letter Trump had sent to Epstein in 2003, in which the president allegedly drew a nude woman and wrote that we have certain things in common. Trump has denied the letters existence and sued the paper over the story.
Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville thinks its not age, Big Macs, or a notorious aversion to exercise thats making President Donald Trump ill.

Its the radical leftists.

The pressure on somebody like President Trump right now, not just from outside entities [...] all over the world, but also fighting the radicals in this country, the Alabama Senator told New York radio station WABC 7770 AM Sunday. Every day, its almost like a fistfight.

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Tubervilles comments come after this weeks White House announcement that doctors carried out emergency heart tests and diagnosed the president, who is almost 80 years old, with chronic venous insufficiency.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville says it's

Common among the elderly, its a condition where the veins in a persons legs weaken to the point at which its difficult for them to return blood to the heart (an apt metaphor?). It can often result in swollen ankles, in turn explaining a recent viral photo of the president in which his lower legs indeed appear to be bulging from his socks.

Make no mistake about it: Trump wasnt just diagnosed with CVI, a serious condition that can lead to heart failure. Visible leg swelling means hes already at Stage 3, not the beginning. He likely knew for months, probably even before the election, and only disclosed it now pic.twitter.com/imxvQoHbDo  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) July 17, 2025

To mention nothing of widespread concern over Trumps cognitive abilities, or indeed his state of mind, the presidents physical health has proven an increasing source of worry and speculation since he retook office in January.

Trump once said he doesn't work out because he believes the human body is like a battery, with a finite source of energy that exercise only serves to deplete. / Mike Stobe / Getty Images

After former President Joe Biden, hes the second-oldest person ever to be sworn in as president and will be the oldest-serving president in American history by the time his second term ends in 2029. His affinity for fast food is also well-known, and hes stated in the past that he believes the human body is like a battery, with a finite source of energy that exercise only serves to deplete.

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Even before taking office for the first time in 2016, Trump has repeatedly sought to limit the release of public information about his health, insisting hes a very stable genius in peak form despite expert speculation about obvious risk factors that would include, to name but a few, heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and a family history of dementia.

Nevertheless, just about enough has made it into the public domain for some experts to speculate that Trump may not become the oldest serving president after all, with one source who spoke to the Daily BeastTommy giving him a less than 75 percent chance of making it to the end of his second term.
Not content with polluting the Boca Chica Beach on South Texas's Gulf shore  a sacred site, according to certain ancient beliefs  Elon Musk's SpaceX is now seeking to wreak havoc on another site considered holy to indigenous peoples in Hawaii.

As The Guardian reports, the Federal Aviation Administration has quietly granted SpaceX permission to detonate rockets above the waters surrounding Mokumanamana, a remote and uninhabited island located 400 miles from Honolulu that holds deep religious significance to native Hawaiians.

William Aila, the former chair of Hawaii's land and natural resources department who now runs the island state's housing department, told The Guardian that in Native Hawaiian spirituality, Mokumanamana sits at the boundary between "'po,' the darkness, and 'au,' the light." When a Native Hawaiian dies, their soul travels up near Mokumanamana, and after meeting their ancestors there, they potentially get to advance into the great beyond with them in the dark waters west of the island.

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Despite that island's spiritual importance, the FAA gave Musk and SpaceX permission to expand its so-called "splashdown area"  the wide swath of water where it's allowed to litter exploded rocket parts  into the Pacific, making its marine junkyard whopping 75 times larger.

Along with allowing Musk to rain schrapnel down near Mokumanamana, the FAA also granted SpaceX the ability to do so around Hawaii's eight main islands  which are populated with American citizens who may end up having their houses or property hit by debris  and portions of the Papahanaumokuakea marine national monument, a UNESCO world heritage site that's home to thousands of diverse species of animal and plant life.

When Hawaii-dwelling activist and former physicist Lynda Williams learned of Musk's plans  which she claims were rammed through without any consultation with local officials  she urged her fellow Hawaii residents to speak out.

During a public comment period held just ahead of president Donald Trump's inauguration, Williams spoke first and with vitriol.

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"Earth is not a sacrifice zone for Elon Musks ego trip to Mars," the activist said during the meeting, per The Guardian. She called the billionaire's Mars colonization plan a "whole Trojan-Horse bullshit lie," and said she wanted to "shred" that talking point.

Though lots of other concerned citizens from both Texas and Hawaii spoke out about the severe environmental impacts SpaceX's explosive launches will have on these holy and nominally protected waters  former president Joe Biden granted Papahanaumokuakea a sanctuary designation during his final days in office, which should have given it more legal cover  the FAA granted Musk his Pacific splashdown permission regardless.

"The government is doing a number of things trying to reduce the influence and impact of environmental laws," decried Aila, who also used to chair Papahanaumokuakeas advisory council. "Who does that benefit? It benefits Elon Musk. And that should be a huge ethical issue."

More on SpaceX: Elon Musk's "Hubris and Arrogance" Are Ruining Our Chances of Actually Getting to Mars, Says Leading Expert
GRAND CANYON  Sunbeams cut through the haze of the Dragon Bravo Fire, white smoke billowing from mixed conifer and ponderosa pine forests below.

Flying toward the Dragon Bravo fire in an Arizona National Guard Blackhawk helicopter, the smoke of the blaze overpowered the smells of exhaust and hydraulic fluid. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs leaned to look out the window as the helicopter circled the damage. The Democratic governor and a team of her advisers visited the site of the devastating fire on July 19.

From about 2,000 feet above the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the fire-devastated Grand Canyon Lodge almost seemed to blend back into the forest. To squint revealed the hollowed-out stonework that remained, with charred wood frame nearby.

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"It's so devastating," Hobbs said minutes after landing in a meadow near the DeMotte Campground within Kaibab National Forest. "As a lifelong Arizonan, it's just a reminder of the shared stewardship we have of this land and this iconic treasure of the Grand Canyon. We're going to do everything we can to help support managing this fire and then get to rebuilding."

Hobbs has called for an investigation of the federal government's response to the blaze, which began with a lightning strike July 4 about four miles north of the North Rim. The National Park Service has said high winds pushed the flames beyond containment lines, ballooning the fire to thousands of acres.

Hobbs has said the state was at the mercy of the federal government's response, but near the fire scene on July 19, she said repeatedly she was not second-guessing the work.

"All efforts right now are in getting this fire under control," Hobbs said. "Folks are already looking at recovery. Those things are important. We have to learn from what might have happened that went wrong, that destroyed these structures and how we can do better in the future."

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Hobbs has visited at least two other fire sites in her tenure, but none the size of the mini city that sprang up about 20 miles north of the North Rim to beat back the Dragon Bravo Fire. Rows of white trailers served as offices for everything from human resources to finance. Camping tents dotted the landscape of trees nearby, seeking out shade.

About 750 personnel from across the nation were staying there, working to get the fire, which has consumed more than 11,700 acres, contained. Arizona has 80 firefighters assisting the federal response to the blaze. As of July 19, the 2-week-old fire was 2% contained.

Hobbs stopped by the makeshift mess hall, shaking hands with firefighters as they chowed down on country fried steak and biscuits on their way to the about 8,000 calories a day needed in such strenuous working conditions.

She received a private briefing on the fire response inside a yurt at the center of camp from Incident Commander Andrew Mandell, acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron, Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable and others, according to Hobbs' office.

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"This is federal jurisdiction, but fire doesn't know that boundary, and we all have to work together," Hobbs said later.

The Democratic governor said hearing from folks on the ground gave her the information needed to better work across agency lines to manage fires.

"Seeing the complexity that goes into managing an incident like this is helpful, and certainly, I feel good about going back to Arizonans and saying, look, everyone's concerned about making sure that we're protecting as much as possible, and that we can rebuild, because the Great Canyon is so important to our state," Hobbs said.

The lodge should "absolutely" be rebuilt, she said, adding that her administration was having conversations about how the state could help in that as well as supporting small businesses that were disrupted by the fire.

Governor plans trip to Washington to discuss fire

State Forester Tom Torres said the July 19 briefing included details about effective mitigation measures, something the governor would advocate for in Washington, D.C., this week. Hobbs plans to meet with U.S. Forest Service leaders and the Department of the Interior secretary there.

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On the flight from Flagstaff to the North Rim, Torres said he saw positive evidence of mitigation efforts, pointing to a "pretty darn big" pile of logs at the Restoration Forest Products sawmill in Bellemont west of Flagstaff. The company turns trees into lumber and, in doing so, lessens fire risk in forests and creates jobs, Torres said.

And while it may seem like Arizona is politically at odds with the Trump administration, Torres said "there's pretty good alignment with what is coming out of Washington and what we want to continue doing in Arizona."

President Donald Trump's orders on increased timber production and more active forest management are among those issues where both are aligned, he said.

Hobbs, a lifelong Arizonan, said she had never before been to the North Rim. But memories of the historic lodge and the crown jewel of Arizona's natural landscape are pervasive.

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Her Arizona National Guard pilot that day, Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Hilgendorf, visited the Grand Canyon Lodge on a camping trim near the Vermilion Cliffs about two years ago.

The governor's flight was something special, taking Hobbs and her advisers over the Grand Canyon in a path that even tour operators aren't allowed to fly, said Hilgendorf, who is also an Arizona native.

But that was tempered by the gravity of the mission and seeing the lodge "gone."

"It was sad, obviously," he said. "It's kind of heartbreaking to see a fire destroy something as historic as that is."

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Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669.

Remembering: Arizona Republic readers share memories of Grand Canyon's North Rim

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Hobbs to visit DC, bringing update from Dragon Bravo Fire
A group of grade-schoolers impressed attendees at a recent climate change conference in the United Kingdom, proving that leadership has no age limit.

In an inspiring display of creativity and determination, these young pupils took center stage at an event called "Together for Tomorrow  Children as Leaders," leaving the attendees hopeful and saying, "We are so proud," as reported by SussexWorld.

The virtual conference brought together students aged five to 11 from 10 primary schools within the Swale Academies Trust, an education group based in England. These young change-makers shared projects that reflected their passion for making a difference in their schools and local neighborhoods.

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Students from Shinewater Primary School, Langney Primary Academy, and the Parkland Federation stood out as they presented their hands-on initiatives.

From organizing litter-picking events and crafting sea-themed art from recycled materials to planting trees in their communities, these students are showing how simple local actions can spark wider change. Their projects didn't just help to clean up the environment; they also brought communities together, building a shared sense of purpose.

One Langney student captured this sense of pride, saying, "I feel like an adult who has been in a very important meeting doing important things for our world."

Another student celebrated their school's efforts, noting, "One of our Swale Schools has planted 300 trees! We [realised] that we need to plant more!"

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Throughout the event, the spotlight remained firmly on the students  not just for their environmental impact, but for their growing roles as thoughtful leaders. Their work also raised awareness of broader challenges such as fast fashion and energy use, with creative posters encouraging others to take action.

The conference also featured a guest talk from glaciologist Heidi Sevestre, who shared how careers in climate science can begin with the same curiosity and commitment these students already display.

"We are so proud to see how pupils from all our schools have approached this important topic with such enthusiasm, sensitivity, and thoughtfulness," said Louise Hopkins, school improvement executive at Swale Academies Trust. "It was inspiring to hear about all the initiatives they have been leading on. We look forward to hearing how our schools build on all their exciting projects at next year's conference!"

Plans are already underway for next year's event, themed "Give Nature a Helping Hand."

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.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A grass fire has broken out in Salt Lake City, according to the Salt Lake City Fire Dept.

The grass fire is reportedly located at 3300 N 2200 W. It is three-four acres in size, officials said. An unknown number of RV trailers were involved in the fire.

Five fire engines have been dispatched to the scene. The public is asked to avoid the area.

Working fire! 3300 N 2200 W. Avoid the area, Salt Lake City Fire posted on X.

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It is unknown whether injuries have occurred in the fire. Further details are limited at this time.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

Latest headlines:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
As many consumers already started making back-to-school purchases, groups throughout the region are providing assistance for families who may struggle to afford essential items.

Two-thirds of shoppers (67%) began buying items for the upcoming school year as of early July, according to an annual survey released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The number rose from 55% last year and represents the highest percentage since the NRF started tracking early shopping in 2018, per the survey.

The survey also found about half of families shopping for supplies got an earlier start this year based on concerns prices will rise due to potential tariffs, NRF officials said. Additionally, the NRF data shows about a quarter (24%) of back-to-school shoppers plan to spread out their budgets this year, officials said.

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Meanwhile, Jessup borough holds a back-to-school supply drive to provide students within the Valley View School District with core classroom items and the United Way of Wyoming Valley organizes a Helping Kids Thrive Drive where the organization will accept childrens underwear and diapers along with basic hygiene products and school supplies to help local families.

For Jessups supply drive, borough officials noted the most-needed items include lunchboxes, crayons, markers, pens, pencils, paper, clear backpacks, folders, glue sticks, scissors, notebooks and binders. The items will be accepted at three locations during July: the borough office, 395 Lane St.; St. Georges Restaurant, 304 Church St.; and Kids Korner Playground on Erie Street (Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon).

Its incredibly important for the community to come together and make sure were taking care of our kids, Jessup Councilman Curt Camoni said. As more and more things get cut for folks who are the most vulnerable or need the most help, its important that the community makes sure nobody is falling through the cracks.

Jennifer Filipski, the boroughs administrative assistant, noted officials started organizing the school supply drive about three years ago and described the support for the program as fantastic.

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We were trying to think of different community events we could do and different ways to help in the borough, she said. We thought it could be beneficial to some of the families because we know there are some people in need.

Filipski added the donations also take some of the burden off educators who often purchase supplies for their classrooms.

The teachers greatly appreciate it because I know a lot of times (they) pay for things out of their own pocket, she said. Theyre always very thankful when we call and ask them what they need for the year.

Sara Peperno, president and CEO of United Way Wyoming Valley, stressed the nonprofits reach through the drive has expanded in recent years as it now has a presence in 34 school buildings in 10 school districts (Crestwood, Dallas, Hanover Area, Lake-Lehman, Greater Nanticoke Area, Northwest Area, Pittston Area, Wilkes-Barre Area, Wyoming Area and Wyoming Valley West) and eight partner agencies (CASA, Wyoming Valley Childrens Association, Luzerne County Head Start, SHINE, Family Service Association, YMCA, Osterhout Free Library and the Child Development Council of NEPA).

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The United Way, many years ago, started a Nurses Pantry program and were now in every school building throughout the Wyoming Valley, Peperno said. These are places embedded in schools and agencies in the community that provide different products to students and kids, from deodorant to toothpaste to mouthwash  things that are really essential to a childs success.

We were hearing from the school nurses that they were seeing some attendance issues with students because they didnt have the necessary things they needed in everyday life to come to school. As we think about going back to school, stocking those nurses pantries became an important component to our agency because oftentimes what the students use throughout the year is diminished in the school districts. We ask local companies and individuals to come together and provide us with all these essential products kids can use. We started out with about 500-plus products and we expect 2,000 or more to be utilized this year.

Donations to support the Helping Kids Thrive Drive may be dropped off at the United Way of Wyoming Valley, 100 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, on Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Companies or individuals may also make arrangements with Paola Mendez at 570-271-9109 or pmendez@unitedwaywb.org to coordinate a pickup or drop-off time, Peperno said. In addition to the hygiene products, sneakers and backpacks are also needed for students, officials noted.

All the things that go into making families stronger in the community are so essential, so we really appreciate all the support we receive, Peperno said. Were finding that a lot of working-class people are some of the ones having the most challenges right now. Providing some of these back-to-school products helps families in ways we dont even realize because we take the necessities off their plate and theyre able to do more for their family. I think were all seeing there is a major struggle with poverty in our area and people in the working classes struggling to afford some of these products.

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Verizon to hold backpack drive across region

Verizon authorized retailer Round Room will host its 13th annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway event July 27 at 1 p.m. at locations throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Schuylkill, Wayne and Wyoming counties. Each family will be entitled to one free backpack per child, while supplies last, officials said. The locations are:

Lackawanna County:

1782 N. Keyser Ave., Ste. 1, Scranton

228 S Blakely St., Dunmore

1141 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit

95 Brooklyn St. Unit 3, Carbondale

Luzerne County:

320 Route 315 Hwy. Ste. 200, Pittston Twp.

887 Wyoming Ave. Unit 1, Wyoming

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837 Airport Road, Hazle Twp. (will have clear backpacks)

59 S Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top

67B S. Wyoming Ave., Edwardsville (will have clear backpacks)

2450 Memorial Hwy. Ste. 8, Dallas

Schuylkill County:

1544 Route 61 Hwy. S. Ste. 6100, Pottsville

400 Terry Rich Blvd Ste. 3, St. Clair (will have clear backpacks)

Wayne County:

650 Old Willow Ave., Honesdale

569 Hamlin Hwy. Unit 9, Hamlin

Wyoming County:

512 Towne Plaza Ste. 102, Tunkhannock (will have clear backpacks)
GUNNISON, Utah (ABC4)  People in Gunnison are mourning the loss of a 10-year-old boy who was struck and killed while riding his bicycle this week. A bake sale was held on Saturday to help raise money for the family.

Xander was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bike in Gunnison on Wednesday, July 16. The incident occurred at around 4:20 p.m. at the intersection of 100 South and Main Street. Xander was reportedly hit while crossing the street at 100 South  his older brother and a friend behind him.

The family held a bake sale on Saturday to honor him and help ease the financial burden. ABC4.com spoke with friends and relatives.

Memorial for Xander, courtesy: Gunnison Police Department

Hes a good kid. We all loved him. He was everyones little, little buddy. And our familys taken it kind of rough, Xanders brother, Hunter, said.

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Those close to him have memorialized a bench at the street corner where Xander was struck. Community members brought items of his favorite color, blue, to remember him there.

To know him was to love him. He was friendly to everyone. Just such a bright and loving kid, one friend, Ginny Burgess, said.

The bake sale raised over $4,700, ABC4.com learned Saturday night. The GoFundMe has raised over $22,000.

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Latest headlines:

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The logo of German publisher Axel Springer is pictured in front of the company

Since the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, Axel Springer has projected the faces of more than 200 Israeli hostages onto its Berlin headquarters.

American-Israeli businessman and philanthropist Haim Saban has formally recommended that President Isaac Herzog award the Presidential Medal of Honor to Dr. Mathias Dopfner, chairman and CEO of German media group Axel Springer SE, for his exceptional dedication to combating antisemitism and unwavering support for Israel, according to a letter obtained by The Jerusalem Post.

In a letter sent Sunday to Herzog and the advisory committee headed by former Supreme Court justice Yoram Danziger, Saban called Dopfner the most influential non-Jewish ally of the Jewish people today. He said Dopfners fervent commitment to truth, democracy, and the security of the Jewish people should be publicly recognized by the State of Israel.

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Since the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, Axel Springer has projected the faces of more than 200 Israeli hostages onto its Berlin headquarters. The display, part of a 200-square-meter video installation supported by Israeli artists, was repeated several timesmost recently in February 2025.

The company has also flown the Israeli flag alongside the German, European Union, and Berlin flags at its headquarters since May 2021, in what it calls a public stand against antisemitism.

Holocaust remembrance and journalistic exchange

Axel Springer has embedded Holocaust remembrance into its institutional identity. Ninety-five Stolpersteine (memorial stones) were installed outside its headquarters to honor Jewish residents who lived on the site before the Holocaust. In 2009, it transferred original blueprints of the Auschwitz concentration camp to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem after publishing them in BILD, its flagship tabloid.

Anti-Israel protest held outside the Axel Springer Campus in Berlin where the JPost conference was being held. (credit: CHEN SCHIMMEL)

Since 2010, all Axel Springer journalist trainees have traveled to Israel as part of their training. The company also maintains a permanent correspondent bureau in Tel Aviv, ensuring in-depth coverage of Israel, and operates the Ernst Cramer Fellowship, which facilitates journalist exchanges between Germany and Israel.

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Dopfner has also hosted numerous Israeli delegations, including diplomats, military officers, and policy professionals, at the company's headquarters in Berlin.

Direct support to Israelis after October 7

In the months following the Hamas attacks, the Axel Springer Foundation, under Dopfners leadership, funded housing for evacuated families in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. It also provided full-time childcare for hospital workers and military families, emergency scholarships for students called into reserve service, and psychosocial support for students affected by the war.

Axel Springer SE is one of Europes largest media companies, owning BILD, WELT, Politico, and Business Insider. Founded in postwar Germany by Axel Springer, the company has long held an explicit commitment to support Israel and the Jewish people. Springer himself visited Israel twice in 1966 and stated, Israel is not just any state, asserting that the Jewish state is central to German moral responsibility after the Holocaust.

That mission continues under Dopfner, who has led the group since 2002. Axel Springers core values include upholding freedom, democracy, and Israels right to exist.

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Dopfner has received several honors for his efforts, including the Bnai Brith Award of Merit in 2014 and the Leo Baeck Medal in 2019, presented by the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

The Presidential Medal of Honor is the State of Israels highest civilian award. It was established in 2012 and revived by Herzog in 2021. The medal is awarded to individualsIsraeli citizens or foreignerswho have made outstanding contributions to the State of Israel or to humanity at large.

Past recipients include US President Joe Biden, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder, Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

If accepted, Dopfner would be among a small group of non-Jewish figures to receive the honor for actively supporting Israel and opposing antisemitism in public discourse and international media.
Four out of the top five biggest fundraisers for House of Delegates races in Hampton Roads are Democrats.

All 100 seats are up for election in the fall, and Democrats have fielded candidates in each race. Republicans have candidates in 83 races.

Top fundraising Democrats in the region include House Speaker Don Scott of Portsmouth, who raised about $3.4 million; Del. Jeion Ward of Hampton, who raised $394,000; Del. Michael Feggans of Virginia Beach, who raised $378,423; and Jessica Anderson, a Democratic candidate for District 71, who raised $357,000, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, which consolidated numbers from campaign finance filings made last week.

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Republican Del. Barry Knight, who represents Virginia Beach, rounded out the top five candidates, raising about $312,000.

Where is the money coming from?

In Hampton Roads, House candidates who have raised top dollar amounts received funding from groups such as utility company Dominion Energy, developer Comstock Hospitality Holdings and Virginia Trial Lawyers PAC.

Much of Scotts funding came from large donations, categorized for General Assembly races as over $1,000. In addition to $125,000 from Dominion, he received $35,000 from East Coast Amusements, which sells arcade machines, and $30,000 from PPE Resort Casino Petersburg.

Dominion gave $25,000 to Ward, but also to Republican candidates in other districts. Donations include $20,000 to Knight, $15,000 to Del. Amanda Batten of James City and $7,500 to Del. Anne Tata of Virginia Beach.

Where is the money going?

VPAP characterizes Scotts and Wards districts as strongly Democratic  Scott doesnt have a Republican challenger, and Ward opponent John Chapman has so far raised a little more than $800. Each has donated to other campaigns.

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Scotts PAC is the fourth largest donor in Virginia, contributing more than $2.2 million to other campaigns. Most of that money went to the House Democratic Caucus, but the campaign has also given smaller amounts to individual candidates such as Del. Patrick Hope of Arlington, who received $25,000.

Scotts campaign also has supported down-ballot races in Hampton Roads. Matthew Hamel and Stephanie Morales each received $10,000 for their campaigns for commonwealths attorney of Chesapeake and Portsmouth, respectively. Wards PAC donated $150,000 to the House Democratic Caucus.

Knight is in a similar boat in a strongly Republican district, having raised about $312,000 to opponent Cheryl Smiths $12,500. Knights PAC donated $41,000 to other Republican campaigns between 2024 and now, with $21,000 going to the Republican Commonwealth Leadership PAC and $5,000 to Del. Chad Green, who represents parts of Gloucester and James City County. He also donated $5,000 to Felisha Storm, who is challenging Del. Nadarius Clark in District 84.

What about competitive districts?

Districts 71, 86, 89 and 91 are considered competitive by VPAP, with no clear party favorite. Democrats have so far raised more money in those districts. In District 71, Anderson has outpaced Batten, raising about $357,000 to the Republican incumbents $306,000.

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Likewise, Democrat Virgil Thornton raised about $150,000 to Republican incumbent AC Cordozas $106,000 in District 86, which includes parts of Hampton and York. In Virginia Beachs District 97, Feggans has raised $378,000 to Republican challenger Tim Andersons $241,000.

District 89 is up for grabs after Republican Del. Baxter Ennis announced his retirement this year. Democrat Karen Carnegie and Republican Mike Lamonea, are in a tight fundraising race, with Carnegie raising $205,000 to Lamoneas $195,000. Both won primary elections in June to secure their partys nomination.

Statewide races

Democrats running for statewide office are outpacing Republicans in two of three races.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger has raised $27.1 million to her opponent Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Searss $11.6 million. Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, a state senator, has raised $3.5 million in her campaign for lieutenant governor. Her Republican opponent, conservative radio host John Reid, has raised about $441,000.

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Breaking the trend, incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares has raised $9.4 million to Democratic nominee Jay Jones $4.9 million. Both are from Hampton Roads  Miyares from Virginia Beach; Jones from Norfolk.

Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com
The bill likely hinges on whether or not Edelstein remains head of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

With the dust of the Knessets two haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties departing from the government beginning to settle, the future of the bill to regulate the communitys IDF service remains unclear.

The Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee held dozens of meetings during the past year based on the text of a prior bill that passed its first reading in 2022 during the Lapid-Bennett government.

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However, the panels chair, Yuli Edelstein, said repeatedly that his committee had cleaned the slate on the previous bill, which was widely believed to be irrelevant following Hamass October 7 massacre, and that a new bill could be significantly altered.

Edelstein presented an incomplete version of the fresh bill in the Knesset on July 14, but decided not to publish it after haredi representatives rejected it.

Regev vs. Edelstein

In an interview on KAN News on Saturday, Transportation Minister Miri Regev (Likud) said that Edelstein had misled the haredim, and that if he doesnt come to his senses, he needs to leave his position.

Shas party leader MK Arye Deri after a meeting on the haredi draft bill in Jerusalem, June 4, 2025. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Regev added, There was a clear agreement and a clear outline. Edelstein misled them and us. There are foreign considerations involved, and he even admitted that he hardened his stance after reaching an agreement.

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Her criticism echoed those of numerous haredi MKs, who said in a series of interviews over the weekend that Edelstein had reneged on agreements struck on June 12, a day before Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran.

Edelstein, for his part, said in response during a press conference last Tuesday and in an interview with Maariv on Friday that his bill was based on the June 12 agreements, but that these lacked many specific details that were later added into the text since then.

These extra details included a series of measures intended to ensure that the haredim held up their end of the bargain, such as requiring fingerprint ID to track attendance at yeshivas, which ultimately led to the negotiations collapsing.

The bill cannot be moved to a different committee without Edelsteins approval. Therefore, the only way to push through a version acceptable to the haredi parties is to remove him from the committee chairmanship.

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Regevs comments, which were ambiguous regarding whether she believed Edelstein should resign on his own accord or be removed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflected the hesitation amongst government leadership to replace him, mainly due to the public backlash it would likely generate.

Asked in the Maariv interview whether he would be fired from his position, the panels chairman responded, I dont rule out scenarios in politics, but Im not afraid, and Im not considering changing my positions. My conscience is clear. Im not the one shouting  they are, because they know Im right.

Despite the Knesset recess that is set to begin on July 27 and last until October 19, the committee is the only one that has the prerogative to meet as many times as the chairman requires, and ergo, if Edelstein is removed, the bill could progress during the summer and pass into law at the beginning of the winter term.

The bills fate thus hinges on that of Edelsteins, which remains unclear. In the meantime, the current law, which requires all eligible haredi men to serve in the IDF, will continue to apply.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Following a devastating blow last legislative session, many lawmakers and film industry leaders are hopeful the success of Apple TV+s Chief of War and Lilo and Stitch, will help bring the film industry back to the forefront.

On August 1, the world will be able to see Chief of War on Apple TV+.

Hawaiis Jason Momoa comes home for Chief of War premiere

This is everything, my soul, my DNA, this will be the most impactful and important moment of my life, Jason Momoa told KHON2 hours before the two-hour premiere.

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The mini series, filmed in Hawaii and New Zealand, looks at the four island kingdoms during a time of war with one another at the same time colonizers start arriving on shore.

It was incredible! It was such a big moment for our la hui for the film to be in Olelo Hawaii was just continuing to put Hawaii on the map, said Sen. Samantha DeCorte (R), KoOlina, Waianae, Makua.

DeCorte was one of several lawmakers and officials at the premiere Friday night.

Last year, the film industry took a real punch to the gut, the tax credits that would incentivize the film industry from filming here was cut, and people were out of work immediately, and not only did it hurt the industry, but it hurt our local families, she added.

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Governor Josh Green was also at the premiere.

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To have a superstar like Jason [Momoa], and this production here in Hawaii showcasing the cultural aspects of Hawaii will show people how important it is to support film and how important it is to embrace true history, so were excited, he said. We want to show more support to the tax credits, more support for our local experts and the expertise than we ever have before.

Officials said theyve been having meetings with Momoa trying to find ways to repair the last legislative session after the tax credit bill failed to pass.

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He has a lot of ideas on how he can help the economy from the tourism standpoint with some of the movies hes doing, and hes talked to us about how the incentives help with productions like Chief of War, said Jimmy Tokioka, Hawaii Dept. of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism director.

Film industry leaders say producers chase tax credits.

Its hard for us to compete with a country like New Zealand that has no cap, but what we have is the people and the place, people want to come to Hawaii and were making sure we can show that we can with the resources we have to make that happen, Tokioka added.

Weeds, hope grows for stagnant film industry in Hawaii

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He said once people see a movie or show based on the islands, they are likely to decide to come visit.

With a new Finance Chair next legislative session, many said theyre hopeful some changes will be made, while show creators hope the show can start a new dialogue when it comes to tourism.

When people come to Hawaii, and what Im hoping is there is an evolution of tourism, people come with a different respect and understanding of who Hawaiians are, what Hawaii is representing, and really knowing where we are, where were saying certain things that we dont want to do anymore. Theres certain things that were not gonna necessarily just cater to, and so if we can start a conversation of a show like this with the themes that are put in there, and begin a dialogue about the evolution of what happens when people come here. Because look, people expect Paradise for the price of a plane ticket, but if you know who we are, if you get down with us, then the truth is, we give you Paradise for free, said show creator Paa Sibbett.

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When asked if there will be a second season, Momoa said, you very well know it will, this is only the unification and this thing gets massive, he said about the series.

As for where the second season will be filmed, producers told KHON2 that it all depends on the next legislative session.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
The Defence Secretary will call for a 50-day drive to arm Ukraine when he chairs a meeting of Kyivs allies on Monday.

John Healey is expected to argue that the West should again boost its military support for Ukraine in an effort to bring Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.

Donald Trump has already threatened to impose very severe tariffs on Russia if it does not agree a ceasefire by September 2, 50 days on from the US presidents announcement that he would sell top-of-the-line weapons to Nato that could then be given to Ukraine.

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On Monday, Mr Healey will use a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) to back Mr Trumps proposal and pledge that the UK will play our full part in its success to bolster Ukraines immediate fight.

Calling for more support from Western allies, he is expected to say: Alongside this, the US has started the clock on a 50-day deadline for Putin to agree to peace or face crippling economic sanctions.

As members of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, we need to step up in turn with a 50-day drive to arm Ukraine on the battlefield and force Putin to the negotiating table.

Putin has been given a 50-day deadline by Donald Trump - MKHAIL METZEL/SPUTNIK

Monday will be the fourth time Mr Healey has chaired the UDCG, and the third occasion he has done so alongside German defence minister Boris Pistorius.

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The group, which brings together defence ministers and officials from Ukraines allies, was chaired by the US until Mr Trump came to power and began rowing back on American support for Kyiv and European security.

Mr Healeys comments come as the Ministry of Defence confirmed the UK had sent 150 million worth of air defence missiles and artillery rounds to Ukraine in the past two months.

The deliveries are part of a commitment to spend 700 million on air defence and artillery ammunition for Ukraine this year, alongside other funding to provide more of the drones that have become key weapons in the war with Russia.

The UK has delivered 50,000 drones to Ukraine in the last six months, with another 20,000 coming from a coalition of nations led by Britain and Latvia.

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Mondays UDCG is expected to see further commitments, with Germany and the UK agreeing to procure more air defence missiles using 170 million of funding from Berlin.

Last week, former prime minister Boris Johnson said he was 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, Mr Johnson 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.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has canceled a tsunami watch issued for the Hawaiian Islands.

7.2 earthquake rattles Alaska coast, no tsunami threat to Hawaii

The alert came after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Russia.

Officials said the quake happened just before 6:30 a.m. local time. The PTWC said hazardous tsunami waves were possible for coasts located within 300 km of the quakes epicenter.

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According to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, a tsunami watch means a tsunami is possible, but the situation is still being evaluated.

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Officials dropped the tsunami watch just before 10 p.m. the same day, announcing the threat from the earthquake had passed.

Tsunami Watch

The NWS says this alert is issued when there is a significant earthquake in distant waters, but a tsunami approach has not been confirmed.

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Sirens will not sound, but the public is advised to prepare for a possible upgrade to a tsunami warning.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A historic Columbus building home to a popular French bistro is under new ownership after a $2 million sale this month.

The property at 14 E. Gay St. in Downtown sold on July 14 for $2,095,000, according to the Franklin County auditors office. The five-story office and retail building had been listed in June as a prime commercial property, with the first floor leased to Chouette French Bistro, a high-profile French cuisine restaurant that opened in 2024. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Chouette in the video player above.

Will Franklin County tax cigarettes to fund arts and culture projects?

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This opportunity is perfect for the forward-thinking investor seeking a mix of loft office and High Street retail, the Capitol Equities listing stated. Its strategic location and customizable floors make it a compelling prospect for those looking to capitalize on the growing demand for dynamic commercial spaces.

Its unclear who acquired the building, as the property owner is listed in Franklin County auditors office records as 14 E Gay St LLC.

While the first floor is entirely dedicated to Chouette, the 13,480-square-foot buildings second and fifth floors are vacant, allowing for great upside rental potential, or owner-occupied suites totaling 5,390 square feet, Capitol Equities said in a marketing brochure.

The Gay and High streets neighborhood is experiencing a renaissance, the listing argued, including brand new residential projects and restaurant options. The building is also across from the new location of South Carolina-based Hanks Lowcountry Seafood & Raw Bar, and down the street from modern Italian eatery Speck and multi-course tasting restaurant Veritas.

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How a typo could mean Ohios state tree isnt the buckeye

Built in 1910, the historic property also sits under Current, a 229-foot floating sculpture built from 78 miles of twine that hangs 126 feet in the air above Gay and High streets. Illuminated each night, the sculpture debuted in 2023 and is reinstalled every spring before going into hibernation for the winter.

The building will also soon intersect with the Capital Line, an upcoming trail through Downtown that will run along Gay Street, connecting the neighborhood to other key landmarks, including the Scioto Mile, Columbus Commons and more. The pedestrian and bike-friendly path will provide great synergy and connection throughout Downtown, the listing states.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
HEMPSTEAD COUNTY, Arkansas (KTAL/KMSS)  The Hempstead County Historical Society is teaching about significant history that is often overlooked.

Thousands of people of the Choctaw Nation came through the area when they were forced to leave their homes in Mississippi and travel to modern-day Oklahoma.

Washington State Park hosts 19th Red River heritage event

Tribal and military records estimate that roughly 100,000 people were forced from their homes in the American Southeast, with approximately 15,000 dying along the journey. The phrase Trail of Tears is intended to signify the suffering that those people experienced during the forced exodus to Indian Territory.

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Chris Adams, Historian at Historic Washington State Park, will talk about how the Trail of Tears passed through and impacted Hempstead County from 1831 to 1833.

Oral history project looking to preserve legacy of Texarkanas Orr School

The Hempstead County Historical Society will meet on July 22, 2025, at the Annex Room of Tailgaters Burger Company in Hope, Arkansas, at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and learn about this pivotal time in history.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Jul. 20As a child, Ashley Montoya spent her summer running around the Traditional Spanish Market while her grandmother ran a booth. Now, she's the one behind the booth.

"I'm not sure how old I was when I first went, but as far as I can remember, my grandma has been doing the Spanish Market," Montoya said.

Montoya will be among the artists at the Traditional Spanish Market representing decades and generations of skill.

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The market will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, on the Santa Fe Plaza. The market features artwork ranging from tinwork to weaving to pottery and much more.

"It's really important to us to showcase these traditional art forms from the Spanish colonial period here in New Mexico," Brissa Chilton-Garcia, market program coordinator, said.

Juanito Jimenez, who paints retablos, is celebrating 50 years at the market and has seen how it not only represents traditional art forms, but also the community.

"I see the market as an anchor event in the capital city, keen to perpetuate the true essence of Santa Fe and New Mexico ..." Jimenez said. "As an artist, I just don't look at the economy art does. Art is a central part of who we are as a people, united, working toward a future reconciliation, hope and eternal heritage."

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Eliana Barela is gearing up for her second year in the market and says it is an honor to be surrounded by fellow artists.

"Many of them are masters, and I feel so honored to be surrounded by the best of the best ...," Barela, who paints retablos, said. "It's really inspiring. It's motivating, and they're so helpful and so willing to share their knowledge."

The market connects masters with younger artists in an attempt to pass on the generational knowledge with an adjacent youth market, Chilton-Garcia said.

"They learn the artistic, cultural heritage in addition to entrepreneurial skills. So it's ground up," Chilton-Garcia said. "We have from as young as 7 years old, and then we have Traditional Spanish Market artists that have been with us for 50 years."

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Where some learn from assigned mentors, Montoya has been taught to weave by her family. This familial art form dates back to her great-great-grandmother, who learned it from her husband, a Chimayo weaver, decades ago.

"I believe I'm still learning a lot. It's big footsteps to follow. But at the same time, it makes me very proud that I'm continuing our family tradition," Montoya said.

The art form has been woven so deeply into Montoya's life that she did not realize it was not an intrinsic part of everyone's lives.

"Since I was a kid, I never realized not all grandmas weave because I had my great-great-grandma, my great-grandma and my grandma and my mom, they were all weavers," Montoya said. "So I just kind of assumed, like that was just part of life."

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Montoya sold at the market for the first time in 2024. While Montoya was celebrating her first, her grandmother was saying it would likely be her last market.

"It was really bittersweet, (I was) proud to be there, proud to be able to jury in and be there with my sister," Montoya said. "But a little bittersweet knowing that might be my grandma's last market. So it was great, I got to have them there."

Where Montoya has seen generations of artists in her family, Jimenez has seen generations come through the market, all of whom, he says, were "devotional on their part to this art form."

"Every time that I go to the Spanish Market, I'm underneath the portal, and I look and I see the faces of these individuals who were there long before these young artists," Jimenez said. "And I always thank these old artists because they saw the importance of this art form."

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Jimenez names past greats who sold at the Traditional Spanish Market, Horacio Valdez and Frank Brito, both of whom have art in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Over nearly 100 years, the market has grown larger and larger, yet it holds tight to its founding mission, according to Chilton-Garcia.

"The Traditional Spanish Market originally started in 1926 as a market to showcase Hispanic artists in New Mexico," Chilton-Garcia said. "So we still stay true to that."

Barela also found her way to the market through her family, recognizing the importance of the market's mission. Her uncle used to participate as a seller before he died.

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"After my uncle passed away, going to his funeral, I saw all the santeros there and they had built his casket for him, and he was buried with a retablo," Barela said. "And I just sort of saw how important the art form was to the community and the culture."

Santeros are artists dedicated to creating religious depictions and works, who Barela says are "a whole community."

The market has a focus on religious artworks, such as retablos, and also features a dedicated Mass at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 27, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi, accompanied by a procession and a blessing of the artists.

"That was such a beautiful part of the market. I think it's very special, specifically in Catholicism, like processions are a big part of the faith itself," Barela said. "So for that to be surrounding the art and my art, it was so special to be a part of."

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Jimenez says he loves painting religious works, including retablos, because he feels a connection to the saints he paints.

"They become a part of me and the spiritual embodiment with the image is essentially my way of working," he said.

For many of the artists, it is not just a connection to the art but to the history and tradition. Montoya learned weaving from her grandmother later in life. She had initially been against following in the footsteps of her ancestors, but changed her mind.

"My grandma, the one that I'm learning weaving from, actually didn't start until she was about my age. Because she didn't want to be like them either," Montoya said. "And then when she got older, she had an appreciation for weaving, and she put five of her kids through college that way."

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The market receives visitors from all over the world, according to Chilton-Garcia.

"We have people from New Mexico. We have people from out of state, from other countries, coming to experience the culture" Chilton-Garcia said.

Aside from selling to and connecting with visitors throughout the two-day market, the sellers find family among other artists, according to Barela.

"There's a whole community of market artists, and every show we have throughout the year is like a family reunion," Barela said.

Chilton-Garcia hopes the market will keep finding and showcasing new artists.

"We're looking for it to remain healthy, to keep the audience coming, and to keep on passing down the traditions, ensuring that we're passing it on to the next generation," Chilton-Garcia said.
Border czar Tom Homan slammed Rep. Jerry Nadler (D) on Saturday over a comment the New York congressman made about assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

What attacks on ICE agents? Nadler asked in a clip that aired on Fox News.

This buffoon knows exactly what attacks  his party is the one encouraging them, Homan responded on X. ICE agents are facing an 830% increase in assaults because of smears from the left. Their words have consequences. We wont let them pretend they dont.

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ICE enforcement actions have been met by protesters in several high-profile incidents, most recently in Camarillo, Calif., where 200 people without legal status in the U.S. were arrested in a raid at a marijuana farm. Agents used tear gas to disperse protesters, and one person died after falling from a roof during the raid.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have also targeted Democratic lawmakers on the basis of claims they have attacked immigration officers.

Rep. LaMonica Iver (D-N.J.), for example, pleaded not guilty to an assault charge stemming from an incident where her elbows appeared to come into contact with an officer during a crowded scene.

In his response to Nadler, Homan cited a DHS statistic released last week, claiming assaults against ICE agents are at an 830 percent increase, more than double the 413 percent increase it claimed in May. The agency claims that Democratic officials and media reports have encouraged assaults against agents.

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The Hill has contacted Nadler and DHS for comment.

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Col. (res.) Yossi Pinto, and Maj. A described how the Search and Rescue Brigade were able to operate and react to the impact of Iran's ballistic missile barrages.

Commander of the IDF Home Front Command's Search and Rescue Brigade, Col. (res.) Yossi Pinto told Walla about the brigade's actions during the Israel-Iran war in an interview published on Friday.

Pinto described how he received a call from Home Front Command's headquarters on June 12 when Operation Rising Lion began. He was told, "It's happening," before he hung up, and immediately called his four unit commanders.

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While the brigade has been deployed nationwide since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Pinto noted that the Home Front Command understood that the risk of damage from Iranian missile strikes was more serious.

The Search and Rescue brigade, which is ready for immediate action year-round, including boarding a plane and landing in disaster zones, began sharpening its capabilities and increasing readiness and alertness to the highest levels.

We are always on alert, Pinto stated. "In every private vehicle, youll find a ready-to-use rescue kit. One of the commanders was on his way abroad with his family. He turned the car around and rushed to the designated place according to the combat procedure. What was on my mind at that moment? Long days, for a month of fighting. Thats what I told everyone. I imagined heavy destruction events. On the first day, at the first situation assessment, I told everyone: This is the test of our lives. The brigade was designed for this moment."

The aftermath of an Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam, central Israel, June 15, 2025 (credit: CHEN G. SCHIMMEL/THE JERUSALEM POST)

'Our procedure is clear, to act'

Maj. A, is a 37-year-old reserve officer, married to a software engineer and a father of three, who is a mechanical engineer in his civilian life. However, he is also a company commander in the brigade. When a ballistic missile from Iran fell in Bat Yam, he was nearby in Holon with his soldiers.

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"We heard the booms and understood that there's been an impact," A said.

"Our procedure is clear, to act. I arrived at the site carrying initial rescue equipment and search tools. We ran hundreds of meters to the impact site. There was chaos at the scene, destruction, injured people, civilians, a lot of people," he added.

"We started working. Our goal is to rescue as quickly as possible. I started to climb the impact site, seeing a 10-story building, with parts of the building, about one and a half floors in height, destroyed. Ten apartments, gone. There are a lot of response units, but you feel alone, in a deathly silence, a silence that you can't explain," he continued.

"What's the hardest part of searching through damaged apartments? Children," A stated. "There were two kids in the rubble. Later, we found an elderly woman who was dead. Dealing with the deceased is a difficult event."

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"These are people whose home this was. There are worried civilians, and I need to get them to help us with the rescue, to know where to search. Theres always that one person looking for their mother. We will get them to a safe place, treat them briefly, gain details from them, and continue the search," A added.

"They have to ignore background noise. They could easily get sucked into a civilian screaming in hysterical stress. The teams are trained for these situations. To the untrained eye, it looks like chaos, but they are trained for this," Pinto added.

This includes how to handle "entering an apartment with open gas, electricity, or water infrastructure," Pinto noted, explaining that "each team member has added value and understanding in infrastructure, rescue, and saving, and theres someone tasked with disconnecting these utilities."

Pinto showed Walla a video showing the rescue of a person trapped on the eighth floor of a building. He pointed out that the person who took it was an engineer standing on a building across the street with a laser beam that detects shifts in the building to assess if it is moving, with a chance of collapsing.

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Maj. A also noted that he tries to forget the images, but an event from his team taking part in a rescue operation after the 2023 earthquake in Turkey sticks in his mind.

Home Front Command's Search and Rescue Brigade does not act alone at impact sites, though. They are assisted by other Home Front Command battalions, personnel from the Fire and Rescue Authority, Israel Police, Magen David Adom, and volunteers, such as those from the Yedidim organization.

"We are always preparing for any scenario," Pinto noted during the interview, which took place in his office.

"When I look at the brigade, men, women, 99% of whom are reservists, I say 'you can not operate a brigade like this, at this level, and with this intensity, without extreme commitment,'" he commented.
The IDF issued an evacuation warning for residents in the southwestern area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, an area the IDF has not operated in before.

Families of hostages are terrified and shaken by the IDFs earlier statement that it would operate in areas of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, where it has not yet operated, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement Friday morning.

Can anyone guarantee us that this decision will not come at the cost of losing our loved ones? the forum asked. Earlier, the IDF Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an evacuation warning for residents in the southwestern area of Deir el-Balah in an X/Twitter post.

He called on residents to move south towards al-Mawasi.

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The IDF continues to work with great force to destroy the enemys capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area, expanding its operations in a region it has not operated in before, Adraee said.

The IDF operates in the Gaza Strip on July 17, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESMANS UNIT)

The forum urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and senior IDF officials to explain what the IDFs plans in the area are and how they will ensure the safety of the hostages.

Unfortunately, despite all the spin and false promises, many families have already learned firsthand the consequences of escalating the fighting amid negotiations and the absence of a clear war plan. One can only shudder at the horrific murder of six hostages last August, the forum continued.

End war, return hostages

Enough! The majority of the Israeli people want an end to the fighting and a comprehensive agreement that will bring back all the hostages.

The forum stressed, "For the hostages, this is not a 'bargaining chip' in negotiations, but an immediate and tangible danger to their fate."
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  With sunny mornings and summer rain showers common this time of year, some may be interested in how these weather events differ across the metro.

Due to the proximity of Jackson and other cities in central Mississippi, weather patterns across the Jackson metro are broadly the same. However, the small differences add up to certain parts of the area being slightly wetter, hotter and more humid than others. It could be the difference of one less random rain shower or slightly more bearable heat and humidity where you choose to work and live.

Website climate-data.org analyzes climate and weather pattern data in Mississippi and worldwide. The website provided information on a variety of relevant statistics for those braving the dog days of summer. For instance, the metro area experiences average temperatures in the low 80s throughout July. Additionally, humidity around 70% and about four inches of rain is common for this time of year across the Jackson Metro.

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Below is an overview of climate patterns across Central Mississippi.

City Average temperature Average rainfall Average humidity Brandon 65.6 degrees 49.8 inches 68.2% Canton 65 degrees 50 inches 69.5% Clinton 65.5 degrees 50 inches 68.4% Flowood 65.6 degrees 50 inches 68.4% Jackson 65.3 degrees 50 inches 68.8% Madison 65.1 degrees 50 inches 69.4% Pearl 65.6 degrees 50 inches 68.4% Richland 65.8 degrees 50 inches 67.8% Vicksburg 66.4 degrees 49.4 inches 67.7%

Stay cool this summer: Tips from AMR on beating the heat

Climate patterns do not vary much in the metro. However, certain areas of the state experience more stark differences in temperature, rain and humidity. Below is how other cities within the state compare to the Jackson area.

City Average temperature Average rainfall Average humidity Gulfport 68.4 degrees 59.2 inches 74.8% Hattiesburg 66.7 degrees 50.7 inches 69.4% Meridian 65 degrees 49.4 inches 67.8% Southaven 62 degrees 51.3 inches 67.4% Tupelo 62.9 degrees 54.4 inches 67.3%

The warmest, wettest and most humid area of the state is along the coast. The farther a city is away from the coast, the lower its average annual temperature. Annual precipitation and humidity seemed to vary slightly across the central and northern regions of Mississippi.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Syria will not serve as a platform for separatist projects, President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated in response to recent developments in the countrys southern Sweida provinc, Azernews reports, citing Syrian media.

The President emphasized that it is unjust to judge the entire Druze community based on the actions of a few individuals. He underlined that the majority of Sweidas residents continue to support the state, noting that only a small group has engaged in protests.

Expressing appreciation for U.S. support for Syrias territorial integrity, al-Sharaa reiterated: Syria is not a platform for separatist agendas.

He also thanked local tribes for their patriotic stance and called on those supporting the official position to immediately commit to a ceasefire to restore order and unity.

It is worth noting that Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released a statement recently reaffirming its support for Syrias territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The armies of the Philippines and Cambodia have reaffirmed military cooperation during bilateral talks held July 18 at the latters headquarters in the Cambodian capital of Phonm Penh.

Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido and his Cambodian counterpart, Gen. Mao Sophan met at the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) headquarters where they pledged to boost strategic military collaboration.

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The high-level meeting is viewed as part of Galidos reciprocal visit to Cambodia, in light of Sophans official trip to the Philippines last March.

Galido was also set to be guest of honor and speaker at the joint closing ceremony of the PA-RCA mobile training team on Sunday (July 19) at the RCAF Training Center in Kampong Speu.

As part of his official engagements, Galido paid a courtesy call on Cambodian Senate President Samdech Hun Sen. A former military officer, Hun Sen served as Cambodias prime minister from 1998 until 2023.

In 2023, the Philippine Army and the Royal Cambodian Army signed an accord that formalized the establishment of a bilateral army working group tasked with planning and coordinating joint military activities and exchanges.

The Philippine Army said it remains committed to deepening defense ties with Cambodia through meaningful international military cooperation, aiming to promote peace, security, and regional solidarity across Southeast Asia.

The Philippine Army leadership supports purposeful and impactful International Military Affairs engagements between the Philippines and Cambodia as a tool to reinforce regional cooperation and to advance the shared goal of peace and progress in Southeast Asia. The command said in a statement.
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said on Sunday that New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, isnt speaking for our party, though Smith stressed the big tent nature of the partys coalition.

Look, the mayor of New York has never, never, ever been the leader of the Democratic Party, Smith said in an interview on Fox News Sunday when asked for his thoughts on the New York state lawmaker, who was declared the winner of the citys Democratic mayoral primary on July 1.

On whether hes worried about the optics of Mamdani speaking for the party, Smith pushed back.

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Mamdani isnt speaking for our party, any more than Im speaking for our party. Its a big tent. Its a big coalition, the Washington Democrat said.

Yes, Fox News wants to focus on that, but lets focus on the fact that Trump is now underwater on immigration. Why? Because in addition to that $3.5 trillion deficit, sorry, add to the debt, mainly because of tax cuts, hes now spending $170 billion more dollars on [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)], he continued, referring to Republicans big, beautiful bill, which President Trump signed into law on July 4.

He says he has secured the border. Hes spending all this money now on going around and terrorizing communities with high-profile ICE raids, which are not effective, which has turned people against him on immigration, Smith added.

He encouraged Democrats to stay on message.

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We, Democrats, have a message, and we have a message to deliver. And Ill tell you this. The mayor of New York, no matter who he is, is not going to be the leader of our party. And we still need to stay focused on those issues, he said.

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Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said Sunday that President Trump made an enormous mistake in blaming the Russia-Ukraine war on the Ukrainians.

I think the Trump administration made an enormous mistake during the campaign and then from the election forward by putting the blame on Ukraine for the war, Smith told anchor Shannon Bream on Fox News Sunday. It seems that President Trump honestly thought that it was Ukraine that was forcing forward the conflict.

And if he just talked to Zelensky and put pressure on Zelensky, then everything would be fine, which nobody who was paying any attention to the situation would have agreed with. Putin has been driving this conflict, Smith added, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Ever since his return to office earlier this year, the president and his administration have pushed for an end to the war in Ukraine, without much success.

In February, President Trump seemingly blamed Ukraines leaders for the war with Russia, stating Zelensky should have never started it.

Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, after massing troops on the countrys border and pushing for a ban on Ukraine ever becoming a part of the NATO alliance.

Last week, Trump said that the U.S. would be sending Patriot air defense munitions to Ukraine, restating his dissatisfaction with Putin.

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Trump would not say how many Patriot systems or missiles would go to Ukraine, but he said the U.S. would not be paying for the munitions.

I havent agreed on the number yet, but theyre going to have some, because they do need protection  but the European Union is paying for it. Were not paying anything for it, but we will send it, Trump told reporters last week.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Tamia Akers overcame childhood struggles, now faces new education hurdles

With the passage of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, many college freshmen are wondering what this means in terms of paying for their education.

This includes Tamia Akers, an incoming student at Howard University.

Akers, who is originally from Ohio, spent many years overcoming personal hurdles due to being in the foster care system until she was adopted at age 13. She then faced more challenges as the only Black student at her middle and high school.

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I felt like I was never heard or seen, or I wasnt as smart as the other kids or I always had to prove myself in some different type of way, said Akers to WUSA9.

As a senior, Akers decided that she wanted to apply to Howard University so she could be around young Black students pursuing a college education like herself. When she found out the university had accepted her with a $20,000 scholarship, Akers desire to be on the campus only grew.

Im up all night, and I cannot sleep because Im like waiting, Akers told the news outlet. Im like I promise that if I get in, Im going. If you give me a chance, Im going.

Unfortunately, President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill is expected to have multiple negative impacts on how she plans to get her education.

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The One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law earlier this year by President Donald Trump, is a sweeping piece of legislation that drastically reshapes the American social safety net, with big changes to the landscape of federal education aid. While the administration touts it as a cost-saving measure, critics argue that it guts crucial financial protections for students, particularly those from low-income and historically marginalized communities.

For example, the new law puts a limit on how much parents can take out. The Parent PLUS Loans will be capped at $20,000 a year, and most repayment plans, including the Biden-era SAVE plan, will be phased out.

These changes are expected to hit Black students especially hard. Research consistently shows that Black borrowers take on more student debt than their white peers and are more likely to struggle with repayment. According to the Education Data Initiative, 86% of Black students take out federal loans to attend college, compared to just 59% of white students.

Four years after graduation, Black borrowers owe an average of 188% more than they borrowed, due in large part to compounding interest and lower post-grad income. The rollback of protections under Trumps bill could deepen these disparities, making it harder for students like Akers to not only attend college but to thrive after graduation.

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But Akers is now planning to face this challenge like any others in her life, with determination.

I think Im going to get up and run at it because I was begging for this chance. If you give me the money, Ill apply. If you let me in, Ill go, Akers said. If I gave up every time an obstacle was thrown at me, I wouldnt be where I am now.

Watch the full story about Akers experience on WUSAs YouTube channel.

More must-reads:
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Saturday visited a Christian village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and urged accountability for an attack on an ancient church, which residents have blamed on Israeli settlers.



In early July, the village of Taybeh was hit by an arson attack in the area of the ruins of the Byzantine-era Church of Saint George, which dates back to the fifth century.



Residents blamed settlers for the fire, which comes as violence soars in the West Bank and last week saw an American-Palestinian man killed near Ramallah.

Israel has so far not responded to CBS News' requests for information about the incident.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, center, and the Palestinian mayor of the village of Taybeh, Suleiman Khourieh (left), tour the fifth-century Church of Saint George in the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh, northeast of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, on July 19, 2025. The church was targeted by an arson attack earlier this month. / Credit: JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images

Huckabee, an evangelical Christian and staunch advocate for Israel, said his trip to Taybeh aimed to "express solidarity with the people who just want to live their lives in peace, to be able to go to their own land, to be able to go to their place of worship."

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"It doesn't matter whether it's a mosque, a church, a synagogue," he told reporters.



"It's unacceptable to commit an act of sacrilege by desecrating a place that is supposed to be a place of worship."



"We will certainly insist that those who carry out acts of terror and violence in Taybeh or anywhere be found, be prosecuted, not just reprimanded. That's not enough," he said.



"People need to pay a price for doing something that destroys that which belongs not just to other people, but that which belongs to God."



In the villages and communities around Taybeh, Palestinian authorities reported that settlers had killed three people and damaged or destroyed multiple water sources in the past two weeks alone.



Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and violence has surged in the territory since the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023, that triggered the Israel-Hamas war.



Huckabee, who has for years been an outspoken supporter of Jewish settlement in the Palestinian territories, on Tuesday demanded an aggressive investigation and consequences after settlers beat to death a Palestinian-American in the West Bank.



It was a sign of rare public pressure against U.S. ally Israel by the Trump's administration.



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
Several hundred people gathered outside the German parliament on Sunday to call on the institution to fly the Pride flag during a major LGBT event next week, according to a dpa reporter at the scene.

Police initially refused to comment on the number of participants in the rally called by a regional branch of well-known pro-democracy group Grannies against the Right.

Many demonstrators were waving rainbow flags and wore rainbow colours.

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Participants were protesting a decision by the Julia Klockner, president of the lower house, the Bundestag, not to fly a rainbow flag to mark Pride celebrations this month.

The Bundestag has flown a rainbow flag in recent years to mark Christopher Street Day (CSD) - a term used in Germany to refer to Pride celebrations for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) community.

It is a reference to the location of the Stonewall Inn in New York City's Greenwich Village neighbourhood, where a protest against police discrimination on June 28, 1969, kick-started the gay liberation movement.

However, Klockner has decided that the flag - a symbol of the queer community - should only be flown on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on May 17.

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The Bundestag administration's queer network will also not be represented at the CSD parade in Berlin on July 26 after management banned the group from taking part, citing reasons of neutrality.

"The rainbow flag stands for the basic rights of all people! Like the Bundestag! Let's raise it!" Grannies against the Right said in the call to protest.

"People who defend democracy and hard-won rights gather under the rainbow flag. We are neither clowns nor circus animals!"

According to Berlin police, the protest, which was expected to draw some 1,000 people, remained peaceful.
As part of Ohios TechCred program, hundreds of employers will receive funding for workforce training, according to a spokesperson with Ohio Governor Mike DeWines Office.

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More than $9.9 million has been awarded to approximately 622 employers during the May round of the program.

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The spokesperson said this is the highest total amount of funding from any round of the program since it started in September 2019.

This record-breaking round of TechCred funding reflects our commitment to helping every Ohioan reach their version of the American Dream, DeWine said. Were creating opportunities for people to grow their skills, advance their careers, and strengthen Ohios economy.

The funding will help Ohioans earn approximately 8,362 tech-focused credentials, the spokesperson added.

The TechCred program helps businesses address their workforce needs by providing up to $30,000 per round and up to $180,000 per year to upskill current and prospective employees.

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Ohioans in any industry can use TechCred to enhance their skills, and businesses of all sizes are eligible for the program.

TechCred is making a real difference in the lives of thousands of hardworking Ohioans, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik said. We are helping hardworking people take the next stepwhether thats earning a raise, finding a new job, or growing in their careers.

The July TechCred application is currently open. Ohio employers can apply for funding until July 31 at 3 p.m.

Click here for more information about the TechCred program.

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Hundreds of beachgoers gathered at New Smyrna Beach the day after an 18-year-old surfer was bitten on the foot by a shark.

Some were shocked to hear about the incident, while others, like Megan Tossi, werent. Thats because Megan was bitten back in 2020. The shark also bit her foot. She still bears the bite marks to prove it.

Yeah, its a little crazy, she said. The shark came out of nowhere and grabbed it. It started shaking its head back and forth like it was trying to rip my foot off.

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She said it lasted a few seconds, then the shark let go. She was able to make it back to shore for help.

I was kind of like, this is crazy.

New Smyrna is popular despite being nicknamed Shark Park. Locals called it the shark capital of the world in the 1880s because of many shark attacks.

It seems the sharks are not settling down. There have been four shark bites so far this year. There were eight shark bites reported in 2024.

Tossi was one of five people bit back in 2020, and she has come back to surf every single year since.

Its in my head a little, but its still fun and I still enjoy it, said Tossi. I love it too much.

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Thats the same with others we spoke to, like Christina Gonzalez. She had to enjoy the water alone, despite her husband being present. Hes a bit nervous.

Look at how many people are out here in enjoying the water, she said, running back for another swim. Ill take my chances.

Here are some tips to keep you safe in the water: If you see fish jumping out of the water or birds swooping down, thats a sign that sharks are nearby.

Remember, listen to the lifeguards out there and heed their warnings.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
WINN PARISH, LA  Far from the jazz clubs and nightlife of New Orleans, thousands await their fate inside immigration jails.

Louisiana has more dedicated Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers than any other state besides Texas  nine total  after it converted nearly half a dozen correctional facilities to immigrant detention. Most are remote, scattered near farms and forests. Among the sites is a unique "staging facility" on a rural airport tarmac for rapid deportations.

President Donald Trump is increasingly leaning on Republican-led Southern states to detain and deport millions of immigrants  from "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades to the expansion of a sprawling Georgia immigration facility. Far from the U.S.-Mexico border, Mississippi has the ICE jail with the highest average daily population.

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But Louisiana was the first non-border state to surge immigration detention capacity, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana and Tulane University Law School. The state opened five new facilities to detain immigrants in 2019, during the first Trump administration, and vastly expanded the number of detainees during the Biden administration.

Immigrants are sent here from all over the country, far from their families, communities and, often, their lawyers.

The Trump administration has confined some of its highest-profile detainees in Louisiana, including now-released Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil and Harvard University scientist Kseniia Petrova.

The state's largest immigration jail, Winn Correctional Center, is tucked deep into dense pine woods nearly five hours northwest of New Orleans. The site is so remote that, for years, online maps routinely sent visitors the wrong way down a dirt road. A warning sign cautions visitors: "This property is utilized for the training of chase dogs."

Winn Correctional Center operated by LaSalle Corrections.

Other states might follow Louisiana's example as more federal funds flow to ICE detention. Congress recently authorized the Trump administration to spend $45 billion over the next four years to expand immigration jails around the country. That's nearly four times ICE's previous annual detention budget.

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USA TODAY traveled to four of Louisiana's nine ICE facilities, hoping to see firsthand what life is like for immigrants detained there. But the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement denied multiple requests for a tour of any of the locations.

In an emailed statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said ICE originally expanded its detention capacity in Louisiana "to address the increasing number of individuals apprehended at the border" under the Biden administration.

"ICE continues to explore all options to meet its current and future detention requirements while removing detainees as quickly as possible from the U.S.," she said.

Guards search handcuffed migrants as they're transferred from a prison bus to an airplane at the Alexandria Staging Facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, on June 9, 2025.

Nora Ahmed, legal director of the ACLU of Louisiana, described the state as key to Trump's promised mass deportation campaign.

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"Louisiana really is the epicenter for a lot of what is currently taking place with this administration," Ahmed said. "It's an outcropping of a prison economy that Louisiana has survived on for a long, long time."

Deportation hub far from the border

Louisiana found its foothold as a deportation hub at the end of Trump's first term, when the administration was looking to expand immigrant detention.

The state had reformed its criminal justice system in 2017, with bipartisan support, to reduce sentences for low-level offenders. That had the effect of dramatically decreasing the state's prison population and freeing thousands of incarcerated people  mainly Black men and women.

At the time, the Black imprisonment rate was nearly four times the rate of White imprisonment in Louisiana, according to the ACLU.

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Louisiana eventually rolled back the reforms. But racial justice activists briefly celebrated a win.

Then ICE came knocking.

The first Trump administration, and later the Biden administration, wanted to detain more illegal border crossers. Louisiana offered advantages: empty prisons, employees already trained in corrections, and access to the Alexandria airport with a detention facility and a history of deportation flights.

Two Global X airplanes are seen at the Alexandria Staging Facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, on June 9, 2025. The immigrant detention center sits on the tarmac.

It also has some of the country's most conservative immigration judges, as well as a federal appeals court that, in immigration cases, often sides with the government, lawyers say.

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"Louisiana had the infrastructure already there," said Homero Lopez, legal director of New Orleans-based Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy, a nonprofit that provides free representation. "ICE comes in saying, Yall have got the space. Weve got the people. Well pay you double what the state was paying. Thats why the expansion was so fast."

Louisiana's rural communities offered advantages for ICE

Many Americans know Louisiana by its crown jewel, New Orleans, the state's tourism mecca, where social norms and politics are as liberal as the flow of alcohol on Bourbon Street.

But Louisiana is largely wooded, rural, proudly conservative and deeply Christian. County governments are called parishes and the poverty rate is the highest in the nation.

A sign supporting President Donald Trump is seen off the road leading to the Alexandria Staging Facility on June 9, 2025.

"People want jobs and whos to blame them?" said Austin Kocher, a Syracuse University research assistant professor who studies immigration enforcement. "Its fairly easy to promise jobs by setting up a detention facility."

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Rural Louisiana used to make a living from oil and timber. Logging trucks still rumble down forested two-lane roads, but the decline in natural resources and price unpredictability drove some communities to look for new industries.

Prisons and now immigration detention deliver good-paying jobs and economic development to places like Winn, Ouachita and LaSalle parishes.

LaSalle was one of the first to see the potential. In 2007, local leaders in the parish seat of Jena  current population 4,155  wanted to diversify the economy. A sprawling juvenile detention facility north of town sat empty.

The lumber industry is part of the economic engine in northern Louisiana.

When GEO Group, the nation's largest private detention contractor, swooped in with an ICE contract in hand, local leaders welcomed the opportunity.

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"Not having to build an entirely new facility was probably a key factor to them locating here," said Craig Franklin, editor of the weekly Jena Times. Plus, "our advantage to a strong employee pool was likely a factor."

In Ouachita Parish, the mayor and council of Richwood  population 3,881  debated whether to approve an ICE detention contract. Mayor Gerald Brown didn't have a vote, but he supported the conversion to ICE detention, he said.

"Richwood Correctional Center is one of our biggest employers," Brown told USA TODAY. "There was a lot of back and forth. We did town halls, and we had meetings."

The town stood to gain new income as an intermediary between ICE and the private operator, LaSalle Corrections. When it was a jail, the town earned a $112,000 a year fee. Now that it's an ICE detention center, the town is getting about $412,000 a year.

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"The financial windfall for the community was something I certainly couldn't turn a blind eye to," Brown said.

Remote ICE detention has consequences for the detained

The willingness of rural communities to house ICE facilities is part of the draw to Louisiana, researchers who study immigration detention say.

Another factor: When ICE tries to open new detention centers near big cities, the agency is often met with resistance from immigrant rights activists and residents with "not in my backyard" arguments.

But attorneys say the rural locations have real consequences for the people detained.

Data shows that having access to an attorney dramatically improves a detainee's chance of winning release and a chance at staying in the United States. But it's hard for attorneys to get to many of the facilities; Ahmed regularly drives three to seven hours to visit immigrant clients across the state.

Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena, La., operated by GEO Group.

Baher Azmy, legal director of the New York-based Center of Constitutional Rights, represented Khalil, the Columbia University activist, during his more than three-month detention at the Central Louisiana Processing Center in Jena.

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He visited twice and said he was struck by its remoteness, the utter lack of space for attorneys to meet their clients and the no-contact family visitation conducted behind plexiglass.

Accommodations were made for Khalil to see his wife and newborn baby in a separate room, after a court ordered it.

"Getting there was an all-day proposition," Azmy said. "It reminded me of my early trips to Guantanamo," the military jail on the island of Cuba, where he represented clients accused of terrorism in the years after the 9/11 attacks. "The desolation, the difficulty getting there. The visiting conditions were better in Guantanamo than in Jena. As horrible as Guantanamo was, I could hug my client."

According to ICE, rules and accommodations at different facilities can depend on their design and capacity, as well as contractual agreements.

"Allegations that ICE detention facilities have improper conditions are unequivocally false and designed to demonize ICE law enforcement," McLaughlin said. "ICE follows national detention standards."

Exponential expansion of ICE detention

The United States has consistently grown its immigration detention through both Republican and Democratic administrations.

But the average number of immigrants in detention on any given day has risen rapidly over the past six months, from roughly 40,000 people at the end of the Biden administration in January to more than 58,000 in early July.

Under President Joe Biden, ICE moved thousands of migrants who sought asylum at the United States-Mexico border over to Louisiana detention centers, said the ACLU's Ahmed.

Now, the centers are filled with people picked up in the country's interior.

Nearly half of those in ICE detention in early July had no criminal record or pending charges, according to ICE data. They faced civil immigration violations.

When determining whether to send a detainee to Louisiana, ICE considers bed space availability, the detainee's medical and security needs and proximity to transportation, according to an agency statement.

The Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana, is operated by private contractor GEO Group.

The average daily population in Louisiana ICE facilities topped 7,300 in early July. That compares to roughly 2,000 ICE detainees in 2017 at the start of the first Trump administration, according to data collected by TRAC at Syracuse University.

Some of that increase is due to a Trump administration decision to withdraw legal status from thousands of immigrants who arrived during the Biden administration and followed the rules then in place.

"These are mothers. These are children. These are students. And these are individuals who often had status that was very much legal, that's then been taken away by the administration," Ahmed said. "So what we are seeing is the rendering of documented people to undocumented by the stroke of a pen of the United States government."

More: He won asylum and voted for Trump. Now his family may have to leave.

Three times this spring and early summer, Will Trim traveled to Richwood Correctional to visit his colleague Petrova, the Harvard scientist from Russia. He said the buildings looked "like warehouses, featureless beige buildings" encircled with razor wire, separated from a low-income neighborhood by a patch of woods.

During his visits, few of the people he spoke with in the nearby town of Monroe knew that more than 700 immigrant women were being held locally. According to ICE data, on average, in July, 97% of the women in Richwood Correctional had no criminal record.

"If they are being held without charge," he asked, "why is there double-barbed wire? Why is it hidden in the forest?"

Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com.

Dinah Pulver and Ignacio Calderon contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump looks to the South to grow ICE detention
Washington  In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said his agents will arrest anyone they find in the country illegally, even if they lack a criminal record, while also cracking down on companies hiring unauthorized workers.

Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, said his agency will prioritize its "limited resources" on arresting and deporting "the worst of the worst," such as those in the U.S. unlawfully who also have serious criminal histories.

But Lyons said non-criminals living in the U.S. without authorization will also be taken into custody during arrest operations, arguing that states and cities with "sanctuary" policies that limit cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement are forcing his agents to go into communities by not turning over noncitizen inmates.

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"What's, again, frustrating for me is the fact that we would love to focus on these criminal aliens that are inside a jail facility," Lyons said during his first sit-down network interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." "A local law enforcement agency, state agency already deemed that person a public safety threat and arrested them and they're in detention."

"I'd much rather focus all of our limited resources on that to take them into custody, but we do have to go out into the community and make those arrests, and that's where you are seeing (that) increase" in so-called "collateral" arrests, Lyons added, referring to individuals who are not the original targets of operations but are nonetheless found to be in the U.S. unlawfully.

If ICE encounters someone "that is here in the country illegally, we will take them into custody," Lyons said.

"We have opened up the whole aperture"

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Collateral arrests by ICE were effectively banned under the Biden administration, which issued rules instructing deportation officers to largely focus on arresting serious criminal offenders, national security threats and migrants who recently entered the U.S. illegally. That policy was reversed immediately after President Trump took office for a second time in January.

As part of Mr. Trump's promise to crack down on illegal immigration, his administration has given ICE a broad mandate, with White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller pushing the agency to conduct 3,000 daily arrests. While ICE has so far not gotten close to that number, the agency just received tens of billions of dollars in additional funds from Congress to turbo-charge its deportation campaign.

Lyons said "it's possible" to meet the administration's target of 1 million deportations in a year with the new infusion of funds. ICE has recorded nearly 150,000 deportations in Mr. Trump's first six months in office, according to internal government data obtained by CBS News.

From Jan. 1 to June 24, ICE deported around 70,000 people with criminal convictions, but many of the documented infractions were for immigration or traffic offenses, according to data obtained by CBS News.

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While the administration frequently highlights arrests of non-citizens convicted of serious crimes like murder and rape, ICE also has sparked backlash in communities across the country due to some of its tactics and actions, including the use of masks by agents (which Lyons said will continue due to concerns about the safety of his officers), arrests of asylum-seekers attending court hearings and raids on worksites.

"ICE is always focused on the worst of the worst," Lyons said. "One difference you'll see now is under this administration, we have opened up the whole aperture of the immigration portfolio."

Lyons promises to hold companies accountable

Another major policy at ICE under the second Trump administration is the lifting of a Biden-era pause on large-scale immigration raids at worksites.

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In recent weeks, federal immigration authorities have arrested hundreds of suspected unauthorized workers at a meatpacking plant in Nebraska, a horse racetrack in Louisiana and cannabis farms in southern California. At the cannabis farms alone, officials took into custody more than 300 immigrants who were allegedly in the country unlawfully, including 10 minors.

Amid concerns from industry that Mr. Trump's crackdown was hurting their businesses, ICE in June ordered a halt to immigration roundups at farms, hotels and restaurants. But that pause lasted only a matter of days. Since then, the president has talked about giving farmers with workers who are not in the U.S. legally a "pass," though his administration has not provided further details on what that would entail.

In his interview with CBS News, Lyons said ICE would continue worksite immigration enforcement, saying there's no ban on such actions. He said those operations would rely on criminal warrants against employers suspected of hiring unauthorized immigrants, which he said is not a "victimless crime," noting such investigations often expose forced labor or child trafficking.

"Not only are we focused on those individuals that are, you know, working here illegally, we're focused on these American companies that are actually exploiting these laborers, these people that came here for a better life," Lyons said.

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Asked to confirm that ICE plans to hold those employing immigrants in the U.S. illegally accountable  and not just arrest the workers themselves  Lyons said, "One hundred percent."

A new you: The science of redesigning your personality

Would you go on a retirement cruise?

ICE head Todd Lyons says agents will arrest anyone in U.S. illegally, not just criminals
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:

DNA, which has a double-helix structure, can have many genetic mutations and variations. Credit: NIH

Tiny fat bubbles carrying gene therapy have successfully repaired DNA in the lungs and liver of animals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiencya promising leap toward treating humans with this rare inherited disease.

In a paper published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center introduced lipid nanoparticleshollow, fatty spheres often 100,000 times smaller than the thickness of a piece of paperthat seek out and enter both lung and liver cells. This is significant because lipid nanoparticles tend to gather naturally in the liver versus other organs and tissues.

In mice genetically engineered with a mutation causing alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, these selective organ-targeting lipid nanoparticles delivered a payload of curative gene therapy, correcting about 40% of liver cells and 10% of lung cells affected by the disease. This also reduced levels of an abnormal protein associated with the genetic condition by over 80%.

"[The researchers] are getting results that haven't been gotten before," said Dr. Terence Flotte, a pediatric pulmonologist and dean of the University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan Medical School, who was not involved in the study. "It looks pretty darn convincing to me."

A new approach

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that harms the lungs, the liver or sometimes both. About 80,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. have it, all because of mutations in the SERPINA1 gene.

This gene normally makes alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein produced in the liver that travels through the blood to the lungs to protect them from neutrophil elastase, an enzyme released during inflammation and infection. But when the protein is missing or misshapen by a SERPINA1 mutation, which causes it to clump up in the liver instead of reaching the lungs, neutrophil elastase runs wild and starts eating away at healthy lung tissue.

Treatments such as augmentation therapy, which raises protein levels with plasma from healthy donors, can ease symptoms, but there's no cure for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Today, scientists are looking to gene therapy as a promising new approach.

This is where lipid nanoparticles come in. These modern successors to the liposomes discovered in the 1960s can be loaded with almost any kind of cargo, from vaccines (like COVID-19 shots) to chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics. But when it comes to gene therapies, one of the biggest challenges is steering lipid nanoparticles to the right cells in need of repair.

The liverwhich handles making, breaking down and storing fatoften intercepts these fatty particles, which naturally gravitate to the spongy, reddish-brown organ and are absorbed by its cells, known as hepatocytes.

Figuring out how to create a lipid nanoparticle that can home in on other organs and tissues is a puzzle Daniel Siegwart, a professor of biomedical engineering at UTSW, has been trying to solve since he arrived in Dallas over a decade ago from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"When I joined [UTSW] in 2012, I wrote the top five challenges in my field on a whiteboard," said Siegwart, who led the study. "One of those problems was that all nanoparticles accumulate in the liver. It's great for liver disease, but it's going to hinder therapies for everything else."

Lock and key

Lipid nanoparticles have special molecular parts on their surfaces that latch onto matching structures on a cell, like a key turning in a lock. Once they connect, the cell pulls the nanoparticle inside.

Siegwart and his colleagues thought changing the molecular parts to fit a specific organ or cell would be the solution to the nanoparticles huddling in the liver. Through several years of experimentation, they arrived at a recipe for lipid nanoparticles that could target selective organs.

Lipid nanoparticles, Siegwart said, are typically made of four lipids. One is an ionizable aminolipid that grabs onto the genetic cargo and releases it inside cells. Another is cholesterol. A third is a phospholipid, borrowed from the early days of liposomes. And the fourth is a polyethylene glycol-lipid, which helps keep the particles stable and improves how they travel through the body. The ratio of these components affects the size, shape, charge and stability of the particle.

Together, nanoparticles made from these four lipids still went to the liver. But the researchers found if they added a fifth lipidSiegwart calls it DORI (its actual chemical name is a 74-character mouthful)it would make a beeline to the lungs, entirely bypassing the liver, he said.

To test how well these selective organ-targeting lipid nanoparticles worked in the case of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Siegwart and his colleagues loaded the tiny fatty couriers with a base editor that corrects a variant of the mutated SERPINA1 gene called Z. Base editors are akin to chemical word processors, fixing single typos in the genetic code.

Young mice genetically engineered to have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency were injected with the liver- and lung-targeting lipid nanoparticles. After some weeks, Siegwart and his colleagues examined the livers and lungs of the mice and found that, remarkably, about 40% of their liver cells were corrected, as well as 10% of their lung cells, particularly those that repair the lungs and produce a lubricant called surfactant.

"We found that level of correction led to 80% restoration of the normal liver and about 90% restoration of the lungs," Siegwart said.

Paving future plans

The study comes as Boston-based biotech Beam Therapeutics announced initial data in March of an early-stage clinical trial for its alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency gene therapy.

Called BEAM-302, this gene therapy targets the SERPINA1 gene mutation in the liver, correcting it so the organ can produce properly folded, rather than misshapen, alpha-1 antitrypsin.

"Their theory is that's all you need to treat both liver and lung [in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency]," said Flotte of the UMass Chan Medical School. "There is also an accumulating body of evidence  that some element of the lung disease occurs because the mutant alpha-1 antitrypsin made right there in the lungs is harmful."

Selective organ targeting lipid nanoparticles could offer a way to treat the genetic condition in the lungs and liver, Flotte said. But more research is needed to understand how long these corrections will lastin Siegwart's mice, the gene-editing effects persisted for 32 weeksand how effective this approach might be in other animals. For example, in ferrets with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, scientists can run some of the same tests as are done in humans.

Siegwart said he and his colleagues hope to explore other animal models in the future. In the meantime, he's excited about the potential of using selective organ targeting lipid nanoparticles to tackle other genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia, a rare disorder that affects the tiny, hair-like structures lining the airways.

People born with primary ciliary dyskinesia are prone to chronic respiratory infections and may have organs in unusual positions within the chest and abdomen.

California-based ReCode Therapeutics, which Siegwart co-founded, is already studying these lipid nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for gene therapies targeting both conditions. In March, the company received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for an investigational cystic fibrosis gene therapy, a status reserved for promising treatments aimed at rare diseases.

More information: Delivering base editors to the liver and lungs in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Nature Biotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-025-02705-w Minjeong Kim et al, Dual SORT LNPs for multi-organ base editing, Nature Biotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-025-02675-z Journal information: Nature Biotechnology

2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
LOS ANGELES  One recent morning, not long after the Trump administration launched its extraordinary immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, Alfredo Contreras pulled a large RV into the parking lot of a rehab center south of the citys skyline.

The RV is part of a small fleet of rolling exam rooms run by St. Johns Community Health that have taken on heightened importance in the citys health care  and, increasingly, political  landscape since the start of the raids. With teams of masked agents cruising the streets, many of the regions nearly 1 million undocumented immigrants are keeping close to home, refusing to go far to grocery shop or work, let alone visit the doctor.

Contreras recalled that seven women were waiting to be seen when the staff got word of a raid happening at a nearby church. The agents, they were warned, likely were headed their way next.

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Contreras and another worker slipped quietly outside and posted up in front of the parking lots gate. Soon after, five unmarked cars with tinted windows pulled up nearby.

One of the cars drove closer and a standoff ensued. Contreras told his colleague they wouldnt let the agents pass unless they had a warrant. An agent snapped photos of the men, but came no further. The cars left.



The patients are out there, but theyre afraid, Contreras said later. That's one of our biggest downfalls right now  people are not coming out.

With the immigration enforcement ongoing, the incident highlighted the severe challenges facing groups like St. Johns. As families balance the need for medical care against the risk of deportation, community health centers are scrambling to continue to provide care and to stay afloat amid the financial impact brought on by the crisis.

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Meanwhile, the upheaval in health care access is contributing to a shift in politics in the nations second-most populous city  turning health care practitioners into donors and lobbyists. Clinic leaders, including St. Johns CEO Jim Mangia, are taking on increasingly political roles, working the halls of government to stave off threats not just from Republicans in Washington, but Democrats in Sacramento as well.

Missed appointments

St. Johns has been a presence in Los Angeles for 60 years. And for about half of that time, Mangia has been a presence at St. Johns. The nonprofit is mostly funded by the federal government and has a mandate to serve everyone who walks through its doors regardless of ability to pay.

The clinic operates 28 sites in and around L.A. that serve about 125,000 patients who make 550,000 visits each year. Mangia believes his organization is the largest provider of care for undocumented immigrants in the country, with around 25,000 of its patients living in the country illegally.

Shortly after Trump took office, Mangia began preparing for the crackdown that eventually came. He started offering know your rights classes in the clinics and made arrangements with staff on where they would hide patients if immigration enforcement agents showed up.



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It wasnt enough to quell fears. By early spring, Mangia noticed an uptick in the number of patients canceling appointments, saying they were too scared to come in. The clinics, which used to have a no-show rate of about 8 or 9 percent, have seen that figure skyrocket to 30 percent since the start of the raids, Mangia said.

In April, he launched a program called Health Care Without Fear to start seeing patients in the mobile clinics in their neighborhoods, or through house calls made by two home visitation teams.



Magdalena, a 52-year-old undocumented housekeeper from Mexico who declined to give her last name, still showed up for a physiotherapy appointment at a St. Johns clinic in south LA one recent afternoon.

She said she wouldnt describe her feelings as fear: More like caution, she said, to live in fear is not a dignified way to live.

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Still, shes canceled some appointments related to treatment for a knee injury. Ive had to take precautions, she said.



Budget squeeze

The problems at St. Johns are being felt by clinics around the city. At Venice Family Clinics in West LA and Inglewood, CEO Mitesh Popat began aggressively pursuing telemedicine options for his 45,000 patients three weeks ago.

Clinic staff are calling every patient before their appointment to see if theyd rather have a virtual visit, and theyre calling five minutes after missed appointments to offer the same.

That's a short-term solution, we learned those approaches through the pandemic and it can work for a period of time, Popat said. Eventually, people need to come in person and actually see their doctor or their nurse practitioner.

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Rethinking ways to treat patients is an expensive proposition. Most of the patients at St. Johns are on Medi-Cal, Californias Medicaid insurance program for low-income people. But Medicaid pays only for care delivered within the walls of the clinic, not home visits and mobile units. For now, Mangia is drawing down the clinics reserves, which are boosted by philanthropy and patient donations, but the losses are mounting.



Compounding his financial outlook are looming cuts at the federal and state level.

The sweeping spending and policy bill recently passed by Congress eliminates an estimated $1 trillion in Medicaid funding over the next decade and imposes tougher restrictions on immigrants access to insurance and health care.

Yet a more immediate worry for Mangia comes from Democrats in California, especially Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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After pushing through an ambitious plan to start providing Medi-Cal to all undocumented immigrants in 2024, the governor and lawmakers hit the brakes in the face of a yawning budget deficit. Passed in June, the new state budget bars undocumented adults from enrolling starting next year. It also cuts back some benefits and imposes $30 monthly premiums on those grandfathered into the program.

The federal cuts are terrible, and the worst cuts to Medicaid ever  but the state cuts are much worse because the state cuts specifically target immigrants, Mangia said. For the governor to be going around the country and talking about how cruel the raids are and how he's supporting the rights of immigrants  his [budget] significantly cut health care access for millions of immigrant Californians.

Between cuts at the federal and state levels, Mangia estimates the recent policy shifts will eliminate around $50 million of St. Johns $230 million annual budget.



Its why he increasingly has been wading into politics. In April, he launched the Health Justice Action Fund, a coalition with other health care providers, and poured $2 million from St. Johns accounts into it for political endeavors.

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The group initially ran TV ads in six Republican districts, trying to persuade lawmakers like Ken Calvert, David Valadao and Young Kim to vote against Congress Medicaid cuts. Now Mangia is focused on Sacramento, where he plans to spend August lobbying lawmakers to delay cuts or find a way to raise revenue and avoid them.

If all else fails, his Plan C is to look local. Before the state started expanding Medi-Cal to include undocumented people in 2016, Los Angeles County had a program to pay for their care. Mangia is looking at ways to return to that model if need be.

I think most [clinics] are keeping their heads down and hoping for the best, and allowing those of us that are willing to kind of take it on the chin to lead the efforts, Mangia said. I dont want to think about cutting all of this back until weve given it the fight that I think we could give it.

For the patients who rely on Medi-Cal, the cuts arent just scary  they feel existential. Teodora, a 77-year-old undocumented woman from Mexico who declined to give her last name, is one of them.

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After visiting a St. Johns clinic in south LA one recent afternoon, she said shes been on Medi-Cal for the last 15 years to manage her diabetes, treat her longstanding knee problems and to help with other health issues that have arisen along the way.

The last few months have brought new levels of uncertainty for her and her adult son. Like other mothers, she worries he will be picked up in a raid, and said the immigration crackdown makes her nervous to come to her appointments at the clinic.

The cuts to Medi-Cal fill her with a different kind of fear. Teodoras face crumpled as she spoke about what they mean for her, eyes filling with tears as her voice wavered.

If they take it away, she asked, how am I going to get better?


The family of an 82-year-old Chilean national feared he was dead for weeks before discovering that he had been detained by ICE after he misplaced his green card, according to a report.

Relatives last saw Luis Leon, who lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on June 20, when he and his wife visited the Philadelphia immigration office to replace his lost green card, The Morning Call first reported.

There, officers handcuffed him and took him away without explanation, relatives told the outlet. His family was left scrambling, contacting immigration offices, hospitals and even a morgue for more information on Leons whereabouts.

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Then, on July 9, Leons wife received a call that seemed to confirm the familys worst fears; the caller claimed the 82-year-old had died.

Thankfully, this week, his family members learned that Leon had been moved from a detention facility in Minnesota to Guatemala. Hes now in a hospital in Guatemala City, the outlet reported. The Independent has reached out to ICE for more information.

Luis Leon had been moved from a detention facility in Minnesota to Guatemala (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Its not immediately clear why he was sent to Guatemala. But last month, the Supreme Court left the door open for the Trump administration to deport immigrants to countries they have never called home.

I can see all my family is in pain right now, his granddaughter Nataly told The Morning Call. Shes planning to fly to Guatemala to see her grandfather, who suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions.

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She told the outlet she hopes to amplify Leons experience to show how he was treated by the immigration system.

If the multi-location ordeal wasnt enough, the unknown caller contacted the family another time. Days after immigration authorities arrested Leon, a woman claiming to be an immigration attorney called Leons wife and claimed she could help get Leon out on bail. However, she didnt mention how she learned about the case or where he was at the time.

Leon was granted political asylum in 1987 after surviving Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochets regime, the outlet reported. He has a clean record  and hasnt even been given so much as a parking ticket, the family claimed.

Hes not alone, figures from the data distribution organization Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse show. As of this week, there are more than 56,800 people in ICE detention; 72 percent of them have no criminal convictions.
The Israeli air force struck approximately 75 targets in the past day across the Gaza Strip.

The IDF confirmed the death of Hamas terrorist Bashar Thabat on Sunday. He was killed in the Nuseirat area in the Gaza Strip on July 10.

Thabat was head of a department in the Development and Projects Division and in that role, was responsible for the research and development processes within Hamass weapons production headquarters.

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Troops in the 646th Brigade directed a wave of airstrikes on Beit Hanun Saturday night, targeting tunnels and above-ground sites used by terrorists. Troops on the ground killed several terrorists operating in the area.

The Israeli air force struck approximately 75 targets in the past day across the Gaza Strip.

The IDFs Division 98 destroyed terror infrastructure in the area of Gaza City. They also directed airstrikes on terrorist squads en route to attacking IDF troops, according to the military.

IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip, July 20, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The IDFs 99th and 162nd divisions destroyed terror infrastructure in northern Gaza, and the IDFs 143rd division did the same in southern Gaza.
Troops of the 401st Brigade operating in the Jabalya area in the northern Gaza Strip. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

Combat engineers from the IDF's 401st Brigade have located and dismantled a network of tunnels under Jabalya amid the IDF's expanding operations in Gaza.

Combat engineers of the IDFs Armored Corps 401st Brigade have located and dismantled a network of tunnels located under Jabalya, measuring 2.7 km. in length, the IDF stated on Sunday.

As part of the IDFs expansion of ground activities in the area, hundreds of terrorist infrastructure sites have been dismantled, countless weapons have been confiscated, and dozens of terrorists have been killed.

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Last week, three members of the 401st Brigade were killed inside their tank while operating in Jabalya. The IDF's investigation revealed that the soldiers' cause of death was from the turret exploding, despite their initial assessment being an anti-tank missile.

Renewal of fighting in Gaza

The IDF renewed its operations in Jabalya in mid-June for the third time since the start of the Israel-Hamas War in October 2023. Since the start of the renewed fighting, countless rocket launchers and tunnels are said to have been demolished.

Operations continue in Beit Hanun and Gaza City as well, uncovering and destroying Hamas infrastructure, coordinating their attacks with the Israel Air Force.

These attacks included the killing of Mohammed Nasser Ali Qanita, the terrorist who held Emily Damari hostage, by the IDF and Shin Bet on June 19.
The directive comes amid growing internal and public complaints that administrative and rear-echelon reservists were being called up without taking part in meaningful assignments.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir instructed a significant reduction in the use of emergency reserve call-up orders, known as Tzav 8, on Sunday, following criticism that large numbers of reservists were being mobilized for non-essential roles.

The directive comes amid growing internal and public complaints that administrative and rear-echelon reservists were being called up without joining operational units or taking part in meaningful assignments.

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At the onset of the war, the IDF activated hundreds of thousands of reservists via Tzav 8 to meet combat demands across multiple fronts. Although the intensity of fighting has since declined, the IDF continued issuing such orders, including open-ended formats that kept reservists on short-notice standby and part-time duty models that allowed reservists to continue working civilian jobs while fulfilling non-combat service.

Sources in the military told Walla the indiscriminate use of Tzav 8 had raised concerns over wasteful manpower practices and a lack of oversight. In some units, reservists were issued repeated call-up orders for roles described by critics as redundant.

In recent weeks, Zamir moved to restrict the quota of Tzav 8 orders available to regional commands, military branches, and corps. He also instructed senior commanders to improve tracking and accountability of reserve personnel across all units.

IDF CHIEF OF STAFF Eyal Zamir speaks at an event for outstanding soldiers, on Independence Day at the Presidents Residence in Jerusalem, in May. He is opposed to the IDF taking upon itself the administration of the Gaza Strip, says the writer. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

At the same time, Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, head of the IDFs Manpower Directorate, ordered a parallel cut in reserve mobilizations in response to operational assessments from the various theaters of conflict.

New mandatory daily report will track reservist's location

To strengthen oversight, Kalifa introduced a mandatory daily report, dubbed Form 1, which will track each reservists location, whether at home, on base, or in transit.

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The Manpower Directorate is expected to begin field inspections in the coming days to verify the reports and ensure units are complying with the updated procedures.

Military sources estimated that the changes will result in a substantial drop in the number of reserve call-ups and lead to major cost savings. These adjustments were made in response to troubling patterns and insufficient oversight of manpower distribution across units, one officer said.
Yuval Vagdani recounted to N12 the moment when he had to flee Brazil after the Hind Rajab Foundation filed a complaint against him alleging "war crimes" committed in Gaza.

IDF reservist Yuval Vagdani was forced to flee Brazil earlier this year after the Hind Rajab Foundation filed a complaint against him alleging "war crimes" committed in Gaza, prompting Brazilian police to seek his arrest and interrogation, Channel 12 reported on Friday.

Vagdani, who survived the Nova music festival massacre on October 7 and later served for months as a reservist in Gaza, told N12 that he felt compelled to fight after the trauma of that day: "I went to fight, but I couldn't stay home - I just couldn't."

Traveling to Brazil as 'post-war trip'

At the beginning of 2024, Vagadni decided to travel to Brazil for what he described as "a post-war trip." However, he soon found himself at the center of a legal drama thousands of miles away from home.

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"I arrived at the hostel on a Saturday, after a week-long festival, and woke up to missed calls and a phone call from the Foreign Ministry," he recalled to N12. When he answered, a Mossad agent told him, "You must leave Brazil as soon as possible; legal proceedings are about to be opened against you."

Shortly afterward, Vagdani's brother called, again with a Mossad agent on the line, informing him that a pro-Palestinian organization was pursuing a legal case against him on behalf of a Gaza family.

IDF SOLDIERS operate in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, in November. (credit: Oren Cohen/Flash90)

According to the N12 report, the complaint originated from the Hind Rajab Foundation, an anti-Israel group based in Brussels known for targeting Israelis abroad.

Vagdani recounted that fake online profiles had collected information about him for over a year and a half before filing the complaint after learning he was in Brazil.

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"They had already started publishing that I was trying to flee - those posts were in real-time," he said.

When Vagdani reached the airport, he was stopped at border control.

"The officer told me, 'You're not flying, you're coming with me now for questioning,'" he recalled.

He was interrogated about his military service and subjected to a thorough physical search. Ultimately, he managed to deceive local authorities by pretending not to understand English, leading to his release.

Temporary refuge in Argentina

Vagdani and his friends then boarded the last flight to Argentina, where they found temporary refuge. But the ordeal continued there as well, with anti-Israel activists circulating his photo and offering a bounty for his capture, according to N12.

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The Israeli Embassy in Argentina then facilitated his immediate transfer to the airport for a flight to the United States and then on to Israel.

According to the report, Vagdani is not the only soldier who has faced similar circumstances in recent months. The IDF has since updated its guidelines for soldiers concerning social media use in light of such incidents.
The soldier was named as Corporal Dan Mandel Philipson, 18, from Norway. He was a combat soldier in training in the IDF's Paratroopers Brigade.

The IDF soldier who was seriously wounded on Tuesday, after apparently suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, has died from his wounds, the military confirmed Sunday.

The military has opened an investigation into the incident. It remains unclear if the event was an attempted suicide or an accident.

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The soldier was named as Corporal Dan Mandel Philipson, 18, from Norway. He was a combat soldier in training in the IDF's Paratroopers Brigade.

His funeral will be held at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem at 3:00 p.m.

Last week, an IDF soldier from the Nahal Brigade took his own life on a military base in the Golan Heights.

IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip, July 20, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The soldier, whose name has not been cleared for publication, had fought in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas War.

Investigations opened into deaths of IDF soldiers

An investigation has been opened by the military police, and upon conclusion, the findings will be presented to the military prosecution.

The Nahal soldier was the second soldier to have taken his own life this month, after Daniel Edri took his life earlier in July in the Biriya forest near Safed, the town where he grew up.
Israeli security forces seen during an operation in the Tulkarm refugee camp, in the West Bank, July 6, 2025 (photo credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)

This unusual move is a new initiative to make it harder for both Hamas terrorists and Jewish extremists, who perpetrate violence and nationalistic offenses, to avoid arrest.

Wearing a face mask outdoors in the West Bank will now be punishable by up to six months in prison, the army announced on Sunday.

If an individual is caught committing a crime while wearing a face mask, they can be sentenced to a minimum of two years, solely based on the face mask aspect of the offense.

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This unusual move is an initiative to make it harder for both Hamas terrorists and Jewish extremists perpetrating violence and nationalistic offenses to avoid arrest.

Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth, the IDF Central Command chief covering Judea and Samaria, signed the order on Sunday.

Until now, according to Israeli law enforcement, it has at times been hard for either the IDF or the police to arrest suspects because their faces were covered, making it easy for them to purposely quickly mix and intermingle with others.

View of the Israeli settlement of Karnei Shomron, in the West Bank on July 2, 2020. (credit: SRAYA DIAMANT/FLASH90)

This made it difficult for law enforcement to differentiate between the individuals who had perpetrated a particularly violent offense or arson crime, and others who may have just carried out light rioting.

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The IDF and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) have also accused the police in the West Bank of frequently purposely avoiding arresting extremist Jews and only arresting Palestinians.

Also, mass violence in Judea and Samaria has increased on both sides of the conflict, though the volume of Palestinian terror-murder actions is still far more than on the Jewish side.

According to the new policy, wearing a face mask essentially designates an individual as a lawbreaker who is planning to commit an offense.

By having the legal authority to arrest such persons, the IDF and the police aim to apprehend lawbreakers on both sides before they enter an area where they plan to commit an offense.

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Police officers now have the authority to even ban such persons from remaining in the West Bank, pending any additional legal proceedings against them.

Conversely, if such individuals remove their face masks to avoid arrest for that offense, it will be easier to identify and prosecute them based on their unmasked identity.

Hopes to deter some violent conduct

There is also a hope that simply issuing the fresh order, combined with some enforcement, may deter some of the violent conduct seen in the past based on a new perception by offenders on both sides that their chances of being caught and jailed have significantly increased.

If before, even when arresting someone, the individual could claim mistaken identity and that another member of the crowd had committed the violent act in question, now they will not be able to claim they had not donned a face mask.

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Bluth also passed this order at a time when, for six to seven months now, Defense Minister Israel Katz has been blocking the Shin Bet from using administrative detention against extremist Jews, given that classified intelligence, which cannot be produced in court, was used to incriminate them in the first place.

In contrast, a record high of around 3,700 Palestinians are in administrative detention, with a total of approximately 10,700 Palestinians in jail or detained.

Notably, there is an exception to the face mask policy for religious reasons, such as a woman wearing a hijab.
Family members of an Independence woman and her infant fatally shot by police in November have filed a lawsuit against the two involved officers, alleging they knew the woman was mentally ill and escalated the events leading up to the shooting without waiting for a mental health professional they had summoned.

The lawsuit also questions the initial decision officers made to enter the Independence apartment where the shooting took place.

At the time of the Nov. 7 shooting, Maria Pike was in her apartment holding her 2-month-old daughter Destinii, and officers were preparing to take the child from her, the lawsuit said. After Maria Pike refused to hand over the infant and grabbed a knife, one of the officers, Jordan White, fired, killing the woman and her infant.

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The shooting occurred as a mental health professional was moments away, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit, filed in Jackson County Circuit Court on Thursday and brought by Tom and Lynne Pike, the parents of Maria Pike, and Mitchell Holder Jr., Destiniis father, names two responding officers, White and Chad Cox, as defendants. The lawsuit seeks damages and brings claims of battery, negligence and false imprisonment.

This lawsuit is about ensuring the lives of the most vulnerable will never be taken by the reckless actions of those entrusted to protect and serve them, Tom Porto, an attorney representing the family, said in a news release about the lawsuit.

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson declined to file charges in the shooting earlier this year, saying that while the deaths were devastating and tragic, the officers actions were responsive and defensive in nature.

Video from a bodycam worn by Independence police officer Jordan White on the scene at Oval Spring Apartments shows the November 2024 shooting that killed Maria Pike, 34, and her two-month-old daughter, Destinii.

In a message to The Star, Independence city spokeswoman Rebecca Gannon said, The dedicated men and women of the Independence Police Department risk their lives daily to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Independence. At times, our officers encounter challenging situations that require immediate action.

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The Jackson County Prosecutor has decided not to file charges against the officers involved in this unfortunate incident, Gannon said. The two officers named in the lawsuit remain employed by the Independence Police Department. As a matter of policy, we do not comment on ongoing litigation.

Unlawful decision

On Nov. 7, police were called to the apartment complex in Independence where Holder, Maria Pike and Destinii lived, on a domestic dispute call, after Holders mother reported Maria Pike had hit her.

Holder spoke to police and told them he had refused to let his mother inside the apartment, but she came in unlawfully through a sliding glass door, the lawsuit said. Holder said he and Maria Pike asked his mother to leave and then physically forced her out of their apartment.

The officers completely disregarded Holders version of events, and knowingly made the unlawful decision to arrest Maria, take her to jail for assault, and remove (Destinii) from Holders and Marias custody, attorneys wrote.

Maria Pike with baby Destinii after her birth.

Officers entered the residence and found Maria Pike in a bedroom, holding the child. Both officers recognized Maria was suffering from some type of mental illness and knew from their training that forcibly taking the child would likely escalate into violence, attorneys wrote in the lawsuit.

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A trained co-responder trained in assisting officers in working with people suffering from mental illness was called to the scene, but instead of waiting for her to arrive, the officers insisted the woman hand off the child and prepared for a confrontation, the lawsuit said.

When Maria Pike grabbed a concealed knife and advanced, White fired the shots. At that point, the co-responder was at the doorway of the apartment, the lawsuit said.

Both Pike and Destinii did not immediately die from their wounds, attorneys for the family wrote, saying they both suffered great physical pain in the moments before they expired.

Had the officers waited just a few seconds longer before escalating the situation, attorneys wrote, the co-responder would have intervened and assisted.
India is seeking to position itself as a global defense powerhouse after its brief clash with Pakistan in May.

Both startups and established firms are pushing to export more military wares, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis effort to boost Indian manufacturing, the Financial Times reported; India aims to double defense exports by 2029.

Officials said that Mays four-day conflict with Islamabad showcased New Delhis capabilities, with missiles striking deep inside Pakistan.

Chinas military sector also benefited: Pakistan said it used Chinese fighter jets  previously untested in actual combat  to strike down Indian aircraft.
MANADO, Indonesia (AP)  A passenger ferry carrying hundreds of people caught fire at sea on Sunday off Sulawesi island in Indonesia, killing at least five people, officials said. More than 280 people were rescued and evacuation efforts were ongoing.

The KM Barcelona 5 was headed to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, from Talaud, an island district in the province when it caught fire in waters near Talise, said Vice Adm. Denih Hendrata, commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command.

He said that three navy ships had been deployed, and 284 passengers and crew members had been evacuated so far. The rescue operation included assistance from local fishermen, who saved some survivors wearing life jackets as they were drifting to nearby islands in the choppy waters.

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Rescuers retrieved five bodies, including a pregnant woman.

There were no immediate reports of injuries, and no exact figures of passengers and crew members onboard the ferry.

We are still focusing on evacuation efforts, Hendrata said, adding that the cause of the fire was being investigated.

Photos and videos released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed terrified passengers, mostly wearing life jackets, jumping into the sea. Orange flames and black smoke billowed from the burning vessel.

Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where ferries are a common method of travel. Disasters occur regularly, with weak safety enforcement often blamed.

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Residents of Mentawai Islands found several people stranded on July 14 after a speedboat carrying 18 people capsized during a storm the day before, authorities said. All were in good condition.

A ferry sank near Indonesias resort island of Bali early this month, leaving at least 19 dead and 16 others missing. A two-week search operation involved more than 1,000 rescuers, three navy ships, 15 boats, a helicopter and divers.
Reality Check is a Fresno Bee series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email tips@fresnobee.com.

Cockroaches were a major issue for Fresno County restaurants and food service businesses in June.

Seven businesses were closed, some for a week or more, after health inspectors found infestations, according to public data reported by the Fresno Countys Health Department.

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Those closures included:

Valentinos , an Italian restaurant in downtown Fresnos Galleria building, where an inspector found a live cockroach inside a paper towel dispenser while trying to wash his hands. According to a June 16 inspection report, an entire colony of cockroaches at various stages of life emerged from the paper towel dispenser, the report said.



Cabinet shelves were covered with the body parts of dead cockroach and their waste and live roaches were observed throughout facility. The restaurant was ordered closed and had to undergo a full cleaning of cabinets, counters, equipment, utensils and shelving, along with a professional pest control treatment. It reopened June 25.

Chalios, a Mexican restaurant on Front Street in Selma, where a June 2 inspection found both live and dead cockroaches throughout the building, including several in the prep kitchen area. The restaurant was ordered to clean any contaminated areas and repair holes in a wall at behind a mop sink and another near a hand wash sink, where roaches were seen. It was allowed to reopen June 6, according to the health department records.

The service bar at the Double Tree at the Fresno Convention Center , following its inspection on June 30. It remained closed into July, according to health department data.

Pho Lau Vieng #2 , a Lao and Vietnamese comfort food restaurant on Olive Avenue. It was also closed after failing a June 30 inspection due to cockroach and rodent infestation.

Birreria Mi Ranchito, at Butler and Orange Avenues. The Mexican restaurant was inspected on June 30 and remained closed into July.

Cocos Produce, on Orange Avenue south of Butler. The facility was inspected July 17 and closed for at least two weeks.

Cuquita Mexican Food truck, which was closed for a week following a June 3 inspection.

Other inspection violations for June 2025

In all, a total of 11 restaurant/food businesses were temporarily closed following inspections in June. The others were:

School House Restaurant & Tavern in Sanger, which was closed for two days following an alert from California State Water Resources Control Board. According to a report from the board, the restaurants water supply system had been contaminated with E. Coli. The restaurant had to discard any food or drinks that could have been made with the contaminated water and disinfect food contact surfaces and food-handling utensils.

The Fosters Freeze in Reedley, which was closed to two weeks after inspectors found several sinks were not properly draining.

El Taco Loco/Kerman Market on South Madera Avenue in Kerman. The market facility was partially closed following a June 2 inspection due to vermin activity, according to health department data. El Taco Loco was closed due to lack of hot water.

Typically, a lack of hot water is one of the more common (and easily fixed) violations.

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Last month, four restaurant were closed following routine inspections. That included a Fresno market that had what the health department described as a backroom chicken coop. On the year, 36 restaurants and food businesses have been temporarily closed (and allowed to reopen) by the health department.

What inspectors look for

The Fresno County Department of Public Health has about two dozen environmental health specialists who monitor almost 5,000 restaurants, snack bars, grocery stores, commissaries, delicatessens and food vendors across the county and make unannounced visits several times a year.

Restaurants also are inspected following fires, or in response to complaints or other concerns from the public, including when people report what they believe are health or sanitation issues at restaurants.

When inspectors visit a restaurant or other food service business, there is a lengthy and detailed list of more than 50 things that draw their scrutiny. They include:

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Whether the manager and all employees have the required food safety or food-handling certificates.

Hygiene of individual employees.

Ways to keep cold food at or below 41 degrees and hot food above 135 degrees.

Use of proper sterilization for counters, tables, utensils and cookware.

Overall cleanliness.

Proper drainage of sinks and floor drains.

Restrooms stocked with supplies.

Whether the business has the proper license or permit.

Inspectors chronicle their findings in reports, which are made available to the public.

In most instances, if an inspector finds a problem, its something that can be fixed on the spot. This can include having enough bleach or sanitizer in the water used to wipe down food-preparation areas, replenishing soap, paper towels and toilet paper in the restrooms, or reminding employees to wash their hands and wear gloves and hairnets.

As shown this month, insect or vermin infestations are violations that can result in immediate closure of restaurants or food businesses when they are observed by health inspectors.

Among other serious concerns are refrigerators that dont keep food cold enough or steam tables that dont keep food hot enough to inhibit bacterial growth, or clogged sinks or drains that cause contaminated water to back up into kitchens.
The US called for calm in Syria and warned that the rape and slaughter of innocent people must stop.

Fighting in the countrys south, sparked by conflict between rival Druze and Bedouin groups, has led to the deaths of over 1,000 people.

The toll included more than 500 Druze, members of a minority religious group, 194 of whom were summarily executed by defence and interior ministry personnel, a war monitor said.

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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said those killed since last Sunday also included 342 government security personnel and 21 Sunni Bedouin, three of them civilians.

The group said some of the Bedouin were also summarily executed by Druze fighters. Another 15 were killed in air strikes carried out by Israel, which has promised to protect the Druze.

Aerial view of Sweida shows aftermath of clashes between tribal fighters and local Druze factions in southern Syria - Moawia Atrash/DPA

Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said: The US has remained heavily involved over the last three days with Israel, Jordan and authorities in Damascus on the horrifying and dangerous developments in southern Syria. The rape and slaughter of innocent people, which has and is still occurring, must end.

Amid the bloodshed, the Syrian government said that the fighting had halted on Sunday, after the southern city of Sweida had been recaptured by Druze fighters and state forces redeployed to the region. A US-brokered ceasefire was announced on Saturday to avert further Israeli military intervention.

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Syrias interior ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba said in a post on Telegram that Sweida was evacuated of all tribal fighters, and clashes within the citys neighbourhoods were halted.

However, 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.

An internal security forces checkpoint prevents Bedouin fighters from advancing towards Sweida - KARAM AL-MASRI/REUTERS

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said, tribal fighters withdrew from Sweida city on Saturday evening, after Druze fighters launched a large-scale attack.

Fighting continued 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.

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Israel first announced its involvement in the rapidly escalating conflict last week. It initially used air strikes partly to push back Islamist fighters from its borders in the disputed Golan Heights and later announced that it was intervening to support the Druze community, of which 150,000 live in Israel and serve in the countrys military.

But its involvement in Syria is leading to concerns among some in the White House, with Axios reporting that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is now out of control.

Bibi [Mr Netanyahu] acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time, one White House official told Axios, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. This could undermine what [President Donald] Trump is trying to do.

Last week, Israel dropped bombs on Syrias ministry of defence and near the presidential palace, causing eyebrows to raise in the US on the heels of Israels war with Iran, which led to destruction on both sides.

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Another official told Axios that Netanyahu is sometimes like a child who just wont behave.

Tribal and Bedouin fighters head towards Sweida - Getty/ABDULAZIZ KETAZ

Just months after the country underwent a massive revolution to overthrow the decades-long dictatorial rule of the Assad family, Mr Rubio warned Damascus that it must work to achieve calm.

He wrote on X: If authorities in Damascus want to preserve any chance of achieving a unified, inclusive and peaceful Syria free of Isis and 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. Furthermore, the fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups inside the perimeter must also stop immediately.

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Tom Barrack, who is the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria and is aiding ceasefire talks, said the deal had the backing of Turkey, a key supporter of Syrias interim president, 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, Mr Barrack wrote on X.

Mr Barrack later held a meeting in Amman with top diplomats from Syria and Jordan, during which they agreed on practical steps to support Syria in implementing the agreement, he added later on X.

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Credit: Zvezda/Russian state owned tv/X

Teenagers are helping Russia build Shahed suicide drones as Vladimir Putin ramps up production at a major factory in Tatarstan.

The Yelabuga production facility, the largest of its kind in the world, is spearheading efforts to stockpile the weapons to overwhelm Ukrainian air defences with mass aerial bombardments.

The footage, recorded by Zvezda, the Russian defence ministrys TV channel, is the first detailed look inside the plant.

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Students and staff are shown on the production line constructing row after row of matt black Geran-2 drones, the Russian-built version of the Iranian-designed Shahed 136.

The video shows a production line with row after row of matt black Geran-2 drones - x.com/NOELreports

Teenagers are reportedly invited to the plant after finishing 9th grade at 15 years old, and most come from the nearby technical college.

Everywhere you look, theres young people working here, the voice-over says as the camera pans across what appear to be dozens of teenagers making drone components and working at computers on the bright factory floor.

Shahed drones have become instrumental in Putins plans to relentlessly pound Ukrainian cities and drain morale among the armed forces and terrorised civilians.

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It came as the Kremlin said on Sunday that achieving its war goals remains Russias priority ahead of signing a peace deal with Ukraine, despite Donald Trump giving Moscow 50 days to agree to a ceasefire or face severe sanctions.

European defence officials believe Russia plans to fire thousands of the relatively cheap Shahed drones every night as production increases. The new dark paintwork on the Russian models is believed to reflect an increasing focus on night-time attacks.

Other footage released in Russia on Sunday showed the drones being launched from the back of what appear to be new model American-made Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks, seemingly in violation of sanctions.

Credit: Zvezda/Russian state owned tv/X

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The video of the factories emphasised the plants in-house production lines, showing metal foundries and a blacksmiths workshop, as well as assembly stations and testing facilities.

It said Putin had noted the set-up at Yelabuga, suggesting it should be replicated across the country to reduce Russias dependence on imports for manufacturing.

Russia is now believed to be producing more than 5,000 long-range drones a month, with up to 18,000 units built at the Yelabuga plant in the first half of 2025 alone.

A Kremlin-linked think tank claimed last month that drone production had jumped by 16.9 per cent in May.

It is thought that the Yelabuga plant built 18,000 drones in the first half of 2025 alone - x.com/NOELreports

More than 500 drones and missiles are regularly fired at Ukraine in night time attacks, and analysts believe the Kremlin is close to being able to pound the country with more than 1,000 in a single day.

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On July 9, Russia carried out its largest attack yet, with 741 missiles and drones launched at Ukrainian towns and cities.

Putin hopes that with repeated onslaughts, he can wear down morale among Ukraines population, deplete Kyivs defences and undermine the Wests appetite to maintain its support.

Geran-2 drones are relatively cheap to produce, costing between 26,000 and 37,200 per unit.

Ukraines western-supplied air defence systems are much more expensive, with a single Patriot missile interceptor costing over 4 million.

Christian Freuding, a senior German army officer, warned this week that Ukraine and its allies would need to develop countermeasures costing 1,500 to 3,000 per unit in order for its air defence to be economically viable, given Russias growing attacks.

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Mr Freuding also said he believed Russia is aiming to be able to launch 2,000 drones a night at Ukraine, which would pose a serious challenge to air defences.

On July 9, Russia launched 741 missiles and drones at Ukrainian towns and cities, including Kyiv - Gleb Garanich/Reuters

The Yelabuga site was opened in 2023 and is in the Alabuga special economic zone near Kazan, a high-tech manufacturing hub. If needed, drone technology can be shipped directly from Iran via the Caspian Sea as it sits on the Kama River, which flows into the Volga.

Though more than 1,000 miles from the Ukrainian border, the facility appears to have been targeted by Kyiv. In June, Russian media reported that one person was killed when intercepted drone debris fell on a checkpoint in the area.

The Geran-2 has a total length of 3.5 metres and a wingspan of 2.5 metres. It weighs around 200 kilograms, carries a 50kg warhead and can descend onto targets up to 1,800 kilometres away at speeds of up to 300kmph.

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Ukraine reported this week that it had shot down its 30,000th Shahed drone, using analysis of a serial number obtained from a fragment of one of the downed munitions.

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COLUMBIA, Pa. (WHTM)  The investigation continues into the theft of more than 100 vases from a cemetery over the Memorial Day weekend.

The vases were swiped from veterans gravesites at the Laurel Hill Cemetery between May 18 and May 23, Columbia Police said.

Saturday, police said the investigation is continuing and theyve created a survey to help identify individuals who were targeted.

They ask victims families and friends to report the victim and the approximate cost of the vase and, if they have multiple victims, submit multiple surveys.

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Police called the incident an absolute disgrace to veterans and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

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Anyone with information regarding the theft is encouraged to contact police at 717-684-7735.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fire investigators said Friday that they are continuing to sift through the rubble of Michaels Italian Restaurant on Pine Avenue, trying to determine the cause of a July 12 fire that caused extensive damage to the Little Italy landmark.

Officials said while they are certain that the blaze erupted in the kitchen of the restaurant, at the rear of the building, what sparked the flames is still unknown. Investigators said heavy debris in the kitchen has made reaching some parts of the room difficult.

Fire investigators have estimated the damages at $150,000.

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Owner Michael Capizzi said earlier this week that no long-term decisions about the restaurants future have been made. (The family) has a lot of talking to do. Im not stopping. Im moving forward. We will work this stuff out, Capizzi said. The outpouring of support by this community has been amazing.

Among those offering support was the family of the late Michael Farina, who reached out to the Gazette this week, pointing out the restaurants origins and offering their support for the current owners.

Michaels Restaurant was built and opened in 1960 and Michael Farina was the original Michael in Michaels Restaurant, not to be confused with Mike Capizzi, they said.

In addition, the family of Michael Farina offered their condolences to the Capizzi family regarding the devastating fire.
Pennsylvanias children and families are facing a crisis. Parents are unable to find reliable and high-quality child care due to a critical shortage of child care workers, Early Intervention providers, and pre-K educators.

Most Pennsylvanians believe that children are our future and the well-being of all children is important to the health of communities. And parents know that laying a strong foundation for children while they are infants and toddlers is critical to their long-term health and well-being.

Early intervention for children and families provides critical support and resources. Strong preschool makes it more likely that children will succeed as they move through elementary and secondary school. We know that high-quality child care produces improved math and language ability, reduces the likelihood of grade repetition and generally contributes to childrens healthy development.

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However, finding reliable, high-quality child care and pre-K is incredibly difficult in Pennsylvania. Even those parents who can afford child care face long waitlists and the situation is much worse for low-income families.

As a former director of a child care facility, there were days that Heather wore many hats  cook, infant caretaker, PreK teacher  while managing the facility just to keep open the classrooms that hard-working families relied on.

Sometimes, however, the facility had to close due to a lack of funding and staff. Consequently, parents, often essential workers  police officers, teachers, doctors  were unable to go to work themselves, causing a ripple effect through the community.

Seventy-two percent of low-income families with children under 5 who are eligible for subsidized child care are unserved. There are currently more than 3,000 unfilled child care positions in Pennsylvania. Filling these vacancies would provide access for 25,000 more children and their parents to safe, high-quality child care.

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The benefits of high-quality child care and investment in early intervention are not limited to children, however. Research shows that high-quality child care has a positive impact on parents earning potential, generates increased employment and tax revenues and increases job retention and productivity for employers.

According to Start Strong PA, the economic impact of the child care crisis is staggering, costing the commonwealth $6.65 billion dollars a year in lost wages, productivity and tax receipts.

Last year, Governor Josh Shapiro expanded the child and dependent tax credit, easing the burden on families. A clear next step to alleviating the commonwealths child care crisis is to find solutions to ease the burden on the workforce.

Many educated and trained child care workers simply cannot afford to work in the field. Child care workers currently make less annually than parking attendants, housekeepers and retail salespersons.

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Across the country, states led by both Democrats and Republicans, have shown that investing in early childhood care and education works. In addition to investing in recruitment, retention or wage impacting strategies to solve the child care teacher shortage, states as diverse as New Mexico, Virginia and Minnesota have made investments in the child care workforce and seen positive outcomes.

Pennsylvania policymakers have the opportunity to demonstrate the same care for Pennsylvania children thanks to investments brought by the Governors budget proposal.

For the first time since 2007, the Governors budget proposes a new line item for early education. The budget includes significant increases to support early childhood education, including $55 million dollars to provide retention and recruitment bonuses to child care workers that will assist with finding and keeping qualified workers and teachers. An additional $10 million has been proposed to increase Early Intervention provider rates, so that every child across the commonwealth will have access to the support and services they need to succeed. On top of this funding, $15 million is proposed to raise wages for Pre-K Counts educators and stabilize the programs workforce.

These investments are long overdue.

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If we truly care about our children, and if we want to create healthy families to build strong communities, then we must invest the resources to make that happen.

Our children have the potential to grow beyond all we can imagine. Its time we invest in the child care workers who lay the foundation for their success.

Anne K. Ard serves on the Governors Advisory Commission on Women. Heather Smoyer is the chair of the Centre County Childcare Crisis Coalition.
DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran, Britain, France and Germany could hold talks next week on Tehran's nuclear programme, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday, following warnings by the three European countries that failure to resume negotiations would lead to international sanctions being reimposed on Iran.

"The principle of talks has been agreed upon, but consultations are continuing on the time and place of the talks. The country in which the talks could be held next week has not been finalised," Tasnim reported, quoting a source informed on the matter.

The report on possible talks comes a few days after the foreign ministers of the so-called E3 nations, as well as the European Union's foreign policy chief, held their first call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi since Israel and the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear facilities a month ago.

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The three European countries, along with China and Russia, are the remaining parties to a 2015 nuclear deal reached with Iran - from which the United States withdrew in 2018 - that lifted sanctions on the Middle Eastern country in return for restrictions on its nuclear programme.

The E3 have said they would restore U.N. sanctions on Tehran via the so-called "snapback mechanism" by the end of August if nuclear talks that were ongoing between Iran and the U.S. before the Israel-Iran air war do not resume or fail to produce concrete results.

"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 [any] moral and legal ground," Araqchi said earlier this week.

The snapback mechanism can be used to restore U.N. sanctions before the U.N. Security Council resolution enshrining the deal expires on October 18.

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Prior to the Israel-Iran war, Tehran and Washington held five rounds of nuclear talks mediated by Oman but faced major stumbling blocks such as uranium enrichment in Iran, which Western powers want to bring down to zero to minimise any risk of weaponisation.

Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is solely meant for civilian purposes.

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Aubrie O'Haver stood with her son watching the kids playing at the dunking booth set up on Rock Island's 9th Avenue for the third annual Community Love Fest hosted by Heart of Hope Ministries on Saturday.

"My son had a great time," O'Haver said. "He got his hair cut, a book bag, food, he's gotten three toys, gotten to play games and he got to play in the bounce house. It's been amazing."

Several hundred people showed up for the event that lasted four hours. By the end of the day, Lynda Sargent, the organization's founder and CEO, said they'd given away more than 100 backpacks to the kids for school, and more than 100 purses for woman.

"We had about 150 backpacks," Sargent said. Opening one of the purses on the table, she said, "the purses all have some goodies in them." Each was stuffed with healthcare and beauty products.

The people, she said, "were lined up all the way down the block when we got here this morning."

Community Health Care was on hand to give children free physicals. While some kids got their physicals, others got their hair cut by barbers who volunteered for the event.

Naturally, the children loved the bounce house, playing cornhole and eating the food. But the joy of the day for the kids was the dunk tank that was filled up by the Rock Island Fire Department to the delight of the children.

Instead of looking for someone to volunteer for the tank, the kids lined up to be dunked in the cool water themselves and splash in the water. Under the watchful eye of Heart of Hope's Dave Staples, the kids hit the water and then got out to give someone else a chance at a short swim.

If they weren't enjoying the dunk tank, they were in the bounce house.

When it was time to eat, the kids and their parents filled up on hotdogs and tacos.

Kabou Kasimu of Rock Island attended the event with her seven children, three girls and four boys.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kasimu looked over the few purses that were left and was surprised to find each was filled with healthcare and beauty products.

"They've been very supportive," Kasimu said of Heart of Hope Ministries. "We've been able to get food and clothes from here when needed."

Sargent said she had been an accountant at Trinity Medical Center when in 2009 she began Heart of Hope Ministries.

"This started with five people praying in my home," Sargent said. From there the organization has grown bigger to help meet the needs of the community.

In 2013, Dr. Myron Fields donated the building at 1740 9th Ave. to the organization. It stood vacant for 10 years, she said. Heart of Hope raised the money to renovate the building, putting on a new roof, putting in new heating and air conditioning and fixing broken windows and water pipes. There also were four truckloads of yard waste.

In 2021, the organization purchased the house at 1714 9th Ave. from the city for $1. It had been vacant for five years after the old boiler caught fire, Sargent said. With the help of Augustana College's APEP, or Prison Education Program, the house was renovated and is now known as Giving Hope House for men who need a hand up.

The organization now owns a community resource center on 9th Street and 18th Avenue, which also had been empty for about 25 years.

"You're looking at three buildings that sat vacant for a total of 40 years and would still be vacant and unusable had we not gotten them," Sargent said.

A large box truck parked nearby was purchased with $40,000 donated by Heidi Huiskamp Collins, owner of a Quad-City investment company. A van was purchased last year with which they can transport children to and from events.

Sargent said Heart of Hope Ministries last year provided food for more than 20,000 individuals and handed out thousands of clothing items.

"Our vision is to revitalize neighborhoods in the West End neighborhoods," Sargent said. "That's where I grew up and that's where I want to see life come back."

Fatimata Barikire has been in the United States for 15 years. She got her associates degree in banking and finance from Black Hawk and has worked for Arconic for 10 years.

Heart of Hope Ministries, she said, "is a great experience. It allowed me to mingle with people and learn more about this culture."

First Ward Alderman Glen Evans Sr. said Heart of Hope Ministries "did an excellent job with the event."

"I'm excited for the future of Heart of Hope Ministries, and I'm proud of what Lynda has been able to accomplish in such a short period of time," Evans added.

Mayor Ashley Harris said Heart of Hope Ministries is looking at other buildings in the city in which to expand and he will be meeting with Sargent in the near future to hear about the organization's plans.
The 12-day confrontation between Iran and Israel in June 2025 may not have escalated into a full-scale regional war, but it marks a potentially critical turning point in Irans internal political landscape.

Though the Islamic Republic has entered into direct conflict with a foreign adversary before, it has never done so while so militarily weakened, internally fractured and increasingly alienated from its own population.

And unlike the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, when national unity coalesced around the defense of Iranian sovereignty, this time the government appeared to fight without significant public support. While accurate polling from within Iran is hard to come by, the lack of pro-government rallies, the low approval numbers for the government ahead of the war and the governments subsequent crackdown since tell their own stories.

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As a researcher of different ethnic groups within the country, I know that many Iranians  especially those from historically marginalized communities  viewed the conflict with Israel not as a defense of the nation but as a reckless consequence of the governments ideological adventurism and regional proxy campaigns. It puts the Islamic Republic in its most vulnerable position since its establishment after the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

Hard and soft power diminished

It is worth taking a snapshot of just how diminished the Iranian government is following the recent series of blows.

Its soft power  once built on revolutionary legitimacy, Shiite ideological influence and anti-Western propaganda  has eroded dramatically.

For decades, the Islamic Republic relied on a powerful narrative: that it was the only government bold enough to confront the United States and Israel, defend Muslim causes globally and serve as the spiritual leader of the Islamic world. This image, projected through state media, proxy militias and religious rhetoric, helped the government justify its foreign interventions and massive military spending, particularly on nuclear development and regional militias.

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But that narrative no longer resonates the way it once did. The leaders of Iran can no longer claim to inspire unity at home or fear abroad. Even among Shiite populations in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, support during the Israel-Iran confrontation was muted. Inside Iran, meanwhile, propaganda portraying Israel as the existential enemy has lost its grip, especially among the youth, who increasingly identify with human rights movements rather than government slogans.

It is also clear that Irans hard power is getting weaker. The loss of senior commanders and the destruction of important military infrastructure have shown that the governments intelligence and security systems are severely compromised.

Even before Israels attack, a number of reports showed that Irans military was in its weakest state in decades. The real surprise in the recent war came not from the scale of the damage by Israeli and U.S. bombs but from how deeply Israel had penetrated the upper echelons of the Iranian military and intelligence sectors. The recent conflict amounted to a security as well as a military failure.

Externally defeated, internally adrift

As its power across the region appears diminished, so too is the Iranian governments grip loosening internally. A 2024 survey by Irans Ministry of Culture revealed discontent among the population, with over 90% of Iranians dissatisfied with the countrys current position. Elections in November 2024 saw a turnout of under 40%, further underscoring Iranians discontent with the political process.

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And reporting from inside Iran suggests many Iranians blame government policies for the war with Israel. I place the blame on this countrys decision-makers, one resident of Rasht told Reuters, their policies have brought war and destruction upon us.

The government has responded with a tactic it has used before: repression. According to government-aligned media, over 700 people were arrested during and immediately after the conflict, accused of collaborating with the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency.

As in past crackdowns, ethnic minority regions  particularly Kurdish areas  have been targeted.

One day after the ceasefire with Israel, the government executed three Kurdish cross-border laborers who rely on smuggling goods to survive in Irans underdeveloped Kurdish provinces.

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These executions, which were done without a trial or legal counsel, fit a pattern of how the government uses ethnic scapegoating to stay in power. And it echoes a historic pattern: When the government feels threatened, it strikes the Kurds first.

A historical pattern of repression

Kurds are estimated to number 10-12 million in Iran, composing roughly 12% to 15% of the countrys total population  making them the third-largest ethnic group after Persians and Azeris. Iran also includes significant Baluch and Arab minorities.

When the Islamic Republic was established in 1979, many ethnic groups supported the revolution. They hoped for a more inclusive and democratic Iran than what preceded it  the brutal autocracy of the shah that had frequently targeted minorities.

Those hopes were quickly dashed. By rejecting pluralism and promoting a unifying ideology centered on Shiite Islam and Persian identity, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini marginalized non-Persian and non-Shiite groups.

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Other ethnic groups were viewed with suspicion, while Shiite Azerbaijanis were mainly co-opted into the system.

Khomeini declared jihad against Kurdish resistance groups, labeling them infidels, separatists and agents of Israel and the United States.

Armed with advanced weaponry inherited from the last Pahlavi shah, the government launched a military campaign in Kurdistan province. Many Kurdish villages and towns were destroyed, and approximately 50,000 Iranian Kurds were killed between 1979 and 1988.

The region was turned into a militarized zone  a status that continues today.

Campaign against Kurds

After the Iran-Iraq war ended in August 1988, the government  economically strained and militarily weakened  feared a domestic uprising.

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But instead of embracing political reform, it responded with one of the most brutal crackdowns in Irans history. Khomeini issued a fatwa, or religious edict, ordering the execution of political prisoners, including large numbers of Kurdish dissidents.

Between late July and September 1988, thousands of political prisoners were executed  many without trial or any legal process. At least 5,000 people were killed and buried in unmarked mass graves, according to Amnesty International.

Khomeini labeled them mohareb, or warriors against God, and criticized the Revolutionary Courts for not sentencing them to death sooner. This mass execution campaign signaled the governments resolve to eliminate all dissent, regardless of legal precedent or human rights norms.

In the years that followed, the government systematically assassinated prominent Kurdish leaders and other opposition leaders, both in Iran and overseas.

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This targeted elimination of Kurdish leadership, combined with the mass executions of political prisoners, was a deliberate strategy to decapitate any organized opposition before it could challenge the governments survival.

A new crisis, the same strategy

The Islamic Republic appears to be using the same playbook now, but under far more fragile conditions.

Given the precarious state of the government, it is fair to ask why there are not more protests now, especially in ethnic minority regions. For many, the answer is fear over what happens next.

Many Kurds have learned from previous uprisings  particularly the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom movement  that when they lead protests, they face the harshest crackdown. Over 56% of those killed and persecuted in the subsequent crackdown were Kurds.

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Meanwhile, the overall opposition remains fractured and leaderless, both along ethnic lines and in terms of goals. The main opposition groups have traditionally been reluctant to acknowledge ethnic rights, let alone include them in any vision for a future Iran. Rather, they insist on territorial integrity as a precondition for any dialogue, echoing the Islamic Republics rhetoric.

This is a key legacy of the Islamic Republic: Its propaganda has not only shaped domestic opinion but also influenced the opposition, dividing Iranians at home and abroad. And it has long mobilized the dominant ethnic group against minorities, especially Kurds, by portraying them as internal enemies.

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: Shukriya Bradost, Virginia Tech

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Shukriya Bradost 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.
DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran has replaced air defences damaged during last month's conflict with Israel, Iran's Defah Press news agency reported on Sunday quoting Mahmoud Mousavi, the regular army's deputy for operations.

During the conflict in June, Israel's air force dominated Iran's airspace and dealt a heavy blow to the country's air defences while Iranian armed forces launched successive barrages of missiles and drones on Israeli territory.

"Some of our air defences were damaged, this is not something we can hide, but our colleagues have used domestic resources and replaced them with pre-arranged systems that were stored in suitable locations in order to keep the airspace secure," Mousavi said.

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Prior to the war, Iran had its own domestically-made long-range air defence system Bavar-373 in addition to the Russian-made S-300 system. The report by Defah Press did not mention any import of foreign-made air defence systems to Iran in past weeks.

Following limited Israeli strikes against Iranian missile factories last October, Iran later displayed Russian-made air defences in a military exercise to show it recovered from the attack.

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Israel's air force dominated Iran's airspace and dealt a heavy blow to the country's air defenses while Iranian armed forces launched successive barrages of missiles and drones on Israeli territory.

Iran has replaced air defenses damaged during last month's conflict with Israel, Iran's Defah Press news agency reported on Sunday, quoting Mahmoud Mousavi, the regular army's deputy for operations.

During the conflict in June, Israel's air force dominated Iran's airspace and dealt a heavy blow to the country's air defenses while Iranian armed forces launched successive barrages ofmissiles and drones on Israeli territory.

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"Some of our air defenses were damaged; this is not something we can hide, but our colleagues have used domestic resources and replaced them with pre-arranged systems that were stored in suitable locations in order to keep the airspace secure," Mousavi said.

Iran had its own domestically-made long-range air defense system, Bavar-373

Prior to the war, Iran had its own domestically-made long-range air defense system, Bavar-373, in addition to the Russian-made S-300 system. The report by Defah Press did not mention any import of foreign-made air defense systems to Iran in past weeks.

Following limited Israeli strikes against Iranian missile factories last October, Iran later displayed Russian-made air defenses in a military exercise to show it recovered from the attack.

(Illustrative) The Elbit-made Hermes 900 drone. (credit: ELBIT)

Putin meets top Iranian adviser Larijani, discusses Middle East tensions, nuclear issues

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting on Sunday with Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Russian state-run RIA news agency reported, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

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The two discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East and issues surrounding Iran's nuclear program.

Putin reaffirmed Russia's position in favor of stabilizing the region and pursuing a political resolution to matters related to Iran's nuclear activities, Peskov said.
An asylum seeker who claimed to be Iranian has won a reprieve to stay in the UK by maintaining he is actually Afghan.

The man, granted anonymity by immigration judges, had his asylum claim rejected 10 years ago after failing to establish that he had a well-founded fear of persecution if returned to Iran.

He was not removed from the UK, and lodged an appeal, claiming to have lived in Afghanistan until he was 17 before travelling to Iran, and to fear persecution by the Taliban if deported.

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He said he had not raised it previously and instead falsely asserted he was Iranian out of fear of being returned to Afghanistan, legal documents disclose.

The Home Office argued his credibility was significantly undermined by his previous claim to be Iranian but judges ordered his case should be reheard because he was not present when his appeal was rejected.

His lawyers claimed his non-attendance was due to an administrative oversight.

The appeal is the latest case revealed in court papers, seen by The Telegraph, in which illegal migrants or foreign criminals have been allowed to remain in the UK.

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It follows the revelation that thousands of Afghans have moved to the UK under a secret scheme set up after a British official inadvertently leaked their data.

The existence of the leak and relocations was kept secret after the then government obtained a super-injunction stopping it from becoming public.

The asylum seeker arrived in the UK in August 2012 and claimed asylum the following month. An appeal by a first-tier immigration tribunal was rejected on the basis that he was found to lack credibility and to have failed to establish a well-founded fear of persecution in Iran.

He remained in the UK and in July 2021 appealed, claiming he feared persecution upon return to Iran on account of his Baluch ethnicity, his Sunni Muslim faith, and the fact that he had left Iran illegally.

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The man claimed his brothers smuggling activities would also place him at risk if returned and that his poor mental health would prevent him from reintegrating in Iran, in breach of his rights to protection from persecution under article three of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Then, in a witness statement submitted in advance of his appeal hearing, he provided an alternative basis for claiming asylum  that he was a national of Afghanistan, where he lived until the age of 17.

He claimed he left Afghanistan because of the problems his family faced with the Taliban. He further indicated that his father, brother, and sister still live in Afghanistan.

The court was told: He stated that, upon claiming asylum in the UK, he falsely asserted Iranian nationality out of fear of being returned to Afghanistan.

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He now claims that, if returned to Afghanistan, he would face ill-treatment at the hands of the Taliban.

He also maintains that his mental health issues would constitute very significant obstacles to his reintegration in Afghanistan and that his removal would therefore amount to a breach of article eight [rights to a family life] under the ECHR.

His credibility was central

The Home Office maintained that, given the man had previously advanced a claim based on Iranian nationality, his credibility was now significantly undermined.

Officials also said there was no substantive evidence to establish Afghan nationality, except for a biometric identity card allegedly belonging to his cousin, for which no supporting evidence of a familial relationship was provided.

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But after he failed to turn up for the hearing, an upper immigration tribunal judge ruled that his case should be reheard by a first-tier tribunal.

This was because his credibility was central to the determination of the claim, thereby rendering his oral evidence of critical importance, the court ruled.

Furthermore, there was evidence before the Tribunal of the [asylum seekers] documented mental health difficulties, which required careful consideration in the context of procedural fairness.

The Judges reasoning fails to reflect adequate engagement with these issues, or with the question of whether the appeal could be fairly and justly determined in the [asylum seekers] absence.

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In the last two years, as well as its war on Gaza and increasingly violent occupation of the West Bank, Israel has launched attacks on Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.

The most recent attacks on Syria were launched this week, going so far as to hit the countrys Ministry of Defence.

Of course, the Israelis point to their justifications for the attacks on Syria  principally, in Israels telling, to defend the Syrian Druze minority. A US-brokered ceasefire has taken effect, but whether it holds remains to be seen.

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In Lebanon, Israel claimed it wanted to stop the threat posed by Hezbollah.

The attacks on Iran, it said, were to end that countrys attempt to build a nuclear bomb.

And in Yemen, Israels bombing was a response to attacks from the countrys Houthi rebels.

Explanations aside, the question becomes whether the Israelis can continue to act in a manner that has many around the world, and particularly in the Middle East, seeing them as the aggressor.

Impunity over relationship-building

The Israeli argument is that all these conflicts  and the more than 58,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza  are necessary because Israel faces an existential battle that it has no choice but to win.

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The Israeli government, in its current far-right makeup, at least, does not seem to care if its neighbours do not like it. Rather, it seems to care that they fear it.

And as the most powerful military force in the region, with the backing of the most powerful military force in the world, the Israelis feel that they can largely do what they want.





Israel is taking advantage of a weakening international order and a moment of flux in the way the world is run, particularly with the United States under President Donald Trump openly moving towards a more transactional foreign policy.

Western countries had previously attempted to maintain the idea of a liberal international order, where institutions such as the United Nations ensure that international law is followed.

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But Israels actions, over decades, have made it increasingly hard to maintain the pretence.

The world has been unable to stop Israel from continuing its occupation of Palestinian land, even though it is illegal under international law.

Settlements continue to be built and expanded in the West Bank, and settlers continue to kill unarmed Palestinians.

Human rights organisations and international bodies have found that Israel has repeatedly violated the rules of war in its conduct in Gaza, and have accused the country of committing genocide, but can do little more.

Taking advantage

No other power wants, or feels strong enough, to take on the mantle the US is arguably vacating.

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And until the rules get rewritten, it increasingly feels like might equals right. Israel, the only nuclear power in the region, is taking advantage.

Supporters of Israels actions in the past two years would also argue that those predicting negative consequences for its attacks have been proven wrong.

The main perceived threat to Israel was the Iranian-led Axis of Resistance, and the argument was that these countries and groups would strike Israel severely if the latter went too far in its attacks.





Israel did escalate, and the reaction from Iran and its allies was, in many cases, to choose to stand down rather than risk the total devastation of their countries or organisations.

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Iran did attack Israel in a way that the country had not experienced before, with Tel Aviv being directly hit on numerous occasions.

But some of the worst-case scenario predictions did not take place, and ultimately, the direct conflict between Israel and Iran lasted 12 days, without the outbreak of a wider regional war.

In Lebanon, Israel can be even happier with the result.

After an intensified bombing campaign and invasion last year, Hezbollah lost its iconic leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and much of its military capacity, as well as some of its power in Lebanon. It is now, at least in the short term, no longer much of a threat to Israel.

Israeli hubris?

Israel seems to believe weak neighbours are good for it.

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Much as in the case of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, the perception is that there is no real need to provide an endgame or next-day scenario.

Instead, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demonstrated, Israel can maintain chaos as far away as possible from its borders, as long as it maintains security inside.





But the current situation in Syria is an interesting example of what can go wrong, and when Israeli hubris may go too far.

Netanyahu has maintained that Syria south of Damascus must remain demilitarised.

His first argument was that this would ensure the safety of the Druze minority, thousands of whom also live in Israel and demanded that Israel protect their brethren following violence involving Bedouin fighters and government forces.

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The second argument was that the new authorities in Syria cannot be trusted because of the new leaderships past ties to groups such as al-Qaeda.

After Israels bombing and some US prodding, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa agreed to withdraw government security forces from the Druze-majority province of Suwayda on Thursday, warning that while Israel may be capable of starting a war, it would not be easy to control its consequences.

By Friday, it had become clear that thousands of Bedouin  and other tribal forces  were headed to support the Bedouins in Suwayda after reports of massacres against them.

Al-Sharaa, presumably with the acquiescence of Israel, announced that Syrian government forces would deploy in Suwayda to end the ongoing clashes there, and a new ceasefire was declared on Saturday.





As it happens, the presence of a strong state with control over its territory may be more effective than allowing anarchy to reign.

Blowback

If anything, Israels actions in Syria will increase its regional isolation and raise eyebrows among countries that could have been seen as potential allies.

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Saudi Arabia has emphasised its support for the new Syrian government, and Israels behaviour will add to Riyadhs feeling, post-Gaza, that any Abraham Accords normalising ties cannot happen in the short term.

For many countries in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf, Israeli hegemony, especially with the rise of messianic far-right forces in its government, leads to war, expansionism, chaos, and security risks.

And Israels short-term military gains run the risk of blowback elsewhere.

Irans military capabilities may have been heavily damaged in its war with Israel, but Tehran will likely seek to shift tactics to undermine Israel in other ways in the years to come, while improving its defences and potentially focusing on achieving a nuclear weapon.

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As mentioned, the opinions of regional countries may not be the highest priority to the current crop of Israeli leaders, as long as they continue to have US support.

But that does not mean that  in the long term  Israel will not increasingly face blowback for its actions, both diplomatically and in terms of its security.





Domestically, constant wars, even if beyond Israels borders, do not provide a sense of long-term security for any populace.

The percentage of military reservists answering call-ups has already reportedly been decreasing. In a country where the majority of the military personnel are reservists who have jobs, businesses and families to take care of, it is difficult to maintain a permanent military footing indefinitely.

That has contributed to an increasing divide in Israel between a dominant ultranationalist camp that wants to fight first and ask questions later, annex Palestinian land, and force regional acceptance through brute force, and a more centrist camp that  while perhaps not prioritising alleviating Palestinian suffering  is more sensitive to international isolation and sanctions, while attempting to hold on to a liberal Zionist image of Israel.

Should current trends continue, and the ultranationalist camp retain its dominance, Israel can continue to use its military power and US backing to yield short-term successes.

But by sowing chaos around its borders and flouting international norms, it is breeding resentment among its neighbours and losing support among its traditional allies  even in the US, where public support is slipping.

A more isolated Israel can do what it wants today, but without a long-term strategy for peace, stability and mutual respect with its neighbours  including the Palestinians  it may not be able to escape the consequences tomorrow.




The Israeli army is expanding its operations in the city of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from an army spokesman, who called on residents to leave the area in a post in Arabic on X on Sunday.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue "to operate with intensity to eliminate terrorists and to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the area and is expanding its activities into new areas," the army said in a statement. "For your safety, immediately evacuate southward toward Al-Mawasi."

Al-Mawasi in the southwest of the embattled area was designated by Israel as a "humanitarian zone" during the Gaza war. However, in the past the Israeli military has also attacked there multiple times. The army said targets included facilities of Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas.

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The families of the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza responded to the army statement with concern and dismay. "Can anyone promise us that this decision will not lead to the loss of our loved ones?" said a statement from the Hostage Families Forum.

The vast majority of Israelis wish for an end to the war and an agreement that would enable the release of the abductees, it said, adding the families of hostages demanded, "Enough!"

These are the first ground operations in the area since the beginning of the Gaza war, according to The Times of Israel newspaper. The military had not previously been deployed there.

The Israeli army avoids ground operations in areas of the Gaza Strip where it suspects hostages may be being held, in order not to endanger the people abducted from Israel, the report said.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) -At least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they waited for U.N. aid trucks in northern Gaza on Sunday, the Gaza health ministry said, as Israel issued new evacuation orders for areas packed with displaced people.

The ministry said dozens of people were also wounded in the incident in northern Gaza. It was one of the highest reported death tolls among repeated recent cases in which aid seekers have been killed, including 36 on Saturday. Another six people were killed near another aid site in the south, it said.

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Israel's military said its troops had fired warning shots towards a crowd of thousands of people in northern Gaza on Sunday to remove what it said was "an immediate threat".

It said initial findings suggested reported casualty figures were inflated, and it "certainly does not intentionally target humanitarian aid trucks".

It did not immediately comment on the incident in the south.

The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) said that shortly after entering Gaza, a WFP convoy of 25 trucks carrying food aid encountered "massive crowds of hungry civilians" who then came under gunfire.

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"WFP reiterates that any violence involving civilians seeking humanitarian aid is completely unacceptable," it said in a statement.

A Hamas official told Reuters that the militant group was angered over the mounting deaths and the hunger crisis in the enclave, and that this could badly affect ceasefire talks underway in Qatar.

In total, health authorities said 90 people had been killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across the enclave on Sunday.

DISPLACED GAZANS EVACUATE

After Israel's military dropped leaflets urging people to evacuate from neighbourhoods in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah, residents said Israeli planes struck three houses in the area.

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Dozens of families began leaving their homes, carrying some of their belongings. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans have been sheltering in the Deir al-Balah area.

Israel's military said it had not entered the districts subject to the evacuation order during the current conflict and that it was continuing "to operate with great force to destroy the enemy's capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area".

Israeli sources have said the reason the army has so far stayed out is because they suspect Hamas might be holding hostages there. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in captivity in Gaza are believed to still be alive.

Hostage families demanded an explanation from the army.

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"Can anyone (promise) to us that this decision will not come at the cost of losing our loved ones?" the families said in a statement.

ACCELERATING STARVATION

Much of Gaza has been reduced to a wasteland during more than 21 months of war and there are fears of accelerating starvation.

Palestinian health officials said hundreds of people could soon die as hospitals were inundated with patients suffering from dizziness and exhaustion due to the scarcity of food and a collapse in aid deliveries.

"We warn that hundreds of people whose bodies have wasted away are at risk of imminent death due to hunger," said the health ministry, which is controlled by Hamas.

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The United Nations also said on Sunday that civilians were starving and needed an urgent influx of aid.

Pope Leo called for an end to the "barbarity of war" as he spoke of his profound pain over an Israeli strike on the sole Catholic church in Gaza that killed three people on Thursday.

Gaza residents said it was becoming impossible to find essential food such as flour. The health ministry said at least 71 children had died of malnutrition during the war, and 60,000 others were suffering from symptoms of malnutrition.

Later on Sunday, it said 18 people have died of hunger in the past 24 hours.

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Food prices have increased well beyond what most of the population of more than two million can afford.

Several people who spoke to Reuters via chat apps said they either had one meal or no meal in the past 24 hours.

"As a father, I wake up in the early morning to look for food, for even a loaf of bread for my five children, but all in vain," said Ziad, a nurse.

"People who didn't die of bombs will die of hunger. We want an end to this war now, a truce, even for two months," he told Reuters.

Others said they felt dizzy walking in the streets and that many fainted as they walked. Fathers leave tents to avoid questions by their children about what to eat.

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UNRWA, the U.N. refugee agency dedicated to Palestinians, demanded Israel allow more aid trucks into Gaza, saying it had enough food for the entire population for over three months which was not allowed in.

Israel's military said that it "views the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as a matter of utmost importance, and works to enable and facilitate its entry in coordination with the international community".

TRUCE TALKS

Some Palestinians suggested the move on Deir al-Balah might be an attempt to put pressure on Hamas to make more concessions in long-running ceasefire negotiations.

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Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.

The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi and Crispian BalmerAdditional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York and Keith Weir;Editing by Crispian Balmer, Aidan Lewis, Helen Popper and Andrew Heavens)
The Israeli military has issued a new forced evacuation warning for the Palestinians in central Gaza, ordering them to move south to al-Mawasi, an area Israel has regularly attacked despite declaring it a safe zone.

Thousands of leaflets were dropped over Deir el-Balah on Sunday, telling displaced families living in tents in several densely populated parts of the city to leave immediately.

The Israeli military warned of imminent action against Hamas fighters in the area as it continued its deadly attacks on unarmed and starving civilians desperately looking for food, killing dozens of Palestinians on Sunday, at least 73 of them aid seekers in northern Gaza.

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In a post on X, the militarys Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said residents and displaced Palestinians sheltering in the Deir el-Balah area should leave immediately.

Israel was expanding its activities around Deir el-Balah, including in an area where it has not operated before, Adraee said, telling Palestinians to move south towards the al-Mawasi area on the Mediterranean coast for your safety.

(Al Jazeera)

A video verified by Al Jazeera showed the Israeli army dropping vast amounts of leaflets over residential areas in Deir el-Balah, notifying Palestinians of the order.

Nowhere else to go

Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah, said the area targeted by Israel is densely populated and it would be impossible for the affected residents to leave on short notice.

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Palestinians here are refusing to leave and say they are going to stay in their houses because even the areas designated as safe by the Israeli army have been targeted, she said.

Palestinians say they have nowhere else to go, and there is no space because most western areas or even al-Mawasi are full of people and tents with no more extra space for expansion. They are left with zero options.

An injured Palestinian boy cries at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis in southern Gaza as he sits on the ground next to men wounded while queueing for food aid [AFP]

The Israeli military issued the warning as Israel and Hamas held indirect ceasefire talks in Qatar, but international mediators said there have been no breakthroughs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stressed that expanding Israeli military operations in Gaza will pressure Hamas to negotiate, but negotiations have been stalled for months.

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This month, the Israeli military said it controlled more than 65 percent of the Gaza Strip.

Most of Gazas population of more than two million people has been displaced at least once during the war, which is now in its 22nd month. Israel has repeatedly ordered Palestinians to leave or face attacks in large parts of the coastal enclave.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in January that more than 80 percent of the Gaza Strip was under unrevoked Israeli evacuation threats and many of their residents were living with starvation.

A 35-day-old baby in Gaza City and a four-month-old child in Deir el-Balah died of malnutrition at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital this weekend.

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On Saturday, at least 116 Palestinians were killed, many of them aid seekers trying to get food from distribution sites run by the Israeli- and United States-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

At least 900 Palestinians desperate to find food have been killed at the sites since the GHF began operating them in late May as an Israeli blockade has prevented food and other necessities from the UN and other aid groups from coming into Gaza.

The genocide has prompted Pope Leo XIV to denounce the barbarity of the war as he urged against the indiscriminate use of force.

I once again ask for an immediate end to the barbarity of the war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Leo said during a prayer meeting near Rome on Sunday.




While strategic considerations were still in play, the heart of the decision lay in defending the extended family of Israels own Druzea gesture shaped as much by kinship as by security.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria over the past decade, so this weeks attacks on Syrian tanks en route to Sweida and on the countrys military headquarters in Damascus should not have come as a surprise.

Yet they did, because this time was different.

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These were not routine operations targeting Iranian arms transfers or Hezbollah positions. They were driven by something else: a sense of responsibility toward the Druze community in Syria.

Past strikes typically followed a narrow script: preventing weapons transfers, blocking entrenchment near the border, or responding to provocations. But this latest round marked a clear departure.

While strategic considerations were still in play, the heart of the decision lay in defending the extended family of Israels own Druze  a gesture shaped as much by kinship as by security.

Bedouin fighters stand together, 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 bond between Israel and its Druze population is one of the most unique relationships in the countrys complex mosaic of communities.

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Some 152,000 Druze live in Israel, and since a 1956 agreement with community leaders, Druze men have been conscripted into the IDF, fighting and dying alongside their Jewish counterparts in every conflict since.

The phrase Brit damim  a covenant of blood  has become shorthand for a loyalty that has gone well beyond slogans.

And these Druze have brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Syria who have come under attack by Sunni Bedouin clans and Syrian government forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that more than 1,000 people have been killed over the last week in the Druze mountains area.

Israel's Druze population say they cannot stand by and watch from sidelines

Israels Druze, who feel as deep a connection to their co-religionists in Syria as Jews do to their brethren abroad, say they cannot stand by and watch from the sidelines. They are both urging Israel to act and preparing to take up arms themselves to defend their kin across the border.

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Israel did intervene, and its history with its own Druze population is central to understanding why it acted to protect Syrian Druze, even though it refrained from intervening just months ago when Alawites were being slaughtered elsewhere in Syria.

Israels strikes last week were not only about preventing a massacre  important in its own right  but about defending the extended family of a community it considers its brothers.

But there is more to the story than that. Israels actions are also about sending messages and correcting history.

Theres no way to understand this moment without going back to May 2000, when then-prime minister Ehud Barak abruptly pulled Israel out of southern Lebanon, leaving the South Lebanon Army (SLA)  its Christian and Druze allies  to face Hezbollah alone.

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Some 6,000 SLA members and their families fled across the border, and many were resettled in Israel. But many others were captured, tried, and imprisoned.

This traumatic exit badly dented Israels image as a dependable ally. The message was clear: when interests shift, even blood partners can be abandoned.

That moment has haunted Israel ever since. It undermined its reputation as a loyal ally in the region and sent a chilling message to other minorities or militias contemplating alliance with the Jewish state: dont count on a rescue when things go bad.

This weeks actions in Syria send a very different message and are also about correcting a historical stain.

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There is also a message being delivered to other actors in the region, who are keen on seeing how reliable Israel is as an ally.

First and foremost in Gaza, where there have been efforts to align with certain clans willing to resist Hamas, such as the militia headed by Yasser Abu Shabab in the Rafah area.

For these actors, the Druze operation is instructive. It shows that Israel may be willing to use force not just in defense of itself, but in defense of those who side with it.

If Israel wants to erode Hamass hold on Gaza, it needs local allies. And those allies need a reason to believe that partnership with Israel doesnt lead to a death sentence, that Israel does not forget those who stand with it. Watching the steps Israel is taking on behalf of the Druze in Syria might give them confidence in the future.

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The actions in Syria, however, are risky. First of all, because intervening in Syria  however limited  always carries the potential for escalation. Secondly, because it puts Israel at odds with US policy.

Washington, to put it mildly, is not pleased with Israels recent actions in Syria. While Jerusalem may have seen the strikes as an act of defense and moral clarity, the Trump administration saw something else: unnecessary interference.

The administration is interested in propping up the regime of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a way of creating stability in the region and has not hidden its desire to broker some kind of non-aggression pact between Israel and Syria. Just last month, Trump lifted long-standing sanctions against Damascus.

On Thursday, the US said it didnt support the Israeli strikes, and State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Trump and the State Department have been very clear about our displeasure.

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On Sunday, Axios quoted one US official as saying that Trump doesnt like turning on the television and seeing bombs dropped in a country he is seeking peace in and made a monumental announcement to help rebuild.

The US is concerned that the Israeli action might weaken Sharaas authority at a critical juncture and undermine months of careful diplomacy. From their perspective, Israel was introducing volatility at the very moment the US was trying to create stability.

This sets up an uncomfortable, though not unfamiliar, dynamic: Israel acting unilaterally to protect its red lines, even when that diverges from the US playbook.

This is not the first time that has happened, nor will it be the last.

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What is compelling is that Israel was willing to take the risk this time to protect a community not even its own. The Syrian Druze never supported or fought for Israel. Quite the contrary. Nevertheless, their brothers in Israel have done so for decades, bravely and loyally.

This weeks strike was more than strategy or deterrence; it was a gesture of gratitude  a reminder that Israel remembers those who have stood with it. Israels covenant forged with its Druze citizens does not stop at the border. By moving to shield their kin across it, Jerusalem honored a bond written in blood.
Israel on Sunday warned residents in parts of central Gaza to evacuate ahead of anticipated military action as ceasefire talks to end the war have stalled.

The evacuation orders apply to residents in the southwestern area of Deir al-Balah, specifically those living on certain blocks, including 130, 132-134, 136-139, and 2351, as well as those in tents, according to Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Avichay Adraee.

Adraee said the IDF is expanding the operation into a part of Gaza in which it has not yet operated to target terrorist infrastructure in the area.

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The Defense Army continues to operate with great force to destroy the enemys capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area, as it expands its activities in this region to operate in an area it has not operated in before, Adraee said in a statement on the social platform X, according to a translation from Arabic.

For your safety, evacuate the area immediately and move south toward Al-Mawasi, he continued.

The Associated Press reported that the areas instructed to evacuate include those where foreign aid organizations operate.

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have continued in Qatar, but mediators say no breakthroughs have been made for months, according to the AP.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Israel's Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir believes a ceasefire in the Gaza war and an agreement to release hostages held by Hamas are increasingly possible.

"Your achievements in the field as part of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots' are advancing Hamas' defeat and creating the potential for a hostage deal," Zamir said on Sunday during a visit to troops in the Gaza Strip, according to military sources.

In indirect negotiations in Doha, Israel and the Islamist Hamas have been struggling for months to reach compromises that would enable a 60-day ceasefire and the release of hostages.

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Diplomats from Qatar, Egypt and the United States are acting as mediators. Israeli media recently reported progress, but a breakthrough does not yet appear to be in sight.

Zamir said that the army command was prepared for all scenarios.

"We will implement new operational formats that will amplify our strengths, reduce vulnerabilities, and deepen operational gains," he explained, without elaborating on those strategic options. The scenarios would be presented to the political leadership for a decision, he added.

According to Israeli estimates, 50 people abducted from Israel are still being held in the Gaza Strip, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

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Their release - in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails - is to be staggered according to the plans.

During the temporary ceasefire, the parties to the conflict will then negotiate an end to the war in Gaza and the release of the last hostages.
Israeli soldiers again killed dozens of Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to Palestinian reports on Sunday.

The Israeli military said warning shots had been fired amid "an imminent threat" and expressed doubts about the reported casualty figures.

Local health authorities reported 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire in northern Gaza in the morning alone.

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According to local hospitals, 70 people were killed, while Palestinian news agency WAFA reported 58 dead and at least 60 injured.

The victims had been unarmed, the outlet reported, citing eyewitnesses.

Many bodies were still lying on the streets in the north-west of Gaza City. According to several reports, people had been waiting near a border crossing to Israel for trucks carrying aid supplies.

The Israeli military said upon request that thousands of Palestinians had gathered in the north of the Gaza Strip.

Soldiers had fired warning shots "to avert the immediate threat," it said, adding that the military was aware of reports of casualties.

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The details of the incident are currently being investigated, the military said, but added an initial review indicated that the reported casualty figures do not match the information provided by the army.

The information could not be independently verified at first.

A further two people were killed near the Al-Shakoush aid distribution point to the north of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, WAFA reported.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the controversial agency backed by Israel and the United States as a substitute for UN-organized aid operations, maintains a distribution point to the north of Rafah, according to Palestinian reports.

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There was no statement from the GHF.

UN and other aid organizations report catastrophic conditions in the Gaza Strip, whose almost 2 million residents are almost entirely dependent on aid to survive following almost 22 months of fighting between Israel and Palestinian extremist group Hamas.

According to UN figures, hundreds have died in the vicinity of aid distribution points and around aid convoys since the end of May.

Footage shows dead bodies

Footage shared on Palestinian and social media shows several bodies following Israeli shelling in the north-west of Gaza City. A dead boy and his distraught relatives can also be seen. The authenticity of the footage and the reports could not initially be independently verified.

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WAFA earlier put the death toll from Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 at at least 58,765, with more than 140,485 injured. The agency cites Palestinian medical sources for its figures.

Israel expands operations in central Gaza

The Israeli army is expanding its operations in the city of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip, according to an earlier statement from an army spokesman, who called on residents to leave the area in a post in Arabic on X on Sunday.

The Israeli military continues "to operate with intensity to eliminate terrorists and to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the area and is expanding its activities into new areas," the army said in a statement. "For your safety, immediately evacuate southward toward Al-Mawasi."

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Al-Mawasi in the southwest of the embattled area was designated by Israel as a "humanitarian zone" earlier in the war. However, the Israeli military has since also attacked there multiple times. The army said targets included facilities of Hamas.

The families of the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza since the October 7 attacks on Israel responded to the army statement with concern and dismay. "Can anyone promise us that this decision will not lead to the loss of our loved ones?" said a statement from the Hostage Families Forum.

The vast majority of Israelis wish for an end to the war and an agreement that would enable the release of the abductees, it said, adding the families of hostages demanded, "Enough!"

These are the first ground operations in the area since the beginning of the Gaza war, according to The Times of Israel. The military had not previously been deployed there.

The Israeli army avoids ground operations in areas of the Gaza Strip where it suspects hostages may be being held, in order not to endanger the people abducted from Israel, the report said.

Injured and bodies were brought to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after Israeli forces opened fire on civilians who were waiting for humanitarian aid near the Zikim area on the northern Gaza coastline. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Walla reported that both the Israel Police and the Justice Ministry have refrained from formally approaching Serbian authorities to advance the deposition request.

Israel Police's Lahav 433 anti-corruption authorities will travel to Serbia this week to conduct a legal deposition with Srulik Einhorn, a central actor in the "Qatargate" affair and the classified documents leak involving German tabloid Bild, Channel 13 reported on Sunday.

Walla reported that both the Israel Police and the Justice Ministry have refrained from formally approaching Serbian authorities to advance the deposition request.

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According to Channel 13, Israeli officials have been in contact with Serbian counterparts in an effort to question Einhorn, formerly a close adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The deposition is expected to take several days and will be conducted by both Israeli and Serbian investigators, Channel 13 noted.

Einhorn has not returned to Israel since the investigation began, and previous reports to depose him in Serbia were unsuccessful.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen in the plenum of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 14, 2025 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

He is suspected of fraudulently receiving money from Qatar as part of a public relations campaign with the goal of improving the state's image.

Einhorn allegedly acted as liaison between PMO, German tabloid in document leak

Additionally, Einhorn allegedly acted as a liaison between the Prime Minister's Office and Bild, a German tabloid that published classified documents reportedly leaked from within Israel's security establishment.

Channel 13 reported that while Einhorn remains in Serbia, Israeli officials can wait for his return, or new information may arise from legal proceedings.
A person carries a sign that asks, "How many children must die before you care?" and another person carries a sign that says, "Palestinian lives matter. Stop the slaughter!" Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Note: This post contains descriptions of physical violence, bodily harm, death, suicide, and cannibalism. Please proceed with caution.

Redditor u/DrunkenConifer asked people to share the historical events that were actually grislier and grosser than most people think. So, I did deep dives on 17 of the events mentioned in that thread and summarized the dark, often unknown details here for you. Let's get into them:

Note: The following facts include summaries of these events and by no means are extensive explanations. If you'd like more information on any of the following facts or occurrences, sources have been linked out to for each of them.

Related: "He Needed Surgery To Get It Out": Medical Professionals Are Sharing Why They'll Never, Ever Forget A Certain Patient

1."The Great Pox"  aka the 1495 syphilis epidemic that swept across Europe prior to the existence of the antibiotics to treat it. Like today, the first stage of the sexually transmitted infection began with painless ulcers, typically on one's genitals, that often went away on their own. The next phase manifested in the form of rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and  at its worst  pustules "which oozed a foul-smelling discharge." Again, these would go away, fooling people into thinking they were cured. In the third and final phase, permanent and more intense symptoms arose. Though they were still alive, infected people's skin and bones would literally start rotting and disintegrating on their faces. This often resulted in the collapse of their nasal cartilage, which made them appear as though they had no nose at all. Other symptoms included the formation of gummas  or "grotesque tumor-like growths" and severe damage to internal organs.

Mikroman6 / Getty Images

You can read more about the early syphilis epidemic here.

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Suggested by: Creme_Bru-Doggs

2.In January of 1919, The Great Molasses Flood took Boston's North End by storm. While you might think the famously thick, slow-moving syrup surely couldn't be all that deadly, the flood actually killed 21, injured 150, and caused massive damage. The 2.3 million gallons of molasses traveled at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. It "knocked an elevated train off of its tracks, crushed buildings, moved a firehouse and other buildings off their foundations, and suffocated both humans and animals."

Boston Globe / Boston Globe via Getty Images

The flood came after Purity Distilling's 50-foot-tall tank of molasses split open, wreaking havoc on the crowded neighborhood in the middle of the day. According to structural engineers, the tank was poorly built, with walls that were too thin to support the weight of the product and made of unsuitable material that could  and did  easily crack with a sudden temperature change.

While the severity of the flood was a shock, the tank had been experiencing issues long before the catastrophe ever happened. Residents had been complaining about the tank leaking molasses, but in response, the distilling company simply painted it brown so locals wouldn't notice the molasses seeping through its seams.

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Suggested by: natterca

3."The low reflective bumper on the rear of an 18-wheeler trailer is called a Mansfield Bar. It's named after actor Jayne Mansfield, who died after her driver ran into the back of a trailer at 2 a.m. in 1967. Jayne, her lawyer, and her children, including 3-year-old Mariska Hargitay, were in the vehicle. The car slid under the trailer and none of the adults survived the crash."

Archive Photos / Stringer / Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images

u/thescrapplekid

4.Contrary to what was portrayed in Netflix's Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story series, what was actually found in Dahmer's Milwaukee apartment was much more sinister. According to police findings, there were "seven skulls, two human hearts, an entire torso, a bag of human organs, two skeletons, a pair of severed hands, two severed and preserved male genitalia, a mummified scalp and a 57-gallon drum that included three dismembered torsos." The Oxford Apartments that Dahmer resided in were torn down in 1992, and it remains an empty, grassy lot despite efforts to repurpose it into a children's play area.

Donaldson Collection / Getty Images

You can read the FBI report for yourself here.

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Suggested by: AddictedToDurags

Related: 24 Very, Very, Very, Very Disturbing Facts That Are Seriously So Intense, I'm 99% Sure They're About To Break Your Brain

5.Like its sister ship, the Titanic, the Britannic met its demise at sea. In 1916, the hospital ship reportedly hit a German mine, causing an explosion. Despite the flooding of six of its compartments, it remained afloat, so the captain ordered the ship to go at full speed to land. This only made it sink faster, so he ordered it to slow back down. Unfortunately, before it did, two lifeboats full of passengers fled the ship without getting permission first. Thinking they were escaping to safety, they were sucked into the ship's propellers.

Clu / Getty Images

Suggested by: Tarkus_Edge

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6.In 1992, Stella Liebeck  a 79-year-old McDonald's customer  sued the fast food giant after suffering burns from their coffee. While many saw the case as a quick way to make a buck from a massive corporation, Stella was seriously injured. She was sitting in the passenger seat of her grandson's car at the time of the incident and had ordered a hot coffee at a McDonald's drive-thru. While parked, she put the cup between her legs and opened the lid, which spilled burning hot coffee all over her. Her sweat pants soaked up the hot liquid, keeping it in contact with her skin. She suffered third-degree burns on 6% of her body, "including her vagina, perineum, buttocks, thighs, and groin area."

NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images

She had to be hospitalized for eight days and required skin grafts. After reaching out to McDonald's about the incident to cover her medical fees, they offered her a mere $800. After the trial, she was awarded $200K in compensatory damages and an additional $2.7 million for punitive damages.

Suggested by: u/the-wrong-lever

7.More than half of the 81 people that made up the Donner party were children, six of which were infants. Overall, about half of those who survived being stranded ultimately succumbed to cannibalism. In most instances, they consumed the flesh of the members of their party who died naturally, though prior to that, they considered the men of the party dueling or drawing straws to determine who would be sacrificed for food. On one occasion, though, they killed two Native American men who'd joined them prior to being stranded. The two men had refused to eat human flesh and had attempted to flee, fearing they'd be future targets. They were correct.

Ilbusca / Getty Images

Other members of the party "slaughtered their pack animals, cooked their dogs, gnawed on leftover bones and even boiled the animal hide roofs of their cabins into a foul paste." They were also reported to have eaten boiled pieces of leather and tree bark."

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Suggested by: Ziggysan

8.On March 18, 1937, tragedy struck a school in New London, TX, just fifteen minutes before classes were to end for the day. A massive explosion killed nearly 300, including students from fifth through eleventh grade. It was so big that it was felt by residents up to 40 miles away and reportedly shot a two-ton slab of concrete 200 feet away from the school. The explosion was caused by a cost-saving measure the school had taken earlier in the year in an effort to save $300 a month on gas. Plumbers had tapped a "residue gas line"; however, there was a faulty connection, and gas had been pooling under the school. On the day of the explosion, some students reported watery eyes and feeling lightheaded, but odors hadn't yet been added to natural gas in the 1930s, so it went undetected. That very year, gas odorization was mandated in the state of Texas.

Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images

You can read more about the tragedy here.

Suggested by: GloveBatBall

Related: 15 Men Who Tried To "Educate" Women About Their Own Bodies And Failed So, So Miserably

9.Flight data during the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986 revealed that it was likely some of the astronauts on board were still alive after the explosion. According to NASA, at least three of the emergency breathing packs were turned on following the Challenger's explosion, leading them to believe that some of the crew remained conscious for at least 10 seconds following the disaster and were alive when it hit the water. They were believed to have been coherent enough to understand the severity of what was occurring. Reportedly, the final word they heard from the crew  which was uttered by the shuttle's pilot, Michael J. Smith, 73 seconds after they took off  was a simple, "Uh oh."

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive

Suggested by: Yournaughtyjedi

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10.The gritty details of Travis the Chimp mauling Charla Nash in 2009. Travis  who'd been raised by Sandra Herold in a particularly human-like life  had been described as "agitated" on the day of the incident. Charla  Sandra's friend who had often looked after Travis when she was away  had arrived at Sandra's home to help for the day. Whether Charla offered to come or Sandra asked her to is debated by the two. Regardless, Charla drove over and exited the car holding an Elmo doll. Almost immediately, Travis began assaulting her. The violent attack went on despite Sandy coming after him with a snow shovel and, later, a knife. He even stopped to look her in the eyes. After police arrived at the scene, Charla was found mostly naked, "covered in nearly half [her] blood supply," and with pieces of her scalp and fingers strewn about the yard.

Hartford Courant / Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Per New York Mag, "Travis had bitten or torn away her eyelids, nose, jaw, lips, and most of her scalp. Hed broken nearly all the bones of her facial structure. Hed fully removed one of her hands and virtually all of the other. Hed rendered her blind." She was in critical condition, but alive, and underwent over a year of intervention.

After a chase with the local police department, Travis was shot and, ultimately, died.

Pictured above is Charla in 2012.

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Suggested by: Party-Welder3777

11.The aftermath of the American Civil War was more gruesome than most realize. Redditor u/senorgrub shared their perspective as a Gettysburg local, "The part you don't think about is the aftermath. We think they fight and leave, but [it wasn't] that simple." Infection and blood loss made battle wounds all the more deadly, which not only resulted in many dead bodies, but also contributed to the piles of amputated limbs. According to one Confederate soldier, "There were piles of legs, feet, hands and arms, all thrown together, and at a distance, resembled piles of corn at a corn-shucking. Many of the feet still retained a boot or shoe."

Christine_Kohler / Getty Images

It's estimated that roughly 620,000 died on both sides during the war.

Further, OP pointed out that "a lot of these battles were in warm areas during the summer months. Gettysburg was the first week in July in southern Pennsylvania. [We're] talking 100-degree heat and rotting flesh, bugs, and animals consuming that stuff ...That flesh took YEARS to clean up."

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Suggested by: senorgrub

12.Similarly, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in and around New Orleans in 2005 was even more devastating than commonly believed. Approximately 1,170 people died in Louisiana, with 47% of the deaths being a result of acute or chronic disease and 33% being a result of drowning. 80% of New Orleans and the parishes surrounding it were flooded by 20 feet of water. Redditor u/thetruckboy shared their first-hand experience of it: "I was down there twice immediately after the storm, and the stench from dead bodies was almost overwhelming. My sister and brother-in-law bought a house on the other side of Lake Pontchartrain a few months later, and there were STILL bodies floating up on the north shore of the lake."

Marko Georgiev / Getty Images

You can learn more about the statistics surrounding deaths due to Hurricane Katrina here.

Suggested by: thetruckboy

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13.A decent chunk of what doctors know about hypothermia and how to deal with it came from "Nazi science" in WWII. The Dachau Hypothermia Experiments were "medical experiments"  or, rather, brutal torture  conducted at the Dachau concentration camp with the goal of discovering the most effective treatments for immersion hypothermia. The use of their findings was highly debated, with some arguing that using it would be wholly unethical, and others considering it valid medical data that could save lives and using it in their studies.

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You can read more about it here.

Suggested by: u/CommieKiller304

Related: 57 Low-Key Terrifying Photos That Gave Me Goosebumps  But That I Couldn't Look Away From

14.King Leopold II's treatment of the people of the Congo (now called the Democratic Republic of Congo) during the late 1800s was so cruel that other European colonial powers  despite their own violence towards Africans simultaneously  condemned it, and the Belgian parliament had to step in to take it from his control. Packaged as a "humanitarian and philanthropic mission," Leopold II's reign was brutal. If villages failed to produce an adequate yield of rubber, ivory, or minerals for trade, it was not uncommon for a member of the village  often a young child  to have their hands or feet chopped off.

Hulton Archive / Getty Images

His administrators were also known to have "child colonies" made up of kidnapped orphans who were expected to work and train as soldiers. It's believed that over half of them died in the "colonies." Further, Leopold II had a "human zoo" at his palace in Tervuren, with over 260 Congolese people in it.

His actions were not condemned until 1908. You can read more about his horrific reign here.

Suggested by: RonNumber

15.On December 14, 1799, George Washington died...and was nearly (attemped to be) brought back to life. While he had succumbed to his throat ailment (there's debate as to the specific illness) fairly quickly, he tried a variety of remedies, from gargling molasses, vinegar, and butter to having his throat "swabbed with a salve and a preparation of dried beetles." Additionally, he requested his doctor to bleed him and lost 40% of his blood in the process. By the time his friend  surgeon Willian Thornton  arrived, Washington was dead and frozen due to the cold. Thornton proposed they thaw the former president in warm water, that he perform a tracheostomy, and that they inject Washington with lamb's blood in an attempt to revive him.

Duncan1890 / Getty Images

Ultimately, the procedure was not supported by those close to Washington. You can read more about it here.

Suggested by: wagadugo

16."The first suicide hotline was created after a man  23-year-old deacon Chad Varah  conducted the funeral of a 13 or 14-year-old girl. She killed herself after she got her period for the first time and assumed it was an STD, since no one talked about periods at the time." While the actual hotline itself didn't come into fruition until nearly two decades later, his "vision began" after that funeral in 1935.

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u/SapphicsAndStilettos

17.For hundreds of years, people dumped human, industrial, and animal waste into London's River Thames. By 1858, it caused such a horrendous odor to plague the city that it became dubbed "The Great Stink." The river's longtime pollution caused many Londoners to become violently  and sometimes deathly  ill with cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, as water wells lied near leaking cesspools and even water pumped from outside the city was still at risk of sewer contamination. In several cholera epidemics between 1831 and 1854, roughly 30,000 Londoners died. In 1855, Royal Institution scientist Michael Faraday claimed the river's water was an opaque pale brown fluid and that near its bridges, people could see dense clouds of fecal matter at the surface.

UniversalImagesGroup / Contributor / Heritage Images / Contributor / Getty Images

Ultimately, the "Great Stink" and its horrific consequences were the catalyst for London's sewage system, which was conpleted in 1870. You can read more about it here.

Suggested by: LonelyWanderess

Do you know of any dark historical facts like these? From pop culture to politics, I wanna hear all of them. If you'd like, you can share them in the comments below or via this anonymous form for an opportunity to be included in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post.

Also in Internet Finds: Women Are Absolutely Destroying The Internet With These 15 Tweets That Had Me Rolling On The Floor

Also in Internet Finds: We've Only Explored 5% Of The Ocean, So It's No Surprise That These 27 Terrifying Stories From People Who Work At Sea Are Amongst The Scariest I've Ever Read

Also in Internet Finds: I'm Gonna Have To Log Off For A Bit After Learning About These Terrible, Shocking, And Horrifying Things

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Jackson County voters will get the chance to vote for their county assessor in November.

An ordinance passed by the legislature, then vetoed by the county executive, was overruled by the legislature on Friday.

The ballot this November will ask voters if the assessor should be an elected position.

Protestors stand against CoreCivic ICE facility in Leavenworth

We want the citizens to have a voice, both not only an elected assessor, but in this recall election, said Jackson County Legislator DaRon McGee.

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We are now giving residents a long, hard choice that they have so desperately asked for to elect an assessor in this county.

If approved by voters, the first vote for county assessor would be held in November of 2028.

It means accountability, McGee said.

So right now, for most people, the assessment department is a deep closet that nobody knows where anything is, right? It allows people to have an option to have some accountability when your taxes are being raised, when there is an inadequate BOE process, when facts are not being really known.

Man with Alzheimers missing from Raytown home: MSHP

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Currently, Jackson County is the only county in Missouri that does not vote for their county assessor.

I think its only fair when you have your most expensive asset, which is your home, your car and your property tax is being raised without any accountability, McGee said on Friday.

The vote passed on Friday with a vote of 7-2. Legislators Megan Smith and Jeanie Lauer voted against the ordinance.

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The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office has released details of an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Jamari Akins and an officer being shot in the thigh on July 9 on Norfolk Boulevard.

Police released a Critical Incident Briefing video on YouTube on Friday night.

WARNING: Videos are graphic; viewer discretion advised

The incident began when Akins entered a business on Soutel Drive, concealing his face with a mask and a gun in his clothing.

He threatened the cashier with the weapon, demanding money, and ran away with approximately $100, police said.

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JSO Officers Luis Mercado and Swinton responded to the scene and pursued Akins, who matched the description of the suspect. During the pursuit, Akins shot Mercado in the thigh, prompting Mercado to return fire, striking Akins twice.

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Mercado, after being shot in the thigh, managed to call for help and began administering medical aid to himself. Paramedics and assisting officers arrived promptly to provide further assistance and transport both Mercado and Akins to the hospital. Akins was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

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JSO said the details of the incident are preliminary and may evolve as the investigation continues. The State Attorneys Office will conduct an independent review of the incident to determine the legality of Mercados actions.

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Following this, JSO said it will perform an internal review to ensure compliance with departmental policy. A Response to Resistance Board will also convene to assess the situation, and their findings will be submitted to the Sheriff for final review.

The investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains ongoing, with the SAO and JSO conducting reviews to ensure all actions were within legal and departmental guidelines.

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Jake Larson, the World War II veteran and social media star known as Papa Jake, has died, his granddaughter posted on his social media accounts Saturday. He was 102.

Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young. Please know, he went peacefully and was even cracking jokes til the very end, granddaughter McKaela Larson said in the posts.

A member of the nations Greatest Generation, Larson gained a loyal following on social media as a centenarian, posting as @storytimewithpapajake on TikTok, where he racked up more than 1 million followers with his stories about his life and military service.

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CNNs Christiane Amanpour interviewed Larson in Normandy, France, in June 2024 on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Sitting in a wheelchair just steps away from the shoreline, he said he remembered the invasion like it was yesterday.

I got off the landing craft and had water right up to my chin, he told CNN. We were all kids.

Larson told Amanpour he was just 15 years old when he enlisted in the National Guard  lying about his age at the time.

I dont think I was a hero. I was just like anybody else. We were all in this together, he said, adding he was there to tell the stories of his many friends who died during the invasion that turned the tide of the war.

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Asked by Amanpour whether he and other soldiers knew what they were fighting for at the time, Larson said, Oh, definitely. That we knew. Every one of us was prepared to give our life to kick Hitlers ass out of Europe.  And we did.

Just over three weeks ago, Amanpour won an Emmy for her interview with Larson, an honor she shared with him.

He reacted to the award in a video sent to Amanpour: Its phenomenal. And here I am, little country boy that joins the infantry at 15 years old and I come here now, 102, going on 103 and Im winning something like this? There is a God.

My dad had an epic, epic life, his son, Karlan Larson said in a brief phone interview with CNN.

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His fathers Emmy is proudly displayed in his living room, which Karlan Larson told CNN would be handed down to family members  the grandkids will have to figure out a schedule.

Jake Larson was overjoyed that Amanpour shared her statue with him, his son said.

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CNNs Jake Tapper slammed Paramount for bowing to President Donald Trump with its cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Obviously, President Trump has made no secret of his hatred of being mockedspecifically, the jokes that people like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel make at his expense, Tapper said.

He then took CBSs parent company, Paramount, to task.

Paramount is in a bend-the-knee phase, Tapper went on. Paramount is attempting to please President Trump as Paramounts Shari Redstone waits for the Trump administrations blessing for a lucrative merger with a company called Skydance.

Stephen Colbert announced his firing this week after 15 years behind desk of The Late Show studio. / The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

David Ellison, CEO of Skydance, is indeed reported to have met with Trumps Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, on Saturday to discuss terms for the multi-billion-dollar prospective media deal.

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While CBS executives have said canning Colberts show is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night broadcasting, critics have been quick to point out that also it comes hot on the heels of Paramount paying Trump $16 million to settle its lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harrisa deal Colbert called a big, fat bribe.

CBS' decision to let Colbert go comes after it settled a $16 million lawsuit by the president, and as parent company Paramount seeks his administration's approval on a lucrative new merger. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Described by legal experts as substantively very weak, Trump claimed the network deceptively edited the interview to tip the scales in favour of the Democratic Party ahead of last years election.

Paramount was determined to settle with the president, and its that timing that CBS was no doubt attempting to head off in their announcement of the termination of the Colbert showwhich was doing very well in ratings, by the way, Tapper added.
Venezuelans returned in exchange deal with US

Venezuelan detainees board a plane for home as part of an exchange deal with the United States. Photo: Reuters

Hundreds of Venezuelans swept up in President Donald Trump's immigration dragnet have reached home 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.



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.



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."



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.



A video posted on X by Bukele shows the former detainees waving US flags as they descended from their aircraft. (AFP)
Japan's ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has suffered another setback in elections to the upper house of parliament, exit polls predicted on Sunday.

The coalition, which draws in the conservative Komeito as junior partner, faces losing its majority in the upper house, after previously losing its majority in the lower house.

The outcome of Sunday's vote could put Ishiba's minority government under additional pressure and ring in a period of political instability.

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Following the exit polls, Ishiba indicated that he intended to remain in office, despite some opposition forces having rejected the option of entering into coalition with the ruling parties.

The premier stressed the need to take responsibility for the current situation. LDP General Secretary Hiroshi Moriyama said a political vacuum had to be avoided.

Polls indicate dissatisfaction in the electorate over rising prices and the government's immigration policy.

Anti-immigration populists are benefiting, with the openly xenophobic Sanseito party forecast to pick up seats in the upper house.

The largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan led by former prime minister Yoshihiko Noda, could also gain seats, according to the exit polls.

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Sanseito is the first Japanese party to successfully exploit anti-immigration sentiment. Japanese tend to feel pride in their homogeneous society, where just 3% of the population of 124 million are foreign nationals.

That number is rising sharply amid demand for labour in a rapidly ageing society, reaching 3.8 million last year, and up 10.8% on the year.

Japanese media frequently report the negative sides of immigration, such as alleged abuse of the national health insurance system-

A boom in foreign tourism has also contributed to the negative image of foreigners, with media reports highlighting rowdy behaviour.
(Getty Images)

Roman Catholic priests in Washington cannot be required to report child abuse or neglect they learn of in confession, a federal judge ruled Friday.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge David G. Estudillo granted a preliminary injunction sought by three Catholic bishops, temporarily blocking enforcement of a controversial element in a new state law set to take effect July 27.

Estudillo ruled that requiring disclosure of information priests hear in the confessional infringes on their First Amendment right to practice religion and will force them to violate their sacred vows or face punishment by the state.

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The decision means clergy will be added to the states roster of professions that must report to law enforcement when they have reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect.

But the state cannot require Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle, Bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima and Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane  the three who filed the suit  or any Catholic priest in Washington under their direction to disclose such information they hear in confession.

There is no question that SB 5375 burdens Plaintiffs free exercise of religion, Estudillo wrote in a 25-page ruling issued four days after a court hearing in Tacoma.

The legislation places them in the position of either complying with the requirements of their faith or violating the law. The consequences for violating the law are serious and, as Plaintiffs assert, the implications of violating the Sacramental Seal are more serious still, he wrote.

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Attorney General Nick Browns office emphasized that the ruling only applies to the Sacrament of Confession and that, if clergy learn about abuse in any other setting, the injunction does not change that they will be mandated reporters. Brown did not provide any further comment.

The ruling drew praise from Catholic Church leaders and attorneys who brought the suit.

By protecting the seal of confession, the court has also safeguarded the basic principle that people of all faiths should be free to practice their beliefs without government interference, Mark Rienzi, president and CEO of Becket, one of the legal teams, said in a statement.

Jean Hill, executive director of the Washington State Catholic Conference, said Catholic faithful have sought reconciliation with God through the sacrament of confession for centuries.

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This ruling protects that sacred space and ensures that Washingtonians of all religious stripes can live out their beliefs in peace, she said in a statement.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the legislation in early May. Ferguson, a Catholic, has said requiring disclosures about information learned in confession did not give him pause and he was disappointed his church was suing to protect individuals who abuse kids.

Mandatory reporters

The law adds clergy to a list that includes school personnel, nurses, social service counselors, psychologists, and many others, who must report suspected abuse or neglect.

A member of the clergy is defined in the legislation to cover any regularly licensed, accredited, or ordained minister, priest, rabbi, imam, elder, or similarly positioned religious or spiritual leader.

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Violations of the law carry potential penalties of up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and civil liability.

The three bishops filed their lawsuit May 29, naming Ferguson, Brown and the prosecuting attorney in each of Washingtons 39 counties as defendants.

Prosecutors for the counties did not take sides in this dispute. Collectively, they agreed to accept a preliminary injunction as long as the plaintiffs did not seek attorney fees from them.

This basically put the counties on the sidelines, said Geoff Enns, a Snohomish County deputy prosecuting attorney.

State attorneys have argued the law can survive a First Amendment challenge because it was tailored to serve the compelling government interest of prosecuting perpetrators of child abuse.

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But in his ruling, Estudillo said the state arguably could have chosen a less restrictive means of advancing its interest by adding members of the clergy to the list of mandated reporters and providing a narrow exception for the confessional, as other states do.

Attorneys for the bishops have argued the law treats Catholic priests, and the religious activity of confession, differently than other professions that involve confidential conversations. They pointed to House Bill 1171, which also takes effect July 27.

That law exempts attorneys employed by public or private higher education institutions, and employees under their supervision, from their mandatory reporting obligations if the information obtained is related to the representation of a client.

Estudillo agreed, ruling this undermined the states argument that it was not singling out the church practice.

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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, he wrote.

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 to the law, the judge added.

Trump administration

Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice sought to join the legal fight as an intervening party on the side of the bishops. Estudillo granted the request. The Trump Administration also filed a separate request for a preliminary injunction. It is slated for a hearing next week.

Meanwhile, a similar legal battle is unfolding in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Washington. The Orthodox Church of America, along with other churches and individual priests, has sued state officials and county prosecutors, contending the law violates the First Amendment right to practice ones religion.

This story first appeared in the Washington State Standard, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom.

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A federal judge has thrown out President Donald Trumps $50 million lawsuit against veteran Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward.

Woodward, world-renowned for breaking the Watergate scandal with his colleague Carl Bernstein, published interviews with Trump in 2022 in an audiobook called The Trump Tapes. The project drew on nearly 20 interviews between Woodward and the president from 2016 to 2020, and included 27 letters exchanged between Trump and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un.

Trump sued Woodward and Simon & Schuster, which published the tapes, in January 2023, arguing that the tapes violated his copyright. He claimed that he told Woodward that the interviews were meant solely for his book, the 2020 bestseller Rage, rather than an audiobook. Woodward said he never agreed to the restriction.

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein investigated the infamous Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of former President Richard Nixon. / Bettmann / Bettmann Archive

U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, dismissed the lawsuit on Friday, finding that Trump did not demonstrate that he and Woodward intended to be co-authors or that Trump had any copyright interest. The interviews were conducted on the record.

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Gardephe gave Trump the chance to amend and refile his complaint by Aug. 18. But Gardephe said it would be unlikely that Trump could adequately plead a plausible copyright interest.

Woodward is an investigative journalist who started at the Post in 1971. About 20 percent of his book, Rage, came from the interviews. The book came out in September 2020, and the audiobook and Woodwards commentary were released in October 2022.

Bob Woodwards 2021 book Rage addressed Trumps response to his impeachment trial, his efforts to downplay the severity of the COVID pandemic, and his rocky negotiations with North Korea. / Mark Sagliocco / Mark Sagliocco/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

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, a spokesperson for Trumps legal team told NBC News. We will continue to ensure that those who commit wrongdoing against President Trump and all Americans are held accountable.

Woodwards reporting detailed Trumps response to a series of crises during his first term, including his impeachment trial, efforts to downplay the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his rocky negotiations with North Korea.
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD)  More than 100 people in the recovery community came together hoping to celebrate sobriety by leaping from the sky but the skies had other plans.

Saturday was the third annual Jump for Recovery, a skydiving event in Grand Haven for those recovering from addiction. However, gloomy skies and the risk of rain called off the jump.

The phrase life on lifes terms is one youll hear a lot in the recovery community. Its about learning to roll with what you cant control, including weather. Thats why more than 600 people still showed up to celebrate connection and progress.

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Its about life on lifes terms and growing, in every aspect of the word, said Carly Borgeld, co-founder of the event. At the end of the day, I am grateful to just be here. Look at all these people who came out no matter what, even though its not great and bright and sunny and exciting like we hoped for but no one is perfect.

Borgeld discovered her love for skydiving during the first year of the event. She said it was one of her lowest moments, months after getting sober and being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She found a flyer created by Duke Frank, who had wanted to try skydiving to help in his own recovery journey.

I just really felt dead inside and I just needed that something to feel alive again, she said. [Skydiving] was it! By the time I got down to the ground, I was like Wow that was so amazing! It was that spark that I needed. It was terrifying, but also exhilarating.

Borgeld teamed up with Frank because she wanted more people to experience the reset she did. The following year they worked together to bring out even more divers and some community partners. What started with just six jumpers has grown into more than 100 registrations, with people this year coming from as far as Florida, California and Traverse City.

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This year, they joined forces with Reach for Recovery, a West Michigan organization thats been serving individuals and families impacted by addiction since 1971. The group brought in dozens of community partners, resources, and volunteers to help make the event feel bigger than ever.

This is the first year were actually cementing it into a real event, said Margaux DeConcini, development coordinator at Reach for Recovery. We are there to support an individual however they see their journey to be, and we want to support them every step of the way.

For Duke Frank, the event was more than just adrenaline. Before founding Jump for Recovery, he said he never knew what it was like to be in a true community. Now he feels it and fosters it.

It means a lot to me because it symbolizes how we can connect with other people, provide an environment to support them, he said. Learning what community is in recovery and how to make those connections has been the most predominant thing in my life at this stage.

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Though the weather didnt cooperate, the jumpers are being rescheduled for another day in the near future.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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They just put us in a cell without anything, phone call, attorney, speaking to anyone. They just threw us in a cell. Although George Retes told ICE officials that he is a U.S. veteran and citizen just trying to get to work, during a farm raid in California, Retes was detained by ICE for three days. Retes joins "All In with Chris Hayes" to share his experience after being released.
Shawn Stauffer, 16, lights a candle at a vigil for the child victims of murder organized by his step-mother, Ali, in October 2023 in downtown Topeka. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)

Now that her killer has been sentenced to life in prison, what is there left to say about the death of Zoey Felix?

We must do more.

The 5-year-old Topeka girl was raped and murdered at a Topeka homeless encampment in October 2023. Her killer was Mickel Cherry, then 25, a family acquaintance she called uncle. Cherry, who confessed to police and later struck a plea deal with prosecutors to avoid the death penalty, was given 50 years in prison July 15 by a Shawnee County district judge.

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From the start, the case has been gut-wrenching.

Its also been difficult for me to write about, because the suffering of children gets to me in the way other tragedies dont. When I was a young reporter I covered deaths involving children, and they always left me shaken. Some were deliberately killed, others died in house fires or car wrecks. My reaction got so bad that I couldnt pass one of those ubiquitous Prevent Child Abuse billboards without shedding tears.

With the Zoey Felix case, its not just the horrific way in which she died, but the revelations about the multiple failures by the people and agencies Zoey should have depended on for help that get to me.

There was, according to court filings, the unstable and violent family life, a home where there was no water or electricity, a mother who abused substances, and a father who eventually brought Zoey to live in a homeless encampment in a wooded area in southeast Topeka. The family had declined requests from child protective services for help, and the state did not press the issue. About the only kindness she experienced in her short life was from neighbors, who worried about her roaming the streets at all hours and sometimes provided her with food and clothing.

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Perhaps most damning of all were multiple investigations by the Kansas Department for Children and Families into Zoeys welfare, none of which resulted in removing her from the environment. According to a filing by Cherrys defense counsel, DCF determined that Zoey had only a slightly higher than average risk of being hurt or suffering other lasting negative effects. In September 2023, the department sent investigators out seven times, but they were unable to locate the family and the case was closed.

Zoey was killed Oct. 2.

Had the agencies responsible for Z.F.s safety taken action by communicating, verifying information, and pursuing protective custody, her trajectory could have been different, wrote Peter Conley, a deputy defender in the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, in a memorandum to the court asking for concurrent, instead of consecutive, 25-year sentences. She would not have been forced to live in a tent in the woods, nor left in the care of a traumatized person (Cherry) unfit to care for her.

Her death, Conley argued, was avoidable.

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While Cherry bears the ultimate responsibility for his actions, Conley said, he did not create the systems that failed him  and Zoey  in similar ways.

Conley described Cherry as a developmentally delayed individual who grew up in a physically and emotionally abusive home and who did not receive the help he needed from Texas child services. He had been passed to 17 foster homes, been in two psychiatric hospitals, had no high school degree, and had been diagnosed as a child with retinitis pigmentosa, an incurable genetic eye disease.

Mickel could have and should have had interventions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, according to the court filing. Medicaid would have covered this expense. He should have also been receiving more regular counseling and psychiatric visits given his traumatic childhood and the number of adverse childhood events he experienced.

Conley argued the trauma and failures experienced by both Mickel and Zoey were similar.

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Mickel has lived an extraordinarily difficult life where he was first abused by his parents and then by the system in place to protect children like him, he said in the filing. The same system in Kansas allowed Z.F. to fall through the cracks to allow her to be in a position of being babysat by a developmentally delayed homeless man from Texas.

Zoeys death resulted in a statewide conversation about child victims of violent crime. In October 2023, I attended a candlelight vigil in downtown Topeka in memory of murdered children. At that time, one-third of all homicide victims for the year  10 in all  had been children.

There was a clamor in the wake of Zoeys murder about improving the states child protective services, whose administrative errors resulted in the girl not getting the help she needed. Recently, I asked the Kansas Department for Children and Families whether there had been any meaningful reforms since 2023.

The safety and well-being of every child under the care of the Kansas Department for Children and Families is the top priority of the agency, Jenalea Randall, DCFs director of public and government affairs, wrote in an email. Unfortunately, Zoey Felixs story reflects systemic challenges and the need for resources to help families that go beyond any one agency  such as assisting the homeless population.

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After Zoeys death in 2023, the DCF undertook an internal review resulting in policy revisions to provide guidance to child protection specialists and supervisors on when to contact law enforcement in cases when the well-being of a child may be at risk and the family cannot be located.

During the 2024 Kansas Legislative session, the agency worked to pass HB 2628, which ensures the public receives timely information about tragic cases such as this one, the email said.

That measure, aimed to allow the release of information about individual cases where there is pressing legislative and public interest, became law in 2024.

DCF also sponsored legislation during the session that would have made it easier for families like Zoeys to access additional services, decreasing the likelihood of this situation happening again, she wrote. Unfortunately, the Kansas Legislature did not take up those measures.

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This month, Randall said, DCF began contacting families every day of the week, including weekends and holidays, when there was a report from law enforcement that a child could be a victim of abuse or neglect.

DCF continues to look for ways to increase transparency and better support families, especially those who are homeless, she said.

Progress had been made, she asserted, and the department remains committed to working with other agencies and partners to strengthen the states safety net and ensure all Kansas families get the assistance they need.

But is any of this meaningful reform?

Its good public relations, I suppose, but declaring goals and intent is short of providing evidence of meaningful change.

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Kansas families arent getting the assistance they need. It only takes a walk around most Kansas towns to realize the states safety net is fraying badly. From the woman sitting on the curb outside the local Walmart panhandling to buy food to the homeless individuals, mostly men, moving their camps ever deeper into remote areas to avoid the bulldozing of tent camps too near trails and parks, theres ample evidence that people are hurting.

There were 534 individuals experiencing homelessness in Topeka as of January 2025, according to local government reports. Thats an increase of more than 100 over the 2023 figures. Of the most recent count, nearly 1 in 5 were under the age of 18.

Being unhoused places children in particular immediate peril and may have lasting physical and psychological effects. The number of homeless students in Topeka and Shawnee County schools is estimated to be between 750 and 1,000, far higher than the January 2025 Point in Time homeless count.

There are, to be sure, services offered in Topeka and across Kansas for students and families experiencing homelessness. Some of those initiatives are new, including a one-stop multi-agency resource center called Lets Help at 245 S.W. MacVicar Ave.

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But such initiatives require homeless individuals be amenable to help. Unfortunately for Zoey, her family could not or would not seek the help they needed, and the states child protective services failed to act when she needed them most.

Nothing will bring Zoey back.

There is little to say about the manner of Zoeys death that has not already been documented in news reports or court filings. The public wouldnt have learned her name had she not been the victim in a capital murder case. It disturbs me now  just like looking at that billboard long ago  that her name is forever linked to collective societal failure for which she paid the ultimate price. But the dead are beyond our help. To honor Zoeys memory, we must aid the living.

Our communities  the services they provide, their appearance, the joy and the suffering that occurs in their homes and on their streets or at tent camps hidden away from public view  are ultimately expressions of our collective values. Too often our desire is to look away, to ignore the failures of compassion in our midst, to close our eyes to the unhappiness around us. If Zoeys death has moved you, then give your time and your money to those agencies in the community fighting hunger, homelessness and neglect. And the next time you encounter a situation in which a child in your presence is in need of help, do not turn away.

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Be like the neighbors in Zoeys block.

Provide food or water or clothes if you can do so safely. Summon the help from any of the agencies available, including DCF. Call the police if there is reason to believe the child is in immediate danger. Do this in Zoeys memory.

The tragedy is not just the way in which Zoey Felix died, but in the years denied her. Those years will now presumably be spent in prison by Cherry, who received consecutive sentences for the rape and murder and will serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for parole.

His eye disease will, according to the memorandum filed by his defense attorneys, progress. He will probably go blind during his incarceration.

It is not justice. It is simply an unhappy fact in the jumble of unhappy facts of an unhappy life. As his defense attorneys said in their court filing, Cherry never stood a chance.

Neither did Zoey.

But the living children in need among us do.

Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the 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.
If Karson Kentch had his choice, he would be outside. He was in the best mood with a fishing rod in hand, casting into cool water. He also enjoyed hunting, camping and archery.

Karson was halfway through seventh grade when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Its an aggressive form of cancer and has a high relapse rate, especially in older children.

His courageous health journey inspired the Karson Strong community fundraiser in June 2024. More than 800 people have joined the Prayers for Karson Facebook group to support him and his family.

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He was in remission when his cancer returned in April 2024.

He died on May 26 in Seattle, just 10 days after this 16th birthday. He was born in Richland and attended school at Calvary Christian School in Kennewick.

His mother Tara, father Blake and sister Kalirae live near Badger Canyon. They are hosting a celebration of life at the Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities in Kennewick on July 26 at 12 p.m.

They would like community members to honor Karson by supporting causes that help other children battling cancer.

Karson Kentch died on May 26, 2025 from acute myeloid leukemia.

Leukemia diagnosis

During a camping trip in January 2022, Karson found a small round bald spot on his head. A few days later, another spot appeared.

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After a trip to the hairdresser, Karson became worried about hair loss from alopecia, so his mother took him to his pediatrician.

Karsons doctor ordered blood work. That wasnt typical because Karson had no other symptoms of being sick.

But it ended up being the right call.

The next day, Karson and his family learned his leukemia diagnosis. A mutation put him in a high-risk category.

From there, Karsons treatment moved quickly. The family traveled to Seattle Childrens Hospital for care.

Karson immediately began chemotherapy and joined a randomized drug trial for one month.

His family stayed in the hospital with Karson throughout treatment. He was able to complete some school online.

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Even when he was receiving chemo, he said, Lets go fishing, Tara said.

Sister is a match

After two rounds of chemotherapy, Karsons doctors wanted to try a bone marrow transplant.

His 10-year-old sister Kalirae came back as a positive donor match.

Karson Kentch died on May 26, 2025 from acute myeloid leukemia. His sister, Kalirae Kentch, was a match for a bone marrow transplant in May 2022.

Siblings are only a 25% match for donating bone marrow. There are usually fewer complications with brothers or sisters.

Kalirae spent one month in Seattle before the transplant day in May 13, 2022.

She was excited to help. It was her honor to be able to do something for her brother, Tara said.

The transplant was just before Karson turned 13 on May 16. He was officially in remission.

Rough course

Ten days after the transplant, Karson ended up in the Intensive Care Unit for 66 days. He had complications with the conditioning chemotherapy drugs that prepare the body for transplant.

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He went into acute liver and kidney failure in 12 hours and started 24-hour dialysis.

We became closer than ever. We were in uncharted waters, Tara said. Family, friends, the Reata Springs Baptist Church and the school community rallied around Karson.

Only 1/3 of Karsons liver was functioning and he had internal bleeding.

The doctors told Tara that theyd never seen a child survive what Karson went through in the ICU. They didnt think Karson would make it.

But on September 1, 2022, Karson and his family were able to go back home to the Tri-Cities. Miraculously, there was no sign of disease.

He was able to go on an elk hunt that fall, one of his goals while he was in the ICU.

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They returned to Seattle regularly that fall, spending one week there every month for nine months so Karson could receive daily chemotherapy.

He also had weekly blood tests. The chemotherapy was a backup to his sisters healthy cells after transplant.

All the time we were in Seattle, that kid fished every day, Tara said. He had a favorite fishing spot.

He made the best of it for the situation and hand that he was dealt.

Karson Kentch died on May 26, 2025 from acute myeloid leukemia.

Winter relapse

For most of 2023, Karson stayed in the Tri-Cities and attended school. He visited Seattle much less frequently, only going once a month for tests and blood work.

In March 2024, he became sick with chickenpox.

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Then in April, his tests showed abnormal numbers. Doctors in Seattle confirmed the leukemia was back.

We were shocked and devastated. Every year that goes by after transplant, youre less likely to relapse, Tara said.

We were almost to year two.

Karson was admitted to Seattle Childrens on April 4 and started chemotherapy.

He had a second transplant from an umbilical cord donor in July. The family stayed at Ronald McDonald House from July-May.

The next two months, his tests didnt show leukemia.

But in November, abnormal cells appeared.

The leukemia had returned. Still, Karson was able to return home for Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family.

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He was admitted to the hospital from January to May after getting pneumonia. He died at the end of May.

Weeks after Karsons death, Tara recalled her sons optimistic attitude and positive spirit.

She remembered when hed sit in his hospital bed and cast a fishing pole in the hallway with a $5 bill on one end. Reeling in the fishing line, he would trick nurses and others into picking up the money.

Hed race hospital staff on scooters and practice roping skills with stuffed animals.

He had a great outlook on life and took everything as it came, Tara said.

Karsons family encourages donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities Western Washington & Alaska at rmhcseattle.org or Seattle Childrens Hospital at give.seattlechildrens.org.

Gifts can directly support programs that were a large part of Karsons care including Child Life Technology Support (Gaming), Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research Fund (Dr. Todd Cooper and Dr. Ann Dahlberg) and High Risk Leukemia Clinical Trials Fund (Dr. Todd Cooper).
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Sayre Police Department have issued a Kasey alert for a missing 37-year-old woman.

According to OHP, 37-year-old April Jenkins was last seen on July 14 2025, in Oklahoma City.

She left with two unknown males and has not been seen since.

Jenkins is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 155 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

If you see Jenkins, please call 911.

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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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Just over two weeks after deadly flash floods hit Central Texas, the Kerrville city officials announced the number of missing people has dropped to three in Kerr County, the area most devastated by the disaster.

Officials say many of those originally announced as missing have since been confirmed to be safe and were taken off the list. The death toll in Kerr County is confirmed at 107 as of Saturday, with at least four of those victims being Austin-area residents.

"We are profoundly grateful to the more than 1,000 local, state and federal authorities who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the devastating flood that struck our community," Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said in a news release.

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Rice said the massive collaboration in search-and-rescue efforts over the past few weeks helped bring the missing persons count down from over 160 to just single digits. Included in those efforts were mutual-aid deployments from across the state, though the delayed response by the Austin Fire Department has sparked controversy and a no-confidence vote against Joel Baker, the fire chief.

"This has been an ongoing effort as investigators worked diligently to verify reports of missing persons and confirm their status," the release states.

All four confirmed victims from Austin were children, with three of them attending Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp along the Guadalupe River that was hit by the floods.

The release emphasized recovery operations are ongoing throughout the Guadalupe River by local, state, national and international search teams who continue to work to reunite the missing with their families.

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The death toll from the early July flooding statewide is over 135 with at least 18 deaths occurring in Travis, Williamson and Burnet counties.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas floods: Kerr County missing falls to 3 after Camp Mystic floods
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  In the political world, no name in Grand Rapids is bigger than Gerald Ford. But before the future president came around, Republican influence in the city and even Michigan flowed through one man: Frank McKay.

His name lives on in city lore  McKay purchased the Grand Rapids National Bank Building and eventually renamed it as McKay Tower in the 1950s  but his legacy is muddled.

His supporters would describe him as part humanitarian and part entrepreneur, but his critics would say he was part mobster, as well. He was indicted on criminal charges four different times  and even tied to a political assassination  but he was never convicted.

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So who was Frank McKay? Was he a business owner who played the system within the lines? A shyster that used his influence to trade political favors? Or a ruthless figure who had a sitting lawmaker killed to avoid justice?

ON THE RISE

Frank McKay was born in Grand Rapids in 1883 and dropped out of school to work in a furniture factory to support his family. But he wouldnt work manual labor for long. His natural instincts as a businessman quickly stood out.

The Sweet House: An inside look at a piece of Grand Rapids history

According to library records from the University of Michigan, McKays first ventures focused on his immigrant co-workers on the citys West Side. He set up a small foreign money exchange and eventually established a private investment business for them. From there, he branched into several ventures, including construction and the tire industry, and used his own capital to finance new homes around the city.

A 1927 photo of Frank McKay, a longtime Michigan politician from Grand Rapids. (Courtesy Michigan History Center)

According to local historian Jon VanderPloeg, McKays connections within the local immigrant community are what helped him get his foot in the door in local politics.

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He built houses for immigrants and he had a mortgage company and financed those for them. So people on the West Side were fairly indebted to him over the years, VanderPloeg told News 8.

Paleoindians and beyond: West Michigans history goes back millennia

McKay initially used his influence to support his friends or his preferred politicians. By 1906, he was pulled out of the shadows and appointed as the countys deputy clerk and as an assignment clerk for the Kent County Circuit Court.

All those years rubbing elbows with power players eventually made McKay a power broker in his own right in Republican circles. He was eventually able to parlay all of that into a job in Lansing when he was appointed as state treasurer in 1924.

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Even though he served in Lansing, the heart of his focus was always local influence in Grand Rapids and his business empire. McKay even said it himself, often referring to himself as a businessman first and a politician second.

Said VanderPloeg: That kind of sums up the whole story.

John Ball: Michigans real-life Forrest Gump

He had been reelected as state treasurer twice, but by 1930, some of his choices caught up with him. Several lawmakers and watchdog groups accused McKay of cronyism and misusing state funds. So he decided not to run for another term and instead focused on party politics behind the scenes.

KINGMAKER

McKay never cared for his public persona as a political influencer and his nickname, Boss McKay. In interviews, he pushed back on media reports that hailed him as a kingmaker.

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He told the Detroit Free Press in 1963 that I never bossed anybody. Boss is what the newspapers call you when they dont like you. If they like you, youre a political leader.

Killing Smalley: The death of Michigans most notorious train robber

But historians like VanderPloeg say the term was absolutely warranted.

The most important thing about him is to look at how he put together his power structure and what he did with it, VanderPloeg said. By 1940, he was the head of the delegation who went to the Republican National Convention. And he essentially shoved Sen. (Arthur) Vandenberg aside. He was sniffing around for the (presidential) nomination and (McKay) gave his support and the Michigan delegations support to Wendell Willkie.

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Willkie got the nomination. Thats how much power (McKay) accumulated and how he could exercise it.

A 1942 photo that shows Frank McKay, left, hand a $50,000 check to Allan McCurdy as a deposit to purchase the Grand Rapids National Banks building in downtown Grand Rapids. The building, which still stands on Monroe Center Street, was renamed McKay Tower in the 1950s. (Courtesy The Grand Rapids Herald/NewsBank)

McKay was smart enough to understand that he could create a power system by helping people get into the political world and take advantage of their positions as they advanced.

His control of the Republican Party was very bottom-up, VanderPloeg said. He befriended a lot of the power structure, a lot of politicians. And those that he did not befriend, he really sort of threatened behind the scenes.

1883: The logjam that nearly sank Furniture City

By the late 1930s, McKay had made enough enemies  and enough shady deals  that several disapproving Republicans started to gather together to take down the machine.

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He controlled most of the electorate from the west side of Grand Rapids. He also controlled the votes from what were called the vice precincts, meaning he somehow protected gambling, prostitution, illegal liquor, VanderPloeg said. He found every string to pull, and he pulled it.

The underground organization working to take down McKay eventually became known as the Republican Home Front. Future mayor Paul Goebel was the primary force, but he also had help from Kent County Republican Committee Chairman Jerry Ford Sr. and other organizers.

It took more than a decade, but the Home Front would go on to successfully dethrone the kingmaker.

EDITORS NOTE: This is the first part of a three-part series on the legacy of Frank McKay. The next piece will be published next Sunday.

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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.
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT)  According to the Kinston Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Manchester Road around 3:15am on Sunday for 73-year-old Thomas Burney, who was holding a female suspect at gunpoint in the home.

After arriving at the scene, officers were confronted Burney who was armed. In response to the threat, officers shot the suspect who pronounced dead at the scene.

As per department policy, both of the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the situation is under investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The Kinston Police Department will also conduct an internal investigation.

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Stay tuned to WNCT for more information 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 WNCT.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) defended Democrats for jumping on Republican calls for the federal government to release files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, even though her party largely remained mum on the issue while former President Biden was in office.

In an interview on CNNs State of the Union with Jake Tapper, the Minnesota Democrat rejected President Trumps efforts to blame Democrats for inaction.

The president blaming Democrats for this disaster, Jake, is like that CEO that got caught on camera blaming Coldplay, Klobuchar said, referring to the latest kiss cam scandal.

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This is his making. He was president when Epstein got indicted for these charges and went to prison. He was president when Epstein committed suicide. And then there was another case, as you know, that continued during the Biden administration, but he was president back then, so all of us would believe they know whats in these documents. They know whats there. Theyve been claiming forever that they should be released, she continued.

It is a Trump administration that has made this promise that theyre going to release it, Klobuchar added, noting Attorney General Pam Bondi released binders described as the first phase of the declassification of Epstein-related documents.

Klobuchar emphasized that Democrats have not been as focused on the issue as Republicans have been.

Blaming Democrats for this, to me, Im sorry. This is  the people that have been fomenting this are right-wing influencers, members of Congress, she said.

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People have a reason that they want to know whats in there. They believe the president when he said theres stuff in there that people should see. Wall Street Journal. These are not bastions of liberalism or wild progressives that have come out and said the public has a right to know what is in these documents, she continued.

Trump, in a Truth Social post on Friday, asked why the Democrats did not release the files linked to the disgraced financier when they controlled the Senate and White House.

If there was a smoking gun on Epstein, why didnt the Dems, who controlled the files for four years, and had Garland and Comey in charge, use it, Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to former Attorney General Merrick Garland and former Justice Department attorney Maurene Comey.

He added, BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING!!!

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Trump earlier directed Bondi to release relevant grand jury testimony in Epsteins case. The directive, which has garnered mixed reactions, followed pressure from some of Trumps supporters and Democrats alike for the White House to disclose more information about its probe of the case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
As President Donald Trump faces continued heat over his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar is pushing back against his attempts to shift the focus back to her party.

"The president blaming Democrats for this disaster, Jake, is like that CEO that got caught on camera blaming Coldplay," Klobuchar (D-Minn.) told CNN's Jake Tapper on Sunday on "State of the Union." "OK, like this is his making. He was president when Epstein got indicted for these charges and went to prison. He was president when Epstein committed suicide."

Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019. He died by suicide in his New York jail cell just over a month later.

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Backlash  largely from inside Trump's MAGA base  teed off when the White House announced in early July that a Department of Justice and FBI review had found no evidence of an incriminating client list connected to Epstein. Trump, whose return to the White House was keyed in part by a willingness to embrace conspiracy theories like the ones surrounding Epstein, has been keen to move on.

But the furor has seen some of Trump's biggest supporters calling for the ouster of his attorney general, Pam Bondi, and predicting dire consequences lest he begin to take it seriously.

The president, meanwhile, has raged. "Radical left Democrats," Trump said in a Truth Social post Wednesday, were responsible for the "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax." And they'd refrained from making any moves during Joe Biden's presidency, he said.

"If there was a smoking gun on Epstein, why didnt the Dems, who controlled the files for four years, and had Garland and Comey in charge, use it? BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING!!!," the president wrote on social media Friday.

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Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), one of several House Republicans who have called for the release of the government's Epstein files, echoed Trump's attacks against Democrats in a Sunday interview also on Tapper's show.

"Where the heck have they been the last four years? I'm ticked off at everybody," he said. "Look, this thing should have been handled. Now we're at the point they're going to start dumping files."

Klobuchar rejected claims that Democrats bore responsibility for the controversy. The White House, she said, had entered into a crisis of its own making.

"The people that have been fomenting this are right-wing influencers, members of Congress, people who have a reason that they want to know what's in there," Klobuchar told Tapper. "They believe the president when he said, there's stuff in there that people should see."
The Knesset's upcoming recess will potentially give PM Benjamin Netanyahu time to broker a hostage deal and figure out a solution to the issue of the haredi draft law.

The Knesset adjourns this week for its summer break, lasting nearly three months, through the Sukkot holiday. During this time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoys more room to maneuver without immediate parliamentary scrutiny or threats to coalition stability. That quiet could prove crucial.

The Knessets summer recess is more than just a legislative pause for Netanyahu. It marks a rare political opportunityone that could be critical for brokering a hostage deal and navigating a solution to the haredi draft law crisis.

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Historically, Israeli leaders have used recess periods to execute sensitive moves. In 2010, Netanyahu delayed announcing a freeze on settlement construction until after the summer recess, easing tensions with right-wing coalition partners while laying groundwork for talks with the Palestinians. A similar tactic may be in play now.

By law, the Knesset doesnt convene during recess unless a special session is called. No bills are advanced, and no government-overthrow attempts can be made through regular channels. Even key committees operate in a scaled-back format.

That means even if Netanyahu's coalition partners, such as ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir or Bezalel Smotrich, seek to express outrage at his political moves, they will not be able to immediately topple the government or act to dissolve it through routine parliamentary means. Any such move, if relevant, will have to wait until the end of the recess.

ITAMAR BEN-GVIR (left) and Bezalel Smotrich chat in the Knesset plenum. The real value of allowing people to speak is to understand their position and thereby sharpen your own arguments if you disagree with them, says the writer. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

This political timeout allows Netanyahu to focus on the ongoing hostage negotiations in Doha. If a deal materializes during the recess, it would trigger a proposed 60-day ceasefire and negotiations aimed at ending the war. Conveniently, that timeframe aligns with the length of the breakan opportunity that Netanyahu may view as a unique diplomatic opening.

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Smotrich could label any agreement a surrender, and Ben-Gvir might threaten to quit. But during the recess, those objections cant translate into parliamentary action. That delay buys Netanyahu time to finalize and implement any deal.

Quiet at home, tensions within

Back home, Netanyahu also faces the resurgence of another deeply divisive issue: the haredi draft law. Though not an immediate threat to the coalition, it remains a flashpoint.

Earlier this month, the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party pulled a political stuntannouncing its resignation from the government without actually leaving the coalition. The move preserved the coalitions majority while signaling dissatisfaction with the government.

Now, Netanyahus aides are working behind the scenes to devise a plan that satisfies Haredi demands without alienating secular or right-wing Likud voters.

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The options on the table include a non-binding principles document containing symbolic recruitment goals and minimal penalties, a bypass committee tasked with drafting a compromise, a phased law that postpones sanctions for several months while giving parties time to negotiate, and attempting to sway Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein by proposing a respectable draft frameworkone that appears firm in principle but flexible in practice.

Netanyahu is known for deferring decisions rather than resolving disputes. The Knesset recess provides him with a temporary freezea chance to stall a coalition breakdown and buy time to engineer a compromise.

If he succeeds, he may return in the fall with a working coalition and a breakthrough on both diplomatic and domestic fronts. If not, the cracks within the government could quickly widen.
Property owners challenging new assessed values calculated during Lackawanna Countys first reassessment in nearly six decades will have a chance to make their cases at formal appeal hearings starting next month.

The pending appeals process that begins Aug. 4 and runs through October is one of the last procedural steps in the long-overdue reassessment that began in 2022 and will culminate later this year when officials formally certify new assessments to take effect next year. Because the county, municipalities and school districts use assessed property values to calculate annual property tax bills, new assessments stemming from the reassessment project will impact residential and commercial property tax burdens in 2026 and thereafter.

How ones individual tax bill may change is unclear at this stage, as county, school and municipal tax rates will fall as assessed values increase to ensure the reassessment process is essentially revenue-neutral for taxing bodies, and the taxing bodies themselves wont set next years rates before new assessments are certified Nov. 14. A general rule of thumb is that tax bills for about a third of properties go up after reassessment, a third go down and a third remain more or less the same.

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But the county still expects a deluge of appeals from property owners concerned their new assessments, which should reflect a propertys fair market value, are too high. The formal appeals follow an informal review process that wrapped up earlier this year and saw thousands of property owners question the tentative reassessed values they received in March. County officials mailed last month assessed valuations for all 102,685 properties countywide, valuations that largely mirrored the March figures but in some cases reflected changes made after informal reviews.

County assessment Director Patrick Tobin estimated last week that about 1,000 property owners had already filed formal appeals, with the county anticipating a flood of additional appeals later this month ahead of the filing deadline Aug. 1. For context, Beaver Countys recent reassessment of its roughly 92,000 parcels prompted approximately 5,600 appeals, Tobin said.

I would love for that to be the total (here), he said. I think its going to get higher than that.

New values

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New assessed values were established by Tyler Technologies, the firm the county hired for the reassessment project, and the county assessors office. They should reflect the fair market value of a property as of June 30, 2024.

Letters the county mailed property owners last month include their propertys new assessment  a combination of the assessed values of the land and any buildings on the parcel. Barring a change prompted by an appeal, the new total assessed value listed in the letter will be applied to yet-undetermined future tax rates to generate tax bills. Property owners should not apply their new assessments to current tax rates, as the result will be inaccurate.

The letters also advise recipients of their right to appeal if they feel their new assessment is not reflective of their propertys actual fair market value. Residential and commercial appeals forms are available at the assessors office or online at lackawannacounty.org.

How to appeal

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To appeal an assessment, fill out the appropriate form for the property in question and return it with a current photo of any buildings on the parcel and a check or money order made payable to Lackawanna County Treasurer to cover the appeal fee. The fee for residential appeals is $35 per parcel; the per-parcel fee for commercial appeals is $125.

Both the residential and commercial appeals forms advise property owners pursuing an appeal that theyll need to produce photos of and assessed values for three comparable properties that were sold between Jan. 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024. For the purposes of residential appeals, comparable properties should be of similar style, quality and or condition, living space within 500 square feet, and located in the same development, municipality or school district, per the form.

If a residential property is improved, meaning it has a house or other building on it, and its total assessed value is $700,000 or more, a certified state appraisal must be filed two weeks prior to the owners hearing date. Thats also the case for land-only residential properties assessed at $150,000 or more, unimproved commercial properties assessed at $1 million or more and improved commercial properties assessed at $2 million or more.

Appeals forms can be mailed to or returned in person at the Lackawanna County Assessment Office, 123 Wyoming Ave., 2nd Floor, Suite 254, Scranton PA 18503. The assessment office will then notify property owners via letter of the date and time of their appeal hearing, Tobin said.

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Reassessment appeals will not be rescheduled.

How to prepare

Several attorneys who participated in a town hall meeting on reassessment that Commissioner Chris Chermak held in May recommended those considering appeals, be they residential or commercial, to get professional appraisals done to help make their cases.

And there may still be time to get an appraisal, especially if ones hearing date is scheduled for later in the three-month period during which appeals will be heard. Attorney Frank Hoegen, a managing partner with the Wilkes-Barre firm Hoegen & Associates PC thats representing Lackawanna County clients pursuing appeals, said property owners dont have to file their appraisals on the same day they file their appeal.

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Hiring an appraiser adds to the credibility of your presentation and usually the ones that are the most credible are the ones that get the best results, said Hoegen, referencing the idiom you get what you pay for. So hiring a qualified appraiser to help you in the presentation of your appeal  is always a good idea.

Property owners can also bolster their case by presenting comparable property sales as evidence  comparables being something thats similar in age, location, condition (and) size, he said.

Online real estate platforms  Zillow, Redfin and Realtor.com, for example  can be good sources for gathering property data. The county assessors office also maintains an online database with information on parcels, including past sales dates, current assessed values and reassessed values set to take effect in 2026.

In todays modern world theres a lot more information available, Hoegen said. Ive been doing this for 35 years. We have information available online that wasnt readily available 10 years ago.

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Chermak urged property owners last week to take a hard look at their assessed values and do their homework, noting again at Wednesdays commissioners meeting that new assessments will impact property tax bills next year and moving forward. He reiterated that all appeals must be filed by Aug. 1.

Where to go

All reassessment appeals hearings will take place in space the county leased for that purpose in the Marketplace at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. The hearing space is located next to the Electric City Aquarium.

Appeals themselves will be heard by the countys permanent appeals board and several auxiliary boards commissioners have filled in recent months. Starting Aug. 4, appeals will be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a one-hour lunch, Tobin said.

The appeals boards have the right to increase, decrease or leave unchanged an appealing property owners assessment. Property owners unsatisfied with the results of their hearings have the right to challenge their assessments in county court.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Brazils former President Jair Bolsonaro will wear an electronic ankle monitor on orders from the Supreme Court, where he is on trial for allegedly masterminding a coup plot to remain in office despite his defeat in the 2022 election.

The case received renewed attention after President Donald Trump directly tied a 50% tariff on Brazilian imported goods to Bolsonaros judicial situation, which Trump called a  witch hunt.

The Supreme Courts order for Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor, among other restrictions, came after Federal Police and prosecutors said Bolsonaro is a flight risk. Authorities, listing multiple social media posts, also accused Bolsonaro of working with his son Eduardo to incite the United States to interfere in the trial and impose sanctions against Brazilian officials.

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On Friday, the U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on Brazilian judicial officials, prompting President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva s to condemn what he called the unacceptable interference of one country in anothers justice system.

Heres what you need to know about Bolsonaros trial:

The charges against Bolsonaro

The prosecution accuses Bolsonaro of leading an armed criminal organization, attempting to stage a coup and attempting the violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, aggravated damage, and deterioration of listed heritage sites.

A federal police investigation placed Bolsonaro at the top of a criminal organization that had been active since at least 2021. Police say that after Bolsonaros loss to Lula, the organization conspired to overturn the election result.

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Part of that plot included a plan to kill Lula and a Supreme Court justice, the prosecution alleges. It also says that the Jan. 8 riot when Bolsonaro supporters ransacked top government buildings a week after Lula took office was an attempt to force military intervention and oust the new president.

Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet says Bolsonaros actions were not limited to a passive stance of resistance to defeat, but were a conscious effort to create an environment conducive to violence and a coup.

In the court order unsealed Friday, Justice Alexandre de Moraes said Bolsonaro and his son may also have committed the crimes of coercion during a legal proceeding, obstruction of an investigation involving a criminal organization and attack on Brazils sovereignty.

What Bolsonaro says

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Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied the allegations and asserted that hes the target of political persecution. He has echoed Trump and called the trial a witch hunt.

The far-right former leader has now been barred from using social media, but on Thursday, he said on X that those who challenge the system are being punished, silenced, and isolated.

Regarding the restrictive measures carried out on Friday, Bolsonaro called them a supreme humiliation.

I never thought about leaving Brazil, I never thought about going to an embassy, but the precautionary measures are because of that, he told journalists in Brasilia.

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Next steps

After the prosecution called for a guilty verdict in its final allegations issued Tuesday, the defense will soon present its case, likely in the coming weeks.

The panel of Supreme Court justices that opened the trial against Bolsonaro will vote on whether to convict or acquit him. Experts say a decision is expected before the end of the year.

A guilty verdict on the coup plot charge carries a sentence of up to 12 years, which could, along with guilty verdicts on other charges, bring decades behind bars.

But Antonio Jose Teixeira Martins, a law professor at Rio de Janeiro State University, said Bolsonaro could be detained even before there's a verdict.

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Whether this happens or not depends on how events unfold from now on, that is if these new measures prove sufficient to guarantee public order, the application of criminal law and prevent the risk of escape, Teixeira Martins said.

Brazils top electoral court has already banned Bolsonaro from running in elections until 2030 over abuse of power while in office and casting unfounded doubts on the countrys electronic voting system.
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to move toward a peace settlement for Ukraine but Moscow's main objective is to achieve its goals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television in a clip published on Sunday.

Peskov said that the world was now accustomed to U.S. President Donald Trump's sometimes "harsh" rhetoric but pointed out that Trump had also underscored in comments on Russia that he would continue to search for a peace deal.

"President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy," Peskov said told state television reporter Pavel Zarubin.

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"The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear," Peskov said.

On Monday, Trump announced a tougher stance on Russia, pledging a new wave of military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot missile defence systems. He also gave Russia a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face additional sanctions.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Guy Faulconbridge Writing by Maxim Rodionov)
A Labour-run council has been accused of using a socialist sledgehammer to establish a low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) without proper consultation.

The Kennington Triangle LTN, planned to cover streets in both Lambeth and Southwark, has provoked anger from local representatives who say Lambeth council has not informed them of the decision.

The dispute comes months after a judge ruled that the same council must scrap an LTN in West Dulwich, saying Lambeth council had ignored residents legitimate concerns about the zone.

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Metropolitan Tabernacle Baptist Church said the Kennington scheme would adversely affect its long-standing work in support of elderly worshippers. The church also runs weekly youth activities for more than 400 children, bringing many of them door-to-door using minibuses.

It said the incoming traffic restrictions would block vehicle access, and reduce the street parking needed for staff and their accessible transport.

Neighbouring area ignored by council

Graham Neale, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Southwark council, said as many as 1,500 homes could be affected on the Southwark side, including two 40-floor tower blocks, but no effort was made to consult elected officials or service providers in the area.

Theyve used this sort of socialist sledgehammer. Its just the wrong way of going about it, he said.

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He described the process as a dogs breakfast, claiming Lambeth officials failed to name any Southwark contacts when asked, and had only engaged with stakeholders inside their own borough.

They consulted Lambeth libraries, schools, community groups, but nobody in Southwark, he said. Residents have seen Lambeth flyers and are bombarding me with questions.

The LTN has been championed by Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Lambeth councils deputy leader, who was recently urged to resign after a judge ruled she had misled the High Court over a separate traffic scheme in West Dulwich.

Campaigners in West Dulwich won a victory over Lambeth council in May when a judge shut down the LTN in their area - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Judge Tim Smith ruled in May that the council had ignored residents legitimate concerns about the zone.

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It is the first time that an LTN, a zone where traffic is restricted in residential roads and fines are issued to unauthorised vehicles that enter the area, has been shut down by the courts.

Campaigners from the West Dulwich Action Group said it set a powerful precedent for residents locked in similar battles nationwide.

A Southwark council spokesman said: We have worked closely with Lambeth council to ensure residents in both boroughs have the opportunity to share their views.

We will carefully review all responses once this initial engagement exercise is complete and will make a decision once we have weighed up all of the facts, ensuring it reflects the needs and concerns of local residents.

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A Lambeth council spokesman said: We are committed to consulting with as many stakeholders as possible on these proposals to make local streets safer, cut harmful air pollution and improve peoples health.

That consultation is ongoing, we have distributed the engagement materials to people who live in Southwark, within the scheme area and beyond, to ensure people have a way of participating and provide their feedback. The proposals are still at formative stage and people have until July 7 to respond.

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Labour is facing backlash from unions as data revealed that spending on outsourcers has surged since Sir Keir Starmer took office.

Public sector spending on outsourcing contracts has risen 7pc since Labour secured the election victory last year, despite the party promising to crack down on public procurement.

Data from Tussell showed that the value of contracts awarded to outsourcing giants including Mitie and G4S has increased to 3.68bn since Labour gained power, compared with 3.45bn under the former Conservative government in the year before.

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The increase comes after Rachel Reeves in 2021 pledged to slash spending on outsourcers by ushering in the biggest wave of insourcing of public services for a generation with the aim of saving money and improving public services.

Trade unions have now hit out at Labour over its failure to cut spending following a series of clashes between outsourcing giants and some of Britains biggest unions over contractors treatment of workers.

Fran Heathcote, the general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), said: Before the election, Labour promised the biggest wave of insourcing in a generation, yet these figures suggest the tide is going out on that pledge.

PCS represents thousands of workers on outsourced contracts who often suffer lower pay and worse terms and conditions ... than those employed in-house. Labour needs to accelerate its commitment to insourcing.

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A spokesman for Unison, which represents 1.2 million predominantly public sector workers, added: The Government has promised to bring privatised contracts back in-house. Unions will keep up the pressure to ensure this happens for the benefit of workers, the economy and communities across the UK.

Mitie in the spotlight

Mitie has been the largest beneficiary of Labours contracts so far, Tussells figures show. Unions have repeatedly clashed with the London-listed outsourcing giant, accusing it of failing to pay staff adequately and mistreating workers.

Mitie has been given 1.59bn worth of contacts since Sir Keir took office, including a 320m contract from HM Revenue & Customs for facilities management and a 1.08bn contract from the Department for Work and Pensions for security services.

The contracts now risk further straining the Labour Partys relations with the unions that provide it with millions of pounds of funding each year.

Mitie has been the largest beneficiary of Labours contracts so far, Tussells figures show - Jansos /Alamy Stock Photo

The Government is already facing mounting criticism over its relationship with Mitie after Unison, Britains largest union, threatened to picket a Labour Party drinks reception this month at Mities headquarters in The Shard.

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Trade unions had voiced concerns that the Mitie-sponsored event stood at odds with Labours own plans to cut the Governments reliance on outsourcers.

A source close to the Labour Party said: Commercial partnerships at events are a long-standing practice and have no bearing on party or government policy.

Mitie itself has repeatedly been subject to a series of strikes led by some of Britains largest trade unions, including by Unison, which in February 2024 led a three-day walkout by 300 cleaners, porters and caterers from hospitals run by Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, in the West Midlands.

On Friday, 200 cleaners and security guards represented by GMB voted to lead a separate strike over pay at the Sellafield nuclear facility in Cumbria, starting on Aug 1.

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A Mitie spokesman said: We are committed to helping our public sector partners build safer, stronger and more resilient communities, supporting people and places to thrive across the UK.

Further clashes

G4S, which has also clashed with unions, was the second largest beneficiary of Labours spending on outsourcers, according to Tussells figures, which show the security company has been awarded 16 contracts worth 1.05bn since Labour took power a year ago, including a 905m contract from the DWP.

PCS is currently engaged a long-running dispute with G4S over pay for security guards working on the outsourcers contract with the DWP for security at job centres.

G4S was approached for comment.

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Sodexo has been the third biggest winner of contracts awarded under Labour, with the company winning four contracts worth another 615m since last July, including a 310m award from HMRC.

A Sodexo spokesman said: Sodexo is proud to hold strategic supplier status as a preferred and trusted partner to Government.

A government spokesman said: The data referenced includes spending by devolved governments.

Public sector bodies must already ensure any outsourcing decisions deliver on these priorities, but we are going further and consulting on a requirement that they carry out a public interest test before outsourcing any service  which would move the dial in favour of insourcing contracts.

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NEED TO KNOW

Edmond Johnson, the last fluent speaker of an ancient Native American language, has died at age 95

The Caddo Nation of Oklahoma announced his death on July 14, describing Johnson as a "vital knowledge bearer of our language" and "treasured elder"

The tribe plans to continue their work to preserve the Caddo language following Johnson's death





A Native American tribe is mourning the loss of one of their beloved members  and a "vital knowledge bearer" of their ancient language.

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On Monday, July 14, the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma announced the death of Edmond Johnson, 95, on Facebook. The tribe described Johnson as being the last fluent speaker of the Caddo language.

"Mr. Johnson was not only a vital knowledge bearer of our language and a treasured elder. His passing marks an irreplaceable loss to our heritage, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who mourn with us," they wrote, alongside a photo of Johnson.

In the post, the Caddo Nation shared that they would be closing their Tribal Administration Office on Tuesday, July 15, in observance of funeral proceedings for Johnson.

"This closure is a moment for reflection, mourning and gratitude for the knowledge and spirit he carried on behalf of our ancestors and future generations," they wrote. "We ask that each of you take this time to honor him in your own way  through prayer, remembrance, or by simply speaking his name."

Bobby Gonzalez, chairman of the Caddo Nation, told local ABC station KOCO News 5 that the ancient language is "what makes us Caddo" as he spoke about how it's deeply tied to the tribe's identity.

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Over the past few years, Johnson  whom Gonzalez said "meant a lot to our people"  had been working with the tribe's language preservation director, Alaina Tahlate, to keep the Caddo language alive.

He was really good at explaining things, [an] awesome storyteller, Tahlate told KOCO News 5. The language connects every part of our culture together. Use your language however much, or however little, that you know.

To honor Johnson and their rich heritage, the tribe plans to continue working to preserve the language, with the help of a fund they plan to establish.

Were doing everything we can to preserve what we can with the people that we know that can still understand it, Gonzalez told the outlet.

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According to their website, the Caddo people are descendants of agriculturalists whose ancient homelands are what is today Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Archeologists recovered ancient items that suggest the tribe existed as early as 900 AD.

When Spanish explorer Hernando de Sotos expedition entered the region in 1542, the Caddo's thriving communities dispersed along the Brazos, Trinity, Neches, Sabine, Red and Ouachita rivers.

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After "multiple forced removals," the Caddo eventually relocated to what is now Caddo County in Oklahoma.

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"Twentieth-century efforts to revitalize economic, social, political and religious institutions have enabled Caddo people to maintain a distinctive identity today and continue building toward a hopeful and prosperous future," the tribe said on its website.

Read the original article on People




NEED TO KNOW

At least 17 people have died, and 11 people have been reported missing, in floods and landslides following days of torrential rain in South Korea

According to local authorities, homes have collapsed, cars and campsites have been swept away, and farmlands have been severely damaged

The storms are predicted to subside by Sunday night, July 20, but the country will be hit with a heatwave later this week





At least 17 people have died in floods and landslides following days of torrential rain in South Korea.

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According to reports from the BBC and Reuters, 11 people have also been reported missing across the country following the heavy rain, which began on Wednesday, July 16. Much of the damage has been focused in Gapyeong, a town northeast of Seoul known for its vacation resorts and farmlands.

More than 13,000 people were evacuated from their homes amid the severe weather, and President Lee Jae-myung ordered the most devastated areas to be declared special disaster zones on Sunday, July 20, the BBC reported. Video footage and photos show landslides engulfing houses and campsites, as well as cars being swept away by the water.

The country's Interior and Safety Ministry said that one person was killed on Sunday after their house collapsed during the rain, and another person was found dead after being swept away by a swollen stream, per the Associated Press.

At one Gapyeong campsite, a landslide killed a man in his 40s and left two of his family members missing, as well as 24 other people stranded, fire officials told Reuters.

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Officials rescued one person near the campsite by using a zip line to cross a river, and another video shared by firefighters shows people being rescued by helicopter.



Seung-il Ryu/NurPhoto via Getty Flooded farmlands in Yesan-Gun, South Korea Flooded farmlands in Yesan-Gun, South Korea

Thousands of roads and buildings have also been damaged or submerged by the flooding, and farmlands have faced extensive damage.

South of Gapyeong, an entire town was covered with earth and debris after a landslide struck on Saturday in the Chungcheong region, the outlets reported.

Ten people were found dead and four others were also reported missing in the southern village of Sancheong. One person also died in the city of Gwangju, and local media outlets have reported that more than 40,000 households have lost power amid the storms.

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Earlier in the week, authorities said that one person was killed when their car was buried by soil and concrete in Osan, located just south of Seoul, during a heavy downpour. Three more people were found dead in a submerged car, a swollen stream and a flooded basement in the province of South Chungcheong, according to AP.



Seung-il Ryu/NurPhoto via Getty A flooded rice paddy and house in Yesan-Gun, South Korea A flooded rice paddy and house in Yesan-Gun, South Korea

South Korean Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung asked local authorities to make use of "all available resources" as soon as possible, the BBC reported.

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AP reported that as of 4 p.m. local time on Sunday, more than 2,700 people were still evacuated from their homes. Much of the rain has subsided in the central and southern regions, but the northern provinces are now being hit with heavy rainfall, and more rain is expected in Seoul.

According to the BBC, the rainfall is expected to end on Sunday night, and South Korea will then face a heatwave, with temperatures predicted to reach 90 degrees later this week.



Read the original article on People
A terrifying fire onboard a ferry off the coast of Indonesia Sunday has resulted in at least three deaths, according to reports.

The KM Barcelona VA vessel had left the Talaud Islands and was on its way to Manado when it burst into flames near Talise Island at around 12 p.m. local time, according to Jakarta Globe. There 280 people on the boat at the time of the disaster.

At least three have died with over 100 rescued, per NDTV World via Xinhua.

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"Three people died and nearly 150 were rescued. They were rescued by a combined team of rescuers and local fishing boats," Veri Ariyanto, a senior official at the provincial Search and Rescue Office, told Xinhua.

In footage circulating on social media, passengers can be seen scrambling to round up their belongings and family members as they attempt to escape the boat. Some are even seen diving into the water to avoid the flames.

North Sulawesi Search and Rescue (SAR) Agency spokesperson Nuriadin Gumeleng told Jakarta Globe that some passengers who were rescued were evacuated to nearby Ganga Island.

Our operation is currently focused on locating and rescuing any remaining passengers who may still be aboard the vessel, Nuriadin said.

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Jerry Harmonsina, secretary of the North Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency, told Detik that the Navy, Coast Guard, SAR and other local fishermen have been involved in the rescue efforts.

Passenger Alwina Inang also spoke to Detik about what she experienced as the tragedy unfolded.

"I was eating with the family of the Head of the Talaud Criminal Investigation Unit when suddenly flames of smoke entered the ship's bridge," Inang said. "We immediately jumped into the sea."

Hopefully, the final death toll from this accident remains low and most passengers wind up being saved.

At Least 3 People Dead After Ferry Bursts Into Flames: Report first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 20, 2025
A tourist boat in Vietnam capsized during a sudden thunderstorm on Saturday, leaving 35 people dead, while four remain missing, according to state media.

Ten people survived, including one 10-year-old boy who hid in an air pocket after the ship turned over, local media said.

Everything happened so fast, the boy, who was traveling with his parents, told VietnamNet. I tried to get out, and then the soldiers rescued me.

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State media reported that all 49 people aboard the tourist boat were Vietnamese, including 46 passengers and three crew members.

The ship, built in 2015, was on a sightseeing tour of Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island, two popular destinations in Ha Long Bay, known for their scenic views.

Its the worst accident Ive known in Ha Long Bay in the last 25 years, Bui Cong Hoan, deputy chairman of Ha Long Tourist Boat Association, told The New York Times in a phone interview.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent his condolences to the victims families, and he ordered the ministries of National Defense and Public Security, as well as civil defense workers, to support the search and rescue operations.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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CHICAGO  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.
At least 73 people were killed and around 150 people injured by Israeli gunfire in Gaza while seeking aid on Sunday, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Some 67 people were killed in northern Gaza, the ministry said, while six others were killed in Khan Younis in the south of the Strip. It is unclear whether the 67 people reported killed in northern Gaza were all killed in the same place or in multiple incidents. It marks one of the highest reported death tolls among recent, repeated cases in which aid seekers have been killed.

The Israel Defense Forces said that troops had fired warning shots in order to remove an immediate threat posed to them after a gathering of thousands of Gazans was identified in the northern Gaza Strip.

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The IDF is aware of the claim regarding casualties in the area, and the details of the incident are still being examined, the Israeli military said, without disclosing any casualty figures.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said a 25-truck convoy carrying vital food assistance crossed the Zikim border on Sunday morning aiming to reach communities in northern Gaza.

Shortly after passing the final checkpoint beyond the Zikim crossing point into Gaza, the convoy encountered large crowds of civilians anxiously waiting to access desperately needed food supplies, the WFP wrote on X. As the convoy approached, the surrounding crowd came under fire from Israeli tanks, snipers and other gunfire.

Shooting near humanitarian missions, convoys and food distributions must stop immediately, the WFP added, and said the latest incident underscores the increasingly dangerous conditions under which humanitarian operations are forced to be conducted in Gaza.

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The Israeli military on Sunday also issued a warning to residents in a number of areas in northern Gaza, including the cities of Beit Lahia, Jabalya and Beit Hanoun.

These areas are active combat zones and extremely dangerous, the IDFs Arabic language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, said Sunday. The Israel Defense Forces are operating in these areas with very intense force. For your safety, movement to these areas is strictly prohibited. Those who heard have been warned.

According to Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, people were shot at by the Israeli army on Sunday morning while attempting to get aid northwest of Gaza City, which is in the north of the enclave.

Al-Shifa Medical Complex is in a catastrophic state due to the overwhelming number of martyrs, injuries and starving civilians, Abu Salmiya told CNN in a statement.

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There have been a large number of deaths and injuries among those seeking aid, and ambulances and civilian vehicles have not stopped arriving, transporting the wounded and the dead from the northwestern areas of Gaza, he continued.

A significant number of civilians, and even medical staff, are arriving in a state of fainting or collapse due to severe malnutrition, he said.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said that its Al-Saraya Field Hospital in Gaza City received 120 injured people, some of them in critical condition, on Sunday. It said it also received two dead bodies.

Palestinians gather as they carry aid supplies in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on July 20, 2025. - Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters

Israeli forces targeted civilians waiting for aid arriving from the Zikim area, north of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. Due to the large number of casualties received by the hospital, new beds were urgently opened to ensure adequate treatment for the injured, as the hospitals capacity is estimated at only 68 beds, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

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Meanwhile, residents in the central Gaza city of Deir Al Balah said they were forced to evacuate on Sunday after the IDF dropped flyers warning them to leave the area.

The planes came and dropped many leaflets on us; the entire sky was covered with leaflets on the houses, the streets and everywhere, stating that we had to evacuate from certain areas, one resident, Thurayya Abu Qunneis, told CNN.

We are living on edge. We cant sleep, eat or drink. There is no flour, no anything, and we are hungry, she said. We are dying, and our children are dying of hunger.

Another resident, Mohammad Al Najiri, told CNN: We were sitting here in the morning when suddenly they sent us messages and warnings telling us to leave. Where should we go? There is no place to evacuate to we dont know where to go.

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Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) said in a statement Sunday that Israels evacuation orders endanger vital humanitarian and primary healthcare sites and are accelerating the systematic dismantling of Gazas already-decimated healthcare system, adding that several humanitarian organizations offices were ordered to evacuate immediately, and nine clinics, five shelters and a community kitchen were forced to shut down amid the orders.

In another incident on Saturday, at least 32 people were killed while seeking aid near a distribution point run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to the Palestinian health ministry and witnesses.

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 IDF said troops had called on the suspects to distance themselves, and after they did not comply, the troops fired warning shots. It said it was aware of reports regarding casualties and the incident was under review.

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According to Gazas Hamas-run Government Media Office, some 995 people have been killed while attempting to obtain food near aid distribution sites between May 27 and Sunday.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said earlier this month that nearly 800 Gazans had been killed trying to access aid between late May and July 7.

CNNs Eugenia Yosef and Abeer Salman contributed to this report.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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Retired NYPD Detective Katrina Brownlee was once shot 10 times, and miraculously survived after nearly bleeding to death.

It didnt happen in the line of duty. The victim, five months pregnant, wasnt even a cop yet. The shooter was an abusive boyfriend, the father of her child, who had a gun because he was a law enforcement officer.

Despite what she and prosecutors said were desperate 911 calls in the months leading up to the 1993 shooting, police officers who responded to their Long Island home failed to protect her. Instead they shielded her abuser, a New York City correction officer, after one look at his badge, Brownlee and her advocates said.

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Brownlee said she felt betrayed, by him and by the system. But instead of letting it get her down any further, she used the experience to become the kind of law enforcement officer she said she was never fortunate enough to have when she needed one the most.

At any step along the way, I might have given up and decided, the world owes me, not the other way around, Brownlee would write years later. But I knew if I could protect even a few people from the pain I had suffered, I would be a better person for it.

Brownlee details her struggle and triumph in a new book, And Then Came the Blues: My Story of Survival on Both Sides of the Badge, which hits book shelves next month.

Brownlee, a motivational speaker, has told her story before, but never to as wide an audience as she can reach with her own memoir.

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And, like her book, her life has chapters.Theres the troubled childhood chapter, the 18-year-old struggling single mom chapter, the dashing civil servant who whisks her away from the projects chapter and the abusive boyfriend/fiance who turns on her and nearly ends her life chapter.

But thats not where Brownlees story ends. Thats actually where it begins.

Her abuser, Alex Irvin, pleaded guilty and served 10 years in prison. Brownlees unborn child did not survive, but she learned to walk again.

After a stint writing tickets as a New York City traffic agent, Brownlee decided she wanted to do more. She wanted to be a cop.

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Katrina and I actually talked about why she would join the police department. And one of the things she mentioned [was] the best way to change a system is from the inside out, Keri Herzog, the Suffolk County assistant district attorney who prosecuted Irvin, told CBS News.

A system that Katrina says repeatedly turned its back on her when shed call 911 after being beaten in the years before she was shot. Katrina wanted to become what she says she needed all those years ago: A good cop.

Brownlee graduated from the police academy in 2001.

I felt like my entire life was playing at high speed on a movie screen inside my head, Brownlee writes in the book.

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The idea that a girl like me-from the projects, abused and abandoned, who was raised by an alcoholic grandmother and lived with a crackhead aunt, who was a recovering drug addict and a high school dropout, who was shot and left for dead, who was homeless and hungry and mistreated every which way could have actually made it as far as I had just couldnt be real.

But it was. And it got even better.

Not only was Brownlee a good cop. She was a great cop, catching on quickly with empathy and compassion every step of the way.

Brownlee rose through the ranks, working undercover with the narcotics division before transferring to vice. She served in the NYPD for 20 years, rising to First Grade Detective.

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Her last assignment was serving in the Executive Protection Detail under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, one of the highest honors for an NYPD officer.

She retired in 2021.

The most remarkable part about Brownlees journey was that she managed to go 20 years as a police officer without telling anyone in the department about the pain that drove her.

But on her last day on the job, she sat down with de Blasio for an exit interview, and opened up about her past.

I was shot 10 times by my ex-fiance, and I was paralyzed, she told the mayor.

He didnt speak for a long time. Finally, he asked me, Why didnt you ever say anything?

There are some things you just cant say, she replied.

Well, shes saying it all now. And the rest of us should listen.
The Lexington Police Department has released the names of the officers who fired shots that killed a mass shooting suspect last weekend.

Sgt. Ross Collins and patrol officers Kyle Blankenship and Simon Rankin fired on Guy House on Sunday afternoon at Richmond Road Baptist Church, 5899 Old Richmond Road in Lexington, Kentucky State Police said Saturday morning.

Collins, who is assigned to the police departments Bureau of Investigation, has been with the Lexington police for 13 years, while Blankenship has been with the department five years and Rankin is an eight-year veteran of the department.

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All three have been placed on administrative duty while the investigation continues, as dictated by LPD policy.

The officers found House, along with some of the shooting victims, in the churchs back parking lot at about 12:30 p.m. July 13 and fired shots at him. House was pronounced dead at the scene.

Before officers arrived at the church, House had shot four people there, killing Beverly Gumm, 72, who was the pastors wife, and her daughter, Christina Combs, 34. Pastor Jerry Gumm and Combs husband, Randy Combs, were seriously wounded.

About an hour earlier, Kentucky State Police trooper Jude Remilien was seriously injured when House shot him during a traffic stop on Terminal Drive near Blue Grass Airport.

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House then carjacked a vehicle on Belleau Wood Drive and drove it to the church, where Lexington police tracked him.

Funeral services for Beverly Gumm and Christina Combs were scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the church.
When Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency took a chainsaw to the federal workforce this winter, the dust felt like it might never settle.

The administration said the initiative was designed to "streamline the Federal Government, eliminate unnecessary programs, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency." Chaotic rollouts, weekend emails, contentious court battles, tech wunderkinds let loose, and muddled directives came to define the early months of the Trump administration's cost-cutting effort. Nobody knew what the next week might bring.

Now, as the initiative's six-month mark approaches  and a Supreme Court ruling allowed the stalled firings to proceed  many former federal workers have had time to reflect on what it all meant.

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"It's always going to be part of who I am, regardless of what my jobs entail in the future," former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employee Tom Di Liberto told Business Insider. "I'll always be known as that, as part of that group of people."

In a series of conversations with BI, six former government employees spoke about their career shifts, their advice to other workers, and what life is like outside the government.

Egan Reich, 45, Department of Labor

Reich joined the Department of Labor in 2010. He worked in a variety of roles, including director of media and editorial services.

During Trump's first term, Reich said, federal workers were largely left alone to do their jobs. When the president's second term came around, the energy across federal agencies was noticeably different: Reich said that press inquiries revolved around DOGE, HR, or IT, rather than grants, policy, or enforcement.

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"For a couple months, as appointees trickled in and DOGE started to make itself known, it became a very strange, paranoid, alienating experience," Reich said. "It became clear they really wanted people gone."

He accepted the agency's second deferred resignation offer in April, which allowed employees to resign while receiving pay through the fall. "There was just no way I was going to make it through four years of this," he said.

Egan Reich Greg Kahn for BI

Reich is now on the job hunt, finishing up a TV pilot with his brother, and spending more time with his daughter. He's casting a wide net when it comes to communications roles, and has applied for around 25 jobs, he said. He tries hard to ensure he's not falling into self-pity.

"I'm glad that I'm not there, but I'm anxious, right? I'm just knowing I need to pay the mortgage and find a job, and hopefully it will be one where I can still spend time with my daughter."

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His day-to-day hasn't changed much: He wakes up and goes to bed at the same time, and school drop-off and pick-up remain the same. His disorientation stems from something a bit more existential.

"It's been a lot more of a change in my mind and ways of looking at the world than lifestyle. Something has definitely broken. It's a lot bigger than my job," he said.

Kira Carrigan, 36, Office of Personnel Management

Carrigan started at OPM in December 2024. She had a remote job as an HR specialist.

Carrigan has been unable to search for a new role because she's moving across the country for her husband's military job. Federal jobs are especially important for military spouses, since they typically offer more scheduling and work-from-home flexibility than the private sector.

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She started working at OPM on December 16, and was fired less than two months later on a mass video call.

"I miss my job and the remote work ability to allow me continued employment through my military spouse relocation," Carrigan said.

Carrigan said she refused deferred resignation both times it was offered, and she's pursuing an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board in a last-ditch attempt to regain her federal employment.

"I do want to return, but I would have significant moral issues serving under this administration," she said. Barring a return to the federal government, she said, "I'm hoping to find something in my local city government or school district."

Rachel Brittin, 47, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Brittin started at NOAA in 2023. She coordinated with the agency's private and public sector stakeholders.

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Brittin was first fired from NOAA on February 27, reinstated, and fired again on April 10.

"Losing my job at NOAA was more than a career setback  it was emotionally exhausting and deeply disorienting," Brittin said. "I poured myself into the mission, only to be abruptly cut out."

Getting fired as a probationary employee was a challenge; Brittin said she didn't have any chance to defend her record.

Rachel Brittin Greg Kahn for BI

Brittin said she's applied to dozens of jobs, including in the private sector, and hopes to stay in communications at a mission-driven organization, but it's been hard to land anything with so many "highly qualified candidates" on the market.

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Ideally, she'd stay at a science-based organization, but is open to other opportunities. Brittin sees her job in the federal workforce as an "asset," in part because she mastered in-demand skills: "Navigating complexity, staying mission-focused, working under pressure, adapting to change."

For now, she's "hanging on" financially, and her husband has a secure job that's keeping them afloat. She's tried to stay busy by taking online courses, volunteering to help friends and startups, and networking.

"Knowing others in the same boat as me has helped me feel not so alone," she said.

Tom Di Liberto, 40, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Di Liberto started at NOAA in 2023. He worked in public affairs and was a climate spokesperson.

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After being fired as a probationary employee in February, Di Liberto said he was lucky to find work as a media director at a nonprofit climate organization. But getting there wasn't easy, and he knows many others are still grinding through the job hunt.

He said former federal workers should remember being fired doesn't reflect their worth and they shouldn't be afraid to discuss the reductions in force with potential employers.

"It was also a bit weird during the interview process when asked to describe yourself and why you want this job. I did not have plans of getting a new job," he said. He said he made sure to emphasize his primary mission is addressing climate change.

Tom Di Liberto Greg Kahn for BI

His job search began in February, and he started his new job in early June. He spent frugally and leaned on his wife's income to support their family. During those months, he cooked more and cut back on takeout; he also prioritized his mental health with walks and Legos.

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The private sector has been an adjustment, he said. It's been odd, for example, to work with fewer people and be able to upgrade software quickly instead of over a few months. Di Liberto also estimated that the NGO jobs he was looking at paid between 20% and 40% less than his role at NOAA.

He's reminded of his past life living in DC, where he encounters others who were also let go from government jobs. Di Liberto's first grader recently brought up his father's job loss in school, where it led to a class-wide conversation, he said.

Jonathan Kamens, 55, US Digital Service

Kamens started at USDS in 2023. He was a software engineer and was detailed to a cybersecurity role at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Kamens was fired from the US Digital Service  now the US DOGE Service  in February, and he landed a new job in March working remotely for a private-sector company based in Australia. He said that he's fortunate to be getting a paycheck, but the slashing of the federal workforce continues to weigh him down.

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"In micro, I have a job, I'm getting paid to work, I can support my family. But in macro, the whole world is burning," Kamens said. He added that it's difficult to live his normal life "and continue to work in a system that in many ways is disintegrating around you."

He said that he's "minimally engaged" with other colleagues who left the federal workforce because it was taking a toll on his mental health. He said public servants who are still employed with the federal government face challenges under the continued influence of DOGE.

"There is a really strong normalcy bias happening," Kamens said. "In order for them to continue to function, they have to believe that this is just another administration and it will be fine after the midterms or 2028."

Nagela Nukuna, 30, US Digital Service

Nukuna started at USDS in 2022. She advised on and implemented domestic policy, working across agencies on funding, innovation, and automation projects.

Nukuna never saw herself working for a nonprofit. But that's where she landed after she was fired from the USDS on February 14.

"I ran through most of my savings to weather that time," Nukuna said. "Luckily I was able to get a job but I did have some financial hardship and strain over that time, especially because it was just unexpected."

Her government job paid a lot less than private sector positions she'd held before, so she was in the red since taking her job at USDS. Her spending didn't drastically change after getting fired, since it was already carefully calculated.

Nukuna began to look for jobs outside the government after the election. Some of her work at USDS was related to immigration, and she thought she might be impacted by future job cuts. She said she applied to 85 jobs, mainly in the tech and AI spaces, and "got a bajillion rejections" before landing her current role at an education nonprofit a month after her firing.

Nagela Nukuna Greg Kahn for BI

Generally, Nukuna tried to use her past government work to her advantage during the job search, and said some interviewers asked if she could work with people she disagreed with politically.

"Luckily, because I started earlier, I had some leads already and people that I've been talking to, and I just went on high drive once I got fired," she said. "There was a period where I was doing like five interviews a week and all day exercises."

She said she does mental health check-ins with friends who are still working for the federal government. Nukuna said she likely would have left her USDS role voluntarily due to the mental toll it was taking on her.

Although she had previously worked in the private sector, she chose the nonprofit route this time because she was "really drawn to the mission" and the people.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Swastikas were spray-painted on several buildings in Little Village over the weekend, and one building was tagged a second time with a pro-immigration enforcement statement, community members said.

According to a statement from the Chicago Police Department, three buildings in the 2700 block of West Cermak Road and one in the 2500 block were vandalized late Friday night, around midnight.

Community members said a grocery store and two community organizations were spray-painted with swastikas in the 2700 block of West Cermak.

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Half of the front wall of La Fruteria grocery store is 50 feet of uninterrupted cinder-block wall  a perfect canvas for the street artists whose murals occupy the space. Bibiana Mesa, one of the owners of La Fruteria grocery store, said they decided to give the space to the community when they bought the business five years ago.

Its either we have them do something to relate a message, or we have it getting tagged by gangs in the area or whatnot, she said. It brings up a lot of colors, and it makes people feel good, our community is being represented.

In the past, the wall has been home to a Chicago Bulls cartoon and a mural honoring the Hispanic community, Mesa said. Until Sunday, the wall featured a mural reading FREE PALESTINE with a child standing on a pile of burning rubble in front of a Palestinian flag.

The Mesas check their building for issues every morning when they arrive. On Saturday, as they pulled up in their car, they saw there were swastikas on the front of the building.

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And as we looked around, we noticed that other buildings around the area were vandalized as well, Mesa said. They called the business across the street, Latinos Progresando, to let the organization know that there was a swastika painted on the glass of their front door as well.

Latinos Progresando is a nonprofit that provides community services for the Mexican community, including legal services and education on immigration matters. Nubia Willman, the organizations chief programs officer, said their CEO contacted police to document the crime and then washed off the swastika as soon as they could Saturday morning.

There is a purpose when you use a swastika. That is a specific symbol with an intent to create intimidation and fear, Willman said. Our immigrant community, our Mexican community, Latino community, has really been targeted lately. And so to come to a predominantly Mexican neighborhood and graffiti with a criminal or hate symbol, you cant really do anything but assume an intent to create fear.

The Mesas painted over the swastikas on their building Saturday, but the swastikas still showed through the paint. They decided the mural had to be painted over completely to remove all traces, and they planned to do so on Sunday. But when they came in Sunday morning, ICE RULES had been added to the front of the building, an apparent reference to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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The full facade is now the same shade of pink as the rest of the building. Still, the Mesas are hoping that local artists will reach out to propose new mural ideas.

These people are trying to scare us, but you know, were here with strong community, and we will get through this, Mesa said.

This follows a similar incident in Pilsen in June, in which a woman defaced a mural at 16th Street and Ashland Avenue and was accused of attacking another woman who tried to stop her. That mural depicted solidarity between a Mexican and a Palestinian man. Police said Sunday this case is still under investigation.

Latinos Progresando posted pictures on social media of the swastika painted on its front door.

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It is clear that the perpetrator, motivated by a federal government who has unleashed masked, heavily armed ICE agents into our neighborhood, believed that this cowardly act would further intimidate, frighten, and divide our community, the statement read.

Lets be clear about one thing  Latinos Progresando will not back away from our values or be deterred from our work because of this heinous criminal act. We are not going anywhere.

The third Little Village building tagged was the Chicago Liberation Center, a community center where social media posts show people have recently gathered to focus on actions against ICE and deportation. A window flying a Palestinian flag was painted with a swastika that has since been removed.

Police said no one is in custody and detectives are investigating.
Recreational marijuana businesses could soon be banned in another Miami Valley city.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Bellbrook City Council introduced an ordinance that proposes a ban on all recreational marijuana sales in the city.

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This comes as the citys temporary ban on these sales is about to expire.

Council members voted to hold a public hearing on the ordinance at their next meeting on July 28.

If the ban is enacted, people can still use and possess the legal amount of 2.5 ounces in any form except extract.

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Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only survivor of the Air India plane crash, "dreams he is on the flight" when he sleeps, according to a relative

"He remembers seeing everyone die in front of his eyes," the family memeber said of the lone crash survivor

The London-bound plane crashed shortly after takeoff in India on June 12, resulting in the deaths of 241 people, including Vishwash's brother





The only survivor from the Air India plane crash relives the events of that day every night, according to his family member.

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On June 12, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in India, resulting in the deaths of 241 people  229 of the 230 passengers on board, as well as all 12 crew members. There was only one survivor: a passenger named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.

A month has passed since Vishwash, a 40-year-old British citizen, was hospitalized for the injuries he sustained in the crash, which killed his older brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh.

But the horrors of that day are still fresh in his mind, one of his relatives told Metro UK.

Saurabh Sirohiya/NurPhoto via Getty The aftermath of the Air India flight crash on June 12, 2025 The aftermath of the Air India flight crash on June 12, 2025

Krunal Keshave, whom Metro UK identified as a family member of Vishwash from Leicester, England, told the British outlet that Vishwash cant sleep at night.

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He sleeps but doesnt sleep properly, Keshave said. When he sleeps, he dreams he is on the flight. He remembers seeing everyone die in front of his eyes.

He speaks, but he doesnt speak about the crash, Keshave continued. He is currently trying to have a normal life, but he is not going out too much.

The crash survivor, his relative added, is spending time at home with the family.

Vishwash was visiting family in India with his brother Ajay, 45, and was returning to the United Kingdom when the crash occurred, he previously told The Hindustan Times. He was hospitalized with impact injuries to his chest, eyes and feet following the crash, according to the outlet.

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The British national was later released from the hospital on June 17 after five days, The Guardian, BBC News and Sky News reported at the time. The day after his release, he helped carry his brother Ajays coffin during the funeral in the Indian town of Diu, per the outlets.

BASIT ZARGAR/Middle east images/AFP via Getty Wreckage from the Air India crash, pictured on June 14, 2025 Wreckage from the Air India crash, pictured on June 14, 2025

While he was still in the hospital, Vishwash recalled the moments leading up to the crash that killed his brother  Ajay was sitting just a few rows away on the fatal flight  while speaking with The Hindustan Times.

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.

Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed, he told the outlet from his hospital bed. It all happened so quickly."

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"When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran," Vishwash continued. "There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital."



Read the original article on People
A Long Island man who was sucked into an MRI machine by a neck chain he was wearing has died, Nassau County police said.

Keith McAllister, 61, was wearing a 20-pound weight-training chain with a large lock around his neck when he walked into the room where his wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, was undergoing a knee scan on Wednesday. Realizing she would need help getting up afterward, she had called out for her husband and asked the technician to fetch him from the waiting area, she told News 12 Long Island after the incident.

The technician allowed McAllister into the room with the chain, Jones-McAllister said, noting that her husband had worn the chain to Nassau Open MRI in Westbury before, and that he and the tech had conversed about it in the past.

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As McAllister approached, however, the machine switched him around, pulled him in, and he hit the MRI, Jones-McAllister told News 12. I said, Could you turn off the machine, call 911, do something, turn this damn thing off! 

Both she and the technician struggled to separate her husband and the machine, but could not.

He waved goodbye to me, and then his whole body went limp, McAllisters distraught widow told News 12.

He was attached to the machine for nearly an hour, Jones-McCallisters daughter said in an online funding appeal for funeral expenses.

The Nassau County Police Department said the chain caused him to be drawn into the machine, which resulted in a medical episode.

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McAllister was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead at 2:36 p.m. Thursday, Nassau County police said in an update on Friday. McAllister-Jones said her husband suffered several heart attacks after the incident.

Magnetic resonance imaging machines produce detailed internal body images that help detect and diagnose disease and monitor treatment, according to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, using magnets powerful enough to fling a wheelchair across the room. Patients must remove all metal and electrical objects before undergoing a scan. McAllisters stepdaughter said he had had permission to enter the room, but the technician had forgotten to remind him to take off the chain.

Anything made of iron, some types of steel, and other potentially magnetizable materials would act like a torpedo trying to get into the middle of the center of the magnet, director of imaging services Charles Winterfeldt told CBS News. Such instances are exceedingly rare, experts said.

With News Wire Services
BOONE, Iowa  Following his death earlier this year, a long-time volunteer of the Ericson Public Library was honored for more than a decade of storytelling on Saturday.

Doug Stier had a longtime passion for the library and began volunteering for childrens story time more than 10 years ago. Stier would dress for the part, playing characters like Pete the Cat, Corduroy, and the Hungry Caterpillar.

Stier died from dementia in January, with the board electing to rename the walk in honor of him later in the spring. Following a ceremony Saturday morning, the StoryWalk at McHose Park was officially named the Doug R. Stier StoryWalk.

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Iowa Games celebrates summer events with 10,000 participants

Zachary Stier, the Childrens Librarian and son of Doug Stier, says the StoryWalk is bittersweet yet exciting.

As I always tell kiddos at the end of story time, I never say goodbye, I always say see you later. I look at this really a trail of memory and this his sprit is still here. We can have a good time and laugh which is something he would want as well, said Zachary Stier.

The StoryWalk was started as a way to elevate the importance of literacy and engagement in the community. Along the walk, 22 posts share a page from a book along with photos of Stier playing a character from the book. Visitors can also scan a QR code and view videos.

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Its very fresh. It just brought a little sadness of course. I mean thats natural to be sad. I have a lot of great memories going through my mind. I can see him you know being so happy and that he still able to bring joy to the children and the Boone community, said Ronda Kelley, Ericson Public Library.

McHose Park and the Doug R. Stier StoryWalk are located in Boone next to the Aquatic Center.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
The Longmont City Council has postponed its first reading and public hearing on the controversial Tull-Distel land swap, originally scheduled for this Tuesday. Instead, the council will hold an executive session regarding Holcim mineral interests and operations and open space property interests.

Holcim  formerly Aggregate Industries  sold both properties to the city in 2019.

New map revealed by city staff at the city of Longmonts July 16 Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting

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The proposed land exchange concerns two properties in unincorporated Weld County. The city already owns both properties  the swap would be between city departments. The Distel property is part of the citys open space program, while the Tull property is under the citys Utilities and Public Works Department. If the exchange is approved, the Tull property would be repositioned under the citys open space program. The Distel property would be seriously considered as a site for a future composting facility, which could help Boulder County reach its sustainability goals, according to the Boulder County Public Works Department.

Proponents of the Distel property composting facility argue that the Distel property is already being used for gravel mining, making it more suitable for industrial purposes. Opponents argue that open space taxpayer dollars should be reserved for open space purposes, and raise concerns over noise and light pollution.

Several opponents spoke June 23 to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, which then voted 3-2 to reject a land swap ordinance as it is currently proposed.

At a Sustainability Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday, city staff presented a scenario that would increase open space by 5 acres and preserve the most ecologically sensitive areas along the St. Vrain and Boulder creek corridors  and expand riparian habitat on the Tull property.

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Wildlife advocates have raised concerns about how the construction of a Boulder County composting facility could negatively impact bald eagle habitat near Longmonts Distel property as well, suggesting that bald eagles nesting near the composting facility could begin eating scraps from the compost rather than hunting, eventually losing their natural abilities to hunt for food and sustain themselves.

Dana Bove, retired federal geologist and founder of the nonprofit Front Range Eagle Studies, an organization dedicated to the study and conservation of nesting and winter roosting bald eagles in the northern Front Range, has expressed concerns about the Tull-Distel land swaps potential negative effect on bald eagle populations from the start.

At the June advisory board meeting, he pointed out that the area just east of the town where Boulder Creek and St. Vrain River come together has been a vital winter refuge for bald eagles for decades. And yet, their population has already been experiencing a documented clear and troubling decline, he said, arguing that they dont need any additional stressors.

Kara Van Hoose, Northeast Region public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, told the Times-Call that its possible a compost facility that allows animal parts could attract eagles.

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If a compost facility allows animal parts, its possible the eagles will choose to feed on scraps there, Van Hoose said in an email. In talking with our avian researchers, they are not aware of any permanent altered behavior in eagles in such cases.

Eagles would not forgo a prey opportunity elsewhere because of the facilitys presence. The innate hunting drive would remain. If a compost facility does not allow animal parts, then the eagles would not be attracted to it as they are carnivores, she added.

Boulder Countys current composting guidelines do not permit the composting of animal parts.

Additionally, the proposed area on the Distel property for the composting facility lies more than half a mile from any recorded bald eagle nesting and roosting habitats, which meets the buffer recommendations from state and federal wildlife agencies, according to CPW. Bove said that buffer requirements set by state and federal wildlife agencies are not always adequate.

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Longmont city code permits certain reassignments of open space land if proper reimbursements are made, a process detailed in the citys 2011 Open Space Disposition Code. For Weld Countys part, their planning staff has confirmed that composting is a potentially allowable use on agricultural-zoned properties, such as the Distel site, through a use by special review process. They cited A1 Organics smaller composting facility at 16350 County Road near Eaton, which currently operates under a USR in unincorporated Weld County in an agricultural zone.

The city of Longmont spans both Boulder and Weld counties. As such, a composting facility serving Longmont residents would benefit community members from both counties. If the process moves forward, the city looks forward to working with both Boulder and Weld counties to advance our shared composting goals, read a June project update on Longmonts website.

While a new composting facility in the region could help accomplish some of the targets outlined within Boulder Countys 2023 Sustainability Plan  including its zero waste goal, prevention of landfilling and greenhouse gas emissions, shortening hauling distances for waste, and improving land health with finished compost  finding the most efficient balance of land use has proven to be a challenge.

Boulder Countys sustainability plan outlines the importance of land use in its sustainability, climate action and resilience plan, placing emphasis on a compact land-use pattern.

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A compact land-use pattern focuses growth in urban areas, which helps to avoid sprawl and ensures efficient use of land and natural resources, while also preserving farmland, open space, and wildlife habitat, the plan reads.

At the June meeting, city staff argued that the land exchange would ultimately increase the total acreage of open space, accelerate restoration efforts and enhance habitat connectivity. They also noted that any facility on the site would require separate environmental and planning approvals.

But skeptics said a net gain of five acres is small and questioned whether the swap would set a precedent for industrial development on land residents believed would remain protected.

Daniel Wolford, who served as Longmonts open space manager from 2017 to 2021, said that open space land shouldnt be treated as a bargaining chip. He expressed concern about the message it sends to voters who supported the open space tax extension in 2024.

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Even if the amount of open space increases, it raises trust issues, Wolford said. The public needs to know that when they vote for open space, its protected.

He also noted that the Distel property was not acquired with the intention of later reassigning it. The idea was to preserve that property long term, not to hand it off for a public works facility.

PRAB listened to numerous individuals speak out against using open space tax dollars for other purposes.

Moving or exchanging existing open space property is not what the voters of Longmont want, former Longmont Mayor Roger Lange said at the meeting. Longmont voters share the belief that existing open space should be left alone and not be a candidate for any future property exchange.

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Several speakers cited the results of a 2024 ballot measure in which more than 70% of voters approved extending the citys open space sales tax.

They did so with the understanding that these lands would be preserved, not reassigned for industrial use, said Jeff Lester, a Longmont resident and member of Longmont Friends of Open Space, a group of Longmont residents who advocate on behalf of open space and public land.

The city disputes this, with spokesman Scott Rochat noting in an email to the Times-Call that open space has been repurposed to meet other community purposes in the past, citing an instance in 2009 when the street fund reimbursed the open space fund for 2.57 acres of Dickens Nature Area (open space) for the purpose of extending Martin Street south of First Avenue to what is now the Martin Street Bridge.

After this occurred, the city council decided to formalize and codify that process, adopting the current Open Space Disposition code, Chapter 14.52, in 2011. Another example came after the adoption of that code, when the council approved the disposition of 5.94 acres of open space in 2013 for the extension of Boston Avenue from Martin Street to the west, Rochat wrote.

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Additionally, Rochat noted that in the past, Longmont open space was purchased with general funds since the open space fund had not been created, citing Sandstone Ranch as an example.

The Distel property was purchased with the Open Space Fund. The Tull property was purchased with various funds including the Open Space Fund, the Water Fund, the Sanitary Sewer Fund, the Street Fund and the Stormwater Fund, he added.

Ethan Augreen, who serves on Longmonts Sustainability Advisory Board, published an article on July 18 analyzing the revised compost site footprint. He noted that the new maps reveal the potential composting area at Distel is 15.3 acres, significantly smaller than earlier estimates.

He argued that smaller facilities tend to be more environmentally manageable and expressed hope that the revised plan could alleviate some public concerns. However, he also warned that the city must provide clearer guardrails for future land use decisions if it wishes to maintain public trust.

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While some speakers voiced tentative support for the proposal, many said it should be postponed or conditioned on the results of the compost feasibility study and completion of a phase two environmental assessment.

In 2019, Boulder County conducted the first phase of an environmental site assessment for the Distel and Tull properties, concluding that additional investigation is needed to evaluate whether toxic environmental conditions exist on the site. Phase two of the study, which is underway, is expected to conclude in September, according to a July 7 news release from Boulder County.

Several expressed concerns about possible groundwater contamination and traffic impacts, particularly for rural Weld County residents living near the site.

PRAB members discussed those concerns at length. Board member Scott Conlin abstained from the vote. Board member Nick Novello was absent from the meeting.

After deliberation, the board voted 3-2 to recommend that the City Council reject the current version of the land swap. Thomas Davis, Erin Angel and Brandi Reyes voted in favor; Sam Libby and Hannah Mulroy were opposed. While the vote is advisory, the City Council has final authority over whether to proceed.

The council is now expected to take up the land exchange on Aug. 12.
In the four months since he began serving as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made many public statements about vaccines that have cast doubt on their safety and on the objectivity of long-standing processes established to evaluate them.

Many of these statements are factually incorrect. For example, in a newscast aired on June 12, 2025, Kennedy told Fox News viewers that 97% of federal vaccine advisers are on the take. In the same interview, he also claimed that children receive 92 mandatory shots. He has also widely claimed that only COVID-19 vaccines, not other vaccines in use by both children and adults, were ever tested against placebos and that nobody has any idea how safe routine immunizations are.

As an infectious disease physician who curates an open database of hundreds of controlled vaccine trials involving over 6 million participants, I am intimately familiar with the decades of research on vaccine safety. I believe it is important to correct the record  especially because these statements come from the official who now oversees the agencies charged with protecting Americans health.

Do children really receive 92 mandatory shots?

In 1986, the childhood vaccine schedule contained about 11 doses protecting against seven diseases. Today, it includes roughly 50 injections covering 16 diseases. State school entry laws typically require 30 to 32 shots across 10 to 12 diseases. No state mandates COVID-19 vaccination. Where Kennedys 92 mandatory shots figure comes from is unclear, but the actual number is significantly lower.

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From a safety standpoint, the more important question is whether todays schedule with additional vaccines might be too taxing for childrens immune systems. It isnt, because as vaccine technology improved over the past several decades, the number of antigens in each vaccine dose is much lower than before.

Antigens are the molecules in vaccines that trigger a response from the immune system, training it to identify the specific pathogen. Some vaccines contain a minute amount of aluminum salt that serves as an adjuvant  a helper ingredient that improves the quality and staying power of the immune response, so each dose can protect with less antigen.

Those 11 doses in 1986 delivered more than 3,000 antigens and 1.5 milligrams of aluminum over 18 years. Todays complete schedule delivers roughly 165 antigens  which is a 95% reduction  and 5-6 milligrams of aluminum in the same time frame. A single smallpox inoculation in 1900 exposed a child to more antigens than todays complete series.

Jonas Salk, the inventor of the polio vaccine, administers a dose to a boy in 1954. Underwood Archives via Getty Images

Since 1986, the United States has introduced vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus and human papillomavirus. Each addition represents a life-saving advance.

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The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and other severe diseases, has dropped by 99% in infants. Pediatric hepatitis infections are down more than 90%, and chickenpox hospitalizations are down about 90%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that vaccinating children born from 1994 to 2023 will avert 508 million illnesses and 1,129,000 premature deaths.

Placebo testing for vaccines

Kennedy has asserted that only COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous safety trials in which they were tested against placebos. This is categorically wrong.

Of the 378 controlled trials in our database, 195 compared volunteers response to a vaccine with their response to a placebo. Of those, 159 gave volunteers only a salt water solution or another inert substance. Another 36 gave them just the adjuvant without any viral or bacterial material, as a way to see whether there were side effects from the antigen itself or the injection. Every routine childhood vaccine antigen appears in at least one such study.

The 1954 Salk polio trial, one of the largest clinical trials in medical history, enrolled more than 600,000 children and tested the vaccine by comparing it with a salt water control. Similar trials, which used a substance that has no biological effect as a control, were used to test Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal, rotavirus, influenza and HPV vaccines.

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Once an effective vaccine exists, ethics boards require new versions be compared against that licensed standard because withholding proven protection from children would be unethical.

How unknown is the safety of widely used vaccines?

Kennedy has insisted on multiple occasions that nobody has any idea about vaccine safety profiles. Of the 378 trials in our database, the vast majority published detailed safety outcomes.

Beyond trials, the U.S. operates the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, the Vaccine Safety Datalink and the PRISM network to monitor hundreds of millions of doses for rare problems. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System works like an open mailbox where anyone  patients, parents, clinicians  can report a post-shot problem; the Vaccine Safety Datalink analyzes anonymized electronic health records from large health care systems to spot patterns; and PRISM scans billions of insurance claims in near-real time to confirm or rule out rare safety signals.

These systems led health officials to pull the first rotavirus vaccine in 1999 after it was linked to bowel obstruction, and to restrict the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 after rare clotting events. Few drug classes undergo such continuous surveillance and are subject to such swift corrective action when genuine risks emerge.

The conflicts of interest claim

On June 9, Kennedy took the unprecedented step of dissolving vetted members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the expert body that advises the CDC on national vaccine policy. He has claimed repeatedly that the vast majority of serving members of the committee  97%  had extensive conflicts of interest because of their entanglements with the pharmaceutical industry. Kennedy bases that number on a 2009 federal audit of conflict-of-interest paperwork, but that report looked at 17 CDC advisory committees, not specifically this vaccine committee. And it found no pervasive wrongdoing  97% of disclosure forms only contained routine paperwork mistakes, such as information in the wrong box or a missing initial, and not hidden financial ties.

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Reuters examined data from Open Payments, a government website that discloses health care providers relationships with industry, for all 17 voting members of the committee who were dismissed. Six received no more than US$80 from drugmakers over seven years, and four had no payments at all.

The remaining seven members accepted between $4,000 and $55,000 over seven years, mostly for modest consulting or travel. In other words, just 41% of the committee received anything more than pocket change from drugmakers. Committee members must divest vaccine company stock and recuse themselves from votes involving conflicts.

A term without a meaning

Kennedy has warned that vaccines cause immune deregulation, a term that has no basis in immunology. Vaccines train the immune system, and the diseases they prevent are the real threats to immune function.

Measles can wipe immune memory, leaving children vulnerable to other infections for years. COVID-19 can trigger multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Chronic hepatitis B can cause immune-mediated organ damage. Preventing these conditions protects people from immune system damage.

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Todays vaccine panel doesnt just prevent infections; it deters doctor visits and thereby reduces unnecessary prescriptions for just-in-case antibiotics. Its one of the rare places in medicine where physicians like me now do more good with less biological burden than we did 40 years ago.

The evidence is clear and publicly available: Vaccines have dramatically reduced childhood illness, disability and death on a historic scale.

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: Jake Scott, Stanford University

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Jake Scott 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.
For the first time in Madagascar, a court has ruled that surgical castration be carried out on a sex offender, who raped and murdered a six-year-old girl.

The 24-year-old man has been sentenced to surgical castration and life imprisonment with hard labour  the first time the law will be applied since it was voted through in parliament more than a year ago.

"Today's decision is a strong and significant response from the justice system, intended also to serve as a warning to anyone with similar malicious intentions," said Didier Razafindralambo, attorney general at the Court of Appeal.

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According to Madagascars justice ministry, 133 cases of the rape of a minor were reported in January 2024 alone  more than four per day.

The offender in this case took the six-year-old girl to his home in March 2024, where he beat, raped and strangled her and burnt her with cigarette butts.

Permanent punishment

Surgical castration is a permanent procedure involving the removal of the testicles, or ovaries, to stop the production of sex hormones.

It is a rare form of punishment, only used in Germany, the Czech Republic, the state of Louisiana in the United States and that of Kaduna in Nigeria  and now Madagascar.

Chemical castration involves the use of drugs to stop the production of sex hormones. The punishment has been introduced in several US states, and several countries.

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Lone migrant children face 'care gap' in France, with some left on streets

Madagascar's Justice Minister Landy Mbolatiana Randriamanantenasoa said that the introduction of the law enabling surgical castration was necessary due to increasing cases of child rape.

Surgical castration will be the default punishment for those found guilty of raping a child under the age of 10, according to the new law. Cases of rape against children between the ages of 10 and 13 will be punished by either surgical or chemical castration. The rape of minors between the age of 14 and 17 will be punished by chemical castration.

'Cruel and inhuman'

The country's Catholic bishops have condemned the law, saying it goes against ethics and morality. They described castration as an act of "torture", contrary to human rights and the principles of the Church.

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"The human body, as the work of God, is sacred," they said in a statement. "So nothing and no one has authority over it, not even the law."

The law has also drawn criticism from several rights groups. At the time of the law's proposal, Amnesty International called castration a "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment" and said it was "inconsistent with Malagasy constitutional provisions against torture and other ill-treatment, as well as regional and international human rights standards".

France among EU states to test age-check app to protect children online

However, Jessica Lolonirina Nivoseheno of Women Break the Silence  a movement against rape culture in Madagascar  told RFI that the punishment will act as a deterrent.

"Rape culture is so present in Madagascar. Sexual violence is normalised. The punishment is a way of telling potential offenders that there are consequences for their crime."
HAZEL GREEN, Ala. (WHNT)  As hard as it is to believe, its almost time for children in the Tennessee Valley to head back to school.

The Caring Link, a nonprofit, held its second annual back-to-school readiness program at Flint River Baptist Church.

The two-day event provided over 400 children from Madison County with essentials like five new outfits, socks, shoes, underwear, school supplies, haircuts and even hearing and vision screenings, free of charge.

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Caring Link President Kate ONeal said that helping kids brings her joy, but more importantly, helps set them up for success as they start the school year.

Its really important for us to provide these resources for children because it helps them focus in the classroom, and we know that education is a cycle breaker of poverty, but its really hard to focus on getting a quality education when you dont have your basic needs met, ONeal said. We want to meet those basic needs so they can thrive in the classroom and then beyond that.

The event also featured several other nonprofits that offer a variety of services for families in need.

This isnt the only way the Caring Link helps students in Madison County. Throughout the year, they have care closets in different schools that help students with essential items.

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To find out more about the Caring Link, 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 WHNT.com.
Influential figures in the MAGA realm who have pushed the administration to release more documents related to Jeffrey Epsteins case are coming to President Trumps defense after The Wall Street Journal reported that the commander-in-chief allegedly sent a lewd letter to the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender over 20 years ago.

The Journal reported on Thursday about an alleged letter the president sent to Epstein in 2003 for his 50th birthday. The letter, a copy of which was not featured in the piece, reportedly has text framed by the outline of a naked woman and features the line Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret.

Trump has denied writing the letter. The president sued the Journal the next day in federal court, demanding billions of dollars in damages.

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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, the president said on Truth Social.

Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon, who last week called for a special prosecutor to be appointed to review the Epstein files, said on his War Room show Friday, In fact, we made the recommendations that are the best for President Trump in this movement, which is President Trump is best when its attack, attack, attack. This is the deep state. This is the ruling class in America. Theyre trying to use it to destroy President Trump.

On the podcast, Bannon asked MAGA podcaster and influencer Jack Posobiec, Where are we in all of this, sir?

Were so back. Look. Everyone is firing on all cylinders. The MAGA movement is completely united behind this fight right now, Posobiec said.

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Conservative commentator and host Megyn Kelly, who has called out Trump supporters who deferred to the administrations posture on the Epstein controversy, said the Journal article on Thursday was the dumbest attempted hit piece Ive ever read.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk, whose relationship with Trump soured in recent months amid a public fallout, said the letter sounds bogus.

Hours after the Journal article was published, Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release relevant grand jury testimony in the Epstein case.

The order from Trump was welcomed by MAGA as parts of the base have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the administration following last weeks release of an unnamed joint DOJ and FBI memo, stating that Epstein did not keep the so-called client list and that he died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial.

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After Trump issued the order to Bondi on Thursday night, Turning Point USA founder and conservative activist Charlie Kirk wrote on the social media platform X that it was a major move. Lets go!

The DOJ followed through on Friday, filing a pair of nearly identical motions to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, requesting to unseal the grand jury transcripts. The DOJ said it would shield the names of potential victims and personal identifying information prior to releasing the transcript. The release of grand jury transcripts is rare due to sensitive information, but not impossible.

Right-wing activist Laura Loomer, an ardent supporter of Trump, slammed the former chairman of News Corp Rupert Murdoch and argued that the president should cut him off forever. News Corp owns the Journal.

Rupert Murdoch should never be allowed to have access to Donald Trump ever again. Hes a slime ball. Hes a liar and he obviously tried to weaponize his News Corp to, and his media platform, very wealthy, multi-billion-dollar media platform, to assassinate the character of President Trump, because he was not successful in assassinating President Trumps 2024 presidential election, Loomer said Friday while on Bannons War Room show.

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Trump bashed GOP voters earlier this week for being overly focused on the Epstein case and told his supporters that they should move on to other issues. The president also wondered why the Democratic Party lawmakers did not call for the release of the Epstein files while they controlled the White House and had the majority in the Senate.

If there was a smoking gun on Epstein, why didnt the Dems, who controlled the files for four years, and had [former Attorney General Merrick] Garland and [ex-prosecutor Maureen] Comey in charge, use it, Trump said Friday on Truth Social, adding BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING!!!

Despite the administrations push to release the grand jury testimony, Trump said on Saturday it will likely not be enough to please the troublemakers and radical left lunatics.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK  Zohran Mamdanis social media savvy helped catapult him to a historic win in the June Democratic primary for New York City mayor. But that same online oeuvre has been a target for critics looking to tarnish his luster ahead of the November general election.

The democratic socialist has faced scrutiny for lyrics to a rap song posted online praising an organization convicted of aiding Hamas. He has come under attack for social media posts questioning FBI tactics in the leadup to the Obama-era killing of Anwar al-Awlaki, who was affiliated with al Qaeda. And his previous support for defunding the police  all laid out through statements on X  has also raised considerable hackles.

At 33 years old, Mamdani is part of a generation of elected officials who grew up on the internet, a rearing that fosters fluency in the semiotics of TikTok and Instagram. It also often comes at a price: an extensive digital footprint that can, years later, be tracked all the way back to adolescence. And because Mamdani is unique in both his youth and the scale of the job hes seeking, traces of his online persona  and his salad days by extension  have been subjected to a level of scrutiny his older opponents can avoid.

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Every candidate should scrub their social media, said New York City Council Member Chi Osse, who was just 23 when he was elected. But I think thats very difficult to do. Once something is on the internet, it kind of lasts forever.

Mamdanis chief opponents in the general election, Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Eric Adams, have no such worries.

Both are in their 60s and, despite decades of print and television interviews, lack a trail of off-the-cuff posts on Twitter, Facebook or other social media platforms that have bedeviled younger politicians at every level of government, including the vice president . Adams, for example, draws on a seemingly unending supply of unverifiable  and sometimes untrue  yarns about his formative years.

Yet the incumbents strained attempts at meme-dom and Cuomos decision to launch his campaign with a 17-minute soliloquy show that older candidates lack an inherent feel for the type of digital hyping essential to reaching todays youth  which is tomorrows median voter. (Case in point: Mamdanis troll of Cuomos second launch video got 33 times the likes and, according to his campaign, led to its second-best day of fundraising since the primary.)

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So far, Mamdani is clearly winning online.

During the primary, a pro-Cuomo super PAC drew from the state lawmakers pixelated past in its pricey effort to tear down Mamdani and boost Cuomo. It didnt work: The democratic socialist beat the former governor by nearly 13 points, in part because of Mamdanis engaging online persona as well as the PACs failure to effectively mine his digital footprint to Cuomos advantage.

More recently, resurfaced social media posts concerning Israel and his thoughts on free-market capitalism have stoked outrage among critics in right-leaning publications. The impact within the New York City electorate has been negligible as Mamdani basks in the afterglow of his win and gains more institutional backing. But the steady drumbeat of stories is helping national Republicans paint the nominee as the new face of a Democratic Party that has strayed too far to the left.

Like the true Communist he is, Commie Mamdani supports the abolition of private property, Rep. Elise Stefanik wrote on X in reference to a past Mamdani podcast appearance. This is the NY Democrat Party @KathyHochul you lead and you have failed to condemn this dangerous insanity.

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Mamdanis team said hes focused on his message and is not sweating previous social media posts.

Corrupt politicians and political pundits want to keep talking about old tweets, Communications Director Jeffrey Lerner said in a statement. Zohrans going to continue talking about his vision for an affordable New York that received historic support across all five boroughs.

The Queens lawmaker has found unique ways to convey components of that vision.

On New Years Day, a besuited Mamdani flung himself into the frigid ocean waters lapping at Coney Island to promote his promise to freeze the rent for rent-stabilized tenants. After being accused of using artificial intelligence to fake fluency for a Spanish-language spot, he released a blooper reel showing him repeatedly tripping over pronunciations. Mamdani did a series of on-camera interviews with Trump voters in Queens. And he filmed himself on a mock date asking supporters to register as Democrats before a Valentines Day deadline.

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The three-term state legislators skill in crafting quick, effective and relatively cheap digital media spots was key to animating younger voters who mostly consume news and engage in political discourse on social media  and who turned out in record numbers to deliver Mamdani his primary day victory.

Some of that success comes from a skill at retail politics that transcends medium.

Part of the reason those videos are so effective is because he is interacting with people authentically, Democratic strategist Jon Paul Lupo said. Its not enough to have been an online presence for 15 years, you have to have the sort of empathy and warmth that creates that direct connection because the camera is picking it up.

Andrew Epstein, creative director for the campaign, said having a message that resonated with voters was also key.

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His dynamism and his skill as a communicator  it gets you in the door, he said. But then its about what hes actually saying.

Mamdanis particular knack for virality also seems to stem from his innate comfort with social media.

His digital profile is not as extensive as other politicians. Most of his current social media accounts date back only to shortly before he was elected to state office in 2020. At some point, Mamdani switched his Twitter handle, though the posts under his current account date back to 2011, when he was 19.

A POLITICO review of Mamdanis posts across several platforms showed a digital persona hallmarked by evolving, though consistently leftist politics dating back to the upstart candidates teens. Between Twitter quips and plugs for his rap music as Mr. Cardamom, his online footprint charts the formation of a staunchly socialist politician whose messaging on issues like policing, Israel and capitalism is now coming under the microscope.

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During the primary, the pro-Cuomo super PAC Fix the City spent $22.4 million boosting Cuomo and attacking Mamdani, according to the latest figures from the citys Campaign Finance Board.

The independent expenditure committee created mailers and advertisements that resurfaced press clips from the race as well as social media posts made by Mamdani following his 2020 election to the state Assembly. In one of Mamdanis Twitter posts circulated by the PAC, he writes , Defund it. Dismantle it, in reference to the NYPD. In another post used in the ads, Mamdani shares a photo of himself behind the words, We demand: Defund the NYPD.

Mamdani said during the campaign he does not plan to defund the police. Though he does intend to reduce the NYPDs massive overtime budget and create a Department of Community Safety that would take certain functions, such as responding to mental health calls, away from officers.

A Democratic consultant who was granted anonymity to frankly discuss campaign strategy said running against a candidate affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America typically entails two strategies: Paint them as too extreme in an effort to limit their support to only the most loyal leftists, or attack their credibility by exposing personal wealth or some other form of privilege.

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The pro-Cuomo super PAC chose the former. It did not succeed.

"Fix the City's negative paid ads against Mamdani could have been more successful if there had been a viable third or fourth candidate in the race to steer anti-Cuomo votes to. But particularly in the final weeks, it was very clearly Mamdani vs. Cuomo, the consultant said. This made the PACs attacks on Mamdani less impactful, because whatever concerns voters had about him  and a lot of Mamdani voters had concerns  he still wasn't Andrew Cuomo."

Epstein, Mamdanis creative director, said the campaign was able to reach vast numbers of voters at a fraction of the cost of broadcast spots, with video shoots typically costing in the low four-figures. In the month before the primary, Mamdanis Instagram content was viewed 236 million times, with 62 percent of those viewers not previously following him.

More recently, right-leaning news outfits and influencers have been picking up where Fix the City left off.

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A 2020 interview with The Far Left Show has spawned multiple reports in the New York Post and other outlets. In the spot, Mamdani told the hosts the abolition of private property would be preferable to the current housing crisis and, when asked whether prisons are obsolete, he responded what purpose do they serve? The Washington Free Beacon cited a separate 2020 interview where Mamdani says police officers shouldnt be the ones to respond to incidents where someone is going through domestic violence. And Fox News reported on an old tweet that showed Mamdani directing his middle finger toward a statue of Christopher Columbus.

The efficacy of the latest barrage of negative stories, however, appears limited: They are coming out during the doldrums of summer, just as Mamdani is riding high after his decisive primary win and gaining powerful institutional allies. The articles are appearing in outlets, with the exception of the New York Post, that have little sway in New York City elections. And while Mamdanis past positions have in some cases been expressed more crassly than he would want to convey them as mayor, they are not too far afield of his core ideology to alienate voters.

This stuff is not running contrary to the message, the Democratic consultant said. Negative material is only useful or valuable if it moves the needle with the relevant people.

The parade of Mamdani stories is having a bigger impact on the national level.

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The National Republican Congressional Committee  the body preparing to defend the partys slim House margins  took to X to label the presumptive Democratic nominee an antisemitic socialist radical just as Cuomo was conceding the race on June 24. Edited into the NRCCs anti-Mamdani graphic were Reps. Laura Gillen, Tom Suozzi and Josh Riley  three New York House Democrats representing battleground districts near New York City. None of the pictured members of Congress had endorsed Mamdani in the primary, yet the NRCC pounced on the opportunity to associate the swing-district Democrats with the GOPs new-found foil .

Vice President JD Vance was so taken by Mamdanis Independence Day post describing America as beautiful, contradictory, unfinished that he read it aloud to a conservative think tank crowd in San Diego.

"Who the hell does he think that he is?" Vance said in the speech delivered 2,500 miles from Gracie Mansion.

National exposure, however, can cut both ways.

Mamdani appears to be rapidly expanding his influence outside the five boroughs. At least two volunteers during the primary flew from abroad to canvas. And in Mamdanis latest fundraising haul, in contrast to the local, small-dollar contributions that fueled his primary run, nearly half his windfall came from donors outside the city.

According to the campaign, Mamdanis Instagram followers have jumped from fewer than 20,000 before he started his run to nearly 4 million in the wake of his victory.

Osse, the 20-something city lawmaker, said the benefits of online savviness outweigh the potential downsides. Candidates get to craft their own online persona instead of being characterized by reporters in legacy media. And younger voters who have social accounts themselves are more forgiving of past posts that might land flat.

The thing the people appreciate the most in this new era is a level of authenticity from the candidate, he said. And if that authenticity while they are campaigning is similar in tone to who that candidate has been in their digital lifespan, then I dont think people care as much as they would if the person were inconsistent or fake.




NEED TO KNOW

A man has been arrested after police said he drove into a crowd of people outside a Los Angeles nightclub, injuring 30, on July 19

Fernando Ramirez, 29, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon

The suspect is currently "in stable condition" at a hospital after the incident





A man has been arrested after police said he drove into a Los Angeles crowd and injured at least 30 people this weekend.

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After a vehicle plowed into the large group on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, Calif., around 2:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, July 19, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) identified the driver of the vehicle as Fernando Ramirez, according to multiple outlets, including CNN, ABC affiliate KABC and CBS News.

LAPD Cmdr. Lillian Carranza told reporters, in footage shared by NBC News, that Ramirez, 29, was "surrounded by a number of individuals who pulled him out of the car" after he struck the crowd.

"Somebody in that crowd reportedly shot the driver," she said. "So the driver was transported to the hospital, and he's undergoing surgery, but he's also in stable condition."

Ramirez was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, according to CBS News and KABC. Carranza also told reporters, per footage shared by KCAL, that authorities are considering charging him with attempted murder.

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Both CBS News and KABC reported that the suspect's charges will be decided by the district attorney.

The LAPD and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office (LADA) did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information on Sunday, July 20.

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AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes Police vehicles in Los Angeles surround scene of nightclub car crash on July 19, 2025 Police vehicles in Los Angeles surround scene of nightclub car crash on July 19, 2025

The LAPD confirmed on Facebook on July 19 that, upon arriving at the scene, authorities found the driver "being assaulted by bystanders" and determined he sustained a gunshot wound.

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The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that there were 30 victims in total  including seven in critical condition, six in serious condition, 10 in fair condition and seven patients who "refused transport," per the LAPD.

"The suspect who shot the driver fled the scene on foot and was last seen heading westbound from Vermont Avenue," the LAPD said, adding that the man was "possibly armed with a silver revolver."

Photos from the scene show a vehicle near the Vermont Hollywood nightclub on Santa Monica Boulevard with police tape surrounding it.

According to KABC, which cited the LAPD, the situation took place after club security escorted a man out of Vermont Hollywood. Minutes later, the car was driven into the crowd.

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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 there's also a valet line there," LAFD Capt. Adam Van Gerpen told KABC.

"The valet podium was taken out, the taco truck was taken out, and then a large number of people were impacted by the vehicle," he continued.

AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes A car sits outside of nightclub in aftermath of the incident in Los Angeles on July 19. A car sits outside of nightclub in aftermath of the incident in Los Angeles on July 19.

Most of the victims struck by the car were female, the Associated Press reported.

In a statement shared on Instagram on July 19, Vermont Hollywood said it was "deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred ... after the conclusion of an event and as patrons were exiting."

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"The suspect was immediately taken into custody by the LAPD, and an investigation is currently underway. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the person responsible for this horrific act is held fully accountable," the statement continued.

"We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders for their swift and compassionate action in assisting those affected," concluded the club's statement.



Read the original article on People
MOREHEAD, Ky. (FOX 56)  An eastern Kentucky teen has been killed, and another victim was flown to Lexington for treatment after an early morning shooting in Morehead.

Around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, the Morehead Police Department (MPD) announced in a news release that officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area of West Sun Street in Morehead. When they arrived, two juveniles had been shot.

The Rowan County Coroners Office posted on social media that the first victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was 15 years old.

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The second victim was reportedly taken to UKSt. Claire Regional Medical Center, then transferred to UK Hospital in Lexington for further treatment.

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After a short search, officers arrested Gildardo Martinez, 36. According to a news release on Sunday, he was charged with:

Murder

First-degree assault

Attempted rape

Jail records with the Rowan County Detention Center, where he was lodged, indicated he was also charged with alcohol intoxication in a public place, first and second offenses, second-degree fleeing or evading police on foot, resisting arrest, and second-degree disorderly conduct.

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The coroners office reported around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, identifying the teen who was killed as Luis Jocsan Nanez Lopez.

Jocsan would have been starting his Sophomore year at Rowan County Senior High School, officials said in a social media post.

School leaders posted an announcement on social media on Sunday evening, saying Luis was a sweet student who did his best each day.

Even though it is summertime, if a student or adult needs any assistance, our office is open each day from 8:00 to 3:00 this week where you can reach out, RCHS officials wrote.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Both the MPD and the Rowan County Coroners office stated that the shooting investigation remains ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

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Anyone with a tip about the West Sun Street area shooting is asked to contact Morehead police at (606) 784-7511.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  The Richmond County Sheriffs Office has arrested a man for allegedly shooting into an occupied vehicle in Augusta early Saturday.

According to RCSO, deputies responded to a residence on Reese Avenue regarding a report of a vehicle being struck by gunfire at 12:39 a.m. on July 19. The sheriffs office stated that the occupants of the vehicle said a verbal altercation took place at a convenience store on Peach Orchard Road, and as they were driving home, multiple gunshots were fired at the car.

Police said an infant was also among the occupants in the vehicle at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported, and investigators responded to the scene to collect evidence.

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The same day, at 4:47 p.m., RCSO deputies pulled over Rodriquez Brown at Bahama Drive, who was taken into police custody and arrested.

Brown faces the following charges:

Felony Trafficking fentanyl

Felony Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute

Felony Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

Felony Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Felony Possession of a machine gun (illegal conversion device)

Felony Obstruction of a law enforcement officer

According to officials, additional charges are pending.

This type of reckless and violent behavior will never be tolerated in Richmond County, Sheriff Eugene Brantley said in a statement on the incident.

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He added, I commend the officers of the Road Patrol, Criminal Investigations Division, Intel Division, and Crime Suppression Team for working closely together to resolve this situation quickly and prevent further violence in our community. Im especially thankful that no one, including the infant in the vehicle, was hurt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
A man was arrested Saturday morning after he fired several shots into windows between the front doors of the Sherburne County government center in Elk River, Minn., and entered the building, an official said.

The man was arrested outside the building as he was walking away holding a long gun, Sherburne County sheriffs Cmdr. Ben Zawacki said. Nobody was injured.

The suspect has been booked at the Sherburne County jail and has been identified as Zha Vang, 51, of Elk River.

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Several law-enforcement agencies responded to the government center at about 9:30 a.m. after the reports of shots fired.

An investigation is underway into whether Vang committed any other crimes before and/or after shooting at the building.

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A suspect has been arrested in Norway after shots were fired at a busy shopping centre in Oslo a day earlier, police said on Sunday.

The man, aged between 20 and 30, had been previously known to police, Knut Lutro, head of investigations at Oslo police, said during a press conference on Sunday afternoon.

The suspect was taken into custody after he turned himself in, Lutro said.

The shots were fired at the Tveita shopping centre on Saturday. Lutro said it was too early to say whether the incident was related to organized crime.

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He said the shooting occurred amid an escalating dispute between two groups, however.

At a planned meeting, a verbal altercation eventually turned into a violent brawl and a person pulled out a gun and fired several shoots, the detective said, stressing the motive was initially unclear.

A man aged between 40 and 50, who was also known to police, sustained gunshot wounds in the incident and is being treated in hospital, Lutro said, adding his condition was stable.

Both he and the suspected shooter are foreign nationals based in the region, according to the officer.

Meanwhile an older woman was slightly injured in the panic that ensued amid the shooting.

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The Tveita Senter shopping mall is one of the larger shopping centres in Oslo housing around 60 shops.

It is located a few kilometres east of the city centre.

The mall was temporarily closed following the incident to allow for evidence to be secured.
One of the most influential leaders of the terrorist organization "Islamic State" (ISIS) and his aide were killed in a drone strike on the IraqSyria border, Azernews reports.

The drone targeted a vehicle carrying the senior ISIS figure, reportedly considered one of the groups most powerful commanders.

The agency notes that this assassination is seen as a sign of growing internal divisions among terrorist factions in Syria, according to its sources.
JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV)  The Jasper County Sheriffs Office (JCSO) Special Victims Unit arrested a man wanted on several counts of sexual exploitation Friday.

Luis Manuel Chavez, 48, was wanted on five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in the second degree after the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office received a tip that informed officials of possible online child exploitation.

During the search, officials recovered cocaine and fraudulent documents from his residence on Sweet William Road in Ridgeland, including fake permanent resident cards, Social Security cards and passports.

Luis Manuel Chavez, 48

Chavez is now pending charges related to the fraudulent items and has been transported to a detention center.

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The Criminal Investigation Division, the Narcotics Enforcement Unit and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division also assisted in the investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

MIDVALE, Utah (ABC4)  A 23-year-old man has been charged after allegedly shooting and injuring another person in Midvale late Thursday night.

According to court documents, police responded to the area of 7200 South State Street in Midvale around 11:30 p.m. Thursday after the victim advised Taylorsville Police they were shot in the abdomen by an unknown male a few blocks north of the area. The victim was taken to the hospital where they are recovering.

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Officers canvassing the area found five spent shell casings and one live round of ammunition at the shooting scene. They eventually obtained surveillance footage and located the suspect, Dakota Pierce, based on the description the victim gave police.

While officers continued canvassing the area, Pierce began walking southbound into the crime scene. He was detained and transported to a police substation for further questioning.

Police interview the victim and another witness, who stated they were riding southbound on State Street when they observed Pierce and a juvenile female walking northbound on the west side of the road. Before entering the vehicle, Pierce reportedly asked the victim and witness, You having a good night?

Before either could respond, Pierce fired five rounds in their direction, striking the victim before fleeing northbound.

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Pierce was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on one charge of Felony Discharge of a Firearm Causing Serious Bodily Injury.

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NEED TO KNOW

A man, who hadn't been seen or heard from for more than a month, was found dead inside his car in Los Angeles

Rwechungula Anyabwile, 63, was last seen on May 22, and he last communicated with his family over text on June 22

He was found dead inside his car on July 18 in the L.A. neighborhood of Westchester





A man, who hadn't been seen or heard from for more than a month, was found dead inside his car in Los Angeles.

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According to a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), 63-year-old Rwechungula Anyabwile was last seen on May 22.

Police said Anyabwile was found dead in his car  a black Hyundai Sonata  on Friday, July 18, at 1:40 p.m. local time in L.A.'s Westchester neighborhood. Authorities have not shared his cause of death, but said that his family has been notified.

The LAPD's Missing Persons Unit first announced that Anyabwile's loved ones were searching for him on July 14, and officials said at the time that he had last communicated with friends and family via text in a group chat on June 22.

LAPDPIO Rwechungula Anyabwile Rwechungula Anyabwile

Anyabwile's family said at the time that he had no known medical conditions and had never been missing before.

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Speaking with local outlet The Argonaut, Anyabwile's family shared that he was last seen at an LA Fitness gym along Lincoln Boulevard in Playa Vista, a place he frequented.

His family also said they were concerned he had been injured, or was somehow involved in the ongoing ICE raids in the area, although he is not an immigrant and was born in L.A.

Its very unlike him to not be in contact with us for this long, especially when, mid-conversation, his last text was ... talking about Lord of the Rings, and I sent the group chat links about one of his favorite restaurant chains, which he would have for sure responded to, his daughter Nandi told the outlet.



Anyabwile's daughter also shared that the 63-year-old often worked and sometimes lived out of his car, delivering for Uber Eats and other similar services. She told The Argonaut that his family was even more concerned because his cell phone had no activity, including calls or data usage, since June 24.

State of California Department of Justice Rwechungula Anyabwile Rwechungula Anyabwile

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"Our family's been here for generations, and he is a community member that gets around," Nandi said of her dad. "He has his regular deliveries, and people know him and know his face. Even people like residents in the surrounding area of the LA Fitness recognized him."



Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the LAPD's Missing Persons Unit at (213) 996-1800.

Read the original article on People
EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated with new information from police about the age of the victim.

PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) is investigating a Sunday shooting that left a teenager dead.

According to police, officers received reports of a shooting around 11:30 a.m. in the 6800 block of Killarney St.

DC police investigating fatal Northeast shooting

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There, a teenager was found inside a car suffering from gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the shooting remains under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  A man was hospitalized after being trapped underneath a vehicle in Jones County.

According to investigators, they received a report of a man trapped underneath a vehicle on Summerland Road in the Hebron community on July 19. They said he was working underneath the vehicle when the jack failed.

Pedestrian hit by vehicle in Hattiesburg, left unconscious

When authorities arrived, they found the vehicle was crushing the man, and he was not breathing. Hebron Fire & Rescue deployed a battery powered rescue spreader and lifted the vehicle off of the victim.

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Emergency services personnel performed CPR on the man, and firefighters established a landing zone for Rescue 7 Air Ambulance.

A man was hospitalized after being trapped underneath a vehicle in Jones County. (Courtesy: Calhoun Fire & Rescue)

Authorities said the man was transported by EMServ to South Central Regional Medical Center (SCRMC) in Laurel. They said he was medically stabilize by Saturday night and was transported by ambulance to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
A mass shooting in the Chatham neighborhood on the South Side late Saturday night killed a man and wounded two more people, according to Chicago police.

Police said an unknown person had started to fire in a massive gathering in a parking lot at the intersection of West 87th Street and South Lafayette Avenue at about 11:50 p.m. Saturday, hitting multiple people. An emergency dispatcher announced the shooting over the police radio in the same breath as a 10-1 call, shorthand for officers in distress.

We have a crowd of over 100 people and multiple people shot, she said.

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A second dispatcher advised police to be cautious as they reached the scene.

One officer said he was monitoring the area and asked if there was an active shooter still at the scene.

No, just people shot, the dispatcher replied. A couple people  several people  shot. I have no other information at this time.

A 25-year-old woman was shot in the head and was taken in critical condition at the University of Chicago Hospital, police said, while a 24-year-old man was shot in the left shoulder and taken in good condition to Little Company of Mary Hospital.

The third victim, a 24-year-old man, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at University of Chicago Hospital, police said. No one was in custody as of early Sunday morning and Area Two detectives were investigating.

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By 12:10 a.m., the dispatchers had told officers they could stop speeding to the scene, but squad cars kept rolling into the massive shopping center parking lot overlooking the Dan Ryan Expressway. An ambulance sped down the expressways eastern on-ramp and tore northward.

Dozens of beat cops, tactical officers and sergeants stood talking inside yellow tape. Others shone flashlights as they picked their way between hundreds of abandoned cups, napkins and other trash, searching for evidence. A police dog tried to sniff a crushed piece of debris before a handler yanked the animal away.

Outside the tape, a woman in a pink jumpsuit walked in circles, rubbing her face.

I cant believe this, she said. I must be dreaming.

Cars drove out of the parking lot, shattered glass crunching under their wheels. In the lot north of 87th Street, people were still hanging out, dancing and listening to music as squad cars rolled around blasting a recorded message: No loitering. Please disperse. The music kept thumping.
Man who killed friend accidentally while playing with gun avoids prison originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

A Brooklyn Park man will avoid jail after he pleaded guilty to fatally shooting his friend in what was described as a "tragic accident."

Anwar Hussein Mohamed, 20, was sentenced to four years of probation, including 364 days in the Adult Corrections Facility, after pleading guilty to 2nd-degree manslaughter in the Oct. 12, 2024 death of Nebil Ahmed Omer.

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According to the criminal complaint, Brooklyn Park police responded to the shooting on the 7900 block of Lee Avenue North at around 4:30 a.m.

At the scene, officers found Omer bleeding from his head. A witness was performing CPR, but he died from his injuries.

Witnesses told police that several people were inside the home at the time of the shooting. Mohamed reportedly shot Omer accidentally before stating, "What did I just do?" and "I didnt mean to."

An autopsy later found that Omers cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the forehead.

Investigators learned that there are often "multiple guns in the house" and that the group of friends would often "dry fire" them at each other for fun.

Tony Webster, Flickr

This tragic accident took Nebils life and forever changed the lives of his loved ones, including his best friend, Anwar Mohamed, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement.

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My thoughts are with Nebils family and loved ones during such a difficult time. Firearms are incredibly dangerous when handled unsafely or by individuals without proper training and experience, and we must use all the tools available to avoid incidents like this in the future.

Moriarty's office said that free gun locks are available at a number of libraries in the county.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Honolulu police are searching for a suspect after a dog was shot in Sewers Beach.

Surveillance footage helps HPD arrest man involved in Sheridan playground fire

According to HPD, on July 18 around 10:30 p.m., a 49-year-old male got into an argument with an unknown male suspect regarding the 49-year-olds 10-year-old pit bull.

HPD said that during the argument, the suspect got a rifle and shot the dog, and he later fled the scene in a van.

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Officers notified the Hawaiian Humane Society and transported the dog to a nearby veterinarian, where it died from its injuries.

Police describe the suspect as a male in his 20s, approximately 56 tall, weighing about 200 pounds.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
A Seagoville man who in 2022 shot his roommate dead while high on hallucinogenic mushrooms has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison, North Texas federal attorneys said.

Russell Alan Ragsdale, 25, was initially arrested in February 2022 on felony murder charges, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office in North Texas. At that time, he told police that his roommate attacked him and that he shot the other man many times in self defense.

Police recovered three firearms and two grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms from Ragsdales home during their investigation, federal attorneys said. Analysis of Ragsdales phone showed a history of drug use dating back to 2021 and evidence that he had bought and used mushrooms on the day of his roommates murder.

Ragsdale pled guilty in April to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, according to the statement.
A 30-year-old man was shot in the gut as he exited a Midtown bar early Saturday after he tried to fend off a masked crook who wanted to snatch his gold chain, police said.

The victim left the Stafford Room on West 46th Street in Hells Kitchen around 2 a.m. when a thief approached and tried to tear the bling from around his neck, cops said.

He tried to defend himself from the goon, who was decked out in black and had dreadlocks, but the stranger pulled out a gun and shot him in the belly, according to cops.

A 30-year-old man was shot after leaving a Midtown club early Saturday morning, cops said. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Revelers at the scene of the shooting on West 46th Street between 11th and 12th Avenue. Christopher Sadowski

You cant just step up to people, an NYC cop said.

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The victim was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside in stable condition. There were no arrests.

Cops were trawling the area, where several bars are located, for surveillance video.

Ambulances and EMTs arrived at the scene after the man was shot. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

The victim was shot after trying to fight a masked crook who attempted to snatch his chain, cops said. Christopher Sadowski

The victim is the second person to be shot in the Midtown North Precinct this year, cops said.

Three people had been shot at this point last year, NYPD data show.

Shootings overall are down 24% so far this year citywide with 435 people shot compared to 575 at the same point last year, according to NYPD data.
Man and woman found dead inside rural Minnesota home originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Police are investigating the deaths of two people found inside a home in rural Minnesota Friday morning.

The Morrison County Sheriff's Office says the bodies of a man and a woman were found in a residence on the 600 block of River Valley Road, on the outskirts of Pierz, at around 10:35 a.m.

Deputies had been called to the home to conduct a welfare check.

The 600 block of River Valley Road, PierzGoogle

No details have been released regarding the identities of the deceased, nor their causes of death. The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office will now conduct autopsies.

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The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has been called in to assist the investigation.

"At this time, authorities believe this is an isolated incident, and there is no known threat to public safety," the sheriff's office said.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and Martin County firefighters rescued a giant loggerhead sea turtle that became trapped in rocks on the beach earlier this week.

The female reptile, which weighed about 300 pounds, was spotted by a local photographer who was shooting sunrise pictures at House of Refuge Beach in Stuart Wednesday morning, according to an FWC Facebook post.

She called FWC, and officers arrived, as did Martin County Fire Rescue paramedics, the agency said. They were able to lift the large turtle, and she was able to make her way back to the ocean unharmed, the FWC said.

Martin County Fire Rescue paramedics watch a loggerhead sea turtle make her way to the ocean after being rescued from being wedged in rocks on House of Refuge Beach Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

The FWC asks anyone who sees injured wildlife to call the agencys hotline at 888-404-3922 (FWCC).
One lucky Massachusetts man bought two winning lottery tickets at two different stores, earning him a $2 million payday.

Paul Corcoran of Fitchburg, a small city in north-central Massachusetts, planned to play in the July 9 Powerball drawing. He had initially purchased a multi-draw ticket covering seven games but mistakenly believed the final drawing on that ticket had passed, according to a news release from Powerball.

So, less than 10 minutes away from the first store where he bought a ticket, he picked up a second ticket for seven Powerball drawings  one that also included the July 9 drawing.

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That simple mistake earned him a second chance at the $217 million jackpot, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery.

Both winning Powerball tickets matched all five white balls drawn on July 9  5, 9, 25, 28 and 69, earning Corcoran $1 million, pre-tax, per winning ticket, according to Powerball.

Corcorans numbers just missed the red Powerball, lucky number 5, falling one number short of the full jackpot. He said hes been playing those same random numbers for quite some time when he claimed his winnings at the Massachusetts State Lottery headquarters, a state lottery spokesperson told CNN.

Both stores where Corcoran bought the tickets  a Market Basket supermarket in Fitchburg and a Country Farms convenience store in Leominster  will receive a payout of $10,000, the lottery spokesperson said.

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The winning tickets were the first Powerball tickets worth $1 million sold in Fitchburg and Leominster, Massachusetts, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery.

Corcoran told lottery officials his double win feels good, but he does not yet have plans for what he will do with his winnings.

The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The next Powerball drawing is July 21 with an estimated jackpot of $308 million.

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Update on July 21

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA)  The Mattoon Police Department announced on Monday that Karlla Tresner was found safe.

Officials shared a short update in the case on Facebook, only saying that Tresner was found and that she is safe.

Thanks to everyone that shared the post! officials added. We appreciate you!

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA)  The Mattoon Police Department is asking the community for help in locating a missing woman.

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Police issued the alert for 36-year-old Karlla Tresner around 3:40 p.m. on Sunday. They said she may be driving a black Pontiac with Illinois registration FF54662.

Mattoon lifts do not drink order; prepares for future

The police department said Tresner is white, about 5 5, with brown hair and blue eyes.

If you see this person or the vehicle, immediately call 911 and provide authorities with as much information as possible, particularly regarding descriptions and direction of travel, the police department wrote on Facebook.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Sunday called for an end to what she described as a reign of terror in the city, referring to the ongoing masked ICE raids and military presence in the city under the Trump administration.

In an interview with ABCs Martha Raddatz on "This Week," the California Democrat said a series of high-profile raids and arrests  including of a labor union leader  and the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops has only spread fear throughout Los Angeles.

When the raids started, fear spread, Bass said in the interview. The masked men in unmarked cars, no license plate, no real uniforms, jumping out of cars with rifles and snatching people off the street, leading a lot of people to think maybe kidnappings were taking place.

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Last month, Trump ordered 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to assist law enforcement with protests that erupted in response to the ICE raids. Both Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom at the time said the Guard and Marines were not needed.

Bass called for people to be held accountable for violent behavior in some of the protests but said their actions did not warrant military intervention.

It did not warrant the Marines coming into our city with basically no real mission but just a show of force. Los Angeles is 500 square miles. The disturbances took place in maybe two square miles, Bass said.

Trump this month withdrew about half of the National Guard troops from Los Angeles, but Bass said she wants all the troops gone from her city.

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I'm hoping the military leaves because they were never needed here to begin with, Bass said. There is nothing happening in our city now. There's no protests going on, and when they were assigned here, their mission was to guard two buildings. Why do you need 4,000 troops for two buildings? They've had to leave their families, their jobs, their education for what? So that they could participate in performance art? That's what was going on here."

Still, Bass did not directly address Raddatzs question on how the administration should respond to illegal immigration.

Bass noted that the city of Los Angeles has a significant immigrant population, including some immigrants who entered illegally. But that workforce, she added, means California has entire sectors of our economy that are dependent on immigrant labor.

We need comprehensive immigration reform, Bass said. Let me just tell you that the people that make that trek, many of whom walk from Central America, and even South America, up to our border, risk their lives. I don't believe that all of these people are sitting at home dreaming of coming to Los Angeles. They're coming here out of desperation.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  If you drive around Oklahoma City, you may often think the homeless population is getting worse. However, during the State of the City address, Mayor David Holt said the numbers show otherwise.

One person experiencing homelessness is too many, and thats always the attitude well take, said Mayor David Holt.

LOCAL NEWS: Woman says city has ignored broken retaining wall washing away yard

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Driving down the streets of OKC, youll see tents, shopping carts, and Oklahomans living on the streets.

Homelessness is just a very visible problem, said Meghan Mueller, with the Homeless Alliance. When people dont have any place else to go they occupy public space.

Mueller said the nonprofits hardest battle is perception.

And the by-products of homelessness. Like the trash, and things like that can be difficult, said Mueller.

During the State of the City address, Mayor David Holt said that back in 2007, 547,790 people called Oklahoma City home. Out of those, 1,656 were homeless. Breaking that down further, for every 10,000 residents, 30 were homeless.

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Fast forward to 2025, OKC is now home to 712,919 residents. Out of those, 1,719 are homeless. That means, for every 10,000 people, only 24 are homeless.

It was no accident, said Mayor Holt.

Both Holt and Mueller said thats because of the partnerships between the city and nonprofits.

Were all pulling on the same rope, said Mueller.

Mayor Holt said one of the biggest programs helping to curb the homeless population is the Key to Home program. It helps those experiencing homelessness get into apartments and gives them help for problems that may have put them on the street to begin with.

LOCAL NEWS: Fence project left in limbo, metro company steps up to finish it

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The city adopted that model from Houston, Texas, which is known as the best city in the nation for tackling homelessness.

Its only getting more challenging and harder as we grow, said Holt.

With the population growing, this is not a burden that non-profits can bear alone.

At the end of the day, there just arent enough resources to go around. So, its very important as a community were very strategic with the limited resources we have, said Mueller. Theyre people with lives that people care about. None of our friends or neighbors should have to sleep outside.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Past and present recipients of the Timothy Long Prize told stories through song at a Wednesday concert and ceremony.

But none told a story as deeply as their voice teacher Barbara McAlister, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Plimpton Foundation, which promotes diversity in the Performing Arts.

Singing tells stories, McAlister said. Thats what I teach.

Muskogee High graduate Moriah Nicholson and Warner High graduate Addison Hummingbird each received $2,500 for the 2025 Tim Long Prize. The prize is presented to outstanding Cherokee high school and college students McAlister teaches.

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Nicholson, who plans to major in musical performance at Northeastern State University, said she never thought she would receive the prize.

I was nervous auditioning for it, but once I got it, it really opened my confidence up, Nicholson said.

Nicholson showed her diverse musical talents by singing Chopins Chanson de ladieu, and the 1954 jazz standard Misty. She played keyboard with her jazz combo before the ceremony.

Hummingbird was not at the ceremony because she was in Tennessee singing with the Cherokee National Youth Choir.

Her father, Brian Hummingbird, said his daughter is overwhelmed at receiving the prize.

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She understands he (Long) is a very well-known pianist, very famous and is honored to receive the scholarship, Brian Hummingbird said. Im just super proud of Addison. She has always loved music.

Nicholson and past Tim Long Prize recipients praised McAlisters influence.

Annie Miller, 2023 recipient, recalled how McAlister helped rebuild Millers singing ability and confidence after she was disabled in a ski lift accident her junior year in high school.

I had to start all over again, Miller said. We worked countless hours just to get me back to where I was before the accident. I thank her so much. Now, I have grown to be in better condition than before the accident.

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Nicholson recalled how McAlister helped build her confidence with every lesson.

I really thank her for inspiring me and giving me my hope again, Nicholson said. She inspired me to share my gift to the world. Thank you Miss Barbara so much.

McAlister was honored for an opera career that took her around the world. After retiring from the opera stage, McAlister returned to Muskogee to give free voice lessons to Cherokee Nation citizens.

She worked with conductor and pianist Tim Long, an enrolled citizen of the Muscogee Nation and the Thlopthlocco Tribal Town, to establish the Tim Long Prize.

At Wednesdays ceremony, Long said theres no other program like the one you see tonight.

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Barbara McAlister is an inspiration, Long said. I hope the entire country can hear about whats happening in Muskogee and Tahlequah because it is a model for everyone.

McAlister tearfully accepted her award.

I just could not keep from singing, she said. I love it so much.
Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, speaks at Tenacity Brewing in Flint, Mich., during a stop on her U.S. Senate campaign's "McMorrow On Tap Brewery Tour" on June 21, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

A young, charismatic state senator gains national attention for delivering a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, building a national profile during their campaign for the U.S. Senate.

That description could apply to former President Barack Obama after his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention  or, 20 years later, to Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.

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McMorrow has worked with Democratic communications operative Lis Smith, who also served as Obamas re-election campaigns director of rapid response and helped propel former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg onto the national stage as a presidential candidate in 2020 though he had only served as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

But with the Democratic primary for president in 2028 wide open, McMorrow says thats where the parallels end.

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She told the Michigan Advance during a recent campaign stop in Flint that, if elected to the U.S. Senate in 2026, she is committed to serving out her full term.

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Several rising stars in the Democratic Party have previously been crowned the next Obama  including former Vice President Kamala Harris, who did launch a campaign president halfway through her term in the U.S. Senate, the same timeframe as Obama when he was elected president in 2008, but dropped out before a single state had voted.

I am always flattered. Its also very strange when people talk about Democratic Party stars like this is a celebrity contest, McMorrow said. Its not. So Im just going to do everything I can do to win the Senate seat, and well see what happens.

McMorrow is running in a Democratic field that already includes U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham), former state House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) and former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed. On the Republican side, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) is the only announced GOP candidate.

Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, speaks at Tenacity Brewing in Flint, Mich., during a stop on her U.S. Senate campaigns McMorrow On Tap Brewery Tour on June 21, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

McMorrow wouldnt be the only Michigan official to be the subject of speculation as the Democratic Party searches for a leader in 2028.

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has long been named a potential candidate for president, though she has repeatedly denied interest in the job and the speculation has quieted since the start of President Donald Trumps second term, with some Democrats expressing frustration over her collaborative approach toward Trump, which landed her unexpectedly in the Oval Office but also garnered a new fighter mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Since taking office in January, U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) has been profiled by The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, POLITICO and The New York Times and delivered multiple high-profile speeches about the partys path forward, including the Democratic response to Trumps first Joint Address of his second presidency earlier this year.

Outgoing U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.) was among those floated as a candidate to be Harris running mate in 2024, with strong backing from labor groups, and he has emphasized that his decision to not seek re-election doesnt mean hes retiring from the public sphere.

And polls show Buttigieg, a Traverse City resident, as one of the early front-runners in hypothetical Democratic primary matchups.

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In the meantime, McMorrow says Democrats who are already in positions of power need to be doing everything they can to stand up to Trump in the present.

It is completely unacceptable for some of the leaders in my own party to go out giving interviews where they say things like, well, were not in power right now, but dont worry, their polling numbers are coming down, and well get them in the midterms, McMorrow said.

That is heinous to me. As a U.S. senator, you are one of the 100 most powerful people in the entire country. And even if you are not in power with gavels in your hand, in that sense, you still have a platform, you still have a voice.
Senior Hamas officials in Doha are reportedly inclined to support the deal on the table, but no response has been received from Hamas's military leadership in Gaza, N12 noted.

Israel, the US, Qatar, and Egypt are still waiting for Hamas's response to the proposed hostage and ceasefire deal presented by mediators last week, with sources telling N12 that should an agreement not be reached, "the blame will lie fully with Hamas."

A senior American official told N12 that there have been times in past negotiations where Israel had been responsible for stalling an agreement, "but this time that is not the case."

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According to the report, Israelis are working to reach a deal, while Hamas is stalling, and that "if there is no agreement this time, the blame will lie fully with Hamas."

The US, along with regional partners, believes that "the ball is now in Hamas's court," and that they must show flexibility to advance a deal.

Senior Hamas officials in Doha are reportedly inclined to support the deal on the table, but no response has been received from Hamas's military leadership in Gaza, N12 noted.

Visitors at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. July 07, 2025. (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)

A source told N12 that Egyptian and Qatari mediators are pressing Hamas to respond "as soon as possible."

"Every day they delay the deal, more Palestinians die from hunger and Israeli airstrikes. We can't keep waiting for a few lousy Hamas operatives in Gaza to make up their mind. Who do they think they are? Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed just since they received the new proposal last week," another source told N12.

Israel reported to have made 'significant strides' in hostage deal efforts

On Friday, The Jerusalem Post learned that Israel had made "significant strides" in efforts to reach a hostage deal, but that Hamas was hindering the breakthrough, following 12 days of intensive negotiations in Doha, Qatar.

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In the early hours of Thursday morning, an updated proposal was presented to both sides by the mediators, but talks remain tense and fraught with obstacles.

The official clarified that despite the difficulties, the Israeli delegation remains in Qatar. Its not a matter of optimism or pessimism, the official said. But we must be realistic about Hamass conduct.

According to the official, Israel remains committed to exhausting all remaining avenues within the negotiation framework, though concerns about the process are growing: We question Hamass seriousness. We are approaching a critical juncture. Hamass foot-dragging - even if it believes it serves its interests - may ultimately work against it.

Amichai Stein contributed to this report.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Abilene Zoo has welcomed quite a few critters recently, such as the sloth bear, a bison calf and now, brown pelicans.

The zoo has welcomed two of these coastal birds, known for their throat pouches and plunge-diving skills.

Brown pelicans can hold up to three gallons of water in their bills and have a wingspan of up to seven feet.

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WORTHINGTON, Ind. (WWO/WAWV)  Toni Jeffers is the official costumer and seamstress for Indiana Fever Freddy and the Pacers Boomer.

You might have seen the many outfits Freddy sports, each curated with intention. She said she finds inspiration for outfits everywhere she looks. Other times, Indiana Fever will explain their vision and Jeffers will bring it to life. Jeffers said if you can dream it, she can create it, since she is able to easily visualize the patterns in her head.

I started just doing little repairs and we started talking design and before you know it, I got to make just incredible costumes and I get to refurbish and repair them, said Jeffers.

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Jeffers first found her talent and passion for creating when she tried out her mothers sewing machine at the age of six. She says been doing this for 25 years and its her full-time job. Jeffers also said certain parts of mascots take time.

Freddys smile. I have a pattern for it and every now and then, you know, you need some dentistry done. You know, so I can take care of that. Sometimes we have to replace the eye bulbs. It all just really depends. but anywhere to, a couple hours, to several weeks depending on how complicated the costume or the project is, said Jeffers.

Her process is a team effort, with fittings to ensure sure the alterations fix perfectly, as well as incorporating trends the mascot may want to participate in. Jeffers works closely with the Indiana Fever and Pacers to create costumes that connect with the fans.

Weve kind of come up with different ideas, especially with the fans. you know what i mean. we want to make him really enjoyable to everyone and if I can make something that brings a smile to somebodys face or makes everybody laugh, said Jeffers.

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Jeffers hopes to continue to bring joy to others through those designs. she also does wedding dress alterations and costume design for plays. You can be on the lookout for Freddy or boomers next outfit, created by Jeffers.

To learn more about Jeffers follow her social media page @alterationsbytoniane or contact her at alterationsbytoniane@gmail.com.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  For many families across Alabama, a memorial quilt is helping them grieve and honor the lives of loved ones taken by violence.

Each square on the quilt represents a life. Photos are stitched side by side, framed by fabric chosen by the victims families. For Barbara Maxwell, two of those faces belong to her sons.

The pain that we feel from having to put our loved ones on a quilt, wed like to have them here with us, Maxwell said.

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The idea was created by Mothers Against All Violence, an organization founded by Callie Greer. The group brings communities together through memorials that serve as both tributes and calls to action.

We use these quilts to remind people that our children were not statistics, Greer said. They were real. They were loved. And there is a real loss.

Prattville family battling rare blood disorder

Maxwell said she lost both of her sons just six months apart. She believes their inclusion in the quilt is a powerful way to share their story and push for change.

I do not want someone else to have to go through what I am going through, she said. Nobody wants to be in the position of burying two children in less than a year.

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One of Maxwells sons was killed outside of his home while heading to work. The family still does not know why it happened.

When you look at that quilt, you will know what happened to that young man, she said. He was brutally murdered, and we still do not have answers.

Mothers Against All Violence has organized similar quilts in Birmingham and Montgomery. The group is now planning its next project in Selma.

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A Merced man drowned Friday in the Courtright Reservoir in Fresno County, deputies said.

He was identified as 35-year-old Matthias Aguilar.

Deputies responded to the reservoir just before 8 a.m. after receiving a call that Aguilar was unresponsive after being pulled out of the water.

Deputies learned Aguilar was fishing in a kayak near Marmot Rock Campground when he lost balance and fell into the water. Deputies said Aguilar was wearing heaving clothing and boots, but no life jacket.

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Aguilar attempted to swim to shore, deputies said, but went underwater and resurfaced two minutes later.

Aguilars friends swam out to him and were able to take him to the shore and attempted CPR while deputies and EMS responded. Aguilar was pronounced dead at the scene.
CHARLESTON  Mersadeez Barrett has been recognized as one of Eastern Illinois Universitys most distinguished seniors for 2025. Selected by the EIU Alumni Association Board of Directors, this prestigious honor is awarded to graduating students who have enriched the campus community through exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and active involvement in University life.

To be considered for the Distinguished Senior Award, students must have had a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be graduating in Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025. Recipients are chosen based on outstanding character and their contributions to EIU through academics, extracurricular involvement, and service to the campus and surrounding community.

Barrett, of Danville, was honored during a special awards ceremony held on April 26, at the Tarble Arts Center on EIUs campus.

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This recognition reflects Barretts commitment to excellence and lasting impact on the EIU community.

Local students named to UAF lists

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced the students named to the deans and chancellors lists for the spring 2025 semester. The lists recognize students outstanding academic achievements.

Students receiving a 3.9 grade point average or higher are placed on the chancellors list, while those receiving a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.89 are named to the deans list.

Honors list students include: Veronica Sasseen of Danville, chancellors list; and Vashti Skinner of Perrysville, Ind., deans list.

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UAF is a Land, Sea and Space Grant institution and is the leading doctoral degree-granting institution in the state of Alaska. Since it was founded in 1917, UAF has been internationally recognized for research relating to the Arctic and sub-Arctic in areas such as biology, geophysics, engineering, natural resources and climate.

Steward graduates from Emporia State

Shyanne MacKenzie Steward of Covington, Ind., was one of over 500 students who graduated from Emporia State University in May 2025.

Steward graduated with a Master of Science in Art Therapy Counseling.

Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan. offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
Jul. 19Across New Mexico, at least 93 people were struck and killed by drivers in 2024. Of those crashes, 46% involved alcohol. Nationally, 39% involved alcohol.

Fifty of the fatal pedestrian crashes in the state, or 53%, happened in Bernalillo County. The next closest, Santa Fe County, saw only six such deaths.

The fatalities statewide gave New Mexico an unenviable ranking for the eighth year in a row: the highest pedestrian death rate in the nation, according to a recently published report from the Governors Highway Safety Association. The annual report states that the 2024 data is preliminary.

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Since 2016, the GHSA has ranked New Mexico in the top spot. Last year, the state had a rate of 4.41 per 100,000 people. The next closest, Arizona, had a rate of 3.60.

But the GHSA report and local studies found that New Mexico and the nation in general are showing improvement. The GHSA said fatal pedestrian crashes fell by 4.3%, or 324 crashes, from 2023 to 2024. The state saw a 13% drop from the 108 fatal crashes tallied in 2023.

"This is the second consecutive year of a modest decline in pedestrian deaths (nationwide) after several years of skyrocketing fatalities during the pandemic," according to the report findings. "While this modest recent progress is welcome, pedestrian deaths are 19.2% above the 2016 level."

In a statement, GHSA CEO Jonathan Adkins called the decrease "a step in the right direction." He added that "much more must be done to protect people walking."

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"Now is the time to double down on what works  more and better infrastructure, enforcement to deter dangerous driving behaviors, engaged and informed communities, and vehicles designed to protect people on foot," Adkins said.

The 108 fatalities recorded statewide in 2023, including 56 in Bernalillo County, were both record highs for the respective areas, according to fatality reports released by the University of New Mexico.

From 2016 to 2020, the number of pedestrians killed in New Mexico hovered between the low 80s and high 70s. In 2021, the number jumped 27%, from 81 to 103 people killed and then dropped again in 2022 to 94.

The GHSA totals can differ slightly from UNM reports, which gather data from the state Department of Transportation. In most cases, the difference is marginal, but in 2023 GHSA tallied 10 fewer pedestrian fatalities in the state, with 98.

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The majority of pedestrian deaths, year after year, are seen in Bernalillo County, with the largest cluster in a 3-mile stretch of Central from San Mateo to Eubank. The area has become synonymous with open-air drug use, encampments and mental health issues.

Since 2018, at least 40 people have been killed on that segment of road, dwarfing any other such trouble spots. The city of Albuquerque recently pledged $5 million to pedestrian safety projects, its biggest infrastructure commitment yet to the area.

By 2027, officials are planning to have converted two lanes of Central Avenue from regular traffic use to business access and transit, or BAT, lanes. The projects will also add two mid-block crossings and nearly 200 pedestrian lights along the roadside.

The GHSA said historical data on pedestrian fatalities "reinforces the need to focus on reducing alcohol impairment among drivers and pedestrians, slowing down vehicle speeds, and improving lighting and sidewalk conditions."

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"States are continuing to adjust their engineering, public education and engagement, and traffic enforcement efforts and embrace new technological solutions to ensure that the nation's transportation network prioritizes the safe movement of all road users," according to the report. "These efforts hopefully will lead to a further reduction in the number of pedestrian fatalities on America's roads and the achievement of the ultimate goal  zero traffic deaths."

This year, from January to June, at least 23 people have been fatally struck by drivers statewide, according to UNM data. At least seven of those crashes, or 30%, involved alcohol and 11 of the deaths, or 48%, happened in Bernalillo County.
Jul. 20SOCORRO COUNTY  A crowd of activists, politicians, journalists and New Mexico Department of Transportation employees gathered on the side of U.S. 380 Wednesday to unveil a new sign commemorating the history of the first nuclear bomb test's effects on surrounding communities.

"For those children who were out there that day playing while there were particles in the sky that were falling, while the laundry that was being hung had black material  people didn't know where that was coming from  for the snakes, the squirrels and other animals that were dead, we're not going to forget," New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales said before a red ribbon was cut to unveil the new sign on the 80th Trinity Test anniversary.

New Mexico House Rep. Joanne Ferrary, D-Las Cruces, sponsored a resolution to place the new memorial at the intersection of U.S. 380 and N.M. 525, after much advocacy from groups like the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium.

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N.M. 525 leads to White Sands Missile Range's Stallion Gate, the entrance the public is allowed to use twice a year when the Trinity site, where the bomb was detonated, is opened to visitors.

"We finally have a memorial, long overdue, telling our story  something that we have worked so hard to get out into the open," said Bernice Gutierrez, who was born in Carrizozo eight days before the bomb test.

While the state government is adding a new sign to officially recognize how fallout from the nuclear bomb test affected New Mexicans, the federal government also recognized New Mexico downwinders earlier this month.

New Mexico was added as a downwind state in a federal program that compensates people who grew sick after above-ground nuclear bomb tests. That program, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program, was extended through 2028.

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"Two years is not enough. I mean, we've been waiting 80 years," Gutierrez said.

Down N.M. 525, Santa Fe Archbishop John Wester was applying sunscreen outside the Stallion Gate as he waited to meet his fellow New Mexico archbishops. Wester was one of nine religious and community leaders allowed inside the missile range Wednesday to pray at the Trinity site.

Wester thinks the development of artificial intelligence and hypersonic delivery systems heightens the threat of nuclear weapons being used. He'd like to see more support for the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which 93 countries have signed, including the Vatican.

"Many of us rang our church bells this morning at 5:29, and I know some people said to me, 'Well, you're going to wake people up.' And I thought, yeah, I hope so. I hope we wake people up to the reality of what's going on," Wester said.
The old Boston Market at the corner of Mack Avenue and Norwood Drive in Grosse Pointe Woods has been sitting vacant for nearly two years.

The only remnants of the once thriving fast-casual chain restaurant are the imprints of large block letters that hung on the facade of the building, and a single, unused rotisserie.

When we got here, there was still some of the existing equipment and one of the things that we all love is rotisserie chicken  its one of my favorite meals to cook. In fact, Im cooking it tonight, said Branden McRill, restaurateur and founder of Fine-Drawn Hospitality, the group behind Lolas Taco Bar, a semi-quick-service restaurant slated to open in September.

(From left) Niko Moschouris, Brandon Zarb, Mel Fuechtmann and Branden McRill will bring Lola's Taco Bar to Grosse Pointe Woods in September 2025.

When it takes over the former Boston Market space, Lolas Taco Bar will take full advantage of the left-behind rotisserie for chicken tacos wrapped in corn or flour tortillas, or for whole chicken dinners served with creamy queso and a choice of fresh vegetables.

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From the empty restaurant, McRill shared the vision for Lolas, using gestures to set the scene for the expansive counter, where guests will place their orders. He mimed how theyll grab bags of warm, housemade tortilla chips, containers of salsa and cups of fruit-flavored margaritas, and demonstrated how theyll pay their bill, grab a number and head to their chosen table. The partial quick-service model means diners will grab a few prepared items and wait for any remaining made-to-order dishes that a server will bring to their table once ready.

Whereas fast-casual chains, like Culvers, McDonalds or Taco Bell offer convenience with quickly prepared meals, affordable cost and drive-through services, the dine-in experience, McRill said, is lacking. Lolas, he said, steps in to provide affordability and comfort.

How can we get that price point but make it a place that people are excited about coming, sitting, staying and coming back? he asked rhetorically. The answer was tapping Colin Tury, the designer behind some of Detroits sleekest bars and restaurants, such as Vecino, Pocket Change and Detroit steakhouse Prime and Propers new Nashville location. We created an environment thats more on par  from a look and feel perspective  as a full-functioning restaurant, McRill said.

More dining coverage: This metro Detroit cocktail costs $45. So we had to try it.

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The model is newer for the Grosse Pointe market, where eateries are decidedly fast-casual or full service  youll find a similar approach at places like the downtown Detroit location of Frita Batidos. Its equally new for McRill, whose background is in fine dining.

McRill, a Grosse Pointe native, cut his teeth in front-of-house operations at Michelin-starred Chicago restaurants, such as Alinea, and the since-closed restaurants Blackbird and Tru, and in New York City, his own restaurant Rebelle earned a Michelin star within months of opening.

With his first restaurant, Pearl and Ash, previously in New York City, McRill began to take on a more relaxed approach to his hospitality projects.

I literally and figuratively took off the sport coat that I was wearing at all of those other restaurants and really democratized fine dining, he said. We took everything away that was expensive or fussy or fancy and stripped it down to the fun of it, which was a good concept, good service, good hospitality.

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By creating more affordable establishments, Fine-Drawn was able to deliver its concepts to a wider audience. And I never went back, he said.

By the time hed relocated to Philadelphia and opened Walnut Street Cafe, a restaurant serving comfort foods in the citys University City neighborhood, hed completely let his hair down. The Post, a casual beer hall, and Sunset Social, a rooftop joint slinging burgers and fries, followed.

Lolas casual service format is a far cry from McRills background at more upscale establishments, where presentation is at the forefront and servers are called to tailor the dining experience to each guests needs. But despite a more relaxed approach, McRill said the taco bar will draw from his fine dining background to provide guests the same attention to detail you'd find at a white tablecloth restaurant.

Mel doesnt want anyone clearing their own food, he said, speaking on behalf of his partner and Fine-Drawn Hospitality Managing Director Melissa Fuechtmann, who will manage the front-of-house experience at Lolas. The idea is that youre still going to be taken care of. Were going to be floating through the area where people are eating for a true dining room experience.

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Also on the team is Nikolaos Moschouris, who found success with Subway franchises and serves as a board member for Detroit Wing Co. and Beyond Juicery + Eatery. Moschouris is the force who helped lead the team to the former Boston Market that would become Lolas home.

In the kitchen, McRill has tapped Brandon Zarb as Lolas culinary director. Zarb, who led the charge as an executive chef at Imperial, Ferndales beloved spot for street tacos, is planning a menu inspired by Mexican cuisine with a self-described healthy-ish approach.

On my own personal journey over the last few years, I've become a little bit more health conscious, Zarb said. One of my goals with Lola's is that I'm not serving anything on the menu that I wouldn't proudly serve my own family.

Using that kismet rotisserie, Zarb will cut pieces of roasted chicken and drop them into warm tortillas. Vertical spits will slow-cook tender steak and pork, which will be shaved for al pastor tacos and burritos. If guests are paying attention, McRill said theyll be able to catch the live-fire cooking  a unique offering for tacos, which will run you just $3-$4 as the team intends.

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Zarb plans to avoid seed oils, which have garnered controversy in recent years for potential health risks.

It seems like there are some health aspects to the whole seed oil thing, so if we can provide a healthier experience for our guests, I'm all for it, he said, noting that Lolas will work with Zero Acre Farms, a company that uses palm fruit oil as a sustainable alternative to seed oils.

There will be bowls and salads filled with meats and veggies available for purchase inside or at a convenient walk-up window, and a single doughnut will satisfy guests with a need for something sweet  beyond those chilled margaritas infused with fresh fruit juice.

At the heart of the restaurant is a mission to use food for good. Drawing upon Zarbs experience as a culinary educator and volunteer at Rising Stars Academy, a culinary school for young adults with developmental disabilities, the restaurant will employ Rising Stars graduates and source ingredients prepared by current students.

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I was experiencing some burnout, so I went to Rising Stars to catch my breath and I just ended up falling in love with the school, Zarb said. When I look back on my career and everything I've ever done, I can say, being able to teach students and work alongside them at the school was the most rewarding and satisfying thing I've done from a food perspective. Ever since then, I've always tried to keep one foot in the door.

Zarb plans to hire students for prep work, and has offered Lolas up as a potential job site to host students a few times a week.

Lolas will also introduce the Good Taco Project, which will regularly donate the proceeds of a monthly taco special filled with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to a rotation of charities.

Ultimately, I think if you're blessed with a successful career and a good life and you're a healthy person, you have a responsibility to give back, Zarb said. That's why I like to stay involved with the school and hopefully with the Good Taco Project, we'll get a few other people in the mix as well that we can work with.

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The Grosse Pointe location of Lolas Taco Bar is intended to be the first of many in the metro Detroit region. The Mack Avenue location, the team said, is ripe with opportunity for a community with few Latin American-inspired options outside of Chipotle and other smaller takeout-only joints.

Grosse Pointes social district designation also allows guests to carry the restaurants margaritas and other alcoholic beverages outside of the establishment.

I see the first Lola's as a little bit of an incubator for the growth and the future of the concept, Zarb said. I'm excited to try new things at this first restaurant and explore the menu, starting at the rotisserie station.

Lola's Taco Bar, opening fall 2025, 20195 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods. lolastacobar.com

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More: 6 of the most expensive cocktails in metro Detroit

A correction was made to accurately reflect Branden McRill's title. An earlier version misstated McRill as a Michelin-starred chef. McRill is not a chef, but a restaurateur whose former restaurant, Rebelle, earned a Michelin star. The article also misstated that chef Brandon Zarb was the opening chef at Imperial. Zarb was the executive chef, not the opening chef.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michelin-starred chef to open taco spot in old Boston Market
With the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector witnessing a gradual recovery from a weak base, Ghodawat Consumer Limited has announced its expansion plans to extend its rural and international footprint with the ambitious goal of Rs 2,500 crore in revenue by FY27, highlighting a robust double-digit growth expected year on year. The company has built strong brand equity in the Non-Metro pockets over the years, particularly in the rural markets of South Maharashtra and North Karnataka, where it has successfully tapped into the unorganised segment. "With GCL, we help boost the local economy by generating tax revenues, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs," the company said. According to the company, GCL's revenue crossed Rs 1,200 crore in the previous fiscal, strengthening its reach in Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Highlighting that FY25 is a rewarding year for the company, Salloni Ghodawat, CEO, Ghodawat Consumer Ltd (GCL), said, "The company successfully hit 100 per cent of its Annual Operating Plan (AOP) this year, marking a major milestone. It also garnered higher brand consideration post the launch of fresh packaging and the Logo that resonated with today's consumers. Associating with actress Raveena Tandon as the brand ambassador added a big boost, helping to increase brand recognition and build consumer trust." The region-focused players in the sector have registered impressive growth compared to the giants, as highlighted by a recent report by Emkay Research, which added that Smaller FMCG companies in India are growing faster than their larger competitors. This trend is mainly due to their quicker innovation and better product alignment with changing youth preferences. A key reason behind this shift, pointed out by the report, is the rise of modern trade and e-commerce, including quick commerce, which now makes up around 20 per cent of the FMCG sector. These platforms have given new brands equal access to consumers, making the market more competitive. Ghodawat Consumer CEO also highlighted that E-commerce is showing impressive growth as consumers are making online purchases more than ever. "Convenience and quick delivery options are now the key to attracting consumers. Secondly, there is a rising demand for good-for-you products as consumers become increasingly health-conscious. They now seek sustainable, healthy and good-quality products. We consistently invest in research and development to create cutting-edge goods and solutions that match our consumers' changing needs," she added. Going further, the company said that its retail presence grew by 30 per cent, and with a solid 70 per cent RPR (repeat purchase rate), the company's new rice consumer packs are under the Star brand. Along with the rising popularity of Coolberg, it has helped expand its reach significantly, the company said. "The recent acquisitions of TBH and Coolberg have also been key in tapping into the growing demand for healthier snacks and beverages," the company added. GCL further added that after a prolonged slowdown in urban consumption that impacted the FMCG industry in the previous quarters, the metro markets are now showing transformative growth and recovery. As the consumer base is moving towards sustainability, the firm is also planning to strengthen its commitment to eco-friendly practices by becoming plastic-neutral and carbon-neutral by 2030. (ANI)
BESSEMER, Ala. (WHNT)  A company headquartered in Central Alabama paused production at one of its plants last week to transition to disaster relief aid.

Last week, the CEO of Milos Tea Company took to LinkedIn to announce the decision.

Tricia Wallwork, Milos CEO and granddaughter of the companys founders, said the reason for this pause was because our neighbors in Texas need clean drinking water more than anything else right now, and disaster relief is something we feel strongly about.

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The halt in production is at the Tulsa, Oklahoma, plant, Wallwork said.

In the post, Wallwork said, five truckloads  124 pallets and more than 119,000 bottles  of Milos bottled water [would be arriving] at the San Antonio Food Bank to support flood relief efforts in a community thats experienced unimaginable loss. As a mother, wife and human, my prayers go out to all those impacted by the horrific flooding in Texas.

Wallwork also said she was proud of the TEAms response, as it was quick and came together in just 24 hours.

The tea company also partnered with Feeding America and H-E-B, as well as R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc., which provided the transportation of the pallets.

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Milos is headquartered right here in Alabama, founded in 1964 in Bessemer. From the July 4 Texas flooding, several Alabamians were killed, including 8-year-old Sarah Marsh, of Mountain Brook, and Ileana Santana and Mila, a Mobile grandmother and granddaughter.

After just over two weeks since the flooding, three people are still reported missing, according to the city of Kerrville. In a July 16 update, Kerr County officials said at least 107 people, including 37 children, were killed in Kerr County.

By Saturday, July 19, Kerville officials announced the number of missing people in Kerr County dropped from more than 160 to three, the release said.

At least 135 people were killed in the catastrophic flash flooding across Texas, with the majority of the deaths confirmed in Kerr County.

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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 WHNT.com.
The town of Spremberg in the eastern German state of Brandenburg is to receive assistance in tackling a spate of far-right extremism following an urgent appeal from the mayor, Brandenburg interior minister Rene Wilke told dpa on Sunday.

The state's domestic intelligence agency would assist Spremberg Mayor Christine Herntier in combating increasing evidence of far-right sympathies in the town close to the border with Poland, Wilke said. The minister also aims to increase prevention measures in local schools.

Herntier, an independent, wrote in a letter to the town's almost 22,000 residents that the extreme right-wing milieu could no longer be ignored. She detailed far-right graffiti on public structures, including banned symbols and the glorification of Nazism.

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Wilke praised the move. "I see that as courageous for a start, as she will not only be making friends for herself by it," he said.

He said mayors were faced with a dilemma  keep silent for fear of damaging their town's image, or illuminate the problems. The latter was the right approach, Wilke said.

Herntier is calling for a greater police presence in the town and for camera surveillance. Wilke, oversees Brandenburg's police, pointed to online radicalization as a serious problem.

According to the Brandenburg domestic intelligence agency, the number of far-right extremists in the state rose to 3,650 last year, almost a fifth more than in 2023, with 40% of them prepared to use violence.

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The agency is concerned at increased radicalization and organization through social media.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was the clear winner in Spremberg in the February federal elections, securing 45.51% in the proportional vote, well ahead of the established parties.
Minneapolis DFL endorses Omar Fateh for city mayor over Jacob Frey originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Omar Fateh won the Minneapolis DFL endorsement for city mayor over incumbent Jacob Frey at a convention at Target Center on Saturday.

The 35-year-old, who has been the senator for Senate District 62  covering south Minneapolis  since his election in 2020, received more than 60% of the vote from delegates late Saturday evening, despite complaints from the Frey campaign about convention procedure and attempts to deny the party a quorum.

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Fateh, a democratic socialist, is running on a platform including rent stabilization, boosting affordable housing, introducing a local income tax for the wealthy, and adopting a "compassionate approach" to homeless encampments.

"I am incredibly honored to be the DFL endorsed candidate for Minneapolis Mayor," Fateh said following the announcement. "This endorsement is a message that Minneapolis residents are done with broken promises, vetoes, and politics as usual. Its a mandate to build a city that works for all of us.

"November 4 is around the corner. Join our coalition of voters who share our vision for a Minneapolis where housing is a human right, public safety means sending the right responders, and city government stands for working people, not corporate donors."

Omar Fateh

Frey's campaign manager Sam Schulenberg criticized the "flawed and irregular conduct of this convention," which follows issues with electronic balloting that saw paper ballots brought in.

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In the end the final endorsement vote was taken via a show of raised badges, which happened after Frey's campaign told his supporters to leave the arena in an attempt to deny the convention a quorum.

"This election should be decided by the entire city rather than the small group of people who became delegates," Schulenberg said.

"Voters will now have a clear choice between the records and leadership of Sen. Fateh and Mayor Frey. We look forward to taking our vision to the voters in November."

The first round of voting saw Fateh get the support of around 43% of convention delegates, with Frey getting 31%, sending them both through to the second round of voting.

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Rev. DeWayne Davis fell just short of getting the 20% of delegates needed to advance, while Jazz Hampton gained 4% and Brenda Short 0.35%.

None of the other candidates have indicated they would drop out in the event they didn't get the endorsement, but Fateh and Frey are expected to be the leading names in the mayoral race this November, which will pit the progressive branch of the DFL against the moderates.

The surprise victory of another democratic socialist, Zohran Mamdani, in the New York City mayoral primary  on the back of policies including rent freezes, a massive affordable house building program, and a new tax on the wealthiest city residents  has sparked hand-wringing among centrist Democrats even at a time of controversial actions being taken at the federal level by the Republican Party under President Donald Trump.

But speaking at Saturday's convention, Minnesota DFL Chair Richard Carlbom told those in attendance that the Democratic Party is a "big tent" party, and is the champion of policies including Social Security, Medicare and universal school meals, per the Star Tribune.

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"We are a coalition by definition, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party," he said. "Our party is made up of farmers and laborers. Our party is made up of progressives, environmentalists, feminists, democratic socialists, gays, lesbians, bisexual, transgender.

"We come from different places. We come from different spaces. We represent what is best about America. Our differences are our strength. If you want to be an authoritarian party, go be a Republican."

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
July 20 (UPI) -- The Minneapolis mayor during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests has lost the backing of the Democratic party to a Somali-American after a contested vote by members of the party.

Omar Fateh, 35, a state Senator, won the mayoral endorsement over Jacob Frey, who has held the office since 2018.

Fateh is the first Somali-American to serve in the state legislature since 2018 and received 60% of the delegates at the Minneapolis DFL convention Saturday, despite complaints from the Frey campaign about the election process.

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Frey took issue with electronic balloting at the convention, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and said he would appeal the vote.

"This election should be decided by the entire city rather than the small group of people who became delegates, particularly in light of the extremely flawed and irregular conduct of this convention," Frey's campaign manager office said in a statement. "Voters will now have a clear choice between the records and leadership of Sen. Fateh and Mayor Frey. We look forward to taking our vision to the voters in November."

Frey was elected mayor in 2017 and again in 2021, and was in charge of Minneapolis during the 2020 BLM riots after George Floyd died at the hands of a white police officer.




NEED TO KNOW

A 9-year-old girl, whom authorities said was believed to have been abducted from Lake George on Saturday, July 19, has been found dead

Police said there is "no indication" that she was abducted

Authorities in New York state, who issued an Amber Alert for Melina Frattolin on Sunday, July 20, said they found "inconsistencies in the fathers account of events and the timeline he provided" after reporting his daughter missing





A 9-year-old girl, whom authorities said was believed to be in "imminent danger," has been found dead following initial reports of a possible abduction in Lake George, N.Y. Now, police said there were "inconsistencies" in her father's account of events.

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On Sunday, July 20, hours after officials issued an Amber Alert for Melina Frattolin, the New York State Police announced that she was found dead in Ticonderoga, N.Y.

Melina's 45-year-old father, Luciano Frattolin, initially called Warren County officials at around 9:58 p.m. local time on July 19 to report his daughter missing, according to a release shared by the state police on July 20. Police later issued an Amber Alert, which prompted nationwide coverage of the girl's possible abduction.

After the Warren County Sheriffs Office (WCSO) took on the investigation, officials "identified inconsistencies in the fathers account of events and the timeline he provided," per state police.

With the help of multiple agencies in New York and Essex County, authorities then located Melina in Ticonderoga.

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"Due to jurisdictional considerations, the Warren County Sheriffs Office has turned the investigation over to the New York State Police," the agency said in a statement. "At this time, there is no indication that an abduction occurred, and there is no threat to the public."

At 4:18 p.m., state police announced that the WCSO had canceled the Amber Alert for Melina. When reached for comment on July 20, state police directed PEOPLE to its news release.

Both the father and daughter are Canadian residents, per state police.

New York State Police/Facebook Melina Frattolin Melina Frattolin

The news of Melina's death came just hours after state police announced in an Amber Alert that the 9-year-old  who was then said to have been last seen in a white van at 9:40 p.m. on July 19  was "taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death."

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Per the since-canceled Amber Alert, the girl was last seen going southbound on Interstate 87 near exit 22 in the area of Lake George. The WCSO had been investigating the case as a child abduction.

At the time of the Amber Alert, a suspect was unknown, and authorities were encouraging those with information tied to Melina's whereabouts to call the WCSO. She was described as being of Indian descent with brown hair and brown eyes, 5 feet tall, weighing 100 lbs., and wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, shorts and white Adidas sneakers.

The Amber Alert  which state police administer in New York  did not detail what the girl was doing at the time of the reported abduction, where she was or who she was with.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Amber Alerts are activated in "the most serious child abduction cases." A total of 1,268 children have been "recovered" as a result of the alerts since the end of 2024.

Read the original article on People
A moped rider was taken to a hospital was serious injuries on Sunday following a crash with an SUV on Cape Cod, according to police.

The crash happened at the intersection of Shore and Bell Road in Bourne, Bourne police said in a Facebook post. The police department posted about the crash around 12:15 p.m.

Photos of the crash shared by police show a badly damaged black moped lying in the middle of the road. Bourne police said they would release more information about the crash at a later time.

More News

Read the original article on MassLive.
Animal rescue volunteers made a shocking discovery at a home in south Los Angeles; more than 400 guinea pigs were being kept in a hoarder's home in "unsanitary and overcrowded" conditions.

The rescue group, Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue, is asking for the public's help adopting or fostering the animals or for donations to fund their recovery and care.

The owner of the home where the guinea pigs were found was facing eviction if she did not remove the animals from her house. A Los Angeles Animal Services coordinator emailed the SCGPR to alert them to the situation, hoping they could help.

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The coordinator believed the woman had approximately 200 guinea pigs in her home, but when volunteers arrived to collect the guinea pigs they found the real number was double the coordinator's estimate.

Valerie Warren, chief executive and co-founder of SCGPR, told the Los Angeles Times that they were told the guinea pigs belonged to a previous tenant who moved out but left the animals behind.

Guinea pigs rescues by the Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue. The volunteers at the organization found approximately 400 guinea pigs kept in "unsanitary" conditions at a home in south Los Angeles (Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue)

They just continued to breed and breed and the rest of the people in the house were just overwhelmed, Warren, who visited the home, said.

Some of the animals were found sick, injured, dehydrated, malnourished, or dead, but many others were found alive and in need of a home and care.

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The animals, which typically eat grass hay, vegetables, or animal pellets, were living primarily off of corn husks.

Animal shelters are already struggling for space. After the pandemic, many people gave up pets they'd adopted during lock down. Now, the rescue has hundreds of guinea pigs to care for  and it's taking steps to make sure they don't have any more to deal with by separating the male and female guinea pigs.

Warren said the animals could number nearly 1,000 by November if they're allowed to continue breeding.

This is a dire situation, she said. This is just a cycle thats not going to end until these guys are all taken in.

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In the meantime, it's unclear if the animals are actually going to be removed from the home. They were reportedly told that an LA Animal Services lieutenant visited the home and determined the animals were healthy and had proper food, water, and shelter  a view the SCGPR does not share.

They put out a press release asking the city to take action to protect the animals.

We urge City officials and the animal welfare community to fully investigate this case and improve systemic response protocols. Shelter officials must be accountable if anything happens to these animals, the group said in a press statement.
After Air India Express, IndiGo becomes the second airline to mark its presence in Hindon Airport. Four months ago, Air India Express started its operations here.

Hindon Airport in NCR will now be connected with nine Indian cities -- Bengaluru, Kolkata, Varanasi, Goa, Patna, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Indore through IndiGo services.

"This is an (Udan) success of, Hindon, Ghaziabad, western Uttar Pradesh, and entire country. This is an Udan of the ambitions and aspirations of common Indians," the Union minister said from the Hindon Airport.

Airlines fleet, airports, terminal capacity, and flyers have doubled in India over the past decade, the minister said, reflecting the growth India's civil aviation sector has made.

"During 2024-2034, civil aviation in tier II and III cities will grow and we will have to unlock the potential. Hindon will serve as an example," the minister said.

With operations from both Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Hindon Airport (HDO), flyers based out of the National Capital Region will be served by these two airports.

The Hindon Airport's development work was taken up in 2019 under UDAN at Rs 50 crore, in collaboration with Indian Air Force, Minister Naidu said in his address today.

Minister, during his speech, said the annual flyers from Hindon Airport was about 8,000 in 2019, which has risen to upwards of 80,000 now.

Union Budget 2025-26 has put an additional thrust on the ever-growing domestic civil aviation sector.

Inspired by the success of the previous regional connectivity scheme, a modified UDAN scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years.

The UDAN scheme, launched in April 2017, focuses on improving unserved air routes in underserved regions. India's aviation industry has experienced significant growth in the past decade, and the number of operational airports in the country has since doubled.

The government aims to make India a global aviation hub by 2030. (ANI)
Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow caused massive traffic disruptions at the Russian capital's four airports, officials said on Sunday.

In the Selenograd district, the strikes also damaged numerous high-rise buildings and cars were set on fire, according to images posted by residents on social media.

Selenograd authorities confirmed this, adding that many windows had also been broken. Residents also posted photos of their devastated homes on the Telegram channel chp_Zelenograd.

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Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin acknowledged the damage but said it was not serious and would be repaired.

As he had done during the night, Sobyanin reported repeatedly in the morning that Ukrainian drones had been shot down as they headed for Moscow. The number rose to over 20 by midday.

Air traffic diversions and delays

The Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsiya reported restrictions at the capital's four airports, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky.

As it was initially impossible for aircraft to land and take off due to the drone threat, incoming flights were diverted to other airports, including St Petersburg.

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Rosaviatsiya spokesman Artem Korenjako, who was himself affected, asked passengers for their understanding and patience. "Like many others, I have been on the plane for several hours now," he said in a video clip posted from his seat.

Drone alerts have been causing repeated flight cancellations and delays in Russia, with airlines complaining of massive financial losses in the middle of the school holidays, when traffic is heavy.

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, noting 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.

Russia also attacked Ukraine again with drones

Russia meanwhile attacked Ukraine again with dozens of drones on Saturday night. The Ukrainian air defence reported 57 drones, significantly fewer than the previous day. Eighteen were shot down. There were also many impacts. The air defence did not provide any information on damage caused.

Ukraine has been trying to fend off Russia's full-scale invasion for more than three years.
Americans want the U.S. to return to the moon and shoot for Mars, according to a new poll.

According to a YouGov/CBS News poll, 67 percent of respondents said they'd like to see the U.S. send astronauts back to the moon for further exploration. Slightly fewer  65 percent  said they wanted to see the U.S. send explorers to Mars.

Respondents aged 30 and older were all fairly consistent in their approval of exploring the cosmos, with 68 percent of people ages 30-44 approving, and 65 percent of respondents aged 45 and over signing onto more space exploration.

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Younger adults, aged 18-29, were 71 percent in favor of further exploration.

The general approval for space exploration extends backwards as well; when asked if they believed the 1969 moon landing was worth the effort, 77 percent of respondents said it was, with only 23 percent saying it did not seem like it was worth the trip.

In this photo provided by NASA, astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin poses for a photograph beside the U.S. flag deployed on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969. A recent YouGov/CBS News poll found that 67 percent of Americans supported a return mission to the moon, and 65 percent supported a manned mission to Mars (1969 AP)

The overall support for space exploration is likely tied to another metric measured in the poll: a fair number of Americans believe that successful journeys to the stars contributes to feelings of national pride.

The poll found that 44 percent of respondents believed space exploration added somewhat to the U.S.'s national pride, while 29 percent said it added "a lot" to national pride, and 27 percent said it does not add much.

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The same number of individuals who believe space exploration adds to national pride  44 percent  also felt that it contributes some to scientific advances.

A smaller number, 33 percent, felt space exploration yields "a lot" of scientific advancement, while 23 percent believed it added little or nothing to scientific discoveries.
MOUNTAIN GREEN, Utah (ABC4)  A motorcyclist was airlifted from Trappers Loop Rd. with critical injuries Saturday night, according to Utah Highway Patrol.

At around 9:45 p.m. on July 19, Weber dispatch received calls of a crash near mile post 2 on Trappers Loop Rd. in the Mountain Green area. A motorcyclist  a male rider in his 50s  reportedly collided with a car and sustained critical injuries.

The motorcyclist was taken by helicopter to the hospital. Both directions of Trappers Loop Rd. were closed for two-three hours after the crash for the investigation.

Courtesy of Utah Highway Patrol Courtesy of Utah Highway Patrol

The current condition of the motorcyclist has not been released.

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No further information is available at this time.

Latest headlines:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C.(WSPA)  One person was killed Saturday evening in a wreck involving a van and a motorcycle in Greenville County.

According to state highway patrol, at around 7:16 p.m. a van and motorcycle were traveling in opposite directions on West Georgia Road in Piedmont when they collided head-on.

The Greenville County Coroners Office said the motorcyclist, Todd Michael Nelson, 56, of Simpsonville, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The wreck remains under investigation by the state highway patrol and the coroners office.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Multiple people were arrested, and several drugs and guns were seized during a 9-day initiative led by Springfield police.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Between July 2 and July 11, the Springfield Police Division had a coordinated and proactive enforcement effort in response to a recent increase in gun violence and criminal activity.

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This collaborative effort united local, county, and state partners with a shared mission: to enhance safety, disrupt violent crime, and address drug trafficking networks in our community, the division said.

Several law enforcement agencies assisted Springfield police in this effort, including the Clark County Sheriffs Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Adult Parole Authority and Dayton DEA.

These operations are part of our ongoing strategy to use safer tactics, modern technology, and data-driven enforcement to create a stronger, safer Springfield, the division said.

During the 9-day initiative, Springfield police officers executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. Authorities seized 1 kilogram of cocaine, 1 kilogram of fentanyl, and 1 handgun.

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In a separate investigation, officers arrested one person for drug trafficking and recovered 3 guns, 80 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of fentanyl, and 20 grams of meth.

The division shared the following results for its operation on July 8:

35 traffic stops

22 citations

1 OVI arrest

5 felony arrests

1 felony drug arrest

3 misdemeanor arrests

1 misdemeanor drug arrest

3 firearms seized

11 prescription pills seized

4 grams of suspected cocaine seized

Additional information on those arrested during this initiative and where the operations took place was not immediately available.

These operations are part of a larger strategy to proactively address the root causes of violence and prevent the devastating aftermath associated with drug trafficking and illegal firearms, the division said.

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Last April, three surfers were murdered in Baja. Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, along with American Jack Carter Rhoad, were camping and surfing in Ensenada when a carjacking went sideways, and they wound up dead. A major tragedy.

Since the senseless killings, a number of suspects have been arrested. They have been awaiting trial ever since. But now, according to new reports, the suspects have been tied to the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, the same criminal organization once run by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who is currently serving a life sentence in a maximum-security American prison.

Per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, court documents suggest that two of the accused murderers  Jesus Gerardo and Irineo Francisco  have ties to organized crime.

The alleged culprits attempted to steal the tires off the three surfers truck. But when the Robinsons and Rhoad fought back, they were shot in the head. Their bodies were later dumped into a well. Initially, local prosecutors believed it was just a petty crime that took a deadly turn. Now, however, they think that the crime has all the hallmarks of cartel activity.

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Lead prosecutor Miguel Angel Gaxiola Rodriguez told the ABC: "What started as a minor crime  car theft  turned into forced disappearance and the murder of three people, in a way that closely resembles the behavior of organized crime groups.

Related: Bodies Found in Search for Missing Surfers in Mexico

Since the ties to the Sinaloa Cartel have been revealed, Jesus Gerardo and Irineo Francisco have been transferred to a maximum-security prison  El Hongo, which has been featured on the show, Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons. They recently appeared in court via video, from the prison, and will return for a pre-trial hearing on July 25th.

Following the killings, a non-profit has been organized to honor the fallen surfers. Their mission?

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The foundation was formed after Callum (32), Jake (31) and their friend Carter Rhoad (33) were murdered while on a surfing and camping weekend in Mexico in 2024. The Foundation is a not-for-profit charity aiming to maximizing positive changes in the lives of others. We want to help people Live Bigger, Shine Brighter and Love Harder in their honor.

Rest in peace Callum, Jake, and Carter.

Related: Slain Surfers Honored with Memorial Paddle-Out in Baja, Locals Call for Justice

Murder of Surfers in Baja Linked to El Chapo Cartel first appeared on Surfer on Jul 20, 2025
The government is working on a system to reduce the timelines for processing of claims, said Anita Shah Akella, CEO, Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Speaking at a Seminar on IEPF, Corporate Exits and Investors Protection organised by industry body PHDCCI earlier this week, she said that presently the time taken to settle claims is too long as there is a lot of reliance on physical verification to certify and verify actual claimant. According to a statement from PHDCCI, the official shared a few steps taken by the IEPF Authority to improve claimant experience including search facility to check if shares are with IEPFA or Companies; Integration of MCA21, Depositories, PFMS and Faster verification of claimant identity and entitlement by prevalidation of details at form filing stage using Aadhaar-PAN-Demat-Bank linkage, among others. Akella further highlighted the steps taken to improve greviance redressal system. She said that the ticketing system has been implemented on the MCA Portal thus helping in tracking of responses. The Government is also conducting Niveshak Panchayat in Delhi every week and Niveshak Sunwai in different cities from time to time. The initiative of holding Niveshak Shivir camps across the country in partnership with SEBI for end to end resolution of issues of physical shareholders has also commenced with the first one already held in Pune. Sameet Gambhir, Chair, Corporate Affairs Committee, PHDCCI gave the theme address where shared that numerous issues are still being encountered by the investors who are trying to get their claims from IEPF. The Seminar was a part of Knowledge Series on Corporate Affairs being organised by the Corporate Affairs Committee for 2025-26. (ANI)
Mystery of 'Unknown Male' buried in North Dakota solved almost 55 years later originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

The body of a man found in eastern North Dakota almost 55 years ago has been identified as a World War II veteran.

The body was first found near railroad tracks outside Page, North Dakota on Oct. 27 of 1970 and remained unidentified since then. The man was buried with a headstone marked "Unknown Male."

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But on July 1, the Cass County Coroners Office, along with Southeast Missouri State University, exhumed the remains. During that process, an upper denture plate labeled Tate W. H was recovered.

Investigators were able to trace the denture information to a World War II enlistment record. The man was eventually identified as William Howard Tate.

The Cass County Sheriffs Office did investigate Tate's death as a possible homicide, with evidence suggesting he had been "assaulted, robbed and either thrown or had fallen from a moving train."

No suspects or persons of interest were ever identified.

Cass County

His cause of death found to be fractures to his ribs, cervical vertebrae, maxilla and mandible. The man was believed to have died around six weeks before his body was discovered.

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The Coroners Office will work with Cass County Veteran Services to have a new headstone placed on the grave, according to the announcement.

Cass County ND

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, has urged Alliance members to adopt Ukraines approach to implementing defence innovations.

Source: Grynkewich during a speech at the LANDEURO 2025 symposium in Wiesbaden, Germany

Details: Addressing military leaders and defence industry representatives from NATO member countries, Grynkewich highlighted that since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have consistently demonstrated a high level of innovation, adapting resources to frontline needs.

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He suggested that this approach serves as a model for NATO countries, which should study Ukraines experience and integrate similar mechanisms into their armies.

Quote from Grynkewich: "One of the lessons that I've taken away [from Ukraine  ed.] is we've got to figure out what mechanisms we can build in all of our militaries that allow that same pace of innovation that the Ukrainians have done so successfully."

Grynkewich also stressed the importance of robust cooperation between the military and defence industries. He argued that NATO requires a clear and rapid supply of equipment and resources.

Quote: "Future pledges are no longer enough. We need things to start showing up in the armies and in the air forces and in the navies of the alliance as soon as they can."

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The general asserted that achieving this requires a unified defence and industrial base spanning both sides of the Atlantic  both in the US and Europe. He advocated for a seamless industrial system capable of meeting NATOs needs.

Quote: "There's plenty of work to go around, and it's a false choice to think that we can only invest in one or the other. It needs to be one seamless industrial base that can deliver capability and capacity for the alliance."

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After Democratic Gov. Josh Stein won the gubernatorial election in November 2024, General Assembly Republicans passed a bill, and overturned then-Gov. Roy Coopers veto, that shifted power away from the governor.

Senate Bill 382 was both about taking power and allocating money for Helene recovery, a controversial move in the waning days of the year, and the legislative session. One provision that ended up in court involved the State Highway Patrol.

Effective July 1, the Highway Patrol was moved out of the Department of Public Safety, which is a Stein Cabinet agency, and made its own separate agency, still within Steins Cabinet.

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Good Sunday morning to you and welcome to our Under the Dome newsletter that focuses on the governor. Im Dawn Vaughan, The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief.

This past week, Stein said that hes letting the June ruling of a three-judge panel go, and wont appeal the trial courts decision.

The Wake County Superior Court judges ruled that Stein failed to demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the General Assemblys act is unconstitutional.

I brought this lawsuit to ensure that our public safety leaders are accountable to the people of North Carolina, as required by our states Constitution, Stein said in his announcement that he wont appeal.

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Under the change, Stein wont be able to remove Johnson, though he did not intend to, either.

Making a commander of the State Highway Patrol unremovable for any reason would threaten public safety, and I am relieved the court did not endorse such a result. I continue to have confidence in Col. Freddy Johnsons ability to lead the State Highway Patrol effectively, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to keep people safe, Stein said.

Johnson was already commander of the Highway Patrol, appointed by Cooper in 2021. His new five-year term began July 1, the day the Highway Patrol launched as its own agency.

Col. Freddy Johnson Jr., commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The Highway Patrol became a separate Cabinet agency on July 1, 2025.

Today marks an important day in both the history of our agency as we proudly celebrate the 96th anniversary of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the beginning of a future that I believe only builds on our strong commitment to public safety, Johnson said in a statement on July 1.

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Since our founding in 1929, the Patrol has stood as a symbol of dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all North Carolinians. I am personally looking forward to what the future holds with this exciting change and know that our success is a certainty thanks to the people that collectively make-up our states largest law enforcement agency, Johnson said.

Its also worth noting that the N.C. State Capitol Police is a separate agency under Johnsons direction.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is its own agency effective July 1, 2025. In this file photo, officers are pictured marching in formation for Wake County Deputy Ned Byrds funeral on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022 in Raleigh, N.C.

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The General Assembly is expected to come back on July 29 for veto override votes. The House has all of Steins vetoed House bills on its calendar for that day. The Senate, as of Friday, had all its vetoed bills in the Rules Committee. Senate rules say that the Rules Committee chair informs the minority party leader 24 hours before a veto override vote is added to the calendar.

I have a breakdown of how veto override votes work in North Carolina, and whats at play. From what taking a walk means to a 2019 dramatic override vote on the budget, you can read more about it in my story that was posted Friday.

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And catch up on more North Carolina politics news by listening to our Under the Dome podcast, which posts every Tuesday morning.

Politics reporter Avi Bajpai contributed to this newsletter.

Thanks for reading. Contact me at dvaughan@newsobserver.com. Not a newsletter subscriber? Sign up on our website to receive Under the Dome in your inbox daily.
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCN)  Two officers in Kinston are currently on administrative leave as the department investigates their involvement in a fatal shooting.

According to the Kinston Police Department, officers were called to a domestic-related incident around 3 a.m. Sunday on the 1300 block of Manchester Road. They were told that a man had a firearm and threatened to shoot a woman who was also home.

Officers said the man answered the door upon their arrival, and during a brief encounter he produced a firearm. In response to the immediate threat, officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect, a spokesperson from Kinston police said in a social media release. Officers rendered aid at the scene; however, the suspect was pronounced deceased on-site.

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The spokesperson said that while the department investigates the incident, both officers are placed on administrative leave. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is also conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

As of Sunday morning, the identity of the shooting victim has not been released by the Kinston Police Department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been diagnosed with intestinal inflammation due to food poisoning, his office said on Sunday.

Netanyahu feel ill overnight and was examined by a doctor at his home, according to the statement.

His condition is said to be stable and the Israeli leader plans to continue working from home after resting for three days.

Netanyahu, 75, has previously been hospitalized a number of times, including for surgery on his prostate and for a hernia last year.

In 2023, he was fitted with a pacemaker.
When President Trump returned to the White House in January, he promised to deliver big foreign policy wins in record time.

He said he would halt Russias war against Ukraine in 24 hours or less, end Israels war in Gaza nearly as quickly and force Iran to end to its nuclear program. He said hed persuade Canada to become the 51st state, take Greenland from Denmark and negotiate 90 trade deals in 90 days.

The president believes that his force of personality  can bend people to do things," his special envoy-for-everything, Steve Witkoff, explained in May in a Breitbart interview.

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Six months later, none of those ambitious goals have been reached.

Ukraine and Gaza are still at war. Israel and the United States bombed Irans nuclear facilities, but its not clear whether they ended the countrys atomic program once and for all. Canada and Denmark havent surrendered any territory. And instead of trade deals, Trump is mostly slapping tariffs on other countries, to the distress of U.S. stock markets.

It turned out that force of personality couldnt solve every problem.

He overestimated his power and underestimated the ability of others to push back, said Kori Schake, director of foreign policy at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. He often acts as if were the only people with leverage, strength or the ability to take action. Were not.

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Read more: Inside Trump's ICE expansion: Can he really hire 10,000 new agents?

The president has notched important achievements. He won a commitment from other members of NATO to increase their defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product. The attack on Iran appears to have set Tehrans nuclear project back for years, even if it didnt end it. And Trump  or more precisely, his aides  helped broker ceasefires between India and Pakistan and between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But none of those measured up to the goals Trump initially set for himself  much less qualified for the Nobel Peace Prize he has publicly yearned for. I wont get a Nobel Peace Prize for this, he grumbled when the Rwanda-Congo agreement was signed.

The most striking example of unfulfilled expectations has come in Ukraine, the grinding conflict Trump claimed he could end even before his inauguration.

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For months, Trump sounded certain that his warm relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin would produce a deal that would stop the fighting, award Russia most of the territory its troops have seized and end U.S. economic sanctions on Moscow.

I believe he wants peace, Trump said of Putin in February. I trust him on this subject.

But to Trumps surprise, Putin wasnt satisfied with his proposal. The Russian leader continued bombing Ukrainian cities even after Trump publicly implored him to halt via social media (Vladimir, STOP!).

Critics charged that Putin was playing Trump for a fool. The president bristled: "Nobody's playing me."

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But as early as April, he admitted to doubts about Putin's good faith. It makes me think that maybe he doesnt want to stop the war, hes just tapping me along," he said.

I speak to him a lot about getting this thing done, and I always hang up and say, Well, that was a nice phone call, and then missiles are launched into Kyiv or some other city, Trump complained last week. After that happens three or four times, you say the talk doesn't mean anything."

The president also came under pressure from Republican hawks in Congress who warned privately that if Ukraine collapsed, Trump would be blamed the way his predecessor, President Biden, was blamed for the fall of Afghanistan in 2022.

So last week, Trump changed course and announced that he will resume supplying U.S.-made missiles to Ukraine  but by selling them to European countries instead of giving them to Kyiv as Biden had.

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Trump also gave Putin 50 days to accept a ceasefire and threatened to impose secondary tariffs on countries that buy oil from Russia if he does not comply.

He said he still hopes Putin will come around. Im not done with him, but Im disappointed in him, he said in a BBC interview.

It still isnt clear how many missiles Ukraine will get and whether they will include long-range weapons that can strike targets deep inside Russia. A White House official said those details are still being worked out.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sounded unimpressed by the U.S. actions. I have no doubt that we will cope, he said.

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Foreign policy experts warned that the secondary tariffs Trump proposed could prove impractical. Russias two biggest oil customers are China and India; Trump is trying to negotiate major trade agreements with both.

Meanwhile, Trump has dispatched Witkoff back to the Middle East to try to arrange a ceasefire in Gaza and reopen nuclear talks with Iran  the goals he began with six months ago.

Despite his mercurial style, Trumps approach to all these foreign crises reflects basic premises that have remained constant for a decade, foreign policy experts said.

There is a Trump Doctrine, and it has three basic principles, Schake said. Alliances are a burden. Trade exports American jobs. Immigrants steal American jobs.

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Robert Kagan, a former Republican aide now at the Brookings Institution, added one more guiding principle: He favors autocrats over democrats. Trump has a soft spot for foreign strongmen like Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping, and has abandoned the long-standing U.S. policy of fostering democracy abroad, Kagan noted.

Read more: Trump threatens Russia with tariffs and boosts U.S. weapons for Ukraine

The problem, Schake said, is that those principles impede Trumps ability to get things done around the world, and he doesnt seem to realize it.

The international order we built after World War II made American power stronger and more effective, she said. Trump and his administration seem bent on presiding over the destruction of that international order.

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Moreover, Kagan argued, Trumps frenetic imposition of punitive tariffs on other countries comes with serious costs.

Tariffs are a form of economic warfare, he said. Trump is creating enemies for the United States all over the world. ... I dont think you can have a successful foreign policy if everyone in the world mistrusts you.

Not surprisingly, Trump and his aides dont agree.

It cannot be overstated how successful the first six months of this administration have been, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said last week. With President Trump as commander in chief, the world is a much safer place.

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That claim will take years to test.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(WFRV)  On this weeks Newsmaker Sunday, Tom Zalaski is joined by Oshkosh City Manager Rebecca Grill to discuss everything Oshkosh.

Oshkosh is known as Wisconsins event city and is set to host the nations largest aviation event this week, EAA AirVenture 2025.

Newsmaker Sunday: Fond du Lac City Manager Joe Moore

Tune in to Newsmaker Sunday every Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
LUNA COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  This week on New Mexico Crime Files, KRQE anchors Dean Staley and Jessica Garate recap a story that shook the Village of Columbus, N.M., to the core. In 2011, then-Mayor Eddie Espinoza, Columbus Police Chief Angelo Vega, and a board trustee were accused of smuggling over 200 guns across the border to Mexican Cartels. ATF investigators even noted the guns were used for murders in Mexico. Learn more about the fallout of the gun smuggling ring and where the culprits are now.

About New Mexico Crime Files

This is New Mexico Crime Files  Taking it from the streets, then to the courtroom, to finally answering where are they now?. Each week, KRQE News 13 anchors Dean Staley and Jessica Garate bring you the notorious, the unforgettable, and the unbelievable crime stories from the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico Crime Files is sponsored by MedradoStruck Law Firm.

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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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Israel's Health Ministry is preparing the transfer of medical equipment and medications to Sweida's hospital following the recent violent Syrian Druze-Bedouin clashes that have left hundreds dead.

Israels Health Ministry is preparing the transfer of medical equipment, medication, and general assistance to Sweidas hospital, as reports of severe damage to its hospital come through, the ministrys spokespersons office announced Saturday night.

The call for aid followedintense clashes between members of the Druze community and Syrian Bedouin tribes in the city of Sweida over the past week.

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After receiving the urgent request for aid from the Syrian hospital on Friday, Health Minister Uriel Busso called on the ministry to mobilize a rapid response:

Our brotherhood with the Druze community is strong and well known, but even more so, we are determined to strengthen this alliance, standing shoulder to shoulder in all areas of our lives. The instructions I gave to mobilize quickly to provide aid in light of the developments in Syria reflect Israels commitment to not stand idly by when members of the community, even outside of its borders, are in danger."

"There's no more space in the morgue, the bodies are out on the street," Dr. Omar Obeid, leader of the Sweida division at Syria's Order of Physicians, said, according to Ynet.

People carry a person, injured in recent clashes in Syria's Sweida province, as casualties receive treatment at a field medical point, following renewed fighting between Bedouin fighters and Druze gunmen, despite an announced truce, in Deraa, Syria July 18, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/KHALIL ASHAWI)

Following the request, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, director-general of the Health Ministry, met with Dulan Abu Salah, head of the Majdal Shams local council, doctors from the Druze community, and Prof. Salman Zarka, director of Safeds Ziv Medical Center, to discuss the possibilities of aid transfer to Sweida.

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Providing medical aid to all of those wounded is an urgent call, and the mobilization for this means saving lives, Zarka said.

The medical equipment and medications will be transferred to the hospital by security forces and the IDF, pending approval from the relevant authorities.

Eruption of the clashes, international response

Sectarian fighting erupted in Sweida last week after a wave of kidnappings, leading to clashes between local Bedouin tribes, Druze residents of Sweida, and security forces with ties to Damascus, which have left hundreds of people dead.

The Syrian presidency announced an immediate ceasefire on Saturday, supported by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighboring countries, following Israeli strikes on Damascus and government forces in southern Syria.

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Israels Druze community has organized protests across northern Israel in response to the violence, calling on the Israeli government and other international bodies to intervene. Additionally, a group of Israeli Druze managed to illegally cross into Syria late Friday night in solidarity with their Syrian brethren, and have since been returned to Israeli territory by the IDF.

"If you want to help Sweida, demonstrations at the border are not the way, senior IDF officers told Druze community leaders, according to Army Radio. The IDF is not meant to deal with Israeli lawbreakers; this distracts and diverts attention to the wrong places. We understand the communitys pain and want to help and bring in aid, but continuing in this way achieves the opposite effect.
Andy Byron has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of data technology firm Astronomer following the circulation of a video of him holding a woman at a Coldplay concert, reported Variety. Online speculation suggested the woman may have been Astronomer's Head of Human Resources, Kristin Cabot. Following the clip going viral and garnering tens of millions of views, the Astronomer's Board of Directors initiated a formal internal review. A company statement released on Friday confirmed Byron's resignation. "As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding," read the statement as quoted by Variety. "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," as per the statement released by Astronomer, quoted by Variety. It continued, "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. We're continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data & AI problems," as quoted by Variety. At a Coldplay concert Wednesday night in Foxborough, Massachusetts, a fan cam found Bryon with his arms around a woman. Once spotted, they quickly moved away from each other and hid their faces from the camera. The couple was identified on social media, and the clip of them together has amassed tens of millions of views since it was posted late Wednesday. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin noticed the couple's odd reaction on the arena's jumbotron. As they ducked away, Martin joked, "Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy." If reports are to be believed, Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, and the couple resides in New York. (ANI)
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. (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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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The consequences are going to fall on us, not them.

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.

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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:

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.

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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.
(FOX40.COM)  A community in Northern California was issued an unsafe water alert and warned not to drink tap water because of possible bacterial contamination.

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On July 19, the Elk Creek Community Services District advised customers in Glenn County to use only bottled water for drinking, mixing baby formula, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice, and all other food preparation until further notice. Officials said a broken water main caused water pressure to drop below the minimum required, which would cause the water to be contaminated with coliform bacteria.

Cliff jumper dies at Northern California lake after hitting water face-first

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We will inform you when tests show that the water is safe again, ECCSD said in the advisory. We expect to resolve the bacteria contamination question within a few days.

Officials said the warning is a precautionary measure, and customers should not try to treat the water on their own. According to ECCSD, the water is safe for bathing and toilet use. For more information, customers can contact the ECCSD water plant operator, Jon Albertsen, at 707-489-1274 or the board president, Sharon Green, at 530-934-6588.

Additionally, people who are concerned about their health can contact the Glenn County Public Health Department at 530-934-6588.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Jul. 20Tucked into the southwest corner of the University of New Mexico's main campus are three labs where a specific group of advanced mechanical engineering students spend most of their time  in class, on the weekends, even at 3 a.m. some days. They describe the work they're doing as a full-time job, and more.

The students are building electric vehicles, solar-powered boats and rockets from scratch, in less than two years, to compete in international competitions.

UNM's School of Engineering requires students to complete a senior design program to graduate. All of these hands-on, nontraditional education courses are offered as options.

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"We are training engineers; therefore, the engineer must prove that he or she is an engineer, can work in a team, can design, build, test and so on, a product," said John Russell, a professor in the university's Department of Mechanical Engineering.

He also runs LOBOmotorsports, a three-semester course that prepares students to compete in the international collegiate competition Formula SAE. The students are responsible for designing, building and racing a small formula-style race car.

But in the bigger picture, the skill sets taught help the students immediately enter the workforce upon graduation.

"It's not like your high school science fair," Russell said.

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Past a software lab, 3D printing and design area, and an aerodynamics facility, seven racing cars in various stages of assembly sat in a small, walled-off space at the LOBOmotorsports building on Wednesday. In the corner of the room sat a mostly red electric racing car  No. 267.

It's the most recently built competition racing car, just back from F-SAE last month and awaiting the results. Recent graduates Tim Crepeau and Andrew Suplicki led the team that competed against more than 100 other teams from around the world in the electric vehicle racing car category.

"It's everything-engineering," Suplicki said.

Judges score the cars based on a series of technical inspections and dynamic events. This year, the battery box inspection created some challenges for the team. After dousing the car in water, the students have to prove it can still run for two minutes without short-circuiting. Russell said the team this year reached 1 minute and 45 seconds.

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Despite the technical troubles, the hands-on experience is the real win for the students. Crepeau credited his current internship with Sandia National Laboratories to having participated in LOBOmotorsports. An alumnus of the course who works at Sandia saw the reference on Crepeau's application.

He's entering graduate school at UNM in the fall and one day wants to build his own race car.

"Coming out of the program, even just knowing how to weld is huge. That's something that really gives you an advantage," Crepeau said.

A building over, a small wooden trophy sat in another much smaller lab. It's awaiting a first-place plaque, a recognition that the UNM Solar Splash team designed, built and piloted the best solar-powered boat in the international competition held last month.

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Solar Splash is another senior design course that goes beyond the black-and-white scenarios presented in academia, said faculty adviser Peter Vorobieff. What should a student do if a part doesn't arrive on time, he asked; can they build it instead?

"It is a stress test for their skills and their temperaments, which I think provides some very useful real-world experience," he said of the two-semester course. "Plus, it also gives the students a good understanding of technologies whose combination will most definitely be more prominent in the immediate future."

Preparing students for rapidly advancing technologies is also a priority over at Lobo Launch, the two-semester rocket-building senior capstone option. Across University Boulevard, recent graduate Luis Quintana waited outside a bright pink building that houses a sprawling assortment of partly assembled rockets.

Quintana competed on a team with seven other students in early June at this year's International Rocket Engineering Competition in Midland, Texas, formerly hosted at southern New Mexico's Spaceport America.

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"This is our rocket," he said inside the dimly lit lab, gesturing to a 110-inch miniature rocket in two pieces. "Unfortunately, it didn't deploy the main parachute, which is why it fell apart."

But, he added with a laugh, UNM beat New Mexico State University and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

This year, UNM's rocket lab wrecked $30,000 worth of rockets  a test and trial process that's crucial to learning in the field, said rocket engineering Professor Fernando "Doc" Aguilar. He added that the equipment isn't cheap.

Aguilar is currently in talks with the university seeking more funding to help professionalize Lobo Launch, including hiring a full-time program manager. He also recently secured two unpaid mentors to assist the students, starting in the fall semester.

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All three capstone programs rely on fundraising through private sponsors in addition to university money.

All of Aguilar's rocket lab students have been hired right out of college or accepted into a master's degree program, he said.

"My students, when they graduate, they hit the ground running," he said.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs conviction rate has plunged every year since he took office  and hes hiding the ugly numbers from the public, The Post has learned.

Just 35% of felony cases  6,871 out of 19,602 crimes  ended in convictions last year, down from 37% in 2023, 40% in 2022, and 42% in 2021 before Bragg took office, according to data from the state Division of Criminal Justice.

And those numbers are way down from 2019, the last year before New Yorks woke discovery reform laws took effect, when 64% of felonies resulted in convictions.

Alvin Braggs conviction rate has fallen every single year since he took office. Steven Hirsch

Even when the Democratic prosecutors office did win a conviction, 66% of the time it was a charge downgraded to a misdemeanor or even a non-criminal violation.

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And the number of felony cases Bragg simply refused to prosecute has nearly doubled since he took over  from 7% in 2022, to 8% in 2023 and 12% in 2024.

Bragg ordered prosecutors to stop seeking prison for hordes of crimes including armed robberies and drug dealing in his Day 1 memo.

These outcomes are by design, Rafael Mangual, legal fellow at the Manhattan Institute, told The Post. Braggs philosophy is that incarceration should be the last resort. And he wont even pursue prison terms beyond 20 years, irrespective of the offense.

Mangual says Bragg fails to acknowledge that prison is where we get the public safety benefits  because individuals who are currently engaged in criminal conduct are going to be taken out of commission.

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Misdemeanor convictions are tanking too, plummeting from 24% in 2022, to 21% in 2023 and 17% in 2024, records show.

Felony conviction rates have dropped and refusals to prosecute have risen since Bragg took office. NY Post Design

Bragg declined to prosecute 9% of misdemeanors in 2022, then 19% in 2023 and 31% in 2024, according to the data.

But the public would never know any of this because the DAs office quietly yanked the data dashboard from its website.

Its been under construction since October.

They hid it knowing that DA Bragg is going to be up for re-election, slammed outraged West Village resident Scott Evans. Theyre hiding behind the curtain of theres no data to talk about. 

The data page of the Manhattan DAs website has been under construction since the fall. data.manhattanda.org

Evans says hes pressed Braggs representatives about the missing page at community meetings  only to be told they dont want the public to misinterpret the data.

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A spokesperson for Bragg told The Post hes working with the other boroughs DAs on how to present the data, without adding more specifics.

Before it was pulled, the DAs office touted its data dashboard as groundbreaking.

A screenshot of the Manhattan DAs data page taken on September 25, before it was taken down. Scott Evans

The Manhattan DAs office is committed to enhancing transparency in the criminal justice system, the website boldly used to claim. Our data dashboard, the first in New York State, provides the public with comprehensive data about our offices prosecutions.

Case data was updated weekly.

This is exactly the wrong time to take that tool away from the public, as we come into an election year and they try to evaluate whether thats the direction they want the DAs office be moving, said Mangual.
SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Just over two weeks after a plane crashed in Sumner County, killing the pilot, officials provided new details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the National Transportation Safety Boards preliminary report, an Ercoupe 415-C  which was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight  crashed near Gallatin around 1 p.m. on July 2, leaving the plane significantly damaged.

EMS personnel told News 2 that the call about the crash came in from the area of Collier Lane and Highway 25, and first responders went to the Liberty Lane area.

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PREVIOUS: 1 dead after small plane crashes in Sumner County

The planes owner reportedly bought it several weeks before the crash and hired a pilot to fly it from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) in St. Louis, Missouri, to his home airport, Western Carolina Regional Airport (RHP) in Andrews, North Carolina.

According to officials, on July 2, the pilot flew from SUS to Washington Regional Airport (FYG) in Washington, Missouri, to perform three touch and go landings since he didnt have any experience in that make and model. After the three landings, he flew to Hopkinsville-Christian County Airport (HVC) in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, for fuel, but after the pilot topped off the tanks, the planes engine wouldnt start due to a dead battery.

The NTSB said the pilot called the new owner to report the plane had an electrical issue and he didnt feel comfortable flying over the mountains to RHP, so he was going to fly to Cleveland Regional Jetport (RZR) in Cleveland, Tennessee, and drop the plane off there. Then, someone helped the pilot hand prop the plane to get the engine started.

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Based on preliminary communication data, officials said the pilot contacted an air traffic controller about 20 minutes after taking off from HVC and told him the engine was losing rpm and that he needed radar vectors to the closest airport. The controller told the pilot he was seven miles away from an airport, but the pilot said the plane wouldnt be able to reach that airport and he was setting up for an off-airport landing, marking the last communication received from the pilot.

(Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN)

The wreckage was located in a wooded area and oriented on a magnetic heading of 360. The accident site was compact, and all major components of the airplane were accounted for. The airplanes engine and instrument panel fractured off at the main spar and was located under the fuselage. The fuselage was wedged between two trees and resting on the engine and instrument panel. The entire front section of the airplane, from the firewall forward, including the instrument panel, fuel tank and control yokes fractured off from the front of the main spar. It remained attached to the fuselage by electrical wires only. It was located underneath the fuselage and holding the airplane off the ground by 5 ft. The header fuel tank was breached, however about 4 gallons of fuel were removed. During examination of the fuel line to the carburetor the fuel shut off valve was partially closed. When the valve was removed for further examination, it was observed to be about 80% closed. Cable and torque tube continuity was established to all primary flight controls. The aileron hinge connections were impact fractured. The left wing remained attached to the fuselage. The leading edge had tree impression marks down the entire length. The last 2 feet of the wing was bent up by contact with tree branches. The left aileron remained attached to the wing. The left-wing fuel tank was intact. However, the fuel line was fractured off near the B-nut. The fuel tank contained about 4 gallons of fuel. The left main landing gear remained attached and intact. The right wing remained attached to the fuselage. The right-wing leading edge had a tree impression mark about 1 ft from the wing tip. The wing fabric was torn in several places. The right-wing fuel tank was intact. The fuel line was fractured off near the B-nut, however, the fuel tank contained about 4 gallons of fuel. The main right landing gear remained attached and intact. The tail section was bent sideways just forward of the rudder and elevator section. The left rudder was bent in half. The elevator remained attached and was intact. The right rudder was intact. Both wood propeller blades were fractured midspan. The propeller blades were cut about 12 in from the hub to facilitate an engine run. The engine was intact and not damaged. The engine housing that included the instrument panel was strapped to a trailer. A temporary fuel line was plumbed to the carburetor. A battery was connected to the main battery wire. The master switch was turned on and power was applied to the damaged instrument panel. The key was used to turn on the magnetos and push button start switch was used to start the engine. Starter fluid was used to help start the engine due to the primer line being damaged. The engine started and was run at idle for several seconds before being shut down. A full power run was not attempted due to the propeller being cut and the engine being strapped to a trailer. No anomalies noted with the engine, that would have precluded normal operation. Portion of NTSB preliminary crash report

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The NTSB said the maintenance logbook revealed the planes most recent annual inspection was completed on Oct. 8, 2024, at which time the airframe had accumulated 1,575 total hours of operation. Meanwhile, the engine had accrued 79 hours since major overhaul.

Portion of preliminary report about July 2, 2025, plane crash (Courtesy: NTSB)

Officials noted in their report from Thursday, July 17 that the information was preliminary and subject to change. The identity of the pilot who was fatally injured in the crash has yet to be released.

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After weeks of search and rescue efforts following deadly flash floods, officials in Texass Kerr County said Saturday that the number of people still missing had dropped to just three.

As many as 160 people were reported missing in the days after flash floods caused the Guadalupe River to rise drastically over the July 4 weekend, killing 116 people in Kerr County, the epicenter of the devastating floods.

Through extensive follow-up work among state and local agencies, many individuals who were initially reported as missing have been verified as safe and removed from the list. This has been an ongoing effort as investigators worked diligently to verify reports of missing persons and confirm their status, local officials said in a press release.

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About 100 people were still reported missing at the beginning of the week.

We are profoundly grateful to the more than 1,000 local, state and federal authorities who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the devastating flood that struck our community, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said in the release.

The natural disaster has prompted questions about the preparedness of local and federal officials.

The New York Times reported that local authorities had weighed installing a warning system along the banks of the Guadalupe and were particularly concerned about youth camps situated along the river.

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On multiple occasions, however, they decided against the move due to cost, or were not able to secure sufficient federal funding to make it happen.

CNN and The Washington Post also reported that the federal governments response may have been slowed by a policy requiring the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to sign off on contracts or purchases over $100,000.

Noem fired back at press reports of a poor response in Texas, saying during a previous Fox and Friends appearance that the reports were fake news and absolute trash.

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin also denounced claims of slow response as lies and an unparalleled display of activist journalism in a previous statement to The Hill.

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The number of people reported missing in the wake of historic July Fourth flooding in Kerr County, Texas, has dropped from a peak of more than 160 to three, with many now verified as being safe, officials said Saturday.

"Extensive follow-up work" and "extraordinary efforts" were credited with the reduction after 173 people statewide were reported missing amid floodwaters two stories deep, officials said in nearly identical statements from Kerr County and the city of Kerrville.

"This remarkable progress reflects countless hours of coordinated search and rescue operations, careful investigative work, and an unwavering commitment to bringing clarity and hope to families during an unimaginably difficult time," Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said in the statements.

Dozens upon dozens of people reported missing by loved ones were taken off a list of missing persons after their safety was verified, officials said.

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"Many individuals who were initially reported as missing have been verified as safe and removed from the list," the city and county statements said. "This has been an ongoing effort as investigators worked diligently to verify reports of missing persons and confirm their status."

County officials did not immediately respond to a request for more information Saturday. It wasn't clear if any one factor, such as the return of cellphone service interrupted by the storm, may have been instrumental in locating those initially reported as missing.

Rapidly rising floodwaters in the early morning hours of July 4 swept through river-adjacent summer camp bungalows, washed cars off roadways and left some survivors clinging to trees.

A "flood wave" also swept down the Guadalupe River, rapidly increasing its depth and damaging structures along its banks. Federal weather data showed the Guadalupe, which runs through Kerville and Kerr County, rose 26 feet in 45 minutes.

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At least 27 campers and staff members died at Camp Mystic, which was hosting more than 750 children when it was inundated by the sudden river flooding.

The process of warning residents is under scrutiny as the federal Integrated Public Alert & Warning System was not used to send Emergency Alert System texts to cellphone users in the region.

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., earlier this week called for a formal investigation into the Department of Homeland Security's response to the flooding.

President Donald Trump toured flood-damaged Kerrville last week and defended the stance of his administration, saying the federal response was immediate. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was there right from the beginning, the president said.

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State and local officials have also had to grapple with criticism of the lack of timely alerts being sent to residents ahead of the floods.

It happened so rapidly that nobody, nobody could have anticipated it, Kerrvilles Rice told NBC News last week, arguing that the historic and overwhelming nature of the flooding could barely be avoided with the best warnings and forecasts.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(NewsNation)  The number of missing people in the central Texas area swept by July 4 flash floods has dramatically dropped from more than 160 to three, officials announced Saturday evening.

The Kerr County Flood Disaster Joint Information Center credited extensive follow-up work by state and local agencies for verifying that dozens of people who had been reported as missing in the hard-hit county are now categorized as safe and removed from the list.

How to help Texas flooding survivors

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We are profoundly grateful to the more than 1,000 local, state, and federal authorities who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the devastating flood that struck our community, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said in a prepared statement. Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, the number of individuals previously listed as missing has dropped from over 160 to three.

Torrential rains that struck Texas Hill Country early on July 4 overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, which rapidly rose more than 20 feet and swept onto lower ground. The flooding stormed all-girls Camp Mystic, where at least 27 campers and counselors perished, in Kerr County.

The total number of people who died across a multi-county region is at least 135. It was not immediately known how many people are unaccounted for in counties other than Kerr, but recent media reports have suggested single digits, at most.

Kerr County officials did not offer details about the three people who are still considered unaccounted for in their jurisdiction.

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Our thoughts remain with the families still awaiting news, and we will continue to stand with them as efforts persist, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. said.

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Former Rep. Beto ORourke (D-Texas) said on Sunday that he has not yet decided whether to run for U.S. Senate in Texas in 2026.

I dont know, ORourke said in an interview on CNNs State of the Union when asked if he plans to run for Sen. John Cornyns (R-Texas) seat, which is up for reelection next year.

Right now, Im holding these town halls all over the state of Texas, across the country to listen to people, to bring them together and to channel our anger into action, registering people to vote, organizing with voters right now, he continued.

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ORourke  who ran unsuccessful bids for senator in 2018, president in 2020, and Texas governor in 2022  said hes optimistic about Democrats chances next year.

But Im very optimistic about Democrats opportunity in 2026, ORourke said.

In Trumps last midterm in 2018, when I was running against Ted Cruz, not only did we come close to defeating the sitting senator, but 12 insurgent Democrats defeated 12 incumbent Republicans in the state House, he added, referring to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

ORourke pointed to Rep. Lizzie Pannill Fletcher (Texas) and former Rep. Colin Allred (Texas) as examples of Democrats who defeated entrenched, well-funded Republicans in the 2018 midterms.

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Allred lost his Senate bid against Cruz in 2024 and recently announced that he will run for Cornyns Senate seat in 2026.

You had 17 Black women win judicial positions in Harris County, in Houston, Texas, ORourke continued. It was transformational for the state of Texas.

There will be a price for this extremism from Donald Trump from the people that hes hurting across the country right now. And I think we will see that play out in 2026, ORourke said.

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Former Rep. Beto ORourke (Texas) called on his fellow Democrats to fight fire with fire as Republicans in his state move forward with an effort to alter Texass congressional district lines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

In an interview on CNNs State of the Union, ORourke said Democrats need to start playing the same game as Republicans and stop worrying only about doing what is right.

I think its time that we match fire with fire. I think Democrats in the past too often have been more concerned with being right than being in power. And we have seen Republicans only care about being in power, regardless of what is right, ORourke said in the interview.

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In a rare mid-decade redistricting effort, Texas state lawmakers are expected to consider new congressional lines during a special session of the Texas Legislature, which GOP Gov. Greg Abbott called. The effort to redraw the Texas map has been made at the request of President Trump, who aims to bolster the GOPs slim House majority to ensure that Republicans maintain control of the lower chamber during his final two years of his second term.

In a call to Texas Republicans on Tuesday morning, the president urged lawmakers to draw the districts in a way that would allow Republicans to flip five Democratic seats to the GOP.

Trump also said that he would be OK with blue-leaning states, such as New York and California, potentially doing the same to increase the number of seats for Democrats.

I think well get five. And there could be some other states were going to get another three, or four or five in addition, Trump said Tuesday. Texas would be the biggest one.

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ORourke  who unsuccessfully ran for senator, governor and president  praised California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) for suggesting that he could pursue a similar approach in his state.

I think that Democrats have been so scared of being branded as hypocrites or coloring outside of the lines that it has absolutely paralyzed them in this struggle for power in America. You dont see the other side worrying about any of that at all, Donald Trump defying the Constitution, the rule of law, the courts, trying to dismantle our very democracy in front of our eyes right now where we sit, ORourke said.

We have got to fight back. We cannot roll over. We cannot play dead. We cannot submit to them, as Democrats for far too long have done.

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'Baksho Bondi' was co-directed by debutant Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi and stars Shome as Maya, a woman working multiple jobs, from house cleaning to chicken farming to laundry pressing, while caring for her PTSD-afflicted husband and their teenage son.

The situation becomes tricky after Shome's husband becomes implicated in a murder investigation, leading to more problems for Tillotama Shome.

"Baksho Bondi is incredibly close to my heart," said Shome, who is also one of the producers of the film.

She continued, "Playing Maya was a lesson in listening to silences, in discovering strength in small acts, and in understanding how quiet resilience shapes women's lives in a world that often overlooks them."

According to the outlet, the opening night selection signals IFFM's commitment to championing regional independent cinema, with festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange calling the film "a perfect start for the 2025 edition."

"Tillotama Shome's performance as Maya is nothing short of extraordinary, and Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi have crafted a tender, honest, and visually stunning film that resonates with the spirit of resilience and hope," Lange added, as quoted by Variety.

According to the outlet, the festival's regional slate includes Rima Das' Busan winner 'Village Rockstars 2,' following teenage guitarist Dhunu as she balances family responsibilities with her musical aspirations.

Fasil Muhammed's 'Feminichi Fathima' centres on a Ponnani housewife whose attempt to replace a mattress becomes a symbol of independence.

Other selections include 'Humans in the Loop,' Aranya Sahay's drama about a divorced Adivasi woman working as an AI data labeller; Lakshmipriya Devi's Asia Pacific Screen Award winner 'Boong,' about a Manipur boy searching for his absent father; and Onir's 'We Are Faheem & Karun,' exploring a forbidden romance in a remote Kashmiri village, reported Variety.

The Tamil-language film 'Angammal,' directed by Vipin Radhakrishnan, follows a city-educated man embarrassed by his mother's traditional dress, while veteran filmmaker Goutam Ghose's 'Parikrama' interweaves the stories of an Italian documentarian and a displaced Indian village boy along the Narmada River, reported Variety.

Running through August 24 with support from the Victorian Government, IFFM will present its awards ceremony on August 15, honouring excellence across film and streaming categories. (ANI)
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  An off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer was shot at a park in New York City, according to a spokesperson for CBP.

The 42-year-old man was shot just before midnight at Fort Washington Park, according to the NYPD. He was rushed to an area hospital in stable condition.

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The officer was off duty at the time of the shooting, according to the CBP spokesperson. He shot back at his attackers, sources told PIX11 News.

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The incident may have been an attempted robbery, according to the CBP spokesperson. Police said they have one person in custody who has not been officially charged.

One of the attackers may have been in the country illegally with prior felony arrests, according to a spokesperson for CBP.

Dozens of police and detectives scanned the area, looking for clues and pieces of evidence. Video from overnight shows what appears to be the gun recovered from the scene.

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An off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was shot in the face after being robbed by a moped-riding illegal immigrant in a New York City park on Saturday  but he shot back and wounded his attacker, according to sources.

The suspect has been identified as Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a 21-year-old Dominican national with a lengthy rap sheet in New York according to sources  but he was let go each time he was busted, despite having a deportation order.

Mora entered the US illegally via the southern border under the Biden admin, the Department of Homeland Security said Sunday.

The 42-year-old federal agent and a female companion were sitting on a rock along the Hudson River in Fort Washington Park in Manhattan when they were ambushed by the two men on a moped around 11:50 p.m., according to police sources.

The suspect has been identified as Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a 21-year-old Dominican national with a lengthy rap sheet in New York as well as a deportation order, according to sources. Obtained by NY Post

After a brief exchange and tussle, one of the moped-riding men fired a gun and hit the victim in the face and left forearm.

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The agent then drew his own pistol and fired multiple shots at the perps, hitting the suspect.

Mora was struck and wounded three times by the return gunfire, sources said.

Harrowing video released by DHS caught one suspect hopping off the moped and approaching the CBP officer before firing shots at him  then reeling back after the officer returned fire. The suspects eventually fled on the moped, the video showed.

The victim returned fire during the attack, striking one of the assailants. Obtained by NY Post

President Trump unleashed on the system that allowed Mora to enter the country illegally and stay here.

Last night, in New York City, an incredible CBP Officer was shot in the face by an Illegal Alien Monster freed into the Country under Joe Biden. He was apprehended at the Border in April 2023 but, instead of being deported, was RELEASED. The CBP Officer bravely fought off his attacker, despite his wounds, demonstrating enormous Skill and Courage, President Trump wrote in a Truth Social Post.

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Mayor Eric Adams addressed the mounting criticism during a visit to the wounded victim officer in Harlem Hospital on Sunday.

The agent was attacked by two men on mopeds, according to police. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Our goal is to get dangerous people off the streets. And we have done that with our federal partners. You know of the number of dangerous gang take downs weve participated in. Whatever we need to do in our federal laws to ensure that dangerous people are not on our streets, federal authorities need to do that, the Hizzoner said.



Were not allowed to coordinate with deportation, civil deportation only. But we have used the tools with our task force and our federal partners to remove dangerous people off the streets. I have communicated with our borders czar and he is in route to visit our officer, he said.

Sources said Mora crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in April 2023. He was released due to a lack of space at a border detention facility with a notice to later appear in front of a judge when he was caught crossing.

An immigration judge issued a removal order in 2023, sources said.

An off-duty Border Patrol agent was shot in the face during a botched robbery Saturday night. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

The alleged robber is currently in custody after walking into a Bronx hospital with gunshot wounds.

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Cops were able to save the CBP officers life because they were nearby  responding to a mugging in the area, where the same suspects are believed to have stolen a womans cellphone just five minutes before the shootout, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Sunday.

The federal agent was undergoing surgery Sunday, sources said. He is in stable condition, according to the DHS.

The second robber is still at large.

At the time of his arrest for the shooting, Mora was wanted on kidnapping and weapons charges out of Massachusetts related to a robbery at a pawn shop, sources said.

He also had at least four arrests in New York City  where he was let go without bail each time, according to the sources.

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Mora was nabbed twice just days apart August 2024 for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman and threatening to kill another migrant with a machete.

Then he was arrested for violating an order of protection in November 2024, and had another bench warrant out for his arrest issued in January, sources said.

None of those charges were bail eligible, and New York Citys sanctuary laws mean that he was not handed over to ICE, despite a deportation order.

With all these laws and policies, we still missing the guy that matters. Theyre still missing the criminals, one law enforcement source said. This is failure at every level.

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is expected to visit the wounded officer on Monday.



The two suspects will also be investigated for the robbery of the womans cellphone, authorities said.

 Additional reporting by Larry Celona
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (WPIX)  An off-duty Border Patrol agent is in the hospital after being shot in what looks like an attempted robbery in a New York City park, authorities have confirmed.

The 42-year-old man was shot in the face and the arm just before midnight at Fort Washington Park in Manhattan, according to New York City police. He was rushed to an area hospital in stable condition.

Sources initially told Nexstars WPIX that the man is a Border Patrol agent who was off-duty at the time of the incident. They said the man fired shots at the alleged attackers.

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A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided a statement to WPIX:

On the evening [of] July 19, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was shot in what looks like an attempted robbery. The officer, who was off duty at the time, is currently in the hospital in stable condition. One of the alleged perpetrators was an illegal alien with prior arrests for felony 2nd and 3rd degree assault and an order of deportation. The New York Police Department is currently investigating the incident.

Police have confirmed to WPIX that one person is in custody, but no charges have been filed. Details about that person have not been released, and its unclear if any additional suspects are being sought.

Video obtained by WPIX appeared to show a gun was recovered from the scene, though authorities have not said whose firearm it was.

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MEDINA COUNTY, Ohio (WJW)  A Canton man died Sunday morning after he was hit by an Ohio State Highway Patrol vehicle along I-71 in Medina County.

WATCH: Driver hits multiple police vehicles during dramatic 100 mph chase

According to a news release from OSHP, around 4:45 a.m. troopers responded to reports of man walking in the northbound lanes of the interstate between State Route 83 and the Interstate 76 interchange in Westfield Township.

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Around 5 a.m., the man was struck by a marked OSHP cruiser and pronounced dead at the scene, the news release stated.

Trump urges Guardians, Commanders to restore former names

The victim was identified as 27 year-old Daniel L. Westrich.

No other injuries were reported. The crash remains under investigation.

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A 27-year-old man died after being hit by an Ohio State Highway Patrol cruiser early Sunday.

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State troopers were called around 4:45 a.m. to a person walking in the roadway on I-71 northbound in Medina County.

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At 5 a.m., the cruiser hit 27-year-old Daniel Westrich a couple of miles away from where he was reported walking, CBS-affiliate WOIO reported.

Westrich was pronounced dead on the scene.

Troopers said the crash remains under investigation.

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FORT DODGE, Iowa  One person is in custody and an investigation is underway following a shooting incident in Fort Dodge on Saturday.

According to the Fort Dodge Police Department, just after 3:30 p.m., the Webster County dispatch center received a call of shots fired on Avenue M West, near the Westridge Townhomes in Fort Dodge.

Fort Dodge PD officers and Webster County deputies arrived on scene and were directed to an area where witnesses say a male was shooting. According to witnesses, the male fired a handgun into the air multiple times and then took off running.

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One dead after car rolls several times in Des Moines County crash

Authorities began a search of the area in an attempt to locate the suspect. A search warrant was obtained and executed in the 300 block of Avenue M West, where the suspect was located.

21-year-old Benjamin Crouse was taken into custody and charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon and Reckless Use of a Firearm.

Authorities say an investigation into the incident is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Fort Dodge Police.

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DES MOINES COUNTY, Iowa  One person is dead following a crash that caused a car to roll several times in Des Moines County, north of Burlington.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, just after 11 p.m. on Friday, a Kia was traveling southbound along DMC Highway 99 at excessive speeds when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The Kia then entered the west ditch near a driveway located along the 16000 block of Highway 99.

Ankeny home total loss following 2-alarm fire Saturday

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As the car traveled along the ditch, it struck a culvert, causing the vehicle to be launched into the air and to roll several times before finally coming to a stop on its top.

The driver of the Kia was ejected during the crash and died at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle was taken to the hospital with injuries.

Iowa State Patrol has opened an investigation into the accident.

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Actress Rebecca De Mornay shared screen space with Hollywood star Tom Cruise in the 1983 coming-of-age teen comedy film 'Risky Business', written and directed by Paul Brickman. She opened up about her connection with Cruise, whom she dated for two and a half years in the 1980s, according to People. "I'm really proud of him," shared the 65-year-old actress. While discussing De Mornay and Cruise's real-life relationship, the actress previously confirmed that she and the 'Top Gun' star dated briefly after filming the movie. Mornay compared Cruise to a "major chord" while describing herself as a "minor" chord. "He's like, 'I am Top Gun and that's what America really wanted, and so he's fulfilled it," she said, adding, "He is a brilliant, brilliant interpreter of what the zeitgeist is. I'm 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," reported People. "We started this together, and look what he did with it," she added. Cruise began acting in the early 1980s and made his breakthrough with leading roles in Risky Business (1983) and Top Gun (1986). Cruise established himself as a star of science fiction and action films, often performing his own risky stunts. He played fictional agent Ethan Hunt in eight Mission: Impossible films, beginning with Mission: Impossible (1996) and ending with Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (2025). Rebecca's latest movie, Saint Claire, which also stars Bella Thorne, Ryan Phillippe, and Frank Whaley, is now available in select theatres, according to People. (ANI)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  An 18-year-old has died after the Shelby County Sheriffs Office says five people were shot outside a house in Cordova Saturday night.

SCSO detectives identified the victim as 18-year-old Corey Adams of New Orleans, Louisiana. The University of Mississippi and his former high school have said Adams was a freshman on the colleges football team.

Deputies are still looking for a suspect in the shooting.

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SCSO responded to a scene on Fern Glade Cove in Cordova at 10:14 p.m.

Deputies say five people were injured in the shooting. When deputies arrived at the intersection of Forest Hill-Irene and Walnut Grove, they stopped a car, finding a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Four other men arrived by personal vehicles to area hospitals in non-critical condition.

The University of Mississippi released a statement on Adams: We are devastated to learn that Corey Adams, a freshman on the team, passed away last night in Cordova, Tennessee. While our program is trying to cope with this tragic loss, our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

A social media post from University of Mississippi The Cordova neighborhood where the shooting happened. The Cordova neighborhood where the shooting happened.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic.

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One man we spoke to, who didnt want to be on camera, says the home where the shooting happened appeared to be hosting a pool party. He says multiple cars lined the street.

I was watching TV in my living room right here and I heard big shots. Huge shots, he said. I thought there was a big attack happening. I told my children just to lie on the ground and turn off all the lights. Definitely, there was a big fear.

By the time deputies arrived, he says, everyone attending the party was gone.

Shooting outside Hickory Hill club injures 1

Shell casings were scattered across the scene, and at least one home was hit by several bullets.

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In a statement on social media, his former high school football team posted, Corey Adams was more than a football player! He was a friend, brother, son, student, and all-around great young man. This wasnt supposed to be the end of his story

No one has been arrested.

This is an ongoing homicide investigation by SCSO detectives. Anyone with information about this shooting is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 528-CASH.

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One person was killed Saturday when a vehicle leading law enforcement officers on a chase crashed, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The single-vehicle collision happened at about 3:15 a.m. in Cherokee County, said Master Trooper William Bennett.

A 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe was driving south on Dravo Road as it tried to escape law enforcement officers, according to Bennett. Thats near the Broad River in the area of the state line that separates South Carolina and North Carolina.

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Near the intersection with Dravo Road Extension the Chevy ran off the road and crashed into a ditch, Bennett said. Information about why the Chevy was being chased was not available.

A passenger in the Chevy SUV died at the scene, according to Bennett.

The Cherokee County Coroners Office has not publicly identified the passenger who died.

Bennett said that the Chevy driver and and another passenger in the SUV were not hurt, and no other injuries were reported.

There was no word if any of the people involved in the crash were wearing seat belts.

No arrests were reported by the Highway Patrol, which said its investigating the crash while the Cleveland County Sheriff Office is leading an investigation into what prompted the chase.

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Through July 13, at least 449 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2025, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, at least 948 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least 11 people have died in Cherokee County crashes in 2025, according to DPS data. There were 20 deaths in the county in 2024, DPS reported.
Jacie Fasselin was on a mountain at dusk, looking for cows. She and Woodrow  a tall black horse  traversed the ledges looking for the wanderers.

Fasselin did not know what to expect, especially as the darkness enveloped them later that day, and she knew they had to navigate the ledges to get off the mountain.

He is in his young mind, but we were not going to give up.

She built a trail of sorts to help them get off the mountain. Armed with just a spotlight and an untested horse, they began to make their way down.

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I kept expecting him to make mistakes on the switchback, she said. I knew if he remained calm we would be all right. If he panics, we would not be all right  not at all."

Jacie Fasselin rides Woodrow as she looks for cattle to round up in Nine Mile Canyon in Carbon County on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

It was perilous, but the moment was about faith and putting your trust in something higher than you.

Fasselin said Woodrow turned to look at her and headed off to the left.

He was just saying: I think we need to turn left here. He was like an old pro. He made the leap like I asked him to. I love his brain. He was a saint.

On this day in June, Fasselin is fighting another battle. The hay baler is not cooperating.

It thinks it is going to win. It thinks I cannot figure it out. But I will. And she did.

Learning young

Jacie Fasselin and her son, Jaxten Pressett, till soil on their farm near Elmo in Emery County on Sunday, April 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Even when Fasselin was a young girl, she had to make hard decisions.

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It was not about what school to go to or who to take to the dance.

Which horse will load in the trailer first? That is a hard decision. You get the best one, the rest follow.

This woman of the 21st century grew up without running water. She lived in a single-wide trailer in Nine Mile Canyon, in east-central Utah, to wrangle cattle.

I was not aware of the sacrifices, she said. Her father got laid off from the coal mine and her mother took three jobs. She remembers cutting trails with a machete, not playing Mario Brothers.

My dad did this incredible thing, she said. And he started me really young.

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Shes tough and hardy and seems undeterred by the changes that life throws at her. One of those callings is found in Elmo, a community tucked away in Emery County off the less traveled roads. It is simple. And it is down home like Fasselin and it is here where there is little noise, no crowds, nobody watching over your shoulder.

Jaxten Pressett helps his mom, Jacie Fasselin, troubleshoot a leak on the tractor on their farm near Elmo in Emery County on Sunday, April 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Like a blank artists canvas that is big and begging to tell a story, Fasselin is filling in the white tableau with her own colors. Shes drawing outside the lines, but it feels good to her.

Perhaps, as a woman farmer, there is inspiration all around her.

On the Utah Farm Bureaus website, thisfarmwife AKA Meredith Bernard, posted this on Instagram:

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Starting is the hardest part. Always. For anything that means anything. The first words to a book, or article or post. The first step to moving from one chapter of life to another, she wrote.

To the one reading and watching this who is struggling to start that something on your heart, my heart is begging you to go. Do your thing your way. Will it be hard? Yes. Will you make mistakes? Yes. Will trying ever not be worth it? No.

Fasselin and Bernard dont know each other, but their stories are similar. Being a farmer and rancher is tough. Being a farmer and rancher as a woman, well, it can be tougher in a traditionally male-dominated tradition.

Despite the challenges, women across the country are called to farm, to ranch, to carry on the tradition etched in small towns and born out of heritage.

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Maya Fasselin, Jacies sister-in-law, said determination is the common theme with this woman who has grown to be an inspiration for her.

She is extremely determined and when her mind is made up, theres no going back. Jacie is the first to help others, find solutions and get the job done.

Jace Pressett and Jaxten Pressett lay fence line on their farm near Elmo on Saturday, April 19, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jaxten Pressett, Jacie Fasselin and Jace Pressett unload fencing on their farm near Elmo on Thursday, May 16, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jacie Fasselin unloads groceries and discusses Easter treats with her sons, Jaxten Pressett and Jace Pressett, at their home in Elmo on Friday, April 18, 2025. It had been a long day, with Fasselin teaching school and the boys attending school, followed by Jaces baseball practice and then work on the farm until after dark. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

While waiting for irrigation lines to charge, Jacie Fasselin uses flash cards with sight words to practice reading with her son Jaxten Pressett on their farm near Elmo on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Fasselin, who is also a high school teacher, keeps the cards in her pocket to maximize any spare moments they have. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

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Jacie Fasselin and her son, Jaxten Pressett, 6, ride an ATV to check fencing as Nix follows them on their farm near Elmo in Emery County on Sunday, April 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

In Elmo, where Fasselin lives, the nearest high school is about 20 miles away, but there is a post office in town and the Elmo branch of the Emery County Library is there to serve a population of about 368 people.

That suits this single mother just fine, giving her room and space to flourish. At night, she sings to her boys. They have prayer around the dinner table and in the quiet of the night, determination wraps around this woman like a blanket and she is ready for the next day.

A really good friend told me, you are going to have an emotional breakdown and then you will wake up refreshed and have a better solution.

A life in a place called Elmo, Utah

Jacie Fasselin moves a fence gate as her hired hand, Wesley Melo, rides past while they work to round up cattle in Nine Mile Canyon in Carbon County on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Melo also learns from Fasselin at Carbon High School, where she is the agriculture teacher. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

In Elmo, if you want to talk to someone at the city offices, you can catch them between 10 a.m. and noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays to talk municipal business in this agrarian community founded in 1908.

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For Fasselin, this is the place she realized her dream of owning her own ranch and farm, but she never thought that would come to pass.

In the split with her husband, Fasselin thought she would simply end up with pretty horses. He was the rancher and she was the mother, the high school teacher. She had her eyes set on law school.

But life turns and spins, changing a person.

I got the farm. I chose to stay. I would be in a room wishing I was here. At least the stress of the farm is genuine, the stress of raising my children is genuine. I used to stress life that was not necessary.

Now, she is running her own cattle, breaking horses, fixing fences, teaching all the time.

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The fact that I am a natural born teacher, I will sail that ship all day. I am really passionate about agriculture literacy. You do not have to grow up in agriculture to make a difference.

Jacies heritage

Jacie Fasselin shows her student, Auryn Heaton, how to measure the turbidity of river water samples they collected during an 11th grade animal sciences class at Carbon High School in Price on Thursday, May 16, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Shes pretty sure her ancestors are watching with approving smiles. She drives a guest to a monument to those in her bloodline who came before her, who settled in this area that is part of an eastern swath of Utah in the Upper Colorado River Basin.

The marker honors, among others, Billy Winder, who was born in 1888 and lived until he was 90, dying in 1978. It is easy to marvel at the changes he must have experienced, how life crept steadily through a host of transformational alterations in society. Others on the monument are Zina Winder, Fasselins great-grandmother and the daughter of Billy Winder. She died a few years ago.

You can see the admiration in Fasselins eyes as she talks about this woman and her hardiness.

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Fasselin is simultaneously a learner and a teacher with multiple degrees. Shes learning the intricacies of farming and ranching, while at the same time she brings this love of learning to the students she teaches at Carbon High School, where she delivers lessons on agriculture. It is a passion for her, to bring her students along and help them learn about a discipline under threat in an era when land is becoming increasingly urbanized.

I was born to be a teacher. I am so grateful and thankful I get to teach something I am so passionate about, she said.

Mapping the dream

The moon illuminates Jacie Fasselin as she brushes Ghost after a long day of rounding up cattle in Nine Mile Canyon in Carbon County on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Nix stands nearby. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Emery County farms are fed by Joes Valley Dam and Reservoir, Huntington North Dam and Reservoir, Cottonwood Creek-Huntington Canal, Huntington North Service Canal, and North Canal  all projects engineered by the Emery County Water Conservancy District to capture and deliver water out of the mountains. Both Huntington and Cottonwood creeks are tributaries to the San Rafael River, which is in the upper Colorado River Basin.

The annual precipitation for this area is 8.5 inches a year, while statewide it is 11 inches in this semiarid climate that has been weighed down by more than two decades of what some call a megadrought.

Emery County has tried to get out in front of water issues, with county commissioners approving a tax increase in the early 1990s to pay for an extensive monitoring system to document both the quantity and quality of the water. More than 50 stations measure water quality and volume at two reservoirs. The district was part of a case study by Campbell Scientific, which developed the monitoring devices and documented their use in the county.

Jacie Fasselin inspects irrigation sprinklers after turning her pivot on for the first time of the season on her farm near Elmo on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Fasselin was able to upgrade her irrigation system by installing a pivot and two wheel lines with the help of multiple grants through Utah Department of Agriculture and Foods Agricultural Water Optimization Program and Natural Resources Conservation Services EQIP program. She also had water sensors installed on her land to monitor soil saturation through Utah State Universitys Ag-Drip program. Switching from flood irrigation to sprinklers helped Fasselin reduce her water usage from 276 acre-feet in 2023 to 82 acre-feet in 2024 while growing similar crops and adding an extra 17 acres of small grains. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Fasselin knows the value of the finite resource, having tried for years to buy both the land and get water rights. She had the benefit of knowledge on her side, having worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which is under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Via a joint effort with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the WaterSMART initiative utilizes targeted funding from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to conserve water and increase drought resilience.

Under the entire umbrella, it helps farmers and other producers conserve water through local irrigation districts. For fiscal year 2024, Utah was one of 16 states that received nearly $30 million in funding.

Even with the money and the help, its been a struggle for this young woman.

There have been several times where I have had to face Satan, she said. I felt like I would be in trouble if I did it incorrectly. ... But as long as I have Ghost and my dog Nix, Ill make it. I would not have it any other way.

Ghost is another of Fasselins horses, tested, tried and true. And Nix, the border collie, is a steadfast companion that like any good dog is simply there for you.

Why not walk away and trade work boots for a classroom to learn about the law?

I ask myself that question all the time. It is as if you have a sickness, and I love it. I love the animals. I love the land and I love the kids.

There are programs out there to help farmers like Fasselin.

Jacie Fasselin tends to Nix, the cattle dog, as Woodrow, the horse, stands by after a cattle run in Nine Mile Canyon in Carbon County on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Justin Elsner, a district conservationist with the NRCS field office in North Logan, said while the infrastructure improvements help water conservancy districts and irrigation companies to save water, farmers and other producers are often left with the exorbitantly high investments of their own to adapt to the new systems in place.

The agriculture producers, they are kind of stuck with needing to make adjustments now that maybe their open ditch, or their open canal has been put into a pipe and its pressurized, he said. Now they have to make changes to accommodate that pressurized water, and maybe their old irrigation system can no longer be (workable). With WaterSMART, we can write a proposal to secure funds for what we call the on farm improvements  separate from the Bureau of Reclamation grant.

That means money to move from flood irrigation to a sprinkler system, a wheel line or a pivot  while improving the water efficiency.

Emily Fife, NRCS state conservationist for Utah, said since the start of this joint-coordination effort, NRCS has invested $4 million in Cache, Morgan, and Summit counties, assisting 64 producers across more than 4,700 contracted acres to reduce drought stress on crops, protect crop health and conserve water.

Our work is about identifying science-based solutions to complex problems, she emphasized.

Fasselin, who has a masters degree in natural resources, set about negotiating to get some money to help in her own quest that started years ago.

The more information you have the more powerful you can be, the more effective you can be, she said. Theres amazing people willing to help.

But it was no easy task.

Jacie Fasselin sorts cattle with the help of her sons, Jace Pressett and Jaxten Pressett, her sister-in-law, Maya Fasselin, and student and hired hand Wesley Melo in Nine Mile Canyon in Carbon County on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

A cow is tagged with Jacie Fasselins brand on her farm near Elmo on Saturday, April 19, 2025. After her divorce, she began branding her cattle with her maiden initials. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jacie Fasselin carries hay to feed horses in the dark after a long day on her farm near Elmo on Friday, April 18, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jacie Fasselin opens a valve to bleed air from pipes as she turns on the water that feeds her new pivot irrigation system for the first time of the season on her farm near Elmo on Friday, April 18, 2025. Fasselin was able to upgrade her irrigation system, installing a pivot and two wheel lines, with the help of multiple grants through Utah Department of Agriculture and Foods Agricultural Water Optimization Program and Natural Resources Conservation Services EQIP program. She also had water sensors installed on her land to monitor soil saturation through Utah State Universitys Ag-Drip program. Switching from flood irrigation to sprinklers helped Fasselin reduce her water usage from 276 acre-feet in 2023 to 82 acre-feet in 2024 while growing similar crops and adding an extra 17 acres of small grains. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Shortly after getting her irrigation system turned on for the first time of the season, Jacie Fasselin pulls a tall piece of grass from her alfalfa field as she explains their symbiotic relationship on her farm near Elmo on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The alfalfa makes nitrogen that helps the grass grow. Fasselin was able to upgrade her irrigation system by installing a pivot and two wheel lines with the help of multiple grants through Utah Department of Agriculture and Foods Agricultural Water Optimization Program and Natural Resources Conservation Services EQIP program. She also had water sensors installed on her land to monitor soil saturation through Utah State Universitys Ag-Drip program. Switching from flood irrigation to sprinklers helped Fasselin reduce her water usage from 276 acre-feet in 2023 to 82 acre-feet in 2024 while growing similar crops and adding an extra 17 acres of small grains. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jacie Fasselin shows the AgSense 365 app she uses on her phone to control her irrigation system on her farm near Elmo on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Fasselin was able to install a pivot and two wheel lines with the help of multiple grants through Utah Department of Agriculture and Foods Agricultural Water Optimization Program and Natural Resources Conservation Services EQIP program. She also had water sensors installed on her land to monitor soil saturation through Utah State Universitys Ag-Drip program. Switching from flood irrigation to sprinklers helped Fasselin reduce her water usage from 276 acre-feet in 2023 to 82 acre-feet in 2024 while growing similar crops and adding an extra 17 acres of small grains. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jaxten Pressett, 6, stands by stacks of alfalfa seeds on his mother Jacie Fasselins farm near Elmo in Emery County on Sunday, April 28, 2024. The seeds will be used with a newly installed sprinkler irrigation system. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jacie Fasselin feeds cattle after the sun has set on her farm near Elmo on Saturday, April 19, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The men in charge knew who she was, knew about her roots, but they cast a wary eye at her because of her gender.

I spent the first 10 minutes talking before I convinced them I was worth listening to. I was young and I was a woman.

Fasselins determination worked.

She now owns Desert Lake Livestock, with 120 cultivatable acres where she grows hay to support the 50 head of beef cattle she raises. They summer in the mountain ranges, then usually return to Elmo for the winter or spend those months in the desert. Fasselin rides her horse like she was born on one, deftly guiding the cattle to the desired location. Moving the cattle consists of long days that start early and end late  a ritual she embraces wholeheartedly.

And her approach to farming is saving precious water. In 2023, her operation used 276 acre-feet of water. Last year, growing similar crops and tackling an additional 17 acres of farming small grains, she used only 82-acre feet of water. That counts in the parched Colorado River Basin.

Fulfilling a destiny

Jacie Fasselin puts her ear to a valve key to listen for flowing water as she charges irrigation lines that feed her new pivot irrigation system for the first time of the season on her farm near Elmo on Friday, April 18, 2025. Fasselin was able to upgrade her irrigation system, installing a pivot and two wheel lines, with the help of multiple grants through Utah Department of Agriculture and Foods Agricultural Water Optimization Program and Natural Resources Conservation Services EQIP program. She also had water sensors installed on her land to monitor soil saturation through Utah State Universitys Ag-Drip program. Switching from flood irrigation to sprinklers helped Fasselin reduce her water usage from 276 acre-feet in 2023 to 82 acre-feet in 2024 while growing similar crops and adding an extra 17 acres of small grains. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The land was homesteaded by her family from generations ago so for Fasselin, it feels like destiny was right alongside her in her fight to get the land and the water, to basically get her start.

Fasselin secured a cost share funding investment for a $450,000 system that includes technology like a pivot with solar-powered wheel line, soil sensors and even a weather station with some NRCS funding.

The project was also made possible with money that came from the states Agricultural Optimization program, which the state Legislature has used to invest more than $276 million in water saving improvements since its creation in 2019. More than 550 projects have been completed through that funding.

Even with that, it hasnt been easy. Having a masters degree does not translate into knowing your way around mechanics, but shes been learning.

Theres a massive learning curve, she said. My sister-in-law helps and my brother is mechanically inclined.

Still, last fall, she eyed a four-wheeler sitting idle on the property and said she was going to take a go at it with her tools. Again, it seems like no challenge deters her. She is learning welding, how to assess soil moisture and the list goes on and on.

She and Maya have an inside joke about cows.

Every time we do something hard or every time were covered in hay laying underneath a baler trying to decipher what is wrong with it, we just say we love cows, Maya said. Its our answer to when anything on the farm gets tough or hard: We love cows.

The intricacies of farming and water

Jacie Fasselin holds alfalfa seeds on her farm near Elmo in Emery County on Sunday, April 28, 2024. The seeds will be used with a newly installed sprinkler irrigation system. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Since shes been around farmers her entire life, Fasselin knows the challenges and the many rules, so many of which are unspoken and instinctive.

She follows the rule of the boot, which means if your boot sinks more than a quarter of an inch into the ground, your seed bed needs to be firmed up.

It has been a struggle. Highs and lows like an addict who still hangs on to the thing that gets them through the day. In this case, it is land.

I had this massive amount of change and at the same time planted $10,000 worth of seed. I literally felt like I was going to have a heart attack, she said. I went out onto the farm and laid on the ground and cried and I knew it was out of my control. It is easy to get caught up in the moment and then you remember the perspective. If you pray.

Powering through

Frustration sets in as Jacie Fasselin and her son Jaxten Pressett try to fix a leak while turning the water for a pivot irrigation system on for the first time of the season on their farm near Elmo on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Switching from flood irrigation to sprinklers helped Fasselin reduce her water usage from 276 acre-feet in 2023 to 82 acre-feet in 2024 while growing similar crops and adding an extra 17 acres of small grains. She was able to upgrade her irrigation system with the help of multiple grants through Utah Department of Agriculture and Foods Agricultural Water Optimization Program and Natural Resources Conservation Services EQIP program. She also had water sensors installed on her land to monitor soil saturation through Utah State Universitys Ag-Drip program. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

She knows, too, that much like energy, the best water used is the water that isnt, especially given the states long-term relationship with drought and the arid nature of the region she lives in.

Her roots of growing up on farm land with ancestors who did it long before she came along taught her the value of being efficient with the water rights she obtained.

Flood irrigation, she said, is tough and not effective  especially when youre talking about acres upon acres of land that need the finite resource.

Flood irrigation is labor intensive, she said. Your shovel is your best friend.

When she used flood irrigation at her ranch, the water seeped deep into the ground, bringing extremely alkaline soil to the top infused with sodium bicarbonate, or salt, unsuitable for planting.

Jaxten Pressett, 6, stands on salt-covered soil on his mother Jacie Fasselins farm near Elmo in Emery County on Sunday, April 28, 2024. With previous use of flood irrigation, some areas received too much water, bringing salt to the surface and making the ground less suitable for farming. Through grants, Fasselin was able to install sprinklers, which are more water efficient and help prevent issues with salt. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Her system avoids that and allows her to utilize cutting edge technology to track all aspects of her farming and ranching operation when it comes to irrigation. She does that by monitoring a variety of conditions on her phone, even remotely.

The systems pay off.

According to the NRCS, pivot irrigation uses a lot less water  perhaps as much as 30% less, industry estimates say  than flood irrigation. Pivot sprinklers apply water more evenly across fields than flood irrigation. Also, less water is lost to evaporation and there is less risk of soil erosion, fertilizer and chemical runoff, and nutrient leaching  so aside from helping farmers there are environmental benefits and improvement in public health via cleaner waterways.

The hard, good life

Jacie Fasselin carries her son, Jaxten Pressett, 6, to bed after he fell asleep in the car at their home near Price on Thursday, May 16, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

As a single mom, farmer and rancher, Fasselin has plenty to do. Her boys, Jace, 10, and Jaxten, 7, are learning early about the culture of having land that you work. Theres crops to be planted and harvested, cattle and horses to be managed. Jaxten proudly drives the tractor, but his feet dangle from the seat. Perhaps it is a throwback to the way Jacie was raised, when her mother would put her in a basket as she drove the tractor.

The ranching life

Jacie Fasselin kisses her son, Jaxten Pressett, while tilling soil in a tractor on their farm near Elmo in Emery County on Sunday, April 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Both boys know their way around horses, relishing the freedom of the ride, the smells and the bond that comes with an animal that outweighs them by factor of nine or 10. Theyre cautious, but they have learned that the hard way with their own mishaps on the ranch.

Fasselin is breaking Boondock, a 2-year-old, for Jaxten. She has another mare, Smoky, who is young and coming up.

At the end of the day, Fasselin gathers the boys around the dinner table. They say their prayers. She never stops feeling grateful.

These experiences that come from ranching and farming embody a way of life she says she hopes will teach her boys about their roots, their history  so one day they can pass it on.

Jacie Fasselin rides Concho while moving cattle in Nine Mile Canyon after sunset in Carbon County on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jacie Fasselin rides Ghost as she moves cattle in Nine Mile Canyon in Carbon County on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jaxten Pressett, Jace Pressett and Jacie Fasselin say a prayer before dinner at their home near Price on Thursday, May 16, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jacie Fasselin poses for a portrait on her farm near Elmo in Emery County on Sunday, April 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jacie Fasselin tills soil on her farm near Elmo in Emery County on Sunday, April 28, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jacie Fasselin uses the light on her phone to see as she works into the night after a long cattle run in Nine Mile Canyon in Carbon County on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Even with all her daily challenges and learning the rough life of ranching, she never loses sight of being a mother and helping them to learn in the most patient of ways.

For anyone else, this could be frustrating and tiring. But she takes the time to sing songs and cuddle with them at night. It is, after all, the most important job she does  being a mother and role model.

Even though her days always seem to start early and end late, and she gets tired, its a good tired and she has no regrets.

I chose this life 100%.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  After the devastating July 4 flood that happened in Kerr County, the Kerr County Flood Disaster Joint Information Center confirmed Saturday that only three people remain missing, according to the city of Kerrville.

This comes after the city said in a news release that many people who were initially reported as missing were verified safe and removed from the list.

This has been an ongoing effort as investigators worked diligently to verify reports of missing persons and confirm their status, the city said.

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In a July 16 update, Kerr County officials said at least 107 people, including 37 children, were killed in Kerr County. In a July 14 update, Gov. Greg Abbott said 97 people were known to be missing in the greater Kerrville area.

Flash flooding claimed more than 100 lives in Central Texas. Heres what we know about the victims

By Saturday, Kerville officials announced the number of missing people in Kerr County dropped from more than 160 to three, the release said.

We are profoundly grateful to the more than 1,000 local, state, and federal authorities who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the devastating flood that struck our community, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said in the release. Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, the number of individuals previously listed as missing has dropped from over 160 to three.

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On Sunday, the city of Kerrville said it worked with the Texas Department of Public Safety to verify the status of each individual reported missing.

This process takes time, but it is essential to ensure that every lead is thoroughly followed and each person is properly accounted for, said Kerrville Police Department Public Information Officer Jonathan Lamb. We understand how critical it is to report this information accuratelynot only for the families affected but for the integrity of our emergency response as a whole.

While the updated figure offers some relief, searchers remain focused on reuniting the three individuals who are still unaccounted for with their families, Lamb said.

The Kerrville Police Department said it would continue to work with state and other local officials to find the remaining three people, as well as continue to support the affected communities through the ongoing recovery process.

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At least 135 people were killed in the catastrophic flash flooding across Texas, with the majority of the deaths confirmed in Kerr County.

Deaths were confirmed in six counties overall, with four still missing in Travis County. Other deaths and people missing were confirmed in Kendall County, Burnet County, Williamson County and Tom Green County.

As for Kerrville, officials said recovery operations continued throughout the Guadalupe River Saturday.

Our thoughts remain with the families still awaiting news, and we will continue to stand with them as efforts persist, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. said in the release.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The nonprofit, Operation Homefront, held a Back-to-School Brigade on Saturday, July 19, in which 600 local military kids received backpacks full of school supplies for the upcoming school year.

The event took place in the Walmart parking lot on Venetucci Avenue, near South Academy Boulevard.

Courtesy: Operation Homefront Courtesy: Operation Homefront Courtesy: Operation Homefront Courtesy: Operation Homefront Courtesy: Operation Homefront

According to Operation Homefront, the school shopping season, which can be overwhelming to any parent, can often come right after a major move for military families while they are facing multiple challenges. The Back-to-School Brigade helps ease financial and emotional stress and helps kids feel confident.

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According to Operation Homefront, since 2008, the Back-to-School Brigade has provided nearly 600,000 backpacks to military children and has saved more than $6 million in school expenses for parents across the country.

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In our years representing communities across the country, from rural Michigan to the Florida coast, from Greater Boston to urban Indiana, one truth held steady: government works best when it meets people where they are and helps them solve real problems.

Civil legal services do exactly that.

Every day, in every congressional district, Americans face civil legal problems they cant handle alone  often through no fault of their own. These arent partisan issues. They involve life-affecting circumstances: a veteran wrongfully denied benefits, a senior scammed by a contractor, a survivor of domestic violence seeking a protection order, a relative trying to adopt a child who has lost his parents.

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Without legal help, these problems can spiral, threatening families, livelihoods and community stability.

Thats where the Legal Services Corporation comes in.

The four of us come from different political parties, but we share the belief that basic legal support should not be reserved for those who can afford a lawyer. And we believe strongly that any federal program must be accountable, limited in scope and transparent to taxpayers. Thats exactly what the Legal Services Corporation delivers.

Nearly 95 percent of the Legal Services Corporations budget goes straight to local legal assistance providers that operate in every state and territory, including all 435 congressional districts. The rest supports oversight and accountability. Rather than building bureaucracy, the Legal Services Corporation strengthens the work of community-based partners that understand local needs. At a time when Congress is grappling with the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, it stands out as a model of smart, effective investment.

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Whats more, Congress has placed some of the strictest limitations in government on how LSC funds can be used. By law, grantees are prohibited from engaging in political activity or filing class actions, immigration cases or policy litigation. These guardrails ensure that taxpayer dollars are used for one purpose: helping everyday Americans resolve legal problems before they grow more complex and costly.

And it works. Studies show that every $1 invested in civil legal aid through LSC returns nearly $7 in economic value, including savings for courts, shelters and emergency services, and increased economic productivity. When people can resolve legal problems early, theyre more likely to stay in the workforce, care for their families and contribute to their communities. That means fewer costly emergencies and a stronger local economy.

In an era of rising skepticism toward Washington, the Legal Services Corporation is a model of how taxpayer investment should operate: locally delivered, fiscally efficient and laser-focused on real impact.

Weve seen the difference legal assistance makes for our constituents  and we know the current lawmakers we all once served with have, too. This isnt just another budget line. Its a lifeline for millions of hardworking Americans.

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Congress would be smart to continue this vital investment for our communities across America.

Susan Brooks is a Republican and former U.S. representative from Indiana. Joe Kennedy, a former U.S. special envoy for Northern Ireland, is a Democrat and former U.S. representative from Massachusetts. Patrick Murphy is a Democrat and former U.S. representative from Pennsylvania who also served as the 32nd United States undersecretary of the Army. Fred Upton is a Republican and former U.S. representative from Michigan.

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In modern warfare, air and space superiority is not just an advantage  it is the price of admission. Having it is the difference between life and death, and for the U.S., a necessary pre-condition to ensuring global stability and effective deterrence.

As a four-star general in the U.S. Air Force, I have spent my career preparing airmen to fly, fight, and win. My job demands ensuring they are trained and equipped to provide the president with credible fail-safe options in an increasingly turbulent world.

That mission has been a driving fixture for the Air Force since its inception in 1947. It is a goal that every American should embrace and be thankful for, even if he or she doesnt realize why.

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Owning the sky, being able to fly, and if necessary, successfully fight anywhere at any time has never been more crucial to our national security and the defense of our global interests. It is why we ask so much of our airmen. The price of failure in todays world is unacceptable.

If you need proof, look no further than Ukraine  a war where neither side holds air superiority. The result has been a prolonged, brutal conflict with over a million military and civilian casualties and no clear end in sight. Russias grinding invasion, initially bolstered by overwhelming firepower, has been slowed and blunted by Ukrainian resistance, built on layered air defenses and agile tactics that deny freedom of maneuver in the skies.

Contrast that with another example: the U.S. Air Forces mission against Iranian nuclear facilities. Supported by fighters and tankers, B-2 bombers flew deep into Iranian airspace, dropped precision-guided munitions within inches of their targets, and exited without facing a single shot. That is air and space superiority.

A deeper analysis of these conflicts provides both lessons and important validation for the money we spend and the effort we devote in the U.S. to ensuring air and space superiority.

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Russia entered Ukraine with what appeared to be a massive advantage in aircraft, missiles and long-range weapons. But two years later, it still cannot achieve dominance in the air. Meanwhile, Ukrainian resistance continues to deny that freedom, stalling Russian offensives, disrupting logistics, and limiting precision strike capabilities.

On the opposite spectrum, the Israel Defense Forces  supported by electronic warfare, aerial refueling, real-time satellite intelligence, and precision-guided munitions  have demonstrated the ability to strike critical targets deep within Iranian airspace with near-impunity.

Israel, and in one instance the U.S., has demonstrated the freedom to operate at will while leaving Iran with few credible responses.

Air and space superiority allows the U.S. and its partners to operate without prohibitive interference from the enemy. It grants freedom to attack, freedom from attack, and freedom to maneuver. In larger measure, it is the reason average Americans never worry about a military invasion at home.

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But modern air superiority is no longer just about aircraft. It is also deeply tied to the space domain. The U.S. warfighters reliance on space-based capabilities  such as the Global Positioning System, high-bandwidth communications, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance  make space superiority a prerequisite for success in the air.

This interconnectedness permits air power to be degraded by disrupting space operations. Russia and China understand this. Their growing investment in counter-space capabilities is designed to undermine our effectiveness in the air by targeting the assets we rely on in space.

Maintaining  and ensuring  our advantage in the skies and space isnt cheap. But it is a cost we must bear to prevent even more costly outcomes. Its the reason we spend tax dollars developing the newest, most advanced fighter, the F-47, which is designed to penetrate heavily defended airspace and complete its missions. Its why we underwrite the cost of elite training for air crews, focus on electronic and cyber warfare, and ensure that logistics  from aerial refueling to rapid repair  are resilient and integrated.

To win, we need real-time situational awareness through integrated sensor networks spanning all domains. And we must remain flexible, continuously adapting doctrine to stay ahead of emerging threats from determined and advanced adversaries like China.

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History has taught us that decisive victories  and the ability to deter war altogether  are anchored in air and space superiority. We must fund modernization, train relentlessly, and forge strong partnerships with allies and partners who also depend on this shared freedom of action.

We must be ready to win fast and come home.

When we control the skies, we shape the battle. When we control space, we command the tempo. When we do both, we save American lives and ensure a continuing peace of mind, stability and prosperity that are byproducts of a safe and secure nation.

Gen. Ken Wilsbach is commander, Air Combat Command. Commissioned in 1985 by Air Force ROTC at the University of Florida, he is a command pilot with more than 6,000 flying hours and has flown 71 combat missions in operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.

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Another day, another chilling development in the fight against waste, fraud and abuse.

President Trump, who removed 17 inspectors general (including me) at the beginning of his term, continued his attack earlier this month by demoting the acting inspector general of the Department of Education  simply because she was doing her job.

That job is especially important right now, in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the Trump administration can proceed with dismantling the Education Department.

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When agencies engage in major muscle movements like the expected shuttering of the Department of Education, inspectors general can add real value through fair, objective and independent oversight. Therefore, changing the acting inspector general under the circumstances is a major issue.

Heres the backstory. In March, the secretary of Education announced that the Department of Education would be reducing its workforce by 50 percent, and the president issued an executive order weeks later directing the secretary to begin the process of shuttering the agency entirely.

In April, the Department of Educations acting inspector general announced that her office was initiating a series of reviews to examine the effect of the Trump administrations overhaul of the department on its programs.

She described the goal of the reviews as identify[ing] the cumulative effect of staffing reductions in relation to the departments statutory responsibilities, along with any actions it should consider, to help ensure productive and efficient operations following its workforce changes.

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The Office of Inspector General is the internal watchdog in federal agencies, empowered to examine the effectiveness of their agencys programs. So, this review is squarely within the offices jurisdiction; it is exactly the entity that should conduct such an assessment.

Over the ensuing few weeks, however, the department apparently pushed back on the Office of the Inspector General, using standard agency tactics to sabotage oversight  namely, dragging its feet and improperly denying access to information and witnesses.

After weeks of this pushback, the acting inspector general notified Congress of the Education Departments delay tactics and unfounded refusals to provide critical information.

On June 5, President Trump told Congress of his plans to demote the acting inspector general and install a new one. Earlier this month, he did just that.

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This should worry every American.

When a president changes or removes inspectors general for asking difficult questions and conducting oversight that might lead to uncomfortable findings, they no longer are taxpayers watchdogs. They transform into presidential lapdogs.

Inspectors general must be independent to provide fair and objective analysis of their agencys operations. They are the taxpayers representatives inside federal agencies, providing crucial transparency and information to the administration, Congress and ultimately, the American people about how the agency is doing.

That necessarily includes reviewing controversial issues, like in this case, the shuttering of the Department of Education. It also includes occasionally ruffling feathers with agency leadership, many of whom bristle at independent oversight assessing their offices performance.

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Inspectors general are a unique and very positive feature of the American federal system.

As the chair of the Council of Inspectors General, I hosted delegations from numerous foreign countries to discuss the system and how it adds value for the American people. These delegations marveled at Americas inspector general system and passionately inquired how they could implement such a robust accountability mechanism in their countries.

A perfect example of inspector general effectiveness is Operation Gold Rush, the largest health care fraud bust in U.S. history led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. After a two-year investigation, 19 people were charged with multiple crimes related to an alleged $10.6 billion Medicare fraud scheme.

The demotion of an acting Department of Education inspector general under these circumstances eviscerates the entire inspector general construct. It is wholly inappropriate for her position to be changed for doing her job as required under the Inspector General Act and as Americans have come to expect.

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This has nothing to do with how someone views the specific issues of the Department of Education and whether it should be closed.

As an inspector general appointed by President Trump who dedicated my career to fighting waste, fraud and abuse and protecting taxpayers dollars, I can certainly appreciate the impulse to cut government bloat and inefficiency. The Department of Education is not immune to such problems.

To the contrary, the problem with this removal is that it is clearly retaliation for conducting legitimate oversight. It will not only impact the oversight at the Department of Education; it will likely undermine the entire inspector general community.

Could you blame an inspector general for thinking twice about initiating a sensitive evaluation or investigation when they know the president could fire them simply for doing their jobs? Could you blame them for hesitating to investigate a senior Trump appointee when they have the proverbial sword of Damocles hanging over their heads?

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This chilling effect should be a cause for concern nationwide. Regardless of whether someone agrees or disagrees with President Trump, all of us should want oversight that is without fear or favor  namely, fair, objective and independent oversight that helps the federal government perform better.

Inspectors general must be allowed to do their jobs, including asking hard questions, examining sensitive initiatives and pushing back on agencies obfuscations. Anything less should raise major alarm bells for the American people.

Mark Lee Greenblatt is a former inspector general of the U.S. Department of the Interior and chair of the Council of Inspectors General, as well as the author of  Valor: Unsung Heroes from Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front.

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This summer, Washington, D.C., parents were notified that theyd no longer be able to hold their child back from starting kindergarten if the student turned 5 years old before Sept. 30. Previously, the decision on so-called redshirting had been left up to families, with advice from pediatricians and child psychologists.

In New York City, Americas largest school district, the birthday cut-off is even later: Dec. 31. One-third of children are required to begin kindergarten prior to turning 5. This is a cause of concern for many families.

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The city Department of Education doesnt see it as a problem. In an email, a spokesperson told me its official stance is, We work to provide all families access to a world-class education, and we work closely with families to ensure students placements are academically and developmentally appropriate, in alignment with state guidelines. Our policies allow for flexibility, our kindergarten curriculum is responsive to the needs of our younger learners, and our dedicated educators are prepared to support every student.

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Not all are appeased.

I have a 4-year-old who will start kindergarten this fall but doesnt turn 5 until after Thanksgiving, worried mom CK told me. I think its a big disservice to these kids. The amount of sitting isnt developmentally appropriate, and the lack of free play is concerning.

Related

New Redshirting Study Reveals That Boys Are Held Back More Than Girls  and Its Actually Helping to Close an Achievement Gap Between the Genders

Parents are justified in their concerns. As the Child Mind Institute summarized in June:

Several studies have concluded that kids who are youngest in their class are disproportionately diagnosed with ADHD. A Michigan study found that kindergartners who are the youngest in their grade are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than the oldest in their grade. And it doesnt affect just kindergarteners: A North Carolina study found that in fifth and eighth grade, the youngest children were almost twice as likely as the oldest to be prescribed medication for ADHD.

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The research didnt sit well with some teachers. One blasted my social media inquiry seeking views on redshirting by writing, ADHD is a very serious IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and we dont hand them out like candy.

Others, however, agreed.

My daughter was one of the youngest in her class, wrote an anonymous mother. The teacher and school counselor mislabeled her with psychological disorders that both NY special education testing and private neurological tests did not support.

More of my students with an IEP have a birthday in the second half of the calendar year, confirmed Mary C., who has been a special ed teacher for 12 years. I understand where an incoming K parent would be concerned that their December baby is much younger than a June baby.

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That was the case with Upper West Side parent KEs son. He is the youngest and smallest boy in the grade, she wrote. He started kindergarten at 4 years old, still sucking his thumb. The physical, emotional, social, psychological and other developmental differences between a 5-year-old born in January and a 4-year-old born in December impacts everything from holding a pencil to kicking a ball, to the length of time one can sit and concentrate. It was too early, too soon and too young, but we literally had no choice in the matter in order to enroll him.

Related

Study Shows That Kids Who Were Oldest in Kindergarten Enjoyed Benefits Well Into Their Teenage Years  and Beyond

The problems that pop up with younger students can reverberate beyond elementary school.

Pree Kaur lamented that her daughter is always the younger one and is not as mentally developed as her peers, so she always feels as if something is wrong with her.

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The Riverdale dad of a son born in November wrote, He had some difficulty following his teachers instructions in first grade, and his teacher repeatedly pointed out that he has difficulty sitting still, staying focused, etc. We had him evaluated by a pediatric developmental specialist and he was diagnosed with ADHD. I really struggle with the whole situation, as I believe if we were able to get him to go to school a year later, matters may have been different.

My daughter attended a citywide gifted program. She was doing great, but it came with a price, confessed Annie Tate. She was high-functioning until high school, where she was overwhelmed and was diagnosed with ADHD, a diagnosis I believe she wouldnt have received if I didnt send her to school at 4 years, 8 months. She would have matured emotionally and physically to be a healthier, happier child.

Pediatric occupational therapist KJL sees this situation frequently: Children with ADHD have a 30% delay in executive function compared to their peers. Combine that with young ages, and these children are set up to fail.

When I posed the question of allowing parents to hold back their children on my mailing list, the most frequent response I received was, SOMEONE has to be the youngest.

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Thats true. But the situation can still be ameliorated.

Grades with multiple classes can be broken up into three- or four-month bands, so students are learning with a narrower-aged peer group.

Repeating a year should be a more acceptable option, unlike the situation faced by mom Heather Hooks: My son was very behind academically in first grade. The school refused to hold him back and cited studies on retention being not good for kids in the long run. I found these didnt take into consideration that this was not straight retention, but redshirting an ADHD kid. Other studies were significantly different, and suggested these kids have better outcomes and are less likely to be medicated.

Another mom was told her daughter wasnt behind enough, despite the childs pleas that its too much for my head.

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Any steps taken to help New York Citys youngest learners would provide the largest experimental sample size in the country, making those results potentially beneficial for students across America.

Based on what happens in NYC, the educational system can stop treating children as developmentally identical and schools as one-size-fits-all, giving families more options.

As Maureen Yusuf-Morales, who has worked at public, charter and independent schools, suggests, Parents with children born after September should be allowed choice with guidance based on developmental milestones, as opposed to birthdays being the only hard-and-fast rule.
NASA has had a difficult early summer, between a proposed budget that would eviscerate the space agencys science programs and President Trumps sudden withdrawal of billionaire private space traveler Jared Isaacman from the nomination to be administrator of NASA.

Even so, there are signs that NASAs fortunes may be looking up.

The space agency has a new administrator  sort of. As Ars Technica reports, Trump has appointed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as interim NASA administrator, pending the nomination and confirmation of a permanent space agency head.

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Duffy is said to have a colorful background since he was a cast member in a reality show called Real World Boston. But his four terms as a member of Congress constitute more relevant experience.

The careers of Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.), another former House member, and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), a former senator, demonstrate that political experience can be an advantage when dealing with Congress, which funds and sets the direction of NASA.

Duffy may be spread a little thin, having to run the Department of Transportation as well as NASA. It is also unclear what kind of power he will have to affect policy.

Duffy could confine himself to trying to enact the White Houses agenda, which involves draconian cuts to NASAs science programs and focuses on human space exploration of the moon and Mars under the Artemis program.

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On the other hand, someone who has ties to Congress and who can get Trump on the phone could make a good start in forming a space policy that is acceptable to both the White House and Congress. Duffy as a bridge between two branches of government could be useful because Congress is in open revolt against the executive branchs space agenda.

Senate appropriators are rejecting the cuts to NASAs science programs and are developing a bill that more or less funds them. The bill also reflects ideas advanced in the Big, Beautiful Bill in that it funds the Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft past Artemis III and the Lunar Gateway. The House appropriators are marking up a similar spending bill.

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies that funds NASA, made the reason pretty clear as to why the appropriators are sticking to the original Artemis plan for now.

For NASA, the bill reflects an ambitious approach to space exploration, prioritizing the agencys flagship program Artemis, and rejecting premature terminations of systems like SLS and Orion before commercial replacements are ready, he said.

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When and how those commercial replacements would be ready is not clear. Much will depend on how private sector launch systems and spacecraft evolve.

The SpaceX Starship is one of those launch systems that might become the center of a commercial Earth to moon transportation system. Unfortunately, recent tests of the Starship have resulted in spectacular failures.

The Blue Origin Blue Moon is another vehicle that could become part of a commercial lunar transportation system. A smaller, cargo version of Blue Moon is slated to launch on a New Glenn rocket perhaps as early as 2025. The larger crewed version is likely years away from flying.

Progress on the Starship, Blue Moon and possibly other spacecraft will doubtless inform Congress attitude about going commercial to the moon in the future.

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One possible fly in the ointment is Duffys somewhat fraught relationship with Elon Musk. While Musks Department of Government Efficiency did initiate hardware and software enhancements to the air traffic control system, Duffy clashed with Musk over an alleged attempt to fire air traffic controllers in the midst of a series of aircraft disasters.

The acrimony between the two men may be a feature rather than a bug so far as President Trump is concerned. Trump withdrew the nomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator partly over alleged personal ties with his fellow billionaire.

Questions remain.

Can Duffy help to turn NASA, reeling from proposed budget cuts and a leadership vacuum, around? Can he make peace with Musk and continue the NASA-SpaceX partnership that has so profited both organizations?

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Can Trump find a permanent NASA head in a timely fashion? Can the Senate confirm that nominee quickly? Can the White House and the Congress agree on a budget and a policy that makes sense for Americas space ambitions?

The answers to these questions should be forthcoming with all due speed.

Mark R. Whittington, who writes frequently about space policy, has published a political study of space exploration entitled  Why is It So Hard to Go Back to the Moon?  as well as  The Moon, Mars and Beyond  and, most recently,  Why is America Going Back to the Moon?  He blogs at Curmudgeons Corner.

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In a decisive move aimed at curbing illegal immigration, the West Tripura district administration has constituted a Special Task Force (STF) to detect, identify, and deport undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. The STF, led by Dy SP (DIB) Debasish Saha, includes the officer-in-charge (OC) of all 14 police stations under the district. Speaking to ANI, West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar stated that the "Initiative was formed in response to rising public concern over unchecked infiltration. The demand for stricter measures had been mounting from Tipra Motha, led by its supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, along with civil society groups and concerned citizens." Welcoming the move, Debbarma reiterated his long-standing demand for the deportation of illegal Bangladeshi nationals residing in Tripura. Supporting this call, MLA Ranjit Debbarma and several allied organisations have been leading protests demanding the removal of illegal migrants from tribal and sensitive areas. Superintendent of Police (West Tripura) Kiran Kumar explained the operational details of the STF, noting that its core mandate includes verifying the identities of suspected undocumented individuals properly. The process will involve collecting biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, as well as demographic information. All data will be uploaded to the Ministry of Home Affairs' Foreigners Identification Portal. Upon confirmation, illegal immigrants will be handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for deportation or repatriation. Kumar also assured that a recent transfer order issued by the Director General of Police (DGP) on Thursday, which affected several OCs, will not hinder STF operations. Newly assigned officers will be smoothly inducted into the task force to ensure continuity of the mission. In addition to the STF, the district is also operating a Mobile Task Force (MTF) that actively scans for undocumented foreigners across various localities. The formation of the STF follows a memorandum submitted in June by a Tipra Motha delegation, led by Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, to Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, requesting direct intervention from the Prime Minister on the issue. Authorities anticipate that similar task forces will be formed in other districts soon, as the state intensifies its campaign to safeguard demographic stability and uphold national security. (ANI)
On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued an executive order suspending all foreign aid expenditures, except for those providing emergency and military assistance. On March 10, the administration cancelled 83 percent of the programs run by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

USAID, Trump declared, had been run by a bunch of radical lunatics. Elon Musk opined that the agency was a criminal organization. Social media outlets spread false allegations that USAID had spent $60 million on condoms for South Africa. On May 21, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, No one has died because of USAID. Lawmakers presented him with credible evidence that he was wrong.

By the middle of the year, 94 percent of USAIDs 4,500 employees, many of them living overseas, had been laid off. As of July 1, Rubio announced, USAID will officially cease to implement foreign assistance. The State Department would only implement existing and new foreign aid programs if they advanced the administrations America First agenda by privileging trade over aid, opportunity over dependency, investment over assistance.

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The dismantling of USAID has already had a negative impact on the lives of tens of millions of poor and vulnerable people in some 130 countries. And the evisceration of USAID is undermining our national interest.

Established in 1961, USAID became the worlds leading donor of humanitarian, economic development and democracy-promoting programs. The organization has had considerable success in alleviating poverty and malnutrition, decreasing the spread of infectious diseases and increasing access to safer drinking water and sanitation. Its programs helped mitigate the effect of natural disasters and achieve substantial reductions in mortality rates across all ages and causes, death rates from HIV/AIDS, malaria and tropical diseases. Working with non-government organizations, USAID provided educational opportunities for women in Afghanistan and supported independent media committed to correcting disinformation campaigns by state-controlled outlets in Eastern Europe.

Although MAGA Republicans have denounced USAID as woke, the agencys largest implementing partner in 2024 was Catholic Charities. In the last four years, Samanthas Purse, founded by Franklin Graham, the son of evangelical minister Billy Graham, received $90 million in USAID funds.

A study recently published in The Lancet, the respected scientific and medical journal, estimates that the implications of dismantling USAID could reverberate for decades, with an impact similar in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict. By 2030, an additional 14 million people, 4 million of them children under five years old, could die. 630,000 of those deaths would be associated with dramatic reductions in staff, medications and treatment through PEPFAR, President George W. Bushs signature foreign aid initiative.

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USAID is a paradigmatic example of the exercise of soft power, a difficult to quantify strategy of exerting national influence through trade, economic assistance, educational exchanges, public-private partnerships and relationships with business and political leaders.

China had already strengthened its global ties by investing $679 billion  more than nine times the foreign aid expenditures of the U.S.  between 2013 and 2021 to construct or repair roads, railways, airports and energy and digital infrastructure. It began filling the soft power void created by the dismantling of USAID almost immediately in Nepal and Colombia.

U.S. foreign aid, moreover, is relatively inexpensive. In 2023, total expenditures for non-military foreign aid were $71.9 billion, 1.2 percent of the $6.1 trillion federal budget. USAID was responsible for $43.5 billion of the $71.9 billion. The U.S., its worth noting, gives a relatively low percentage of its GDP in aid compared to most other wealthy nations.

As Trump and Rubio surely know, a substantial majority of Americans do not understand the aims and achievements of foreign aid or know how much the U.S. spends on it. On average, Americans believe that foreign aid constitutes 31 percent of the federal budget. About 70 percent of Americans (and 9 out of 10 Republicans) think Washington spends too much money assisting other countries. Trump and Rubio are not attempting to enlighten them.

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The dismantling of USAID provides a teachable moment. Referring to PEPFAR, former President Bush recently asked and answered a rhetorical question: Is it in our national interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is.

Providing humanitarian assistance is the right thing for the wealthiest country in the world to do, whether or not theres an immediate payoff. But it is also one of many ways, in our increasingly interconnected and interdependent planet, in which a robust USAID served  and might again serve  Americas national interest.

Glenn C. Altschuler is the Thomas and Dorothy Litwin Emeritus Professor of American Studies at Cornell University.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Peruvian governments recent call for all members of the Organization of American States to declare the transnational criminal group Tren de Aragua a terrorist organization is a landmark action that will reverberate positively throughout the Western Hemisphere.

The statement  supported by the U.S., Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama and Paraguay  requests that OAS member states consider designating Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, or to adopt equivalent legal frameworks that allow for greater prosecution capacity, asset freezes and enforcement actions.

Tren de Aragua, which began in a Venezuelan state prison around 2014, is today one of the most dangerous transnational criminal organizations in the Americas. The group has rapidly expanded its operations into neighboring countries and beyond, leaving a trail of violence, exploitation and suffering.

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It operates as a highly organized criminal corporation, using violence and a hierarchical structure to control illicit markets, and terrorist tactics to eliminate competition and instill fear. Tren de Aragua has sown chaos, undermined local governance and endangered the lives of countless citizens.

Thriving on fear and financial gain, Tren de Aragua is estimated to have around 5,000 members, and its annual profits range between $10 million and $15 million. Their use of extreme violence, targeted assassinations and mass intimidation to maintain control and expand influence aligns with the modus operandi of terrorist organizations.

Its expansion has been swift and violent, exploiting deficient law enforcement, corruption and large migrant flows. Many nations in the region have been affected by the influence of this criminal network, which has disrupted communities in vulnerable border areas. Its operations have rapidly expanded into cities, effectively transforming into a new form of urban terrorism.

The expansion of Tren de Aragua represents a significant regional crisis. This gang engages in drug trafficking, extortion and hired killings. It utilizes terrorist tactics such as torture and public displays of violence to instill fear and maintain control. Members often disseminate graphic content on social media to intimidate both rivals and law enforcement agencies.

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In April, the U.S. filed charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act against 27 members and associates of Tren de Aragua for acts committed both in America and abroad. This case showcases the need to address this pervasive threat further through coordinated international action. The recent U.S. designation of Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization marks a crucial strategic step.

First, by recognizing Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group, the U.S. gains a broader set of tools to dismantle the its financial infrastructure. Many criminal organizations rely on transnational banking systems and shadowy financial channels to launder money and fund their operations. Cutting off access to these resources will severely weaken Tren de Aragua.

Second, this move also sets the stage for enhanced regional collaboration. By highlighting the threat the group poses on the global stage, the U.S. sends a powerful message of mutually beneficial collaboration with its Latin American partners. Increased intelligence sharing, joint operations and technical assistance will help dismantle this criminal network.

Third, the U.S. designation underscores the importance of a safer region and a stronger partnership with the Americas. It is a signal that the U.S. is committed to addressing one of the primary root causes of insecurity and instability in Latin America and within the U.S. By taking a stand against Tren de Aragua, the U.S. affirms its role as a partner in building a safer, more stable region where democracy and economic opportunity can thrive.

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The call for a unified response to combat Tren de Aragua across borders is critical. Together with its allies, the U.S. can champion an Americas-First Foreign Policy, as suggested by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and reaffirm shared values with countries throughout the region.

This would complement other security and defense cooperation from the U.S. and make its presence and influence more important and tangible. No other global power can make a greater commitment to working in the region to ensure that groups like Tren de Aragua cannot operate with impunity.

Alfredo Ferrero is Perus ambassador to the U.S.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
America has long had daddy issues with the presidency, but now theyre threatening to undermine democracy.

It started with George Washington: the father of our country, as were all taught, though he had no children of his own. In recent years, its included Bill Clinton, whose biological father died before he was born and who fought with his stepfather; George W. Bush, one of two presidents whose fathers were also presidents; and Barack Obama, who wrote a whole book about a father he barely knew.

For his part, Donald Trump took over his father Freds real estate business and adopted Fred Trumps strict winners and losers mentality. Hes a father of five kids by three mothers. And hes convinced his supporters that hes something of a surrogate father to them  and to the country  in a troubling use of rhetoric.

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At first, the framing was just about Trump returning to the White House, which was unsettling but made a bit of sense. At a pre-inauguration event, musician Kid Rock added the words daddys home to the song he was performing. Around the same time, die-hard MAGA Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida said on a Fox News panel Daddys back, Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado tweeted Daddys home, and conservative influencer Charlie Kirk posted, Dad is home.

Things heated up in June. When discussing Trumps expletive-laden comment on Israel and Iran, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte used a metaphor: Daddy has to sometimes use strong language. Trump ate it up with a spoon, imitating it for the cameras later. He did it very affectionately, Daddy, youre my daddy, he said. The White House then posted video of Trump set to Ushers song Hey Daddy (Daddys Home), while the campaign sold red T-shirts with the word DADDY beneath his mug shot.

But for some of Trumps fans, theres a darker undercurrent to the rhetoric.

After the California wildfires burned down his home in Malibu, conservative actor Mel Gibson described Trump visiting the state as like Daddys arrived, and hes taking his belt off. At a 2024 campaign rally, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson compared the U.S. to a defiant 15-year-old girl whose angry father has come home go give her a vigorous spanking for being a bad little girl.

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That lines up neatly with an argument cognitive linguist George Lakoff made in his 1996 book Moral Politics that American politics is built around an overwrought parenting metaphor, with conservatives serving as the strict father and liberals as the nurturant parent.

This frame explains a lot about Trumps political agenda. Just as the strict father defends the family against outside threats, Trump pledges to protect the country from immigrants that he casts as violent criminals. His cuts to everything from foreign aid to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Medicaid are framed as tough love that will teach self-reliance. And, of course, strict fathers expect total obedience from their children  which has unsettling implications for the future of American democracy.

There are several ways to respond.

For people seeking favors from Trump, it makes sense to play it up. Rutte, who is surely hoping to keep the United States from leaving or otherwise disregarding NATO, earned a lot of goodwill from the president with that one remark. The downside is that this only encourages Trump to see himself this way and it validates his self-image among his supporters.

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Critics also use the language to mock Trump, as when a Democratic state lawmaker in Texas criticized his colleagues for considering a proposal pushed by the president as doing whatever Daddy Donald Trump asks of them. This works as a way of criticizing other politicians by making them seem weak by comparison and highlights the weirdness of the whole daddy thing to the presidents critics. But it doesnt do much to undermine his support.

Another tactic would be to argue that the frame is wrong, like literally every person who has tapped out Trump is NOT my daddy on social media after someone called him that. But like most of whats posted on social media, this doesnt do much to persuade anyone and only ends up giving the metaphor more exposure. Instead of refuting a metaphor this way, Lakoff recommends instead shifting the frame to a new one, but this particular one is so ingrained in American politics that may not be so easy.

Another possibility would be to go after the metaphor directly. You could argue that Trump is not like a beneficent father, but more like a dad who doesnt live up to his obligations to keep the family safe, manage its finances and provide basic support. You can tell his supporters that its not their fault that he let them down and affirm their disappointment. And you can point the way toward an alternative model of presidents who keeps up their end of the bargain.

In the real world, strict parenting works in the short term, as children learn to be compliant, like the von Trapps responding to a whistle. But in the long run it usually fails, as they come to resent their parents for stifling them. We may find a similar thing happens in politics. Trump is demanding obedience now, and all too often getting it. But there will likely be a cost to that down the road, for both Trump and the country.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Former right-wing commentator Lauren Southern says shes not a white nationalist. Self-described misogynist Andrew Tate says hes not a rapist. Despite this, white nationalists sure were fans of Southerns work, and people with questionable views about coercive sex feel the same way about Tates.

This past week, Southern accused Tate of raping her. Tate denies this. The accusations came via excerpts from Southerns forthcoming self-published memoir, which she released for free on her Substack, she says, to avoid accusations that she is trying to profit off the story.

Southern says that she and some business associates met the Tate brothers in Romania in 2018, under the impression that the Tates were potential investors in a media venture. Southern later joined the Tates at a nightclub, she writes, where she says she felt extremely drowsy after accepting drinks from the group. Southern says Tate carried her back to a hotel room, and then, she writes:

He kissed me. I wasnt expecting it, and I wasnt looking for it, but I kissed him back briefly and then told him I wanted to sleep. I was extraordinarily tired. He wanted to go further. I said no, very clearly, multiple times, and tried to pull his hands off me. He put his arm around my neck and began strangling me unconscious. I tried to fight back. He repeatedly strangled me every time I regained enough consciousness to pull at his arms. Id prefer not to share the rest. Its pretty obvious.

Although The New York Times made attempts to corroborate some of the details  it interviewed friends and associates whom shed told what had happened shortly thereafter, and she provided the paper with a form indicating that she sought some follow-up medical care and considered pursuing charges  the truth of what actually happened between Tate and Southern will likely never be known for sure.

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A lawyer for Tate told the Times Southerns account is textbook extortion. She is lying through her teeth, and also posted a statement on X denying Southerns account.

Tate is currently under a number of investigations in different countries, including for allegations of human trafficking, rape and assault in the U.K., and human trafficking and money laundering in Romania. He was kicked off the U.K. edition of Big Brother in 2016 by production companies after it came to light that he was the subject of an investigation of rape and sexual assault by U.K. authorities at the time (he has denied the allegations). He has publicly advocated for sexual coercion and calls himself an avowed misogynist. The BBC reported that he once texted a woman who had accused him of raping and strangling her, I love raping u. He denies all wrongdoing. He declined to comment when asked about the text.

In addition to Southerns racist and xenophobic oeuvre  her most well-known work includes perpetuating the myth of South African white genocide and writing F--- Islam on her face with lipstick during a makeup tutorial video  Southern has long made hay mocking the idea of rape culture. One of her early viral videos from around 2015 featured her telegenically declaring that she was not a feminist, because feminism ignored how often men are raped (she leaves out the fact that men are still the ones doing just about all of the rape). Shes claimed that the real victims of rape culture are men who are falsely accused. She pulled up to an anti-rape demonstration for survivors in Vancouver in 2015 with a sign that read There is no rape culture in the West, and encouraged marchers who wanted to encounter real rape culture to check out Africa.

In her memoir, Southern shows the sort of self-awareness that modern conservatives only exhibit when something bad happens to them personally. She reflects on how the encounter with Tate messed with her head, how she tried to remain on good terms with him even after hed allegedly brutalized her. She still doesnt hate him, she claims, writing: I have forgiven him, truly. But that doesnt mean he should be free to keep hurting, tormenting, and scamming others.

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An Atlantic profile from 2020 portrayed Southern as a canny young woman who would good-naturedly laugh at sexist jokes, and would gamely wave off Gavin McInnes repeated attempts to drunkenly proposition her. McInnes was married at the time. In a rebuke to the Atlantic piece published on website, Southern said that her profiler had repeatedly tried to get her to accuse McInnes of more extensive sexual misconduct, to contribute to a #MeToo hit piece on the Proud Boys founder.

In that same response, Southern depicts her own actions as valiant: Despite bullying and pressure from mainstream news media, her virtue  let men do whatever and just, like, be cool with it  remained intact.

In the years since she formally stepped back from political commentary, Southern has been candid about some moments of growth, especially after her husband left her with a small child after less than two years of tradlife marriage.

But despite all of the ways that far-right men have belittled her, objectified her or used her youth, beauty and femininity as cover for their misogyny, Southern continues to cape for them in her writing. She Doesnt Hate Andrew Tate. Shes Not Hurt by Gavin McInnes. Hell, she still had a few nice things to say of Atlantic writer Daniel Lombroso, even though she says he wanted her to manufacture sexual trauma for clicks.

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Since Southerns accusation against Tate, it seems that not a single one of the men she has worked with, or for, has publicly defended her. Back in 2024, when screenshots of text messages alluding to the Tate-Southern encounter began circulating, one outlet referred to Southern as a tradthot, downplaying her allegations because of her alleged sexual promiscuity. Other far-right media figures like Tucker Carlson and Paul Joseph Watson have defended Tate in the past, although they havent weighed in on this yet. As of press time, we havent heard a peep from McInnes.

Writing in her memoir, Southern seems to have this realization glance off her. Conservatives, even just a hundred years ago, would have strung up people in the streets for less than what the Tate brothers do on any given weekend. Men then understood that part of building a strong society is protecting people, especially young women, from predators and pimps.

But the truth is darker, and sadder. The discarding of Southern demonstrates that the modern conservative ideal of masculinity was never about protection, although the lie of promised protection is a seductive recruitment tool for those who believe themselves worthy of being protected  pretty white women who are terrified of brown people, for example.

But signing up to go to battle for these men does not pay dividends to women outside of contexts where it benefits dominant men. Embodying the physical and ideological ideal of the manosphere will not protect women when their humanity becomes an inconvenience to the men they provide cover for. If Lauren Southern doesnt realize this by now, maybe she never will.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
This story is part of our weekly Hidden Gems feature series as the USA TODAY Network  Florida takes readers around the state to highlight some of our most interesting attractions.

Some of the world's best treasures are those that are hard to find.

In Collier County, Fakahatchee Strand State Park offers a real view of Florida away from beaches and interstates.

Here's what to know about Fakahatchee, the largest state park that became famous from a best-selling book and later a film based on it.

'Real Florida' revealed

Heading into Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park just before dusk reveals "real Florida," a natural world devoid of theme parks and tourist shops.

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It's certainly a bucket list checkoff, journeying into the preserve  the largest state park in Florida at 120 square miles  to see a full moon rise above the prairie.

The moonlight tour is one of a few excursions the park offers.

"We're not tree huggers, but we do love all the natural resources Florida has to offer," said Melissa Mourey who, with her husband John, on a moonlight tram tour a few years ago.

A group enjoys the sights, including a few orchid buds, Nov. 12, 2019, at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park near Copeland. Fakahatchee is the largest state park.

"The Fakahatchee is the longest strand-swamp in the world."

What Fakahatchee offers

The park is composed of four main use areas: the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, East River, Jones Grade lakes and Janes Memorial Scenic Drive.

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The 2,500-foot boardwalk is among the most popular parts of the state park. It winds through a pristine section and ends at an alligator pond and observation deck, Fakahatchee says on its website.

"This is a great place for visitors to get an introduction to the preserve and for those that are just looking for a short hike," it reads.

The boardwalk is off U.S. 41, about seven miles west of State Road 29.

See real Florida up close

Motorists can drive through the park on their own yet it's the tram tours where people can really get to know the park.

All of the trails in the park are cleared tram roads created when the land was logged in the 1940s through the 1960s.

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Tram tours are announced at various times and RSVP early because they fill up fast. For those who prefer going it along, drive on Janes Scenic Drive, an 11milelong unpaved, gravel road in the state park.

In addition to tours, other things to do in the state park include birding, fishing, hiking and more.

How Fakahatchee became famous

Fakahatchee  which opened in 1974  was made more famous by the Susan Orlean 1998 book "The Orchid Thief" and the 2002 film "Adaptation."

The movie starred Meryl Streep, Nicolas Cage and Chris Cooper, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

'We fell in love with Fakahatchee'

Don and Dee Leonard, originally from Wisconsin, have volunteered to serve as hosts on tram tours. Don drove as Dee talked on a 2019 tour.

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"Our first year here, we fell in love with the Fakahatchee," he told the Naples Daily News a few years ago.

Bucket list: 5 things to do in Naples includes cars, creatures, nature, art, more

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Where: Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, 137 Coastline Drive, Copeland

When: Park open 8 a.m. to sunset. For special events, check times.

Cost: $3 per vehicle. Costs vary for events and RSVP as they fill up fast.

Tips: Bring mosquito repellent and wear jeans or slacks instead of shorts. And bring a jacket or sweater for winter tours.

Information: floridastateparks.org

Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@gannett.com and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Famous Fakahatchee Strand is the largest state park in Florida
One morning last month two brothers headed to their Central Florida construction job, in a car driven by their boss. He switched lanes along a highway without signaling, and a police officer pulled him over.

That minor infraction was all it took to land the two undocumented Mexican nationals in custody and facing deportation, their lives upended by the June traffic stop.

When I found out, I cried for days in my room, said the 14-year-old daughter of one of the brothers. Their wives are also undocumented, and the families now fear straying too far from the Orange County trailer park where they live.

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I never thought this would happen to us, the daughter said, speaking in Spanish. When Donald Trump got in, he said he would deport the bad guys, the criminals but  we are now scared because theyre taking out the good people, the ones who are hard workers.

The brothers were detained because a roadside ID check led to the revelation that they had no authorization to be in the United States. They are among hundreds of immigrants taken into custody in Central Florida this year after they were stopped for minor traffic violations, an Orlando Sentinel review found.

The Sentinel obtained the names of 375 people held under so-called ICE detainers in the Lake, Osceola and Seminole county jails from Jan. 1 through the end of April. The Orange County Jail declined to provide names and other details about its detainees, saying disclosure would violate federal law.

More than 55% of those on the Sentinels list came into police custody after traffic stops for common infractions like speeding, broken tail lights and expired tags, arrest records show. These sorts of stops rarely lead to arrests for citizens, and until this year the same was often true even for those in the country illegally.

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But as the Trump administration looks to rid the country of undocumented migrants, and as workplace raids draw unwanted attention from the media and objections from businesses, traffic stops and jail bookings have become a common way to identify them.

The Sentinels review shows the reality of mass deportation in Florida, a state eager to crack down on undocumented immigrants. Local law enforcement officers have become de facto immigration agents, as police take mostly Latino residents to jails that hand them into federal custody. And with traffic violations and other minor crimes comprising the vast majority of those cases, only about one-fifth of those theyre rounding up are suspected of violent crimes.

Officers who stop people for minor infractions now routinely run their names, and those of their passengers, through a federal database to search for immigration warrants filed against them, which require them to be taken to jail. Since January, federal authorities have been inputting thousands more warrants into the National Crime Information Center, local officials said, making matches far more common.

Driving while Latino

It takes little for a Latino in Central Florida to arouse suspicion.

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An Osceola deputy sheriff stopped Luis Ernesto-Mancera on March 29, after observing that he walked briskly into a Wawa convenience store off State Road 441 in Kissimmee, arrest records show.

The deputy ran the tag of the vehicle Ernesto-Mancera parked, learned he didnt have a drivers license and pulled him over when he left the store and started to drive away. Ernesto-Mancera, a Colombian national, is now in ICE custody, court records show.

A St. Cloud police officer in April pulled over a white Ford van with window tinting that was too dark, according to court records. Juan Oswaldo Chacaj-Simon, a Guatemalan national, was arrested for driving without a license and booked into the Osceola County Jail. He has since been deported, records show.

Raymundo Delarosa-Olvera was pulled over near a McDonalds in St. Cloud in February. A city police officer had run the tag on his faded pick-up truck with chipped paint and discovered he, too, had no drivers license.

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The Mexican native told officers he had been living in the U.S. for nine years and worked in construction, body camera footage shows. As cuffs were placed on him, an officer told Delarosa-Olvera that he could bring his phone and wallet along.

Can I also take the little book thats there? Delarosa-Olvera asked the officer in Spanish, referring to a small, brown leather-bound book with the Spanish title, My little prayer book.

Delarosa-Olvera was placed into ICE custody, records show. Neither he nor Ernesto-Mancera could be reached for comment.

The patterns uncovered by the Sentinel raise questions about whether immigrants are being stopped for driving while Latino, a violation of federal civil rights laws. Phillip Arroyo, an Orlando attorney, worries racial profiling is at play.

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People with brown skin  are being pulled over with the sole intent and purpose to see if they have a valid drivers license or not, he said.

The Sentinel acquired the countries of birth for 180 of the people on its list of ICE detainees; 178, or nearly 99%, are from Latin America.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, denied anyone is targeted because of their skin color, calling those accusations disgusting and categorically FALSE, in an emailed statement from Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

If and when we do encounter individuals subject to arrest, our law enforcement is trained to ask a series of well-determined questions to determine status and removability, McLaughlin said.

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We will follow the Presidents direction and continue to work to get the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens off of Americas streets, she added.

The Sentinels analysis

But the vast majority of those held by ICE this year in the three Central Florida counties faced no serious criminal charges, the Sentinel analysis found.

Of the 375 cases, 208 were for traffic issues and another 93, or nearly 25%, were for non-violent charges, including driving-under-the-influence, drug possession and theft.

Seventy-four of those arrested, or less than 20%, faced serious charges involving violence, including two for murder and others for felony battery, domestic violence and child abuse. Two men also faced accusations that they were affiliated with the notorious Venezuelan street gang Tren de Aragua.

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For many immigrants, driving is fraught, as the state doesnt issue drivers licenses to undocumented people. Florida requires proof of citizenship for a license to be issued and in 2023, banned out-of-state licenses for undocumented drivers, which 16 states and Washington D.C. issue.

But getting to work without getting in a car is a challenge in the mass-transit-starved Orlando area.

Traffic stops are robbing Central Florida of the workers who prop up its economy, said Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, the executive director of the Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, which advocates for immigrants.

The truth is theyre going after the domestic worker who cleans the home or the construction worker driving to the workplace  thats whats happening, he said. Theyre criminalizing everyday life and calling everybody criminals.

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Neither of the Mexican brothers picked up in the June traffic stop face criminal charges or have criminal records in Florida. One is now in a federal detention center in Miami and the other in the Orange jail, both held by ICE.

A.H., the wife of one of the brothers, said the family was deported from the U.S. previously but returned three years ago because of terrible conditions in their hometown in Mexico, where murder and carjackings were common.

We are so confused and dont know what to do, she said in Spanish, tears streaming down her face. We cant go back to Mexico.

She spoke with the Sentinel on the condition she be identified only by her initials as she worries her comments could make her a target of immigration authorities.

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A.H. is the mother of three children, all U.S. citizens. She fears her 16-year-old son will need to drop out of high school to get a full-time job and help the family.

He had a dream of going into the Army, and he doesnt want to leave school, she said, but she knows that will be hard if her husband is not released. I pray to God that my husband can help us support him in his dreams.

Her husbands brother and his wife, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala who is 9 months pregnant, live with them, both families sharing the single trailer. Since the brothers arrests, the women barely leave the home but for walks around the trailer park or quick trips to a grocery store that is within walking distance.

A broader pattern

Other data suggests similar arrests are playing out across Florida and the country.

The Washington Examiner reported, following a ride-along with Florida Highway Patrol, that 3,300 undocumented immigrants statewide have been picked up by that agency through traffic stops.

The Miami Herald revealed last week that of the more than 700 people in  or scheduled to be sent to  Floridas new Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center, at least 250 had no criminal convictions or pending charges and were detained solely on immigration violations.

A Syracuse University research organization that tracks immigrant arrests has found that nationwide about 72% of the 58,000 people in ICE detention have no previous criminal convictions. Many of those that do have only minor traffic convictions, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.

Trump was elected in part because of his promises to embark on the largest deportation program in American history.

The Biden administration had directed ICE to focus on illegal immigrants who had committed crimes, not those whose only violation was entering the country illegally.

Though the new president often says he too is targeting the worst of the worst, in reality the Trump administration changed ICEs emphasis.

That garbage is over with, said Tom Homan, Trumps border czar at a March discussion in Sarasota with Gov. Ron DeSantis. If youre in the country illegally, youve got a problem.

Early in 2025, DeSantis pushed new legislation that would let Florida be the tip of the spear in that effort to deport those in the country illegally.

The new law requires local law enforcement agencies and jails to cooperate with ICE and train their officers to make immigration arrests. Sheriffs offices, city police departments, airport authorities and university police forces are among those whove inked such agreements.

As a result, the number of immigration-related arrests has surged. The Orange County Jail  which serves as a regional clearinghouse of sorts for immigration arrests  has booked 2,489 people with ICE detainers as of July 15, a 125% increase from all of 2024, and an 854% increase from 2021.

Any occasion in which law enforcement comes across someone where they run their information  a traffic stop, or they show up to the house for an argument, historically that call didnt necessitate an arrest, said Danny Banks, Orange Public Safety Director, in May. Unfortunately, now theyre forced to arrest them.

The detentions come swiftly but answers for their families do not.

For weeks A.H. did not know where her husband was incarcerated. He would call her from an Orange County number but did not appear in the corrections systems database. Advocates for the family met with officials at Orange County Corrections in early July to help find him. Six hours later, he was finally located in a county jail cell, they said.

For A.H., the pain of not knowing where her husband was being held made the situation even worse. But finding him has meant little comfort.

Because she is not a legal resident she is prohibited to video chat or visit him in person, as jail rules require a valid drivers license, passport or state and/or military ID that she doesnt have. Her children are citizens but they are underage and cannot connect with their father unless a legal guardian is present, a process that would also require A.H. to provide the ID she lacks.

I just want him out, she said through tears.

G.C., another undocumented Mexican immigrant living in Orange, said she and her husband have been in the U.S. for more than 20 years, working as housekeepers and in construction. They have largely lived under the radar, working hard in search of a better life for our kids, she said in Spanish.

But the recent arrest and deportation of a close relative has shattered their sense of home here. She also asked to be identified by only her initials, worried about making herself and her family a target of authorities.

Her relative was arrested in March as he went to fill his truck with gas at a station around the corner from his home, getting ready for a landscaping job. He promised his wife he would be back shortly  but he has never returned.

That day, as the hours passed, his wife grew more and more concerned and finally called G.C. in a panic. G.C.s 21-year-old son  one of the few adults in the family who is a citizen and therefore felt safe interacting with police  went to the Orange County jail, where he discovered his relative was in custody.

The relative had no prior criminal record apart from two other charges of driving without a license, records show. The man was later transported to a detention center in Miami, then to one in Texas and finally deported back to Mexico, G.C. said.

Now G.C.and her husband wonder if they should leave too.

Sometimes we think it doesnt make sense anymore to be here because everything is very expensive and I cant leave my house like I used to, for fear of getting picked up by immigration authorities, G.C. said in Spanish.

But leaving is hard to imagine. There is so much violence in Mexico, she said, and their children are both U.S. citizens, the younger one about to start 12th grade.

Its not easy for me to say I will go back to Mexico and leave my kids, she said.

Cristobal Reyes, Martin Comas and Steven Lemongello of the Sentinel staff contributed.
Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 119,154 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine.

The publications' latest report covers the period of February 24, 2022 to July 17, 2025. Since it was last updated at the start of July, 2,436 additional Russian military personnel have been confirmed killed.

The journalists note that the actual figures are likely significantly higher, as their verified information comes from public sources such as obituaries, posts by relatives, memorial community tree-plantings, regional media reports, statements from local authorities, among other sources.

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The outlet published the complete list of identified casualties for the first time in February, marking three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to the publication, volunteers manually enter and verify each record to prevent duplicate entries in the database.

Moscow and Kyiv rarely officially report their losses, and the Kyiv Independent could not verify the figures. Ukraine estimates that Russia's overall casualties during the full-scale war have surpassed 1 million.

The reported death toll now includes 32,100 volunteers, 17,800 recruited prisoners, and 13,000 mobilized soldiers, according to the media outlets. Nearly 5,400 officers have also been confirmed to have been killed.

Amid renewed summer offensives in multiple sectors of the front, Russia has steadily gained ground in eastern Ukraine and Kursk Oblast in recent months but at the cost of heavy casualties as well as equipment losses. Among other units, internal documents published on July 17 by Ukraine's "I Want to Live" government project show that Russia's 41st Combined Arms Army fighting in eastern Ukraine has suffered "catastrophic" losses.

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Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the Prisoners of War (POWs) said on June 12 said that more than 100,000 Russian families have contacted a Ukrainian-run initiative in search of information about missing Russian soldiers.

As of July 20, Ukraine's General Staff estimates that Russia has lost 1,041,990 troops in Ukraine since the start of the war on Feb. 24, 2022. The numbers are largely in-line with estimates made by Western intelligence agencies.

Read also: This is what Ukraine could hit in Russia with US Tomahawk missiles

































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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Mississippi has the nations highest maternal mortality rate, but an annual report from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) revealed that most maternal deaths were preventable.

In 2017, the Mississippi Legislature passed a law to require the formal review of maternal deaths in Mississippi. Its goal was to notice patterns detrimental to maternal health and to reverse negative trends and outcomes. However, the 2025 report from MSDHs Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) revealed that a greater share of women needlessly died compared to the previous report from late 2023.

In the latter report, which looked at records of maternal deaths from 2016-2020, MMRC found that 80% of the 65 pregnancy-related deaths were avoidable. This years report, which looked at deaths from 2017-2021, found that over 83% of the 77 deaths were preventable. Of these women, 27% were pregnant when they died. Over 31% died within the first 42 days after birth and 39% died after that point up to the first year postpartum.

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Mississippi infants most vulnerable to rotavirus: report

Over half of all deaths occurred at the hospital; just 13% occurred at home. More than a third of all deaths occurred in Central Mississippi; over a quarter of pregnancy-related deaths happened in South Mississippi. Around 39% of deaths occurred in the Delta and North Mississippi.

The most common contributing factors to Mississippis pregnancy-related deaths include the following:

Obesity (51.9%)

Mental health conditions (36.3%)

Substance use disorder (28.6%)

Discrimination (31.2%)

Homicide (22%)

Suicide (2.6%)

Like other health disparities within the state, these preventable deaths disproportionately impact certain racial groups. For instance, roughly three in five COVID-19-related deaths were among Black women. Below is an overview of the groups most and least affected by the statewide problem.

Race Pregnancy-related deaths Share Black, non-Hispanic 60 77.9% White, non-Hispanic 13 16.9% Hispanic 3 3.9% Other/unknown 1 1.3%

Interpersonal Violence (IPV) is the intentional use of force or power against someone by another. MMRC classified the 27 IPV deaths statewide as pregnancy-associated, not pregnancy-related. Intimate partners caused 56% of IPV deaths; 48% of victims were aged 17-24.

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The committee made the following recommendations to reduce the death rate among pregnant women:

Mandate autopsies for all maternal deaths

Improve death certificate accuracy

Expand Medicaid

Increase funding for substance abuse treatment

Create coordinated IPV response systems

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Days after The Olympian published a story about an elected official and others touring the homeless encampment known as the Jungle  a meeting that was spurred by concerns about recent violence at the camp  readers had more questions about the site between Martin Way and Pacific Avenue near Interstate 5.

Chief among those questions: Who owns the land? The answer: Although the city of Olympia owns some of it, most is privately held by a business called JJP Group LLC, which also owns the Chevron station near the camp on its Pacific Avenue side.

A representative of JJP Group LLC declined to comment.

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The Olympian, working with a Thurston County Assessors Office representative, identified six parcels owned by JJP Group between Martin Way and Pacific Avenue that total 16.40 acres. The city owns two parcels that total 6.75 acres.

Why does the city own those parcels and what arrangement do they have to access the site for camp residents?

The city-owned property was purchased in June 2021, said Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray.

The city purchased the property for multiple uses including, but not limited to, the future extension of Ensign Road and to allow the city more flexibility in managing several informal homeless encampments and providing other housing and homeless services to individuals living there, she said.

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Accessing the private property, including a large chunk of land near Martin Way, is the result of a two-year option agreement to purchase land in the area that was agreed to between the city and JJP, Ray said.

That option is still in place, she said, and it specifies that access will be allowed for trash cleanup, homeless outreach activities and for the installation and construction of fencing between the camp and neighboring businesses, she said.

The property outlined in blue is owned by JJP Group LLC, according to the Thurston County Assessors Office data. Much of that property is occupied by a homeless encampment called the Jungle.

Neighbors weigh in

The Olympian decided to ask a neighboring business owner about the experience of operating next door to the camp.

THC of Olympia, a marijuana retailer, couldnt be closer. The business is situated steps away from the front entrance to the camp at 3200 Martin Way E.

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THC owner Ciaran Wilburn, who has been there for about nine years, said the camp has evolved from one he described as a group of old-timers looking to escape society to what he called a large drug and mental health crisis.

Wilburn said he does not have many issues with the people who occupy the camp, but he scoffed at city officials who say the city is doing a good job of balancing accountability with compassion at the Jungle.

This is compassion? said Wilburn as he stood outside his business and gestured at the camp.

He rattled off a list things that would help: better defined camp spaces, more sanitation services, running water and security cameras that might prevent crime.

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Put the camera systems up you have in the grocery store parking lot, so at least theres the illusion of security, he said.

Wilburn wasnt done.

This is the most accepting area Ive ever visited, and this is how were dealing with this? Its a joke, he said. Nine years of watching this, the citys a joke.

What do camp residents say?

The Olympian spent time at the front entrance to the camp to interview those coming and going. Those interviewed were uncomfortable with using their full names, but they did agree to first names and ages.

Former long-term camp resident, Danielle, 35, pulled up in her car to pick up some people on the fringe of the camp. She recalled it was kind of cool to build her own shelter there, but although the camp was safe for the most part, it had an uncomfortable energy.

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She said she was finally able to get housing with the assistance of the Family Support Center. She said there needs to be more shelters for women, so they dont have to wait as long in a camp like the Jungle for housing.

Its not right, its not fair, she said.

Does the camp govern itself? She said it is self-governing to a degree and that people hold each other accountable. When young people enter the camp because they are curious about it, they are told to leave, she said.

Its not OK. The young should not be here.

Mark, 36, originally from California, said he has lived in the camp a long time.

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I like it here, he said, adding that he has freedom in the camp and nobody bothers him. He described the camp as safe.

C.J., 49, who was sitting in the backseat of Danielles car, said she lived in the Jungle for five years before she secured housing.

She said the camp has a hierarchy, but its not too different from regular society in that theres an expectation that youll pick up after yourself and not touch other peoples stuff.

There was a time when the camp had an aura of peace and calm to it, but not in the last 18 months, she said.

In that time, The Olympian has reported about a rape at the camp and the violent assault of a woman by a group of people.

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Wolf, 59, said he has lived at the camp for the last six to seven months.

The goal is to get out of here, he said.

He, too, said the camp is 95% safe, although there are a few characters in the Jungle that account for that 5%.

A lot of people help each other, he said, adding that it feels like a big, loose, chaotic family.

Equal time

When The Olympian wrote about the tour of the camp, one of those on hand was Olympia City Council candidate Wendy Carlson, who is challenging incumbent Clark Gilman.

Gilman did not participate in that tour, so in the interest of equal time, The Olympian reached out to him after Tuesday nights council meeting to get his thoughts about the camp.

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Heres what he had to say:

I agree that the living conditions are not appropriate for anybody at the Jungle, but I also recognize the reality that we dont have the resources to just end it, he said.

And so instead, were in a position of managing it as best we can, and thats been through a combination of policing, of social work and mutual aid outreach, of having our crisis responders be in relationships with people there.

Gilman also said that without policy changes the problem continues.

Theres not a finite number of people who are very poor or who are not able to access health care services that they need, he said. And as long as we keep minting more people who are very poor, and as long as we keep reducing whats available for health care, were going to continue to have more individuals who are in this situation that were trying to help as best we can and to manage the situation.

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Concerns about Jungle homeless encampment spur tour with Lacey, Olympia officials

Four people charged in connection with June 18 attack in Olympias Jungle

Olympia man charged with attempted murder in Lacey rape case faces new rape charge
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In a major push towards infrastructure development, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that seven new bypass roads have been proposed across the state to ease traffic and enhance connectivity. CM Saha reiterated the government's commitment on Saturday to linking all district and subdivision headquarters, as well as unconnected habitations, to national highways via double-lane roads. CM Saha made these remarks while addressing the National Seminar on Infrastructure Development in the North-East Region of India, held at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala. He highlighted the government's long-term infrastructure vision, asserting that robust infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth and regional empowerment. "Without infrastructure, nothing can be achieved. Roads, highways, airports, water supply, and urban infrastructure play a key role in industrial growth, service expansion, and social welfare," the Chief Minister said. He emphasised that the state has undertaken numerous transformative initiatives in the past seven years that have significantly improved its socio-economic landscape. Saha revealed that a 449 km ring road has been proposed for Agartala under the Bharatmala scheme. The alignment includes the Agartala Bypass from Khayerpur to Amtali, an Eastern Bypass from Lembuchara to Khayerpur, and a Western Bypass connecting Lembuchara to Amtali. Flyover construction is also on the cards, with the Radhanagar to IGM Hospital flyover to be undertaken in the first phase. The seven new bypass roads are proposed at Kumargarh, Dhanpur, Manu, Ambassa, Teliamura, Ranirbazar, and Jirania, all key towns where national highways currently run through congested areas. "In the previous budget, over Rs7,000 crore was allocated specifically for infrastructure development," he added. Tripura CM provided detailed statistics on Tripura's existing road infrastructure, stating that the total Public Works Department (PWD) road length in the state is 10,618.423 kilometres. This includes 1,057 kilometres of state highways, 171 kilometres of major district roads, 483 kilometres of other district roads, 1,167 kilometres of urban roads, and 7,740 kilometres of village roads. The national highway network in the state spans 923 kilometres, out of which 509 kilometres have already been upgraded to double-lane roads with paved shoulders. Additionally, four more national highways covering a total distance of 229 kilometres have been declared in principle. Plans are in place to upgrade the entire 1,057 km of state highways to double-lane roads, he added. Highlighting Tripura's strategic importance, CM Saha said, "The northeastern region is India's powerhouse with massive hydropower, petroleum, and gas potential. Tripura, sharing borders with Bangladesh, can serve as a vital gateway to Southeast Asia." He also mentioned the nearing completion of the Light House Project, and construction of the Unity Mall and several high-rise departmental buildings, aimed at modernising Tripura's urban landscape. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Engineer Chinmay Debnath, Engineer O.P. Goel, Indian Building Congress President Engineer Rajiv Dabbrama, PWD Chief Engineer Engineer Shyamlal Bhowmik, and other senior officials and stakeholders in the infrastructure sector. (ANI)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beirut, Lebanon, May 22, 2025. (photo credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced his intention to hold elections for a new Palestinian National Council, which will be representative of the Palestinian people, before end of the year.

Elections for a new Palestinian National Council (PNC) will be held before the end of the year, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced in a meeting with the PLOs Executive Committee on Saturday.

Abbas decision aims to bolster the international push to recognize the State of Palestine, according to Palestinian officials, marking an important step towards a necessary shift in the development of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).

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The new council will comprise a total of 350 members: 200 representatives from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem, and 150 from outside Israel, in order to create a balanced council that accurately represents the population it is meant to govern.

Participation in the election will require candidates to commit to the PLOs political platform, its international obligations, and UN resolutions, stated the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Officials stated that the committee will organize elections for 233 members of the National Council residing in Israel. At the same time, those outside the country will be elected in accordance with the Palestinian communities abroad, with elections held at Palestinian embassies.

Tourists look from Casa Batllo at people holding Palestinian and Lebanon flags during a protest to express support for Palestinians in Gaza, a day ahead of the anniversary of the October 7th attack, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Barcelona, Spain October 6, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/NACHO DOCE)

The Committee emphasized the necessity for political and diplomatic action to address Israels aggressive actions against Palestinians, as well as the Israeli governments withholding of funds belonging to the Palestinian Authority in an attempt to push the PA towards collapse. They demand that the United States and France pressure Israel for the immediate release of these funds.

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Regarding Israeli lawsuits filed against the PLO, a special committee will be formed to work hand-in-hand with the organization's legal team to review and handle the cases.

The Committee also affirms its commitment to taking legal and humanitarian action to mobilize international support for those currently held in Israeli prisons.

Hamas unlikely to participate

Abbass decision to reconstitute the PNC comes after years of failed attempts to hold legislative electionsthe last of which were held nearly two decades ago. Hamas is unlikely to participate due to its requirement to adhere to the PLOs platform, its international obligations, and UN resolutions.

One official said, This step is the minimum possible reform under the current conditions of division and war. At the very least, it will bring a new generation of lawmakers and leaders into the PLO and the State of Palestines institutions.

He added: Whether elections are held, as the decree states, or based on national consensus, there will be a new National Council for the Palestinian people before the end of this year, and it will carry out its role in building a stable political system.
Thirty Palestinians were killed and 60 others were injured by Israeli military action while waiting for aid in the north of the Gaza Strip, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Sunday.

The deaths occurred in the Al-Sudaniya area in the north of the Gaza Strip.

The victims were unarmed, according to eyewitnesses. Many bodies were still lying on the streets in the north-west of Gaza City. According to several reports, the people were waiting near a border crossing to Israel for trucks carrying aid supplies. The information could not be independently verified at first.

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A further two people were killed near the Al-Shakoush aid distribution point to the north of Rafah in the south, WAFA reported.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the controversial agency backed by Israel and the United States as a substitute for UN-organized operations, maintains a distribution point to the north of Rafah, according to Palestinian reports.

There was no statement from the GHF. The Israeli military also has yet to comment.

UN and other aid organizations report catastrophic conditions in the Gaza Strip, whose almost 2 million residents are almost entirely dependent on aid to survive.

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According to UN figures, hundreds have died in the vicinity of aid distribution points and around aid convoys since the end of May.

In other news, WAFA reported deaths on Sunday caused by Israeli military action in the north of the Gaza Strip. The reports could not be independently verified.

WAFA put the death toll from Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 at at least 58,765, with more than 140,485 injured. The agency cites Palestinian medical sources for its figures.
Illegal immigration  and how to respond to it  has transformed British politics over the last few years. It is why Reform is leading in the polls and why Labour and the Conservatives are both facing an existential crisis.

What is less often considered is how our personal spending decisions are driving that illegal immigration. It is all well and good to bemoan what is happening in the abstract, but we then spend our cash with the food delivery companies and at the barber shops and nail bars which pull undocumented, illegal workers to our shores.

This reality was brought home to me last weekend when I tried to do what I have done on countless occasions  order a beer at Royal China on Baker Street in Londons West End. Royal China serves perhaps Londons most sublime dim sum  not the most cuisine-y or original, but certainly leagues above most of the capitals establishments.

After one raid by immigration officials, the Royal China restaurant was found to be employing nine members of staff who were in Britain illegally - Belinda Jiao

My opinion on this is not an esoteric one. At weekend lunchtimes, its entrance and the street outside is thronging with people waiting to be called when a table is ready. And, best of all, you can still have a lunch for four without drinks for around 100, something of a bargain in London.

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I must have eaten at this restaurant, and the others in its group, hundreds of times over nearly 30 years and have a sentimental attachment to them.

When the first branch opened in Queensway in Bayswater (now closed) in the mid 1990s, I was in my early 20s and used to go on Sundays with my mother after walks in Hyde Park. She was in and out of hospital at the time with the cancer that went on to kill her.

When I was running a think tank and a magazine in Marylebone, I dragged our authors there  with little regard to whether they had a fondness for Chinese food. My two teenage sons have been going for longer than they can remember.

What was different this time is that I was informed that the restaurant no longer serves alcohol, but I was welcome to bring my own drink. Corkage is now charged which, on my visit, ranged from 3 for unlimited beers to 50 for a bottle of whisky.

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Why the change? After a raid by immigration officials, the restaurant lost its alcohol licence last August when it was found to be employing nine members of staff who were here illegally.

It was also fined 360,000 by the Home Office. This was the third time the restaurant had fallen foul of the law, having already had to pay penalties totalling 110,000.

All the fines were swiftly paid, and other branches of the restaurant in Canary Wharf and Harrow, as well as its more upmarket Michelin-guide listed sibling, Royal China Club, a hundred yards or so further north on Baker Street, are not accused of similar breaches and are still merrily serving alcohol.

The output of council staff is not usually written to entertain, but the City of Westminsters submission on Royal China makes for quite some reading. Of their 2018 raid, the report states:

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Upon officers parking the vehicles, one worker at the rear of the restaurant ran inside and warned the other workers that immigration officers were present, officers could see staff running through the restaurant and discarding their uniform.

There were 28 staff members encountered in total, nine members of staff were found to be working illegally and arrested.

During the visit the fire alarm was set off In the commotion one Chinese female who had admitted to entering the United Kingdom illegally managed to escape. The fire brigade attended and informed the officer in charge that there had been no fire and that the fire alarm had been pressed by someone inside the restaurant.

And the record of last years raid is similar:

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Upon officers entering the front of the premises they were asked by the staff member behind the bar to wait for the manager to arrive.

Whilst officers were waiting, eight staff members attempted to escape from the premises via a lift at the rear loading area, another two members of staff fled via a rear staircase. Nine members of staff were arrested by the officers positioned at the rear and one male escaped.

There were 29 staff members encountered in total, this time nine more illegal workers were found. The illegal workers consisted of six Indonesian males who had overstayed their visas, two Malaysian males who had overstayed their visas and one Chinese female who was working in breach of her visit visa conditions. The workers were arrested and escorted off the premises.

One worker reported that they worked washing dishes 11 hours per day, six days per week and earning 400 a week, (around 6 per hour compared to the minimum wage of 11.44 per hour).

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Royal China is not an obscure establishment on some backstreet. If somewhere so public-facing in so prominent a location has flagrantly abused its position, what is going on elsewhere? One must assume, after being fined a total of 470,000, it is now compliant with the law.

My attempt to satiate a lunchtime craving for a beer has caused me to ask: has my fondness for dim sum, in however small a way, contributed to Britains illegal immigration crisis?

Probably. But will I be going back? Well, its difficult to break a habit nurtured over my adult life, and the har gow, siu mai and Shanghai dumplings will continue to beckon.

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.
At least five people have died after a fire broke out on a ferry in Indonesia.

Some 200 passengers were rescued from the water after the KMII Barcelona ship caught fire off the coast of Sulawesi Island at around 1.30pm local time on Sunday.

A pregnant woman was among those killed, the countrys coast guard said.

Footage of the blaze showed smoke pouring out of the vessel, while coastguard boats and fishermen waited to rescue passengers still on board.

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In another video, Abdul Rahmad Agu, a survivor of the incident, showed himself clinging onto a small child in the sea while other passengers wearing lifejackets jumped from the burning ship into the water. In the background, it is clear that many of the surviving passengers are distressed as they await help.

Vice-Adm Denih Hendrata, the commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command, said three navy ships had been deployed to aid rescue efforts, and 284 passengers and crew members had been evacuated so far.

The ferry was travelling from the Talaud Islands to Manado City and was about an hour away from the resort town of Likupang when it caught fire.

Vice-Adm Hendrata said the navy was still focusing on evacuation efforts and that the cause of the fire was being investigated.

Passengers in orange life jackets leapt from the burning ferry as passing fishing boats plucked survivors from the water - ViralPress

The rescue operation was aided by local fishermen and residents, who helped evacuate the survivors to nearby islands.

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George Leo Mercy Randang, the head of the Manado search and rescue agency, told AFP: We are prioritising rescue before nightfall.

Those injured were taken to the nearest health facility, according to Bakamla, Indonesias Maritime Security Agency.

The total number of passengers and crew members on the ferry is not known, and there are no immediate reports of injuries.

The coast guard was alerted and rescue teams were at the scene helping those who were in the sea - ViralPress

Ferries are a common way to travel in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. Marine accidents are frequent, attributed to poor safety standards and bad weather.

Last month, at least 19 people were killed and 16 people are missing after a ferry sank off Bali, the Indonesian resort island. A two-week search operation involved over 1,000 rescuers, three navy ships and 15 boats.

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In 2018, over 150 people died when a ferry sank in a lake on Sumatra Island.

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.
BRIMFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Paws 4 Blue took it up a notch this year for its third annual fundraiser and craft fair.

Taking care of an active and retired K-9 is not easy or cheap. There is a lot of emergency medical care, essential equipment, and training placed on the shoulders of the handler.

You can put a dog in a car, but then all of a sudden that dog has hip injuries, back injuries, said Sean Ford, handler of late K-9 Buddy.

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50% off adoption fees all month at Dakin Humane Society

Money raised to take care of a K-9 usually comes from donations, fundraisers, grants, or the handlers themselves. Often, law enforcement agencies are unable to provide assistance.

Eighty-five percent of police departments in the United States are donation-funded, said Paws 4 Blue K-9 Founder Jan Garabedian. There is not a budget for them, so thats why we founded Paws 4 Blue K-9.

Garabedian developed Paws 4 Blue K-9 in 2014 in memory of her friends K-9. K-9 Buddy was Sean Fords partner when he worked with the Palmer Police Department. The dog assisted with numerous motor vehicle searches, missing or wanted persons, as well as searches for articlesthings that a human wouldnt be able to do alone.

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As K-9 Buddy started to battle cancer, it became harder for both him and Sean, so he had to retire. But Paws 4 Blue helped give Sean seven more months to spend with K-9 Buddy before he died in 2022.

Programs like Jans, going out pounding the pavement, raising the money, provides the funds to help take care of medical needs that come up and are unexpected, Ford said. And those are the burdens. The next thing you know, towns cant afford them, and then all of a sudden, you see the programs go away.

To keep K-9 Buddys legacy alive, the organization formed The Buddy Foundation to help other K-9 teams receive financial help. Every year, hundreds of thousands of dollars are raised at the annual Paws 4 Blue K-9 fundraiser and craft fair.

Saturday marked the third annual fundraiser, and the biggest one so far. This year, the founder said she hopes to raise $15,000, so they made this fundraiser a bit different.

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Paws 4 Blue added a Mountain Patrol Unit, a K-9 division, and a TRIAD table from the Hampden County Sheriffs Office. K-9 teams seeking financial support can apply for a grant by visiting paws4bluek9.com.

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.
(WHTM)  Pennsylvania is sending help to battle brush fires out west.

Crews with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry gathered Saturday in Swatara Township to get their gear before they set out Sunday.

With the increased wildfires out in the western US, weve been asked to provide some firefighter crews. This is our second crew that is going out, Seth Cassell, director of the Bureau of Forestry, told abc27 News.

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The crews are bound for Colorado and begin the two-day drive Sunday.

Volunteers taking part told abc27 News that, while its rewarding to help out, the deployment comes with benefits here in the keystone state, too.

Its a really good experience to go out there and learn new techniques  its a little different fire behavior out there  and bring that knowledge back here, Nathan Fite, a volunteer squad boss said. Its really rewarding to help support other states like Colorado and the Rocky Mountain states like where were headed. Its a great experience and we want to go out there and support these different communities and come home safely.

Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices

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This crew is expected to be deployed for two weeks.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
It seems impossible to agree with a president on 100% of their views and policies. Someone might agree with a president's view on climate change, but not on immigration. Maybe they support their healthcare plans, but not their education reform ideas.

Joe Daniel Price / Getty Images

It can be fun to imagine what it would be like to be president and have so much power, which can be used for good and bad.

Reddit user Dependent_Ad4299 recently asked, "If you were President of the United States for just 24 hours, and no one could stop youwhats the most unhinged executive order you'd pass?"

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And some answers are DEFINITELY more unhinged than others. Here are the responses:

1."Pants must be set on fire when politicians lie. I would be the president and the fire-setter. Please and thank you."

Eileenjaded

Related: "It's Adding An Absurd Amount Of Joy To My Life"  The 21 Best, Funny, Most Wholesome Posts Online This Week

2."I would deal with the god forsaken, overly bright, poorly aimed headlights on cars finally."

Douglas Sacha / Getty Images

justins_dad

3."All public bathrooms must have full floor to ceiling stalls with no gaps in between the doors."

Frameofminds / Getty Images

nemmises5

4."My first executive order is that no TV commercials or programs can have a ringing doorbell. Also, no radio commercials can have a car horn."

Maskot / Getty Images/Maskot

Poopingisasigninpoop

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5."Politicians have to wear jackets with their sponsors on it. Basically like NASCAR drivers."

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bacli

6."Once you have a billion dollars, every additional dollar you make goes to your worst enemy."

smittles3

7."Age limit on all politicians."

SeventyFour / Getty Images

No_Highway_9333

8."Create a law banning advertisements. That's it. No more ads on YouTube, Spotify, my email inbox...enough is enough. It's Boston Tea Party time for ads."

Worawee Meepian / Getty Images

pnpprson

9."Healthcare for all."

Morsa Images / Getty Images

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RMarch21

Related: My Innocence Has Been Destroyed After Learning These Terrible, Disturbing, And Creepy Things

10."Release everyone convicted from marijuana charges."

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classicrock71

11."All food items bust be identified by their top two primary ingredients or their exact material source in their marketed name. No nicknames, no portmanteaus. Canola oil would be legally required to be called rapeseed oil. Soft drinks must be called a sweetened beverage unless they're 100% juice. Brewed coffee is now coffee beverage. If the first or second ingredient is water, it must be called a beverage. Semolina wheat noodles for any pasta. Any manufactured sweeteners are outlawed."

NoDerog / Getty Images

thegrailarbor

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12."The United States is as follows: West Coast, East Coast, The South, and The Farm. I will not be taking questions."

BourbonNCoffee

13."Shooting from the hip with my first thought, I'd eliminate all 'guilt tipping,' i.e, tipping not in a food delivery/serving, or otherwise normal practice."

Lechatnoir / Getty Images

Floss_Crestusa

14."Make organ donation an opt-out system in the US, instead of an opt-in as it is now. Would immediately end the 15 preventable deaths occurring every day."

shereadsinbed

15."Electoral College change. Eliminate all-or-nothing distribution. One point per district, two for winning the state's popular vote."

Mphillips007 / Getty Images

BeefInGR

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16."Fix daylight savings."

AndrewRnR

Related: 57 Low-Key Terrifying Photos That Gave Me Goosebumps  But That I Couldn't Look Away From

17."Chick Fil-A open on Sundays."

Bgwalker / Getty Images

imfromthepoconos

18."One standard charging cable across all phones, computers, cars, everything."

Javier Zayas Photography / Getty Images

tres_chill

19."Mandatory fact checks on all statements made in the media having anything to do with politics."

karl_groves

20."Require congressmembers to pass basic exams in biology, science, and math. Very few seem to know what a $3 trillion deficit means, fewer understand climate change, and only a handful understand how women's bodies work. Why don't we require basic literacy on a subject before our congressmembers enact laws? I don't understand."

Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images

PajamaPrincess

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21."Those cars and trucks with the loud growling motors are immediately banned. Also, anyone who violates noise ordinances is subject to felony charges and a quadrupling of related fines."

ktgunter

22."I would require all politicians to wear Pinocchio noses and an AI fact-checker that would make it grow or retract based on their statements."

Artis777 / Getty Images

nomnomyumyum109

23."Four day work week."

SomeEngineer6993

24."Only women can be in charge of stuff now."

King_Kunta_23

25."No names on ballots. You vote solely based on the voter policies described. You log into the site from home with two-factor authentication, the website lets you watch quick position videos on each policy described, and the candidates' opinions on them. You select A, B, C, or D. At the end of the ballot, the candidate that matches your opinions closest gets your vote."

Grace Cary / Getty Images

gaqua

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26."NO MORE STUDENT LOANS."

itsthenumberseven

Related: 15 Men Who Tried To "Educate" Women About Their Own Bodies And Failed So, So Miserably

27."No single individual can own more than two houses."

JasonDoiy / Getty Images

TheBigMPzy

28."Just like Australia, all your guns are now gone."

Grace Cary / Getty Images

DrStevenButtz

29."I would decree that all lawmakers must do their own taxes without professional assistance. By hand."

Lower_Chipmunk_3685

30."Billboards are now illegal...in the entire country."

Dmitriymoroz / Getty Images

AItruiSisu

31."Switch to the metric system. They'll be talking about it for decades or centuries."

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thesecretmarketer

32."Infotainment is banned. News has to be news only."

Bluecinema / Getty Images

davidsverse

33."Spam email must disclose where they bought your email address, so you would know what company sold your info."

Juststock / Getty Images

-Change-My-Mind-

34."I'd make all landlords legally required to pay utilities. Tie those two markets together financially. Rein them in."

Boonchai Wedmakawand / Getty Images

Frosty_Reception9455

35."Super Bowl will now be played on Saturdays. Im not asking for a miracle."

Complex_Rubz12

36.And finally, "All printers have to always work."

Grace Cary / Getty Images

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Healien_Jung

How many of these do you agree with? Do you have your own ideas? Let us know in the comments!

Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.

Also in Internet Finds: Women Are Absolutely Destroying The Internet With These 15 Tweets That Had Me Rolling On The Floor

Also in Internet Finds: We've Only Explored 5% Of The Ocean, So It's No Surprise That These 27 Terrifying Stories From People Who Work At Sea Are Amongst The Scariest I've Ever Read

Also in Internet Finds: 40 Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Creepy Wikipedia Pages

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
A person was hospitalized after reports of a man firing gunshots into the air after a crash in San Pedro on Sunday morning, authorities say.

According to a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson, officers were dispatched to 25th and Gaffey streets around 9 a.m. on reports of a traffic collision.

The circumstances surrounding the crash, including how many cars were involved, were not immediately available; however, video posted to the Citizen App shows a white sedan appeared to have collided with a dumpster located near the curb on Gaffey. An LAPD airship was seen circling the area overhead.

A person was hospitalized after reports of a man firing gunshots into the air after a crash in San Pedro on Sunday morning, authorities say. July 20, 2025. (Citizen App) A person was hospitalized after reports of a man firing gunshots into the air after a crash in San Pedro on Sunday morning, authorities say. July 20, 2025. (Citizen App)

A suspect described as a 30- to 40-year-old Hispanic male wearing a dark shirt started shooting in the air, the LAPD spokesperson said. No injuries were reported [but] an ambulance was requested for a man with a medical issue.

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Pair of crashes involving CHP cruiser, impaired driver leave 4 dead, 2 injured

The Los Angeles Fire Department also responded to the area, a spokesperson for the department confirmed. The LAPD officers were already at the scene when they arrived.

The spokesperson noted that one person was taken to a hospital, but their condition was not known.

No further details were released.

Luis Zuniga 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 KTLA.
Are you accredited?

When my colleagues and I opened Mount Liberty College seven years ago, this was the first question we were asked. If we had $1,000 for every time we have been asked it since, our endowment would rival Harvards.

And yet, it is a question that wasnt very relevant then, and one that has become even less relevant since, as I hope to explain in this article.

The answer to the question then, and now, is No, we are not. Nor will we ever be.

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Mount Liberty is licensed by the state of Utah to issue academic degrees, but the state is only concerned that we are offering our students what they pay us to deliver: a Great Books-oriented curriculum imparted through courses conducted primarily on the basis of the Socratic method  reading and dialogue. The content of those courses and the delivery system we use is a matter of concern only to us and to our students.

Nevertheless, the question is understandable, and we have been at some pains to explain to concerned parents and applicants our negative answer, citing both the academic literature on the subject and the drumbeat of headlines about pressure from accrediting institutions on ostensibly autonomous institutions of higher learning. This combination has produced political and educational calls for reform of the accreditation system. The culmination (to date) of the political aspect is the Trump administrations threat to the Department of Education, the political entity that governs and enforces the accreditation regime.

Behind that No. 1 question has always been another: What if I (or my child) graduate from Mount Liberty? What will I do then? My flippant answer has always been that you will be able to solve the New York Times crossword puzzle in record time, but on the basis of our actual experience, I am now able to provide a perhaps more satisfactory answer: Whatever you want.

Lets look at the evidence for that statement.

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Mount Liberty has so far produced eight graduates. Those alumni have qualified for the following post-graduate programs and fellowships:

Ralston College MA in Humanities (three of our graduates have been admitted to this program)

Ashland University MA

Rutgers University MA

Antioch University MA

Columbia School of Journalism Writing Seminar at Oxford University

A Spectator World fellowship

A fellowship at Encounter Books

Mount Liberty has not yet had a graduate apply to law school, but we have been told by the top law school in our area that non-accreditation will not be a problem. The LSAT is all they care about. And the unaccredited George Wythe University, although no longer operating, did send graduates to a dozen or so law schools, including UCLA, Washington and Lee, Brigham Young University, and the University of Washington. George Wythe University also accomplished the seemingly impossible: it placed graduates at not one, but two ed schools, one of which was Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Our experience has been that graduate schools of education are the least receptive to unaccredited institutions.

The experience of our graduates is not unique. It is consistent with that of other unaccredited institutions. Although Gutenberg College in Eugene, Oregon, is now accredited, during the period of its non-accreditation, it placed graduates at Boston Universitys Ph.D. program in Philosophy, for instance. Patrick Henry College in Virginia also operated for its first five years without accreditation and with minimal difficulty.

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At the outset, our hope was that there might be an established college that would lead a fight to overturn the accreditation regime entirely. The famously independent Hillsdale College sprang immediately to mind. Or perhaps Ralston, a new post-graduate college with impressive academics (and considerable money) behind it, located in Savannah, Georgia. Or maybe the University of Austin (UATX), founded four years ago to great eclat (and with a reported war chest in excess of $200 million).

Alas, Hillsdale, which has been accredited since 1915 and eschews federal funding, has shown no interest.

Ralston, required by the state of Georgia to become accredited or cease operations, now seeks approval from the accreditation gods. As I write, a communication from Ralston president Stephen Blackwood arrives in my inbox, celebrating the fact that Ralston has become a Candidate for Accreditation from a federal accreditation body. Blackwood says, Although the College has of course awarded graduate degrees since 2022, federal accreditation is a necessary step toward admitting international students, and enabling students to apply for financial aid and transfer credits between colleges.

AI provides me with this handy description of UATXs rationale for seeking accreditation:

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UATX (University of Austin) seeks accreditation to ensure its graduates and degrees are recognized as meeting high academic standards, eligible for transfer to other accredited institutions, and eligible for federal student aid. They also believe that accreditation helps to improve the quality of the institution and its programs.

Cant do much about the federal aid question (though UATX might ponder thelred the Ill-Adviseds experience with Danegeld), but I would have thought that high academic standards were UATXs business, not something to be outsourced to a bureaucrat somewhere  someone who may or may not know anything about teaching. Transferring credits is important, although it is hard to believe that if UATX does its job well, the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, say, would not accept a transfer student. Mount Liberty would.

Perhaps someone should set up a transfer portal for academic subjects, like the one the athletes use. Yes, Mom, Im following my Medieval Lit mentor to the University of Colorado. Its a much-better-funded program, so now Ill get a full ride.

And why, against all the evidence, UATX should think that accreditation will improve the quality of the institution and its programs, when the evidence runs in the opposite direction, is a mystery. UATX president Pano Kanelos, in an interview published in The Chronicle of Higher Education, has already admitted that UATX is hiring administrators to satisfy accreditors. It can only get worse.

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UATX might have cited an institutional prejudice of grant-making foundations against unaccredited schools, except that its own experience, and that of (at least) Ralston and Thales College, demonstrates that there doesnt seem to be much. Mount Liberty has also received some (modest) grants from foundations, including the Utah-based Sorenson Legacy Foundation.

In the final analysis, the validation of a colleges program  particularly in the liberal arts  lies in the ability of its graduates to go on to the post-graduate programs of their choice, or directly into the workforce, if they choose that. We at Mount Liberty have demonstrated the validity of our unaccredited model, as have the other colleges cited above, whether they have subsequently sought accreditation or not.

The fact is that as a useful concept, accreditation died some time ago. Its zombie existence cannot continue. Higher education should welcome a new, unaccredited world.
While granting bail to a man in a case of alleged illegal possession of his mother's property, the Judge of Rohini court wrote a poem, one of the couplets of which reads as "Milkiyat ki jang me naa jaane kitne afsane huye, Kuch hi apne the, woh bhi ab begane huye." Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JMFC) Rohit Kumar on Friday granted bail to one Nitin Soni after hearing the submissions of his counsel and the Public Prosecutor. While granting bail to the accused Soni, the court also watched the CCTV footage of the alleged incident. Although it showed a different story than what was alleged. His mother, Indu Saini, lodged an FIR with the Prashant Vihar Police Station against her son and his wife. It was alleged by the complainant that, in her absence, her son, Nitin, broke open the lock and entered her property in Vandana Apartment. When she, along with her daughter, returned on July 12, she had come back after attending the court proceedings. Her son was inside the property and was abusing them from there. The complainant alleged that his daughter-in-law came out with a rod and beat her. During the arguements on bail, counsel for the accused submitted that it is not a case of illegal possession. The complainant herself gave possession to the accused on an oral agreement. Counsel for the accused also produced some photographs which show that the accused and his family were already in possession of the property before July 10, 2025. The court also reviewed the CCTV footage of July 14, 2025, which showed the complainant's daughter entering the disputed property along with individuals carrying rods and hammers. It was submitted that the accused and his family are being tortured by the complainant with the connivance of the police. Counsel for the accused also submitted that a Will was bequeathed in favour of the accused, and as per the said Will, he is the absolute owner of the disputed property. A probate petition for the said Will is pending before the concerned court. (ANI)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Rochester Hope for Pets has announced their annual pet photo contest and calendar fundraiser.

Pet owners from the Greater Rochester area have the chance to have their beloved pets featured in a calendar, all while contributing to support local animal care.

This years theme is Paws Around the Roc!  submit by showcasing your pets at iconic Rochester landmarks for a chance to have them be one of thirteen pets featured in the 2026 calendar. All pets are welcome.

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Entries are now open and will be accepted through September 1, 2025. There is a cost of $10 per photo entry and $1 per vote. Entries with the most votes will win a spot on the calendar plus other prizes.

Every dollar raised goes directly to funding Rochester Hope for Pets, a nonprofit with a goal of providing veterinary care assistance to pets in need throughout the community.

Winners will be announced at the Cocktails & Calendar Reveal Party on November 5, 2025 at the Arbor Loft.

To enter or vote visit https://www.gogophotocontest.com/rhfppawsaroundtheroc.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.




NEED TO KNOW

Justin Fulcher, who served as a senior advisor to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, has departed from the Pentagon after six months

"This is just the beginning," he wrote in a statement on X

Fulcher made headlines in April when he allegedly accused a colleague of calling the Pentagon police on him





Justin Fulcher, who served as a senior advisor to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, has departed from the Pentagon after six months.

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Fulcher announced his exit in a statement shared on X on Saturday, July 19. "As planned, Ive completed 6 months of service in government to my country," he wrote.

"Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Department of Defense has been incredibly inspiring," Fulcher continued.

Reflecting on his time in office, the former aide said, "Revitalizing the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and reestablishing deterrence are just some of the historic accomplishments Im proud to have witnessed. Still, this is just the beginning."

MEHMET ESER/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

Fulcher then expressed his gratitude to Hegseth for his "decisive leadership" and to President Donald Trump for his "continued confidence in our team."

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"Im grateful to both, and to the extraordinary civilians and service members who turn vision into action every day," Fulcher wrote, then adding that he will continue to support "all future endeavors" of the Department of Defense.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said, "The Department of Defense is grateful to Justin Fulcher for his work on behalf of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. We wish him well in his future endeavors."

Fulcher previously worked in the Department of Defense as part of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, according to CBS News.

Three sources claimed to the outlet that Fulcher was "ousted" from the department.

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Hegseths office has lost three other staff members this year alone, including senior adviser Dan Caldwell and deputy chief of staff Dan Selnick, who were both fired, and chief of staff Joe Kasper, who transitioned into a new role, per CBS News.

Fulcher made headlines in April when he allegedly accused a colleague of calling the Pentagon police on him, The Independent reported.

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.

Speaking with Fox Digital, Fulcher said he resigned on Thursday, July 17.

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Hegseth, a former Fox News host, was confirmed as the Secretary of Defense in January. His nomination in November 2024 was controversial given his sexual assault allegation from 2017.

Read the original article on People
For Angelique Kane, the title of artist didn't always feel like a natural fit.

She comes from a family of creatives  her husband is a photographer, three of her children are musicians and the other is a dancer. Kane, who said she enjoys creative writing and coloring, said she hesitated to call herself an artist.

Now in her new role as the Phoenix Center for the Arts executive director, she's choosing to see art differently. Rather than a creator of a finished work, she's defining an artist as "simply someone who manifests a thought."

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"Anybody can be an artist," she said. "Anybody can express themselves. Anybody can show their creativity."

She's guided by a mantra of sorts found in a quote from writer Elbert Hubbard: "Art is not a thing; it is a way."

After years of volunteering with the center and months as the interim director, Kane is focused on building a way for art to make changes in the community.

"I'm concerned about the journey, because the journey is where relationships are built," she said." It's where the lessons are learned. It's where you actually become the community you want to celebrate."

How the Phoenix Center for the Arts connects Phoenix

The Phoenix Center for the Arts was started in 1975. It was operated by the city until 2011, when it was slated to close because of budget cuts. However, the community spoke out and fought for it to be saved.

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The center, visible from the Interstate 10 off-ramp at Third Street, may not seem like much.

"From the outside, it doesn't look like the building is as big," Kane said as she walked through the halls on a recent weekday to show off the classes where community members were making art from metal and glass.

The center offers youth and adult classes in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, photography, drawing and painting, and performing arts.

The classrooms, which are open, lively and filled with art, serve as gathering areas, learning spaces and connecting points.

Marilyn Johnson, a teaching glass artist at the center, said the center is "like a little community."

Angelique Kane was announced to be the Executive Director of Phoenix Center for the Arts, effective June 2, 2025.

"These classes are more than just classes where you're learning a technique and you're perfecting your art. They become a social outlet," she said. "I can do the art at home and enjoy it ... but I also like, I can't wait to get here."

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It's obvious how Kane fits into that community from her exuberance as she walks the halls and interacts with the teachers and students. With her warm and bright personality, she instantly connected with the faculty and students she knew and introduced herself to those she didn't.

"Angelique shows up every day with a smile, ready to roll up her sleeves and ensure that Phoenix Center for the Arts remains a vibrant, inclusive home for creativity and connection," Board Chair La Nise Hagan said in a statement announcing Kane's new position.

In the past few years, Kane said the center has been through some major transitions that have created "whiplash" within the community and the center's partnerships.

"There was a lot of healing that needed to happen, which really I was excited about because I was able to bring in the experience that I had," Kane said. "The strategy that I'm using now is to really highlight how the arts is a vehicle for change."

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The center itself has also seen some important physical changes recently, too.

There are new floors and updated technology in the performing arts space, including the lights, sound system and the introduction of a livestream to the green room. The theater will soon have new seats. Kane is also focused on adding more color to the building and hallways with displays, murals and a reading nook.

Angelique Kane was announced to be the Executive Director of Phoenix Center for the Arts, effective June 2, 2025.

Bringing a new perspective to Phoenix arts

Though Kane now leads the Phoenix Center for the Arts, she started as a community member and volunteer, initially stumbling upon the center by happenstance.

She and her family were exploring the farmer's market shortly after relocating to the Evans Churchill neighborhood of downtown Phoenix from Baltimore four years ago. While strolling about, they heard music and began to walk toward the source. It led them to Margaret T. Hance Park, where the Phoenix Center for the Arts was hosting its annual December arts festival.

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As her family sat and listened to the music, someone with the center asked if they could take a picture of the family.

From that worker, Kane learned about the center and offered to volunteer. She went on to join the board and decided to "lean in" to her work at the center, taking on the interim executive director role after a change at her previous job left her with extra time.

Kane has a strong background in human services, having previously worked with the University of Maryland's School of Social Work program for early childhood development. She also had a strong volunteer background in Baltimore, working with the city, schools and other groups.

"I am, you know, tapping into the social work aspect in trying to figure out how all members of our community can benefit from the community arts center," she said.

Angelique Kane was announced to be the Executive Director of Phoenix Center for the Arts, effective June 2, 2025.

New programs and goals for Phoenix Center for the Arts

Kane said she is especially excited to bring that background in social work to the center. She intends to integrate her background in empathy, trauma-responsive practices and culturally sustaining systems to the center.

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"I spent a lot of time being in a trainer or TA capacity, and I'm in a space now where I actually have to apply it," she said. "It's not a simulated environment so I'm ... being challenged to actually apply all of the lessons and tools and things that I've been teaching."

She's looking to make sure arts and the center are a "tool for mental health and healing specifically within our community."

In addition to ensuring those who use the center have access to mental health resources and services, she's designing new programs aimed at helping certain groups.

One of these programs is for veterans, their families and their caregivers. Through art, she said she hopes the attendees will be able to connect and heal. As the daughter and wife of Army members, Kane said she understands the needs of veterans and active-duty service members.

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Kane said this new program will be unique because a social worker and peer support advocate will present and ready to assist anyone working through a difficult situation or needing more assistance.

She's also looking for new solutions to help the unhoused community in the area.

"We're really trying to make sure that they feel part of the community," Kane said, adding, " I want to be able to figure out an innovative way to provide services and be a resource to them also."

In her efforts to reunite the community fractured by past transitions at the center, Kane is listening to the community to make new connections and reach more people. In that spirit, she's looking to revamp the December festival as "a celebration of culture, creativity and community."

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Based on the conversations she's had, she plans to include more groups and artists, including students, nail techs, culinary artists and others, who hadn't always been included.

"I really want it to be a celebration and highlight the practical ways that we consume art that we may not think about," Kane said.

Art unites an ever-changing Phoenix

Art is ever-present in Phoenix, especially in Kane's downtown Phoenix neighborhood that hosts First Fridays and is a public art hotspot.

"I remember the first time that I visited Phoenix, and I was just blown away by the art displays, like the public art and having my first First Friday experience," she said.

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For a city that continues to grow rapidly, art plays such a vital role in connecting the community with such diverse backgrounds, Kane said.

"There's so much culture (in Phoenix)," she said. "And no matter what ... even if you don't get to see the artist who created a particular work, for a split second, you are introduced to them, because you're seeing the manifestation of their thought."

It's in this important, unique environment that the Phoenix Center for the Arts and Kane serve to form connections and impact the community.

"Art is vital because it's a celebration of all of the different components that make Phoenix beautiful," Johnson said. "It's like a mosaic."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Meet the Phoenix Center for the Arts' new director
After months of temporary station closures, staff vacancies and contentious Q&As, the Key Peninsula Fire Department is again asking voters to pass a ballot measure that would reverse the effects of a failed levy last year.

The measure on the Aug. 5 ballot would raise property taxes for residents back up to 50 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value in 2026, per the Pierce County Voters Pamphlet. Voters approved that rate in 2019, but property tax laws have caused that rate to drop to 32 cents per $1,000 in assessed value, Fire Chief Nick Swinhart said in a video about the measure posted on the fire districts website.

The measure is called a levy lid lift because it allows jurisdictions to lift the 1% cap on how much more property tax revenue they can collect each year. The 1% cap, mandated by the state, automatically drives down the levy rate each year as property values increase, to ensure that the jurisdiction doesnt collect over 1% more than it collected in the previous year.

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It requires a simple majority to pass. If it does, a home valued at $500,000 will pay $250 for the year  an increase of $87.50 from the current rate  or a total of $20.83 per month, per month, according to a chart released by the fire department on social media.

Swinhart said in the video that Key Peninsula Fire crews responded to 2,864 calls last year, over 70% of which were medical emergencies, heart attacks, strokes, accidents or serious falls.

EMS levy funding goes toward these calls, he said. The levy supports the paramedics and EMTs who respond to your calls, the ambulances that they drive to the calls, and the equipment that they use, he explained.

In November 2024, voters turned down a maintenance and operations (M&O) levy that had been approved in each four-year cycle since 2012, The News Tribune reported. In public meetings and town halls following the vote, some residents said they had concerns about the fire departments fiscal management and transparency after the purchase of three parcels in Key Center in 2021. The fire department bought the properties with a low-interest loan rather than drawing on funds from their budget, according to The News Tribunes reporting.

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The resulting loss of $800,000 from the failed M&O levy required the department to tighten (their) belts, department spokesperson Anne Nesbit told The News Tribune.

Following the levy failure, a January update from Swinhart posted on the agencys website noted that they left a vacant firefighter position open and reduced their daily minimum staffing from seven to five personnel, which allowed them to save on overtime costs but forced them to occasionally close one of their three staffed stations on days when they didnt have enough firefighters to work shifts.

The Key Peninsula Firefighters Facebook account posted announcements of these temporary closures, or brownouts, of the Longbranch station in January, February, April and May.

The Key Peninsula Fire Department station in Key Center on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024.

If the EMS levy passes, the department will be able to eliminate those brownouts because theyll be able to restore their minimum daily staffing to seven, Nesbit said. Theyll also be able to fill four vacant firefighter positions, which she wrote in a text message will bring their total number of firefighters to 33.

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At their next meeting on July 22, the Board of Fire Commissioners will consider a resolution to run the EMS levy on the November ballot, in case it doesnt pass in the August primary. If it passes in August, the fire district will pull it from the Pierce County docket to run in November, she said.

Five candidates for the districts Board of Fire Commissioners are also running in the Aug. 5 primary. The top two candidates will advance to the Nov. 4 general election. Whoever wins the general election will replace Cambria Queen, who was selected by the board in 2024 to fill a vacancy following a commissioners resignation, according to the fire district website.

Several candidates referenced fire district staffing, budgeting or transparency with taxpayer funds in their statements submitted for the Pierce County Voters Pamphlet. One candidate, Jennifer Dow, did not submit any information for the voters pamphlet.

I will maintain the highest level of integrity the public deserves and open up transparency to what our tax dollars are being used for, Gretchen Schneider, who has served 10 years as a paramedic, wrote. She also believes that commissioners need to work alongside the fire departments senior staff, and union to make significant reductions in fire/medical response times while still maintaining the safety and wellness of our first responders.

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Colleen Marie Mullen, a former fire captain serving 22 years in the Minneapolis Fire Department and a U.S. Navy veteran medic, wrote she is committed to reducing response times and ensuring our fire stations are adequately staffed to protect and serve effectively. She also hopes to introduce innovative water rescue and high-angle rescue programs, enhancing the safety and preparedness of our department, she wrote.

This vital role demands difficult financial decisions regarding staffing, equipment, facilities, and growth  a tall task with limited revenue, Ed Bressette, Jr., wrote. After 30 years of working for the YMCA, including seven as association facility director, he would draw on extensive experience overseeing maintenance, capital projects, budgets, and strategic long-term planning, he continued.

The News Tribune also reached out to all five candidates for further comment. Only one candidate, Josh Johnson, responded in an email by Friday evening. He wrote that he is running to restore public trust in (the) fire district, and anticipated the need to manage funds from the EMS levy if passed, which he believed likely. His priorities include rebuilding the fire districts volunteer program, increasing transparency around budget decisions, better planning ahead for funding shortfalls and looking for ways to reduce costs without compromising core services.
In the empty sky above a grocery store parking lot, Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth can see the future.

There are more trees, more people walking. Gone is the gray asphalt that sits before her on Edgewaters 6000 block of North Broadway. She imagines a tall building rising in its place, bustling with commercial space at the bottom.

That building in her minds eye is one of many that could sprout up along a 2.6-mile stretch of the North Side thoroughfare from West Montrose Avenue to West Devon Avenue. Thats where she hopes to implement a sweeping upzoning plan that would make it easier for developers to build more.

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Its a change she thinks will make Edgewater better connected, less expensive to rent an apartment in and more full of life, a model for how Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to spur affordable housing across Chicago. But its furiously opposed by a group of activists who say it will destroy small businesses and all but ruin the neighborhoods character, a familiar argument when zoning fights have played out elsewhere.

Broadway upzoning vote delayed; alderman says more notice needed amid pushback

That could be housing on top, with parking underneath, Manaa-Hoppenworth, the 48th Wards alderman, said in front of the lot recently. Then she assessed whats there now: Its like a tooth, a missing tooth on our business corridor.

Across the street, Patio Beef owner Bernardo Carlos Hernandez has his own premonition. In the upzoning plan backed by Johnson that could very well serve as an example for other neighborhoods, Hernandez sees an incentive for his landlord to sell  and a potential wrecking ball headed straight for his red-roofed street food stand.

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Id have to figure it out, said Hernandez, who worked at Patio Beef for 23 years and finally bought the business for $200,000 last September. If we lose this job, this restaurant, its going to be really hard. Were paying rent, were going to pay college, were going to pay all these things for our kids.

Hernandez has hung a white sign with black, underscored and capitalized letters near his cash register. Dont zone us out of business, Alder Leni! it reads. The plea hardly sticks out on the street, where several more shops and restaurants publicly mark their opposition in storefronts.

The change would upend the usual zoning procedures.

Typically, developers who want to add a larger building than is allowed must seek a zoning change, an often expensive and slow process that effectively gives an alderman final say on whether the shift can move forward.

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But the Broadway plan would proactively upzone the street. It would allow different maximums in different locations, but generally clear the way for developers to more easily install buildings with greater volume, height and density and a larger number of potential uses.

At Patio Beef, the change would allow developers to build by right up to a maximum height twice as large as the current maximum, and, along the strip, buildings as tall as six to eight stories.

The fight against upzoning, most contentious along the 48th Ward strip from West Foster Avenue to West Devon Avenue, has been primarily organized by Edgewater Residents for Responsible Development. The groups volunteers have slid flyers under windshield wipers, raised money for lawsuits and rallied business owners and numerous block clubs to dissent.

They claimed a temporary victory last week when an expected City Council vote on the plan was cancelled. Manaa-Hoppenworth cited a need to give more notice to nearby homeowners, an apparent sign that the opposition groups procedural maneuvers and threats of legal action for insufficient notice had temporarily worked.

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Another 800 notices regarding the zoning changes will be sent to nearby property owners, adding to the 5,000 such notices already sent, a Department of Planning and Development spokesperson said last week.

The upzoning proposal is now expected to face a vote in October, just as aldermen begin grappling with a daunting city budget. The City Council almost always sides with the local alderman when it votes on zoning issues, giving the plan a high likelihood of passing, though activist opponents say they hope to invoke a city rule requiring a measure like this to get a two-thirds council majority to pass if it faces stiff community opposition.

While the plans critics are eager to protest it at City Hall, it has backers, too, including the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and nearby Loyola University, as well as a host of progressive, transit-focused and housing-focused activist groups.

The plan also has the full-throated support of Manaa-Hoppenworth, whose ward includes the majority of the area that would be affected, and the backing of the two other council members whose wards it would touch, progressive Aldermen Angela Clay, 46th, and Matt Martin, 47th.

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And as Johnson zeroes in on adding affordable housing and growing the city  and its tax base  as key focuses, the upzoning push has become a priority for his administration. The mayor touted the density of Manaa-Hoppenworths ward when asked last month why he wants to make it easier for even more people to move there.

With the density within communities like where we are today, it allows for more activity to take place. It allows for economic vibrancy, for growth, and it actually speaks to public safety, he said.

The standoff has sowed a sharp divide among the opposing groups, all quick to accuse one another of misleading neighbors and harming the areas affordability and businesses. The dueling messages showed up recently on a lamppost where anti-upzoning advocates had hung a flyer calling for the measures defeat.

I also have access to a printer, a supporter of the change wrote on yet another flyer taped on top of its predecessor. Afraid of density? Then why did you move to the big city my good friend?

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The skirmishing appeared too when Johnson toured Andersonville last month. An Edgewater Residents activist muttered disapproval to herself as the mayor spoke. Afterward, the activist pulled aside a reporter and criticized Manaa-Hoppenworth for what she said had been a total lack of public meetings to meaningfully discuss the issue.

A staffer from Manaa-Hoppenworths office walked over to call attention to its outreach efforts, including to the activist herself. The ward staffer called the woman a liar.

Business owners along the busy commercial corridor are weighing whether to get mixed up in the fight.

At Kims Hardware, a block north of Patio Beef, Jin Kim fears upzoning would drive up property taxes at the shop his dad bought 45 years ago, though he is hopeful it would bring in more customers if it does advance. Like Hernandez, he said he learned about the likely change from customers, not his alderman.

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Manaa-Hoppenworth, who said she has worked with the Cook County assessors office on the change and does not think the change would drive up property taxes, finally stopped by his store to discuss the zoning change earlier this summer, Kim said. The freshman alderman said she has hosted two in-person open meetings and a virtual public meeting, gathered 1,600 community comments and visited many businesses and groups.

They dont really care about the input of the business owners, said Kim, who co-owns the hardware store. The way this whole thing was done is really what Im irritated about.

Farther north, Erasmus Ezeji has a worse hand: He does not own the building his Vee-Vees African Restaurant moved into 34 years ago. The self-described senior citizen would have to install a ventilation system and put together a kitchen once more at a new location, he said.

And he would have to pray his customers would show up elsewhere.

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We would lose a lot of clients. If they know we are no more here, they wouldnt be able to find us, said Ezeji, who, like Kim, was featured in an anti-upzoning testimonial video made by Edgewater Residents activists. It would be a disaster.

Manaa-Hoppenworth thinks businesses have little to fear. She thinks the policy just gives young people like her own kids a shot to live in the increasingly expensive neighborhood.

Its not going to be like a light switch where 10,000 people are going to be on the streets, in our buildings overnight, she said. I just dont think a thoroughfare like Broadway is reaching its potential in the state its in right now.

She believes the opposition to the plan is being really led by people who dont want any change. The zoning shift would mark Edgewater as open for business just as a $2 billion Red Line upgrade makes the area better connected to transit and would help unite parts of the area divided by the road.

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I think that people feel like there isnt enough, so they want to hold on to what they have, she said. And what Im saying is that Broadway does not need to be a buffer. Broadway can be more of a connector.

She describes the plan as a thoughtful rezoning, citing downzoning in some spots, and as similar to ongoing proactive upzoning along North Western Avenue. Eventually, new buildings would include housing, much of it required by city law to be affordable, she added.

Even the new units that dont rent for less than other area apartments would have a musical chairs effect, freeing up less expensive spots for others, Manaa-Hoppenworth said.

It comes down to this: Theres a lack of housing here, theres a lack of vacancy, theres increased rent, she said. We need to invite more people in.

But Jack Markowski, an Edgewater Residents activist who served as Department of Housing commissioner under Mayor Richard M. Daley, argued the area is already dense and affordable enough.

Its unprecedented in the city to have this level of zoning for any area outside of downtown, Markowski said. Theres no sensitivity to different kinds of uses, what is adjacent, what the context is.

If upzoning moves forward, the affordable housing that already exists along Broadway will be demolished to make room for newer, more expensive units, he argued. Parking spots will become scarce and historic buildings endangered, he added.

And the plan isnt needed, Markowski continued. Over 1,000 new apartments have been or are being built on the stretch since Edgewater residents voted for the last change in Broadway zoning in 2006, he said.

All kinds of development has taken place, he said. They havent studied anything. If you look at it, its just one giant, broad-brush, kind of clunky, simpleminded approach.

Markowskis group has its own alternative plan. Their proposal would allow for taller buildings on the east side of the road, but retain the current lot-by-lot approvals on its west side for buildings over 50 feet tall, while not allowing more building uses on either side. They also want 45 heritage buildings along the stretch to be left untouched.

But proponents of the upzoning plan feel the critics are trying to spook the neighborhood with overcooked alarm.

Theres a lot of misinformation that needs to be addressed, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Garrett Karp said earlier this month as he walked along Broadway with Manaa-Hoppenworth and a fleet of Johnson administration business affairs leaders to tour businesses.

Business owners who own their buildings have come to him worried that they will be forced out, he said.

Thats not true, Karp added. More flexible zoning just allows for more options if you choose to redevelop or sell your property, which could happen next year, it could also happen 30 years from now. The city is not coming along and forcing anybody out.

The change would bring more customers to an area business owners feel is undertrafficked, Karp said. And it would end the endless and endless rounds of approvals and adjustments that new businesses currently struggle through to open, he added.

As the government party kept walking along Broadway, Hernandez doubted Manaa-Hoppenworth would come inside Patio Beef. A moment later, she entered and greeted him with a two-hand shake. The two chatted about Hernandezs sons birthday party and city restaurant regulations, but did not talk about the zoning fight.

Down the road, Sfera Sicilian Street Food co-owner Steven Jarczyk declined to take a side in the dispute as he sold arancini. If his building were to be sold and demolished, it would be sad and difficult to cut a lease short, but opportunities could arise with new development.

If things come our way, if the neighborhood becomes busier, if we become more expensive or have to move, that is not necessarily a bad thing for business, Jarczyk said. What the neighborhood decides is ultimately what is good for the neighborhood.

At the Phoenix Bean factory farther south, owner Jenny Yang gave the group a tour and heaps of her small-batch tofu. She shared a request too, urging Manaa-Hoppenworth to spare her block from the upzoning.

The change could drive up property taxes on the building she uses, owned by her husband, she later told the Tribune. The potential shift made her think of the small street corner park next to factory. What if a seven-story building popped up next to it, she wondered.

No sun can come in, no tree can grow, no birds could fly, she said. High-rises would be a canyon.
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY)  A planned power outage is scheduled overnight on Wednesday, July 30 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

The City of Elizabeth City issued a notice that the outage is required to facilitate essential repairs across multiple stations. Several service stations will be without power, and residents may experience temporary disruptions.

The repair work begins at 12 a.m. and is expected to take approximately three to five hours to complete.

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Check for updates on the City of Elizabeth Citys Facebook page.

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A lively night outside a bustling East Hollywood nightclub took a dangerous turn early Saturday when a car barreled through a crowded sidewalk, injuring at least 36 people, authorities say.

The crash occurred outside The Vermont Hollywood, where 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez had reportedly been kicked out for being disruptive before police say he intentionally drove his car into the crowd. The suspect was dragged out of his car by bystanders and beaten  one person pulled out a gun and shot him in the lower back, police said.

Video footage after the crash showed blood on the street and injured patrons sprawled on the pavement as first responders provided aid, with some victims carried away on stretchers. Seven of the injured were in critical condition, officials said Saturday.

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The crowd had gathered outside for valet services, food stands and entry to the nightclub. A taco stand and valet podium were among the structures hit, but the venue itself sustained no structural damage, officials said.

Ramirez, who remains hospitalized, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, but a motive has not yet been identified, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson told CNN.

Heres what we know so far, as investigators piece together what happened that night:

Law enforcement investigated the scene where a vehicle rammed into a crowd of people waiting to enter a nightclub along a busy boulevard in Los Angeles early Saturday. - Damian Dovarganes/AP

How the incident unfolded

The crash occurred around 2 a.m. local time, as patrons were leaving The Vermont Hollywood, located just west of the famed Sunset Junction in the Silver Lake district.

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A driver veered onto the sidewalk and struck multiple individuals, the venue said in a statement. The club was hosting a reggae-hip hop event from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to its online calendar.

A fight broke out outside the club before the crash, Maria Medrano told the Associated Press. She was selling hot dogs alongside her husband, who narrowly escaped injury.

The car stopped once it hit the hot dog stand; it got stuck there, Medrano told the AP from the hospital. If not, I wouldnt be here to tell the story.

Police initially responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon but arrived to find the car had plowed into the crowd for reasons unknown, with bystanders assaulting the driver, authorities said.

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The suspect was immediately taken into custody by the LAPD, and an investigation is currently underway, the venue said.

What we know about the driver

The driver had been kicked out of The Vermont Hollywood for being disruptive prior to the incident, Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Ben Fernandes told the Los Angeles Times.

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 LA Times.

First responders discovered Ramirez had been shot during a secondary medical assessment, said Capt. Adam VanGerpen, public information officer for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

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The suspect, who police believe was intoxicated, was taken to the hospital for surgery, a law enforcement official briefed on the situation previously told CNN.

Authorities have found no evidence to suggest the incident was connected to terrorism or motivated by criminal intentions beyond the drivers impaired state, a law enforcement official said.

The man believed to have shot Ramirez remains at large. Police said he was last seen wearing a blue Dodgers jacket. Officials previously said they believe he used a silver revolver in the shooting.

LAPD released a new photo Monday of a man it says is suspected of shooting the driver of the vehicle once in the lower back. - Los Angeles Police Department

Ramirez has a lengthy criminal history, including at least 11 criminal cases that range from misdemeanors to felonies, according to court records. He was on parole at the time of Saturdays crash, but its unclear for which case. CNN has reached out to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for more information.

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In 2020, Ramirez was sentenced for attacking a man outside a Whole Foods the previous year, according to court documents.

He has an open case involving a January 2022 charge of felony domestic battery in which he has pleaded not guilty, court records show.

CNN is attempting to identify an attorney representing him in the nightclub crash.

Police patrol vehicles close Vermont Avenue after a vehicle rammed into a crowd gathered outside "The Vermont" nightclub in Los Angeles, early Saturday. - Damian Dovarganes/AP

More than 120 firefighters respond

A massive emergency response team of 124 firefighters responded to the crowded scene, treating and taking victims to trauma centers and nearby hospitals, the LAFD said.

Many people were lined up at the valet podium, coming out of the nightclub, and gathered around the food stands, said Capt. Erik Scott, a spokesperson for the fire department.

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A total of 36 people were hurt, with injuries ranging from minor pain to serious fractures and lacerations, police said Sunday.

In the initial hours after the crash, officials said seven victims were hospitalized in critical condition, six in serious condition, and 10 in fair condition. An additional seven people declined further medical treatment after being evaluated at the scene. The victims, ranging in age from their mid-20s to early 30s, included 18 women and 12 men, according to the LAPD.

Several people with minor injuries who were in stable condition were treated at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, less than half a mile north of the nightclub, according to a hospital spokesperson.

CNN has reached out to additional hospitals in the area for more information. Neither police nor the fire department had updates on the victims conditions Monday.

A night that could have been worse

First responders commended the efforts of bystanders, many of whom stepped in to help injured strangers. Videos taken after the crash show some victims helping each other while bleeding on the pavement and waiting for aid.

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People were helping each other out, VanGerpen said. People were waiting to go inside there (the nightclub), theyre ordering tacos, so theyre seeing people that they dont even know are injured. Theyre stepping in to help them out.

Scott said, Were very fortunate there were no deaths considering the number of people injured.

Were very appreciative of the coordinated effort of our public safety partners and we remain committed to supporting the victims in the community, the fire department spokesperson said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident a heartbreaking tragedy and praised the swift response of more than 100 police and fire personnel. The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning  a full investigation into what happened is underway.

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CNNs Julia Vargas Jones, Emma Tucker, Josh Campbell, David Williams, Lauren Mascarenhas, Matt Rehbein, Lily Hautau and Chris Boyette contributed to this report.

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Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader from Pune, Deepak Mankar, has urged the Central government to consider including citizens' blood group information on their Aadhaar cards. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Health, Mankar highlighted the potential life-saving benefits of such an inclusion, particularly during emergencies. Explaining the reason behind the request, Mankar referred to past incidents such as a plane crash in Ahmedabad and the attack on Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. During these events, he said, large quantities of blood were urgently needed for the injured, prompting nationwide appeals for donations and the establishment of blood donation camps. Speaking to ANI, Mankar said, "In such critical moments, it occurred to me that having one's blood group printed on the Aadhaar card could prove immensely helpful. Since Aadhaar is a mandatory document used across multiple services, attaching blood group information to it would ensure quick access during emergencies." He added that in situations such as road accidents or large-scale disasters, the unavailability of immediate medical history or blood type can delay treatment. "Doctors or emergency responders could quickly determine the blood type from the Aadhaar card and make arrangements accordingly. It can even help mobilise donors on a large scale in case of urgent need," Mankar added. He emphasised that with India witnessing rapid infrastructure development and expanding highways, the likelihood of accidents also increases, necessitating prompt emergency medical responses. "There is no harm in such a move; in fact, it could save countless lives," he said. Mankar reiterated his humble request to the Prime Minister and the Health Department, urging them to consider this proposal in the interest of public safety. "Aadhaar is compulsory for most services today. Attaching blood group information to it will help doctors, hospitals, and citizens during life-threatening situations," he added. (ANI)
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  One man is dead and another man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following a shooting Friday night on New Colony Drive in Virginia Beach, police said.

Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 5500 block of New Colony Drive around 9:57 p.m., and when they arrived, they found Jamele Newby-Gibson, 20, of Virginia Beach in the roadway with a gunshot wound, and he was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

Detectives with VBPDs homicide unit investigated the shooting and identified Nashaun Reid, 19, of Virginia Beach as a suspect. He was arrested, and in addition to the second-degree murder charge, has also been charged with the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

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I have to commend the work of our first responding zone officers and our detectives who diligently worked this case from the onset and were able to identify, apprehend and charge the suspect in this offense within six hours from the time of the incident, Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said in a statement. To be able to remove a dangerous individual from our community and bring closure to a grieving family in such a short period speaks volumes to their dedication and professionalism.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Two people have been charged after a two-year-old child was shot on Lackawanna Avenue in the Village of Sloan on Sunday, according to Cheektowaga Police.

Officers responded to the incident around 10:30 a.m. Sunday. It is alleged that the shooting stemmed from an altercation between two adults, leading to the shooting. Shannon Rose, 19 and of Buffalo, has been charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a firearm.

In addition, 20-year-old Marcus Oluwa has been charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. It is not believed that he fired a weapon during the incident.

Mugshots courtesy of Erie County District Attorneys Office

The child was taken into surgery at Oishei Childrens Hospital and is stable as of Monday.

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Both were arraigned on Monday. Rose is facing a maximum of seven years in prison and Oluwa faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Latest Local News

***

Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12.

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

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CHINATOWN, Manhattan (PIX11)  Police have identified the cyclist and pedestrian killed after a driver crashed into them near the Manhattan Bridge.

Kevin Scott Cruickshank, 55, was on a bike, and 63-year-old May Kwok was walking when they were fatally struck by a car Saturday around 7:26 a.m., police said.

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It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that dear friend, neighbor, loving son and husband Kevin Cruickshank has been killed. Kevin was a regular fixture in the neighborhood, known for his warm, welcoming spirit and love of helping his friends and neighbors. Kevin loved riding his bike and was often seen around the neighborhood coming back from a long ride. Its devastating to know he was killed doing something he loved. We ask that you please respect Kevins familys need for privacy during this difficult time. Cruickshank family spokesperson

They were both on the island separating the Manhattan Bridge offramp from Bowery, police said. Both Kwok and Cruickshank were pronounced dead on the scene.

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After the driver hit Cruickshank and Kwok, they collided with a parked NYPD van, police said.

The driver was taken into custody, but no arrests have been made. They were driving an overdue rental, sources said. One additional person was taken into custody.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

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Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus announced that a Lawrence man has been arrested in connection with a break-in at an IHOP restaurant.

Angel Cartagena, 66, was taken into custody by officers on Friday, July 18, after they confirmed he was staying at a local motel and was wanted on outstanding warrants from Lawrence District Court.

During their investigation, officers discovered that windows at the IHOP, located at 95 Main St., had been damaged late Thursday night, leading them to determine Cartagenas involvement.

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Cartagena has been charged with:

Breaking and entering in the nighttime for felony

Vandalizing property.

He was arraigned in Lowell District Court on Friday and released on personal recognizance.

Cartagena is scheduled to appear in court again on August 25.

These charges are allegations, and all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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The Dennis Police Department has announced the arrest of a man on an outstanding warrant for lewdness.

Princess King, 50, was taken into custody on July 16 for an outstanding warrant on Open and Gross Lewdness.

According to police, an investigation was conducted after numerous reports stated that in early July, King had reportedly exposed himself to beach goers, including masturbating in front of women on public and private beaches.

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King has been known to use other names, including Gar Kerbel and Dai Ling.

Following the arrest, Princess King was transported to Orleans District Court and subsequently released on bail.

The Dennis Police are releasing this arrest information due to our concern for public safety, and to make our community aware. The department said. Anyone with information related to these incidents are asked to contact the Dennis Police Detective Division.

While officers and detectives determined there was probable cause to apply for a warrant, King is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD)  A motorcyclist died after a crash in Wyoming on Saturday, according to police.

The Wyoming Police Department says it responded to a crash between a motorcycle and a pickup truck on Charlesgate Avenue at around 1:50 p.m.

The motorcyclist, a 33-year-old man from Wyoming, died at the scene.

WPD says that speed is believed to have played a role in the crash involving the motorcycle and pickup truck.

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The driver of the truck stayed at the scene after the crash and cooperated with officials, according to WPD, who say that alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

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BECKET, Mass. (WWLP)  Berkshire County authorities have recovered the body of a man who reportedly drowned in Becket Quarry on Friday.

The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit stated that police were called to the quarry just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Preliminary investigation found that a man and a woman were swimming in the water when the man began to struggle and quickly drowned.

The woman and other individuals on the shore reportedly attempted to locate and rescue the victim, but were unsuccessful.

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Police urge drivers to take caution as motorcyclist deaths rise

Berkshire County dive teams used an underwater rover to help with the physical search for the body. The rover located the body, but malfunctioned and returned to the surface. The search team ended recovery efforts on Friday night due to low visibility and the rovers malfunction. The body was successfully located and recovered on Saturday.

Courtesy of the Pittsfield Police Department.

During the search, Berkshire State Police was assisted by the Pittsfield Fire Department, Pittsfield Police Department, Lenox Fire Department, Lanesborough Fire Department, Southwick Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Western Mass Regional Technical Rescue Team, and the Berkshire County Sheriffs Office.

Officials shared that the victim was in his 20s, but his name has not been released at this time.

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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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The Boston Police Department announced the arrest of a Roslindale man on a charge of drug trafficking.

Marcus Hurt, 39, has been charged with a trafficking of a class B drug offense.

The incident occurred around 12:06 p.m., when officers conducted a drug investigation in the area of 202 Dunwell Avenue, Roslindale.

Officers noticed Hurt exiting the building before they stopped him at 4399 Washington Street.

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Officers informed Hurt that they had a search warrant for Hurts body and residence, leading to the recovery of $2,667 in U.S. currency from his person.

Upon executing the search warrant at Hurts apartment, officers recovered a plastic bag containing twenty-eight grams of crack cocaine, another bag with eighteen grams of cocaine, and a digital scale.

Hurt is expected to be arraigned in West Roxbury District Court for Trafficking of Class B substances.

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A suspect is at large following a robbery at a bank Saturday morning, Riverdale police said.

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According to RPD, officers responded to a bank robbery at the Wells Fargo on Highway 85 just after 9:30 a.m.

Officers were told a man approached a teller and demanded money.

The teller complied and handed the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash, police said.

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The suspect left the bank and went towards Highway 85.

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Riverdale officials said the bank was on a temporary lockdown, and no injuries were reported.

No other details were released regarding the suspect.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Authorities are asking for the publics help identifying a suspect accused of a break-in around the Fourth of July weekend.

Cambridge Police say the suspect pictured was involved in a breaking and entering an a subsequent larceny from the North Cambridge area on July 3 and July 4.

A specific location was not provided by police nor were details of the alleged incident.

Anyone who thinks they can identify this person is asked to contact Cambridge Police at 617-349-3370.

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A first-year MBBS student at AIIMS Patna was found dead inside his hostel room on Saturday in Phulwarishrif PS, according to an official. The student, identified as Yadavendra Shahu, was a resident of Odisha and stayed in the AIIMS Patna hostel room. According to Sushil Kumar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Phulwari Sharif, the incident came to light when the local police station received a call around 1 pm, stating that the student's room had not been opened since morning. His mobile phone was found ringing inside, raising suspicion. The local police team reached the hostel immediately, and the door was opened in the presence of AIIMS administration officials and a magistrate. The body of the student was found lying on the bed. "His body was found lying on the bed. He is a resident of Odisha. An investigation is being carried out. An enquiry is being prepared. A post-mortem will be carried out. A witness will be found," SDPO Sushil Kumar further added. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was called to collect evidence from the scene, and the police have started an investigation into all possible aspects, including foul play, suicide, or medical condition. The officials said that the student's family has been informed, and a post-mortem will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited. Earlier in the day, in a shocking incident, Dr Tapeshwar Prasad, a retired official from the Health Department, was shot and seriously injured by unidentified assailants in Bihar. 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. (ANI)
The driver who police say intentionally plowed into a crowd early Saturday outside a popular East Hollywood music venue was previously convicted of a hate crime in Orange County, a conviction subsequently overturned by an appeals court, according to prosecutors and court records.

Fernando Ramirez was 23 when, on June 15, 2019, he entered a Whole Foods Market in Laguna Beach and sucker-punched a 26-year-old Black employee whod been on a lunch break, breaking the mans nose and severely damaging his two front teeth, according to reports at the time of the incident.

When asked by an officer why he did it, Ramirez said in a conversation recorded on video that it was, in part, because the worker was Black, and that "he hated all Black people," court records show.

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It is part of a lengthy criminal record that Ramirez accumulated in the years leading up to Saturday night's attack. Prosecutors in Orange County have filed 11 criminal cases over the past 11 years against him, including several violent charges.

Ramirez had been thrown out of the Vermont Hollywood club before returning to the area in a vehicle around 2 a.m. Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. His vehicle hit street vendors and dozens of late-night clubgoers, according to police, causing several medical emergencies and stoking fear and anger among the crowd.

At least 36 victims sustained injuries ranging from minor pain to serious fractures and lacerations. Several individuals were struck by the vehicle, and some were briefly trapped beneath it. At least 23 people were hospitalized.

Bystanders pulled Ramirez from his vehicle and attacked him  video showed him being punched and kicked  and, at some point, he was shot, LAPD officials said.

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LAPD Capt. Ben Fernandes said that, as nightclub security attempted to detain Ramirez after he left behind a chaotic and bloody scene, another man came from across the street and shot the driver in the buttocks.

Officer Norma Eisenman, an LAPD spokesperson, said on Sunday that the person who shot Ramirez remained at large. Police released a description of the suspect. He was described as male, Latino, about 5-foot-7 and 150 to 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue Dodgers jacket, a light blue jersey with the number "5" and blue jeans. He had gauges  a type of body jewelry  in both ears and a goatee. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Ramirez had recovered from surgery for his injuries and was in stable condition, Fernandes said. Police said Sunday he was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon with force likely to produce great bodily injury.

Given the size of the crowd, Fernandes said the incident could have easily spiraled into a mass casualty event.

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"Quite honestly, I believe it is a miracle," Fernandes told NBC-4 News.

One witness told ABC-7 News that he saw dozens of people on the ground after the crash. Another said it was "like a movie."

You see shoes flying, you see change, money, theres hot dog stands that were outside the bar  they got hit," the witness said.

Eduardo Lopez, who was working at his taco truck down the street from the nightclub early Saturday, said he heard the crash and the subsequent screams.

He told NBC-4 he saw people running and "a lot of people hurt."

Just hours after more than 120 firefighters and paramedics responded to the horrific scene, the popular music venue remained eerily quiet.

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Event organizers on Saturday canceled what was expected to be a sold-out show.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue, the Vermont Hollywood club posted in a statement online and outside its doors. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the person responsible for this horrific act is held fully accountable.

Before the Saturday morning attack, Ramirez had already spent months behind bars.

On Jan. 10, 2020, he was sentenced to four years in prison after a jury found him guilty of battery with serious injury, violation of civil rights and a hate crime enhancement for attacking a Black Whole Foods employee.

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However, an appeals court in January 2021 overturned part of the verdict after the court found a recorded conversation with an officer violated Ramirez's Miranda rights. The appeals court reversed the civil rights violation and the hate crime enhancement and vacated the sentence, but upheld the aggravated battery conviction because it was "not affected by the Miranda error."

In 2020, Ramirez was convicted of a 2019 battery upon a police officer and resisting arrest and got 180 days in jail.

In 2021, he was convicted of assault with great bodily injury and two counts of resisting arrest and received a sentence of 194 days in jail and a year of probation. That same year, he pleaded guilty to corporal injury upon a spouse and was sentenced to three years of probation with 234 days in jail.

Kimberly Edds, a spokeswoman for the Orange County district attorney's office, said Ramirez has a pending driving under the influence charge, and a separate domestic battery charge, including a violation of a protective order stemming from a 2022 incident, also pending in the Orange County courts.

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Times staff writer Jaclyn Cosgrove contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ROME (AP)  Pope Leo XIV marked the 56th anniversary of mans arrival on the moon Sunday with a visit to the Vatican astronomical observatory in Castel Gandolfo and a call to astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

After praying the Sunday Angelus at his summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, Leo headed to the astronomical observatory located in the Pontifical Villas, where he took a close look at the telescopes that have supported celestial exploration from a faith-based perspective for decades.

The pontiff was accompanied by astronomers and students participating in the traditional summer school organized by the observatory.

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This was Pope Leos first visit to the observatory, founded in 1891 by Leo XIII. The first vision of it, however, can be traced back to the establishment by Pope Gregory XIII of a commission aimed at studying the scientific data and implications of the calendar reform that took place in 1582.

The Vatican Observatory has generated top-notch research from its scientist-clerics, drawing academics to its meteorite collection, which includes bits of Mars and is considered among the worlds best.

Later Sunday, the pope called astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who shared with Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins the historic 1969 moonwalk.

This evening, 56 years after the Apollo 11 moon landing, I spoke with the astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Pope Leo wrote on his X account. Together we shared the memory of a historic feat, a testimony to human ingenuity, and we reflected on the mystery and greatness of Creation.

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Pope Leo then blessed the astronaut, his family and his collaborators.

There are a few precedents of papal calls to "space.

In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI rang the space station and asked about the future of the planet and the environmental risks it faced.

Before Benedict, Pope Paul VI sent a radio message to astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins after their moonwalk, calling them conquerors of the Moon.
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP)  Pope Leo XIV renewed his call on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, asking the international community to respect international laws and the obligation to protect civilians.

I once again call for an immediate end to the barbarity of this war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, the pontiff said at the end of his Sunday Angelus prayer from his summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

Leo also expressed his deep sorrow for the Israeli attack on the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, which killed three people and wounded 10 others, including the parish priest.

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I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations, the pope added.

The shelling of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza also damaged the church compound, where hundreds of Palestinians have been sheltering from the Israel-Hamas war, now in its 21st month. Israel expressed regret over what it described as an accident and said it was investigating.

We need to dialogue and abandon weapons, the pope said earlier Sunday, after presiding over Mass at the nearby Cathedral of Albano.

The world no longer tolerates war, Leo told reporters waiting for him outside the cathedral.

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Asked about his phone conversation on Friday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Leo said, We insisted on the need to protect the sacred places of all religions.

The pope will remain in Castel Gandolfo until Tuesday evening, when he returns to his Vatican residence, a Vatican spokesman said Sunday.
The City of Port Angeles has lifted a do not drink water order for residents after a tanker truck carrying gasoline and diesel fuel overturned in Indian Creek on Friday.

Water samples taken in the area were tested by the Washington Department of Health and was verified to be safe to drink and use.

An estimated 3,000 gallons of fuel was released into the creek after a fuel tanker crash on Friday.

The city is sending out updated alerts via Everbridge, which residents can sign up for here: www.cityofpa.us/Everbridge.

For more information, visit www.cityofpa.us.
If you were to walk down Southeast Washington Street in the Portland neighborhood of Montavilla, you'd see it lined with flower beds. But things weren't always that way.

Up until recently, residents say a number of RVs were parked where the flowers are now, attracting homeless people and criminal activity.

"One thing several neighbors and I noticed is that there was a meth lab. So they were producing drugs," Christopher Carter-Tully told KATU News in a story published July 10. "The meth lab caught fire one morning. There was an RV that was prostituting women. There was a continual cycle."

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Residents pestered the city for help  one person told the broadcaster they called for 56 weeks straight  and the vehicles were eventually removed. That's when a group of neighbors banded together to take their street back for good.

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An aesthetically-pleasing solution

To deter any vehicles from returning, neighbors spent $3,000 of their own money planting flowers in troughs and barrels up and down the street where the RVs were once parked.

"We bought all of this, put the dirt in, bought all the plants," Joanne Benson, who's lived in the neighborhood for 17 years, told KATU News. Now, she says she sleeps better at night.

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She added that families have also been making use of the bike path that runs parallel to the street.

"Nobody would want to use the bike path for recreational use because they were scared," Carter-Tully said.

Since planting the flowers, Carter-Tully says they've noticed RVs roll up on the street only to drive away.

"They know that the community is watching," he said.

Read more: Americans are revenge saving to survive  but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Heres how to quickly earn 280% more on your cash

As for whether or not the flower beds will raise red flags with the city, residents are hopeful they'll be left alone because the strategy seems to be working.

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"We're actually saving them money," Carter-Tully said.

The cost of neighborhood crime

Unaddressed crime can have a seriously negative impact on neighborhoods. It could put people's property, like homes and vehicles, at risk. Fires can impact entire blocks of buildings if they spread out of control. High crime rates can also drive away businesses.

It can also have a negative impact on property values. People don't tend to want to move to neighborhoods where crime is prevalent. And if too many homeowners abandon a neighborhood in short order due to an uptick in crime, it could lead to an oversupply of homes on the market, eroding property values.

Plus, higher crime rates could drive up home insurance premiums as well as auto insurance premiums, making life more expensive for residents. Thats why its important to be persistent and continue pressing city officials to address any crime issues in your neighborhood that youre experiencing.

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It may help to take pictures and document whats happening in your neighborhood. Talk to your government representatives about the problem to see if they can urge local officials to take action.

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.
Ordinary voters can be forgiven if their eyes dont well up over the possibility of a few Congress members losing their seats. Beginning Monday, the Legislature convenes a special session, and one of the agenda items is to tackle the unusual mid-decade redrawing of Texas' district boundaries  a move aimed at boosting Republican clout in Washington.

It's true that much of the media coverage leading into the special session has centered on the horse-race aspect of perhaps one of the most political activities lawmakers engage in. The coverage tends to focus on which members might be drawn out of office, protected, or newly positioned to win reconfigured districts.

As interesting as all that might be for political junkies and politicians whose necks are on the line, the real-world implications go deeper. Let's start with the basic school civics question: What difference does it make which politician goes to Washington to represent which part of Texas?

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The answer might sound more than a bit naive, though it shouldn't be. The federal government is intrusive, demanding, too opaque to most Americans and very, very expensive to operate. For every Texan  actually for every American  who's not actually working in the federal government, their most accountable point of contact in the nation's capital is their Congress member.

Your aging parent needs help with Social Security or Medicare, call your congressman's office. Your graduating senior wants to go to West Point, the Naval Academy or any of the other service academies, a nomination from your congressman will go a long way. You're getting jacked around trying to apply for some sort of federal assistance, or you want to complain that any federal assistance is a black hole for wasted money, show up at the next town hall your member of Congress hosts.

READ MORE: Why a walkout on GOP redistricting could be very risky for Texas Democrats

Now, here's where the politics get even more political, and more than a little bit complicated. The makeup of congressional districts is not random. And even though Texas has 38 U.S. House members, each individual Texan has exactly one. U.S. senators are a different matter, so let's put a pin in that topic for now.

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Congressional districts, in a perfect world, are drawn once a decade to align with the latest figures from the U.S. Census. They are supposed to be made up of what are called "communities of interest." That should mean that families in the High Plains aren't matched up in a congressional district with residents of downtown condos in places like Austin, Houston or San Antonio.

The districts are also supposed to be as geographically compact as possible, giving constituents at least some sense of community. And they're not supposed to be drawn so that communities of color are effectively shut out when it comes to representation.

But the world is not perfect. And Texas' diversity  whether it be geographic, economic, commercial, climate, demographic or political  means that many of the lofty goals laid out in the previous paragraph have to be set aside or outright ignored.

Now let's mix in population imperatives. A district covering vast expanses of cotton farms and cattle ranches has to have about the same number of actual people as one where most people live just a couple of feet, or just a couple of floors, from their neighbors.

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READ MORE: In wake of Texas floods, questions seek not blame but accountability

Adding another layer of complexity, let's consider that in the 1970s, each of the 435 members of the U.S. House represented about 470,000 people. In the half-century since, the U.S. population has grown by approximately 130 million. However, the number of Congress members  435  has remained the same as it was when disco topped the charts. That means each member has roughly 785,000 constituents.

So, all that means that getting the attention of your member of Congress is about twice as hard as it was for your grandparents when they were your age.

Finally, here's the uncomfortable truth: you dont truly choose your representative  your Congress member, in effect, chooses you. And that's how redistricting actually works.

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The map drawers have highly sophisticated computer programs that tell them which neighborhoods tend to vote for one party or the other. The programs let them know the area's racial composition, about how much money families make, how those families spend that money, whether they have kids or whether they prefer pets, whether they're still working, whether they're looking for work, or whether they're retired.

And some neighborhoods get randomly assigned to one district or another because they'll balance out the population but will have no real influence on election day.

All that information gets dissected, bisected and digested, and members of Congress and wannabe members of Congress will decide which neighborhoods, not which individuals, are most likely to vote for them. So if you get swept into a district that's likely to elect someone of your political persuasion, good for you. If you're in the opposite camp, better luck when they do it all again in 2031. Or maybe sooner, depending on the mood of whoever's in charge at the time.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas redistricting is all about the politicians, it's never about you
Prayers Pouring In For Lacrosse Player Killed In 'Awful' Accident originally appeared on The Spun.

Just a few days ago, Ridgefield High School was dealt a devastating blow.

Brandon Gmelin, a member of the 2025 graduating class, was trying to move a log splitter at a private residence on Wednesday when it rolled down a slope and hit him. Unfortunately, first responders in Westchester County weren't able to save his life. He was just 18 years old.

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According to New York State Police, the log splitter that struck Gmelin was delivered on that Wednesday for scheduled landscaping work.

Gmelin was a member of the lacrosse team for Ridgefield High School. He earned All-FCIAC honors in the spring.

"It is with profound sorrow that I share the devastating news of the passing of one of our students, Brandon Gmelin, who tragically lost his life in an accident yesterday," Ridgefield Superintendent of Schools Susie Da Silva said. "Brandon, a cherished member of our Ridgefield High School community, graduated this past June with the Class of 2025. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering friendship touched the lives of many, and his loss will be felt deeply across RHS and the greater Ridgefield community. We extend our deepest condolences to Brandons family and his many friends. Our thoughts and hearts are with them during this unimaginably difficult time."

PROVIDENCE, RI - MAY 08: A general view of lacrosse sticks on the sideline during halftime of the Ivy League Tournament championship college lacrosse game between the Pennsylvania Quakers and the Yale Bulldogs on May 8, 2022, at Stevenson-Pincince Field in Providence, RI. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

As you'd imagine, the Ridgefield community is devastated over Gmelin's death.

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"The Rye lacrosse community extends its sincere condolences to the Gmelin family and the Ridgefield lacrosse community," one person said. "We will keep them all in our prayers."

"Prayers for family and friends. How awful" a second person commented.

"May his memory be a blessing," another person wrote.

"Horrible. What a tragedy," a social media user added.

Our thoughts are with the Gmelin family during this difficult time.

Related: 18-Year-Old Student From SEC School Found Dead In River

Prayers Pouring In For Lacrosse Player Killed In 'Awful' Accident first appeared on The Spun on Jul 19, 2025

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
We are Floridians who are actively committed to securing reproductive rights in Florida, and we are enthusiastically supporting David Jolly for governor.

He strongly believes: Reproductive health care decisions should be made between women and their doctors, not politicians. He wants to bring back the protections of Roe v. Wade, as do the over 57% of Florida voters who voted for Amendment 4 last November.

David Jolly told us: I voted for Amendment 4. As governor, I would work to enact Amendment 4 into law. I support Roe. I am pro-choice. And as your governor I would veto any legislation that would restrict reproductive healthcare in the state of Florida.

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Roe is the United States Supreme Court case that originally established the right to an abortion and was overruled by a 2023 Supreme Court decision. Jolly was not always a supporter of abortion rights. When he was in Congress many years ago, he did support anti-abortion positions. But since then, he has changed his mind.

After all, he was raised in a culture that deplored abortion. However, when faced with the tangible and tragic harms resulting from restrictive abortion policies, his view changed. Informed by empathy, ethical considerations and his views on the appropriate role of government, he is now solidly pro-choice.

What? A politician who changes his mind to do the right thing? Is that not what we all want? Well, it certainly is what we want.

Jollys positions track exactly the language of Amendment 4: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider. That language is the same codification of Roe v. Wade that Jolly supports.

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We find it admirable that Jolly is someone who was willing to change his mind after being confronted with the realities of the anti-abortion movement and its devastating impact on those who need abortions but cannot get them. None of us would be supporting him today unless he had realized his past stance on reproductive choice was wrong.

Jolly pledges that he will govern according to his values, which are based on love, kindness, respect and dignity. He says that there are three basic principles that govern his decisions:

 Floridas economy should work for everyone in the state.

 Floridas laws and policies should apply equally to all.

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 The personal freedoms of all Floridians must be protected.

Those values and principles point only to support for reproductive rights.

We trust David Jolly on reproductive rights. But this is not a one-issue race. We also support his positions on other issues that he and we consider critical to Florida: addressing the affordability of housing, property insurance and health care, strengthening and improving public education and allowing our public universities to thrive without government interference.

If we cannot accept that politicians can change their minds when they realize they were wrong, we are in for governance that none of us want. Jolly is a person who will live and govern by the same values and principles we all support.

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Thats why dedicated pro-choice women leaders across Miami-Dade like Maribel Balbin, Cindy Lerner and Jennifer Stearns Buttrick are joining reproductive freedom champions throughout our state like Mona Reis, Susan Windmiller, former member of Congress Gwen Graham and former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara Pariente in saying: We trust David Jolly on reproductive rights.

Ellen Freidin is a lawyer and sponsor of Floridas Constitutional Equal Protection Clause and leader of the Fair Districts Florida movement. Jane Moscowitz is a former federal prosecutor. Donna Shalala is a former member of Congress and former president of the University of Miami. Barbara Zdravecky is the retired CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida.
Ken Meyer reaches out to inspect some processed hemp at his plant in Winfred on June 2, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

WINFRED  Ken Meyers boots imprint the fine layer of dust settled over the concrete floor as he walks through South Dakotas first industrial hemp processing facility.

Its loud. Fans whirl and machinery grinds. Strips of sunlight cut through the haze.

Piles of dry hemp stalks line one wall. Meyer gestures toward a forklift feeding one of the piles into an industrial contraption.

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On one side of the machine, fiber pours out in tangled ribbons. On another, chunks of the woody core, called hurd, tumble into a large sack atop a pallet. Meyer reaches in and raises a handful.

We can turn hemp stalks into materials for animal bedding, hempcrete, bioplastics, you name it, he said. Right here in South Dakota.

Ken Meyer inspects a scoop of processed hemp from a large sack at his plant in Winfred on June 2, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Meyer has a vision. He said expanding the hemp supply chain in South Dakota will bring more small processing and manufacturing into the state, and pull heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Hemp absorbs carbon as it grows, and we can lock the carbon into the various materials produced, Meyer said. And all that manufacturing could happen here in South Dakota.

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But coordinating the investments, infrastructure, oversight and market development needed to realize that vision is more work than Meyer alone can accomplish with his company, Complete Hemp Processing.

In Wakonda, John Peterson with Dakota Hemp is not only constructing the states second processing facility but is also a hemp farmer.

We cant just have everybody start planting hemp, Peterson said. You need the whole chain  growers, processors, and manufacturers  to come online at the same time. And thats hard.

Hemp and carbon

South Dakotans have only been growing hemp since 2021. The state is now the No. 1 hemp producer in the country, with 3,700 acres harvested in 2024. To capitalize on hemps potential to sequester carbon dioxide and keep it from trapping heat in the atmosphere, millions more acres are needed.

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Hemp can grow 16 feet tall in three months. Growing a field of 16-foot-high stalks requires a lot of photosynthesis, which is the way plants absorb carbon dioxide and water to convert sunlight into energy for growth. An acre of hemp stalks absorbs approximately 5.5 tons of carbon per acre each season, according to Brittany McKell, with Hemp Carbon Standard in Canada. She said an additional ton of CO2 per acre is stored in the soil if less invasive tillage practices are used.

Hemp Carbon Standard works with farmers to quantify the amount of carbon sequestered by their hemp farm and convert that to credits. Those are sold on global, private carbon markets where companies and individuals purchase them to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. The company then shares those profits back with farmers. Peterson recently signed up and earned 367 carbon credits on one years harvest, which can be sold for over $100 each.

While corn stalks can temporarily store up to about 4 tons of above-ground carbon dioxide per acre, most of it is re-released through digestion and decay.



Decay happens to harvested hemp, too. Keeping the carbon in the hemp stalks requires a longer-term carbon storage solution: processing those stalks into long-lasting materials. Hemps utility extends to everything from bioplastics and lumber to textiles and insulation. Hempcrete, for example, is a construction material made from hemp hurd and lime that absorbs CO2 as it sets.

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Hemp Carbon Standard promotes the use of those products, too, because McKell said they serve as sustainable, less carbon-intensive alternatives that indirectly offset the production of their more carbon-intensive counterparts: oil-based plastics, wood from trees and energy-intensive construction materials. Depending on the product being made, McKell said, the impact of producing hemp-based, less carbon-intensive alternatives prevents another 9 to 18 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, per acre of hemp allocated to the production of the material.

The numbers mean that if 18% of South Dakotas approximately 18.5 million cropland acres grew hemp every summer, the hemp stalks  not counting the carbon potentially stored in the soil or the material offset of producing less carbon-intensive materials  would remove over 18 million tons of atmospheric carbon per year. Thats as much as a proposal in South Dakota aiming to achieve a similar vision: Summit Carbon Solutions carbon sequestration pipeline, which would annually capture up to 18 million tons of carbon emissions from 57 ethanol plants in five states. The five-state project has faced numerous regulatory and legal hurdles, along with opposition from landowners refusing to grant access and expressing concerns about potential leaks of toxic carbon dioxide plumes.

Farmers with land crossed by the pipeline would receive easement payments. In hemp production, farmers can capitalize the carbon-storage potential of their crop by selling carbon credits. Hemp also requires no herbicides, unlike other row crops such as corn and soybeans.

Despite its potential, the hemp market faces regulatory challenges. And industrial hemp advocates say getting hemp this far was not easy.

The fight to legalize hemp

Although hemp was federally legalized under the 2018 farm bill  which defined hemp as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (known as TCH, which results in a high at greater concentrations)  South Dakota did not immediately follow suit.

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Early efforts to legalize hemp production at the state level were met with resistance, particularly from former Gov. Kristi Noems administration, which expressed concern that legal hemp could lead to broader marijuana legalization. Oren Lesmeister, a rancher and Democratic former legislator from Parade, spent years fighting to get the hemp industry rolling in South Dakota.

There was this fear that everyone was going to run out and get stoned, Lesmeister said. We had to beat that misconception with education and persistence.

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The legal and regulatory barriers fell in several stages. The first major step was ensuring that South Dakotas laws aligned with federal standards legalizing the crop, something the 2018 farm bill allowed states to do.

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Implementation in South Dakota lagged, with hemp cultivation beginning in 2021 after state administrative rules were finalized and approved. Even then, regulatory burdens remained. But Meyer said many of these initial state restrictions have since been scaled back as South Dakota gained experience with the crop.

Meyer said the two major impediments still in place are THC testing requirements and criminal background checks. He hopes those requirements will be loosened in the next federal farm bill.

Selling a bottom-up vision

Lesmeister sees parallels with corn-based ethanol, which grew into a major industry with help from the federal government. It created a guaranteed market through the Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires refiners to blend billions of gallons of ethanol into gasoline each year or buy credits. The number of corn acres in South Dakota went from about 4 million before the standard was enacted to about 6 million last year.

Hemp got this far without any of that, Lesmeister said. But imagine where it could be with a little help.

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Doug Sombke, president of the South Dakota Farmers Union, sees helping the emerging hemp industry as a better way to sequester carbon than controversial proposals to capture carbon emitted by ethanol plants.

If you really want to support the climate and agriculture, get that money to the people working the land, Sombke said.

Bryan Jorgensen is a regenerative farmer and soil health expert from Ideal. He is skeptical that climate change requires government action. But Jorgensen does see industrial hemp as a chance to rebuild rural communities as part of Americas manufacturing base.

This could localize manufacturing, he said. But it takes vision and the will to invest in producers instead of propping up extractive systems.

Ken Meyer stands atop a field of bailed hemp near his processing plant in Winfred on June 2, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

By comparison, he sees carbon pipelines as an extension of a flawed farm economy that has become overly dependent on corn and soybeans, partly due to the federal support for those crops.

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Weve created this monster, Jorgensen said. Weve invested billions in learning how to grow corn, so now we dont know how to do anything else. And farmers are stuck in a system where theyre not even the ones benefiting.

Silvia Secchi, a professor at the University of Iowa who studies agricultural and climate policy, agrees.

We subsidized the corn, not the farmer, she said. Thats the problem.

For now, the few thousand acres of hemp grown in South Dakota pale in comparison to about 6 million acres of corn and 5 million acres of soybeans. But advocates believe that could change rapidly if hemp processors and manufacturers move in, and the U.S. government backs the vision.

Theres a real opportunity here, said Karll Lecher, co-founder of Dakota Hemp. We just need more boots on the ground.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed that investments worth over Rs 1 lakh crore have been grounded in Uttarakhand in the past two years. He stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments were committed to the development of states, enabling them to attract industries and generate employment. "Under the leadership of Modi Ji, BJP governments are transforming states into hubs of good governance and development, making them preferred destinations for investment, industry, and employment. I am delighted that in Uttarakhand, over Rs 1 lakh crore worth of investments have already been grounded in the past two years," Shah posted on X. "On this occasion, I interacted with investors and young entrepreneurs at the 'Uttarakhand Investment Festival - 2025' held in Rudrapur. In the double-engine government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand is emerging as a new hotspot for sectors ranging from tourism to healthcare, infrastructure, and food processing," he added. Earlier on Saturday, Shah addressed the 'Uttarakhand Investment Festival - 2025', organized on the occasion of the realisation of Rs 1 lakh crore worth of investments in Uttarakhand, and the inauguration and foundation laying ceremony of various development projects worth Rs 1,271 crore by the state government. 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. Meanwhile, 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." 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. (ANI)
Jul. 20State wildlife officials are looking to loosen regulations and increase quotas on wolf hunting and trapping for the 2025-26 season.

Among the potential changes is a 50% increase to both the statewide harvest quota and individual bag limits, which Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say will help the agency meet its obligation to "decrease wolf numbers to a sustainable level."

About 1,091 wolves are thought to roam the Treasure State, including some 500 in Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1, which includes all or most of Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties. Both estimates fall in line with the department's previous reports, suggesting that state and regional wolf populations have varied very little since 2011, when Montana's packs were officially removed from the Endangered Species Act.

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For some lawmakers, those consistent population numbers are a sign that state wildlife managers have failed.

"The wolf population is far too high, significantly too high," said Rep. Lukas Schubert, R-Kalispell, during a meeting of the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee earlier this year.

Schubert was one of four lawmakers to introduce a bill during the 2025 legislative session aimed at revising harvest regulations on wolves. Only one measure, requiring wildlife officials to implement region-specific management techniques and allowing the use of infrared and thermal imagery scopes while hunting wolves, ultimately passed.

"We did recognize the very clear message to increase harvest to reduce the wolf population more so than it has been," said Quentin Kujala, the chief of conservation policy for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, in a video explaining the proposed changes.

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Data collected by the University of Montana and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks suggests that the sentiments of state lawmakers may not reflect wider perspectives on wolf management. In a 2023 survey of nearly 3,500 Montana residents, researchers found that "a large majority of general residents are now tolerant or very tolerant of wolves on the Montana landscape."

The results also suggested that the general population's tolerance for wolf hunting and trapping is on the decline. Wolf license holders, meanwhile, were much more likely to express tolerance for wolf hunting and trapping and much less likely to express tolerance for wolves.

"All these findings suggest that wolf management in Montana will continue to be a contentious issue among Montanans," wrote the researchers in the final survey analysis.

Such divergent opinions make the job of wildlife managers especially difficult, as the former lead wolf biologist for Yellowstone National Park, Doug Smith, explained to the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee earlier this year.

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"There's kind of two population levels for wildlife ... one is biological carrying capacity. The other is social carrying capacity," said Smith. "One is what the landscape can support. The other is what people are willing to tolerate, and wolves are very much, almost North America-wide, managed by social carrying capacity."

If the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approves the agency's plan, the statewide harvest quota for wolves would increase from 334 wolves during the 2024-25 season to 500 wolves for the 2025-26 season. No regional quotas have been proposed, differing from the recent norm for wolf management.

Instead, the department is proposing changes to the bag limit for hunters and trappers. Since 2021, hunters and trappers have been able to harvest 10 wolves each season, for a total potential harvest of 20 animals per person. While trappers could meet their bag limit under a single license, hunters were required to purchase a separate license for each wolf they harvest.

Under the suggested regulations, both hunters and trappers would now be able to harvest 15 wolves under a single license, as long as five of those animals were harvested in Regions 1 or 2.

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The governor-appointed Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will vote on whether to accept the agency's proposal on Aug. 21. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted through Aug. 4.

Reporter Hailey Smalley may be reached at 758-4433 or hsmalley@dailyinterlake.com.
A TV interview with Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, was almost drowned out by the noise made by demonstrators in Berlin on Sunday.

The open-air talk in the government district on the banks of the Spree river was accompanied by protests with whistles, honking horns and loud music, with demonstrators chanting anti-AfD slogans from across the other riverbank.

A small group of protesters and a large bus could be seen on the other side of the Spree.

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Weidel had to lean forwards at times in order to understand the questions posed by presenter Markus Prei.

The interview is part of a series of summer interviews held by public broadcasters ARD and ZDF with leading German political figures.

Prei acknowledged the "difficult conditions," saying that at times it was almost impossible to understand each other.

The activist group Zentrum fur Politische Schonheit (Centre for Political Beauty) said it was behind the disruption and explained that it has equipped its so-called Adenauer bus with extremely powerful loudspeakers for such purposes.

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A spokesman for Berlin police said that a loud song had been played "with the technical equipment of the so-called Adenauer bus."

Twenty-five people took part in the action, according to police.

The police then ended the unannounced action. No one was detained.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A group opposing the possible opening of an ICE detention facility in Leavenworth, Kansas gathered Saturday morning, July 19.

The CoreCivic Opposition Group of Leavenworth (CCOG  LV) led the Pots and Pans March at 9:30 a.m., protesting the proposed opening of a private, for-profit ICE facility. The march was organized by Leavenworth residents, as well as some from around the area.

CoreCivic would make $4.2M a month running ICE detention center in Leavenworth

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One of the organizers, Mike Trapp, described how hes seen the group grow over time.

There were four of us at our first meeting, he explained.

Then we had a roundtable discussion where we brainstormed ways we could impact and got more people involved, and out of that event, this march arose.

Others who attended the protest explained their reasons for protesting, sharing that immigrants are neighbors, not criminals.

I grew up in a very immigrant-dominant community and have so many immigrant family members and friends, said Lynzie Clark, a demonstrator who came in to protest from out of town.

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Ive watched my whole life the immigrant struggle and the impossible obstacles they put against the most loving and hard-working communities. None of these people deserve to be jailed for their birthplace. They are just like all of us. Theyre people.

Around three dozen people were seen protesting CoreCivic and its attempt to turn a former private prison into an ICE detention center.

The protest comes after a Kansas City District Court judge temporarily blocked CoreCivics plan. The judge sided with the City of Leavenworth that CoreCivic must first get the citys permission through zoning laws.

I think its great that they have actually responded well to trying to postpone and hold off and allowing them to roll in and take over with the CoreCivic facility, said Nate Davis, who was seen at the protest.

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I hope that we can be the first of many for a rising movement for local communities to stand up to the authoritarian take down and the rule of law, Trapp echoed.

Judge hears motions from CoreCivic in Leavenworth lawsuit

However, CoreCivic says they dont need that permission.

We maintain the position that our facility, which weve operated for almost 30 years, does not require a Special Use Permit to care for detainees in partnership with ICE, a release from Saturday reads.

CoreCivic respects the judicial process and looks forward to the next steps in presenting our position to the court.

According to CoreCivics website, a partnership with ICE would generate 300 new jobs, $2 million annual payouts to the city and no detainees would be released in Leavenworth.

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The overall economic impact on the community and local jobs seekers would be significant, a spokesperson for CoreCivic shared Saturday.

MRRC serving as a partner to ICE would create about 300 new, good-paying jobs with a starting salary of $28.25/hour. Weve had a positive response from jobs seekers interested in these positions. As of July 1, weve had over 2,000 unique applicants who submitted over 3,000 applications for the open positions at MRRC. About 115 employees have been hired.

However, Trapp is standing strong.

Leavenworth knows CoreCivic well and Leavenworth says no, he said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A 'kiss cam' video appeared to show Astronomer's CEO embracing the firm's head of HR.

The incident went viral around the world and led to CEO Andy Byron resigning.

It's not the kind of publicity Astronomer would likely have hoped for, but it could benefit the firm.

All eyes this week have been on a once-little-known tech company called Astronomer.

While it's not been the kind of attention Astronomer would likely have hoped for, it's been said that all publicity is good publicity, and some public relations experts who spoke to Business Insider said the newfound fame could, ultimately, benefit the firm.

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The viral moment that catapulted the data company into the global spotlight took place at a Coldplay concert near Boston on Wednesday, when a "kiss cam" appeared to show then-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron embracing the company's head of human resources, Kristin Cabot.

After spotting themselves on the big screen, the clearly panicked pair attempted to dodge the camera, prompting Coldplay front man Chris Martin to speculate that they were "having an affair or they're just very shy."

The clip shot around the world and fueled a torrent of memes and internet sleuthing. Major brands like Netflix and even the Phillie Phanatic got in on the viral opportunity.

Local CEO caught CHEATING at Phillies game?! pic.twitter.com/jRqeyb8Bzu  Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 19, 2025

Ryan McCormick, cofounder of Goldman McCormick, a public relations firm in New York, described it as a possible "blessing in disguise."

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"The real silver lining is that if this company is doing something truly innovative and they're doing something truly groundbreaking, the likelihood of someone finding them has increased substantially," McCormick told BI.

"In the short term, they're embedded in controversy, but they're going to have people looking at them in a way they've never done before. I think that they'll probably come out OK."

In a statement on Friday, Astronomer said its leaders were "expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability" and that it had launched a "formal investigation" into the incident. It added that Byron had been placed on leave. On Saturday, it said the exec had resigned.

McCormick said Byron's departure would create some distance between the viral drama and the company.

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"I think they took the high road. They did what needed to be done, which was probably a hard decision," McCormick said. "If I were an investor or employee at that company, I would feel pretty confident."

The company also used its Saturday statement to draw attention to its work.

"Before this week, we were known as a pioneer in the DataOps space," it said. "While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not."

Mike Fahey, the founder and CEO of Fahey Communications, told BI that this showed the company was making "a concerted effort to redirect the narrative to where it is favorable."

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"Astronomer is fighting back, working to position its offerings and overall customer experience as strong and reliable," he said, adding that the company "now has more eyes on it than ever before."

But the New York-based firm had initially remained silent as the social media storm gathered force and users flooded its channels with comments, which Fahey said was a mistake.

"The timing of the statement was notably delayed," he said of Astronomer's Friday announcement. "The absence of official communication created a void quickly filled by rumors, fake statements, and memes that spread widely on social media."

One viral post included a fake apology letter attributed to Byron that featured a lyric from a Coldplay song. It was widely assumed to be real and picked apart relentlessly online. Astronomer said Friday that Byron had not made any statement and that "reports saying otherwise are all incorrect."

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Kristi Piehl, founder and CEO of Media Minefield, said the company made the same mistake as the pair on the "kiss cam."

"The way that they reacted online and on social media is exactly how the two people involved reacted. When the camera hit them, they hid," Piehl said.

"The first impression is so important. And the company allowed the first impression to be social media, the internet, and strangers."

Deirdre Latour, the founder of Rebellis Communications, also suggested the company had gotten it wrong with its initial silence.

"This is just the worst version of PR malpractice that you can see from a company," she said. "They are letting this terribly worded statement, blaming Coldplay and others, fester out in the marketplace."

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She added that the situation was "easy to fix" and that an internal memo should have been sent to employees addressing the incident.

Representatives for Astronomer did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
CHICAGO (WGN)  Four people were shot in the Austin neighborhood just past noon on Sunday, according to the Chicago Police Department.

CPD said four men were on the sidewalk in the 4900 block of West Ferdinand Street around 12:15 p.m. when an unknown vehicle pulled up. Three armed offenders got out and opened fire on the group.

All four men were shot and went to local hospitals with a variety of gunshot wounds, with each one listed in good condition.

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A 26-year-old man was shot in the ankle and drove himself to Stroger Hospital. A 31-year-old man was hit in the shoulder and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital. A 37-year-old man was shot in his legs and taken to Mount Sinai. A 51-year-old man was shot in the flank and taken to Stroger.

Ricard Luna, whos lived in the neighborhood for the last 13 years, said he heard the gunshots Sunday and also last Thursday morning around 4 a.m.

He added that he has heard shootings happen around the intersection of West Ferdinand Street and North Lamon Avenue before, and they are nothing new, but he does feel like they have become more common recently.

Police have no one in custody.

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If you or someone you know has information that can help lead CPD toward making an arrest and conviction in the investigation of this incident, anonymous tips can be filed online at cpdtip.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
A Queens man reportedly FaceTimed his nephew as he allegedly fatally stabbed his wife and 2-year-old daughter, then turned the knife on himself.

The 54-year-old suspect is in critical condition after knifing himself in the chest following the horrific deaths of his family, according to ABC 7 New York.

The panicked nephew called 911, according to the station.

Officers responding to a 911 call at 7:10 p.m. on Saturday found the little girl stabbed in the chest and neck in the home on Forest Ave. near Menahan St. in Ridgewood. Her 41-year-old mother suffered multiple stab wounds to her chest, police said.

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Medics took the parents to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where the woman later died. The baby girl went to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center but could not be saved.

Police identified the woman as Ana Pilatagsi-Moposita and her daughter as Analiz Cruz. So far, police have not released the name of the suspect. He was listed in critical condition and has not yet been charged as cops continue to investigate.

One neighbor said she witnessed the police frantically trying to get into the familys apartment Saturday night.

First they were trying to break down the door because they couldnt get in, said the 40-year-old neighbor, who did not want to give her name.

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When police couldnt get in through the front door, the neighbor said, they dashed out of the building and eventually got into the apartment by climbing the fire escape in the back.

That neighbor said it was then she witnessed police bring out the bodies.

They ended up carrying out the baby first, the neighbor recounted. The baby was kind of like slumped over in the guys hands. There was blood everywhere. Baby looks like she was naked, too. And they rushed to put her in the ambulance, and then they left, and they had to run back in, and thats when they took the father out.

But the father didnt have a lot of blood.  He was just bleeding from his wrist.

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The neighbor said she wasnt able to see if the man had a chest wound.

Finally, EMTs brought out the slain mother.

It was pretty sad, the neighbor said. And then when they finally took out the mom, the mom, she was also on the gurney. She was covered in a lot of blood. Looked like she had a lot of slashes. They had to do CPR on her right here in the middle of the street.

She was also naked, so they were trying to cover her also while doing CPR at the same time, also while trying to put her into the EMS. Yeah, it was pretty bad, the neighbor said, adding: We were shocked. I had no idea. I thought maybe somebody old passed away, but not, you know, a dad killing his daughter and his wife.

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Other neighbors were also stunned at the violence.

We never would have thought that something like that would happen, because he was always calm, said a man who spoke in Polish while his daughter interpreted. He was never aggressive or anything like that. He was just a normal dude living next door. Its shocking considering that theyre like, we share a wall with them, and its just like, so strange to hear about it.

A third neighbor speculated the husband had lost his job recently and the family was experiencing financial difficulties. She said the husband had worked as a dishwasher in a Google building until losing his job two months ago, and that he had asked her if she knew about any job openings.

The woman worked as a home health aide and could often be seen wearing scrubs, the same neighbor said. Apart from hearing the baby crying, the neighbor said the family seemed happy and stable  from the outside. They were a good couple, she said. I only heard the baby crying a lot. Monday to Sunday, 24/7.

When she asked the family why the baby cried so often, she said the parents told her the child had a skin condition that they were treating.
GENEVA  A century of life was celebrated a day early Friday as friends and family gathered to celebrate Doris Richs 100th birthday at Rae-Ann Geneva Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Rich has lived through a world war, a moon landing and a wide variety of other national events, but still has fond memories of her childhood. She said she spent her early years living in Cleveland, moved to Perry when she was around 7, then to Morgan Township when she was around 10 years of age.

Richs sons, Henry and Clark, attended the event with other family members, including great-great-granddaughter Greenlee Rich. The family surprised the centenarian as she returned from a hair appointment and lunch.

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As she got a hug from Greenlee, Rich said, Hi, little one, and then paused and laughed. I guess I am the little one now.

One of Richs early memories was walking down the street in Cleveland with her twin sister, picking bills from her mothers purse and throwing them on the street as they sought pennies.

At their young age, they didnt realize what they were doing after their mother had received funds from a large transaction. She said she didnt think her mother got all the money back.

Rich married Howard Rich when she was 18, and the couple lived a happy life until his death, at the age of 94, in 2013, said Richs son, Clark. He said her twin sister was identical to Doris, and people often mistook them for each other.

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The family worked a dairy farm in Morgan Township for decades but found time for dinner parties with friends, Clark said.

Clark said the couple truly loved each other and traveled to all 50 states, Europe, Mexico and Canada. Clark said he was stationed in Europe and they came to see him several times.

Malissa Strunk, activities director at the facility, said she enjoyed working with the family to make the surprise party went off without a hitch.

I love it, she said of the birthday parties for residents.

The family each hugged Rich and gathered around for pictures before they cut her 100th birthday cake. Many residents from the home were invited to the activity room to celebrate with Rich and enjoy a piece of cake.
Watch the full public comments addressing alleged incidents with Eureka Springs City Council Member Harry Meyer in the video player above.

Editors Note: This article and video contain brief quoted profanity. Viewer discretion advised.

EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Allegations that Eureka Springs City Council member Harry Meyer used a truck to injure one neighbor and harassed another during a property dispute were raised during public comment at the July 14 city council meeting.

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Eureka Springs resident Ruth Virginia Seymour accused Meyer of intentionally driving his 1984 Ford diesel flatbed truck at her during a property dispute on July 13. Seymour told the council she was taking photos of neighbor Jim Marples property when Meyer allegedly drove toward her, knocking her to the ground.

This evening Im in front of you to bring to your attention that you have a councilman that has assaulted me with a vehicle, she said. He actually left the scene after he ran over me basically. He didnt stop. He got out of his truck. and went into his house.

Seymour said Meyers daughter, city clerk Ida Meyer, witnessed the incident but left despite being asked to stay when Seymour called 911.

Seymour claims she hit her head and was nearly run over after Meyer drove toward her while she was photographing disturbed gravel on a neighbors property. She said he allegedly ignored her shouts and did not stop.

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Seymour said the incident was reported to Eureka Springs police and demanded that the council take action against this mean, malice, callous and hazardous person, referring to Meyer.

Marple, who said he was on the phone with Seymour during the exchange, took the stand next to accuse Meyer of ongoing harassment tied to a property dispute. He said the tension began after he purchased a lot next to Meyers last November, a property Meyer had allegedly wanted.

Ever since then, he has sought to have revenge on me, Marple said, alleging that Meyer used his council position to pressure code enforcement into citing him.

Arkansas visitors generate $17.4 billion economically in 2024

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Marple referenced a local papers report stating that Meyer sent more than 50 texts to the citys code enforcement office. He said he has never been fined and has remained in compliance.

He couldnt find anything, so now hes mad, Marple said. Now hes seeking revenge in every possible way he can.

Marple also accused Meyer of filming him and shouting profanities from the street. During his public comment, he imitated Meyer yelling the word ***hole, at which Meyer started visibly laughing.

You see him laughing? Thats Mr. Meyer, Marple said in response.

The full July 14 meeting can be viewed here.

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KNWA/FOX24 has reached out to Harry Meyer and Ida Meyer for comment and has not yet received a response. We are also working to source the police report Seymour refers to.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday credited the Congress party's election victory to its pro-people guarantee schemes and the Bharat Jodo Yatra, led by party leader Rahul Gandhi. Speaking at a public event in Mysuru, Shivakumar praised the transformative work being done under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's leadership and said the Congress party's symbol," the hand", had silenced critics while empowering farmers. "When the elections came, I had said one thing, that the hand that gives charity should be in power. Similarly, we have given a guarantee. Five fingers joined together, and the guarantee was taken... None of us will forget that the Congress won after the Bharat Jodo Yatra," he said. "Your hand has shut the mouths of the opponents. The hand of our Congress has shut the mouths of the opponents. This hand has given strength to the farmers. Under Siddaramaiah's leadership, we have laid the foundation stone of a work worth Rs 2,578 crores. We have brought money from the World Bank to revolutionise the education sector...," Shivakumar added. The Deputy CM was in Mysuru to attend a public event and later a "Sadhana" conference. Meanwhile, an escort vehicle in Shivakumar's convoy overturned on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway in Mandya district, injuring five people. Officials confirmed that the Deputy CM was following the escort vehicle in his own car and was unharmed in the incident. The crash occurred near Goudahalli-TM Hosur after the vehicle struck a divider and flipped. The injured, including the driver, sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital in Mysore for treatment. DK Shivakumar later resumed his journey to Bengaluru without any delay to his schedule. Police and emergency services quickly reached the spot, cleared the damaged vehicle, and ensured the smooth flow of traffic on the expressway. An investigation into the incident has been initiated. (ANI)
Moving to a new home is usually a stressful  and expensive process, but starting Aug. 1, its going to look a little different for renters across Massachusetts.

As of that date, renters will no longer be required to pay a fee to the realtor who brokered their lease  which is often a couple thousand dollars or more  as long as they are not the ones who hired the broker.

The change is due to a new law signed by Gov. Maura Healey on July 4, as part of the state budget for the next fiscal year. Housing advocates say the change will help renters with the cost of moving to a new home, which is critical at a time when rents are at record highs.

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When moving into a new apartment, tenants are generally expected to pay four times the monthly rent before getting their keys, including first and last months rent, a security deposit and a broker fee, the latter two each typically equal to one months rent.

Thats despite the fact that in many cases, the tenant is not the one who hired the broker, and in some cases, barely communicated with them until the end of the leasing process.

Renter-paid brokers fees have added to an up-front cost that can put moving into a new apartment out of reach for individuals and families even when they can afford the rent, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus said earlier this month.

Many landlords, however, are not enthusiastic about taking on additional costs. Some predict that the change will only lead to higher rents to compensate, even if the upfront costs of moving decrease.

Will new law cause rent increases in Mass.?

Multiple people in the real estate industry who spoke to MassLive for this story cited a New York Post report that, after New York City implemented a similar ban on renter-paid broker fees on June 11, rents in the city increased by 15%.

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Landlords are probably going to raise the rent to cover costs, said Demetrios Salpoglou, CEO of real estate website BostonPads, adding that property owners have many other increasing costs already.

Taxes have gone up. Utility costs have gone up. Electricity costs have gone up, he said.

However, an analysis released last week by StreetEasy, an apartment search platform, differed from the 15% estimate. Data from the websites listings showed that the average rent on properties that had previously been listed with required broker fees increased by less than 1% more than rentals that had not.

Some in Massachusetts argue that the new rules will have little to no effect in the state.

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Doug Quattrochi, executive director of MassLandlords, noted that even previously, state law technically only allowed landlords to collect first and last months rent, a security deposit, and payment to change the locks when signing a new tenant. That didnt stop brokers fees from being common throughout the state, he said.

When you look at the problem that people were experiencing in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and other really tight real estate markets, it was noncompliant behavior, Quattrochi said.

The only thing the new law would do, aside from clarifying the requirements, he said, was scare some people who werent following the law already into compliance.

Mass. broker-fee law spurs confusion

One of the most significant problems for real estate agents, according to Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, is confusion over how their jobs will change come Aug. 1.

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Vasil and his organization initially supported the ban as a way to improve affordability for tenants. However, he told MassLive on Thursday that the law  only two sentences within the 2026 state budget signed on July 4  didnt provide much time for preparation.

In New York City, the FARE Act, as the law governing broker fees is known, went into effect about seven months after it was passed, giving brokers, landlords and property managers time to learn its requirements. In Massachusetts, the turnaround was less than 30 days.

Were basically trying to educate a whole lot of people in three weeks. Its a monumental task, Vasil said. And because its two sentences, theres a lot of questions, and were concerned that theres going to be a number of lawsuits to respond to this instead of giving everybody a chance to work on this, educate people and try to flesh out a whole bunch of issues.

While some conversations about the change have implied that it will completely ban renter-paid broker fees, the rule, as written, says only that the party who initially engaged and entered into a contract with the broker should pay the fee. In most cases, but not all, it is the landlord who hires the broker, and they would therefore be responsible for the fee.

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Some of the confusion arises from the phrase entered into a contract, which fails to specify whether this means the broker must have a written contract with the landlord or tenant, or if an informal, oral contract would also be applicable, Vasil said.

The law also complicates situations where both the landlord and the tenant are represented by a broker: Who pays then? Typically, each party pays half of the total fee to their respective broker; however, the new law does not clarify how these situations will be handled.

Theres a couple of things like that, that depending which attorney you talk to, you might get a different interpretation, Vasil said. Thats what worries us, because Sept. 1 in Boston is a crazy, crazy moving day.

Increase housing to bring down rents

Instead of focusing on broker fees, Salpoglou said Massachusetts should concentrate on increasing the supply of housing to bring costs down.

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He often hears from property developers who seek to sell a project before it is even completed, because they believe the costs of the development will outweigh any future financial benefits, making it difficult to create new housing.

Housing advocates, too, say the change is only one small step in bringing down housing costs to a level that residents can afford.

While reforming broker fees is a positive step forward, its far short of the significant relief that struggling Massachusetts renters need, Carolyn Chou, executive director of Homes for All Massachusetts, said. Broker fee reform wont do much to help you if youre pushed out of your apartment by an excessive rent hike so your landlord can flip the property and turn your unit into high-end housing. And it wont help you much if you then cant find an affordable apartment in the community you call home.

More on housing

Read the original article on MassLive.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Its been a couple of weeks since President Trumps big beautiful bill passed and local politicians are still digesting what it means for Oregonians.

Only one member of Oregons congressional delegation voted for the bill. Not coincidentally, hes the only Republican among them.

Congressman Cliff Bentz of Ontario is a third-generation Oregonian. He represents Oregons 2nd District, the largest district in Oregon, covering most of eastern, southern and central Oregon.

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Rep. Bentz returned to Eye on Northwest Politics to talk about whats good in the bill, how the immigration crackdown component could impact his districts economy, as well as whether the cuts to Medicaid could close rural hospitals in his district.

Watch the full interview in the video above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Congressman Jamie Raskin joined "The Weekend: Primetime" and called for the Trump administration to release the Epstein files. He also discussed how the Democrats are capitalizing on this moment by calling for transparency and President Trump's new defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Congresswoman Val Hoyle represents Oregons 4th District, which is the largest coastal district in the state.

It includes Benton, Coos, Curry and Lane counties, as well as the city of Eugene, plus Lincoln and northern Douglas counties.



The congresswoman has been the majority leader in the Oregon House of Representatives and was head of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries before being elected to Congress in 2022.

Rep. Hoyle joined Eye on Northwest Politics from Washington, D.C., where she shared that she was extremely concerned about the recently passed big, beautiful bill and the current strategy for Democrats.

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Watch the full interview in the video above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Ignoring the obvious

Rep. Vince Fongs recent op-ed laid out a vision for Central Valley infrastructure focused on highways, freight corridors, and cutting red tape. But what he left out is more telling than what he said.

Fong ignored the Valleys severe air pollution, driven by diesel traffic on Highway 99 and I-5, and said nothing about reducing emissions or building out EV infrastructure, despite billions in federal funding already flowing to California. He omitted high-speed rail entirely, even though it runs through the Valley and could ease freight congestion, create jobs, and reduce car dependency. Why?

Likely because his top donors  oil, gas, and real estate interests  dont benefit from it.

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He framed permitting reform as efficiency, but did not mention that it means gutting environmental reviews and public input, which are protections that matter to the communities impacted. There was no mention of public transit, air quality, or the workers who rely on these systems.

And Fong said nothing about climate change, even as floods, heat waves, and land subsidence threaten the infrastructure he wants to expand.

A real infrastructure plan would prioritize people, health, and long-term resilience. Fongs plan prioritizes short-term gains for powerful interests. His silence speaks volumes.

Rebecca B. Camarena, Lemoore

McClintock sells out to Trump

Tom McClintock, lets add your name to the growing list of GOP representatives, both current and former, I have absolutely no respect for, along with Devin Nunes and Kevin McCarthy.

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I wonder what its like sitting on (President Donald) Trumps lap, as he pats you and the other two, uttering good boy. A real conservative, not someone pretending to be, would never vote to approve a Big, Beautiful Bill which would cut billions in Medicaid funding for his constituents, while adding trillions of dollars to the debt. How the heck does one cut spending but add to the debt? Explain that logic.

I wish I could question your ideas on government and motives, however, you dont really hold town halls, and when you do, its at 2 p.m. on a Wednesday, when most of us are working. And even then, you send some intern or aide or lackey to take the blame and lambast for you.

You hear that noise in the background? Thats the sound of angry constituents who are now suffering thanks to your selling out to your master. But thats OK, because in your other ear, you hear good boy.

Matt Deombeleg, Fresno

He needs help to stay alive

At 12, a freak accident caused my kidneys to fail. My mother gave me the gift of life a second time when she donated one of her kidneys. But by 20, my body began rejecting it, and I had to start dialysis, a grueling treatment that filtered my blood because my kidneys no longer could. Three times a week, I sat in a chair for hours just to stay alive.

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Eventually, I received a second transplant. But even post-transplant I need expensive medications, lab work, and regular checkups.

Thankfully, I have private insurance. It gave me coverage that Medicare could not, especially in those critical early months. I still rely on it to supplement Medicare today. But a recent Supreme Court ruling now gives room for insurers to push patients off private plans virtually immediately after they begin dialysis. This creates financial distress and lessens patients chances at a transplant.

Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) can help fix this by co-sponsoring the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, which would preserve access to private coverage during the full 30-month transition period, the previous norm. That coverage can mean the difference between thriving and falling through the cracks.

Danny Iniguez, Kingsburg

Wildfires fueled by climate change

It is important to note the relation between this unique form of wildfire spread and climate change. Increased prevalence and intensity of wildfires has long been linked to climate change; warmer, drier conditions spurred by global warming, along with frequent drought and dried out vegetation, has fostered conditions for faster and more unpredictable fire spread.

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Explosions in beetle populations, spurred by a warming climate, are turning vast swaths of forest into dry tinder and fueling unusually-intense wildfires.

As such, it is of no surprise that this rarer, monsoon-spurred form of wildfire proliferation is also at risk of being intensified by climate change. Global warming is increasing the intensity of monsoon seasons. Increased global temperatures mean the atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to heavier and more intense thunderstorms.

Moreover, the warmer, rising air makes the atmosphere more unstable, increasing the likelihood of lightning. This, combined with the multitude of other events increasing wildfire risk, means funding prevention and evacuation programs is more important than ever.

Action at the legislative level is desperately needed to address both climate change and its compounding effects on wildfire behavior.

Shiv Mehrotra-Varma, Fresno
A total of 58 Palestinians were killed and at least 60 others were injured by Israeli military action while waiting for aid in northern Gaza, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Sunday.

The deaths occurred in the Al-Sudaniya area in the north of the sealed-off Gaza Strip.

The victims were unarmed, according to eyewitnesses. Many bodies were still lying on the streets in the north-west of Gaza City. According to several reports, people had been waiting near a border crossing to Israel for trucks carrying aid supplies. The information could not be independently verified at first.

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A further two people were killed near the Al-Shakoush aid distribution point to the north of Rafah in the south, WAFA reported.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the controversial agency backed by Israel and the United States as a substitute for UN-organized aid operations, maintains a distribution point to the north of Rafah, according to Palestinian reports.

There was no statement from the GHF. The Israeli military also has yet to comment.

UN and other aid organizations report catastrophic conditions in the Gaza Strip, whose almost 2 million residents are almost entirely dependent on aid to survive following almost 22 months of fighting between Israel and Palestinian extremist group Hamas.

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According to UN figures, hundreds have died in the vicinity of aid distribution points and around aid convoys since the end of May.

Footage shows dead body

In other news, WAFA reported deaths on Sunday caused by Israeli military action in the north of the Gaza Strip.

Footage shared on Palestinian and social media shows several bodies following Israeli shelling in the north-west of Gaza City. A dead boy and his distraught relatives can also be seen. The authenticity of the footage and the reports could not initially be independently verified.

WAFA earlier put the death toll from Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 at at least 58,765, with more than 140,485 injured. The agency cites Palestinian medical sources for its figures.

Israel expands operations in central Gaza

The Israeli army is expanding its operations in the city of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip, according to an earlier statement from an army spokesman, who called on residents to leave the area in a post in Arabic on X on Sunday.

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The Israeli military continues "to operate with intensity to eliminate terrorists and to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the area and is expanding its activities into new areas," the army said in a statement. "For your safety, immediately evacuate southward toward Al-Mawasi."

Al-Mawasi in the southwest of the embattled area was designated by Israel as a "humanitarian zone" earlier in the war. However, the Israeli military has since also attacked there multiple times. The army said targets included facilities of Hamas.

The families of the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza since the October 7 attacks on Israel responded to the army statement with concern and dismay. "Can anyone promise us that this decision will not lead to the loss of our loved ones?" said a statement from the Hostage Families Forum.

The vast majority of Israelis wish for an end to the war and an agreement that would enable the release of the abductees, it said, adding the families of hostages demanded, "Enough!"

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These are the first ground operations in the area since the beginning of the Gaza war, according to The Times of Israel. The military had not previously been deployed there.

The Israeli army avoids ground operations in areas of the Gaza Strip where it suspects hostages may be being held, in order not to endanger the people abducted from Israel, the report said.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Michigans Court of Appeals will allow for a civil case to move forward, stemming from the 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School, according to a report from The Detroit News.

The lawsuit was filed by Steve St. Juliana, the father of Hana St. Juliana, one of four students killed at the Oakland County school.

The suit alleges that Michigan State Police should have done more to prevent the shooting. It references several tips received by MSPs OK2SAY helpline before the shooting happened.

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Families of the Oxford students killed say they are frustrated at the lack of changes to immunity laws, which they say protect the district and its employees from civil responsibility in the massacre.

According to the Detroit News, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessels office says its criminal division is handling the review of the case, noting the separation that department has from representing the state of Michigan and the state police.

Any decisions made in conjunction with our client agencies on this matter will be made independent and separately from the departments review through our criminal team, said Nessels office in a statement to The Detroit News.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
As calm has reportedly been restored in restive Sweida, a stronghold of Syria's Druze minority, allegations have emerged of atrocities perpetrated by warring sides over the past week, reviving grim memories of attacks on the Alawites, another minority, earlier this year.

Sweida in southern Syria has been gripped by week-long fighting between Druze factions and Sunni Muslim Bedouins, leaving hundreds dead in one of the country's bloodiest clashes since the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

After the violence broke out, Syrian government troops intervened, prompting Israel to attack targets in the region and the capital Damascus, citing its duty to protect the Druze.

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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, on Sunday reported massive abuses in Sweida including the summary executions of 197 people, mostly by government forces and allied fighters.

"The atrocities in Sweida included beheadings of the Druze and torching their houses by fighters coming from outside the province," the Observatory's head Rami Abdel-Rahman told dpa.

The UK-based monitor, which relies on a network of reporters inside Syria, has cited videos, pictures and audio clips purportedly documenting abuses by fighters on both sides, and said the actions amount to war crimes. The material could not be independently verified.

In Abdel-Rahman's view, the latest alleged abuses were similar to attacks reported in Syria's coastal region in March against the Alawite minority, a sect to which al-Assad belongs.

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"These atrocities did not differ from the atrocities committed against the Alawite sect. The Druze have weapons, unlike the Alawites," he told dpa.

Abdel-Rahman accused Syria's government-linked media outlets of fuelling sectarian tensions in both cases.

"How did we sink into such brutal violence and humiliation?" wrote Syrian-born journalist Maher Akraa, who lives in Switzerland and researches online hate speech.

"Why this barbaric killing, maiming, and insulting of our humanity?" Akraa said, calling the massacres against Druze and Bedouin families "truly horrifying."

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Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed protection for all minorities in the ethnically and religiously diverse country, which is trying to rebuild following more than a decade of civil war.

In the wake of the upheaval in the coastal region, the Syrian government tasked a commission with investigating the violence there.

The Syrian presidency on Sunday said al-Sharaa had received the commission's final report, but the findings have yet to be made public.

The latest violence comes as Syrians are still reeling from the atrocities experienced during the decades-long rule of the al-Assad family, including mass killings and torture.

Bedouin and tribal fighters gather in the city of As-Suwayda, as smoke rises from burning houses amid clashes between tribal fighters and local Druze factions in southern Syria. Fear and shock grip the province following the escalation of isolated clashes into one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence the region has seen in years. Moawia Atrash/dpa

Bedouin and tribal fighters gather in the city of As-Suwayda, as smoke rises from burning houses amid clashes between tribal fighters and local Druze factions in southern Syria. Fear and shock grip the province following the escalation of isolated clashes into one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence the region has seen in years. Moawia Atrash/dpa
The situation in the city of Sweida is reportedly under control after days of deadly violence between Druze factions and Sunni Muslim Bedouins, according to the state-run Syrian news agency SANA, citing the Interior Ministry.

The Druze-majority city had been cleared of all tribal fighters and clashes in the neighbourhoods had ended, it said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said there was a cautious calm.

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.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded the fighting "stop immediately," in a post on X, and called for the rape and slaughter of innocent people to end.

Nearly 1,000 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 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.

After the violence broke out, Syrian government troops intervened.

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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.

The situation remains fragile in Syria under the new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power after the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad six months ago.

While the new administration has promised to restore stability, ethnic clashes, militia violence, and terrorist attacks continue to plague the country.
A juvenile has been apprehended by Pattapur Police in Odisha's Ganjam district in connection with the rape of a minor girl, police said on Saturday. According to Ganjam Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Ranjit Kumar Prusty, the case was registered on July 17. The victim was rescued and sent for a medical examination. Her statement has also been recorded. Speaking to ANI, Prusty said, "A rape case was registered at Pattapur Police Station on 17th July and soon after registration of the case, Police investigated into the matter, rescued the victim who is a minor, sent her for medical examination, produced before the Magistrate, recorded her statement and the so-called juvenile accused has also been apprehended by the Pattapur Police. After all formalities, the juvenile CCL (Child in Conflict with Law) will be produced before the judges today. All formalities have been done." Further information on the case is still awaited. In a separate incident, a 16-year-old girl was set on fire by unidentified miscreants under Balanda Police Station in the Nimapada block of Puri district. The minor girl, who suffered severe burn injuries, has been shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneshwar for treatment. Speaking with ANI, Puri District Magistrate Chanchal Rana said, "We received information about an unfortunate incident under Balanda PS in Nimapada block, where a 16-year-old girl was set ablaze. She has suffered burn injuries. We contacted AIIMS and trauma and emergency care arrangements have been made." 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. (ANI)
Progressive left and postliberal right intellectuals converge in teaching scorn for Americas founding principles. Attacking from different angles, both camps employ grossly flawed arguments to justify the repudiation of the U.S. Declaration of Independences ringing affirmation 249 years ago of the unalienable rights that human beings share. Captive to the taste for the gaudy and the melodramatic nurtured by American higher education, both camps want to revalue traditional values, change the world rather than understand it, and replace historys complexities with simplistic grand narratives of good and evil. At the same time, their wild exaggerations, contrived charges, and enthusiastic followings provide an occasion to restate Americas founding principles, recognize their pertinence to the enduring challenges of free and democratic self-government, and rebuild civic education around them.

The 1619 Project prominently set forth a version of the progressive lefts signature opinion that systemic racism disfigures America. Published in the summer of 2019 as a special issue of The New York Times Magazine, the collection of essays undertook to correct the record about Americas founding.

Led by Nikole Hannah-Jones, who won a Pulitzer Prize for her contribution, 1619 Project essayists argued that the United States was not truly founded in July 1776 when the Declaration of Independence proclaimed, "these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States." Rather, America came into being in 1619 when 20 enslaved Africans arrived in the fledgling British territory of Virginia.

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Abolished in 1865 by the 13th Amendment, the evil institution of slavery was always a grotesque affront to the equality in unalienable rights affirmed by the Declaration. Nevertheless, according to the 1619 Project, slavery forms the deepest substratum of American existence, has touched every aspect of the United States, and remains the defining fact of the nations life. In the 1619 Projects telling, the Declaration of Independences self-evident truths about individual rights and the consent of the governed were always so much window-dressing designed to distract from and thereby perpetuate slavery. Yet it seems lost on 1619 Project producers, distributors, and consumers that despite the resentments and distrust that currently wrack the nation, the United States remains by most any objective measure the freest, most tolerant, and most prosperous multi-religious, multi-racial, and multi-ethnic great power in history.

Approaching matters from the opposite side of the political spectrum but with similar vehemence, "Why Liberalism Failed," a 2017 volume by University of Notre Dame political science professor Patrick Deneen, elaborates the postliberal rights characteristic view that freedom in America has produced a systemically corrupt and decadent society. The chief villain, according to Deneen, is John Locke. But to convict Locke of subverting Western civilization in general and America in particular, Deneen reduces the 17th-century British thinker, and indeed the entirety of the modern tradition of freedom, to a tendentious reading of a few lines from the opening pages of his 1689 classic, "The Second Treatise of Government."

Lockes great sin, in Deneens account, involves giving authoritative expression to the proposition - central to the Declaration and a cornerstone of American constitutional government - that human beings are by nature free and equal. The proper political expression of this equality in freedom, maintains Locke, consists in liberty under settled laws enacted, enforced, and adjudicated within a constitutional order to which one has consented.

Deneen, however, attributes a dark secret teaching to Locke, according to which Lockean freedom entails emancipation from the imperatives of virtue, duty, and natures and Gods law. For Deneen, Lockean freedom, and therefore American freedom from the beginning and in its essence, gives rise to an incoherent and inhuman demand for the chimera of absolute freedom. Deneen does not allow his polemic to be sidetracked by such core components ofLockes thinking as his insistence on the duty to honor Gods authority, his distinction between liberty and license, and his 1693 book, "Some Thoughts Concerning Education," which deals with the virtues and how parents should foster them.

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In Americas universities, many students will encounter the progressive lefts and postliberal rights vilification of Americas founding principles instead of receiving a proper introduction to the case for the Declaration and the Constitution. For such students and indeed for citizens whose instincts, sentiments, and experience tell them that Americas founding principles sustain the nation, Vincent Phillip Munoz provides an excellent tonic in "The American Revolutions of 1776," which appears in the summer issue of National Affairs.

A professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame (like Deneen), Munoz tactfully understates matters in observing that "As Americas 250th anniversary approaches, not everyone is eager to celebrate the Declaration of Independence and the political revolution it sparked." His essay, a version of which will appear in the American EnterpriseInstitutes forthcoming volume "Religion and the American Revolution" - part of AEIs "America at 250" initiative (I contributed to an earlier volume in the series) - briskly lays out three revolutionary achievements of 1776. These achievements deserve our gratitude, warrant celebration, and suffer suppression by or exclusion from university curricula. All three champion unalienable or natural rights and the limited government that secures them.

The first revolution of 1776 affirmed that just government is grounded in the consent of the governed. Without questioning Gods authority, the American view broke with the then-prevalent notion that legitimate political authority derives from divine right. And without challenging the classical premise that citizens should govern and be governed in accordance with human nature, Americas founders rejected the classical idea that wisdom or moral virtue provides decisive title to rule.

Americas founders held that while human beings are not equal in all respects and not free in all ways, we are born equal in rights and therefore neither masters over nor subordinate to others. Each has equal right to govern himself or herself, but no one has the right to govern another. One crucial exercise of the right to govern oneself consists in consenting to the exercise of political authority. In practice, that means that each has an obligation to obey only those laws - the disagreeable as well as the agreeable - that issue from established constitutional processes to which he or she has consented. Consent can be given expressly, as in the formal ceremonies by which immigrants officially acquire citizenship, or tacitly, as in the manner of the native-born who acquire the obligation to obey the laws through living under them and enjoying their benefits.

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The second revolution of 1776 taught that governments primary purpose is to secure natural or unalienable rights. Americas founders parted ways with the traditional view that governments purpose was to perfect or save souls, but the parting was not driven by indifference or hostility to higher concerns. Rather, the founders proceeded from the conviction that care of the soul was the proper responsibility of individuals, families, and religious institutions.

Securing rights did not preclude government from assuming additional responsibilities, provided that they were consistent with the equal rights of all, to advance the common good. "Unlike influential progressive thinkers such as Herbert Croly and political leaders such as Franklin Roosevelt, the founders did not hold that a fundamental purpose of government is to provide directly for the peoples material needs or to ameliorate all unfortunate circumstances," Munoz writes. "They instead understood the role of government as securing the conditions, including the economic conditions, that would allow Americans to be responsible - to employ their natural rights to provide for themselves, their families, and those under their care."

The third revolution of 1776 maintained that religious liberty, the right of individuals to worship in accordance with conscience, was an essential right. Far from expressing or implying antipathy to religion, limiting governments authority over religious belief and practice stemmed from a determination to protect faith. Prohibiting government from establishing religion or impairing its free exercise reflected the belief that true religion could not be dictated by civil law because it was grounded in conscience and choice. Another reason to restrict political control over religion was the distinct tendency of government officials to lack competence in interpreting scripture and managing religious teaching and observance.

From the founders perspective, moreover, the spirit of liberty and the spirit of religion were not political antagonists but rather political allies. In their view, since human beings are by nature free and equal and endowed with reason, only faith practiced in accordance with conscience could be pleasing to God. And because the numerous Christian denominations at the founding affirmed that every human being is precious in Gods eyes and that power must be divided between church and state, religion in America bolstered the nations natural rights principles.

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These three revolutionary achievements of 1776 - grounding just government in citizens consent, focusing government on securing rights, and protecting religious liberty out of respect for faith - deserve to be widely heralded in next years celebrations of the Declaration of Independences 250th anniversary. And study of their origins, integration into American constitutional government, and implications for todays challenges should promptly be placed at the center of civic education in America.

Peter Berkowitz is the Tad and Dianne Taube senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. From 2019 to 2021, he served as director of the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. State Department. His writings are posted at PeterBerkowitz.com and he can be followed on X @BerkowitzPeter.
Chemical manufacturer Chemours is looking to make a big expansion in North Carolina, and, according to E&E News, many residents are unhappy about it.

What's happening?

Chemours has tabled plans to double the production of a facility in Fayetteville. The factory makes a wide variety of products, including Teflon.

While better known for its application on non-stick pans, Teflon is also a vital cooling component to semiconductors. The increasing demand for artificial intelligence services in recent years has subsequently increased the demand for semiconductors and large-scale computing infrastructure, E&E News reported. Keeping these systems thermally efficient is important to lower energy usage in data centers, which already require significant ventilation.

Why is chemical production important?

The production of chemicals by Chemours requires the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These persistent "forever chemicals" have found their way into local waterways and into the water supplies of residents, with some studies showing PFAS to also be emitted via air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, links have been found between exposure to PFAS and incidents of cancer, decreases in fertility, asthma, and thyroid disease.

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The daughter of one Fayetteville resident lived 80 miles southeast of the Chemours plant. She now has severe neurological issues that prevent her from living a normal life. According to E&E News, many groups in Fayetteville have campaigned against the planned Chemours expansion.

"We think it's a terrible idea, despite Chemours' claims that it needs to expand operations for additional demand for semiconductors and other technology applications," said Kelly Moser, a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, per E&E News.

What's being done about PFAS?

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is still reviewing Chemours' application and has requested more specific details on its PFAS use.

Chemours has faced opposition on many fronts regarding its use of PFAS, even spawning a movie about its problem in West Virginia. Alongside its old parent company, DuPont, Chemours has contributed to a PFAS lawsuit settlement of over $1 billion.

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Continuing production of energy-saving materials while avoiding all contamination remains a distant goal.

"It's certainly possible to be much cleaner, but it's nothing you can control 100 percent," said Rainer Lohmann, an oceanography professor at the University of Rhode Island, per E&E News. "You can understand why a community that's been exposed for decades is reluctant to see them ramp up production."

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The dust that settled on Nashville in the early hours of Christmas morning wasnt the kind youd expect.

Usually, there might be a dusting of snow. But this was the end of 2020, a year like none other, plagued by a global pandemic and disasters like the devastating string of tornadoes that killed 25 Tennesseans in March.

The year went out with a bang.

At 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2020, a massive explosion warped Christmas Day from a celebration into chaos  before many Nashvillians were even awake.

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The result was a jarring scene on Second Avenue, less like a historic downtown thoroughfare and more akin to the middle of a war zone, as Nashville Police Chief John Drake described it at the time. Initial estimates said about 41 buildings on and near Second Avenue were damaged, and confusion spiraled as residents and business owners tried to make sense of it all.

This was the aftermath of the downtown Nashville bombing engineered by an Antioch man authorities said killed himself while detonating a bomb inside his RV, parked outside an AT&T switch facility.

Preceding the bombing, a chilling recording played a 15-minute countdown, alternating between warning residents to evacuate the area of the impending explosion and playing the 1964 song Downtown by Petula Clark.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, following the bombing, said evidence indicated that the 63-year-old bomber intended to cause more destruction than death. He was successful in that pursuit  he killed only himself and injured eight others, but he caused serious damage to dozens of buildings in the area surrounding the blast.

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That may be best illustrated by the recovery effort, which hasnt stopped for more than four years. But now, the end's finally in sight. Theres just one block left to reopen on the historic street  the one between Commerce and Church streets, at the heart of the devastating blast. By the end of 2025, its supposed to be restored.

Once it is, the reminders of a painful day will likely still linger. But, at the very least, the buildings that line Second Avenue, newly restored, will no longer be one of them.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Christmas Day bombing devastated Nashville's Second Avenue in 2020
Fresno County raw milk dairy farmer Mark McAfee is feeling let down by one of his best known and loyal customers, Robert Kennedy Jr., secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

McAfee was anticipating that once Kennedy was selected as the new HHS secretary he would work toward making raw milk available to all consumers in the United States.

That could still happen, just not in the immediate future. And not soon enough for McAfee, who has been preparing to help the FDA create new policies and practices.

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McAfee, founder of Raw Farm, one of the leading raw milk dairies in the U.S., said a member of Kennedys staff reached out to him in January, urging him to apply for a possible role in reshaping raw milk regulations.

He submitted several proposals that Kennedy requested, but when McAfee asked recently to meet with top FDA officials, he was told to hold off.

Thank you, Mr. McAfee, for reaching out and for your interest in furthering the agencys mission to protect public health, wrote Donald A. Prater, DVM, principal deputy director of the Human Foods Program at the FDA in a letter McAfee. Given our need to balance agency priorities, the Human Foods Program respectfully declines your request for a meeting at this time, though we remain open to dialogue with the raw milk industry.

When asked about HHSs plans for raw milk, a spokesperson replied: Secretary Kennedy supports informed choice and full transparency in food policy, affirming that Americans have the right to decide what they consume. HHS remains committed to ensuring that all regulatory decisions are grounded in gold-standard science.

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McAffee is frustrated that federal officials rejected his request for a meeting.

Its disappointing, it really is and not just for me but for a whole lot of customers its disappointing to them too, McAffee said.  Raw milk is not a priority on the current agenda.

McAfee said what stings the most is that raw milk drinkers were part of the Make America Healthy Again movement that helped push Kennedys nomination through Congress. They believed he would change the rules on raw milk.

And now they are not even going to meet with you or talk to you, McAfee said. Thats a bait and switch and that is really quite sad.

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Raw milk supporters, like Kaycee VanderMeulen of Madera, share McAfees frustration.

VanderMeulen credits raw milk with helping correct several autoimmune diseases and said its a shame it isnt available to anyone who wants it.

I think it is insanity that raw milk is not available on grocery stores shelves everywhere, she said. You look at the amount of toxic, processed foods in the stores and they have a hard stop on raw milk. That doesnt make sense.

Despite its popularity, raw milk is still considered by most scientists and health experts as unsafe to drink.

Currently, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two agencies under the domain of HHS, warn consumers that raw milk is not pasteurized and could contain dangerous pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, that could cause severe illnesses.

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Still, Kennedy is among those who believes drinking raw milk is healthier than pasteurized milk. To show his support, he celebrated the release of his Make America Health Again report in May with raw milk shooters at the White House.

To hardliners like McAfee, the move was more symbolic than anything.

We are all disappointed that RFK is just a consumer of raw milk and not the warrior and advocate that he said he was, McAfee said.
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD)  Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) brought his benefits over billionaires tour to the Lowcountry this weekend, hoping to mobilize southern voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Khanna, who represents Californias 17th congressional district, has been crisscrossing the country over the past several months, speaking to voters in Republican-held districts he views as key to winning back the U.S. House next November.

The first stop on his two-day swing through South Carolina was a Goose Creek town hall with Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Illinois) and State Rep. JA Moore (D-North Charleston), an event advertised as an opportunity for attendees to hear from those directly hurt by Trumps mass firings and the cuts to Medicaid and benefits included in the GOPs sweeping domestic policy bill.

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The so-called One Big, Beautiful bill, signed into law earlier this month, makes changes that will whittle away at enrollment through federal health care programs like Medicaid and Obamacare over a decade in order to wrest nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Childrens Health Insurance Program.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that more than 11 million Americans risk losing their health insurance over the next several years due to new work requirements and budget cuts implemented under the bill.

Here in South Carolina, what that is going to do is take away $15 billion [for Medicaid], Moore said. Over a million South Carolinians  thats 20% of us  rely on that for our healthcare.

Thats not no beautiful deal, he added, using an expletive repeatedly to demonstrate his deep frustration. This aint no game. People will die. Rural hospitals will close because of this.

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There was also a focus on the economy. Khanna, a progressive who co-chaired Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) 2020 presidential campaign, laid out a vision for what he dubbed a new economic patriotism focused on job creation, lowering costs, and ending dumb wars.

Thats what [the Democratic Party] stands for, he said. It stands for rebalancing an economy thats out of whack, thats allowed wealth to pile up in a few places, and left too many people out of economic dignity.

But as the two-hour conversation inside Goose Creek High Schools auditorium carried on, the more than 100 people in attendance began to voice frustration not only about the actions of the Trump administration but also about what they saw as an inability  or reluctance  on the part of Democrats to stop it.

At what point do we stop playing by the same rules? When do we start taking advantage of those loopholes that exist? one man wearing a Harris-Walz t-shirt asked. Not playing dirty, but accepting that the rules are different.

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Khanna responded by saying that the party needs to fight, but smartly, calling for Senate Democrats to change the cloture rules  a process used to end a filibuster and limit debate on a bill  if they regain control of the chamber.

We left too much on the table last time because we had the filibuster, we had the Senate cloture rule, we had a number of senators who were holding up the entire Democratic Partys agenda, he said. That cannot happen.

He also said Democrats should spend less time on trying to change peoples attitudes on Trump himself and focus more on making inroads with his base.

As an example, Khanna pointed to a discharge petition he launched with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) to force a House vote on releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

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Trump is desperately trying to turn the page on a crisis that has consumed his administration since the Justice Department announced last week that it would not release any more evidence about the sex trafficking investigation into Epstein, who killed himself behind bars while awaiting trial in 2019.

The reversal sparked fury among Trumps most loyal defenders, who have turned on Bondi, in particular. But Trump has repeatedly said he maintains confidence in his attorney general and has instead chided those who continue to press the issue.

This is the first time in 10 yearsthat his base is cracking, Khanna said, noting that several Republicans, including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, have signed on to his petition.

We win and fight not by yelling, he continued. We win and fight by breaking his base and building a majority because the ultimate goal is to win that power on behalf of the people.

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Democrats have been going on the offensive in hopes of growing that majority, but have struggled to build a cohesive message and win back the trust of voters after a disappointing performance last November. A Quinnipiac poll released July 16 found that just 19% of respondents approved of the way congressional Democrats are handling their job.

Saturdays event took place in Berkeley County, a county represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R), where Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris by 16 points in the 2024 election.

Venturing into red-leaning territory is part of Khannas strategy to show up where he says Republicans arent. House GOP leaders urged Republican lawmakers months ago to avoid in-person town halls after several heated exchanges with constituents went viral online.

He and Jackson invited Mace to attend this weekends town hall and explain [her] vote on the GOP megabill after she challenged California Gov. Gavin Newsom to a debate during his visit to the state in early July.

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If they voted for it, they ought to stand up before you and tell you whats coming, Jackson said. News 2 has reached out to Rep. Maces office for comment but has not heard back.

Khanna and Jackson are the latest national Democrats to appear in the Palmetto State, which has an early slot on the presidential nominating calendar. The state was the first meaningful Democratic contest in the 2024 presidential race and often tests how well a candidates message resonates with Black voters, who make up the majority of the states Democratic electorate.

The pair is also scheduled to participate in an event with Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) at South Carolina State University on Saturday evening, before heading to Columbia on Sunday for an NAACP meeting.

Another town hall  this time in Rep. Williams Timmons (R) district in Greenville  will bookend their swing.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. (KSNW)  The lights, the dust, and the roar of the crowd are back in Pretty Prairie this week, as the community hosts the 2025 Pretty Prairie Rodeo. KSN News photojournalist James Heier captured some of the sights and sounds of the largest night rodeo in Kansas.

Now in its 89th year, the four-night event attracts thousands of spectators and competitors from across the country and around the world. It features traditional rodeo events like barrel racing, bull riding, and team roping, alongside carnival-style attractions, food vendors, inflatables, and nightly dances after the arena events wrap up.

The event is a major point of pride for the community, with proceeds supporting a wide range of local causes  including scholarships for high school seniors and funding for the food bank, 4-H club, EMS, scout troops, and more.

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Gates open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and the rodeo kicks off at 8 p.m. on this years final night.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the visa of the Brazilian Supreme Court judge who oversaw the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, an ally of President Donald Trump.

Trump has come to the defense of Bolsonaro, who is on trial for his role in an alleged attempted coup to overturn Brazils 2022 election. Drawing parallels with his own trial in the Stormy Daniels hush money case, in which Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts, Trump has called Bolsonaros prosecution unjust.

I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you, Trump wrote in a letter to Bolsonaro. This should end immediately!

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In addition to revoking Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes visa, Rubio also targeted Moraes allies on the court, as well as their immediate family members effective immediately.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has called his trial a witch hunt. / MATEUS BONOMI / Mateus Bonomi/AFP via Getty Images

@POTUS made clear that his administration will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States, Rubio wrote on X.

The announcement came shortly after Brazilian authorities raided Bolsonaros home, fitted him with an ankle monitor, and prohibited him from contacting foreign officials.

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, Rubio added.

Trump hosted Bolsonaro at his Mar-a-Lago resort when both were in power in 2020. / JIM WATSON / Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

During the trial, Bolsonaro is also barred from using social media or contacting other individuals under investigationincluding his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian lawmaker who lives in the U.S. and has close ties with Trump.

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The prosecutor in the trial, General Paulo Gonet, said that Bolsonaro acted systematically, throughout his mandate and after his defeat at the polls, to incite insurrection and the destabilization of the democratic rule of law.

Bolsonaro, however, has called the trial a witch hunt, which Trump and other administration officials have echoed.

Along with the visa revocation, Trump has heightened pressure on anti-Bolsonaro Brazilian officials by threatening to hit the country with a 50 percent tariff.

Brazilian authorities have raided Bolsonaros home, fitted him with an ankle monitor, and prohibited him from contacting foreign officials. / Arthur Menescal / Arthur Menescal/Getty Images

Trump hosted Bolsonaro at his Mar-a-Lago resort in 2020.

I feel supreme humiliation, Bolsonaro, who is prohibited from seeking office until 2030, told Reuters. I am 70 years old. I was president of the republic for four years.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly revoked the visa of a Brazilian Supreme Court judge who oversaw the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro  a man who President Donald Trump views as an ally.

Bolsonaro is currently facing trial for his involvement in an alleged attempted coup to steal Brazil's 2022 election. Trump has likened the former president's attempted coup trial to his own Stormy Daniels hush-money trial, and called Bolsonaro's prosecution "unjust," according to the Daily Beast.

I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you, Trump wrote in a letter he sent to Bolsonaro. This should end immediately!

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This week, Rubio revoked the visa for Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. He also targeted the judge's allies in the court and their family members, revoking their visas "effective immediately."

Rubio justified the move in a post on social media, accusing those targeted of censoring "protected expression."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the visas of a Brazilian judge and his family in response to the Brazilian prosecution of President Donald Trumps ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (AFP via Getty Images)

@POTUS made clear that his administration will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States, Rubio wrote on social media.

Trump and his social media company, The Trump Media & Technology Group, sued de Moraes in February, accusing him of censoring conservatives on social media.

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Rubio's announcement came shortly after authorities in Brazil raided Bolsonaro's house and outfitted him with an ankle monitor. He has also been banned from contacting foreign officials.

Rubio made clear his actions were in response to Brazil's moves to hold Bolsonaro accountable.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the visas of a Brazilian judge and his family in response to the Brazilian prosecution of President Donald Trumps ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (REUTERS)

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, Rubio said.

Bolsonaro himself has echoed Trump's favorite line when defending himself; he called his trial a "witch hunt."

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Trump has gone so far as to threaten anti-Bolsonaro Brazilians by threatening to levy a 50 percent tariff against the nation.

Brazil's president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva  a leftist who defeated Bolsonaro in 2022  condemned the Trump administration's targeting of Brazilian judges.

"My solidarity and support to the ministers of the Supreme Federal Court affected by yet another arbitrary and completely baseless measure by the United States government," the Brazilian president wrote in a translated social media post.

He further condemned the "interference by one country in another's justice system" as "unacceptable" and in violation of "the basic principles of respect and sovereignty between nations."
The State Department will scale back its assessments of elections in foreign countries, only chiming in publicly when there is a clear and compelling foreign policy interest, according to a new directive sent to U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.

The Thursday directive indicates that when weighing in on an election, U.S. officials messages should be short, congratulatory toward the winner and, when appropriate, mention shared foreign policy interests.

Consistent with the administrations emphasis on national sovereignty, the Department will comment publicly on elections only when there is a clear and compelling U.S. foreign policy interest to do so, a State Department spokesperson told The Hill in an emailed statement.

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President Trump clearly articulated his vision of an America First foreign policy in his Riyadh speech on May 13. The President praised the progress that comes from sovereign countries, pursuing [their] own unique visions, and charting [their] own unique destinies in [their] own way, the spokesperson added, referring to the presidents speech during his first stop on his Middle East swing.

The State Department has remarked on elections worldwide for decades, at times admonishing elections held in authoritarian regimes that the U.S. has deemed unfair or rigged.

When it is appropriate to comment on a foreign election, our message should be brief, focused on congratulating the winning candidate, and, when appropriate, noting shared foreign policy interests, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in the internal cable, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The State Department has also celebrated foreign elections deemed free and fair, as it did in late May when its Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs congratulated Suriname in late May for holding free and fair elections.

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The United States supported the electoral process by sending trained monitors from @USEmbassyParbo. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and advancing shared democratic values, the bureau said in a post on social platform X.

Last week, Rubio congratulated Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on her election as president of Suriname.

Suriname and the United States have a strong and growing partnership built on shared democratic values and a mutual dedication to regional stability and prosperity, Rubio said in a statement after the call.

The last time the State Department was sharply critical of a foreign election was three days before Trump was sworn into the Oval Office, when the U.S. Embassy in Belarus hammered the countrys President Alexander Lukashenko ahead of elections Jan. 26.

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The Lukashenka regimes systematic efforts to silence any dissent have determined the outcome of the election long before any ballots are cast, depriving the Belarusian people of the opportunity to choose their own leaders and determine their own future, the embassy said about the election, which was also denounced by European countries.

Lukashenko won with more than 86 percent of the vote, according to the countrys election commission.

Rubio was at times outspoken about foreign elections during his time in the Senate.

After Nicolas Maduro won a widely criticized election in Venezuela in July 2024, Rubio blasted the Biden administrations policy toward the country.

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Biden & Harris broadly eased Trump sanctions on Maduro regime as part of a deal for elections in #Venezuela, he wrote at the time, referencing former President Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Today was that election and it was a complete fraud, he added. The latest example of how our enemies have suckered Biden and Harris repeatedly over the last four years.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Odisha's Kalahandi, Malvika Devi, expressed hope for a productive Monsoon Session of Parliament, stating that elected representatives are eager to fulfil their responsibilities. Speaking to ANI upon her arrival in the national capital, Malvika Devi said, "Parliament session starts on Monday, 21 July and will go on till 21 August. We hope it goes well and we all work for which we have been elected and sent here...". Ahead of the session, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju is scheduled to chair an all-party meeting with floor leaders from both Houses of Parliament. The meeting will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday in the Main Committee Room of the Parliament House Annexe, followed by a media briefing. Meanwhile, leaders from various political parties have begun arriving in Delhi. Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan reached the capital on Saturday in preparation for the session. A virtual meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties was held, attended by leaders and representatives of the INDIA alliance. In the meeting, twenty-four members of the (INDIA) agreed on various key issues to be raised during the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning Monday, including the Pahalgam terror attack and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Briefing reporters on the meeting, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said, "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." "Apart from all this, we will also seek answers on many other important issues, including the Ahmedabad plane accident," he added. In preparation for the session, a joint mock drill involving the National Security Guard (NSG), Delhi Fire Service, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Delhi Police was conducted on Friday inside Parliament premises. Visuals from the site showed security forces and emergency services vehicles deployed around the complex. Commenting on the political climate ahead of the session, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on foreign policy. "...The way Rahul Gandhi tries to mislead people on foreign policy by speaking the language of Pakistan harms the country. We will suggest to him that as the leader of the opposition, he should not say anything against the country...". The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to commence on July 21 and will conclude on August 21. (ANI)
Attempts to improve healthcare and emergency transportation issues continue in the southern part of Ashtabula County.

One of the cornerstone issues facing residents of the southern part of the county, especially in the Andover area, escalated in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

An emergency room, operated by University Hospitals, was closed, creating a major problem for area villages and townships. What used to be a 30 minute trip to and from the emergency room have often turned into a more than an hour adventure to Middlefield, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Meadville or Youngstown.

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At the time, local government representatives attempted to work out compromises to ensure emergency transport is available when needed. Levies were escalated in some townships and villages, but meeting the need has been difficult.

Conversations continue on finding the best situation to make sure ambulance service is available when needed, Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said.

Ever since Andover closed, weve been [looking for solutions],  he said.

Kozlowski said those in the healthcare industry said the most likely step towards assisting the southeastern part of the county would be a rural health care center.

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What that would look like is part of the puzzle government leaders are trying to put together with those in the health care industry. He said he thinks a rural facility would hopefully include some testing options as well as doctors on-site at least several days a week.

Kozlowski said he considers healthcare an economic development issue.

I think healthcare is important, he said of people who might want to move into the area.

He said there have been creative discussions and negotiations to try and figure out the best model for bringing more healthcare to the area.

Presently, a rural healthcare center in Middlefield is being organized, and could be a model for Ashtabula County, Kozlowski said.

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The creation of a medical care hub at the Northeastern Ohio Regional Airport in Denmark Township is also under negotiation, and would include an ambulance that acts almost like a mobile emergency room and a helicopter to help serve the medical needs of those in the southern part of the county.

Communities are going to have to come together, Commissioner J.P. Ducro said. He said communities will likely have to raise their levy millage and bind together to insure adequate coverage for rural areas.
Russia aims to be able to launch 2,000 drones towards Ukraine simultaneously, German Major General Christian Freuding said in an interview published on July 19.

The staggering figure described by Freuding, who heads the Ukraine task force at the German Defense Ministry, comes as Russia continues to expand its drone production.

Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) told Politico in June that the Kremlin plans to produce 2 million first-person-view (FPV) drones and 30,000 long-range and decoy drones in 2025, marking a critical expansion of Moscow's drone warfare program.

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Between Sept. 13, 2022, and Aug. 30, 2023, Russian forces fired nearly 2,000 Shaheds into Ukraine, according to Airwars, a London-based conflict monitoring organization. That number has surged in 2025  in June alone, Moscow launched a record 5,337 Shahed-type drones.

Freuding's comments come as Russia has continued to ramp up its Iranian-designed Shahed drone attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including strikes on Ukraine's far-western regions. On July 9, Russia launched a record 728 Shahed-type drones and decoys across the country.

Russian drones launched against Ukraine May-2024  June 2025 (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, the commander of Ukraines Unmanned Systems Forces warned on July 4 that Russian Shahed drone strikes could escalate to 1,000 per day.

Amid the increased risk of intensified Russian attacks, Freuding told the Bundeswehr podcast Nachgefragt, that Ukraine can indirectly counter anticipated drones attacks by targeting production sites with long-range missiles.

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Ukraine regularly strikes military production facilities on Russian territory, but has called upon Western allies to supply more long-range weaponry for added capabilities.

Freuding announced earlier this month that Ukraine will begin receiving hundreds of domestically produced long-range weapon systems by the end of July under a German-financed agreement. The announcement came ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's agreement with NATO to supply additional weapons to Ukraine.

Read also: This is what Ukraine could do with US Tomahawk missiles

Amid Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities, Ukraine's military appears to have intensified its own efforts in targeting Russia's capital. Ukraine's military has targeted Moscow for four straight nights, with fires breaking out in Moscow Oblast on July 20 amid the attacks.

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In an effort to counter Russia's increasing drone production, Ukraine has also increased production of its own drones Ukraine's, using them heavily in attacks on various Russian regions as well as on the front line.

Then-Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said at a June 26 press briefing that Kyiv currently has the capacity to produce 4 million drones a year. President Volodymyr Zelensky also said that Kyiv has the capacity 8 million drones annually, but lacks the international financial backing to reach that potential.

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Two people have been injured in Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Sunday 20 July.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "There was a loud explosion in the Pavlohrad district in the afternoon. The Russians fired a missile there. A fire broke out but has already been extinguished.

The Nikopol district also came under attack throughout the day. The Russians used drones, artillery and Grad multiple-launch rocket systems. The cities and towns of Nikopol, Pokrovsk, Marhanets and Myrove hromadas were affected. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

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Two people were injured  a 39-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman. They are being treated on an outpatient basis."

Details: Russian forces also attacked Synelnykove, Novopavlivka, Velykomykhailivka, Mezhova and Hrushivka hromadas.

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Russian forces have attacked the city centre of Sumy in broad daylight, dropping munitions from a drone on a park near an educational institution. Two people have been injured.

Source: National Police of Ukraine

Details: Two local residents have been injured in the attack, including a seven-year-old child. Both have sustained bodily injuries and are experiencing acute stress reactions.

The aftermath of the attack.

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Photo: National Police of Ukraine

The strike also damaged civilian infrastructure, houses and vehicles.

The aftermath of the attack.

Photo: National Police of Ukraine

Background: On 16 July, the Russians carried out drone attacks on the city of Sumy and Sumy Oblast.

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July 20 (UPI) -- Russia faced a penetrating barrage of drones from Ukraine over the weekend that caused Moscow airports to close amid the intensifying war.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a series of statements that between 7:45 a.m. local time on July 19 and 5:40 p.m. on July 20, its air defense systems reportedly shot down at least 272 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones across more than a dozen regions.

The Bryansk region saw the heaviest concentration of drone activity, with 108 destroyed across eight separate reporting intervals. Kaluga followed with 55 intercepted drones, and Moscow region accounted for 46, including dozens reportedly flying toward the capital.

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Russian officials said drones were also intercepted over Tula, Kursk, Oryol, Smolensk, Belgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Tver, Ryazan, and Crimea.

The most intense barrage occurred overnight, when 93 drones were downed between 11:30 p.m. and 7 a.m., including 16 reported to be heading for Moscow. The sustained and geographically dispersed attacks marked one of the highest-volume drone operations reported by Russian authorities to date.

The drone strikes caused all four of Moscow's major airports to close and reopen about ten times in a 24-hour period from Saturday into Sunday, according to a statement from Russia's Association of Tour Operators, a nonprofit travel industry group. The airport in Kaluga remained mostly closed for 14 hours.

The nonprofit, citing data from the airports, said that the closures led to 140 cancelled flights to and from the airports, particularly at Sheremetyevo International Airport - the busiest in Russia.

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The drone strikes and airport closures come after Ukraine launched more than 500 drones toward Russia in a 24-hour period, leaving at least 60,000 passengers stranded.

In other parts of the war, Russia's Defense Ministry also claimed its forces made tactical advances across multiple fronts in Ukraine, including in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, as part of its ongoing "special military operation."

Russian officials said troops from its North, West, South, Center, East and Dnipro groupings inflicted heavy losses on Ukrainian brigades and destroyed key infrastructure and depots.

According to the ministry, Russian units captured the village of Belaya Gora in Donetsk and targeted Ukrainian positions with airstrikes, artillery and drones in 148 areas.

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Moscow said Ukrainian forces lost more than 1,200 personnel, along with dozens of armored vehicles, artillery systems -- including U.S.-made Paladins -- and several electronic warfare stations.

The air campaign coincides with an intensifying intelligence war between the two countries. Ukraine said earlier this month it killed two Russian agents accused of assassinating a Ukrainian colonel in Kyiv. Russia, in turn, claimed it had detained several Ukrainian operatives and prevented sabotage attacks.
Russia is open to peace with Ukraine, but achieving its goals remains a priority, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Sunday, days after U.S. President Donald Trump gave Moscow a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face tougher sanctions.

Peskov and other Russian officials have repeatedly rejected accusations from Kyiv and its Western partners of stalling peace talks. Meanwhile, Moscow continues to intensify its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities, launching more drones in a single night than it did during some entire months in 2024, and analysts say the barrages are likely to escalate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy, Peskov told state television in an interview.

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The main thing for us is to achieve our goals," he said. Our goals are clear.

The Kremlin has insisted that any peace deal should see Ukraine withdraw from the four regions that Russia illegally annexed in September 2022, but never fully captured. It 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.

In his nightly address on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his officials have proposed a new round of peace talks this week. Russian state media on Sunday reported that no date has yet been set for the negotiations, but said that Istanbul would likely remain the host city.

Truce or sanctions

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Trump threatened Russia on July 14 with steep tariffs and announced a rejuvenated pipeline for American weapons to reach Ukraine, hardening his stance toward Moscow after months of frustration following unsuccessful negotiations aimed at ending the war. The direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul resulted in several rounds of prisoner exchanges but little else.

The U.S. president said that he would implement severe tariffs unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days. He provided few details on how they would be implemented, but suggested they would target Russias trading partners in an effort to isolate Moscow in the global economy.

In addition, Trump said that European allies would buy billions and billions of dollars of U.S. military equipment to be transferred to Ukraine, replenishing the besieged countrys supplies of weapons. Included in the plan are Patriot air defense systems, a top priority for Ukraine as it fends off Russian drones and missiles.

Doubts were recently raised about Trumps commitment to supply Ukraine when the Pentagon paused shipments over concerns that U.S. stockpiles were running low.

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Drone strikes

Elsewhere, Ukraines air force said that it shot down 18 of 57 Shahed-type and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight into Sunday, with seven more disappearing from radar.

Two women were wounded in Zaporizhzhia, a southern Ukrainian region partly occupied by Russia, when a drone struck their house, according to the regional military administration. Two more civilians were wounded in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv province, after a drone slammed into a residential building, local Ukrainian officials said.

Later Sunday, drones struck a leafy square in the center of Sumy, wounding a woman and her 7-year-old son, officials said. The strike also damaged a power line, leaving around 100 households without electricity, according to Serhii Krivosheienko, of the municipal military administration.

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Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry said that its forces shot down 93 Ukrainian drones targeting Russian territory overnight, including at least 15 that appeared to head for Moscow. At least 13 more drones were downed on the approach to the capital on Sunday, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. One drone struck a residential building in Zelenograd, on the outskirts of Moscow, damaging an apartment, but caused no casualties, he said.

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Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed his government to develop new restrictions targeting foreign messaging apps and software from so-called "unfriendly countries," Ukraines Foreign Intelligence Service reported on July 20.

Putin's directive, published by the Kremlin earlier this week, calls for limiting the use of foreign-made communication services and software in Russia.

It is part of a broader push to reduce dependence on technologies from nations deemed hostile by Moscow.

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According to Ukrainian intelligence, WhatsApp, owned by Meta organization, is a likely target for blocking.

Russia declared Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, an "extremist organization" in 2022. WhatsApp is the company's only service that has not yet been blocked in Russia.

Last year, Russian Senator Artem Sheikin said that Russia may block WhatsApp in 2025 if the messenger's management does not comply with Russian laws.

The fate of the Telegram messenger app remains uncertain, Ukrainian intelligence said. Founded by Russian-born businessman Pavel Durov, Telegram denies any connections to Russian authorities or intelligence services, despite journalistic investigations claiming otherwise.

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"(Russian) authorities have already created a new element of the centralized digital surveillance system  the Max messenger from VK," the intelligence's statement read.

All Russian officials have been ordered to switch to Max, an app that reportedly has full access to the microphone, camera, contacts, location, and files on a user's device.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the data is automatically transmitted to servers linked to Vkontake (VK)  a popular Russian social network that was created by Durov in 2006 and is now de facto controlled by Russian authorities.

Read also: Fire, flight diversions reported near Moscow as Ukraine launches drone attack on Russias capital

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Russian attacks against Ukraine killed 7 people and injured at least 28 others over the past day, regional authorities said on July 20.

Ukrainian forces downed 18 out of the 57 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones and decoys, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.

Seven drones were intercepted by electronic warfare or disappeared from radars, according to the statement. Russia usually launches decoys alongside kamikadze drones to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense.

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A Russian drone strike on a house injured two women aged 64 and 73 in the village of Prymorske in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported.

The Russian attack near Zaporizhzhia damaged seven houses, injuring one more woman, he added.

The aftermath of a Russian attack near the city of Zaporizhzhia on July 20, 2025. (Zaporizhzhia regional military administration)

Three men aged 45, 59 and 73 were injured in a Russian attack on Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. A 42-year-old man was injured in the village of Nechvolodivka while two women, aged 50 and 76, were injured in Izium.

Russian drones targeted the Svesa community in Sumy Oblast setting fire to three houses. The attack killed a 78-year-old woman, Governor Oleh Hryhorov said. Two more people were injured near the town of Shostka in the region.

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Two people were killed, and five others injured in a Russian missile strike near Synelnykove in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

People were killed in Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk and Raiske in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Six others suffered injuries in the region over the past day.

In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 34 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson. One person was killed, and six others, including a child, injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Read also: Fire, flight diversions reported near Moscow as Ukraine launches drone attack on Russias capital

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Three civilians were killed and six others were injured in the Russian attacks on Donetsk Oblast on 19 July

Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: Filashkin reported that on 19 July, Russian forces killed three residents of Donetsk Oblast: one each in Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk and Raiske. Among the wounded were four residents of Kostiantynivka and two in Raiske.

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Background: On the morning of 18 July, Russian forces attacked a volunteer vehicle evacuating civilians from the village of Rodynske with a drone and dropped a FAB-250 aerial bomb on the city of Kostiantynivka. One woman was killed and four others injured.

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Five settlements in Kharkiv Oblast were struck by Russian attacks over the past day, leaving six people injured.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration on Telegram

Details: Specifically, men aged 45, 59 and 73 were injured in Kupiansk; a 42-year-old man was injured in the village of Nechvolodivka in the Kindrashivka hromada; and women aged 50 and 76 were injured in the city of Izium. The authorities reported that the Russians attacked the region with 17 Geran and two first-person view (FPV) drones. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Civil infrastructure facilities had been damaged and destroyed.

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Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot asserted that India's dream of being a Vishwaguru will be realised only when people across castes and religions are united. He said that unity among people of all castes and religions can be achieved only through social justice. "I believe everyone should have a mindset like Rahul Gandhi, then only the nation will be strengthened. We talk about becoming the Vishwaguru. The dream of becoming Vishwaguru will be fulfilled when people of all castes and religions are united. And we will be united when social justice is served," Gehlot said while talking to reporters here. Gehlot on Saturday praised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue of caste census, following which the Union Government has agreed to conduct 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 the enumeration of castes. (ANI)
Two civilians were injured and houses and non-residential buildings were damaged in a Russian drone strike on the city of Izium in Kharkiv Oblast on the night of 19-20 July.

Source: Izium City Military Administration

Details: Early reports indicate that four Russian drones hit Izium. One of the drones struck a two-storey residential building on Shkilna Street. The second floor of the building was damaged and two people were injured in the strike.

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Three other drones hit a non-residential building on Kremianetskyi Quarter Street, causing a fire and damaging property.

Background: On Saturday 19 July, four civilians were injured in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast as a result of Russian FPV drone attacks.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received a report by Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi on long-range strikes on Russia and promised to sign additional contracts soon.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Quote: "The Commander-in-Chief also reported on our long-range strikes, particularly the frequency and effectiveness of deep strikes. Russian logistics must suffer significantly in response to Russia prolonging this war.

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In addition, the Commander-in-Chief, together with Ukraines Minister of Defence and the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, is currently reviewing all requests for additional funding for the production and supply of drones. This includes both drones for the front line and those needed to defend our cities and communities from Russian attack drones. The relevant additional contracts will be signed next week."

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Ukrainian border guards have captured a Russian soldier who approached Ukrainian positions on the Kursk front on his own.

Source: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Details: The prisoner is a serviceman of Russias 40th Separate Marine Brigade. The man said he voluntarily signed a one-year contract less than a month ago, for which he was promised RUB 3 million (about US$38,216). However, he never received the money.

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Quote: "He was immediately sent to storm Ukrainian positions, which ended relatively well for him, unlike the rest of the invaders involved in the assault."

Background: Earlier, Ukrainian border guards showed a Wagner Group fighter taken prisoner on the Bakhmut front.

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Russia intends to simultaneously launch up to 2,000 drones on Ukraine, said German Major General Christian Freuding.

Source: Freuding on the Bundeswehrs Nachgefragt podcast on Saturday 19 July

Details: Freuding has information that Russia is significantly expanding its production capacity to enable mass drone deployment in the war against Ukraine. He said Moscow plans to launch 2,000 drones at once, which could overwhelm Ukrainian air defence systems.

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The general stressed the need to develop "smart countermeasures", as the use of conventional means  in particular, missiles from the Patriot air defence system  is not a logical response to Shahed drones, which cost 30,00050,000, while a single Patriot missile costs over 5 million.

In Freudings assessment, Ukraine needs low-cost counter-drone solutions priced at 2,0004,000 to effectively repel large-scale attacks.

Freuding also named strikes deep inside Russian territory  targeting military aircraft, airfields and defence factories  as another necessary response to the drone threat.

He further pointed out that China has ceased supplying drone components to Ukraine and now exclusively exports to Russia.

"Right now, the situation is that China is effectively exporting solely to Russia, while Ukraine has been shut out of this market," Freuding said.

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Joseph OConnor, pastor of the Sacramento Fijian Seventh-day Adventist Church, doesnt mind that his congregation meets in a rented space off Arden Way.

On Saturdays, the church is one of many spaces where Sacramentos Fijian community explores fellowship, food and faith within Californias capital city. Sacramento is home to the largest Fijian population in the U.S. More than 50,000 Fijians resided in the states as of two years ago, with more than 10,000 settled in Sacramento, according recent census data.

OConnor grew up half-caste in Fiji. His great-grandfather, who is Irish, married an Indigenous Fijian woman. Characterizing much of his upbringing was the melting pot within the Fijian nationality with both Indo-Fijians and natives.

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The term half-caste was used for people of multiracial descent by British colonialists to classify Indigenous people, according to the Journal of Intercultural Studies. In Fiji, when European and Indian immigrants began migrating, marrying and conceiving, people of mixed descent were called half-caste, kailoma or vasu. Over time, these people experienced discrimination and poor treatment from the government and the categorization created tension between mixed Fijians and their Indigenous counterparts.

Indigenous Fijians, iTaukei, are a mix of Polynesian and Melanesian. The Indo-Fijian population arose from indentured laborers from India relocated to the country in the late 19th century by British colonizers. iTaukei make up more than half the countrys population, and Indo-Fijians more than a third.

OConnor first moved to the states in 1999 to receive an education at La Sierra University, Riverside. After receiving ministry training with his wife in Michigan, OConnor and his three sons settled in Rancho Cordova.

Sabbath school coordinator Sotia OConner, joined at the altar by her husband, Pastor Joseph OConnor, sings a hymn at the Sacramento Fijian Seventh-Day Adventist Church service earlier this month in Carmichael.

His church got its start as a small faction under the lead of Doug Batchelor. OConnor was the only Fijian pastor and began hosting brunches and small Bible study groups where other Fijians could speak in their own language.

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In 2015, the group became an organized company with more than 55 registered members. The church is in the process of raising $75,000 to attain its own permanent space of worship and build newer generations faith, according to OConnor.

He explained that maintaining their unique Fijian culture involves speaking the Fijian language with youth and staying connected to their traditions and customs, such as using tabua, or whales tooth, during weddings.

OConnor admitted that youth retention has been difficult, with Fijian youth in Sacramento being exposed to American culture through school and social events.

Justin Soaani, 10, prays during at a Sacramento Fijian Seventh-Day Adventist Church service earlier this month in Carmichael.

OConnor noted that without reaching out to young people, the church congregation will end up consisting mostly of older adults.

A rising population and resilient culture

Andrew Yang, director of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Center at Sacramento State, said that of the campus 700 person Pacific Islander population, Fijians make up the largest subgroup, with more than 230 students.

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Over the last five to six years, we have seen an increase of Fijian students, Yang said. From a regular basis of 100 to now a consistent basis of 230 every year. Forty percent of them are first generation and because the amount of families in Sacramento county are growing, so are the kids here.

Despite the abundance of both young and older Fijians in the area, there is only one Fijian restaurant in the county, Summer Palace Cuisine. Owner Charan Jit Singh runs the space which also doubles as a banquet hall.

Singh first came to the city of trees in 1999, dubbing the journey to America long, hard and hot.

I had a mechanic shop for the last 20 years, but always loved cooking, Singh said. Funnily, the restaurant business turned out to be more difficult.

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Business, as of late, has been much slower than when Singh first got his start here, with most meal orders being to-go. Additionally, last years increase in the fast food minimum wage to $20 per hour made maintenance of staff taking a toll on the budget.

Things are very hard right now, due to the economy and less jobs, more wages, Singh said. Restaurant is slow, never busy, and going down, but my life is good.

To combat the slowness, he has kept business in the family.

I have little staff, Singh said. In the (kitchen) are my mother-in-law and wife. We make all Fijian food, no American food, only Fijian food.

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The most popular dishes are chicken curry and lamb curry.

Singh said what has kept him in the area is the strength in relationships he has built with other Fijians in the area.

Being Fijian in Sacramento means having brothers and sisters, family members, Singh said. When they need help, we give help. When we need help, they give help.

That same ethic of mutual aid is what motivates Lusia Vosailagi, chief executive officer of Connect Fiji Care, a caregiving company offering companion and medical to elderly Sacramentans.

Vosailagi has been in the states for 30 years. At 21, she moved from Fiji to Santa Rosa before settling in central Sacramento.

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A mother of six children, between the ages of 8 and 18, Vosailagi moved for the weather, which she said is comparable to her home. Life in Sacramento, she said, was also more economical.

She started Connect Fiji Care in the height of the pandemic to honor the spirit of care and neighborly support she grew up with in Fiji. Both her mother and close friends worked in the industry in the 90s and early 2000s.

Moving to a first world country, most Fijians get into caregiving, because its something thats familiar, Vosailagi said. Theres a certain degree of respect and care that goes into it because its cultural for us to care for the elderly. Thats probably why we have become more popular over the years.

Both her immediate family and church family are involved with the business, assisting in fundraising for entities such as St. Jude and the Lupus Foundation of Fiji.

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Outside of caregiving, Vosailagi is passionate about increasing medical awareness in Fiji from abroad and dispelling spiritual cures, traditional on the islands.

Being here has made me more aware of what goes on in our community back home, Vosailagi said. Being a third world country, a lot of conditions are undiagnosed and a lot of things are associated with voodoo so people cannot be diagnosed correctly.

To receive appropriate care, many Fijians trek to New Zealand or Australia, more than 1,000 and 4,000 miles, respectively away.

In 2019, Vosailagis cousin was diagnosed with lupus. A lack of specialists in Fiji contributed to his later death, so Vosailagi took it upon herself to limit future casualties. She and her family raised 25,000 American dollars, nearly 60,000 Fijian dollars for the Lupus Foundation Fiji. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects various parts of the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease has no cure and poses various symptoms can be life-threatening and difficult to diagnose.

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Vosailagi has instilled an appreciation of her home nation in her children through traditional practices, encouraging them to partake in Asian and Pacific Islander dances at school and learn the language through their Fijian speaking church.

What shes missed most being removed from the place she grew up is the food and how it brings people together.

Im beginning to miss the community, Vosailagi said. Here, you can get quite lonely, neighbors putting a wall up. Im used to people bringing over a plate of my favorite meals, like tarot leaves and coconut milk. We would do everything together.
A Santa Fe film and TV studio that has been part of several well-known productions in recent years is up for sale, placing its future in uncertain waters.

Officials at CBRE Group Inc., the worlds largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, announced in a July 14 news release the firm had been selected as the adviser for the sale of Santa Fe Studios, located at 1 Santa Fe Studios Road south of Interstate 25 near the Santa Fe County jail.

The release describes the property as a rare offering [that] presents a unique opportunity to acquire a 65-acre, state-of-the-art media campus in one of the most production-friendly jurisdictions in the United States.

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The studio  which includes nearly 80,000 square feet of total built space, two 19,000-square-foot soundstages and a 57-acre backlot  has played host to such productions as Roswell, New Mexico; The Ballad of Buster Scruggs; Walker: Independence; Succession; House of Cards; American Primeval; Only the Brave; A Million Ways to Die in the West; Were the Millers and Longmire.

No listing price for the property was included in the release.

Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, the film commissioner for the Santa Fe Film Office, called the facility a super-important element of the local film industry.

LaBar-Tapia said the opening of Santa Fe Studios in 2001 helped change the local film landscape, contributing greatly to the growth of the industry. Following in its wake, she said, were the conversion of the Camel Rock Casino into Camel Rock Studios and plans to build Aspect Media Village, which will feature a TV and film production facility, on the midtown campus in Santa Fe.

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Theres a reason were sought after as a desired film location, she said, pointing to the development of all those facilities in recent years.

The potential sale of the campus, which is owned by the family of Santa Fe Studios CEO Lance Hool, became the subject of a Hollywood Reporter story on the day the listing was announced by CBRE, an indication of the facilitys prominence in the industry.

The potential sale comes at a time when TV and film production appears to be going through a decline both in New Mexico and other locales. A report issued June 30 by the New Mexico Film Office on the economic impact of the states film production tax credit cited a drop in film and TV spending statewide and nationally, pointing to the competition presented by international markets that offer more-lucrative incentives, lower labor costs and government investment, among other factors.

The report indicated New Mexico experienced a decrease in production of $323 million in the 2025 fiscal year, which it attributed to an industrywide contraction in productions.

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LaBar-Tapia acknowledged those various economic pressures, but she said the TV and film production world has experienced the same issues in the past and come back strong. She said Santa Fe is home not only to many filmmakers but people who work at all levels of the industry  including above-the-line talent  and she thinks that leaves the city well positioned to recover from the recent setbacks.

She gave a mixed response when asked if the potential sale of Santa Fe Studios caught her by surprise.

Yes and no, she said, indicating she didnt wish to speak for the owners but had received indications they might have entertained some offers for the property over the last year or so.

LaBar-Tapia said she did not know what led to their decision to place the campus on the market now.

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The CBRE release touts the facilitys media district zoning as a major selling point. That status offers such advantages as expedited permitting, flexible filming hours and the ability to build taller sound stages, the release states.

The property also may qualify for up to 40% in New Mexico film tax credits, it says.
When three patients die after taking a cutting-edge drug, most companies hit the brakes. Not Sarepta Therapeutics.

The Massachusetts-based biotech company is under fire for refusing a request from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to stop selling its Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy, Elevidys. The AP reported that the FDA made the request after three patients who received gene therapies from Sarepta died, all from liver complications linked to treatment.

Sarepta said no.

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The company claims its internal review found no new safety concerns for younger patients with early-stage Duchennes disease, and it plans to keep distributing the drug to that group. Sarepta says its in ongoing talks with the FDA.

The FDAs authority to pull a drug from the market exists, but the process can drag on for months or years. In most cases, a company will voluntarily comply with the agencys request. That didnt happen here.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary issued a blunt statement saying the agency supports access to treatments for life-threatening conditions, but wont hesitate to act when a clear safety risk emerges.

Elevidys first grabbed headlines in 2023 when it became the first gene therapy approved for Duchennes muscular dystrophy in the U.S. Even then, some FDA scientists openly questioned whether it actually worked.

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The drug, which delivers a one-time genetic fix, was initially greenlit for younger boys who could still walk. Its use later expanded to older patients and those in later stages of the disease.

But after two teenage boys died while taking Elevidys, Sarepta pulled back shipments for older patients. On Friday, the company confirmed a third deatha 51-year-old man in a separate clinical trial for a different muscular dystrophy treatment. Sarepta says that trial is now on hold.

All three deaths were linked to liver injury, a known risk listed in the drugs official safety information.

Facing mounting criticism, Sarepta recently announced plans to add a bold warning label to Elevidys. The company also laid off a third of its staff, moves that only fueled skepticism about its priorities.

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At the heart of the controversy is a question many patients and families are asking: Should a drug that might save lives also be allowed to risk them?

Related: Doctors Just Helped Create Healthy Babies Using DNA From Three People

Sareptas Risky Gamble: Gene Therapy Stays on Market Despite FDA Request first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 20, 2025
Low-interest loans for residents affected by The Cooper apartments fire in Fort Worth are now available after the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts request for a disaster declaration, the governors office said in a news release Friday.

Starting July 21, SBA representatives will be at a Disaster Loan Outreach Center, located at 1100 Hemphill St., to answer questions and help with the application process. The center will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the release.

The six-alarm fire, which broke out June 23 on the roof of a five-story building where an HVAC unit was being repaired, displaced more than 800 tenants.

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On June 30, Abbott announced a preliminary assessment to determine if the damage met the federal threshold for disaster assistance.

I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management for working with our federal partners to ensure Texans have the resources they need to recover from this fire, Abbott said in the news release Friday.

Applicants can apply online through the SBAs website or contact 800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 Fugitive wanted in ICE detention center shooting arrested after manhunt

 No charges against owner of dogs who killed 82-year-old man

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 Fort Worth names 4 police chief finalists

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Displaced Cooper tenants have repeatedly expressed their frustration with what they call a lack of accountability and support from Cushman and Wakefield, the company that manages the apartment complex.

Residents have also told the Star-Telegram that they have many unanswered questions.

They want to know what role the HVAC maintenance played in the fire, they want to know what Cushman and Wakefield knew about maintenance concerns, and when they knew it, and they want more information from the buildings owners.

The Star-Telegram has reached out to the owners of The Cooper apartments, Lightbulb Capital Group, which listed the apartment complex and others in North Texas as their property online. Lightbulb Capital has not responded to multiple requests for comment.
MIT researchers have discovered evidence that singlet exciton fission (SF) is possible with silicon solar cells, making strides in efficiency that could rival conventional photovoltaic devices.

In a recent study shared by pv magazine, the research team found that by using specific materials, they were able to demonstrate SF in silicon cells  where one photon can produce two electrons  which ultimately boosts efficiency.

"Up to now, we have only had indirect evidence that [it] is possible to couple singlet exciton fission to silicon," Marc A. Baldo, one of the study's authors, told pv magazine. "The breakthrough for us was to design an interface that transfers the electrons and holes sequentially into silicon instead of both at once."

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The researchers built a silicon microwire cell with an interface based on a hafnium oxy-nitride film, which improves the coupling of tetracene and silicon, as the report explained. Tetracene and its derivatives are particularly well suited for facilitating singlet exciton fission.

Tests found that by depositing zinc phthalocyanine and tetracene on the device, there were significant enhancements in power conversion efficiency that effectively "turbocharged" the silicon solar cells.

In 2019, another MIT research group demonstrated the potential of the SF process, showing that it could lead to cell efficiencies as high as 35%, according to the report.

The process differs from most common approaches to increasing efficiency, many of which employ tandem cell designs that utilize two separate material layers in tandem.

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Instead, those researchers said, "We're adding more current into the silicon as opposed to making two cells," pv magazine reported.

Improved solar cell efficiency is a key driver of the industry, with researchers striving to extract the maximum energy from each photovoltaic cell.

"This technology will compete with double junction concepts like perovskites on silicon," Baldo told pv magazine. He added, "It still has a long way to go. Most importantly, we need to increase efficiency and prove that the technology can be stable in sunlight."

This could eventually help reduce costs for solar energy sources while increasing their output.

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Renewable energy accounted for over 30% of global electricity generation in 2024, according to a report by the Guardian. That's a major clean-energy milestone, showing the potential for ditching dirty fuels in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.

"The renewables future has arrived," Dave Jones, director of global insights for climate think tank Ember, told the Guardian. "Solar, in particular, is accelerating faster than anyone thought possible."

While researchers work to develop the next generation of photovoltaics, existing solar panel technology remains an efficient and eco-friendly way to generate electricity. Installing solar panels can also bring energy expenses down, potentially lowering them to as little as $0.

Services like EnergySage help consumers get quote comparisons from vetted local installers, provide expert advice on the technology, and even facilitate up to $10,000 in savings on solar installation.

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.
A rock from Mars that traveled tens if not hundreds of millions of miles before improbably landing on our planet's surface has found its final resting place: the private collection of some secretive plutocrat, whose identity has not been revealed to us members of the nosy public.

At roughly 54 pounds, NWA 16788, as it's been dubbed, is by far the largest known rock we have from the Red Planet  the runner up in the category is barely half that weight  and is one of the only 400 meteorites confirmed to be of Martian origin ever found, according to a database maintained by the Meteoritical Society. That such a large portion survived a crash landing on Earth makes it an incredibly valuable object to scientists.

On Wednesday, the rock was bought at an auction at Sotheby's in New York for $5.3 million. It's now the most expensive meteorite ever sold, according to the luxury items broker.

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"You get close to it, you can feel like you're looking at the planet," Cassandra Hatton, vice chairman for science and natural history at Sotheby's, told the Washington Post. "This really looks like a piece of Mars, whereas pretty much every other Martian meteorite you see is going to just kind of look like a little rock."

Discovered in November 2023 by a meteorite hunter scouring a remote region of Niger, an analysis determined that NWA 16788 was likely catapulted into space by another, much larger meteor smashing into Mars, according to CNN. The Martian surface is pockmarked with countless scars documenting encounters like these.

Hatton declined to reveal who the buyer of the huge rock was. While we can't say for certain what will happen to it, or what the anonymous buyer's intentions are, some scientists aren't happy with the idea of this ultra-rare space rock being locked away, or even being put up for sale in the first place.

"It would be a shame if it disappeared into the vault of an oligarch. It belongs in a museum, where it can be studied, and where it can be enjoyed by children and families and the public at large," Steve Brusatte, a professor of paleontology and evolution at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, told CNN before the rock was sold.

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Meteorites "carry information about the history of the solar system that cannot be learned any other way," Paul Asimow, professor of geology and geochemistry at the California Institute of Technology, told WaPo.

More streetwise scientists argue, however, that this is what it takes to keep the lights on, so to speak.

"Ultimately, if there was no market for searching, collecting and selling meteorites, we would not have anywhere near as many in our collections  and this drives the science!" Julia Cartwright, a planetary scientist at the University of Leicester in England, told CNN.

For scientists whining about losing access to this massive Mars slab, Hatton recommends they consult with the literal crumb of evidence that's been graciously left behind for them to examine, preserved at the Purple Mountain Observatory in China.

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"A sample has been taken and analyzed and published in the meteoritical bulletin, so they could go and get that," Hatton told Space.com.

More on Mars: Trump Wants to Shut Down Several Perfectly Good Spacecraft Orbiting Mars for No Reason
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Saturday said that the Aam Aadmi Party is starting to collapse, "brick by brick," as two sitting MLAs have already left the party and many more may follow. Reacting to the resignation of Kharar MLA Anmol Gagan Mann from her seat and politics, which obviously means from the party, Warring said she was the second party legislator within less than a month to be out of the party. The PCC president pointed out that only three days ago, Mann had met the party convener, Arvind Kejriwal and had remarked, "his dream of uplifting society always fills us with courage and inspiration". What happened to that "courage and inspiration" within three days? Warring asked. He pointed out, less than a month ago, the party suspended Amritsar North MLA Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh. "Rate at which the MLAs have started to quit or are made to quit, suggests that the party's countdown has begun sooner than we expected", he remarked. Warring asked that if the AAP's own MLAs are feeling so much alienated and disillusioned that they are quitting the party, what would be the plight of the common man who does not have any privileges like those of the ruling party MLAs. Observing that all is not well in the AAP, he pointed out, "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 inside the house, the flames do get noticed far and wide and cannot be overlooked", Warring remarked. (ANI)
Ecosystems have been discovered to exhibit a range of unique responses to rising sea levels.

What's happening?

A study conducted by Yale School of Environment scientists examined the impact of rising sea levels on various ecosystems.

The research, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, broke down the surprising ways that more submerged and saline soils can influence our planet's processes.

Although some crops thrive in saltwater-infused land, many ecosystems cannot survive without freshwater.

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Working alongside the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program, the researchers studied three ecosystems: a mixed zone of freshwater and saltwater called an ecotone, a grassy area known as a marl prairie, and an area of wetland filled with scrub mangroves, which are trees that can exist in salt-laden environments.

All three ecosystems are vital in the Everglades for removing carbon dioxide from the environment and storing it in the soil, a process known as carbon sequestration. Although the scrub mangroves sequestered the same amount of carbon dioxide, the other two ecosystems showed a decrease in efficiency.

However, the predictions that rising sea levels could damage the Everglades beyond repair may not be 100% accurate if conservationists work to adapt to the changing environment.

Sparkle Malone, co-author of the study, said, "When we examine how these ecosystems are responding to the changing conditions, then predictions look very different."

Why is carbon sequestration so important?

Natural carbon sequestration by crops, grassland, soil, and oceans has a profound, positive impact on the planet. If rising sea levels reduce the efficacy of carbon sinks such as the Everglades, harmful carbon dioxide levels will only become more of an issue.

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The Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research Center found that "about 25 percent of our carbon emissions have historically been captured by Earth's forests, farms and grasslands."

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The Everglades have been under environmental threat due to carbon pollution, but the area can provide an immense way to fight rising carbon dioxide levels.

Per Florida Atlantic University, Everglades mangrove trees are estimated to "hold enough carbon to heat more than 19 million homes, while the water conservation areas in the central Everglades store the equivalent carbon emitted by 131.5 million passenger vehicles over an entire year."

What's being done about carbon sequestration?

With rising sea levels making ecosystems more marshy and saturated with saltwater, Everglades conservationists must alter the way they view carbon sequestration.

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Although the Yale School of Environment study highlights the importance of restoring freshwater, there is a recognition that this ecosystem must be supported to adapt to the changing climate.

Malone described it as a "significant change in mindset." This could look like expanding coastal ecosystems and planting more mangroves so that the Everglades remain an effective source of removing carbon from the atmosphere.

Another broader solution is to protect the planet against rising sea levels. Burning dirty energy sources such as coal and gas creates the planet-overheating pollution that warms the Earth and causes sea levels to rise. A transition to cleaner energy could help slow the heating of the planet, which would in turn reduce the impact of rising sea levels on carbon sinks such as the Everglades.

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.
Sunday: Highs will rise into the upper 80s to low 90s with a partly cloudy sky but more clouds than sun. There will be a few spotty storms during the afternoon mainly over the northern half of the area, but most of us remain dry. The heat index will climb into the lower triple digits.

Next Week: Overall, a fairly quiet week of weather is anticipated with heat becoming the story once again. Highs will climb into the middle 90s with heat index values nearing 105 most days. Our highs will move back to the lower 90s by Friday and Saturday.

In terms of rain chances, spotty storms will be with us during the afternoon and evening hours mostly from Sunday through Wednesday. By Thursday, an area of low pressure will move along the Gulf Coast, turning our winds out of the northeast with some slightly lower humidity being pulled in as well. This will be very temporary, only on Thursday afternoon and evening, but this will lower our heat index to mostly sub-100 just for the day.

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The tropical-like air will be pulled right back into central Alabama for Friday and Saturday, eventually reintroducing a chance for spotty storms by Saturday.

Tracking the Tropics: There is a 10% chance of development over the next seven days in the central Atlantic, but confidence is low regarding if anything may develop.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

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South Georgia police have announced the arrest and identified two other suspects they say shot an Albany teen as he was walking home from a barber shop.

Albany police announced earlier this week that they had arrested one person and identified two other suspects wanted in the killing of Jamarion King,19.

King had just left a barber shop on July 3 when he was gunned down.

On Wednesday, Albany police said Markelvin Hicks had been taken into custody and charged with murder and aggravated assault in connection with the shooting.

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Police said they are still searching for Kayveon Lyles, 20, and Jaquan McIntyre, 17. Investigators said they have been identified as the shooters.

TRENDING STORIES:

They also listed Jaquan Jordan, 21, as a person of interest in the case.

Investigators said they have worked strategically and tirelessly to move this case forward through the use of surveillance footage, witness interviews, forensic analysis, the real-time information center, criminal analysts, and Flock cameras.

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As for Kings family, they remember Jamarion as a loving person.

I used to keep Jay all day every day, and he didnt do nothing but smile, and he was respectful, Eric King, Jamarions uncle, told WRDR-TV.

The Albany Police Department is offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to more arrests in the case.

You can call Crime Stoppers at 229-436-TIPS or the Albany Police Department at 229-302-0756.
(KRON)  San Francisco authorities collaborated to save a person who fell into the bay near the Ferry Building, said the San Francisco Fire Department.

On Saturday, a person fell into the water near the Ferry Building. SFFD, the San Francisco Police Department and the United States Coast Guard worked together for this rescue.

Oakland pub closes after 8 years of business

SFFD rescue swimmers were able to pull the individual out of the water.

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Thanks to the quick actions of these agencies, along with the assistance of a Bay Ferry that threw a life preserver ring to the victim, the rescue was successful, said the SF Fire Department.

The rescuee, according to authorities, has been assessed by paramedics and is expected to be in good condition, according to the department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
JEFFERSON  Wayde Allan Lloyd Shankle was arraigned Friday and pleaded not guilty to rape and other charges.

Shankle was indicted last week on four counts of rape, first-degree felonies, and one count of gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony.

The indictment alleges the crimes happened in February and June of 2024, and there were two victims.

Shankle was arrested by the Conneaut Police Department Monday, according to city police reports.

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Bond was set at $150,000 cash or surety. Shankle was ordered to have no contact with victims and witnesses in the case.

The case was assigned to Judge Thomas Harris.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Dawn Cantalamessa said Shankle had five days of jail credit.

A press release from Ohio Attorney General David Yost accuses Shankle of abusing two residents of an assisted living community, where he was a nurse aide.

The investigation was conducted by Yosts Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which was assisted by the Conneaut Police Department and the FBI, the release said.




NEED TO KNOW

Lisa McVey was abducted at age 17 by serial killer Bobby Joe Long in 1984

She memorized key details while blindfolded and convinced him to let her go

Her testimony helped lead to his arrest, conviction  and eventual execution





At 17, Lisa McVey was kidnapped by serial killer Bobby Joe Long and held for 26 terrifying hours. Blindfolded and brutalized, she memorized every detail she could  then managed to talk her way to freedom. Her quick thinking and presence of mind helped bring him to justice and end his killing spree.

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Long grabbed McVey as she rode her bicycle home from a Krispy Kreme Shop on November 3, 1984, dragging her into his Dodge Magnum at gunpoint. By that point, according to The Washington Post, he had already murdered eight women across Tampa.

Throughout the drive to his apartment, Long threatened to kill McVey if she made a sound  but she had already begun calculating how she might escape and leave a trail behind.

Although Long had blindfolded her and bound her hands, she memorized landmarks they passed, like distinctive curves in the road.

Once they reached their destination, she counted the number of stairs up to Long's apartment, and tried to leave fingerprints on as many surfaces as she could  including a bathroom towel and door handles  hoping that police would find them later, she told Fox 13 Tampa.

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Lisa McVey Lisa McVey

"At one time he placed my hands on his face," McVey told the outlet. "There were pockmarks, a small mustache, small ears, short hair, clean-cut, kind of stout, but not overweight; a big guy."

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Over the course of 26 hours, Long raped the 17-year-old over and over again at gunpoint.

But McVey managed to keep her composure, speaking in a calm, almost sympathetic tone  as though he were "a 4-year-old," she said.

ZUMA Press Inc / Alamy Stock Photo Bobby Joe Long Bobby Joe Long

"I said, 'Listen, it's unfortunate how we met, but I can be your girlfriend. I could take care of you, and no one ever has to know," she told the outlet.

The teen told Long that she had a sick father only she could care for and that she needed to return home  a tactic that she believes helped humanize her in his eyes.

Her tactics worked, and Long dropped her off to a spot near her home and the abduction more than a day earlier.

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"So he drove off. I pulled my blindfold down, and the first thing I saw was this gorgeous, beautiful oak tree. That's the moment I knew my life was about to change for the good," she told Fox 13. "I saw the branches of new life."

Florida Department of Law Enforcement via AP

She immediately went to the police. There, McVey recounted everything she could remember, including precise details about Longs car interior, his apartment layout, physical features shed detected without sight and even the time period when he'd used an ATM, per WFLA.

Within two weeks  but after he had murdered two more women, per The Netline  Long was arrested, bringing his eight-month killing spree to an end.

Nearly 35 years later, McVey sat in the front row at her rapist's execution, per The Washington Post.

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"I wanted to be the first person he saw," she told the outlet.

McVey later joined the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department  the same agency that arrested her abductor  eventually serving as a school resource officer. She worked on cases involving child protection and sex crimes, using her own experience to help others and teach kids how to stay safe in dangerous situations.

"[I'm] a protector. No one's going to get hurt on my watch," she told Fox 13. "That was my motivation to become a police officer  I'm no longer a victim."

Im not embarrassed to say I was raped," she told The Netline. "I tell kids if somebody tries to grab them, scream as loud as you can. And if they get taken anyway, they should mind their Ps and Qs and do whatever they can to survive. I tell them to be strong and draw on their own sense of self-preservation.



Read the original article on People
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Deandre Campbell, a 36-year-old man, was shot and killed early Sunday morning in Lansing.

The Lansing Police Department (LPD) reports that officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of Wilson Ave. for a possible shooting at around 3:48 a.m.

Officers arrived to find Campbell with a gunshot wound under his armpit.

LPD reports that officers on the scene and members of the Lansing Fire Department provided medical aid before transporting Campbell to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

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Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus reports that there was a group of people gathered for the anniversary of a friends death when the shooting occurred.

Due to the large number of people at the event, several other police agencies responded to the scene.

Chief Backus says that police are still seeking additional witnesses and new evidence related to the case.

LPD says that no arrests have been made so far. They do not believe that this was a random act.

This is an ongoing investigation.

If you have information about this shooting, contact the Lansing Police Department at 517-483-4600, Crime Stoppers at 517-483-7867, or send a private message to the Lansing Police Departments Facebook page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
A man is dead after a shooting at a Kansas City apartment complex Sunday morning, police say.

Police were called just before 6 a.m. to the 1300 block of East 89th Street on reports of gunshots, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez, spokesperson with the Kansas City Police Department.

Officers were led to an apartment where they found an adult man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and was declared dead shortly after arrival, according to Gonzalez.

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Police do not yet know what lead to the shooting and do not have anyone in custody, though they believe the shooting happened outside in the road and not inside the apartment unit. The investigation is ongoing.

This marks the citys 93rd homicide this year, compared to 84 this time last year, according to data tracked by the Star, which includes fatal police shootings.

Anyone with information or who was around the area and may have heard something is asked to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the tipline.
A 36-year-old woman was arrested July 17 after leading deputies on a short pursuit in a stolen car and allegedly attempting to hide drugs in her body, according to the Pierce County Sheriffs Department.

The incident began around 3 p.m. near Ainsworth Avenue South and 104th Street South when a deputy spotted a vehicle reported stolen.

When the deputy tried to stop the car, the driver took off.

A brief pursuit ended when the deputy used a PIT maneuver to disable the vehicle.

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Deputies said the woman, who was driving alone, refused to cooperate after the stop.

They saw her repeatedly reaching into her purse and appearing to stuff objects into her waistband, pants, and shirt.

Fearing she may have been armed, deputies held a 20-minute standoff before deploying a K9 unit.

The woman eventually surrendered without further incident.

Although deputies initially suspected she had a gun, they later determined she had concealed drugs in a private area of her body.

She was booked into the Pierce County Jail for investigation of eluding police, obstruction, possession of a stolen vehicle, theft of a vehicle, and unlawful possession of drugs.

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Jail staff discovered the contraband during a search at booking.

Deputies also noted they saw what appeared to be stolen property and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.

A search warrant is pending, and additional charges may follow.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Oklahoma County Sheriffs Department are searching for a missing 80-year-old woman.

According to OHP, 80-year-old Sandra Ray was last seen in Oklahoma City. Possibly enroute to Mississippi or Tennessee. Ray has dementia.

Silver Alert for Sandra Ray. Image courtesy, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Ray is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, 130 pounds. She may also be driving a silver 2008 Kia Rio with Tennessee tag, 847BJGM.

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If you see Ray, please call 911.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Bihar Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Kundan Krishnan has issued a public apology after facing backlash over his recent remarks suggesting a link between increased murders and the farming community. In a clarification shared via a video posted on the official handle of Bihar Police on platform X, Krishnan stated that his comments were misrepresented and that he did not intend to associate farmers with crime. He further said that the crimes are committed by criminals, and they don't have a religion or caste. "My statements were distorted and presented, which led to a controversy... I did not mean to say that our farmers have anything to do with crimes happening in the state and the country. They are and will always remain respectable. My ancestors were also farmers, and as a result, I have deep relations with farmers and especially those in my village. Crimes are committed by criminals, and they do not have a caste or religion. I respect farmers, but still, if my statements have hurt anybody, I express my regret and seek apologies," ADG Krishnan said. His remarks linking increasing crime incidents with farmers created massive controversy, inviting criticism from across the board. On July 16, the 1994 batch Bihar cadre IPS officer said that most murders happen in the months of April, May and June since farmers don't have work. "Recently, a lot of murders have happened in the entire Bihar. Most murders happen in the months of April, May and June. This continues until the rains come, as most farmers do not have work. After the rains, people in the farming community get busy, and the incidents reduce... So we have formed a new cell this month. The work of that cell will be to create a database of all the former shooters, contract killers and keep an eye on them," the ADG had said. Expressing concern over the law and order situation in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, accusing him of building "a mountain of lies". 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. (ANI)
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  The kitchen staff at a popular downtown Sioux Falls restaurant is busy preparing meals that will impact lives hundreds of miles away.

Sanaas Gourmet Mediterranean is hosting a fundraising brunch Sunday for families affected by flooding in Texas.

The menu includes Syrian-style dishes that arent part of Sanaas usual offerings.

Youre asked to make a minimum $20 donation per meal.

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Proceeds will go to the relief agency World Central Kitchen, which has staff on the ground in Texas providing meals for flood victims and volunteers.

Serving time is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Owner Sanaa Abourezk has said shes confident the community will respond with an outpouring of generosity for the people of Texas.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Six civilians have been injured in Russian airstrikes on Kupiansk district in Kharkiv Oblast on Sunday 20 July.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office

The aftermath of the attack.

Photo: National Police of Ukraine

Details: At around 10:50 on 20 July, Russian forces carried out an airstrike on the city of Kupiansk. Residential buildings and outbuildings were damaged. Two men sustained injuries, and two women were diagnosed with acute stress reactions.

The aftermath of the attack.

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Photo: National Police of Ukraine

Around the same time, Russian tactical aircraft launched a series of airstrikes on the village of Starovirivka in Kupiansk district. Early reports indicate that three FAB-250 bombs equipped with a unified gliding and correction module were used to attack the settlement.

At least 15 houses and the village council building were damaged. A 65-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman suffered injuries and acute shock.

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Small plane makes emergency landing on highway in New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  A small plane was forced to make an emergency landing in New Smyrna Beach on Saturday.

A spokesperson with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft landed around 9:30 a.m. on State Road 44.

According to them, the pilot was the only occupant aboard, and the Volusia County Sheriffs Office said that he was uninjured in the landing.

FAA records showed that the plane, a fixed-wing, single-engine kit plane, was a 2003 Glasair GlaStar that had an active registration through October 2028.

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The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Before July 4, food insecurity was already a growing issue across the United States. Here are some of the reasons why:

In March, the Trump administration paused funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a federal program under USDA that purchased food from farmers and sent it to food banks. Farmers and nonprofits have suffered alike from the loss of federal funding. The cut diminished 40% of the food the Northern Illinois Food Bank received from TEFAP, according to Robert Desio, senior manager of public policy and benefits for the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

According to Lindsay Allen, a health economist and policy researcher at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine, the country is still dealing with supply chain issues from COVID-19. Trumps tariffs, climate change and the war in Ukraine are making food prices more expensive nationwide, too.

In 2021, Congress reevaluated the Thrifty Food Plan, which determined what it cost to feed a family in the U.S. The legislature voted to decrease the amount of money allocated to SNAP recipients by roughly $7 per person beginning in 2026, Desio said.

After February 2023, the federal government ended emergency SNAP benefits, which it had implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Northern Illinois Food Bank saw 100,000 more visits at its partner pantries in March 2023 than in February, according to CEO Julie Yukro.

On Independence Day, Congress voted to pass HR-1, the mega-bill Trump has termed his Big, Beautiful Bill. In the final version, the bill cut roughly $200 billion in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the federal operation that replaced food stamps.

In the wake of SNAP cuts, feeding hungry Illinoisans falls more than ever on food pantries

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The legislation expanded work requirements for SNAP recipients in the following categories who were previously exempt:

Adults with children or dependents older than 13.

Adults aged 55 to 64.

Every able-bodied adult in Illinois who qualified for SNAP benefits. The 2008 Food and Nutrition Act allowed the secretary of Agriculture to grant waivers for states or counties with high unemployment rates. For years, all SNAP recipients in Illinois have been exempt from work requirements because of the states high unemployment rate of 4.8%. Not anymore  HR-1 hikes up waiver requirements so that only counties with unemployment rates of 10% or more can earn exemptions, even though, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are only two metropolitan areas in the U.S. with unemployment rates higher than 10%.



If SNAP recipients in those categories dont find 80 hours of work per month, they will lose their benefits.

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans were using SNAP benefits in 2024  15.7% of the state for the seventh-highest percentage in the nation, the Illinois Policy Institute reported.

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SNAP recipients are not the only ones in need of food assistance, though. Mike Havala, president and CEO of the Naperville-based nonprofit Loaves & Fishes Community Services, explained the SNAP gap at a roundtable event in Geneva earlier this month. Heres the idea:

To qualify for SNAP, families must have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level.

A family of four has to make less than $4,000 a month to qualify for SNAP  less than $48,000 per year.

According to Havala, a livable income for a family that size in Illinois is roughly $98,000 a year.

The SNAP gap refers to the families or individuals whose gross monthly income is more than 130% of the Federal Poverty Level but less than a real livable income.

Many people in the SNAP gap and on SNAP benefits depend on food pantries to supplement the limited food they can afford. Because of the Big, Beautiful Bill, even more people will need help from nonprofit food banks and pantries.
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The sun is expected to last another 5 billion years, at which point it will become unstable and transform into a red giant. | Credit: alexandarilich/Getty Images

Our solar system has been around for 4.6 billion years . While that sounds like a long time, it's just a blip in the 13.8 billion-year story of the universe. And one day, the solar system will cease to exist.

But when will the solar system end? And how will it die out?

The answers to those questions depend on how we define the death of the solar system.

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The solar system consists of eight planets, several dwarf planets , hundreds of moons , and billions of asteroids, comets and meteoroids. The exact boundaries of the solar system are subject to debate , but there are three main candidates: the Kuiper Belt , a region of icy objects beyond Neptune; the heliopause, where the sun's magnetic field ends; and the Oort cloud, a theoretical icy cloud lying beyond both the Kuiper Belt and the heliosphere. And, of course, at the center of it all, the sun is keeping it all together with its immense gravity .

Like all stars, the sun will eventually die . Right now, it creates heat and light by transforming hydrogen into helium in its core through a process called nuclear fusion . The sun will continue to burn hydrogen for approximately another 5 billion years, said Fred Adams , a theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Michigan. But once that hydrogen fuel runs out, the sun will become more and more unstable. Its core will collapse, its surface will expand, and it will transform into a cool, bloated red giant that will engulf Mercury and then Venus .

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While our planet might be at the border of the red giant's surface, Adams said, chances are, it will get sucked into the red giant, too. By this point, though, humans will have been long gone . Mars will likely survive the red giant , and the outer planets are all safely outside of the red giant's reach. The Oort cloud will also be destabilized, Stern said, and the heliosphere will shrink down.

Related: When will the universe die?

About a billion years later, the sun will shrink to the size of Earth and transform into a white dwarf  a dim, extremely dense core of its former self. The solar system will become a freezing, desolate place.

"From a habitability standpoint, that's kind of the end of the solar system," Alan Stern , a planetary scientist and principal investigator of NASA's New Horizons mission, told Live Science.

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Although the sun's death marks the end of the solar system as we know it, it doesn't necessarily mean its total demise. "A strict, nerdy answer is that the solar system will never end due to the sun's evolution" or the death of the sun, Stern said. Even when the sun is a burnt out cinder, he said, many objects  including giant planets like Jupiter  will continue to orbit it.

Even further into the future, Adams said, the likelihood of rare events increases. Without the sun's gravitational force, the solar system will become increasingly chaotic as the gravitational balance of the solar system shifts. The risk of collisions, passing stars or supernovas coming too close to the solar system and then tearing apart its celestial bodies and space rocks will also be magnified.

RELATED MYSTERIES

Did light exist at the beginning of the universe?

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Could a black hole devour the universe?

How long can an asteroid 'survive'?

"We're not just waiting until the universe is twice as old. We're waiting till it's a billion times older, a trillion times older, and a quadrillion times older," he explained. "If you wait, those enormous time scales and rare events start to add up. It's like, it's rare for you to win the lottery, but if you play a billion times, your chances will go up."

Even if the solar system is spared a catastrophic collision, it won't last forever. Some scientists also think the protons that make up our universe will decay . The phenomenon has never been observed, but theoretical experiments have placed the proton's lifetime past 1034 years, and that number might be pushed back even further as experiments into their longevity keep running.

Solar system quiz: How well do you know our cosmic neighborhood?
Someone has a multimillion-dollar winning lottery ticket and doesn't appear to know it yet.

According to the Missouri Lottery, a lucky player who won $3.2 million in Wednesday's Lotto drawing has yet to claim the prize.

The ticket was sold at a QuikTrip at 9951 Big Board Blvd. in Oakland. The winning numbers for the drawing were 1, 5, 10, 13, 20 and 30.

Missouri Lotto winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prize, which sets the deadline for this ticket at Jan. 12, 2026.

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"Any prize money that is unclaimed 180 days after the draw date of a ticket's last winning play will go to benefit Missouri public education," writes the Missouri Lottery.

That isn't the only significant unclaimed prize in Missouri at the moment. The official website lists four others, all of which come from the Powerball.

One unknown Powerball winner hit for $50,000 on the March 26 drawing after buying a ticket at a West County Phillips 66 on Clayton Road in Town and Country.

Two other $50,000 Powerball winners bought their tickets from the Red X in N.W. Platte in Riverside for the May 24 drawing and at the Walmart Supercenter on Grindstone Parkway in Columbia for the July 7 drawing, respectively.

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Last but certainly not least, there's an unclaimed $250,000 winner from the July 7 Powerball drawing, a ticket that was sold at Rocket on Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield.

Related: Powerball Winner's Mistake Pays Off Big Time

Someone Has a $3.2 Million Lotto Winner and Doesn't Seem To Know It first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 20, 2025
SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean prosecutors said on Sunday they had sought court approval to detain the head of a military drone unit as part of an investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol and drone operations in neighbouring North Korea.

Prosecutors stepped up a probe into the drone operation after indicting the jailed ex-President Yoon on Saturday on additional charges for his short-lived declaration of martial law in December.

They had summoned the unit's chief, Kim Yong-dae, on Thursday regarding accusations that Yoon ordered a covert drone operation into the North last year to inflame tension between the neighbours to justify his martial law decree.

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Yoon has denied the accusations.

Kim told reporters the incident was part of a "clandestine military operation" in response to trash balloons sent from the North and not intended to provoke the neighbouring nation.

In October, North Korea said the South had sent drones to scatter anti-North Korea leaflets over Pyongyang, and published photos of the remains of a crashed South Korean military drone.

South Korea at the time declined to disclose whether it had sent the drones.

In a statement on Sunday, the prosecution office said it had sought an arrest warrant for Kim. Media said a court hearing is planned for Monday afternoon to review the request for a warrant.

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He was arrested on Friday without a court warrant, media said. Prosecutors and police are permitted to make an "emergency arrest" if they have a strong belief someone is guilty of a serious crime and may flee or destroy evidence.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, Ju-min Park and Jack Kim; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Clarence Fernandez)
Germany's lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, is under constant cyberattack and needs greater protection from hackers, according to Bundestag President Julia Klockner.

"We are recording numerous hacker attacks  the Bundestag is a popular target," Klockner told dpa in remarks for publication on Sunday.

"We will have to boost our capacity to resist against cyberattacks," she added. Klockner's office is equivalent to that of speaker in many countries.

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In May 2015, the largest cyberattack on the Bundestag to date was uncovered. Computers in the offices of a large number of Bundestag members had been infected with spyware, including the computers of Angela Merkel, the Christian Democrat chancellor at the time.

The IT systems of the entire Bundestag had to overhauled.

Speaking on the basis of new evidence uncovered by the state prosecutor five years later, Merkel said there was "hard evidence" of Russian involvement. The European Union imposed sanctions on Russia.

The German government also accused a Russian military intelligence unit of being behind a 2023 cyberattack on email accounts at the party headquarters of the Social Democrats (SPD). Olaf Scholz was chancellor at the time, heading an SPD-led government.

The identity of the hackers behind a cyberattack on the CDU party headquarters a year later is still unknown.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Basavaraj Bommai criticised the state's Commercial Tax Department over what he described as an "unfair imposition" of Goods and Services Tax (GST) dues on small and micro traders, urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to step in and provide immediate relief. In a post on social media platform X, Bommai said the move has come as a "GST shock" to small business owners and is "highly condemnable." "The action of the Karnataka State Government's Commercial Taxes Department in imposing a GST shock on small and micro-business owners is highly condemnable. Under the GST law, there are certain concessions for conducting business transactions. There is a system where tax must be paid after availing those concessions," his post read. He further said that in this matter, the State Commercial Taxes Department, in haste, has imposed taxes for several years along with interest and other charges, placing a heavy burden on small roadside business owners, pushing them to a situation where they may have to shut down their businesses, which is unacceptable to anyone. "By inviting representatives of the concerned small business owners for discussions and providing them with all kinds of concessions, assistance should be extended to them under the tax settlement scheme, just as it is done for other taxpayers. I demand that the measures taken in other states regarding this issue be implemented here as well, keeping in mind the interests of small business owners and consumers," he further said. "I urge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene in this matter immediately and provide relief to small business owners. Amid discussions at the highest levels of the Commercial Taxes Department, it is said that this action was taken due to financial difficulties in the state, an empty treasury, and a shortfall in tax collection in the first quarter of this year, prompting such stringent measures out of panic. In this context, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must provide a solution to this issue," he added. He urged that representatives of the affected small traders be called for discussions and that they be granted all possible concessions. Just as assistance is extended to taxpayers under the Karasamadhana Scheme, similar support should be extended to these small traders. Bommai further stated that other states have already taken appropriate measures in this regard, and such measures must be adopted in Karnataka as well, keeping in mind the interests of small traders and consumers. He noted that due to financial constraints and a shortfall in tax collections during the first quarter of this fiscal year, the state treasury is under pressure. As a result, the Commercial Tax Department has taken this harsh step in haste, following instructions from the top. Given this background, he insisted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must step in and offer a suitable remedy. (ANI)
You see the distinctive cans from Busch Light every summer that raise funds for Farm Rescue, a Midwestern nonprofit that helps farmers in times of crisis, including in Iowa and Illinois. Tim Sullivan, Executive Director of Farm Rescue spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to explain the program that the brewing giant helps support.

We are a 20-year-old nonprofit that started in 2005 out of North Dakota, and weve grown it into 10 states, he said. Illinois was added three years ago into Farm Rescues service states. (The others include North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Wisconsin.) We serve the farm and ranch communities, where we come in with volunteers and equipment, where we serve, in the case of a natural disaster, or if somebody is ill or injured on the farm. We step in to protect their livelihood with our services  planting a crop, harvesting a crop, feeding livestock, transporting commodities and hay to wherever it needs to go, anything to protect that livelihood so that that farm can stay afloat during that time of crisis.

The nonprofit started in 2005 when founder Bill Gross, who grew up on a farm, wanted to help farm and ranch families that were facing tough times. That first year, he rented a tractor and they planted, with five volunteers and himself, they planted for 10 farmers that spring who were in need of support through an injury or an illness, Sullivan said. We are at over 1200 families served in the last 20 years. Many of the volunteers come out of Illinois and Iowa.

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Farm Rescue was in the Quad Cities a few years ago after a derecho tore through the area in 2020. We were active right after that derecho and we traveled a large part of the swath that the derecho took, letting people know through different grassroots efforts, through farming connections, dealerships and religious organizations, just anybody that had a frontline seat to hearing about families that were in need. We did help out with several grain hauling situations during that 2020 event. The corn was laying down and the crops were severely damaged, so they had to wait to see what would happen with insurance before we could come in and harvest. We did end up helping with harvest on a few applications that year. That corn, surprisingly, a large part of it was able to be harvested. It did pop back up.

Nominations for help from the group usually come from someone who knows the situation well. Its usually by a trusted friend or somebody theyre doing business with. It can be an implement organization or a seed company, somebody within the industry, or it can be somebody outside the industry. The Anheuser Busch and Busch Light team have brought us several referrals over the years that theyve heard about through their connections. Its all about those folks on the front line getting that information back to that family, or directly to Farm Rescue as a referral. People can also visit the groups website to apply. The group has helped 12 families within 100 miles of the Quad Cities, five of them within the last three years.

Anheuser Busch and Busch Lights special Busch Light Farming Cans help finance equipment rentals and volunteer expenses. In the early years, it was rent a tractor or whatever. But we also use the familys equipment, and we still do that to some extent today. A lot of times that equipment needs to pass inspection, and sometimes it doesnt, so we found the need to have our own equipment, especially during planting and harvest. Timing is so important to either plant that crop or harvest I, so we had to have a backup. We actually only own one combine, but we lease up to eight other combines. With the planting, we have a variety of planting tractors, row crop planters.

Sullivan says the special cans do more than just raise needed funds. The campaign really helps support Farm Rescues needs in a big way financially. It also gets the message out so people know who we are, and that we are a trusted source to take care of their needs. About $1.5 million has been donated to Farm Rescue from this campaign over the six year period and thats huge for us. We have operational costs, with the expenses for the volunteers and some of the equipment, and we have a very small staff. Its a super important campaign for us each year, and we are very grateful for that.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler called Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele a good friend after he helped secure the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela in exchange for the return of more than 250 Venezuelans who the U.S. had sent to be imprisoned in El Salvador.

In an interview on CNNs State of the Union, Boehler said the hostage exchange has been months in the works and is the result of a great, unbelievable team, in terms of people on the ground, career people that folks dont ever hear of who were driving this bus really hard back and forth.

The reality here is Bukele had  whos been great  Bukele had a number of people there at CECOT. He made a deal with Venezuela, and then Venezuela released all Americans, and so our portion of that deal was to make sure that all of our boys got home, Boehler said, referring to the notorious Salvadoran prison known as CECOT.

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CNNs Jake Tapper pressed Boehler on the Trump administrations repeated insistence that it has no influence over Bukele  an argument officials made after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador but has since returned to the U.S.

Doesnt this exchange show the Trump administration does, in fact, have the ability to work with Bukele and to get people released from this El Salvador prison when they want to? Tapper asked.

Well, what it shows is that the president has been very clear. Bringing Americans home is a critical priority. We dont accept when other countries take people, Boehler responded.

President Bukele has been a good friend, friend enough to know whats important to the United States, and so we appreciate the fact that he cleared a deal with Venezuela to release these Americans that came home, he continued.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SPRINGVILLE, Utah (ABC4)  Springville Police are asking for the publics help after a suspect attempted to break into multiple vehicle early Saturday morning.

In a post on Facebook, Springville Police say the attempted theft suspect was captured on camera in the area of 1100 West 100 South trying to break into multiple vehicles between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. this morning.

Courtesy: Springville Police Department Courtesy: Springville Police Department Courtesy: Springville Police Department

Police are asking residents in this area to check their cars if anything of value may have been stolen from them, and for any residents to check their doorbell cameras for any footage of the suspect.

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They also remind residents to lock their car doors at night and to not leave anything of value in them.

Anyone with information is asked to call Springville Police at 801-489-9421.

Latest headlines:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Toward the end of May, developer Rob Clapp  known for popular destination projects such as St. Paul Brewing, Can Can Wonderland and the newly reopened Dark Horse Bar & Eatery  logged a win of sorts before the St. Paul Planning Commission, which voted to recommend against the citys efforts to rezone part of the historic Hamms Brewery campus for new housing.

Clapp has long maintained that converting the brewerys east end parking lot into more than 100 units of affordable housing will eliminate needed parking for his multiple businesses.

Within two hours of the vote, according to Clapp, a senior city staffer from St. Paul Planning and Economic Development arrived outside St. Paul Brewing to take pictures that would later be used by the citys Department of Safety and Inspections to threaten his liquor license. The next day, city inspectors put a stop-work order on a landscaping project at the brewery that was intended to make room for new trees outside the former 11 Wells Distillery.

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The stop-work order was resolved within 24 hours through an explanatory telephone call.

The day after that, for reasons that remain unclear, an inspector from the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration stopped by the distillery, which is not currently open to the public.

Clapp said he doesnt believe in coincidences.

Its just harassment, said Clapp, in an interview Thursday. Within two hours of the Planning Commission decision not to rezone, she was there, filing this complaint, which just seems retaliatory. This is coming from PED, which is Planning and Economic Development. It shouldnt be Planning and Reverse Economic Development.

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The mayors office has denied any sort of retaliation. A spokesperson said St. Paul Brewing posted a picture to social media on May 29 showing a completed patio expansion onto city-owned land without a use license from the citys Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The patio included a portable outdoor stage, sound equipment and lighting constructed without permits, as well as liquor service.

Accusations of retaliation are false

Accusations of retaliation are false, said Jennifer Lor, the mayors press secretary, in a written statement Thursday. There is no connection between the rezoning hearing on May 30 and actions taken regarding St. Paul Brewings unauthorized operations.

She added: The city followed standard procedure to confirm the unauthorized operations through interdepartmental collaboration  St. Paul Brewing acknowledged these issues and cooperated with the city to resolve it within a few days.

Clapp said Friday the simple set-up included string lights that have been on site for several years, as well as a shipping container with no mechanicals, which has been used for the past year as a mobile stage, and a portable generator. City officials from St. Paul Parks and Rec, the Department of Safety and Inspections, Planning and Economic Development and the city attorneys office had walked through the property on multiple occasions since the stage was installed in June 2024, he said, and they had never previously raised concern.

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The war of words between a housing developer, the owner of St. Paul Brewing and top city officials over proposed real estate development at the sprawling, 1865-era brewery on St. Pauls East Side has entered a new phase, with the restaurant owner accusing city planners of bad faith on the eve of what could be a decisive city council vote.

Developer JB Vang and the St. Paul mayors office have long hoped to install dozens of new affordable housing units within the old Hamms Brewery campus on Minnehaha Avenue. Those plans hit a major obstacle on May 30 when the citys Planning Commission determined the proposal involved spot zoning, or a zoning reclassification limited to a relatively small parcel of land to accommodate a particular project, which is illegal in Minnesota.

Despite the Planning Commission recommendation, the St. Paul City Council is expected to take up the rezoning question on Wednesday.

Still, the negative decision represented at least a temporary win for Clapp, the principal behind Eclective Creative Collective  a combination of restaurants, real estate holding companies and creative businesses  who has argued that housing construction will remove needed parking for a series of businesses he operates on the Hamms campus, including St. Paul Brewing, the former 11 Wells Distillery, the Wonder Studio fabrication shop and a planned lounge or event center.

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At 11:30 a.m. May 30, within about two hours of the Planning Commission vote, a senior staff member with St. Paul Planning and Economic Development, or PED, was spotted on security video taking photos through a security fence at the back entrance of St. Paul Brewings outdoor patio, just as the restaurant was opening, according to Clapp and his Eclective Creative Collective team.

A hand-delivered correction notice

Clapp maintains he recognized the project manager and reached out by email to ask what she was looking for and if he could assist. Nicolle Newton, the citys PED director, emailed him back to say city staff would be on site from time to time. Part of the brewery campus remains owned by the citys Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

We dont need anything from you at this time, she wrote. Thanks much.

Instead, on June 6, the restaurant received a hand-delivered correction notice from the citys Department of Safety and Inspections, or DSI, demanding they correct an apparent violation of their liquor license or lose their license entirely. A section of the back patio, near the back exit dock, sits on city land and had offered outdoor seating under a shared-use agreement between the restaurant and the citys HRA for four years, according to Clapp.

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The agreement had apparently lapsed. The city maintains the seating area had expanded even beyond those previously-approved boundaries.

Weve done this for years, where weve had a license agreement with the HRA, and no issues, Clapp said. We were surprised to find this correction notice coming from DSI, when Im reaching out twice to (the senior city planner) to see if she needs anything. Any time theyve made that request, weve turned it around in 24 hours, and thats the end of it. This had a major impact on 25% of our patio for a week during a summer month.

Sean Ryan, a former project manager with Can Can Wonderland and government relations manager with Clapps collective, said they attempted to determine who filed the complaint over the lapsed license near the back dock, but they were informed by DSI that complainant information is protected under data privacy laws.

We did push back saying that if a city employee did file the complaint in the course of their public work it should be available, Ryan said. No response.

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Ryan said the team had hoped, after the May 30 Planning Commission vote, that city planners would sit down with them and attempt to find common ground. Instead, the spot zoning question will go before the city council on Wednesday.

JB Vangs development plan shrinks

JB Vang was awarded tentative developer status by the St. Paul HRA in 2023 based on a proposal that included at the time a total of 259 affordable housing units and a two-level indoor marketplace.

Under that plan, an existing brewhouse building would be remodeled to host the marketplace and about 84 mostly one- and two-bedroom rentals, as well as some ownership live/work studios. Elsewhere on the campus, the proposal also called for 11 family-sized, owner-occupied rowhomes next to 164 rental apartments in a new building, which would fill in a surface parking lot on the sites northeast corner.

JB Vang has now put any effort to establish the rowhomes on pause, and reduced the number of proposed units in the new building from 164 to 110 to allow for a 70-stall parking lot. The company also been unable to find a partner to help develop the marketplace.

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The rowhouses were removed from the project based on regulatory issues that prevented rental and ownership units being under the same roof, said Stephanie Harr, a project development consultant for JB Vang, in an email Friday. The marketplace component of the project has not executed any contracts with partners yet; we are continuing to talk with potential partners and determining what the partnership arrangement would look like.

Clapp has said with JB Vangs tentative developer status expiring this year, the city should work with him to reconfigure the project entirely.

Over Clapps objections, the city has nominated much of the brewery campus for a local historic designation, borrowing the boundaries from a previous nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, which was reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Review Board in January.

The city council likely will consider the local nomination in August, with a vote tentatively scheduled for Aug. 20.

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The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene will hold a burial service for U.S. Army Private First Class John Kenneth Andrews on Wednesday, July 23, at 11 a.m.

The veteran, who served from July 1960 to May 1961, is not expected to have any family members present.

Community members are being urged to attend the unaccompanied veterans burial to ensure Andrews is not laid to rest alone. The Texas Veterans Land Board coordinates these services to honor veterans who might otherwise have no one present at their final farewell.

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Andrews, born October 15, 1938, will receive full military honors at the ceremony. A Veterans Land Board representative will accept the American flag on his behalf if no next of kin attends.

The burial represents part of the Texas Veterans Land Boards commitment that NO Veteran is EVER left behind. The board regularly works with local communities and veteran organizations to coordinate these services.

Dr. Dawn Buckingham, who became Texas first female Land Commissioner in 2022, oversees the Veterans Land Board. Her office manages veteran services alongside responsibilities for disaster response, energy policy, public education, and border security.

The cemetery, located at 7457 West Lake Rd. in Abilene, serves as one of several state veterans cemeteries throughout Texas. These facilities provide burial services for eligible veterans and their families.

Those planning to attend should arrive by 11 a.m. sharp on July 23. The Texas General Land Office press office can provide additional information at (512) 936-9582.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said Monday that the company was increasing its in-office work requirement.

A spokesperson said the RTO order was about enhancing Starbucks' culture, not reducing head count.

Employees told Business Insider they were worried the company's beloved people-first culture was eroding.

Employees at Starbucks' corporate headquarters who are unhappy about CEO Brian Niccol's strict return-to-office mandate are making their displeasure known.

On Friday, a flyer created by "Partners for the Preservation of Starbucks Culture, Mission, and Values" was taped inside an elevator at the corporate offices in Seattle. Featuring two photos of Niccol and a list of grievances, the flyer calls out Niccol's leadership, recent cost-cutting bonuses for executives, the RTO order, and broader changes in the work environment, a photo shows.

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"Getting 'Back to Starbucks' isn't just about comfy chairs. It's about our Culture, Values, Mission, and how we treat people and the environment," it reads. "This is the wrong direction. Please stop."

It appeared several days after Niccol sent a firm message to the company's corporate workers on Monday: Come back to the office four days a week or leave.

Some "people leaders" who manage teams had their remote status eliminated, requiring them to relocate to Seattle or Toronto. According to internal communications viewed by Business Insider, Starbucks offered voluntary buyout packages of between $20,000 and $100,000, depending on title, for those who would rather leave the company.

Four Starbucks corporate employees told BI they were worried the strict return-to-office mandate contributed to an erosion of the company's "partner first" culture. A Starbucks spokesperson told BI the return-to-office mandate was about enhancing the company's culture, not further reducing head count. Starbucks formally laid off 1,100 corporate workers in February.

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"I think for those of us who have been around for a while, we see a culture shift happening in the organization where our public face doesn't necessarily match our private face anymore," one Starbucks veteran, who has worked for the company for nearly 20 years, told BI.

The latest RTO notices surprised the corporate Starbucks workers who spoke with BI and prompted others to immediately begin looking for new roles and sharing their concerns on social media.

"As Starbucks chooses to require all people-leaders to relocate to Seattle, I am placed in a position where I must consider exploring other opportunities and would appreciate your support," Kristina Lawson, a Starbucks program manager who has been with the company for more than 18 years, wrote in a post on LinkedIn.

Lawson didn't respond to a request for comment.

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Corporate America is in the middle of a return-to-office showdown. BI has reported that major companies, from Amazon to Zoom, have implemented various RTO mandates. Each company's approach has been different, with some incentivizing employees to work in-office with perks such as raises, and others threatening to fire workers if they don't comply.

BI's Aki Ito reported in May that some suspected strict RTO mandates were actually a way to get employees to quit  and they may be right, because voluntary resignations remove the company's need to pay severance or health insurance, resulting in a less expensive reduction in force than traditional layoffs.

"We are reestablishing our in-office culture because we do our best work when we're together," Niccol said in a statement to BI. "We share ideas more effectively, creatively solve hard problems, and move much faster."

Niccol's statement continued: "We're driving significant change across the company while staying true to our core values. We know we're asking a lot of every partner as we work to turn the business around. And we understand that the updated in-office culture may not work for everyone."

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Niccol, who joined the company from Chipotle last September, has been leading the coffee giant through a "Back to Starbucks" revitalization initiative. He's attempting to reverse slumping sales, improve the customer experience, and address problems with its mobile ordering system and long wait times.

A recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission shows Starbucks is offering top executives up to $6 million in stock bonuses if the company meets its cost-reduction goals by the end of fiscal 2027.

One Starbucks employee in Seattle who has worked in corporate operations for the company for more than seven years told BI that several other anonymous flyers had been posted around the building with complaints about changes Niccol was promoting and that some employees had voiced concern in open Slack channels.

While they won't be personally affected by the RTO order, the employee said they were worried about how the company would operate if some of the most passionate partners decide to leave.

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"There are some remote partners that have niche knowledge and skills that will leave massive Kool-Aid Man-sized holes in the wall if they decide to take the exit payment," the employee said.

Jul 20, 2025: This story has been updated to include details of other employee actions cited by a Seattle Starbucks employee.

Have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert at ktangalakislippert@businessinsider.com or Signal at byktl.50. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Israeli military personnel have pepper-sprayed desperate and starving Palestinian aid seekers at one of the distribution points of the controversial aid agency GHF in Gaza, a video shows.

In the 20-second video verified by Al Jazeeras fact-checking agency Sanad, Israeli troops were seen scattering a crowd with pepper spray at Shakoush in Gazas southern city of Rafah.

The mobile phone video, recorded on July 10 and released on social media late on Saturday, shows three armed soldiers using the pepper spray against the Palestinians at the Israeli and United States-backed GHF aid point.

The GHF security personnel fired pepper spray at Palestinians who went to receive aid in Al Shakoush area in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. 10/7/2025 pic.twitter.com/uZbhyoMgdM  Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) July 19, 2025

Men, women and children could be seen running in all directions away from the soldiers  some covering their mouths with their clothes, others frantically rushing to leave the scene with bags of flour hoisted on their backs.

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Since the GHF started operating in Gaza in late May, at least 891 people have been killed while trying to get food, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said on Saturday.

A July 15 report by the United Nations found that at least 674 of those people were killed in the vicinity of GHF sites.

The highly criticised aid operation has effectively sidelined Gazas vast UN-led aid delivery network after Israel eased a more than two-month total blockade on the enclave.





The video of Palestinians being pepper-sprayed came as Israels genocidal war in Gaza saw at least 84 more Palestinians killed on Sunday, 73 of them aid seekers, as of 12:30 GMT on Sunday.

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On Saturday, 116 Palestinians were killed across the enclave, including at least 38 aid seekers. That number was upgraded on Sunday to 130 people killed and 495 wounded.

Mahmoud Mokeimar, a Palestinian in Gaza, said he was walking with a crowd of people, mostly young men, towards the GHF hub when Israeli troops fired warning shots and soon opened fire.

The occupation opened fire at us indiscriminately, he told The Associated Press news agency.

Mokeimar said he saw at least three motionless bodies on the ground and many wounded people fleeing.

Unless Israel allows more food into Gaza, Palestinians have no choice but to risk their lives just for something to eat, said Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah in Gaza.

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Parents go to the GHF distribution sites to risk getting killed or leave their children starving. There is no option in the market. Everything is very expensive.





Meanwhile, Palestinians, including infants and toddlers, continue to die from starvation across Gaza.

Four-year-old Razan Abu Zaher died of complications from malnutrition and hunger, a source at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza City told Al Jazeera on Sunday.

On Saturday, the director of al-Shifa Hospital said two Palestinians had died of starvation, including a 35-day-old infant.

On Friday, the Health Ministry said starving Palestinians are arriving in hospital emergency departments across Gaza in unprecedented numbers, as Israel continues to severely restrict access to food in Gaza and shoot people seeking aid.

Israels war on Gaza has killed at least 58,895 people and wounded 140,980 others as of 1230 GMT on Sunday. An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks, and more than 200 were taken captive.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Texas first special session of 2025 starts Monday, during which state lawmakers will consider new congressional maps approve the proposal.

Special sessions explained: How they work, what the rules are

Michael Li, senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, specializes in voter participation among minority communities in Texas. He said that the only possible way he sees Republicans being able to maximize gains in Texas is by breaking up majority-Black or Latino districts in cities, like Houston and Dallas.

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In Texas, there really isnt a way to maximize Republican seats anymore without really targeting the political power of communities of color, Li said. Its for districts that are majority non-white and that are all represented by Black or Latino members that have been floated around as districts that might be redrawn or tweaked in some way.

A statement from the Texas Democratic Party released July 10 identified the Houston-area 9th, 18th and 29th congressional districts, as well as the Dallas-Fort Worth 33rd congressional district as the seats most vulnerable to redistricting. All are currently represented by Black or Latino members.

I am ready, willing and able: House Democrat says hed break quorum to stop redistricting

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 requires certain states to have majority-Black or Latino districts, and courts have recently struck down maps for violating that provision. Alabama and Louisiana were forced to draw new maps ahead of the 2024 election that created an additional Black-majority district, and Texas is already facing litigation over its current maps.

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The non-white population of Texas is also quickly growing. Texas earned two additional seats in Congress after the 2020 Census, and is currently projected to gain even more if population trends hold.

This special session and the redrawing of Texass congressional map  is coming just as we have census data showing that people of color provided all of Texass population growth between 2023 and 2024, Li said. The white population of Texas actually fell a little bit for the first time.

That leaves congressional candidates with little time ahead of the December filing deadline, especially if the new maps become tied up in court.

Its almost certain that Black and Latino voters, and perhaps other voters, will be in court trying to block these maps, and there will be a fight about whether the maps will be in place for 2026 or not, Li said. There isnt a lot of time to get new maps in place.

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There are also other risks besides legal challenges: Current districts are drawn in a way that minimizes competition and packs cities into just a handful of districts, giving Republicans an edge. Any new map the GOP draws would make current Republican seats more vulnerable in order to create gains. That comes with risks, Li said, because population and demographic changes could upend the map in unpredictable ways.

Li said that Republicans are facing pressure from President Trump to get it done, but will have to weigh whether or not they want to take a gamble.

The question really is, are they willing to give that up, particularly the younger and the members who have less time in Congress, are they really willing to have a much more competitive map for the rest of the decade, Li said.

THC regulation up for consideration

Governor Greg Abbott identified six bills he vetoed that are up for further consideration during the special session.

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Chief among the list is the highly scrutinized Senate Bill 3, which would have outlawed all consumable hemp products containing THC, the intoxicating chemical found in cannabis. In his veto proclamation, the governor made it clear he wants the legislature to look at regulating the hemp industry over a complete ban.

He argues the way SB 3 is currently written would be legally fought for years to come.

If I were to allow Senate Bill 3 to become law, its enforcement would be enjoined for years, leaving existing abuses unaddressed. Texas cannot afford to wait, Abbott wrote.

At one point in its legislative lifespan, SB 3 was not structured as a complete ban on THC products.

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State Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, substantially changed the bill in the House Committee on State Affairs. It allowed the hemp industry to continue manufacturing hemp drinks and tinctures, and other consumable forms as long as they do not resemble a common snack marketed to children, according to a summary of the bill changes.

The King version of the bill also created a regulatory framework for those products that would have been carried about by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Department of State Health Services.

It allows for some hemp sales to be continued. It bans vapes. It bans vape shops. It bans all synthetics. Delta-9, the natural flower thats grown and sold in Texas, would remain, King said.

The bill was ultimately changed back to its original state after an amendment by State Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, on the House floor.

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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick championed SB 3 the entire session and made it one of his top priorities before the session started. He called the products poison to the community and would not settle for anything less than an outright ban.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Gov. Abbott wants to legalize recreational THC

First flood-related bill filed ahead of special session

Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, filed the first flood-related bill of the special session. It proposed changes to emergency warning systems operated by municipalities and counties.

Senate Bill 25 would allow municipalities to collect residents contact information to enroll them in emergency alerts, sent via text message, with their consent and the ability to opt-out at any time. Texans would also be able to choose to enroll in emergency alerts when they apply for or renew their driver license.

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Related: Special session will also target transgender Texans

The bill represents the first of expected flood-related measures as lawmakers prepare to address the July 4 Central Texas disaster that exposed gaps in warning systems across the region.

Shortly after SB 25 was filed, Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, filed SB 26, a flood relief program that provides loans to small businesses. SB 26 would provide interest-free loans to small and micro-businesses to be used for any expenses, so long as they are Texas-based, impacted by the Central Texas floods and be in good standing with the state.

Abbott placed flood warning systems at the top of his 18-item special session agenda following the July 4 floods that killed dozens of people across Central Texas. Kerr County, which suffered the heaviest losses, lacked a flood warning system despite being located in an area known as flash flood alley.

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Replace the people that failed us: Former Kerr Co. IT official calls for change after flood alert delay

The disaster raised questions about whether residents received adequate warnings before the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, devastating communities along its banks.

During the session, joint House and Senate committees will examine disaster preparedness and flooding issues. The committees will hold their first hearing July 23 at the Capitol, followed by a second hearing in Kerrville to gather resident input.

Texas lawmakers create flood disaster committees ahead of special session

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The committees will examine four areas outlined in Abbotts agenda: flood warning systems, flood emergency communications, relief funding for Hill Country floods, and natural disaster preparation and recovery.

Eckhardts bill adds to growing legislative momentum to address flood preparedness issues that became apparent during the Central Texas disaster, which marked one of the deadliest flood events in state history.

Odessa lawmaker files bill to scrap STAAR

After multiple failed attempts in recent years, State Representative Brooks Landgraf, R-Odessa, is once again trying to eliminate the STAAR test from Texas public schools.

Landgrafs House Bill 92 aims to eliminate the STAAR exam and reduce the scope of standardized testing in Texas classrooms. The bill targets all state-mandated assessments that exceed federal requirements and is intended to take effect in the 20252026 school year, if passed.

Texans have made it clear: They want to scrap the STAAR test, said Landgraf in a statement. Students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers are tired of an unnecessarily expensive system that prioritizes high-stakes test scores over actual learning.

HB 92 proposes a shift away from a test-driven education system and instead seeks to restore classroom instruction time and encourage a more well-rounded learning experience. The bill would retain only those standardized tests that are required under federal law, aiming to alleviate pressure on both educators and students.

Landgraf pushed similar legislation during the regular session, but fell short of final approval. He says the special session presents another opportunity to get this right.

We were so close to scrapping STAAR earlier this year, he said. This bill gives Texas another chance to get this right and put the focus of our school system where it belongs, on preparing students for life, not just filling in bubbles on an exam.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Several orphaned ducklings were saved after their mother was hit by a vehicle on Interstate 70.

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The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) posted the video on its social media page.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Lt. Dallas Root from the OSHPs Dayton post stepped in to save several orphaned ducklings.

Bodycam video shows that he gathered them off the side of the road on I-70 in Montgomery County.

He placed them in the front seat of his cruiser.

With help from Brukner Nature Center, the rescued ducklings are now in safe hands, said OSHP.

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The lintel of an under-construction house on Nangli Poona Road in the Swaroop Nagar area of Delhi collapsed on Saturday evening. The Delhi Fire Service received information about the incident at around 6:20 pm. Rescue personnel managed to save three people before fire trucks reached the scene. However, officials fear that more people may still be trapped under the debris. Five fire department vehicles were deployed to the site. Rescue operations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to ensure the area is safe. According to the Delhi Fire Service, "The lintel of an under-construction house on Nangli Poona Road in Swaroop Nagar area of Delhi collapsed earlier today. The fire department received information about the incident around 6.20 pm. Three people were rescued before the fire vehicles reached the spot. There is still a possibility that some people may be trapped inside. Five fire department vehicles are present at the spot." Further details are awaited. Earlier, on July 12, a multi-storey building collapsed in the Seelampur locality of Delhi, killing six people and injuring eight others. Several more were feared trapped under the rubble, according to an official. The deceased were identified as Matloob (50), his wife Rabia (46), their sons Javed (23) and Abdulla (15), Zubia (27), wife of Azam, and Fozia (2). Their bodies were recovered from the site and taken to GTB Hospital. Eight others, including a 14-month-old child, sustained injuries in the incident. According to Delhi Police, all those who were previously reported missing have now been accounted for. However, rescue teams are still clearing debris to ensure no one remains trapped. The collapse occurred at around 7 am in Gali Number 5 of Janata Colony, under the jurisdiction of Welcome Police Station in North-East Delhi. (ANI)
Content warning: This story includes details of an infants death.

After Democrats passed the American Rescue Plan in 2021, states were flush with federal funding to help prop the child care sector up. But that money is now all gone, and as Republicans in Congress threaten to pass spending cuts that could further shrink state budgets, lawmakers are trying to find solutions to the child care crisis that dont cost money.

Many have proposed changing the mandated ratios that require a certain number of early educators to care for young kids. Nearly a dozen states have considered rolling back child care regulations, including those governing staff-to-child ratios.

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But while these deregulatory bills are common, its not a foregone conclusion that they will pass. Advocates in three states have been able to beat back these efforts in the legislative sessions that just wrapped up by mobilizing a wide variety of people to speak up against these proposals and deploying research-backed arguments about child safety and child care supply.

Eliminating Ratios Entirely

Idaho advocates faced down the most extreme bill. In its original form, HB243 would have eliminated all requirements that limit the number of young children an early educator can care for, leaving it up to individual providers. It would have been the first state in the country to take such a step.

Advocates had very little time to fight back. The bill got fast tracked; there was less than 24 hours notice before the first public hearing on it in the House. You cant get child care providers and parents there in that amount of time, said Christine Tiddens, executive director of Idaho Voices for Children, a nonprofit that advocates for child-focused policies, noting that it requires moving work schedules and getting people to cover shifts. The bill sailed through the House.

Eventually, Tiddens said, they were able to put parents and providers in front of lawmakers to warn of the negative consequences. One of those parents was Idaho resident Kelly Emry. On June 10, 2024, she got a panicked call from the home-based child care provider where she had just started sending her 11-week-old son Logan. She dashed to the providers home and was told he was dead. The coroners report later confirmed he died from asphyxiation. According to Emry, the coroner said the provider put him down for a nap between a rolled up blanket and a pillow and left him there for hours. The provider was caring for 11 kids by herself that day, putting her out of compliance with state regulations that, at the time, required at least two staff members.

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It was completely preventable, and thats whats so hard for me to come to terms with, Emry said in a podcast interview in January.

Emry wasnt the only one who spoke up. Once the bill got to the Senate, advocates packed the hearing and overflow rooms with several hundred people. Among the 40 people who signed up to testify, 38 opposed the bill. Baby Logans uncle spoke, as did pediatricians, fire marshals, nurses, the state police, child welfare experts, child care providers and parents. Lawmakers were flooded with thousands of calls and emails from the opposition. Tiddens made sure every senator was sent the podcast interview with Emry.

The bill passed the Senate committee by a single vote. Advocates decided to try to stop the worst elements, knowing that the bill was likely to pass in some form. They asked a senator who opposed it to throw a Hail Mary, Tiddens said. When the bill came to the Senate floor, he asked for unanimous support to pull it and move it into the amending process. He got it. The original elimination of staff-to-child ratios was stripped out; instead, the bill preserved ratios, albeit higher ones than before. Under previous law, Idaho ranked at No. 41 among all states for how high its ratios were; now it has dropped even further to No. 45.

The victory is bittersweet, Tiddens said. She attributes it almost solely to one thing: putting parents, not just businesses and child care providers, in front of lawmakers, which led to the moving account of Logans family, still in the midst of raw grief. How could you listen and not have your heart changed? Tiddens asked.

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Related

Across Party Lines, Stakeholders Are Calling for Regulatory Reform in Child Care

Doubling Family Child Care Ratios

Advocates in Maryland have fought back against legislation to loosen staff-to-child ratios twice now. Last year, lawmakers introduced a bill to raise the ratios in family child care settings, but it died thanks to a lot of advocacy, said Beth Morrow, director of public policy at the Maryland Family Network, a nonprofit focused on child care. As in Idaho, the American Academy of Pediatrics and fire marshals warned about what would happen in the case of emergencies. Children under 2 years old are not capable of self-preservation, Morrow pointed out; they might hide when a fire alarm goes off and cant evacuate on their own. If there is an emergency you have to be able to get these kids out, she said.

The idea returned this year in House Bill 477, this time coupled with looser ratios for center-based care. Family providers are currently allowed to care for eight children but no more than two under the age of 2; the legislation would have doubled that, allowing providers to watch as many as four children under the age of 1. That was a nonstarter, Morrow said. It would also have been the first time that these rules were dictated by lawmakers rather than by the Maryland State Department of Education, which would have been barred from changing them in the future.

So advocates marshalled research, with the help of national groups including the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Center for Law and Social Policy. They highlighted that there has been no evidence that stricter child care regulations lead to reduced supply. Lawmakers seemed moved by the argument that lower ratios support better health and safety for children.

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During the markup session, the chief sponsor amended the bill by striking the language about higher ratios; instead, the version that passed requires the Department of Education to study child care regulations with an eye toward alleviating barriers for providers.

Ratio Increases by Another Name

In Minnesota, lawmakers took a different approach to proposing changes to the number of staff required to care for young children this session. Their legislation avoided mentioning the term ratios at all. Instead, the issue was presented as an exemption for in-home child care providers caring for their own children as well. The legislation originally would have exempted as many as three of the providers own children from the number they are licensed to watch. Thats a direct ratio increase, no way around that, said Clare Sanford, vice president of government and community relations at New Horizon Academy, a child care and preschool provider. You still have the same number of adults but youre increasing the number of children that adult is responsible for.

In later drafts, the number of children who could be exempted kept being reduced. In the end the legislation didnt get a standalone vote and the language was left out of the final state budget. The argument that Sanford thinks worked the best was that increasing ratios wouldnt actually increase child care supply. Thats because, as a brief by NAEYC argues, they will lead to more burnout among providers, which will push them to leave and, in the end, reduce available child care spots.

The fight is far from over. Advocates in all three states expect lawmakers to try to loosen staff-to-child ratios again next session. Tiddens fears that, although Idaho didnt eliminate ratios, the idea could spread. Idaho has often been a frontrunner for harmful legislation, she said. On the whole, more of these laws have been signed than stopped, said Diane Girouard, state policy senior analyst at ChildCare Aware of America. Ratio deregulation bills pop up in some states every single year, she said. This isnt just unique to red, conservative states. It has happened in blue states, it has happened in purple states.

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Advocates who oppose raising these ratios are formulating responses to the child care crisis that preserve safety standards without requiring state funding. In Maryland, for example, Morrows organization helped pass a bill that removes legal barriers to opening and operating family child care programs. The hope is that with more solutions on the table to increase child care supply, states wont look to options that erode safety standards, such as increasing ratios.

Tiddens has vowed to fight back. Were not going away, and were going to show up next session with our own proposal, she said. Her coalition plans to formulate a bill for next year that prioritizes child safety at the same time as dealing with the child care shortage, she said.
Morgan Weistling, an accomplished painter of cowboys and Old West frontier life, was vacationing with his family this month when he got a surprising message from a friend about one of his works of art.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, he said the friend told him, had posted a work he had painted five years ago to its official social media channels without his knowledge.

The painting, which looks like a scene from the Oregon Trail, depicts a young white couple  she in a long dress, he in a cowboy hat  cradling a baby in a covered wagon, with mountains and another wagon in the background.

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"Remember your Homeland's Heritage," the Department of Homeland Security captioned the July 14 post on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Exactly whose homeland and whose heritage? And what was the intended message of the federal department, whose masked and heavily armed agents have arrested thousands of brown-skinned, Spanish-speaking immigrants  most with no criminal convictions  in California this summer?

That has been the source of heated online debate at a time when the Trump administration has ramped up its online trolling with memes and jokes about the raids that critics have called racist, childish and unbefitting official government social media accounts.

Good morning  Every criminal illegal alien must be DEPORTED  its the only way to MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!  pic.twitter.com/PeVFRYKSPV  The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 17, 2025

The "Remember your Homeland's Heritage" post racked up 19 million views on X and thousands of responses. Critics compared the post to Nazi propaganda. Supporters said it was "OK to be white" and to celebrate "traditional values."

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Among the responses: "You mean the heritage built on stolen land, Indigenous genocide, and whitewashed history? You don't get to romanticize settlers while caging today's migrants."

And: "A few minutes later, an ICE wagon pulls up next to them, agents cuff and stuff them into the back and then summarily send them back to Ireland."

Another person, referencing the "Oregon Trail" video game, joked: "All three died from dysentery."

Asked about criticism of the post, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in an email to The Times: If the media needs a history lesson on the brave men and women who blazed the trails, forded the rivers, and forged this Republic from the sweat of their brow, we are happy to send them a history textbook. This administration is unapologetically proud of American history and American heritage. Get used to it.

Protesters confront federal agents during an immigration raid at Glass House Farms on July 10 in Camarillo. (Julie Leopo / For The Times)

On July 11, a federal judge temporarily halted indiscriminate immigration sweeps in Southern California at places such as Home Depot, car washes and rows of street vendors. U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong said she found sufficient evidence that agents were unlawfully using race, ethnicity, language, accent, location or employment as a pretext for immigration enforcement.

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The next week, the Department of Homeland Security  which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with Customs and Border Protection  posted the white-people-in-the-covered-wagon painting. It also posted a meme with a fake poster from the 1982 movie "E.T. The Extra Terrestrial" with the caption: "Illegal aliens, take a page from E.T. and PHONE HOME."

Ramesh Srinivasan, founder of the University of California Digital Cultures Lab, which studies the connections between technology, politics and culture, said the mean-spirited posts and gleeful deportation jokes are part of a deliberate trolling campaign by the Trump administration.

"The saddest part of all of this is it mirrors how DHS is acting in real life," he said.

"Someone can be a troll online but may not be as much [of one] in real life," he said. "The digital world and physical world may not be completely in lockstep with each other. But in this particular case, there's a level of honesty that's actually disturbing."

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Srinivasan, who is Indian American, said that although the covered wagon painting is not offensive in and of itself, the timing of the Homeland Security post raises questions about the government's intended meaning.

ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ: MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!  pic.twitter.com/kfMZuMwc9N  The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 1, 2025

The painting, he said, "is being used to show inclusion and exclusion, who's worthy of being an American and who isn't."

Srinivasan said mean memes are effective because they spread quickly in a media environment in which people are flooded with information and quickly scroll through visual content and short video reels with little context.

"There are hidden algorithms that determine visibility and virality," Srinivasan said. "Outrage goes more viral because it generates what tech companies call engagement."

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Here in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken a page from Trump's troll playbook, with recent social media posts that include name-calling, swear words, and, of course, memes.

Earlier this month, Newsom responded to a post on X by the far-right Libs of TikTok account that showed video of someone apparently firing a gun at immigration officers in Camarillo. The account asked if the governor would condemn the shooting. Newsom wrote: "Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you shit poster. Now do Jan 6."

In a post on X, Newsom's press office called White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the architect of many of Trump's hard-line immigration policies, a "fascist cuck." Newsom defended the name-calling in a news conference, saying of the Trump administration: "I don't think they understand any other kind of language."

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller talks to reporters outside the White House on May 9. Miller is the architect of many of the Trump administration's hard-line immigration policies. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

The term is used in far right circles to insult liberals as weak. It is also short for "cuckold," the husband of an unfaithful wife.

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Even for Team Trump, which is adept at distraction, the heightened online efforts to own the libs, as supporters say, come at a precarious time for the president. He has been embroiled in controversies over rumors about his friendship with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the effects of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, which will cut Medicaid and food assistance programs while funding the planned hiring of thousands of new immigration agents.

Still, his meme teams are working hard to stoke outrage and brag about immigration raids.

Earlier this month, Homeland Security posted a slickly edited video on its social media accounts showing border agents at work, with a narrator quoting the Bible verse Isaiah 6:8: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I. Send me.

The video uses a cover of the song, "God's Gonna Cut You Down" by the San Francisco rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

An man protesting immigration raids walks in front of California National Guard troops, federalized by President Trump, as they guard a federal building in downtown Los Angeles on June 12. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

On Instagram, the band wrote: It has come to our attention that the Department of Homeland Security is improperly using our recording of 'Gods Gonna Cut You Down' in your latest propaganda video. Its obvious that you dont respect Copyright Law and Artist Rights any more than you respect Habeas Corpus and Due Process rights, not to mention the separation of Church and State per the US Constitution."

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On July 10, the band asked the government to cease and desist the use of its recording and pull down the video.

It added, "Oh, and go f yourselves."

As of Friday evening, the video remained posted on X along with the song.

In recent days, White House and Homeland Security social media accounts have shared memes that include: A coffee mug with the words "Fire up the deportation planes;" a weightlifting skeleton declaring, "My body is a machine that turns ICE funding into mass deportations;" and alligators wearing ICE caps in reference to the officially named Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention facility in Florida.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it say we cant post banger memes  pic.twitter.com/nwH7NziRBD  The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 11, 2025

A meme shared last week depicted a poster outside the White House that read: "oMg, diD tHe wHiTE hOuSE reALLy PosT tHiS?" The caption: "Nowhere in the Constitution does it say we can't post banger memes."

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The White House also shared the Homeland Security covered wagon post.

In response to questions about online criticism that calls the posts racist, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson asked a Times reporter in an email to "explain how deporting illegal aliens is racist."

She also said in a statement: We wont stop celebrating the Trump Administrations many wins via banger memes on social media. Stay mad.

Weistling, the artist unwittingly caught up in the controversy, apparently was surprised not only by the posting of his painting and his name, but also by the Department of Homeland Security using an incorrect title for the artwork.

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The government labeled the painting: "New Life in a New Land  Morgan Weistling."

The actual title of the painting is "A Prayer for a New Life." Prints are listed for sale on the website for the evangelical nonprofit Focus on the Family.

Weistling, a registered Republican who lives in Los Angeles County, could not be reached for comment.

Shortly after the government used his painting, he wrote on his website: "Attention! I did not give the DHS permission to use my painting in their recent postings on their official web platforms. They used a painting I did 5 years ago and re-titled it and posted it without my permission. It is a violation of my copyright on the painting. It was a surprise to me and I am trying to gather how this happen [sic] and what to do next."

He later shortened the statement on his website and deleted posts on his Instagram and Facebook accounts saying he learned about the post while on vacation and was stunned the government "thought they could randomly post an artist's painting without permission" and re-title it.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions from The Times about copyright issues.

But a spokesman said the posting of an incorrect title was "an honest mistake."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  It was another cool day for many of us in KELOLAND. While some of us saw sunshine, others have seen gloomier conditions. Scattered showers have continued to push eastward today and will slowly diminish. We arent quite done with the active weather though as we will want to stay weather aware in portions of KELOLAND this evening. The first area to watch will be northern Nebraska where Cherry County is in a Tornado Watch until 11 PM CDT Saturday.

West River is also included in a slight risk for severe weather today. A watch is possible in the next few hours as scattered thunderstorms will look to develop this evening and move eastward going into the night. Some storms could be capable of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts. A marginal risk expands into East River as thunderstorms could move into northern and southeastern KELOLAND.

The rest of us will stay quiet overnight with lows in the 50s and 60s. Winds will be on the lighter side mainly from the southeast.

Tomorrow begins our warm up as we go into the start of the week. A ridge will begin to move into western KELOLAND and boost our highs back to above average. East River will stay on the cooler side, but there will still be humid conditions as dew point values sit in the 60s and 70s.

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More unsettled weather is possible again tomorrow with the slight risk shifting further east. A shortwave trough will start to move in Sunday evening and clusters of thunderstorms will try to form along the North and South Dakota border. Eventually, the storms will form a line and dive southeast into Minnesota on Monday morning. Large hail and damaging wind gusts will be the main threats.

Our chances for scattered thunderstorms will continue throughout the week in KELOLAND. Some storms could have the potential to be strong as there will be instability to work with. The heat and humidity will linger with highs in the 80s and 90s.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Striking Essentia nurses in Duluth claim 'threats of violence' from supervisor originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Essentia Health nurses in the Twin Ports have reported "threatening and retaliatory behavior" by a "direct supervisor" relating to recent strike action.

The allegations were shared in a statement by the Minnesota Nurses Association on behalf of workers at clinics in Superior and 3rd Street in Duluth, with the union claiming Essentia was informed of the actions on June 26.

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According to the MNA, the supervisor "stated that he wanted to take his paintball gun and shoot nurses on strike," and also allegedly said during a strike demonstration by nurses that he could "run down picketers now."

"These are not isolated comments. They are part of a pattern of hostility, retaliation, and workplace intimidation, said Essentia Health registered nurse Kiera Simmons, in the MNA statement. "Essentia has had this information for over three weeks. Their continued silence places our members at risk and signals a failure of leadership."

In a response to Bring Me The News over the weekend, Essentia said that it will "thoroughly review and take appropriate action" in response to the allegations.

"The safety and well-being of our patients and colleagues is always Essentia Healths highest priority. Essentia will not condone intimidation or retaliation, and we take all allegations seriously," it said.

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"We will thoroughly review and take appropriate action. Personnel information in these matters is private  a fact that the union knows. In accordance with the law, we will share additional information as deemed appropriate."

The MNA is calling on the supervisor to be removed from all supervisory duties and be subject to a "thorough investigation.'

While a contract agreement was reached between Essentia and unionized workers to avoid industrial action earlier this month, an Unfair Labor Practice strike is ongoing involving Essentia Advanced Practice Providers (APP) and clinic workers in the Twin Ports.

The Star Tribune reports that Essentia is challenging the legitimacy of the strike to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), arguing the 400 APPs are unable to bargain as a single unit.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Go to any city in America, and its a good bet people will be talking about the transplants moving in.

The new ideas and businesses and cultures they bring. The rents they push up. The errors they make while ordering bagels.

In some places, like California, which struggled with population loss during the pandemic, rebounding population stats in recent years are even a source of bragging rights.

So, what does the data actually tells about who is moving where?

U-Haul data isnt an exact science, but it can point to trends about how people are moving across the country so far in 2025 (AP)

This week, rental company U-Haul released its midyear migration trends report, compiling the top cities and states from which movers are packing up and striking out for somewhere new. Heres what you need to know about whos moving to Americas largest five cities.

New York, New York

Lady Liberty getting set to welcome the newest wave of gentrifiers to the city (Getty/iStock)

New York, the countrys largest city, drew mainly from the Northeast, with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maryland making up the top five states sending new movers to the Big Apple.

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Unsurprisingly, these areas contained the out-of-state cities with the most transplants heading to New York.

On this count, Philadelphia topped the list of U-Haul renters moving to New York, followed by residents of Central New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Boston, and New Haven.

Los Angeles, California

Not even the horror wildfires of the beginning of the year could stop new people wanting to move to the city of angels (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

A similar trend played out in Los Angeles, where recent emergencies including devastating wildfires at the beginning of the year and tense protests against federal immigration raids this summer have complicated life in a region already beset with a high cost of living.

As Governor Gavin Newsom continues his alleged soft-launch of a 2028 presidential campaign, the California Democrat felt compelled to go on The Shawn Ryan Show podcast to push back against the California exodus myth.

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Residents of nearby states  including large, high-growth areas in the Sunbelt  still came marching in, with residents of Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Washington, and Oregon leading the way.

Las Vegas, Vegas, Seattle, Portland, and Denver, meanwhile, were the top five metros sending people across state lines to L.A. so far this year.

Chicago, Illinois

Midwesterners are staying in the Midwest  theyre just moving to Chicago (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

In the Midwest, this strong regionality continued for the most part, with Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, and Ohio topping the list for transplants heading to the Windy City.

Similarly, people from Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, St. Louis, and Dallas were most likely to move from out of state and into Chicago, according to the U-Haul data.

Houston, Texas

Beyonces hometown has Californians moving to it in droves (Getty Images)

Houston, meanwhile, drew mostly from its Southern neighbors like Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma, though one cant fail to notice California ranked number four in the list of states U-Haul customers left behind to go to Texas. (Sorry Gavin!)

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As for cities, New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami, Baton Rouge, and Oklahoma City were most likely to be the starting point for out-of-staters heading to Houston.

Phoenix, Arizona

The heat of Phoenix is not enough to stop people from all over the country moving there (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Last but not least, Phoenix drew residents from all around, with California, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington state sending the most movers.

Metro areas including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Seattle rounded out the list of out-of-state cities where U-Haul renters began their journeys to Phoenix.
PAINTED POST, N.Y. (WETM)  If you are available on Tuesday and would like to do something to go towards saving lives, a blood drive in Painted Post could be the perfect place to stop.

CareFirstNY is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host the Lights, Camera, Donate! Summer Blood Drive on Tuesday, July 22, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at CareFirstNY, located at 3805 Meads Creek Rd, in Painted Post, CareFirstNY said in a post.

Blood drive to take place in Schuyler County on Tuesday

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On Tuesday, people have the opportunity to save lives and receive a free Fandango Movie Ticket (up to $15) by scheduling an appointment to donate blood. If you are an eligible donor and choose to participate people are asked to call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit their website, or download the Blood Donor app.

If you choose to donate blood at any American Red Cross affiliated blood drive from now until Thursday, July 31, a Fandango Movie Reward via email will be provided as a thank you, which includes a free movie ticket.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)  421 Area Emergency Services (AES) Volunteer Fire Department hosted its first-ever Back to School Bash on Saturday at Observation Knob Park.

Students approaching the upcoming school year enjoyed bounce houses, tours of the 421 AES Volunteer Fire Department and fire truck tours.

Payton Lynch, public relations spokesperson for 421 VFD, said the bash was a great way for the community to meet first responders in a non-emergency setting.

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Kingsport Carousels decade-long history began with a dream

We wanted to be able to give you a chance to meet our local volunteer firefighters, to meet our auxiliary members, and to have a good time while youre doing it, she said.

To prepare for the new school year, the first 200 children at the bash received backpacks filled with supplies.

We thought giving back and being allowed to meet us would be a two-for-one deal, Lynch said.

Photo WJHL

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury on Sunday expressed concern over the government's inaction in bringing to justice the terrorists behind the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali citizen. As the Parliament's Monsoon session begins, Chowdhury stated that the INDIA bloc will raise this issue, demanding answers from the government. Speaking to ANI, Chowdhury said, "The Parliament session is starting, so we have reached Delhi. We have not been able to see those who killed our countrymen in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam arrested yet. They (the BJP) refused to hold a special session, so they will have to answer in this session." Chowdhury also said that INDIA bloc will also counter US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, with Trump claiming to have stopped a war between the two nuclear-armed nations. "US President Donald Trump has said 18 times that he stopped the war that broke out between India and Pakistan, while the PM remains silent," she added. The opposition will also question the government's foreign policy, asserting that the prime minister is answerable to everyone in the country. India has consistently maintained that the understanding on cessation of hostilities was reached through direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. Meanwhile, several other MPs have started arriving ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament. The list includes Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan and DMK MP TR Baalu. Earlier, twenty-four members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) agreed on various key issues to be raised during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Saturday, including the Pahalgam terror attack and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. A virtual meeting of the INDIA parties was held on Saturday, which was attended by leaders and representatives of the INDIA parties. They included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray. The virtual meeting was also attended by Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Ramgopal Yadav (Samajwadi Party), MA Baby (CPI-M), D Raja (CPI) and Tiruchi Siva (DMK). Briefing reporters 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 the concerns of members about the Pahalgam terror attack and their queries concerning 'Operation Sindoor'. He also referred to repeated remarks of US President Donald Trump about brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. (ANI)
Many forms of ear infections strike children and adults alike, but among the most common is acute otitis externa, also known as swimmers ear.

About 10% of Americans will experience swimmers ear during their lifetimes. Adults are affected more commonly, and children only rarely, generally ages 5 to 12.

But you dont have to be swimming to get swimmers ear. Go out jogging or walking, or do yardwork on a hot day, and moisture from perspiration can drip in your ear. However, the occurrence increases fivefold in swimmers  thus the reason the condition came to be called swimmers ear. It also occurs more frequently in tropical climates because of humidity and higher temperatures.

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As doctors who specialize in ear problems, we are actively involved in research and clinical treatment for children and adults struggling with ear, nose and throat problems. Practicing in the state of Florida, weve certainly seen our share of patients with swimmers ear.

Causes and symptoms of swimmers ear

Swimmers ear is an infection in the external ear canal, the tube leading from the ear opening to the eardrum. Typically, swimmers ear occurs only in one ear, and sometimes the eardrum itself is affected. Moisture trapped in the canal leads to a break in the skin barrier and creates an opening for certain bacteria types to enter or existing ones to overgrow.

One of these culprits is the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is present in soil and water throughout the world. These bacteria favor moist areas, such as sinks, toilets, inadequately chlorinated swimming pools and hot tubs, as well as outdated or inactivated antiseptic solutions.

If you have the infection, youll know it. Symptoms generally appear a few days after infection. The main symptom of swimmers ear is severe pain and discomfort. Its particularly noticeable when the outer ear is tugged, or by touching the tragus  thats the small bump at the front of your ear. Other symptoms include itchiness inside the ear, redness, swelling and drainage. A feeling of fullness, or the perception of a plugged ear, may also occur, along with disturbed balance and temporary hearing loss.

Predisposition to swimmers ear

Numerous factors can predispose someone to swimmers ear. They include a narrow ear canal, and skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis. In addition, individuals wearing ear plugs, ear buds or hearing aids may be at an increased risk. Diabetics may also be more prone to the infection.

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Swimmers ear can also come from something getting stuck inside the ear, excessive ear cleaning or contact with chemicals in hair dye or hairspray.

An illustration showing inflammation and narrowing of the ear canal. ttsz/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Diagnosis and treatment

Swimmers ear is diagnosed after a health care provider has gathered a thorough history and examined the inside of the ear. The ear canal will typically look red, swollen and moist. There is also a possibility of fluid drainage or the appearance of scaly, shedding skin. Depending on the degree of swelling, the eardrum may be hard to see. A sample of fluid may be removed from the ear and sent to a lab to look for bacteria or fungus.

Eardrops are commonly used to treat swimmers ear. These drops often contain antibiotics to kill the infection and steroids to stop the swelling.

One such eardrop is Ciprodex. It contains ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, and dexamethasone, a powerful steroid. Patients will need to place about four to five drops in the infected ear canal twice a day for seven to 10 days.

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Another commonly prescribed drop is Floxin, which contains an antibiotic but not a steroid. It is commonly prescribed in less swollen but still infected ears.

Other drop preparations include Cortisporin, which contains a commonly used combination of neomycin and polymyxin B, as well as hydrocortisone. However, neomycin is also damaging to the inner ear, so doctors nowadays often turn to Ciprodex or Floxin.

In some cases, the ear canal is too swollen for drops to reach the infected area, so the physician may place a wick or stent in the ear canal to keep it open. This will usually be left in place for three to five days until removed by the doctor, although occasionally the wick falls out once the swelling subsides. Usually, after 10 days the infection is resolved and the ear canal skin returns to normal.

Managing a persistent infection

Sometimes swimmers ear may not resolve after seven to 10 days of treatment with eardrops. Oral antibiotics are typically recommended if the infection has spread beyond the ear canal or in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Hospitalization for swimmers ear is rarely necessary; however, complications that can occasionally lead to hospitalization include fever, worsening discharge, extensive narrowing of the ear canal or failure of previous treatments.

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Among the precautions you can take to prevent swimmers ear: Keep the ear canal dry. Tip your head to one side to help the water drain. Use a soft towel or cloth, or gently use a hair dryer near it. If the self-cleansing mechanism of the ear canal is impaired, then the ear canal should be cleansed by a physician.

Since most bacteria prefer a pH-neutral environment, reducing the pH in the ear canal can prevent bacterial overgrowth. A homemade liquid tincture can be mixed from a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half distilled white vinegar. The alcohol combines with the water in the ear and then evaporates. This removes the water while the acidity of the vinegar keeps bacteria from growing.

Two to three drops are usually sufficient and can be applied as a preventive measure soon after the ear has been exposed to moisture. This liquid solution is not a replacement for medical treatment of an actual ear infection and is meant to be used only in people who are prone to such infections because of prolonged or frequent exposure to moisture.

Also, it is important to differentiate swimmers ear from a middle ear infection, the most frequent reason for the use of antibiotics in children under age 5. Middle ear infections are usually associated with a viral upper respiratory infection, and they are more often seen during fall and winter, when influenza and cold viruses are more prevalent.

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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: Thomas Schrepfer, University of Florida and Rex Haberman, University of Florida

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Syrias government announced Bedouin fighters have been cleared from the city of Suwayda and government forces were deployed to oversee their exit from the entire governorate.

The announcement came after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ordered a new ceasefire between Bedouin and Druze groups, following a separate United States-brokered deal to avert further Israeli military attacks on Syria.

Shortly before the governments claim, there were reports of machinegun fire in the city of Suwayda as well as mortar shelling in nearby villages.

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There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Nour al-Din Baba, a spokesman for the Syrian Ministry of Interior, said in a statement carried by the official Sana news agency the fighting ended following intensive efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement and the deployment of government forces in the northern and western areas of Suwayda province.

He said the city of Suwayda, located in the provinces west, has now been cleared of all tribal fighters, and clashes within the citys neighbourhoods have been brought to a halt.





Domino effect

The fighting broke out last week when the abduction of a Druze truck driver on a public highway set off a series of revenge attacks and resulted in tribal fighters from all over the country streaming into Suwayda in support of the Bedouin community there.

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The clashes drew in Syrian government troops, too.

Israel began attacking on Wednesday carrying out heavy air attacks on Suwayda and Syrias capital, Damascus, claiming it was to protect the Druze community after some members of the minority group accused government troops of abuses.

Syrian government soldiers withdrew from Suwayda on Thursday.

At least 260 people have been killed in the fighting, and 1,700 others have been wounded, according to the Syrian Ministry of Health. Other groups, however, put the figure at more than 900 killed.

More than 87,000 people have also been displaced.

The fighting is the latest challenge to al-Sharaas government, which took over after toppling President Bashar al-Assad in December.

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The Bedouins withdrawal brought a cautious calm to the area with humanitarian convoys on their way.

The Syrian Red Crescent said on Sunday it sent 32 trucks loaded with food, medicine, water, fuel and other aid, after the fighting left the province with power cuts and shortages. Sana reported the convoy entered Suwayda.

Foreign interference and internal sedition

Al-Sharaa, in a televised statement on Saturday, called on all parties to lay down arms and help the government restore peace.

While we thank the [Bedouin] clans for their heroic stance, we call on them to adhere to the ceasefire and follow the orders of the state, he said.

All should understand this moment requires unity and full cooperation, so we can overcome these challenges and preserve our country from foreign interference and internal sedition.

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He condemned Israels attacks, saying it pushed the country into a dangerous phase that threatened its stability.





After the presidents announcement, the Syrian government began deploying troops to Suwayda and Bedouin groups said they would withdraw from the city of Suwayda.

Following consultations with all members of Suwaydas clans and tribes, we have decided to adhere to the ceasefire, prioritise reason and restraint, and allow the states authorised institutions the space to carry out their responsibilities in restoring security and stability, the Bedouin factions said in a statement.

Therefore, we declare that all our fighters have been withdrawn from the city of Suwayda, they added.

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Al Jazeeras Mohamed Vall, reporting from Damascus, said the Druze, too, seemed to have accepted the truce.

Hikmat Al Hajri, a prominent spiritual leader, has called for all Bedouin fighters to be escorted safely out of Suwayda, he said.

Security forces from the interior ministry have been deployed to help separate rival groups, and oversee the implementation of the ceasefire. But there are still reports of ongoing fighting in the city, with some Druze leaders voicing strong opposition to the cessation of hostilities, he said.

So while there is hope, there is also doubt that this conflict is over, Vall added.

World welcomes truce

Jordan, meanwhile, hosted talks with Syria and the US on efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in Suwayda.

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Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani and the US special envoy for Syria, Thomas Barak, discussed the situation in Syria and efforts to consolidate the ceasefire reached around Suwayda Governorate to prevent bloodshed and preserve the safety of civilians, according to a readout by the Jordanian government.

The three officials agreed on practical steps to support the ceasefire, including the release of detainees held by all parties, Syrian security force deployments and community reconciliation efforts.

Safadi also welcomed the Syrian governments commitment to holding accountable all those responsible for violations against Syrian citizens in the Suwayda area, the statement said.





US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented on the developments in Syria in a post on X, urging Syrian government troops to prevent fighters from entering Suwayda and carrying out massacres.

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They must hold accountable and bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities including those in their own ranks, he said. Furthermore the fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups inside the perimeter must also stop immediately.

Countries around the world also called for the truce to be upheld.

The United Kingdoms foreign secretary, David Lammy, said in a post on X that he was horrified by the violence in southern Syria and that a sustainable ceasefire is vital.

Frances Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stressed the need for Syrian authorities to ensure the safety and rights of all segments of the Syrian people, and called for investigations into abuses against civilians in Suwayda.

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Japan also expressed concern over the violence, including the Israeli strikes, and called for the ceasefire to be implemented swiftly.

It added that it strongly urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint, preserve Syrias territorial integrity and national unity, and respect its independence and sovereignty.
MAZRAA, Syria (AP)  Syria's armed Bedouin clans announced Sunday they had withdrawn from the Druze-majority city of Sweida following weeklong clashes and a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, as humanitarian aid convoys started to enter the battered southern city.

The clashes between militias of the Druze religious minority and the Sunni Muslim clans killed hundreds and threatened to unravel Syria's already fragile postwar transition. Israel also launched dozens of airstrikes in the Druze-majority Sweida province, targeting government forces who had effectively sided with the Bedouins.

The clashes also led to a series of targeted sectarian attacks against the Druze community, followed by revenge attacks against the Bedouins.

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A series of tit-for-tat kidnappings sparked the clashes in various towns and villages in the province, which later spread to Sweida city, the provincial capital. Government forces were redeployed to halt renewed fighting that erupted Thursday, before withdrawing again.

Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who has been perceived as more sympathetic to the Bedouins, had tried to appeal to the Druze community while remaining critical of the militias. He later urged the Bedouins to leave the city, saying that they cannot replace the role of the state in handling the countrys affairs and restoring security.

We thank the Bedouins for their heroic stances but demand they fully commit to the ceasefire and comply with the states orders," he said in an address broadcast Saturday.

Dozens of armed Bedouin fighters alongside other clans from around the country who came to support them remained on the outskirts of the city and were cordoned off by government security forces and military police. They blame the clashes on the Druze factions loyal to spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and accuse them of harming Bedouin families.

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We will not leave until he turns himself in alongside those with him who tried to stir sedition. And only then will we go home. Khaled al-Mohammad, who came to the southern province alongside other tribesman from the eastern Deir al-Zour province, told The Associated Press.

Aid convoys enter Sweida but tensions persist

The Bedouins' withdrawal brought a cautious calm to the area, with humanitarian convoys on their way. The Syrian Red Crescent said Sunday it sent 32 trucks loaded with food, medicine, water, fuel and other aid, after the fighting left the province with power cuts and shortages.

Syria's state news agency SANA reported that the convoy entered Sweida on Sunday, but accused al-Hijri and his armed Druze supporters of turning back a government delegation that accompanied another convoy.

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The Foreign Ministry in a statement said the convoy accompanying the delegation had two ambulances loaded with aid provided by local and international organizations.

Al-Hijri did not directly respond to the accusations but said in a statement that he welcomes any assistance for Sweida and slammed what he claims were distorted campaigns against him.

We reaffirm that we have no dispute with anyone on any religious or ethnic basis," the statement read. "Shame and disgrace be upon all those who seek to sow discord and hatred in the minds of young people.

The U.N. International Organization for Migration said 128,571 people were displaced during the clashes, including 43,000 on Saturday alone.

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US envoy appeals for an end to fighting

Washington's special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, said the clashes and atrocities overshadowed an initial cautious optimism about the country's post-war transition and the international community's lifting of sanctions.

All factions must immediately lay down their arms, cease hostilities and abandon cycles of tribal vengeance, Barrack said on X. Syria stands at a critical juncture  peace and dialogue must prevail  and prevail now.

Among those killed in the weeklong fighting were dozens of Druze civilians slain in a series of targeted attacks in the city at the hands of Bedouin fighters and government forces. Videos surfaced online of fighters destroying portraits of Druze religious officials and notables in homes, and shaving the mustaches of elderly Druze, seen as an insult to culture and tradition. Druze militias in return attacked Bedouin-majority areas in the outskirts of the province, forcing families to flee to neighboring Daraa province.

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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.

Syria's Druze largely celebrated the downfall of the Assad family that ended decades of tyrannical rule. While they had concerns about Al-Sharaa's de facto Islamist rule, a large number wanted to approach matters diplomatically. Al-Hijri and his supporters, though, have taken a more confrontational approach with Al-Sharaa, contrary to most other influential Druze figures. Critics also note al-Hijri's previous allegiance to Assad.

However, the recent clashes and sectarian attacks on the minority community have made a growing number of Druze in the area more skeptical about Damascus' new leadership and more doubtful of peaceful coexistence.



Chehayeb reported from Beirut.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Lots of movements in Arkansas this week, from education in the Natural State to an upcoming political match-up.

Talk Business & Politics host Roby Brock met with Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist John Brummett to discuss his reactions to topics ranging from the water funding source for the proposed Franklin County prison project to Sen. Tom Cotton taking on a new challenger in candidate Hallie Shoffner.

Roby then talks with Arkansas Research Alliance president and CEO Bryan Barnhouse to discuss the significant shift in research funding.

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Talk Business & Politics airs on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on FOX 16. For more coverage, head to TalkBusiness.net.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.
Recently, I came across a post on the popular Teachers subreddit that piqued my interest. The post, written by user escrawl and addressed to fellow teachers, was titled, "Have you noticed a rise of misogyny among boys?"

"I teach fourth grade, and I'm already seeing it with my boys," escrawl began. "They talk about how women can't be leaders, they don't have to listen to me because I'm a woman, etc. I have boys already following Andrew Tate and other similar influencers. What do you do?"

Antonio Suarez / Getty Images, Alon Skuy / Getty Images

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She continued, "I once warned a mom about what a bad influence Andrew Tate could be, and the dad came back at me hard, saying I don't know what I'm talking about."

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"I'm at a loss," she said. "Do you just leave them be?"

"I do not preach my politics to my students," she clarified. "I make it a point to not show where I lean, even when talking about politics in Social Studies.

"I brought up the concern up with a parent, not directly to the student. The only thing I push is to be respectful to others. I would also be concerned and address misandry if observed."

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Other teachers chimed in.

"46-year-old man here," one teacher, toddkhamilton, wrote. "When I was teaching in the late 2000s, another male teacher and I noticed the early signs of what has become a very serious situation with this topic."

Maskot / Getty Images/Maskot

"We taught in a progressive education environment where the administration was very supportive of teacher led initiatives, so we proposed a 'G Day' (guys day) where for an hour and a half each Wednesday (basically lunch and recess), two other male teachers and myself would take the grade 5th-8th grade boys and just kind of hang together. We'd have a topic each week, and then open things up for the boys to ask questions."

"It was incredible," toddkhamilton continued. "They'd ask fascinating questions about all sorts of things  people they saw online, situations they were in with girls or at home  and it worked really well. My colleagues and I saw a change in them, especially over the years of doing it."

Orion Pictures

"It worked so well that the administration created the equivalent for the girls, and they felt it was successful too.

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I left after the third year, but heard they continued it until a head of school who felt it opened us up to liability took over and shut it down.

Boys need healthy men to be able to talk to and share their thoughts with and learn from. Today's male youth seem to only really have toxic men to learn from. Until there are strong positive male voices equally available to them, the toxic bros are setting the agenda."

Another male teacher, Leucippus1, wrote, "I have certainly noticed that the algorithm has been pushing overtly misogynistic content to me; I can only imagine what it does to teenage boys."

Photosbypatrik / Getty Images, NBC

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Another user, Jack_of_Spades, replied, "I made one Facebook post that I was feeling sad after a breakup. My feed was flooded with 'the problem with women...' 'real men do___' shit for MONTHS. I'm thinking this AI fed algorithm shit should be illegal."

"It should be, yes, wrote user MossSalamander. "A lot of vulnerable people are being radicalized to hate others because of this."

"Middle School teacher here," wrote user ImpressiveCoffee3. "The boys watch all of that content, even a lot of the sixth graders. They say they don't take it seriously, but they keep watching it, and watching it, and watching it."

DANIEL MIHAILESCU / AFP via Getty Images, Tulcarion / Getty Images

"There is also a rise in the idea that they should all be entrepreneurs and not only skip higher education, but refuse to work for someone else.

They think they should have 'motion' and that because I am a teacher, I have somehow failed at life because I am paid a salary by an organization."

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"Glad it isnt just me," wrote teacher lilygirl112; "I heard second grade boys praise Diddy."

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User poopbucketchallenge chimed in: "I also think these kids are on the internet FAR TOO EARLY and it should be illegal until 18 to access any part of online other than tightly controlled academic and safe-for-work curiosity stuff."

Another teacher, _Lost_The_Game, wrote, "From what I remember as a kid, [they're just being] edgy, BUTeventually it can set in unironically.

I remember lots of my classmates starting to say things just to be edgy, and eventually it just became their default state, like how you start saying some phrase or word ironically, and then later it becomes normalized."

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A male teacher with the username misticspear wrote, "Its easy for me because boys who fall for that dont have a role model who THEY choose and respect, and thats typically my role. I go in hard early. Call Andrew Tate stupid and talk about how he preys on people who dont know any better. Then I lead by example."

Monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Replying to escrawl's question about whether she should "leave it be," u/Ranger_242 wrote, "No, you don't leave it be any more than you tolerate racism or other forms of bullying or hate."

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"If it becomes enough of a problem, start writing referrals and get your union involved. As for parents, make it clear to them as well."

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High school teacher Helen_Cheddar wrote back, "Unfortunately, misogyny is a lot more socially acceptable than other forms of bigotry. I had my FEMALE principal brush it aside when I brought it up, and she essentially said, 'boys will be boys.'"

"I see it in some of my first graders," wrote teacher nochickflickmoments, "especially in boys whose dads are clear with me that they voted for Trump. Or when one of the first graders told me 'that women shouldn't be president.'"

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User Major-Platypus2092 wrote, "I've noticed this quite a bit. I'm one of the only male teachers in my department, and students will often look to me to validate their Andrew Tate bullshit. I've tried correcting them in various different ways, but usually what happens is they just decide I'm a 'simp' or whatever and not worth listening to. I've broken through a few times, but it's pretty horrifying."

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u/Brothless_Ramen wrote, "Yeah, it's pretty great how quickly a man instantly isn't a man because he doesn't buy into their garbage, it makes it so hard to pull them out. It's like they think there's this global conspiracy where all women and some men are personally against them and trying to make them fail algebra, and if you question that, you're part of the conspiracy."

"My daughter just finished fifth grade, and after the election, she had several boys saying things like 'your body, my choice,' which is kind of horrifying," said user -dudess.

User BugMillionaire wrote, "It's because the algorithms are designed to feed young boys alt-right/misogyny content. There have been many studies showing how the algorithm changes depending on age and gender, and how hard it is to deviate away from the alt-right info once you get it."

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"And we know how echo-chambery the internet is. Once they've gotten hooked, that's ALL they get. It's called algorithmic radicalization."

"Yes," u/CharmingAmoeba3330 wrote in response, "This is what I was going to say. I saw a post the other day from a doctor and team who have been studying the growing misogyny in young boys. They said they found that if a kid, 17 or younger, made a TikTok account, within the first 17 seconds they would be pushed alt-right/misogyny content."

D-Keine / Getty Images

"I also saw another post about the uptick of young teen boys murdering teen girls in the UK."

"Its not just the boys," u/Sad-Biscotti-3034 wrote. " I teach senior girls in my government class who truly think that women should never run for office and claim theyd gladly give up their voting rights if they didnt have to work and could be homemakers."

HBO

"Yes, I live in a very red county. Its scary because many of them are voting age, and I can only teach them so much in the amount of time I have with them."

This behavior is so concerning, I want to hear what you have to say. Tell me all your opinions and first-hand stories in the comments  especially if you're a teacher, parent, or student. This is a necessary discussion to have!

Or, if you want to write in but prefer to stay anonymous, you can check out the anonymous form below. Who knows  your story could be included in a future BuzzFeed article.

Please note: some comments have been edited for length and/or clarity.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A teen on a bicycle was injured in a collision with a vehicle in the Fairmount Village neighborhood of San Diego Saturday afternoon, police report.

A 20-year-old man was stopped at a red light at Dwight Street while a 17-year-old boy riding a bicycle down Fairmount Avenue entered the pedestrian crosswalk at the same time as the vehicle turned right and was struck by the vehicle, San Diego Police report.

Person rescued from trash chute in East Village apartment building

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Officers and first responders arrived around 4:20 p.m. Saturday to take the 17-year-old to the hospital with a fractured left femur and a shattered left ankle.

San Diego Police reports alcohol was not a factor in this collision, and it is under investigation by the San Diego Police Traffic Division.

Anyone with more information is asked to call San Diego Police or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.




NEED TO KNOW

A 13-year-old boy and his grandmother, Knisha Ann Perkins, were arrested and charged on July 15 in connection with the death of an 8-year-old boy

The teen allegedly got hold of a 9mm gun and shot the 8-year-old, who was reportedly his cousin, in the face on July 11

The 13-year-old was charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, and Perkins was charged with three counts of cruelty to children in the second degree and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon





A teenager and his grandmother have been charged in connection with the death of an 8-year-old boy, who was shot and killed in Georgia.

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A 13-year-old boy and a woman, identified as 49-year-old Knisha Ann Perkins, were arrested on July 15, after the 8-year-old, identified as Kylen Powell, was found dead, according to WALB-TV.

The teen, who was not identified due to his age, allegedly shot and killed Kylen at around 11 p.m. local time on July 11 at their grandmother Perkins home in Bainbridge, Ga., per the outlet. WALB-TV reported that the two boys were cousins.

The boys had been staying at their grandmothers house when the 13-year-old allegedly shot the 8-year-old in the face with a 9mm handgun, WALB-TV reported. It's unclear how the teenager got hold of the firearm.

A deputy with the Decatur County Sheriffs Office arrived on the scene and found the 8-year-old lying on the living room floor and determined that he was beyond life-saving measures, WALB-TV reported, citing an initial incident report from the sheriffs office.

Getty A generic photo of an ambulance driving at dusk. A generic photo of an ambulance driving at dusk.

The deputy also said in the report that officers were unable to locate the firearm as it was not near the scene of the deceased.

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Following the incident, deputy Decatur County Coroner DeWitt Phillip warned families to secure their "firearms, especially when kids are in the house, in an interview with WALB-TV.

Kids get a hold of them, and they dont think, Phillip said. They watch TV and everyone gets up. We need people to secure em so we dont have these children dead. Dont leave them out where kids can play with them, because they just dont understand.

I have worked so many of these, and its not easy and it never gets easier for us, Phillip added. The families have to live with it, but the coroners do too.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The teenager was charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, and Perkins was charged with three counts of cruelty to children in the second degree and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the outlet.

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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Decatur County Sheriffs Office (DCSO) and Decatur County Coroner did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on the incident.



Read the original article on People
LaGrange police are investigating a home invasion while a teenager was home alone.

Police say the teenager was at home Wednesday night when several armed burglars forced their way into the home.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The teenager was held at gunpoint and forced to hand over valuable items to the burglars, police said.

After getting enough items, the burglars ran from the home.

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They did not comment on what was taken or how many suspects broke into the home.

TRENDING STORIES:

There is no word on who the suspects may be.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators should call LaGrange police at 706-883-2658.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Sunday reiterated his objections against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being carried out by the Election Commission (EC) and said that the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar will have no meaning if this doesn't stop. "If SIR is not stopped, then the Bihar elections have no meaning. I can tell you the result now that if SIR is not stopped, then the BJP will win the Bihar elections," Singh told ANI. This comes as twenty-four members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc have decided to raise various key issues during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, beginning on Monday, including the Pahalgam terror attack and the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar. However, 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) A virtual meeting of the INDIA bloc was held on Saturday, which was attended by leaders and representatives of the alliance parties. They included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray. The virtual meeting was also attended by Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Ramgopal Yadav (Samajwadi Party), MA Baby (CPI-M), D Raja (CPI), and Tiruchi Siva (DMK). Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said that the INDIA parties expressed their concern over the SIR in Bihar. He said it was felt that there was an undeclared emergency during which voters' names were being removed from the list. "The meeting discussed issues related to the 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 the issue of atrocities against Dalits, STs, and women," Tiwari said. Earlier, the Election Commission on Friday said that 95.92% of electors in Bihar have been covered under the draft electoral list as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, with six more days remaining. As per official data, out of 7.89 crore total electors (as of June 24, 2025), over 7.57 crore total electors have been covered. Around 4.08%, i.e., 32.23 lakh remaining enumeration forms, are yet to be received, the release said. It said during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Rolls in Bihar, the entire electoral machinery, that is, nearly 1 lakh BLOs, 4 lakh volunteers, and 1.5 lakh BLAs appointed by the political parties and their district presidents, are working together in a mission mode to ensure that the name of no eligible elector is left out from the draft Electoral Roll to be published on August 1, 2025. (ANI)
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce recently held its inaugural Infrastructure Summit in Nashville as a way to bring local government and the public and private sectors together to talk about change, officials said.

The one-day event, hosted at the Renaissance Hotel downtown, brought together people from all over the state. Many of them wanted to discuss things they could do for the good of their communities.

The summit began with a panel of mayors from counties big and small in Tennessee.

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Mayors Scott Conger of Jackson, Wes Golden of Montgomery County, Patty Woodby of Carter County and Ken Moore of Franklin were the featured speakers and discussed how they can collaborate and use each others successes to implement change.

 We're challenged every single day in Franklin, Tennessee because we've been growing 2,000 people a year for the past 30 years, Moore said. We plan a lot, and at the same time, continue to cast that vision of keeping our charm. Talks like this let us see whats working well in other counties and see how we can implement it in our own.

For Chamber CEO and President Josh Brown, the event was more than an opportunity to speak about potential infrastructure changes. It allows people from all walks of life to learn how certain local and state government changes will affect them, while being afforded the opportunity to learn directly from the source, he said.

 As the state's leading business organization, it's important for us to lead the conversation on important issues that affect our business, Brown said. Nothing is more impactful than infrastructure. When you think about transportation, energy, and water, all those components of infrastructure affect our daily lives.

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Throughout the event, leaders from companies like AT&T and the Tennessee Department of Transportation gave updates on potential projects and were on hand to answer any questions from those in attendance.

 Its important to highlight global leadership at an event like this, Brown said. "We need to have open communication from every level to educate people about the importance of these issues and how it will change their day to day lives.

At the end of the day, Brown and the event participants and attendees agreed the summit was a success.

The chamber says it hopes to make the summit a yearly event.

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 Hopefully what it's going to do is raise the profile of some of the issues that need to be addressed in our state, Brown said. In order to get all these things accomplished, you need to have adequate infrastructure in place. I'm hoping these conversations help us get closer to the solutions.

For more information about the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and their upcoming events, visit www.tnchamber.org.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN Chamber of Commerce holds inaugural Nashville Infrastructure Summit
This army is in formation.

Thousands of fire ants have been spotted floating on floodwaters through the Texas city and forming rafts using their bodies with residents now reporting the gross behavior.

KXAN Austin took to X to post a video taken by Austinite David Todd of the little critters, seen nestled into a large cluster in the waters of Lake Travis.

X users weighed in on the scary sight.

A floating ball of pure hate, one observed.

Have you seen fire ant rafts in floodwaters? This one was drifting on Lake Travis. When underground nests flood, fire ants link their legs and jaws together to create buoyant, self-assembled mounds. https://t.co/gQt2JIorec pic.twitter.com/029Ha17x8M  KXAN News (@KXAN_News) July 17, 2025

Ive done more than seen them. Ive run into them at night wading out to the ramp on my dock when the lake is rapidly rising, another wrote. Sucks.

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Bring out the torch, someone else suggested.

Fire ants are forming rafts out of their own bodies in Texas floodwaters. KXAN

The pesky bugs, which can cause painful stings, are rife in Texas. But when their underground nests flood, they sink their teeth into each other, interlock their limbs and create rafts to stay alive.

Its called a self-organizing or self-assembling process. And its something only social insects do, Ed LeBrun, a research scientist at the University of Texas Brackenridge Field Lab, told the outlet.

There are a lot of other structures that ants make in a similar way. For example, army ants will make bridges across rivers.
Texas Att. Gen. Ken Paxton announced an investigation into Mars Inc. for allegedly failing to fulfill a 2016 promise to remove artificial colors from its products.

The candy giant behind M&Ms and Skittles is facing scrutiny for continuing to use synthetic dyes in American products, despite removing them from European versions.

Mars publicly pledged nine years ago to remove all artificial colors from its human food products. However, the company reversed course for U.S. consumers while continuing to follow through in Europe.

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The attorney general issued a Civil Investigative Demand to obtain documents from Mars. The move allows Texas to examine the companys internal communications and decision-making processes.

Mars must remove toxic artificial dyes from its U.S. food products not only to honor its public commitment and ensure that it stays on the right side of the law, but also because its the right thing to do, Paxton said, adding,  its time for Mars to follow the lead of other companies like Nestle and Hershey by removing synthetic dyes from its products.

Mars claimed that artificial colors pose no known risks to human health or safety. Paxtons office disputes this assertion, citing research linking the dyes to various health problems, including ADHD, autism, and cancer.

The investigation follows a similar probe in Texas of General Mills, which recently agreed to remove artificial dyes after facing legal pressure from Paxtons office, as previously reported on by The Dallas Express.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, a Texas Democrat who represents a slice of the Rio Grande Valley along the border with Mexico, won his last congressional election by just over 5,000 votes.

That makes him a tempting target for Republicans, who are poised to redraw the state's congressional maps this coming week and devise five new winnable seats for the GOP that would help the party avoid losing House control in the 2026 elections. Adjusting the lines of Gonzalezs district to bring in a few thousand more Republican voters, while shifting some Democratic ones out, could flip his seat.

Gonzalez said he is not worried. Those Democratic voters will have to end up in one of the Republican districts that flank Gonzalezs current one, making those districts more competitive  possibly enough so it could flip the seats to Democrats.

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Get ready for some pickup opportunities, Gonzalez said, adding that his party is already recruiting challengers to Republicans whose districts they expect to be destabilized by the process. Were talking to some veterans, were talking to some former law enforcement.

Texas has 38 seats in the House. Republicans now hold 25 and Democrats 12, with one seat vacant after Democrat Sylvester Turner, a former Houston mayor, died in March.

Gonzalez's district  and what happens to the neighboring GOP-held ones  is at the crux of President Donald Trump's high-risk, high-reward push to get Texas Republicans to redraw their political map. Trump is seeking to avoid the traditional midterm letdown that most incumbent presidents endure and hold onto the House, which the GOP narrowly controls.

Trump's push comes as there are numerous political danger signs for his presidency, both in the recent turmoil over his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case and in new polling. Surveys from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research show most U.S. adults think his policies have not helped them and that his tax cut and spending bill will help the wealthy.

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Republicans risk putting their own seats in jeopardy

The fear of accidentally creating unsafe seats is one reason Texas Republicans drew their lines cautiously in 2021, when the constitutionally mandated redistricting process kicked off in all 50 states. Mapmakers  in most states, it's the party that controls the legislature  must adjust congressional and state legislative lines after every 10-year census to ensure that districts have about the same number of residents.

That is a golden opportunity for one party to rig the map against the other, a tactic known as gerrymandering. But there is a term, too, for so aggressively redrawing a map that it puts that party's own seats at risk: a dummymander.

The Texas GOP knows the risk. In the 2010s, the Republican-controlled Legislature drew political lines that helped pad the GOPs House majority. That lasted until 2018, when a backlash against Trump in his first term led Democrats to flip two seats in Texas that Republicans had thought safe.

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In 2021, with Republicans still comfortably in charge of the Texas Statehouse, the party was cautious, opting for a map that mainly shored up their incumbents rather than targeted Democrats.

Still, plenty of Republicans believe their Texas counterparts can safely go on offense.

Smart map-drawing can yield pickup opportunities while not putting our incumbents in jeopardy, said Adam Kincaid, executive director of the National Republican Redistricting Trust, which helps coordinate mapmaking for the party nationally..

Democrats contemplate a walkout

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott called a special session of the Legislature, which starts Monday, to comply with Trump's request to redraw the congressional maps and to address the flooding in Texas Hill Country that killed at least 135 people this month.

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Democratic state lawmakers are talking about staying away from the Capitol to deny the Legislature the minimum number needed to convene. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton posted that any Democrats who did that should be arrested.

Lawmakers can be fined up to $500 a day for breaking a quorum after the House changed its rules when Democrats initiated a walkout in 2021. Despite the new penalties, state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, who led the walkout in 2021, left open the possibility of another.

I dont think anybody should underestimate the will of Texas Democrats," he said.

Texas is not the only Republican state engaged in mid-decade redistricting. After staving off a ballot measure to expand the power of a mapmaking commission last election, Ohio Republicans hope to redraw their congressional map from a 10-5 one favoring the GOP to one as lopsided as 13-2, in a state Trump won last year with 55% of the vote.

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GOP sees momentum after 2024 presidential election

Some Democratic leaders have suggested that states where their party is in control should counter the expected redraw in Texas. "We have to be absolutely ruthless about getting back in power," former Texas Rep. Beto ORourke said Sunday on CNN.

But Democrats have fewer options. More of the states the party controls do not allow elected partisans to draw maps and entrust independent commissions to draw fair lines.

Among them is California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom has floated the long shot idea of working around the state's commission.

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The few Democratic-controlled states that do allow elected officials to draw the lines, such as Illinois, have already seen Democrats max out their advantages.

Trump and his allies have been rallying Texas Republicans to ignore whatever fears they may have and to go big.

On Tuesday, the president posted on his social media site a reminder of his record in the state last November: Won by one and a half million Votes, and almost 14%. Also, won all of the Border Counties along Mexico, something which has never happened before. I keep hearing about Texas going Blue, but it is just another Democrat LIE.

Texas has long been eyed as a state trending Democratic because of its growing nonwhite population. But those communities swung right last year and helped Trump expand his margin to 14 percentage points, a significant improvement on his 6-point win in 2020.

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Michael Li, a Texas native and longtime watcher of the state at the Brennan Center for Justice in New York, said theres no way to know whether that trend will continue in next years elections or whether the state will return to its blue-trending ways.

Anyone who can tell you what the politics of Texas looks like for the balance of the decade has a better crystal ball than I do, Li said.

Aggressive redistricting also carries legal risks

One region of the state where Republican gains have been steady is the Rio Grande Valley, which runs from the Gulf of Mexico along much of the states southern border. The heavily Hispanic region, where many Border Patrol officers live, has rallied around Trumps tough-on-immigration, populist message.

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As a result, Gonzalez and the areas other Democratic congressman, Henry Cuellar, have seen their reelection campaigns get steadily tighter. They are widely speculated to be the two top targets of the new map.

The GOP is expected to look to the states three biggest cities to find its other Democratic targets. If mapmakers scatter Democratic voters from districts in the Houston, Dallas and Austin areas, they could get to five additional seats.

But in doing so, Republicans face a legal risk on top of their electoral one: that they break up districts required by the Voting Rights Act to have a critical amount of certain minority groups. The goal of the federal law is to enable those communities to elect representatives of their choosing.

The Texas GOP already is facing a lawsuit from civil rights groups alleging its initial 2021 map did this. If this year's redistricting is too aggressive, it could trigger a second complaint.

Its politically and legally risky, Li said of the redistricting strategy. Its throwing caution to the winds.

___

Riccardi reported from Denver.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Texas Roadhouse restaurants in El Paso will join in a statewide effort to raise money for Special Olympics Texas during a special Tip-A-Cop event.

The event will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at Texas Roadhouse restaurants at the following locations: 5010 N. Desert Blvd.; 10729 Gateway West; and 3180 Joe Battle Blvd.

Police officers will help serve guests during the event and collect donations. All donations will go directly to Special Olympics Texas, the restaurant chain said.

Photos courtesy of Texas Roadhouse

Photos courtesy of Texas Roadhouse

Photos courtesy of Texas Roadhouse

Dozens of other Texas Roadhouse locations will hold similar fundraisers during the same week, the restaurant chain said.

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Since 2008, this statewide event raised more than $2 million for Special Olympics, Texas Roadhouse 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 KTSM 9 News.
An apartment complex advertises vacancies in a residential area of Bismarck. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Montior)

When North Dakota state Sen. Ryan Braunberger first introduced a slate of tenant protection bills this year, he knew the odds of passage werent in his favor. Braunberger, a Democratic lawmaker in a Republican-controlled legislature who represents a renter-heavy district in Fargo, spent years as a housing advocate  walking tenants through eviction court, helping them navigate late fees and lease violations.

But inside the statehouse, he was an outlier: one of the only legislators who rents his home.

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By the end of the legislative session, just one of his five proposals passed. But that one might prove to be a major overhaul of the states eviction process.

The bill came together thanks to an unlikely lawmaking alliance: a renter and housing advocate with deep policy knowledge, and a Republican who hadnt previously focused on eviction law but quickly saw its impact in his district.

Sens. Ryan Braunberger, left, and Jeff Barta co-sponsored legislation to seal some eviction records. (Photos provided by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly)

Co-sponsored by Republican state Sen. Jeff Barta, the legislation allows tenants to petition to have eviction records sealed after seven years, if theyve resolved any outstanding rent or damages and stayed eviction-free during that time.

I didnt know much about this process, but when Sen. Braunberger reached out to me, I looked into just how much an eviction from years ago was possibly affecting renters and constituents in my district, said Barta. As a new lawmaker, youre still getting settled in, so it was good to dive into an issue that hits home to my district.

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Nationally, North Dakota has joined a slow but steady stream of states that seal or expunge eviction records.

Eviction filings are public and often lack case outcomes or context, yet theyre widely used by screening companies, creating barriers even when tenants win or cases are dismissed. A 2020 study of 3.6 million eviction records across a dozen states by Princeton Universitys Eviction Lab found that 22% of the records were ambiguous or falsely represented a tenants past.

Black women, especially those with children, are disproportionately affected by evictions. Young children and infants are affected more than any other age group.

Barta noted that many North Dakotans are evicted for financial reasons or may be fleeing domestic violence, and that holding old evictions against tenants prevents them from rebuilding stability.

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Thats really what caught my eye, Barta said. I need to be aware of what my constituents are facing. Some people werent evicted for being irresponsible. They were fleeing violence or hit by one bad break.

Grand Forks, which is in Bartas district, is more than 50% renter-occupied, making it one of the most tenant-heavy in the state, thanks in part to its proximity to the University of North Dakota. Grand Forks has also seen rents climb and vacancy rates tighten, while evictions  sometimes stemming from as little as a few hundred dollars of unpaid rent  can leave permanent marks on a tenants record.

Most landlords wouldnt even give people a second chance once they saw an eviction on someones record, Braunberger said. It didnt matter if the case was from a decade ago or if it had been resolved. That record stuck to them like glue.

The North Dakota Apartment Association opposed the measure, citing concerns that it could allow sealing of eviction records even when the eviction stemmed from issues beyond domestic violence, such as nonpayment or other lease violations. Lobbyist Jeremy Petron testified that the bill could undermine property managers ability to assess tenant risk through background checks.

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Property owners and property managers rely on background checks for decisions on prospective tenant approvals for the safety of neighbors and the property, and the business investment risk, Petron testified.

Compromises

Passage of North Dakotas law required not only bipartisanship but also key compromises outside the legislature. Early drafts proposed full expungement, a term that drew sharp criticism from the North Dakota judiciary, which warned the language implied a permanent erasure of legal history without proper oversight.

In response, lawmakers worked with the state Supreme Court and housing groups to shift toward sealing records instead, a more limited measure than expungement.

Most states tend to seal records rather than expunge them.

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North Dakotas Administrative Rule 41, which governs access to court records, is now being updated to reflect the new law. Sealed eviction records will be categorized as confidential, but they wont be deleted outright. And not all evictions will qualify: Tenants must have no further evictions within seven years, and must resolve any unpaid rent or damages related to the original filing.

After talking with the Supreme Court and apartment associations, we landed on a compromise: sealing, Braunberger said. It preserves judicial records while still giving tenants a fair shot at moving on.

Sara Behrens, a staff attorney with the State Court Administrators Office, said the final version addressed the courts concerns.

Without these amendments, any eviction could be sealed following seven years regardless of further evictions or outstanding judgments, she said. That was a serious flaw we were able to correct.

Despite North Dakotas Republican supermajority, the legislation passed with overwhelming support: 35-12 in the Senate and 88-5 in the House. Both Barta and Braunberger attributed the success to North Dakotas relatively open political culture.

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Even though we have a supermajority, theres not a ton of separation, Barta said. We talk. We listen.

Braunberger echoed that sentiment. If I want any policy to move, I have to collaborate, he said. Thats almost a given here.

Yet the sealing law was only a partial win in a broader tenant rights agenda for Braunberger. Three other bills  ranging from caps landlords can impose on late rent fees to investigations into tenant-landlord matters  failed to gain traction. Braunberger said he plans to reintroduce some of them next session.

Its a civil matter, so people dont have a right to counsel, Braunberger said of tenant legal proceedings. Thats something Id love to change. No one should lose their home without legal help.

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Both lawmakers pointed to next steps beyond legislation. Barta emphasized the need for better communication and education to help tenants understand leases, rights and processes. Braunberger wants more incentives for mediation, saying it can reduce financial losses for both landlords and renters and keep disputes out of court.

Elsewhere

Last year, Idaho, Maryland and Massachusetts enacted laws to seal certain eviction records from public scrutiny and from tenant screening companies. Massachusetts law just went into effect in May, while Marylands law is scheduled for October.

In Indiana, a new law allows courts to seal eviction filings automatically in three circumstances: dismissal of the case, judgment in favor of a tenant or reversal on appeal. The automatic sealing reduces the burden on tenants to petition on their own.

Hawaii, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and South Carolina are among states that introduced eviction-sealing laws this year. Those bills, which still await passage in both legislative chambers, vary on the conditions of sealing.

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This June, Nevada Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed two high-profile tenant protection bills. One would have automatically sealed certain eviction records, and another sought to slow the states fast-track summary eviction process.

In his veto of the eviction sealing bill, Lombardo said it was lopsided, red-tape laden, and would have disastrous consequences on Nevadas housing market.

He argued the bill would overburden courts, eliminate judicial discretion and risks punishing property owners by shifting procedural responsibilities onto them.

Pennsylvanias proposal, which would keep fault-based eviction records public for seven years, would limit access to records of no-fault evictions, in which a landlord asks a tenant to move out for reasons such as wanting occupancy or to sell the property. It passed the House by 105-98, thanks to a few Republican votes.

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Kansas proposal would offer automatic expungement after two years unless debts remain, and South Carolinas bill would seal all eviction records in circumstances in which an eviction case is filed but doesnt lead to an actual eviction order within 30 days, or six years after a case was closed.

North Dakotas bipartisan success with its new sealing law positions the state as one with lawmakers finding common ground on housing problems.

We have a housing crisis, Braunberger said. Some areas cant even attract employers because theres no place for workers to live. Until we fix that, housing policy isnt just social policy, its economic policy.

Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@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.
The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested an alleged wanted fugitive, Shivam alias Shubham alias Shibu (22), a resident of Mangolpuri, Delhi, from Agra for his involvement in a sensational armed robbery case. The accused had been on the run for over a month after stabbing a salesman and looting gold and silver jewellery worth over 50 lakh. Earlier, police had arrested one of the assailants, Jitender alias Sujal alias Passi, along with two other co-accused--Vijay Kumar and Vishal Sain alias Vishu--who were involved in hatching the criminal conspiracy. As per the Delhi police, "On June 12, 2025, three armed assailants had stabbed a salesman and looted gold and silver jewellery worth over 50 lacs. The incident was registered vide case u/s 309(4)/309(6)/317(2)/ 311/3(5)/61(2) BNS, PS Subhash Place and investigation was taken up by the local police. One of the assailants namely Jitender along with two other co-accused involved in hatching the criminal conspiracy (Vijay Kumar and Vishal Sain @ Vishu) had already been arrested by the local police. But, despite best efforts, the present accused, Shivam, had been evading the clutches of law." Police stated that the incident had caused widespread fear in the community and disrupted public confidence. The swift apprehension of all accused was crucial to re-establish the rule of law. As a result, teams from NR-II, Crime Branch, Sector-18, Rohini, were specifically tasked to arrest all the accused persons in the above Robbery. Meanwhile, the Head Constable (HC) received a secret information that one Shivam who is involved in the above said robbery can be apprehended by developing intelligence. Raids were conducted at all possible hideouts of the accused. The activities of all the friends and relatives of the accused were monitored covertly. "On the basis of technical surveillance and local intelligence gathered by HC and team, it was established that the accused Shivam can be found near Sati Nagar, Naraich, Agra, UP. The team laid a trap near Sati Nagar, Naraich, Agra and nabbed the accused Shivam. He confessed about his involvement in the aforesaid case of armed robbery and thus was arrested vide Kalandra u/s 35.1 (c) BNSS," Delhi police said. During interrogation, Shivam revealed that he fell into criminal activity due to poor financial conditions following the death of his father. Having studied up to Class 10, he began working as an AC repair technician and later took a job at a clothing shop in Sector 9, Rohini. His neighbour, Kayam, allegedly introduced him to the idea of robbing cash and jewellery for a lavish lifestyle. Shivam said he joined Kayam and Jitender, and along with other co-conspirators, planned and executed the robbery. Police added that the accused were residents of the same locality and that Shivam's involvement in the case stemmed from a combination of financial desperation and bad company. (ANI)
Cleber Parra was playing volleyball in his Fall River backyard with his friends last Sunday evening, as he does every week.

When a fire broke out at the Gabriel House assisted living facility across the street, Parra. 40, and his friends heard sirens and saw blue lights. They thought the fire department had everything under control.

But when they heard residents on the third floor screaming for help, they grabbed a couple of ladders and rushed to the building.

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The deadly Gabriel House fire on July 13, claimed the lives of 10 people. Without the actions of Parra and his friends, more lives may have been lost.

We thought, since firefighters always act quickly, that we didnt need to pay attention, Parra said on Saturday, while sitting on his porch  the boarded-up Gabriel House visible over his shoulder. Then we heard voices, and everyone started running over.

Seven people, including Parra, grabbed two ladders from the top of a nearby van, tore down a metal fence blocking their way, and placed the ladders below two third-floor bathroom windows.

By the time Parra arrived at the building, one of his friends had already begun climbing toward a window, but Parra asked him to get down because he was shaking nervously. Parra, a construction worker, had more experience working with ladders.

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When I looked inside [the window], I saw a man, Parra said. He was clearly panicking. When I saw his face, I saw fear, so I got desperate. I wanted to break the window.

With his bare hands, Parra shattered the bottom window. The glass cut both his forearms. Almost a week later, the wounds are still visible.

A firefighter approached Parras group and told Parra to come down so he could break the rest of the window, Parra said. The firefighter broke the glass and climbed into the building.

He went in head first and told me he was going to send the resident out feet first, Parra said. We grabbed the man and got him down.

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Jonnathan Gomez, 37, (left) and Cleber Parra, 40, climb ladders to rescue two Gabriel House residents from a July 13, 2025, fire that killed 10 people in Fall River.

Cleber Torres, 40, and friends carry a Gabriel House resident down a ladder to safety during a July 13, 2025, fire that killed 10 people in Fall River.

The view of the Gabriel House assisted living facility from Cleber Parra's home in Fall River on July 19.

The fence next to Cleber Parra's house that he and his friends tore down to get to the Gabriel House on July 13. The fence remains broken on July 19.

At an adjacent window, Jonnathan Gomez, 37, of Fall River, had ascended a second ladder to the third floor.

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The room was full of smoke and Gomez said he could barely see inside. His eyes fell on a man sitting against the door, where the floor was covered in water from the sprinklers above. Gomez climbed through the window.

The man appeared to have given up, Gomez said.

I said to him, Hey my friend! because I dont know much English, he said in Spanish. When he saw me, his face lit up, and from there I picked him up.

Gomez carried the man down the ladder to safety with help from his friends.

Once both people were rescued, Parra said firefighters told them they would handle the situation from there, but they stayed nearby to help if needed.

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Back at the Fall River Police Department, four dispatchers were inundated with calls about the fire, sending firefighters and rescue vehicles to the scene and coordinating with other towns for backup.

At one point, there were 12 ambulances from a half dozen area fire departments at a staging area near the fire. Firefighters and police officers carried residents out of the building.

Parra and Gomez do not know the names of the people they rescued, but wanted to make sure they are doing OK.

Parra called the authorities and asked about the men, and was assured they were fine.

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Parra and Gomez said they have received many positive messages from family, friends and neighbors since the day of the fire. [My kids] are the most proud of me, Parra said. They keep saying, My dad saved a persons life.

Yet, the pair insists that they should have done more.

We could have run over earlier, and we might have been able to get more people out, but we didnt, Parra said. We only went when we heard the cries for help, but if we had gone earlier, we might have been able to save more lives.

Deadly Gabriel House fire

Read the original article on MassLive.
On May 11, 2025, Officers Wheeler and Ritchie responded to a medical emergency involving an unconscious, non-breathing woman. Upon arrival, the officers quickly assessed the situation and determined that the victim had no pulse. Officer Wheeler immediately initiated CPR while Officer Ritchie prepared and deployed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

The pair continued administering life-saving measures until Muscatine Fire Department personnel arrived on scene. Thanks to their swift response and teamwork, the victim regained a pulse and was transported for further medical treatment. Their actions are credited with saving the womans life.

Detective Jackson was honored for his actions during a high-risk incident that occurred on May 29, 2024. Jackson and Muscatine Police Officer Adam Bell were involved in a vehicle pursuit of two individuals suspected of narcotics trafficking. The chase came to a dramatic end near the intersection of Highway 61 and Cedar Street when the suspects vehicle left the roadway.

As the suspects fled on foot, Officer Bell pursued them. During the foot chase, the suspects drew firearms and began shooting in Bells direction. Acting without hesitation, Detective Jackson returned fire, striking both suspects and bringing the dangerous confrontation to an end.

Jacksons decisive response is credited with protecting the life of Officer Bell and preventing further harm.
A convicted felon who allegedly crashed a vehicle while intoxicated near Boston Harbor was arrested Friday night after making threats to kill deputies and the Thurston County sheriff, according to the Thurston County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies responded to the scene of a single-car crash in the Boston Harbor area, where they found a woman who claimed she had been driving.

However, multiple witnesses contradicted her, telling deputies a man had been behind the wheel.

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Deputies located the man nearby and reported that he was extremely intoxicated and uncooperative.

He was arrested at the scene and placed in a WRAP restraint system, which is typically used to safely restrain combative individuals.

According to investigators, the woman had arrived after the crash and attempted to help the driver get away.

She then misled deputies by claiming responsibility for the crash.

During his arrest, the man reportedly told deputies to take him to jail so he can get out the next day and allegedly threatened to find the addresses of the deputies and Sheriff Derek Sanders to kill them once released.

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The sheriffs office said the man is a convicted felon with prior convictions for robbery and drive-by shooting.

Deputies are seeking a warrant to obtain a blood sample from the driver.

He is expected to be booked into jail for driving under the influence, felony harassment for threats to kill, resisting arrest, driving on a suspended license, and operating a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device.

The woman was also arrested on suspicion of providing false statements to law enforcement, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and aiding and abetting DUI.

The sheriffs office said both individuals were taken into custody at the scene.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  If you love coffee and doughnuts, weve got some good news for you: Tim Hortons is officially open in Donelson!

The coffee chain was originally founded in Canada in 1964, but it continues to expand in the U.S., opening its first store in the Metro Nashville area Saturday.

Monells opening second location in Ashland City

For about 60 years, Tim Hortons is very popular in Canada, but also in U.S. for the last 40 yearsWe are getting something new into Nashville, but its not new for United States, Naren Patel, the Donelson store owner, explained.

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During the grand opening on Saturday, July 19, Tim Hortons gave away free coffee for an entire month to the first 500 guests. The coffee shop is known for its coffee, of course, but also baked goods and breakfast.

We do all those things all day, every day, so were famous for our coffee and our doughnuts, but our breakfast is incredible. Our breakfast sandwiches are [made] with fresh cracked eggs, fresh-made bread, Katerina Glyptis, president of Tim Hortons USA, told News 2. Croissant sandwiches are my favorite. You can choose muffins or bagels or biscuits, but croissants are absolutely my go-to wherever I am.

Golly Gs: Baking Cheatham County a better place, one dessert at a time

The opening of this shop coincides with Donelsons already emerging restaurant scene and growing population.

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If youd like to check out Tim Hortons new Donelson location, the address is 2527 Lebanon Pike.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Opinion. The Miccosukee Tribe has lived in Floridas Big Cypress National Preserve since time immemorial. Today, 640 tribal members still call the Everglades home.

Their ancestral home now has an unwanted neighbor: a massive immigrant detention center that sits less than 1,000 feet from Miccosukee villages. It was hurriedly built by the state with encouragement and promised funding from the Trump administration. Both ignored a basic requirement  consulting the tribe about building on their ancestral land.

This isn't the first time officials have planned grandiose development in the Everglades without consulting the tribe.

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In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Miccosukee Tribe fought the proposed Everglades Jetport, an airport that would have been built along U.S. Highway 41, halfway between Miami and Marco Island. The proposed airport would have been five times the size of New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport.

Environmental studies showed the jetport would devastate the Everglades ecosystem. Armed with these studies, the Miccosukee, environmental groups and conservationists successfully stopped the project.

President Nixon halted construction in 1970. Only one runway was completed.

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The airstrip remained, used for decades to train pilots. In late June, Florida converted it into the detention center, dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem toured the site July 1.

On July 15, the Miccosukee filed a motion to join a lawsuit filed June 27 by Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity to shut down Alligator Alcatraz.

Miccosukee Chairman Talbert Cypress told me in an interview that filing this lawsuit wasnt something the tribe took lightly. He said it was done after exhausting other avenues, including lobbying members of Congress.

Cypress said there was no tribal consultation by federal officials or state officials. He voiced the concerns that go back decades about the environmental impact the prison will have on his tribal community and the surrounding area.

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The environmental stakes are high in the Everglades. Big Cypress is not empty swampland  it is a crucible of biodiversity, home to Florida panthers, manatees, and dozens of threatened species. The facilitys rapid eight-day construction skipped NEPA-required environmental studies. Wastewater, lighting, paving, and heavy equipment threaten to unravel decades of Everglades restoration.

We are also mindful of the citizens of Florida too. I dont know if they fully understand how important the Everglades are to every citizen of Florida. Thats where we get our drinking water from, Cypress said. The ecosystem is a very unique ecosystem. So, putting this facility in the middle of this fragile ecosystem is detrimental, not just for us, not just for our tribal members, but for all Floridians.

The construction of Alligator Alcatraz bypassed treaties, ignored tribal sovereignty and flouted federal law. But this fight isn't just about tribal rights  it's about shared values. The Miccosukee Tribe is right on every front of this issue: sovereignty, environment, human rights, and federal overreach. Whether you care about constitutional law, ecological preservation, or human dignity, the Miccosukee Tribe's battle against 'Alligator Alcatraz' is your fight too.

The courts must halt operations immediately and demand a genuine, legally compliant review. Congress must investigate the diversion of disaster dollars and hold accountable those who prioritized politics over people. And Florida must commit to a humane, lawful, and just immigration approachone that respects tribal rights and ecosystem integrity.

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The Miccosukee Tribe demands immediate action. This is our fight too. Whether you're defending tribal sovereignty, protecting the Everglades, or opposing government overreach  join them.

Thayek gde nwendemen - We are all related.

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
Jul. 20In the days since Dayton police found the presumed remains of 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum Jr., a non-verbal autistic boy, investigators learned that what initially started as a missing person case may have been a homicide committed weeks earlier.

The boy was reported missing in July, but during an interview with Hershall's mother and her boyfriend detectives realized he likely hadn't been seen in over a month.

Here's a timeline of the case.

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Late May  Hershall's mother, Ashley Johnson, told police her son died sometime in late May when she was hospitalized, according to Dayton Municipal Court records. Her boyfriend, Michael Kendrick, reportedly told her the boy died of natural causes. Johnson never saw Hershall after she came home.  During an interview with detectives, Kendrick said he was in an argument on the phone while drinking when he punched Hershall in the head twice, according to court documents. He reportedly shoved him and struck other parts of the boy's body.  Hershall allegedly died the next day.  Kendrick told investigators he kept the boy in the home until he started to smell, according to an affidavit. Kendrick used a suitcase to move Hershall's body to a grass field. After a few weeks he reportedly returned and put the bones in a bag and left them in the 100 block of McClure Street.

July 12  Around 3:45 a.m. Kendrick called 911 and reported a man punched him and took Hershall, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Records. The dispatch log noted Kendrick sounded intoxicated.  At 4:20 a.m. the dispatch log is updated to say there is no indication Hershall was taken, but he is missing.  At approximately 8 a.m. Dayton police posted on social media asking for the public's help locating Hershall.  Johnson and Kendrick were taken to the Public Safety Building for an interview with detectives. Johnson initially claimed she saw Hershall playing with his sister the day before, but later admitted he died sometime in late May, according to court records. Kendrick reportedly guided investigators where he left Hershall's remains.  Kendrick is arrested and booked into the Montgomery County Jail.  Around 7:22 p.m. Dayton police posted an update on social media that a deceased juvenile believed to be Hershall was been found. His remains were located on McClure Street near U.S. 35.

July 14  Dayton police held a press conference announcing Kendrick was charged with three counts of tamping with evidence and one count of gross abuse of a corpse and that Johnson was arrested. Police Chief Kamran Afzal said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be filed as the case continues.

July 15  Kendrick appeared electronically in municipal court and a magistrate set bond at $2 million.

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July 16  Johnson was charged with one count of obstructing justice in municipal court. Her bond was set at $250,000.

July 21  A Montgomery County grand jury indicted Johnson on one count of obstructing justice and Kendrick with two counts of tampering with evidence and three counts of gross abuse of a corpse. They're scheduled to be arraigned on July 24.
Former Colorado dentist James Craig was convicted of murder Wednesday after a trial that lasted nearly two weeks, found guilty of killing his wife and the mother of their six children by poisoning her protein shakes.

Angela Craig was 43 when she died in 2023, by which point shed been hospitalized three times in 10 days with symptoms no one could initially explain. A coroners report later said her cause of death was acute cyanide and tetrahydrozoline poisoning, with subacute arsenic poisoning listed as a significant condition.

Police arrested Craig for first-degree murder on March 19, 2023, hours after his wife was taken off life support. Prosecutors added more charges against him earlier this year, alleging he plotted to kill four people from behind bars while awaiting trial.

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Heres what we learned about the events in Angela Craigs final weeks.

Late 2022-February 2023: Three women meet James Craig on seeking.com, a dating website, they separately testify. Each woman said their relationship with Craig evolves into a romantic one, with him providing monetary gifts. One woman testifies Craig bought a car for her daughter, while another said she received about $8,000 from him, mostly through Venmo transactions.

One woman recalled a conversation with Craig about The Purge, a fictional horror movie about a short period of time when all violent crime, including murder, is legal. Craig said he would purge his wife if that were reality, she testified.

February 22-25, 2023: James Craig attends a dental conference in Las Vegas where he meets Karin Cain, a Texas dentist going through a divorce, prosecutor Ryan Brackley said in his opening statement. The two begin a relationship and discuss seeing each other again.

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Monday, February 27: Craig creates a new email account with the handle jimandwaffles using a computer in an exam room at his Aurora dental practice, according to a probable cause affidavit. The Gmail address was used to conduct searches on arsenic and undetectable poisons, order arsenic on Amazon and make arrangements for Cain to travel to Denver, the affidavit says.

February 28: Search queries for how to make murder look like a heart attack and a dosage of tetrahydrozoline that is fatal are in the search history on this day for the jimandwaffles account, according to a forensic exam of the computer from exam room 9 at Craigs dental practice, testified Molly Harris, an Aurora Police detective with the Major Crimes Homicide Unit.

March 1: Angela Craig visits family in Utah and attends a genealogy conference with one of her sisters, Brackley said. It was a shared hobby, he said.

When Angela Craig leaves for her trip, Craig texts Cain: Maybe she will decide to stay gone for a long time, according to the prosecutor.

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A search for how long does it take to die from arsenic poisoning? is found in the search history of the computer from exam room 9, Harris says.

March 4: The arsenic order is delivered to the Craigs house, according to the affidavit.

March 5: Angela Craig returns home from Utah, the affidavit says.

A 2016 Facebook photograph shows Angela and James Craig at Stratford-upon-Avon in the United Kingdom. - Obtained by CNN

First hospital visit

Monday, March 6: After waking up, Angela drinks a protein shake her husband made for her; Brackley said the couple often made them for each other. She works out but starts to feel strange. She texts her husband, My stomach feels fine, but my head feels funny and dizzy. Very strange.

James misses the daily 6:45 a.m. staff huddle at his dental office and arrives closer to 7 a.m., when the practice opens, according to testimony from office manager Caitlin Romero. He apologized and said his wife wasnt feeling well, possibly because he had put too much protein powder in the shake hed given her. He works for a couple of hours but then leaves to take Angela to the hospital, Romero testified.

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At the emergency room of AdventHealth Parker Hospital, Angela has tests including an MRI, CT scan and bloodwork, but she is sent home after nothing is found, Brackley said.

James Craig texts Cain that his wife is at the hospital and says, Just for the record, I will never drug you.

He returns to the practice that evening after business hours, according to Romero, who said she frequently stayed there late. Craig said he wanted to be alone and came back just to get away for a minute. Romero said his office lights were off when she was leaving and she thought hed left again, so she was startled to see him working on a computer in one of the exam rooms with the lights off. She testified that while on her drive home, she received a text from Craig saying hed be receiving a personal package at work and not to open it.

Craig orders oleandrin from Adooq Bioscience, according to the probable cause affidavit. The compound had come up when Craig had searched lists of the worlds deadliest plants, Brackley said. Detectives intercepted the package before it could be delivered.

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There were searches found on the exam 9 room computer on this day for visine and tetrahydrozoline poisoning timeline, according to Harris.

March 7: Angela still feels sick and goes to an urgent care clinic but is sent home without a diagnosis, Brackley said.

March 8: James Craig orders potassium cyanide from Midland Scientific, according to the affidavit. He notes in the order: Hopefully this is in stock and I can come pick it up tomorrow, March 9.

At 10:50 p.m., a credit card belonging to James Craig is used to purchase 12 packages of eyedrops from a King Soopers store in Aurora, according to testimony from a company representative. Tetrahydrozoline  a medication commonly found in eyedrops  was one of the poisons Craig used to kill his wife.

Second hospital visit

Thursday, March 9: Angela Craig drinks a protein shake in the morning and her symptoms worsen, Brackley said. Theres a moment on March 9 where her kids find her passed out, fainted, he said in his opening statement. Theres a moment on March 9 where she crawls across the floor because she cant get up, and she goes back to the hospital. She is admitted to AdventHealth Parker hospital and James Craig arrives. She will remain at the hospital until March 14.

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A sample of Angela Craigs blood taken at 11:24 a.m. showed a high and toxic level of arsenic, according to testimony from Dr. James Brower, a forensic toxicologist with NMS Laboratories, which did the testing after she died. The level in her blood was 330 micrograms per milliliter, he said, an amount that causes gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness and a feeling of being uncoordinated.

James Craig receives an order acknowledgement from Midland Scientific for the potassium cyanide, according to the affidavit. Hes told it is not in stock, but the company can overnight it to him. An employee then contacts him about additional documentation the product screening team requires for the order. Craig says he is a surgeon performing a craniofacial reconstruction and hopes to publish the results of using potassium cyanide for the procedure in a paper for the National Institutes of Health.

The employee reaches out again and says because James Craig is a new customer, the supplier needs an additional day to establish him in their system and process the order.

That night, at 10:16 p.m., seven packages of Visine eyedrops are purchased from the same King Soopers store as the day before, using James Craigs credit card, the companys representative testified.

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March 10: James Craig contacts Midland Scientific to ask about the potassium cyanide shipment and is told it will arrive the next day, according to the affidavit.

March 11: James contacts Midland Scientific to ask about the shipment, saying its 7:30 p.m. and he has waited all day for it at his office, the affidavit says. It is a Saturday. He doesnt receive an immediate response.

March 13: The potassium cyanide is delivered to James Craigs office, but another employee, unaware of Craigs instructions to Romero, opens it. Romero testified the employee handed her a silver foil package with a folded invoice from the box it was delivered in. The box was addressed to Jim Craig  Personal and had biohazard stickers on it. She looked at the packing slip and saw it was potassium cyanide. Romero put the items back in the box and placed it on Craigs desk, but said she looked up potassium cyanide online because shed never seen it delivered to the office before and was unfamiliar with what it was.

Ryan Brackley, a lawyer for the prosecution, delivers his opening statement July 15. - Stephen Swofford/Denver Gazette/Pool/AP

March 14: Angela is discharged from the hospital. Within an hour of returning home, she starts searching online for the possible causes of her symptoms, Brackley said.

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That evening, video from the Craigs kitchen security camera shows James making a protein shake for his wife.

Third hospital visit and death

Wednesday, March 15: At 9:35 a.m., James Craig texts Angelas sister to make sure she gives Angela a prescription. Brackley said Angela had been on medication (clindamycin) for a sinus infection and Craig had emptied one of the capsules and refilled it with potassium cyanide. Her sister gave her the pill.

At 11:08 a.m., Angela Craig goes to UCHealth Anschutz with severe headache and dizziness, accompanied by her brother. James Craig arrives later. At 2 p.m., she suffers a seizure and rapid decline and is placed on life support in the ICU.

A sample taken from Angela Craig at 11:50 a.m. showed high levels of arsenic, cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, Brower testified.

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The amount of arsenic was less than on March 9 but showed shed been exposed to arsenic again, he said. She also had a level of cyanide that could have only come from ingestion or exposure, Brower said. The chemical can cause similar symptoms to arsenic, and eventually it results in organ failure, he added.

The same sample showed Angela Craig also had a lethal amount of tetrahydrozoline in her blood that could have come only from ingesting it, Brower said. The concentration indicates it came from a bottle or more of eyedrops, he said. When consumed orally, the substance can cause a persons heart to stop beating, he said.

James Craig calls Caitlin Romero and says he doesnt think Angela will make it through the night. She testified this was the second time hed made that comment; she believes the first comment came on March 9, when Angela went to the hospital for the second time.

Romero leaves the office around 3 p.m. and calls Jacqueline Calderon, the office manager of an affiliated dental practice, telling her about the potassium cyanide delivery and how Angelas symptoms, as described by James Craig, lined up with poisoning symptoms she had found online. She testifies she didnt mention her concerns on the 13th because thinking that somebody was capable of possibly poisoning somebody else  it was not something that I was taking lightly. Romero then speaks with Craigs business partner, Dr. Ryan Redfearn, and his wife about the potassium cyanide.

Redfearn and his wife visit the hospital where Angela is staying, the affidavit says. They speak briefly to James Craig, who steps away for a phone call. While hes on the phone, Redfearn pulls a nurse away and tells the nurse about his concerns that Angela may have been poisoned with potassium cyanide.

A blood sample taken from Angela Craig at 8:21 p.m. shows an even higher level of cyanide than in the morning blood sample  3.7 micrograms per milliliter, compared to 1.7 earlier in the day, Brower said. It looks like there had to have been a second administration of cyanide in the hospital, he said.

March 16: Karin Cain visits Denver, a flight itinerary shows. Police speak with the Redfearns.

March 18: Angela Craig is pronounced brain dead at 4:29 p.m.

CNNs Andi Babineau and Zoe Sottile contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Editors note: The video above aired in a previous newscast.

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  A toddler who was found in a Queens home where an apparent murder-suicide took place died Saturday evening, according to police.

Officers received a 911 call at 7:09 p.m. for a home located at 65-35 Forest Avenue.

Queens murder-suicide leaves woman and toddler dead, 1 in critical condition: sources

A 54-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman had obtained stab wounds, police said. A 2-year-old girl was also found to have injuries.

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The three were rushed to local hospitals to be treated for their injuries.

The 41-year-old woman was pronounced dead by hospital staff. The 2-year-old was also taken to a local hospital, where she was being treated and later died, authorities said.

The man from the Queens home remains in critical condition. The relationship between the three is unclear. Authorities say a full investigation is currently ongoing.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

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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 PIX11.
Portugals Travel & Tourism Sector Enters Golden Era. Travel & Tourism in Poland Set to Surpass Economic Records. France Set to Maintain Unmatched 2024 Growth in Travel & Tourism. The World Travel and Tourism Councils news and press release page is chock full of articles highlighting one fact: the worlds most visited destinations are overwhelmed with tourists, and the postpandemic tourism boom doesnt seem to be slowing down.

Global travel was already swelling in 2024, when international travel reached 99% of its prepandemic levels, according to UN Tourisms World Tourism Barometer. In the first quarter of 2025, international tourist arrivals increased by 5% compared to the first quarter of 2024 and 3% compared to the first quarter of 2019.

This surge of vacationers is in part due to revenge travel: people are going on the long-awaited trips they werent able to take during the pandemic. Partly as a result, popular sites and vacationing spots are facing an influx of tourists.

Tourists enjoy the beach along the Promenade des Anglais on the French riviera city of Nice, on July 14, 2025. In 2024, the travel and tourism sectors contribution to Frances national GDP was 10.1% above 2019 levels, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Tourists stroll through Park Guell in Barcelona on July 6, 2025. Barcelona received 15.5 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, resulting in a ratio of 10 tourists per every resident according to Wellness Retreats Magazine.

Tourists crowd onto a passenger boat in Venice on June 9, 2025. In April, Venice enacted a five-euro fee for tourists entering the city for a day trip during the summer.

People and tourists photograph the Olympic flame cauldron near the Arc de Triomphe before the Olympic Games in Paris on Aug. 7, 2024. Last year, France saw 100 million foreign tourists, outnumbering the countrys 66 million-person population, according to the Associated Press.

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One of the countries most challenged by the flood of tourist traffic is Spain, which welcomed about 94 million foreign visitors in 2024about double the countrys entire population of 49 million. The barrage of foreign tourists is making destinations busier and prices more expensive, and locals as well as domestic tourists are getting pushed out of their own regions.

For Spains 25 most popular coastal destinations, where hotel prices have risen 23% in the past three years, foreign tourism rose last year by 1.94 million people while local tourism dropped by 800,000. In contrast, about 1.7 million more Spaniards vacationed inland to more affordable areas last year compared to the year before.

But locals arent relinquishing their hometowns and regional vacation destinations easily. In Barcelona, which has a population of 1.7 million and saw 15.5 million domestic and foreign visitors last year, protesters took to the streets this year and last to splash tourists with water guns.

In Paris, staff at the Louvre, the worlds most-visited museum, went on strike in June, protesting the crowds, the lack of staffing, and the working conditions. The museum currently caps daily visitors at 30,000, which brings the maximum yearly attendance to 9.3 millionabout 5 million more than the Louvre was designed to receive.

People photograph a passenger train passing through the Mae Klong Railway Market in Samut Songkhram, a little over 50 miles from Bangkok. International arrivals to Thailand are expected to grow 5% from last year, breaking previous records, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Tourists crowd the streets near the Ponte di Rialto on March 1, 2025 in Venice. Venices population has dropped from about 175,000 in the 1970s to below 50,000 last year, while the number of tourists passing through the city has continued to increase.

Tourists sit on a public bench at Plaza Mayor in downtown Madrid on April 29, 2024. The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that the travel and tourism sector will account for 3.2 million jobs in Spain.

A tourist takes a picture of a wild deer on March 10, 2025, in Nara, Japan. Public trash cans have been installed in Nara Park, a popular tourist destination, to protect deer from the effects of overtourism. In 1985, trash cans were removed from the park because deer were accidentally eating out of them, but in recent years, litteringand the number of foreign touristshas risen, according to The Japan Times.

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While locals are protesting overtourism, governments are trying to satiate their constituents without losing the economic boost that tourism provides. On a global scale, travel and tourism represented 10% of the global economy in 2024. Travel and tourism in Spain is expected to make up 16%, or $303.3 billion, of the countrys national economy, and the same sector in France is expected to make up 9.3%, or $319.2 billion, of its output.

In trying to appease both sides, the government of Italy imposed a five-euro (almost $6) tax last year to tourists traveling into the city in an attempt to mitigate tourism at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fee, implemented in April, is applicable only to day trips, not longer visits, and is in effect for only 54 days of this years peak tourism season. Residents of Venice, whose population has shrunk from about 175,000 in the 1970s to below 50,000 last year, said that the entrance fee turned their city into an amusement park and will not do much to discourage tourists.

Governments are also tightening regulations on short-term vacation rentals, specifically Airbnb, which limit the housing supply and therefore increase residential housing prices. The vacation rental company, which denies it has a role in hiking housing prices, is currently appealing a decision to take down around 66,000 properties in Spain that violate local rules. London and Paris, too, have capped the number of nights a property can be rented a year to 90 days.

Tourists take photos of the French impressionist painter Claude Monets garden in Giverny, France, on July 16, 2025, where he painted his iconic Water Lilies. The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that international spending will rise to $87.3 billion in 2025.

Tourists crowd in front of the barriers of the Trevi Fountain on Oct. 10, 2024, in Rome. A new walkway was being installed at the time, which will offer the opportunity to acquire new data on attendance, useful for solving the overcrowding problems of the monument.

People wait in line in front of the Louvre in Paris on June 16, 2025. The museums employees went on a spontaneous strike that day in protest of the crowds, the lack of staffing, and the working conditions, leaving tourists out in the sun.

A group of tourists wearing portable tour guide systems walk through Athens, Greece, on July 16, 2025. Athens saw about 7.9 million domestic and foreign tourists in 2024, according to Wellness Retreats Magazine.

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This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Kanwar Yatra pilgrims on Sunday expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Uttar Pradesh government for the annual religious pilgrimage. Speaking to ANI, Dinesh, a devotee, said, "The arrangements provided by the government are good. Every 1 kilometre, excellent arrangements were being made by people..." To ensure smooth traffic flow during the yatra, authorities implemented a route diversion on the Meerut-Agra highway in Hapur district to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles. Police personnel have been deployed at the diversion points to regulate traffic and ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Sunil Sharma, another Kanwariya heading towards Greater Noida, praised the state administration's traffic and logistical arrangements. "The arrangements are very good; there is no traffic... We are going to Greater Noida, and after coming to UP, we felt good, as the arrangements done by the government are good," Sharma told ANI. Meanwhile, Muzaffarnagar Circle Officer Rishika Singh offered relief to devotees by providing selfless service, massaging their sore feet and hands, while also ensuring that special arrangements were made for them. She said that the Muzaffarnagar police are assisting the women Kanwar Yatris by making special toilets. The police have been providing them with medical aid."Our police, especially the Muzaffarnagar police, our administration, and our officials are always on the ground, doing policing to ensure that people don't face any problems, our traffic can run smoothly, and locals also don't experience any issues. Apart from this, we are also helping them by making special toilets for women kanwariyas and providing medical aid... We have made all necessary arrangements for contingencies, and drills are being conducted to prepare for unexpected events. As we are prepared, I do not think it will be a tough task for us," CO Singh told reporters here. This comes days after Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav took a swipe at the Uttar Pradesh government, suggesting that it issue an order prompting top officials to invest their time in providing various facilities related to food and health to the Kanwar yatris. "They should, the Commissioner, DM and SP should be deployed to make food arrangements for the Kanwar yatris. CO and SDM ko lagao unke pair dabane ke liye (CO, SDM should be deployed to provide them with ease). This will perhaps give them relief. This is our Vedic custom. The government should issue an order that says that DM, SP will make food and health arrangements for the Kanwar yatris and CO, SDM unke pair vair daba kar sewa karenge," Yadav, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, told reporters. (ANI)
Update: Tacoma Fire posted on social media just before 6 p.m. that the fire is out and that all lanes are open.

Initial post: A brush fire is burning on state Route 16 near the Sprague exit.

Chelsea Sheperd, spokesperson for the Tacoma Fire Department, told The News Tribune the fire is on the south side of SR 16 and spreading up toward Center Street. It is about 10,000 square feet and 80% contained as of 4 p.m. Crews are working on putting out hot spots.

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According to a Twitter post from the Washington State Department of Transportation, the fire started at about 2:47 p.m. The right two lanes of eastbound SR 16 are blocked.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Traffic backs up on State Route 16 due to a brush fire on July 19, 2025. Crews are working on putting out hot spots.
CANTON, Kan. (KSNW)  A Union Pacific train made an emergency stop late Friday night near the McPherson County Fairgrounds after a report of someone lying on the tracks.

According to Canton police, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. just outside Canton.

Emergency crews from several agencies  including the Canton Fire Department, Canton EMS, McPherson Fire Department, McPherson County Sheriffs Office, and Union Pacific personnel  responded and launched a coordinated search of the area.

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Ulysses police: Dont approach the mountain lion

Despite an extensive effort, police said no evidence was found that anyone had been hit by the train. Once the scene was cleared, rail operations resumed.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, 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 KSN-TV.
The following is the transcript of an interview with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 20, 2025.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We turn now to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Good morning, Madam Mayor.

LOS ANGELES MAYOR KAREN BASS: Good morning, good morning.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Glad you can hear me. We are looking at immigration issues six months in. You have had such a firsthand experience out in LA, given the deployment of U.S. troops. The President ordered the early release of nearly half of the National Guard from LA. Have they departed yet? What are the remaining ones doing?

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MAYOR BASS: Well, I believe they've departed, but they were never needed in the first place, and the remaining ones are doing what they were doing all along, which is essentially protecting two federal buildings, one of which in Westwood, where there never has been a big protest against the immigration raids. This is just such an incredible misuse of, not only taxpayers money, but of the young people who are in the National Guard, who have had to leave their families, their jobs and their education for this deployment that is completely unnecessary. 4,000 troops, my understanding, is, most of their time has been spent in complete boredom, playing video games and essentially waiting around. Because again, 4,000 deployed, and about 200 actually used.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The White House, of course, argues they deployed them because there was interference with the operations of law enforcement in carrying out some of the roundups. There are still enforcement actions by ICE taking place. You have talked about your objections, as you described them to "masked men, unmarked cars, drawing guns, snatching people off the street." You filed a Freedom of Information request to quote, "know who these masked men are." Why, though, is their identity important to you? Do you plan to prosecute them?

MAYOR BASS: Well, no, let me just explain, because you have people who are literally walking down the street, sitting at bus stops, are individual vendors selling fruit on the street. These masked men pull up in unmarked cars and jump out of the cars with rifles and detain people. So for the average citizen, it looks like it's a violent kidnapping. So you should never have that. They don't identify themselves. And furthermore, to your previous guest, how on earth do they know that they're a threat when they're just chasing random people through parking lots at Home Depots, going to car washes and rounding up people. It's difficult to get your car washed in Los Angeles now, because most of the car washes, the employees won't come to work out of fear that a raid will take place.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, the acting director says that his agents, some of them fear that their families will be retaliated against, and that's why they are covering their faces, that they do wear markings for the agencies that they work with. How do you respond?

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MAYOR BASS: Well, well, first of all, let me just tell you that the masked men are not from Los Angeles, and so how their families could be retaliated against. And then what is that to say to local law enforcement, the Los Angeles Police Department, none of whom are ever masked who always identify themselves and even hand someone a business card. So that makes absolutely no sense at all. And I don't know, but I have a hard time believing that the woman selling pineapples on the corner is going to attack an ICE agent. And then when he says that there's identification, the problem is many of these men are in plain clothes with vests on that say 'police,' it looks like something that they could have gotten online. I think it's really important to point out the extreme nature of the randomness. And you know, Homan has said, he's mentioned a number of criteria for why they stop people. One of the points of criteria is physical appearance. Los Angeles is 3.8 million people, and about 50% of our population is Latino, so I guess that means 50% of Los Angeles could be possible suspects in an immigration raid.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, Tom Homan has- Tom Homan has said physical description cannot be the sole factor for reasonable suspicion, but things like location, occupation, physical appearance add up, particularly if a person runs away, or if there's a tattoo or something. You don't seem to believe that.

MAYOR BASS: Location, sitting at a- well, location, sitting at a bus stop, walking down the street, selling fruit? No, I do dispute that, absolutely. And you know, again, the National Guard should have never been deployed in the first place. We did not ask for them. This is the federal seizure of power from a governor deploying the National Guard when the National Guard were not even needed. We had protests at the end of the- at the end of the peaceful protest, there absolutely was some violence and some looting and vandalism, we brought that completely under control. The troops have never been involved in crowd control, never involved in the protest. They have been guarding a building. Our police department and our sheriff's department are the ones that brought the protests, when it devolved into violence, under control. We never needed the National Guard in the first place. This is a political stunt, a terrible misuse of taxpayers' dollars.

MARGARET BRENNAN: There's more we could talk about here but I want to ask you about fires, because we are now officially in fire season. It was just six months ago we saw those blazes in LA, you fired the then fire chief for you said a failure to prepare. But you still don't have a permanent fire chief in that role. Isn't that a problem? Are you prepared?

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MAYOR BASS: No, no, I don't think that that's a problem at all. Our interim fire chief has 40 years of experience. In fact, he had just recently retired. I called him in, out of retirement, during the fires. He was doing the emergency operation center. So he stepped in, didn't miss a beat by taking over the fire department. And we are prepared. We do know that it's fire season.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So is your plan to keep him in place since you brought him out of retirement?--

MAYOR BASS: --No--

MARGARET BRENNAN:--put him in an interim basis?

MAYOR BASS: I'm sorry, no, we're doing a national search, and he is certainly open to apply. But the nation's second-largest city needs to make sure that we search the nation for the best talent. And I'm sure that there will be people in the department that apply, but we want to cast the net wide. We did the same type of search for our police chief--

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MARGARET BRENNAN: --Well okay--

MAYOR BASS:--in the meantime he is more than capable of managing well.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, wish the city well. We will be watching as you move through fire season. Thank you--

MAYOR BASS:--Sure.

MARGARET BRENNAN: --We'll be right back.

A new you: The science of redesigning your personality

"Somebody Somewhere" star Bridget Everett

Would you go on a retirement cruise?
Travis County has been approved for federal funding to help repair local infrastructure that was damaged during this months deadly flash floods.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced in a Saturday news release that both Travis and Hamilton County have been added to the federal disaster declaration to receive FEMAs Public Assistance Program funding. Travis County Judge Andy Brown also on Saturday updated the countys disaster declaration with new safety orders to support ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts.

Our federal partnership is key to help impacted communities in Hamilton and Travis counties and across the state receive crucial public assistance to recover and rebuild, Abbott said in the release. Texans are resilient, and with the continued support at every level, we will overcome this devastation."

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More: A teen hero, beloved moms, and military veterans: Remembering Austin-area flood victims

The new approvals add to the 13 counties that have already been OK'd for federal public aid, including Burnet and Williamson.

The public assistance program for FEMA provides financial assistance to municipalities to help pay for repairs to infrastructure, such as roads, parks, bridges and waterways, and support other disaster relief efforts. In order to receive the federal funds, a county, generally, must first complete assessments of the damage done by the disaster to ensure it qualifies for aid, a process that Chief Nim Kidd of the Texas Division of Emergency Management said takes time.

At a news briefing last week, Kidd explained that delays between a disaster and the approval of FEMA funds are typical  and wont prevent the county from beginning relief and repair efforts, since the funding is often reimbursed after the work is completed.

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OPINION: For lessons from Central Texas floods, look forward  not back

On Saturday, Brown also updated his disaster declaration, this one on the county-level, to warn citizens to avoid damaged roads. It also banned recreational use of Lake Travis within 100 feet of the mouth of Cow Creek and all of Cow Creek.

The declaration said that continued support and ongoing recovery efforts are needed to preserve public health, and explained that a violation of the order can result in a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine or up to 180 days in prison.

FEMAs Individual Assistance, which covers individuals and households recovering from a disaster, is already available in Travis County, along with Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green and Williamson counties. Affected Texans who want to apply for disaster relief can do so at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

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Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Access all of our best content with this tremendous offer.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas floods: Travis County receives FEMA funding for recovery efforts
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Travis County Judge Andy Brown updated the countys ongoing disaster declaration, associated with the July 4 floods in Central Texas, specifically addressing the use of Lake Travis.

The update bans and prohibits all recreational use of Lake Travis only within 100 feet of the mouth of Cow Creek and all of Cow Creek.

This ban does not apply to commercial operators, individuals designated as emergency response by a state or local official or agency, or representatives of a state or local agency that accesses Lake Travis.

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PAST COVERAGE | Lake Travis closed to all uses except emergency response

All recreational, commercial, and navigational uses of Lake Travis were banned on July 11 after flash floods hit Central Texas over the July 4 weekend.

Brown issued the initial order after consulting with the Lower Colorado River Authority on present hazards within Lake Travis. The order said the conditions in the lake created a public safety hazard.

On July 13, Lake Travis, with the exception of areas upstream of mile marker 36 and Sandy Creek Park, reopened, but recreational activity was not recommended.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A whale watch company with a spare vessel operated the demonstration of passenger-only ferry service from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands using state funding. (Photo by Tom Banse)

This article was first published by the Salish Current.

A 10-week experiment offering free foot ferry service between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands drew positive reviews but has room for improvement, according to a post-mortem given to the San Juan County Council.

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A separate reexamination of possible new passenger-only ferry routes in the North Sound by a state consultant said large start-up costs would be incurred to launch new walk-on services. The tight budgets at all levels of government cast doubt on whether additional walk-on ferries may cast off anytime soon.

A $1.5 million state grant to San Juan County made the temporary foot ferry possible. The boat trial grew out of frustration with unreliable state ferry service in recent years.

The county cant afford to continue the walk-on ferry on its own dime, but at least one county councilmember said the concept of car-free transportation to, from and among the scenic islands is worthy of further exploration.

I would love to see us apply for some additional funding, Councilmember Jane Fuller said Tuesday. So we could run it out further in time, get more data and understand more of the implications of this.

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The twice-daily scheduled roundtrips between the three most populous islands and Anacortes ran from April 18 to June 30 using a chartered whale watching tour boat.

As part of the same state-funded pilot project, San Juan County also contracted with another local tour company for on-call emergency interisland water taxi service and paid a retainer to a barge company to keep a commercial truck transport vessel in reserve. Those back-up options in case of lengthy state ferry service cancellations have also wrapped up.

Health and Community Services Director Mark Tompkins said the 49-passenger boat hired for the twice-daily mainland ferry service attracted 2,399 riders over the two-and-a-half-month trial. Nearly two-thirds of riders said they were on leisure trips, with the remainder booked for work, school, errands or appointment reasons. The foot ferry achieved an enviable 100% on-time record, Tompkins reported to the county council Tuesday.

The emergency interisland water taxi was activated nine times this spring and early summer. It made 12 roundtrips between Orcas, Lopez and Friday Harbor, carrying 127 people home or to work who were stranded on those nine days when the Washington State Ferries interisland vehicle ferry unexpectedly went out of service.

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I look at these statistics and, while theyre not tens of thousands of riders, had (the state) ferries not worked, they would be, County Councilmember Justin Paulsen said in reaction.

County Manager Jessica Hudson said passenger feedback praised the reliability of the daily scheduled service and appreciated the downtown Anacortes terminus, which was walking distance to many businesses and restaurants, unlike the outlying state ferry terminal.

Hudson performed some back-of-the-envelope math in front of the council to estimate the per-passenger cost of the free ferry rides the county provided. It penciled out to about $250 a person per ride, borne by state taxpayers via the governor-directed grant.

Fuller responded that its not a surprise that public transportation requires a heavy subsidy, but added that this was instructive about the order of magnitude a lightly-used foot ferry would consume.

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The true cost of the fare-free ride also gave one-time foot ferry passenger Brian Clark pause. Clark was pleased by the service and the free parking in downtown Anacortes when he used the countys boat in June to check on a rental property his family owns on Lopez Island.

They need to get one of those electric hydrofoil ferries that have lower fuel costs, Clark said in an interview from his home in Seattle this week.

Tompkins said securing a faster ferryboat for the passenger service was a common refrain in the room for improvement column. He also said better communication was needed to alert stranded travelers to the availability of the emergency interisland water taxi when it was activated. Some state ferry terminal workers didnt refer customers there when the interisland vehicle ferry went down.

Other barriers needing attention include the lack of a suitable public dock on Shaw Island for foot ferry service. Also, the limited to nonexistent public transit options for travel on land once arriving at landings other than Friday Harbor present a hindrance to increasing car-free exploration of the San Juans.

Bellingham to Friday Harbor foot ferry gets another look

Earlier pleas from the ferry-dependent San Juan Islands resulted in the 2024 Legislature commissioning a $500,000 study of potential new state-supported passenger-only routes throughout Puget Sound. That report to the Legislature has coincidentally just been publicly released.

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The hired consultants who took on the study determined four passenger routes deserved a detailed evaluation:

Bellingham  Friday Harbor

Whidbey Island  Everett

San Juan Islands interisland with two larger vessels

San Juan Islands interisland using a small private operator

The consultant group led by the firm KPFF estimated potential ridership for each foot ferry route, which ranged from a low of 85 commuters daily for the Whidbey Island-Port of Everett workday route. A circular San Juan Islands interisland route was the most attractive, with up to 223 riders estimated per day. The Bellingham to Friday Harbor connection fell in the middle, assuming a seasonal, seven days per week schedule.

San Juan Cruises already operates one daily round-trip on the Bellingham-Friday Harbor route in summer, geared toward tourist daytrippers from the mainland. It is commercially successful, but the unsubsidized fare of $79 is expensive compared to the state ferry systems $16.50 walk-on fare from Anacortes to the islands. The state ferries, while often running late, have lots of spare walk-on capacity, although parking at the Anacortes terminal can be a limiting factor at peak times.

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The study authors observed that new foot passenger ferry service offers an opportunity to expand connectivity at a lower capital and operating cost than WSF vehicle ferry service. But the costs still rise into eight figures when vessel acquisition and landing site improvements are figured in.

The report presented the numbers and caveats but was circumspect in its recommendations. It said ultimately the next steps will require direction from the Legislature regarding the states role in providing or financing passenger-only services.

Even before the consultant studys release, WSF leadership indicated it is focused on improving reliability of its existing car ferries and isnt interested in adding passenger-only routes on top of that.

We dont have any plans to add any new routes for WSF, state ferries chief Steve Nevey told ferry riders during an online town hall in May. Only the Legislature can add routes.

Legislature reluctant to take on new costs

The majority of the Legislatures members appear cool to taking responsibility for new foot ferry routes. In fact, this spring, the lead transportation budget writers tried to phase out the states remaining support for locally-operated foot ferries, which flowed to the Vashon Island water taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferries to backfill for reduced state ferry service. Determined lobbying by local ferry advocates managed to keep their state subsidy in place for a year or two longer, even though WSF ferry service to Vashon and Bremerton has recently been restored to pre-pandemic levels.

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Legislators are staring at daunting price tags to build new hybrid-electric 160-car ferries to modernize the states aging fleet, as well as the tab to install shoreside battery charging infrastructure.

Passenger service in the future makes sense, but for now were focused on the core of WSF service, state Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias said near the end of this years legislative session.

WSF Passenger Only Ferry Study - July 2025

A copy of the Washington State Department of Transportation study examining the potential for new state-supported passenger-only routes throughout Puget Sound.

The Salish Current is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, online local news organization serving Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties. Based in Bellingham, the publication serves 400,000 residents and tens of thousands of annual visitors to the three-county area.
Jul. 20Jack Hinkes "didn't really get" the aviation industry when he was younger.

"When I was a kid, I thought, 'Airplanes are expensive. This is unattainable. I can't do this, so I'm not going to be interested in it,'" he said. "But that was a misconception."

Jack Hinkes and his father, lifelong aviator Kenny Hinkes, now run the Albuquerque-based High Flying Hangars together. The company provides quality hangars  secure storage for aircraft  and will soon break ground on a project at Denton Enterprise Airport in Texas.

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Using their combined expertise in commercial and residential development, the duo started the business in 2020 in the midst of a national hangar shortage. According to the E3 Aviation Association, the aircraft hangar shortage continues to grow annually. An increasing number of aircraft owners, limited airport expansion and construction hurdles contribute to the issue.

Coast to coast, Kenny Hinkes said, there's an approximate 60,000 deficit of hangars. He said many planes are being stored in community hangars, which can make routine maintenance and access difficult, or left outside as aircraft manufacturing continues.

"If you can imagine buying a luxury car, like a Ferrari, for $300,000, and parking it on the curb outside, most people would just cringe," Kenny Hinkes said.

'I want to be in this club'

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Since 2006, Jack Hinkes, the chief development officer of High Flying Hangars, has traveled with his father, who serves as CEO, to the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture event  the world's largest air show.

Jack Hinkes said he treated it as any summer trip. It wasn't until 2018 that he stopped to take in the event's culture and community.

"I'm looking around and I say to my dad, 'All of these people are pilots, at least the majority of them. This old man, this young girl, all of these people fly airplanes  I want to fly airplanes,'" Jack Hinkes recalled. "I want to be in this club. If they can do it, I can do it."

The pair went on to buy a Cessna 172 in December 2019, a gold standard training aircraft that Jack Hinkes would get his pilot's license in. After purchasing in California, they landed it at Albuquerque's Double Eagle Airport. When inquiring about storing it in a private hangar, he said airport officials laughed.

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The airport's waiting list had about 65 people ahead of Jack Hinkes, and getting hangar access could take up to six years, he said. It was at this point that he questioned why they couldn't build hangars of their own.

"What I love about this is it was born out of necessity. It's a truly organic business," Jack Hinkes said. "Why did we build hangars? Simply because I couldn't get one."

A growing company

Since the early '80s, Kenny Hinkes has developed various properties in Albuquerque and Santa Fe as the founder of Center Street Realty. A family business, Jack Hinkes is also the company's co-owner. When he suggested they build hangars, Kenny Hinkes said he and his son took a step back and discovered the shortage was prevalent everywhere.

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High Flying Hangars has developed a nationwide plan to bring new, superior-quality infrastructure to municipal airports, according to its website.

As its first client, the company completed its first of four rows of hangars right where they couldn't find one  Double Eagle. Jack Hinkes said the company plans to install 45 to 50 hangars at the airport, depending on sizing.

In June, High Flying Hangars was approved for a 40-year lease with Denton Enterprise, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. The $21 million project will provide the Denton airport with 44 hangars for general and business aircraft. Construction is set for later this year, with plans to have units available in 2026.

Denton Enterprise Director Ryan Adams said High Flying Hangars will construct 110,000 square feet of hangar space. The company and airport worked for about a year on proposals and lease agreement negotiations, he said.

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"The number of hangars, the size of the hangars, what they proposed in terms of their lease payments to the airport  that all factored into them being awarded the bid," Adams said. "It worked out very well for the airport, and I know it worked out very well for them. It's a partnership that we're really looking forward to starting."

Jack Hinkes said future plans for High Flying Hangars include building 100 hangars for Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland and 170 more in Boulder City, Nevada.

More than working against the shortage, Kenny and Jack Hinkes agree that servicing and being a part of the aviation community is special.

"I've been an active pilot for 54 years. After my wife and kids, flying is my second love," Kenny Hinkes said. "People that fly airplanes, people that own airplanes  they are my people. I've always felt an affinity to them."

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Now picking up momentum with High Flying Hangars, Jack Hinkes said the best part of working with family is that they always have each other's best interests in mind. No matter where the company develops, he said it always looks to hire local family businesses.

Expecting the arrival of a son in a few short weeks, Jack Hinkes can only imagine one thing:

"All I can think about is I want to do all the things that I did with my dad, with my son," he said. "And what better way to do it than this?"
he Trump administration will start sharing the personal information of nearly 79 million Medicaid enrollees with federal immigration authorities as the president seeks to ramp up deportations. MSNBC Legal Analyst Melissa Murray breaks down what this means and how immigrant rights groups are trying to inform people of their rights.
The Trump administrations last-minute snub of the Aspen Security Forum this week betrays a growing animosity between the U.S. government and wider national security community.

The Pentagon on Monday pulled senior Defense Department officials from the annual event only a day before the start of the four-day summit in Colorado  claiming the bipartisan gathering promotes the evil of globalism, disdain for our great country, and hatred for the President of the United States.

The strong wording has alarmed some experts and former government officials, who see a growing tendency for the administration to cut off anyone who criticizes or so much as offers an alternative view to that of the current U.S. government  putting up a barrier between them and the decisionmakers.

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The Trump administration doesnt like dissent, I think thats pretty clear. And they dont like dissenting views at conferences, a Republican political strategist and frequent forum attendee told The Hill. Causing a stir about perceived criticism of the Trump administration makes people afraid to cross them and lose access to the administration. They might be cut off from people who are implementing policies.

But the shunning of events on the national security and foreign policy circuit does no favors for the administrations national security goals, experts say, as they lend a platform to potentially different viewpoints that could be useful for Washington.

Case in point, those gathered at the mountain retreat were described as bewildered by the decision on account of the forums well-known bipartisan agenda, with several former Trump administration officials slated to speak, according to the political strategist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

It was a surprise because most of us were traveling to the conference when the announcement occurred, the strategist said. I think most people who attend the event frequently never viewed it as being partisan or anti-Trump. So it was bewildering and I think a little bit concerning.

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The Aspen Security Forum, described as the premier national security and foreign policy conference, is among the most high-profile of such events and for years has attracted Republican and Democratic administration officials, business leaders and analysts.

During President Trumps first term, several top officials including then-CIA chief and later Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attended the forum.

This years lineup included Mark Esper, an acting Defense secretary in Trumps first term; Condoleezza Rice, a former national security adviser and secretary of State under former President George W. Bush; and David Petraeus, a CIA director under former President Obama. Speakers covered a range of issues that included the U.S. strategy on Taiwan, Russias war in Ukraine, NATO, and how Trumps tariffs will affect Washingtons alliances.

More than a dozen administration officials were set to appear on several panels, including Navy Secretary John Phelan. But the Pentagon suddenly declared they would not attend and would not do so moving forward as their values do not align with the values of the DoD, according to department spokesperson Sean Parnell.

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Only one administration official ended up attending the conference, and they were not associated with the Pentagon: Adam Boehler, Trumps special envoy for hostage release.

Even without the defense officials in attendance, panelists praised a number of Trumps recent moves, including his decision to offer lethal aid for Ukraine, the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and his prompting of NATO countries to foot more of the bill when it comes to defense spending.

National security elites also appeared resigned to the reality that the norms and conventions that sprang up following World War II  which have dictated U.S. use of military force and how Washington addresses long-held partners and alliances  have been upended thanks to Trump.

We have to recognize that were probably not going back to exactly that system, Rice, a co-chair of the Aspen Strategy Group, said at the closing panel of the summit.

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Michael OHanlon, a senior fellow in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution think tank, said he wasnt doing any hand-wringing over Trumps eleventh-hour snub, and that he viewed the officials pulling out as just the new norm for at least the next three years.

If they want to have a little bit of a culture war over this particular forum, Im just going to view it as a reminder of how they view the world, as opposed to a major problem, OHanlon said, referring to the administrations isolationist tendencies.

Theyll be willing to just hold a grudge if they decide youve slighted them or youre not of their worldview. And thats just the way its going to be, he added.

OHanlon noted that as long as administration officials appear at some similar forums and are willing to engage, he doesnt see an issue. But should they stop attending any such events moving forward, that would be a cause for concern.

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If they just occasionally feel a slight from somebody and pull out of this or that, thats one thing. If they stop being willing to engage in any kind of forum, unless you somehow prove that youre a complete MAGA Republican, that would be much more concerning.

Aspen organizers, meanwhile, have made clear their invitation to the Trump officials remains open. The political strategist said the organizers were more concerned about ensuring that theres a presence of government officials going forward at the event.

This is a major security forum, its an open exchange of ideas, and they made it very clear throughout the event that the officials are invited back anytime in the future, the strategist said. I think theres a hope that that they will come back next 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 The Hill.
President Donald Trump said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) should cancel the Senates summer break and long weekends in order to confirm Trumps nominees, which include some controversial picks, more quickly in a Truth Social post Saturday.

Hopefully the very talented John Thune, fresh off our many victories over the past two weeks and, indeed, 6 months, will cancel August recess (and long weekends!), in order to get my incredible nominees confirmed, Trump wrote. We need them badly!!!

The Senate is expected to go on recess from Aug. 4 to Sept. 1. It is one of 14 breaks or long weekends on the 2025 calendar. Their most recent break was June 30 to July 4, and then there is another break toward the end of September. Even when the Senate is in session, lawmakers are generally only in their Capitol Hill offices a few days a week, with ample time to travel back home.

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Senators are scheduled to vote on six nominations on Monday, including Bradley Hansell for under secretary of defense for intelligence and security, and John Hurley for under secretary for terrorism and financial crimes. The Senate is also slated for a major vote on a funding bill.

The Senate could soon vote on Emil Bove, a controversial nominee to become a judge on a federal appeals court. He served as one of Trumps personal lawyers before taking a role at the Justice Department.

A whistleblower said in June that Bove told lawyers at the Justice Department they would need to consider telling the courts fuck you and ignore any such court order that would block Trump from sending immigrants to prison in El Salvador.

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced his nomination earlier this week, prompting Democrats to walk out.

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I have respect for you Mr. Chairman, but this is outrageous, this is unacceptable, this is wrong, said Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). This is an abuse of power. It is an undermining of the wellbeing and the integrity of this Senate.

More than 75 former judges asked the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject Boves nomination.

Mr. Boves egregious record of mistreating law enforcement officers, abusing power, and disregarding the law itself disqualifies him for this position, the group wrote.

Another controversial nominee is former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, who is up for the role of U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C. Trumps first choice for the position was Republican lawyer Ed Martin, but he dropped the bid amid opposition.

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The Senate Judiciary Committee also voted to advance Pirros nomination.

Brian Christine, Trumps nominee for assistant health and human services secretary, is an Alabama urologist who said the issue of teen pregnancy should be left to the purview of the parents.

He also said that society works best when men and women are fulfilling their roles, when they are doing what theyre supposed to do, raising children and propagating the species.

Dozens of people in Malaysia protested the possibility of alpha male influencer Nick Adams becoming U.S. ambassador to the country over his posts criticizing Islam and supporting the Israeli military.

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Another nomination drawing controversy is that of law professor Jennifer Mascott, Trumps nominee for a federal appeals court seat in Delaware. She is not licensed to practice law in the state.

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Union Minister of State V Somanna on Sunday visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri and offered his prayers to Lord Jagannath. The Minister was accompanied by his family. The Minister urged all Hindus in the country to come to Puri and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. Speaking to ANI, the Union Minister said, "This is a historical temple of Lord Jagannath. Hindus in the country should come here and seek his blessings...After PM Modi came to power, this has been strengthened. You can see the cleanliness here. Every day, more than five to six lakh people come here for the darshan. How well this is maintained...In 10 years, a lot of work has been done...I pray for further opportunity to work under the leadership of PM Modi to serve the country..." This year's Jagannath Rath Yatra drew lakhs of devotees, many of whom had travelled from different parts of the country and abroad to witness the grand chariots of the three deities, Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister goddess Subhadra, at the Gundicha temple, where the deities reside for a week and then return to Jagannath temple. The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Celebration of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals in Puri, Odisha. This festival takes place every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the months of June or July. The three chariots are built anew every year ahead of the annual chariot festival. On July 7, devotees gathered in large numbers in Puri to witness the sacred 'Adhara Panna' ritual, as Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, was offered a special drink on the chariot. The ritual is considered one of the most significant events in the Rath Yatra celebrations. The 'Adhara Panna' ritual involves the offering of a sacred drink made with milk, sugar, and other ingredients to the deities in uniquely designed earthen pots shaped like the Lord's mouth. (ANI)
President Donald Trump is bragging that his approval has skyrocketed significantly despite ongoing backlash amid what hes dubbed to be the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.

My Poll Numbers within the Republican Party, and MAGA, have gone up, significantly, since the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax was exposed by the Radical Left Democrats and, just plain troublemakers, Trump wrote Sunday on his social media platform Truth Social.

He continued, They have hit 90%, 92%, 93%, and 95%, in various polls, and are all Republican Party records. The General Election numbers are my highest, EVER! People like Strong Borders, and all of the many other things I have done. GOD BLESS AMERICA. MAGA!

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Trump did not clarify which polls he was citing. White House officials did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Trumps claims about his increased polls came after his controversial handling of Epsteins files and the investigation into Epsteins sex crimes as well as his 2019 death in a jail cell.

Earlier this month, the Justice Department and the FBI released a two-page memo claiming there was no evidence that Epstein was murdered or had a client list of powerful figures he could potentially black mail. The DOJs memo release contradicted earlier claims about the alleged list, which were primarily dished out by mostly right-wing conspiracy theorists and the agencies own leadership.

The move sparked criticism from Trump supporters and media personalities, among others, who demanded that the administration release more information on the deceased convict.

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Trump has repeatedly denied having a relationship with Epstein.

Despite Trump boasting immaculate poll numbers on Sunday, CNNs latest poll tells a different story with a 57% disapproval rating of Trump alongside a 41% approval rating from voters.

Related...
Senators hoping for an August respite after several weeks of late-night votes may not be in luck, with President Trump asking Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) Saturday to cancel the chambers traditional late-summer recess in order to confirm his executive and judicial appointments.

Hopefully the very talented John Thune, fresh off our many victories over the past two weeks and, indeed, 6 months, will cancel August recess (and long weekends!), in order to get my incredible nominees confirmed, Trump wrote on Truth Social. We need them badly!!!

Senators are currently scheduled to confirm six Trump appointments on Monday and advance his pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency. Right now, members are set to take the month of August off.

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The threat to cancel the recess could push senators to avoid stonewalling appointments. Trumps most high-stakes nominees include Emil Bove, a lawyer for the Justice Department, to be a judge on a federal appeals court. Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host, is also up to be the top federal prosecutor in D.C.

Bove has garnered particular opposition from Democrats over a whistleblower complaint alleging that he said the Trump administration should consider telling courts f you if they issued orders blocking migrant deportations. Bove has denied that he told lawyers in the Justice Department to violate a court order.

Trumps more recent nominations include two picks for the National Labor Relations Board, which enforces union regulations. The board has not been able to function since January, when Trump fired the remaining Democratic member, leaving it without a quorum.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 the morning of May 2, 2025, supporters of Washington Senate Bill 5375 were ushered through the massive concrete arches and up the grand staircases of the Washington state Capitol  the veins of Alaskan Tokeen marble guiding them past oil portraits and century-old busts  to the governors conference room on the second floor.

Inside, amid the dark wood paneling and gleaming seal of the state, Bob Ferguson, Washingtons new governor and former attorney general, addressed the small crowd of advocates, lawmakers, and child-abuse survivors who had gathered behind him.

Im a Catholic as some of you know. Im aware of my upbringing, he said, before adding plainly: For me this is very clear legislation and important legislation.

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Ferguson uncapped a blue felt-tip Paper Mate and, with the stroke of the pen, signed into law one of the most consequential child protection measures in recent memory, mandating the states clergy  for the first time in 50 years  to report child abuse.

The room felt like it was buzzing, recalls Sara Young, an advocate who was there that morning. She grew up one of Jehovahs Witnesses, surviving years of abuse she says congregation elders ignored. None of us really knew what to expect, but being there felt like a weight finally lifted.

For supporters like Young, it closed a loophole that let clergy across denominations keep abuse in the dark. For opponents, it was an attack on religious freedom with no exception for sacred rites like confession.

In that moment, Ferguson closed the door on a battle two decades in the making  and opened another. When the room cleared that morning, no one  not even Ferguson  could have predicted just how quickly the laws challengers would mobilize.

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Within 72 hours, Trumps Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, had launched a First Amendment probe into what it called an anti-Catholic law.

The Archdiocese of Seattle, along with the dioceses of Yakima and Spokane, filed a federal lawsuit  Etienne v. Ferguson  claiming the new law was a punch thrown straight at the Catholic church; that it forces priests to choose between obeying the state or violating a core religious duty.

Then, on June 23, the U.S. Department of Justice formally threw its weight behind the Catholic church, filing a formal motion to intervene in the case  a request that was granted on Tuesday.

And on Friday, Judge David G. Estudillo issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the new law as to the Sacrament of Confession for the Seattle, Yakima, and Spokane dioceses, days before its July 27 effective date.

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What began as a move to close a dangerous loophole exploded into a high-stakes national fight over the limits of religious liberty: whether the First Amendment allows church doctrine to overrule secular law when the two conflict.

At its core, this battle turns on a crucial question the courts  and now the country  are forced to confront: Where does religious freedom end and the duty to protect children begin?

Washington Closes the Clergy Loophole

Under Washingtons new child protection law, clergy of all denominations are on the hook, just like physicians, nurses, social workers, teachers, law enforcement officers, childcare providers, and others.

The law does not force priests to testify in court, turn over notes, or violate attorney-client privilege. What it does is narrow but consequential: If clergy learn about child abuse  even during confession  they have to notify authorities within 48 hours.

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That single requirement closes a loophole most states still leave wide open.

Across the U.S., child abuse reporting laws are a fragmented patchwork shaped by decades of political compromise and religious lobbying. Over the past two decades, efforts in other states  such as Kentucky, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin  to remove the clergy-penitent exemption have routinely stalled long before any high-profile showdown.

Technically, clergy in all 50 states, D.C., and Guam are mandatory reporters of child abuse. But 33 states carve out exemptions for what is learned in confession or spiritual counseling.

Washington now joins just six other states  including some of the most religiously conservative in the country  that take exemptions for clergy off the table completely: New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, and West Virginia.

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But even where states have laws like this on paper, enforcement is often a dead end. Thats because 36 states have either their own Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRAs) or constitutional provisions requiring strict scrutiny for laws that burden religious practice. In those states, mandatory reporting rules that reach the confessional are nearly impossible to enforce. In much of the country, that means a priest or pastor can legally keep abuse secret if its disclosed in a privileged setting.

Washington has no state-level RFRA, but its constitution has at times been interpreted to demand strict scrutiny for religious freedom claims. That lack of certainty around religious exemptions  and specifically, confession  is part of what has made Washingtons new law so contested.

Thou Shalt Not Tell?

For Catholics, the confessional isnt just private counseling; its a foundational sacrament. Behind the screen, a parishioner quietly confesses what weighs on their soul: Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. The priest listens, counsels, prescribes a penance, and offers absolution. Known as reconciliation, the rite is essential for spiritual life: Without it, believers cannot receive the Eucharist, the churchs central act of worship.

In a public statement titled Clergy: Answerable to God or the State? Seattle Archbishop Paul D. Etienne  the lead plaintiff in the churchs lawsuit against Washington  invoked canon law, the churchs legal code, which deems the confessional seal inviolable and makes breaking it a crime. He warned plainly that any priest who violated it to report child abuse would face expulsion from the church.

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Unlike abusing a child, breaking the seal triggers latae sententiae: automatic excommunication.

You know, Jesus talks about protecting children at Matthew 18:6, says Hiram Sasser, executive general counsel at First Liberty Institute, the legal group representing the Archdiocese of Seattle. He cites the verse in which Jesus warns that anyone who causes a child to stumble should have a millstone hung around their neck and be thrown into the sea. Theyre not seeking the same level of exemption that lawyers are provided in the law, he says of the Catholic church. If they did, I would probably not want to participate in representing them, because I think those things are important. The only exception were seeking is just for the sacrament of confession.

But not so for the Trump DOJ, who are advancing a far more sweeping argument that goes for the laws jugular.

By filing a formal complaint, the Department of Justice is effectively teaming up with Washingtons Catholic bishops to overturn the states mandatory reporting law, in one of the most aggressive federal moves to back organized religion in recent memory.

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Laws that explicitly target religious practices such as the sacrament of confession have no place in our society, said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, who heads the Justice Departments civil rights division, in a June 23 press release.

Its a stark divide. The bishops frame this as a limited fight to protect the sacred Catholic rite of confession. The DOJ sees something much bigger: a sweeping threat to religious liberty for everyone. While the church asks for a surgical carveout, the feds want the whole law gone, putting all clergy back in the clear with no duty to report abuse.

In its complaint, the DOJ argues that Washingtons law unfairly singles out clergy while letting secular professions, such as therapists and lawyers, keep similar confidentiality intact.

But that comparison only goes so far.

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Attorney-client privilege is not a blanket of secrecy granted out of deference to the profession; its a rule designed to protect the legal system. Clients must be able to speak freely with their lawyers to ensure fair trials  an instrumental privilege serving the public interest, not the lawyers. Psychotherapist-patient privilege, likewise, is structured to encourage patients to disclose sensitive personal information essential for effective treatment. Moreover, in most states including Washington, licensed therapists are mandatory reporters, legally required to report suspected child abuse. Both privileges are regulated by the state, enforced through licensing boards, and bound by explicit ethical rules.

Clergy, by contrast, are unlicensed and unregulated. Their claim to absolute confidentiality has historically existed outside any formal system of oversight, creating a space where institutional interests can override the protection of children  and where intimate knowledge of parishioners can be abused by those in power.

Still, beyond defending the confessional seal itself, the Catholic church claims its internal reforms place it a step ahead of the state when it comes to protecting children, so they do not need more oversight.

Accountability, In-House

After The Boston Globes 2002 Spotlight investigation and other explosive reporting exposed widespread sexual abuse and cover-ups, the Catholic church was forced to confront a crisis of its own making. In response, it rolled out a slate of reforms it argues are proof of serious change.

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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops now maintains the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which includes independent audits, lay oversight boards, and national policies requiring clergy and lay staff to report suspected abuse.

Additionally, the dioceses of Seattle, Spokane, and Yakima emphasize that priests are instructed to counsel suspected abusers or victims to come forward outside of confession, where mandated reporting can occur. They note that all three dioceses have undergone third-party audits and have supported mandatory reporting laws, provided confession is off limits, according to court documents.

But investigations show these self-imposed safeguards have repeatedly failed to prevent continued cover-up  not just in Washington, but nationwide.

A 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report found more than 300 Catholic priests abused over 1,000 identifiable children in six dioceses over 70 years, with thousands more likely uncounted. The grand jury documented church leaders persuading victims not to report, pressuring law enforcement to drop investigations, and systematically reassigning accused priests to new parishes without warning communities. Among the most egregious cases were a priest raping a girl in the hospital after a tonsillectomy, another impregnating a minor and arranging her abortion, and coordinated diocesan instructions to call rape inappropriate contact and conceal removals as sick leave. The investigation revealed diocesan secret archives tracking abuse allegations, internal church lawyers shielding records, and tactics explicitly designed to avoid scandal, while senior church officials who enabled cover-ups retained their posts or advanced in rank.

A 2019 Associated Press investigation found more than 900 clergy across the U.S. credibly accused of child sexual abuse who were missing from diocesan and religious order disclosure lists, exposing major gaps in the churchs promised transparency nationwide.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops internal audits reveal serious gaps. Annual compliance reviews  funded and overseen by the bishops themselves  depend heavily on diocesan self-reporting and have repeatedly flagged failures to fully implement safeguards. Survivors and advocates argue the system prioritizes restoring public credibility over real accountability, leaving secular authorities sidelined. In their landmark 2004 report, the U.S. bishops national review board acknowledged that in the past, secrecy has created an atmosphere that has inhibited the healing process and, in some cases, enabled sexually abusive behavior to be repeated.

While the Catholic church has made efforts at reform, its track record offers a case study in the limits of institutional self-regulation, especially when the institution in question controls its own transparency, discipline, and accountability.

Its a problem that extends well beyond Catholicism, playing out across the broader faith landscape.

Privilege Across Religions

Etienne v. Ferguson hinges on the argument that Washingtons law imposes special burdens on Catholic clergy that do not apply equally to other religions. Because the Catholic church is one of the few religious organizations with a doctrine of absolute confidentiality, the complaint asserts, Washingtons law uniquely targets and burdens Catholic priests.

But central to the push for reform as Washingtons new mandatory reporting law moved through the legislature was evidence of how clergy-penitent privilege had been exploited in other faith communities.

Advocates argued that scrapping the clergy reporting exemption wasnt about picking on any one faith, but leveling the playing field  making sure every religious institution, no matter how powerful, must play by the same rules when it comes to protecting children.

Court records show Jehovahs Witnesses  who have insisted for decades that they maintain no clergy-laity distinction  have nevertheless invoked the Catholic-rooted exemption broadly to protect internal conversations related to abuse allegations challenged in court. Not just direct confessions, but discussions with congregation elders, legal advisors, and staff at their global headquarters.

Even though Jehovahs Witnesses do not apply the term clergy to elders in a religious context, the legal definition of clergy is far more inclusive, says Jarrod Lopes, national spokesman for Jehovahs Witnesses. He notes that elders routinely share information about abuse allegations among themselves and with the denominations headquarters, arguing that this kind of internal communication is essential. Nothing in the Bible or the beliefs and practices of Jehovahs Witnesses prevents elders from internally sharing those details confidentially to ensure that children are protected, he adds.

The religious organization of more than 9 million works within a structured framework of policies that guide how abuse allegations are investigated and handled within the congregation. They are largely internal, even in cases involving serious misconduct.

A striking example comes from Caekaert v. Watchtower, a 2020 case in Montana, where elders in congregations of Jehovahs Witnesses investigated allegations of child sexual abuse, interrogated the accused, documented his confession in detail, and sent those records to the denominations New York headquarters. Plaintiffs argued the records shouldnt be protected as confidential clergy communication because several elders were involved and the details were sent to the churchs headquarters, but the court disagreed. It ruled that under Montana law, such internal handling of abuse allegations  however extensive  fell within the scope of the churchs established religious practice and thus remained protected by clergy privilege.

The decision effectively shielded even confessions of abuse from discovery, setting a precedent where institutional secrecy could be maintained so long as it was formalized as religious protocol. The Montana case ended in a settlement, but the organizations legal strategy hasnt escaped scrutiny: Philip Brumley, a longtime general counsel for Jehovahs Witnesses, was sanctioned over $150,000 for submitting affidavits that falsely claimed the organization of Jehovahs Witnesses had no role in Montana congregations during the years when abuse occurred. A federal judge called his declarations reckless and misleading, finding they delayed justice in child sexual abuse cases.

Across the country, other faiths have invoked clergy privilege to keep abuse hidden behind closed doors.

In Arizona, the state Supreme Court let LDS bishops withhold evidence after a man whod confessed to abusing his daughters continued for years. In California, Scientology fought court orders to release thousands of internal records, arguing that narrow clergy-penitent laws unfairly favored Catholic-style confessions over its multi-minister approach.

What began as a limited protection for the intimacy of confession has morphed into a sprawling legal shield used to protect the pulpit, not the pews. And the more deeply religious institutions embed confidentiality into their doctrine, the stronger their legal insulation becomes, even when abuse is undisputed and dozens of individuals are involved.

This mounting evidence  how other faith communities exploited clergy-penitent privilege to circumvent reporting child abuse  is what drove Washington toward reform.

The Real Catalyst

In 2022, Seattle investigative journalist Wilson Criscione dug into allegations of child sexual abuse within Washington state congregations of Jehovahs Witnesses. The result was an incendiary expose for InvestigateWest that uncovered not only a decades-long pattern of child sexual abuse, but a coordinated effort to conceal it.

Crisciones story revealed that in cases of alleged abuse, congregation elders follow an internal playbook; standard protocol baked into the organizations internal policies that often bypasses law enforcement.

When an elder in a congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses becomes aware of an allegation of abuse, he has been instructed to immediately contact Watchtowers Legal Department for advice regarding the law in the state where he lives, says Lopes, the national spokesperson for Jehovahs Witnesses. We consider obeying the laws of the land as an extension of obeying and worshipping God.

Lopes says they monitor the most current versions of all mandatory reporting laws in the United States.

But in many cases, Criscione found, elders were explicitly instructed to withhold reports unless secular law demanded it. In Washington, there was no such mandate. Decades earlier, lawmakers had quietly removed clergy from the list of mandatory reporters, creating a legal blind spot that allowed for decades of silence.

Crisciones reporting caught the attention of Mary Lou Dickerson, a former Democratic state representative from Seattle. Two decades earlier, she had spent years trying to bridge the gap Crisciones article exposed.

In 2005, Dickerson had introduced legislation that would have required clergy to report suspected child abuse. A lapsed Catholic who left the church in the mid-1960s, Dickerson holds a masters in social work and considered herself one of the few true child advocates in the legislature at the time.

Still, she felt she was no match for the political muscle of the Seattle Archdiocese.

It felt to me like the Catholic church was using its political power  and really strongly  to oppose that bill, she says. They unloaded all they could against it, and they were instrumental in its defeat.

Years later, her determination was reignited. Though shed been retired from state politics for more than a decade, she picked up the phone.

She called me and said, Hey, you should know, I worked on this, and Id love to see you take it up, says state Sen. Noel Frame, a survivor of child sexual abuse, who now represents the same district Dickerson once did.

What followed was a three-year legislative battle to finish what Dickerson had started, and to pull Washington  long a national outlier  into the modern era of child protection.

Frame now found herself, like Dickerson decades before, squared off against one of Washingtons  and in fact the nations  most urgent constitutional tests: balancing the First Amendment with the states secular mission to safeguard its most vulnerable.

Closing the Loophole

Following the landmark 1962 Kempe Report on battered children, states rapidly passed child abuse reporting laws, often with federal nudges. The law that took shape in Washington was updated in 1971 to mandate reporting by clergy.

But in 1975, lawmakers quietly cut clergy from the mandatory reporter list during a special session, burying it in a larger legislative overhaul without debate or notice. Why remains a legal ghost story of a critical safeguard undone in silence, but the change held for five decades.

When attempts were made to update this law in 2023, Washingtons framework had become not just an outlier, but among the most permissive in the country  the only state to go backward from clergy being mandated reporters (in 1971) to being removed (in 1975), and then never restored.

On paper, the law divided lawmakers along predictable party lines. But behind closed doors, it forced unexpected reckonings, especially for those caught between political identity, religious tradition, and the duty to protect children.

In 2023 and 2024, the bill bounced between chambers as lawmakers fought over clergy privilege. It first passed the Senate with a confession carveout, but the House removed it after abuse survivors and advocates highlighted the risks. The Senate rejected the change. Despite repeated negotiations, the two sides couldnt agree for over a year.

That year, lawmakers attempted a sleight-of-hand fix, drafting a limited privilege that protected only Catholic confession while excluding other religions, such as Jehovahs Witnesses or Mormons.

This version of the bill gained broad bipartisan support, and even a nod of approval from the Seattle Archdiocese itself.

In an email obtained by Rolling Stone, Jean Welch Hill, the newly appointed head of the Washington State Catholic Conference, told amendment backers the conference would not oppose you moving forward with your amendments, but added a caution: Please do not reference the WSCC or archdiocese in any public statements regarding support or opposition.

Neither the WSCC nor Hill responded to requests for comment.

But Catholic survivors who testified in the House torched it as a carveout designed to protect the very institution that had hurt them.

Facing no path to Senate concurrence, the bill died in committee.

Meanwhile, then-Attorney General Bob Ferguson opened a probe into the archdioceses handling of abuse allegations, suing to enforce subpoenas for internal records  a case still on appeal.

This year, as lawmakers pushed again to make clergy mandatory reporters, Catholic lobbyists descended on Olympia, branding the bill a direct attack on the sacred seal of confession. They deployed their heaviest hitters  including Hill, prominent priests, and a small army of church lawyers  to pressure lawmakers in both chambers.

At times, several Republicans appeared to use their roles to echo the institutional voice of the church itself.

One lawmaker, Rep. Phil Fortunato, describes himself as the de facto leader of what he calls the Catholic Caucus  an informal group of Catholic Republican legislators who, by his account, view representing the churchs interests as part of their role in public office.

Every week we have mass in Olympia. We set it up. My office actually coordinates it, says Fortunato. And one of the things that we try to do is coordinate with the Catholic Conference. I keep track of all the Catholics that are in the house, in the Senate and how we vote on those particular things.

Frame corroborates this, saying Fortunato sent emails to all lawmakers he believed to be Catholic urging them to band together to stop passage of her legislation.

Still, the churchs stance isnt monolithic among Catholic lawmakers. Several self-identifying Catholics in the state legislature gave full-throated support for the bill.

The opposition was met by a formidable, diverse coalition  former Jehovahs Witnesses, current and former Catholics, abuse survivors, faith leaders, and even schoolchildren, all united in a single demand: Close every loophole.

Among them was Mary Dispenza, a former nun, lifelong Catholic, and survivor of clergy abuse. On the morning of the bill signing, she stood behind Gov. Ferguson with tears in her eyes to witness a moment shed spent years fighting for.

We want the best of Catholicism, which is protecting children, Dispenza says. Secrecy is not the best of the Catholic church. Secrecy protects perpetrators.

Dispenza was nearly 50, working in pastoral care for the Seattle Archdiocese, when a mandatory workshop on sexual misconduct triggered her first flashback: a vision of her seven-year-old self being molested by a priest in a dark auditorium in 1947. That priest, the late Rev. George Neville Rucker, went on to serve for decades and would later be accused by more than 30 children. Dispenza confronted him, and joined a civil lawsuit. But she was later fired by the church after coming out as a lesbian in the early 90s. In 2014, she released a book, Split, which recounts her experiences.

In 2003, Ruckers charges were dropped after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling struck down Californias attempt to revive old abuse cases by extending the statute of limitations. Rucker, who had been living in a home for retired priests, walked free without trial. He died in 2014.

This is about power, I believe. Just fighting for the sake of power, Dispenza says. The Catholic church is the largest and most powerful church in the world  But children have no voice. They have no power. And I dont know where this is going to go, but I know were prepared for a fight here. If we need to, we will fight for the children.

Dispenza wasnt the only one standing behind the governor that day.

With her was Tim Law  an attorney and lifelong member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Seattle, where he was baptized 75 years ago and attended grade school; a parish he still calls home today.

My mother and her parents were members going back to 1920. My grandparents helped build the church during the Great Depression, Law says. This is my community.

Law is a co-founder of Ending Clergy Abuse, an international network of survivors and advocates. And for the past year, Law worked with such nonprofit groups as the Clergy Accountability Project to move the needle in the Washington state legislature.

Im a great believer in the faith of the church and the gospel of Jesus, and this is my way of living out that faith, Law says.

He has spent the last decade pressuring Catholic leadership to reform from within. Five years ago, he and other local Catholics sought a meeting with Seattle Archbishop Etienne, lead plaintiff now in the Catholics suit against Washington state, to propose a kind of truth and reconciliation process; one that would open the churchs abuse files to review and help chart a path forward.

He kept saying he wanted to cooperate. Tells the public he wants to cooperate, Law says. But when they get together in a room, they get nothing.

Laws advocacy has not come without consequence.

Just days after the bill signing, Law says he was barred from long-held duties at his parish  a directive he claims came directly from Seattle Archbishop Etienne after parishioners circulated a photo of Law standing with the governor at the event in May. The archdiocese denies Laws claims, stating in an email that it does not have a policy regarding lay leaders who speak publicly on controversial legislative matters.

Still, advocates like Law and Dispenza won over the House, which passed the bill out of committee before it stalled in the budget process. The Senate didnt flinch, pushing it across the finish line with a decisive 6431 vote  finally delivering the words theyd spent years fighting to hear from the Speaker of the House:

Having received the constitutional majority, Senate Bill 5375 is declared passed.

Poised to Reach the Court

Washington stepped into this battle at a uniquely combustible political moment: one shaped by a Trump-era conservative legal movement that aggressively champions religious liberty claims in court  even as the same DOJ faces backlash for keeping the Epstein files sealed, protecting evidence tied to one of the nations most notorious pedophiles and sex traffickers. Conservative religious influence increasingly shapes American policy debates, transforming religious liberty into a defining front in the nations culture wars. Under Donald Trump, the federal judiciary was reshaped with dozens of conservative judges sympathetic to expansive religious freedom arguments. And this DOJ  led by Trump appointees  has shown a pattern of ideologically charged litigation on behalf of religious interests, turning even local policy fights into national constitutional battles.

Trump  himself found liable for sexual abuse  has steered clear of criticizing the Catholic church over its own scandals, instead casting himself as a defender of religion against government overreach. But his relationship with the religious community has not been smooth sailing. The Catholic church has openly clashed with Trump over his hardline immigration policies. In June, two dozen bishops joined an interfaith coalition to denounce his Big Beautiful Bill slashing Medicaid for low-income and disabled Americans, prompting the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to issue one of its sharpest rebukes of his social agenda.

Still, the Trump-era DOJ and the Catholic church have found common cause in attacking Washington state, even if they dont agree on where the line should be drawn, forming a rare alliance against one of the first laws in decades to strip away clergys confessional shield in child abuse cases. It has turned into a national flashpoint, a constitutional test case watched across the country, poised to redefine the boundary between church and state.

Just weeks before Washingtons new clergy reporting law is set to take effect, Pope Leo XIV issued a rare public reproof of clerical secrecy. In a message read aloud in Lima, Peru  where he spent decades as a missionary  Leo called for a culture of active vigilance against all forms of abuse. This culture, he wrote, will only be authentic if it is born of transparent processes and sincere listening to those who have been hurt. For this, we need journalists, according to Vatican News.

Yet even amid papal calls for a church rooted in transparency and active vigilance, U.S. church officials are lawyering up to defend secrecy around abuse confessions.

The legal muscle behind the Catholics lawsuit makes it clear this is not a local skirmish.

In addition to First Liberty Institute and Seattle-based Crowley Law Offices, the plaintiffs are represented by WilmerHale, a global D.C. firm with a deep bench of constitutional litigators, and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which has successfully argued major religious freedom cases before the Supreme Court. The composition of this legal dream team signals intent: Theyre engineering a challenge destined to climb the federal judiciary.

Jehovahs Witnesses, for their part, say they have closely monitored Washingtons clergy reporting law, but have made no decision yet on whether the law should be challenged, according to spokesman Jarrod Lopes.

But on June 16, the battlefield widened further as a coalition of Orthodox churches filed their own federal lawsuit, arguing Washingtons law forces priests to choose between breaking the confessional seal or facing criminal charges. Represented by the conservative group Alliance Defending Freedom  the same organization behind the law that led to the Supreme Courts 2022 decision ending the federal right to abortion  theyll seek an injunction at a July 25 hearing, just two days before the law is set to take effect.

In announcing their lawsuit, the Orthodox Church in America echoed the language of the Catholic bishops and the DOJ, calling Washingtons law rank religious discrimination.

Whether this second lawsuit strengthens the broader constitutional challenge, or complicates the Catholic churchs claim that it is being uniquely targeted, remains to be seen.

What is clear: With two active federal lawsuits and the U.S. Department of Justice now formally intervening on constitutional grounds, the ultimate audience for this battle could well be the U.S. Supreme Court. And the Roberts Court, in 2025, is not the same court that shaped modern religious liberty doctrine. Religious conservatism no longer sits at the fringe; it now occupies the commanding heights of the U.S. judiciary.

As of June 2025, six of the nine justices on the Supreme Court are Catholic: Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. Neil Gorsuch was raised Catholic but attends an Episcopal church. The remaining two  Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  are Jewish and nondenominational Protestant, respectively.

If challenges to the Washington law wind their way to the highest court in the land, a victory for the plaintiffs could not only invalidate Washingtons law; it could constitutionalize the clergy-penitent privilege, transforming what was once a statutory exemption into a hard limit on state power. That could slam the door on similar reform efforts nationwide, blocking other states from closing similar loopholes, even in the specific context of child abuse. It could use the First Amendment as a vehicle to enshrine a system of legal exceptionalism.

Washington Attorney General Nick Browns office did not make officials available for comment, but affirmed by email that it would obviously defend any legal challenge to this law.

But the state knows it has a fight on its hands. Brown has privately acknowledged to supporters that the legal terrain is tricky. According to someone familiar with the conversation, Brown told advocates at a private event he wished lawmakers had worked more closely with his office before passing the bill, warning that its narrow focus on clergy could make it hard to defend.

The future of Washingtons freshly minted mandatory reporting law became even more uncertain at a July 14 hearing, just two weeks before it was set to take effect, when Judge David G. Estudillo granted the Justice Departments request to join the lawsuit.

Four days later, Estudillo dropped the hammer, issuing a preliminary injunction that bars the state from enforcing the requirement that Catholic clergy in the Seattle, Yakima, and Spokane dioceses report childabuse disclosures made during confession. That order stays any penalties or prosecutions for priests who honor the confessional seal, leaving the law inoperative for those dioceses until Etienne v. Ferguson plays out in court. (Orthodox churches sued separately and remain subject to Washingtons new law unless they secure their own injunction at a July 25 hearing.)

Together, the two lawsuits, along with the DOJs involvement, have made Washingtons law a high-stakes legal test. Whether its promise of ending clergy secrecy in abuse reporting holds, or collapses under constitutional challenge, now rests with the courts.

Children will continue to suffer because religious leaders they trust are not reporting when children tell them they are being hurt, says Sen. Frame. People keep asking me, What happens now? What happens is that children who are being abused continue to be abused. Full stop. Period.

Alex Ashley is a journalist and writer based in Los Angeles and Seattle. His reporting has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, NPR, and other national outlets.

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The Justice Department is seeking no prison time for a former officer who blindly shot into Breonna Taylors home during a botched 2020 raid that sparked a federal inquiry into policing in Louisville, Kentucky. Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who represented Taylor's family after her death, joins "PoliticsNation" to discuss.
As the MAGA civil war worsens over the White House's handling of the Epstein files, Donald Trump has set his sights on a new enemy: Rupert Murdoch. Trump is suing the media mogul and his media empire over bombshell reporting from The Wall Street Journal alleging he sent a 'bawdy' birthday letter to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Judge Shira Scheindlin and MSNBC political analyst Susan Del Percio break down Trump's lawsuit.
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Late last month, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a document detailing its vision for scientific integrity. Its nine tenets, first laid out in President Donald Trumps executive order for Restoring Gold Standard Science, seem anodyne enough: They include calls for federal and federally supported science to be reproducible and transparent, communicative of error and uncertainty, and subject to unbiased peer review. Some of the tenets might be difficult to apply in practiceone cant simply reproduce the results of studies on the health effects of climate disasters, for example, and funding is rarely available to replicate expensive studies. But these unremarkable principles hide a dramatic shift in the relationship between science and government.

Trumps executive order promises to ensure that federal decisions are informed by the most credible, reliable, and impartial scientific evidence available. In practice, however, it gives political appointeesmost of whom are not scientiststhe authority to define scientific integrity and then decide which evidence counts and how it should be interpreted. The president has said that these measures are necessary to restore trust in the nations scientific enterprisewhich has indeed eroded since the last time he was in office. But these changes will likely only undermine trust further. Political officials no longer need to rigorously disprove existing findings; they can cast doubt on inconvenient evidence, or demand unattainable levels of certainty, to make those conclusions appear unsettled or unreliable.

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In this way, the executive order opens the door to reshaping science to fit policy goals rather than allowing policy to be guided by the best available evidence. Its tactics echo the doubt science pioneered by the tobacco industry, which enabled cigarette manufacturers to market a deadly product for decades. But the tobacco industry could only have dreamed of having the immense power of the federal government. Applied to government, these tactics are ushering this country into a new era of doubt in science and enabling political appointees to block any regulatory action they want to, whether its approving a new drug or limiting harmful pollutants.

Historically, political appointees generallythough not alwaysdeferred to career government scientists when assessing and reporting on the scientific evidence underlying policy decisions. But during Trumps first term, these norms began to break down, and political officials asserted far greater control over all facets of science-intensive policy making, particularly in contentious areas such as climate science. In response, the Biden administration invested considerable effort in restoring scientific integrity and independence, building new procedures and frameworks to bolster the role of career scientists in federal decision making.



Trumps new executive order not only rescinds these Joe Bidenera reforms but also reconceptualizes the meaning of scientific integrity. Under the Biden-era framework, for example, the definition of scientific integrity focused on professional practices, ethical behavior, and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science and scientific activities. The framework also emphasized transparency, and political appointees and career staff were both required to uphold these scientific standards. Now the Trump administration has scrapped that process, and appointees enjoy full control over what scientific integrity means and how agencies review and synthesize scientific literature necessary to support and shape policy decisions.

Although not perfect, the Biden framework also included a way for scientists to appeal decisions by their supervisors. By contrast, Trumps executive order creates a mechanism by which career scientists who publicly dissent from the pronouncements of political appointees can be charged with scientific misconduct and be subject to disciplinary action. The order says such misconduct does not include differences of opinion, but gives political appointees the power to determine what counts, while providing employees no route for appeal. This dovetails with other proposals by the administration to make it easier to fire career employees who express inconvenient scientific judgments.

When reached for comment, White House spokesperson Kush Desai argued that public perception of scientific integrity completely eroded during the COVID era, when Democrats and the Biden administration consistently invoked an unimpeachable the science to justify and shut down any reasonable questioning of unscientific lockdowns, school shutdowns, and various intrusive mandates and that the administration is now rectifying the American peoples complete lack of trust of this politicized scientific establishment.

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But the reality is that, armed with this new executive order, officials can now fill the administrative record with caveats, uncertainties, and methodological limitationsregardless of their relevance or significance, and often regardless of whether they could ever realistically be resolved. This strategy is especially powerful against standards enacted under a statute that takes a precautionary approach in the face of limited scientific evidence.

Some of our most important protections have been implemented while acknowledging scientific uncertainty. In 1978, although industry groups objected that uncertainty was still too high to justify regulations, several agencies banned the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants in aerosol spray cans, based on modeling that predicted CFCs were destroying the ozone layer. The results of the modeling were eventually confirmed, and the scientists who did the work were awarded the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Elevating scientific uncertainty above other values gives political appointees a new tool to roll back public-health and environmental standards and to justify regulatory inaction. The result is a scientific record created less to inform sound decision making than to delay itgiving priority to what we dont know over what we do. Certainly, probing weaknesses in scientific findings is central to the scientific enterprise, and good science should look squarely at ways in which accepted truths might be wrong. But manufacturing and magnifying doubt undercuts sciences ability to describe reality with precision and fealty, and undermines legislation that directs agencies to err on the side of protecting health and the environment. In this way, the Trump administration can effectively violate statutory requirements by stealth, undermining Congresss mandate for precaution by manipulating the scientific record to appear more uncertain than scientists believe it is.

An example helps bring these dynamics into sharper focus. In recent years, numerous studies have linked PFAS compoundsknown as forever chemicals because they break down extremely slowly, if at all, in the environment and in human bodiesto a range of health problems, including immunologic and reproductive effects; developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, and behavioral changes; and increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.

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Yet despite promises from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to better protect the public from PFAS compounds, efforts to weaken current protections are already under way. The president has installed in a key position at the EPA a former chemical-industry executive who, in the first Trump administration, helped make regulating PFAS compounds more difficult. After industry objected to rules issued by the Biden administration, Trumps EPA announced that it is delaying enforcement of drinking-water standards for two of the PFAS forever chemicals until 2031 and rescinding the standards for four others. But Zeldin faces a major hurdle in accomplishing this feat: The existing PFAS standards are backed by the best currently available scientific evidence linking these specific chemicals to a range of adverse health effects.

Here, the executive order provides exactly the tools needed to rewrite the scientific basis for such a decision. First, political officials can redefine what counts as valid science by establishing their own version of the gold standard. Appointees can instruct government scientists to comb through the revised body of evidence and highlight every disagreement or limitationregardless of its relevance or scientific weight. They can cherry-pick the data, giving greater weight to studies that support a favored result. Emphasizing uncertainty biases the government toward inaction: The evidence no longer justifies regulating these exposures.

This doubt science strategy is further enabled by industrys long-standing refusal to test many of its own PFAS compoundsof which there are more than 12,000, only a fraction of which have been testedcreating large evidence gaps. The administration can claim that regulation is premature until more gold standard research is conducted. But who will conduct that research? Industry has little incentive to investigate the risks of its own products, and the Trump administration has shown no interest in requiring it to do so. Furthermore, the government controls the flow of federal research funding and can restrict public science at its source. In fact, the EPA under Trump has already canceled millions of dollars in PFAS research, asserting that the work is no longer consistent with EPA funding priorities.

In a broader context, the gold standard executive order is just one part of the administrations larger effort to weaken the nations scientific infrastructure. Rather than restore the scientific enterprise and institutions that create and apply scientific knowledge in service of the public good, as the executive order promises, Elon Musk and his DOGE crew fired hundreds, if not thousands, of career scientists and abruptly terminated billions of dollars of ongoing research. To ensure that federal research support remains low, Trumps recently proposed budget slashes the research budgets of virtually every government research agency, including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the EPA.

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Following the hollowing-out of the nations scientific infrastructure through deep funding cuts and the firing of federal scientists, the executive order is an attempt to rewrite the rules of how our expert bureaucracy operates. It marks a fundamental shift: The already weakened expert agencies will no longer be tasked with producing scientific findings that are reliable by professional standards and insulated from political pressure. Instead, political officials get to intervene at any point to elevate studies that support their agenda and, when necessary, are able to direct agency staffunder threat of insubordinationto scour the record for every conceivable uncertainty or point of disagreement. The result is a system in which science, rather than informing policy, is shaped to serve it.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
(NewsNation)  Sunday marks six months of President Donald Trumps second term in office.

Wow, time flies! Today is that Sixth Month Anniversary of my Second Term, Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday morning.

A presidents time in office isnt often referred to as an anniversary, although eyes are usually on the first 120 days as the public and fellow politicians criticize the countrys new leader.

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Importantly, its being hailed as one of the most consequential periods of any President, Trump said.

Most Americans think Trump megabill will benefit the wealthy: Survey

Immigration, federal spending, tariffs and war have been at the forefront of Trumps agenda.

In the past six months, he has ramped up federal immigration arrests, dramatically decreasing the number of illegal border crossings and increasing the number of undocumented people in custody. He also mobilized the National Guard, bypassing Californias governor, to anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles in June.

Trump signed the Big Beautiful Bill into law, a massive spending and tax bill that Democrats attempted to shut down by stalling its passage. It made permanent tax cuts from a 2017 law he passed in his first term. The legislation also reduced Medicaid funds and increased spending for border security and defense.

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A trade war ensued with Trump slapping sweeping tariffs against trading partners. A new round of tariffs is expected Aug. 1, although Trumps self-imposed deadlines have tended to be fluid. And hes been at the forefront of talks with Israel to end the war in Gaza and with Ukraine to end its war with Russia.

Trumps lawsuit against journalist Bob Woodward dismissed

We got a lot of good and great things done, including ending numerous wars of Countries not related to us other than through Trade and/or, in certain cases, friendship. Six months is not a long time to have totally revived a major Country, Trump wrote Sunday.

He added, One year ago our Country was DEAD, with almost no hope of revival. Today the USA is the hottest and most respected Country anywhere in the World. Happy Anniversary!!!

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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson praised Trump on X, saying, America is safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Weve cut taxes, secured the border, ignited the economy, and put America First at home and on the world stage. And were just getting started.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Donald Trump once hosted a party with young women where the disgraced late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein "was the only other guest, according to a report.

The president is under pressure to release all files relating to the Epstein case, which he has so far refused to do despite a 2024 election promise.

The anecdote was part of a New York Times piece on Saturday entitled Inside the Long Friendship Between Trump and Epstein.

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It states that For nearly 15 years, the two men socialized together in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Fla., before a falling out that preceded Mr. Epsteins first arrest.

The piece goes on to describe Trump hosting a party at Mar-a-Lago for young women in a so-called calendar girl competition, Mr. Epstein was the only other guest.

President under pressure to release all files related to his former friend Epstein (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP/Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

It states that the party was organized by Florida businessman George Houraney.

Mr. Houraney recalled being surprised that Mr. Epstein was the only other person on the guest list, it states.

I said, Donald, this is supposed to be a party with V.I.P.s, Mr. Houraney told the newspaper about the party in 2019. Youre telling me its you and Epstein?

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It comes just days after 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.

On Friday, Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a motion in New York to release grand jury transcripts associated with the Epstein case.
By Doina Chiacu

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump said on Sunday he would help Afghans detained in the United Arab Emirates for years after fleeing their country when the United States pulled out and the Taliban took power.

Trump, a Republican who promised a far-reaching immigration crackdown, suspended refugee resettlement after he took office in January. In April, the Trump administration terminated temporary deportation protections for thousands of Afghans in the U.S.

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"I will try to save them, starting right now," Trump said in a post on Truth Social that linked to an article on the Afghans held in limbo there.

Trump cited news website "Just the News" as saying that UAE officials were preparing to hand over some Afghan refugees to the Taliban. Reuters has not confirmed the report.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The UAE, a close security partner of the United States, agreed in 2021 to temporarily house several thousand Afghans evacuated from Kabul as the Taliban ousted the U.S.-backed government during the final stages of the U.S.-led withdrawal.

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Nearly 200,000 Afghans were brought to the U.S. by former President Joe Biden's administration since the chaotic U.S. troop withdrawal from Kabul.

Canada agreed in 2022 to resettle about 1,000 of the Afghans still held in the UAE after a U.S. request. It is unclear how many remain in the Gulf country.

Some countries have forced Afghan refugees to return to Afghanistan. Nearly 2 million Afghans were returned from Iran and Pakistan in the past seven months, the United Nations said last week.

Germany on Friday deported 81 Afghan men to Afghanistan amid a tightening of refugee admissions. Some other European countries are pushing to tighten asylum rules in the bloc.

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In the United States, Democrats have urged Trump to restore temporary protected status for Afghans, saying women and children could face particular harm under the Taliban-led government in place since 2021.

Refugees include family members of Afghan-American U.S. military personnel, children cleared to reunite with their parents, relatives of Afghans already admitted and tens of thousands of Afghans who worked for the U.S. government during the 20-year war.

Shawn VanDiver, president of the #AfghanEvac advocacy group, urged Trump to follow up on his post with action.

"President Trump has the authority to do the right thing. He should instruct DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and the Department of State to expedite processing, push for third-country partnerships, and ensure that we never again leave our wartime allies behind," he said in a statement.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Rod Nickel)
"I will try to save them, starting right now," Trump said in a post on Truth Social that linked to an article on the Afghans held in limbo there.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday he would help Afghans detained in the United Arab Emirates for years after fleeing their country when its Taliban leaders extended control over it.

Trump, a Republican who has criticized high levels of immigration, suspended refugee resettlement after he took office in January. In April, the Trump administration terminated temporary deportation protections for thousands of Afghans in the US.

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"I will try to save them, starting right now," Trump said in a post on Truth Social that linked to an article on the Afghans held in limbo there.

The UAE, a close security partner of the United States, agreed in 2021 to temporarily house several thousand Afghans evacuated from Kabul as the Taliban ousted the US-backed government during the final stages of the US-led withdrawal.

Canada agreed in 2022 to resettle about 1,000 of the Afghans still held in the UAE after a US request. It is unclear how many remain in the Gulf country.

AFGHAN REFUGEES arrive at Dulles International Airport in Virginia; illustrative. (credit: KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS)

Hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees brought to US under Biden admin.

Nearly 200,000 Afghans have been brought to the US by former President Joe Biden's administration since the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Kabul.

Refugees include family members of Afghan-American US military personnel, children cleared to reunite with their parents, relatives of Afghans already admitted, and tens of thousands of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on her death anniversary on Sunday, remembering her for her contributions to transforming the national capital. Kharge highlighted her visionary leadership, progressive policies, and commitment to the city's growth and inclusivity. In a post on social media platform X, Kharge wrote, "On her punyatithi, we pay our heartfelt tributes to the Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who profoundly transformed the city." https://x.com/kharge/status/1946754958474535149 "Her visionary leadership, progressive policies, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of its citizens created a lasting legacy of inclusivity and growth," the post reads. Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit, credited with transforming Delhi into a modern, contemporary city during her three terms as its chief minister, died on July 20, 2019, at the age of 81. She was admitted to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute on July 19, 2019, for cardiac arrhythmia and was put on a ventilator within a few moments of her admission. Born on March 31, 1938, Dikshit was the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi. She held the position for three terms from 1998 to 2013. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge 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. (ANI)
Donald Trumps White House is doing everything it can to make sure Kilmar Abrego Garcia never steps foot on U.S. soil as a free man  even if that means setting him free in another country while he faces criminal charges in this one.

Federal prosecutors want to bring his smuggling case to trial as soon as possible. But if hes released from pretrial detention, immigration officials intend to arrest and deport him before a trial even begins, according to government lawyers.

Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is set to begin January 27, 2026. He could be in another country by then.

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The administration spent weeks insisting Abrego Garcia would never be allowed back to the country after admitting he was wrongfully deported in March. Yet he was abruptly flown back to the United States from El Salvador last month to face a criminal indictment in Tennessee. At a press conference announcing his return, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Abrego Garcia would face American justice.

In recent court hearings in two different states, where judges are presiding over a criminal case and his wrongful removal lawsuit, Justice Department lawyers said they would only move forward with his criminal prosecution if he remains in custody while awaiting trial.

Supporters rally for Kilmar Abrego Garcia outside a court hearing to decide whether the Salvadoran immigrant at the center of Trumps anti-immigration agenda could be deported, again, before a criminal trial (Getty Images)

If he is released on bail, they would let Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest him and send him out of the country, again.

Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis hauled Trump administration officials to court this month to understand what, if anything, the government intends to do with Abrego Garcia when hes released from pretrial custody.

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Department of Homeland Security officials admitted that ICE intends to arrest him, but they dont yet know where he will be deported. Government attorneys had previously announced plans to deport him to a third country instead of his native El Salvador.

Theres been no decision made, as he is not in ICE custody, Thomas Giles, assistant director for ICE enforcement and removal operations, testified last week.

ICE intends to take custody of Abrego Garcia as soon as possible, Giles said.

Where he will await his removal from the country will depend on available space in immigration detention centers, according to Giles.

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Last month, Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes determined there is no legal basis to keep him in pretrial detention. She set potential conditions for his release, including wearing an ankle bracelet and living with his brother in Maryland.

The federal judge overseeing his criminal case will decide next week whether to uphold that ruling.

Abrego Garcias attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg has accused Trump administration officials of trying to deport him to a third country after he was abruptly brought back to the United States to face a criminal indictment despite fighting off court orders for his return (Getty Images)

On July 16, Tennessee District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr. said his decision will not be determined by what ICE wants to do. Frankly we dont know what is going to happen to him in that regard, the judge said.

But he said he was having a hard time understanding arguments from federal prosecutors that there were no conditions under which Abrego Garcia  who does not have a criminal record  could be out of jail while awaiting trial.

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Holmes also appeared to reject the governments characterization of Abrego Garcia as a dangerous MS-13 gang member, human trafficker and serial abuser following claims from administration officials and government attorneys that defy common sense.

Under cross examination from defense attorney Sean Hecker, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Peter Joseph admitted that he did not know that one of the governments central informants in the case gave conflicting statements about Abrego Garcias alleged gang ties in several interviews with federal agents.

He also testified that he didnt know that the informants were in contact with other potential cooperators  at least three of whom sought deals with the government to legally remain in the United States in exchange for their testimony.

Three of the witnesses are related, and Joseph admitted it was always a possibility that they coordinated their stories to secure a better deal for themselves.

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Theyre family, Crenshaw shot back. Family talk.

But it wont be Crenshaws decision that decides whether Abrego Garcia walks free.

That will be up to Judge Xinis in Maryland. She is expected to decide whether to block the Trump administration from deporting him a second time.

Xinis has signaled that she will order the government to give him at least two days notice, should the judge overseeing his criminal case release him from pretrial custody.

Abrego Garcia says he experienced torture and abuse inside El Salvadors CECOT prison, while emails and text messages from a Justice Department whistleblower appear to show officials trying to figure out how to get him back to the United States before switching gears after the case became a major scandal for the White House (via REUTERS)

Abrego Garcia was 16 years old when he fled gang violence in El Salvador and illegally entered the United States in 2011.

Abrego Garcia, now 29, was living and working in Maryland with his wife and child, both American citizens, and two children from a previous marriage, when ICE agents arrested him in March.

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After government lawyers admitted in court documents that he was removed from the country due to a procedural error, federal judges and a unanimous Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return. A 2019 order from an immigration judge had blocked his removal to El Salvador over humanitarian concerns, and Supreme Court justices unanimously agreed the Trump administration had illegally defied that order.

Still, the government spent weeks battling court orders while officials publicly said he would never step foot in the United States as they characterized him as a serial abuser and criminal gang member.

But emails and text messages provided to members of Congress appear to show Trump administration and government lawyers were sympathetic to his wrongful removal and made efforts to get him out of El Salvador before the case made headlines causing major headaches for the White House.

Erez Reuveni, a 15-year veteran of the Justice Department who was working in the Office of Immigration Litigation, was closely involved with several high-profile immigration cases in the first months of Donald Trumps presidency when he was fired in April.

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He supplied members of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a massive trove of internal messages showing the lengths the administration was taking to label Abrego Garcia a member of MS-13 as they tried to figure out if they were violating court orders by keeping him in El Salvador.

Before the case exploded into a national story at the center of the presidents anti-immigration agenda, administration officials spent several days discussing the feasibility of returning Abrego Garcia or ensuring that he would be protected from the gang violence he fled as a teenager.

The messages also revealed simmering tensions between Justice Department attorneys who worked the cases in court and lawyers for Homeland Security who were directed to advance the presidents agenda, regardless of legal risks.

Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia was suffering inside El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center, according to his legal team. His attorneys alleged he experienced severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation, inadequate nutrition, and psychological torture while locked up inside.

Last time they put Kilmar Abrego Garcia on a plane, he didnt know where that plane was going until it landed at the airport in El Salvador, his attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg told reporters last week. Thats more or less what they want to do again, and thats what were here to stop.
President Trump marked the six-month mark of his second term in office by touting that the United States is the hottest and most respected country anywhere in the world.

Wow, time flies! the president began his message on Truth Social on Sunday morning. Today is that Sixth Month Anniversary of my Second Term. Importantly, its being hailed as one of the most consequential periods of any President.

He added that six months was not a long time to have totally revived a major Country, and that one year ago, our Country was DEAD, with almost no hope of revival.

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Today the USA is the hottest and most respected Country anywhere in the World, he added. Happy Anniversary!!!

His comments come as Trumps six-month approval rating remains underwater, with Decision Desk HQ finding an average of 52.7 percent of surveyed U.S. adults disapprove of the president, while 44.6 percent approve. The latest Economist/YouGov poll also found that Trumps disapproval rating is at its highest level since the start of his second term.

Still, Trump insisted his numbers within the GOP have gone up, significantly, since the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax was exposed by the Radical Left Democrats and, just plain troublemakers.'

They have hit 90%, 92%, 93%, and 95%, in various polls, and are all Republican Party records, he wrote in another Truth Social post. The General Election numbers are my highest, EVER! People like Strong Borders, and all of the many other things I have done. GOD BLESS AMERICA. MAGA!

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His comments come after he instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday to release the grand jury files in the case of sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein after nationwide pressure to produce more information related to the case. However, the president remains skeptical that the release of the files will quell the demand for more information on the case.

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By the time youre seven years old, you know how its going to go.

A crime is being committed. The crack team is on the case. Cel animation artifacts line the next door to open in an endless funhouse chase. Pretty Mary Sunlight, shes alright with me. Through a series of semi-smart deductions and bumbling failures, Mystery Incorporated bags the baddie and pulls off their ghoul mask to reveal some schmuck (frequently a real estate developer). Notably, you almost never see them go to jail.

Living through Donald Trumps second term is a bit like catching an afternoon block of Hanna-Barbera. Each day were shown a more cartoonish and evil crime. The perpetrators are as brazen as their guilt is obvious. Democrats and institutionalists hem and haw. Republicans deflect and deny until the smoking gun is produced. Everybody moves on and we start back at one. Cue the bats.

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The Jeffrey Epstein ruckus has felt different, if only because the GOP has been forced to acknowledge it. Driven mad by the (gh-gh-gh-)ghost of the late sex trafficker, Trump has lost a bit of his unflappable nature. He hasnt been able to move on to the next scheme. For a dissembler and con man like Trump, stopping must feel like death, something that never made it into the crime-ridden but groovy worlds of Scooby-Doo, Jabberjaw or Speed Buggy.

Start your day with essential news from Salon.

Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Thats just our suspension of disbelief, though. In the same way we buy a skull-faced astronaut haunting an airfield, we have to believe there are consequences for actions in a country with laws. We live in a world where the Paradise and Panama Papers are publicly available. We live in a country where hundreds of people who stormed the Capitol attempting to steal an election by force were all pardoned. The highest arbiter of what is just and lawful gave the president a free pass to do crimes. The real estate scams continue and are handsomely rewarded. The sheriffs look the other way.

Outside of ICE agents, the majority of people participating in this administrations rampant lawlessness are unmasked. The only solution left is to break the repetition of politics as usual and level actual consequences for the people who abet Trumps crimes. Were ready, were willing and we cant go back to the van until we see the villains behind bars.

The post Trump has us living in Scooby-Doos America appeared first on Salon.com.
President Donald Trump is tired of defending Attorney General Pam Bondi and wants her to take the flak for the administrations handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

One thing thats been clear is his feelings about it, an unnamed White House official told NBC News. This now resides within the DOJ.

Trump has faced MAGA rage since his administration earlier this month shut down its investigation into the Epstein files, announcing that there was no evidence of a client list or that the dead pedophile was murdered.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks to the media, in the Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington D.C., June 27, 2025. / Ken Cedeno / REUTERS

In February, Bondi hyped up a release of files related to Epstein, handing out large binders to a group of MAGA influencers. But curiosity turned to anger when the binders contained no new revelations.

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While insiders said that Bondi is not yet at risk of losing her job over the crisis, they made it clear that Trump is no longer interested in protecting her from blowback related to her handling of the situation.

I do think that he likes and respects Pam, but she has without question caused some headaches for them, one source told NBC. At the end of the day, at this point, she is almost assuredly just doing what she is told, so I believe she is very safe, but has had missteps.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to address the Epstein matter in a statement to the Daily Beast.

Dan Bongino triggered a MAGA civil war over his frustration with the way Attorney General Pam Bondi handled news of the Jeffrey Epstein files. / Chip Somodevilla / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Attorney General Pam Bondi is working tirelessly to end the weaponization that has rotted our justice system, remove violent criminals from our streets, and help President Trump in making America safe again, she wrote. The President is appreciative of her efforts.

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The Justice Department did not immediately respond to the Daily Beasts request for comment.

While Trump may be eager to let Bondi soak up the backlash, The Atlantic reported Friday that he has shot down every idea his team has offered for addressing the Epstein situationincluding appointing a special counsel, asking courts to unseal documents on Epstein, and having Bondi host a press conference.

Instead, even as the situation refused to cool down, the president stuck to his initial course of action: do nothing.

Hes being tested and doesnt like it, an official told the magazine. He doesnt want to talk about it.

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That changed when Trump learned that The Wall Street Journal was working on a big story about the situation, The Atlantic reported. Trump, believing he could kill it, slammed his supporters for caring about the Epstein crisis and called it a Democratic hoax.

The story, which dropped on Thursday despite the presidents efforts, revealed that Trumps gift to Epstein on his 50th birthday: a drawing of a naked woman and a note alluding to a shared secret.

Trump was a friend to Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s. / Davidoff Studios Photography / Davidoff Studios Photography/Getty Images

While Trump has called the story fake and sued the Journal for $10 billion, the president also seemed finally to accept that his administrations Epstein crisis wouldnt just disappear.

On Friday, Trump announced that, with court approval, he and Bondi would release grand jury transcripts related to Epsteins case. Critics have pointed out that federal law would likely prevent that releasewhich has yet to happenand the resulting information would be limited in scope.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Trump was a friend of Epstein, who died in his prison cell in 2019, and the two men were photographed together on multiple occasions.
By Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) -Aides to Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have discussed a potential meeting between the leaders during a trip by the U.S. president to Asia later this year, according to two people familiar with the plans.

While plans for a meeting have not been finalized, discussions on both sides of the Pacific have included a possible Trump stopover around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea or talks on the sidelines of the October 30-November 1 event, the people said.

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Trump has sought to lower tensions with Beijing in recent weeks after pausing a tit-for-tat tariff war that has upended global trade and supply chains.

China has also sought the attendance of international guests, including some from the United States, for a September 3 Beijing ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, said a spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington in a briefing last week for reporters.

The Kremlin said on Monday it did not rule out the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump meeting in Beijing in September if Trump decides to attend that ceremony. Putin has confirmed his attendance.

"Diplomacy between heads of state plays an irreplaceable strategic leading role in Sino-U.S. relations," said Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Monday, declining to comment on a possible Trump-Xi meeting.

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The White House declined to comment.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday there would be "talks in the very near future" between the countries.

"Trade is in a good place, and I think now we can start talking about other things. The Chinese, unfortunately ... are very large purchasers of sanctioned Iranian oil, sanctioned Russian oil," he told CNBC.

He added: "We could also discuss the elephant in the room, which is this great rebalancing that the Chinese need to do."

Trump has sought to impose tariffs on virtually all foreign goods, which he says will stimulate domestic manufacturing and which critics say will make many consumer goods more expensive for Americans.

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He has called for a universal base tariff rate of 10% on goods imported from all countries, with higher rates for imports from some, including China. Imports from China have the highest tariff rate of 55%.

Trump has set a deadline of August 12 for the U.S. and China to reach a durable tariff agreement.

Other points of friction between the countries include China's support for Russia, trade in fentanyl-related chemicals, regional security worries, and exit bans on some American residents.

The most recent high-level U.S.-China meeting was on July 11, when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had what both described as a productive and positive meeting in Malaysia about how trade negotiations should proceed.

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Rubio said then that Trump had been invited to China to meet with Xi, and said that both leaders "want it to happen."

On Friday, China Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said China wants to bring its trade ties with the U.S. back to a stable footing and that recent talks in Europe showed there was no need for a tariff war.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; Additional reporting by Liz Lee, David Brunnstrom, Daphne Psaledakis, Andrea Shalal, Susan Heavey, Urvi Dugar and Nandita Bose; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Nia Williams, Don Durfee, Rod Nickel)
After President Trump was diagnosed with a chronic vein condition, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) suggested the presidents health condition could be a result of his efforts in fighting the radicals.

The pressure on somebody like President Trump right now, not just from outside entities  all over the world but also fighting the radicals in this country, Tuberville said during a Sunday interview with radio host John Catsimatidis on WABC 770 AMs The Cats Roundtable. Every day its almost like a fistfight.

The White House announced Thursday that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where leg veins have difficulty sending blood back to the heart. It often results in ankle swelling and is common in people older than 70.

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On the show, Tuberville repeated baseless claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Trump and claimed that migrants without legal status were voting in droves for Democrats.

Tuberville also bashed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor.

Hes a communist. No police? Are you kidding me? the Alabama senator exclaimed.

Mamdani called for defunding the police in 2020, but he vowed not to do so during a June debate. He identifies as a democratic socialist.

Catsimatidis is leading a coalition of wealthy business leaders to back Mayor Eric Adamss bid for reelection as a way to oppose Mamdani, Politico reported in June.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
All of Rogers County now falls under the Tulsa Area United Way's newly-expanded service area.

The United Way office in Claremore, which served Rogers, Mayes and Delaware counties, closed April 1. Catherine Woldridge was its executive director and only remaining full-time employee; she said in March her office was struggling to consistently raise money for the 20 area agencies it funds.

United Way offices gather donations and then disburse them among nonprofits in their area. Before leaving her role as executive director, Woldridge allocated enough funds to tide over the local United Way's beneficiaries until 2027.

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Alison Anthony, chief executive officer of the Tulsa Area United Way, said the agency has long served six counties  Tulsa, Creek, Osage, Okmulgee, Wagoner and a small part of Rogers  and is excited to grow to reaching eight. Anthony said it's the office's first expansion in 25 years.

"My brother-in-law lives in Jenks, and he works at the Mid-America Industrial Park [in Pryor]," Anthony said. "The region is growing so much together, and it's a way for us to really leverage resources across the region ... because we live and work across the whole area."

Before subsuming the 20 agencies Woldridge's office formerly managed, Tulsa Area United Way served 165 nonprofits. And its Boulder Avenue building, tucked below the peaks of Tulsa's downtown skyline, contains many more staff members than the Claremore office did.

Anthony said she believes this means nonprofits in Rogers, Mayes and Delaware counties will have access to a stronger resource and infrastructure network than before.

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"We do an excellent job at Tulsa Area United Way of mobilizing volunteers and fundraising," Anthony said. "We hope to increase the ability for more funding in those areas, but we've got to get to know the community. ... We're going to go in first with services and volunteers and getting to know and listening before we start asking people for money."

Before officially taking over Rogers County Tuesday, Anthony said Tulsa United Way staff created an expansion task force with representatives from each of the new counties.

Anthony said the task force met with local business and government leaders to ask them what needs United Way should address in their communities.

Chelsea Feary, a member of the Owasso Chamber of Commerce, chaired the task force and represented Rogers County.

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"Our mission is to listen first, learn always, and lead with humility," Feary said. "We are confident that by working together, we can help these communities build an even brighter future."

Tulsa Area United Way will make its public debut in Rogers County with its Day of Caring event Oct. 10. Anthony said the Day of Caring is an opportunity to mobilize volunteers on community projects to benefit schools, nonprofits and other organizations.

Anthony said her team is researching the nonprofit landscape in Rogers, Mayes and Delaware counties and reaching out to these agencies to ask if they would like to receive funding from the Tulsa United Way.

She said they will be joining an interconnected web of agencies that support one another with more than just money.

"Rogers, Mayes and Delaware counties are very resilient  we saw that when the tornado hit," Anthony said. "They're very much inclined for neighbors to help neighbors, and I think we can really learn from them how they get work done in smaller communities. ... I think we'll learn from each other, and hopefully then, it'll lift all boats."
Tulsi Gabbard has openly accused the Obama administration of launching a years-long coup against President Donald Trump in an attempt to subvert his 2016 election win.

Gabbard released declassified emails Friday and claimed that they reveal a treasonous conspiracy committed by former President Barack Obama and his officials over the investigation surrounding Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Trump pushed the conspiracy over the weekend on Truth Social by sharing an interview Gabbard gave Fox News on the allegations. He also congratulated Gabbard in a separate post Saturday.

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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 of the Obama administration.

Democrats have blasted the accusation as an attempt to change the subject from the Trump administrations handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The president has found himself on the receiving end of MAGAs fury over the Justice Departments decision not to release any further evidence in the convicted pedophiles case.

Gabbard released declassified emails Friday and claimed that they reveal a treasonous conspiracy committed by former President Barack Obama and his officials over the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. (AFP/Getty)

Trump has instructed his embattled Attorney General Pam Bondi to release some of the files relating to grand jury testimony, subject to court approval.

Gabbard has called for the prosecution of Obama and former U.S. national security officials, accusing them of manufacturing intelligence to suggest that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, despite evidence proving otherwise, she claimed.

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Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former FBI Director James Comey were cited in the DNI memo.

Trump has claimed for years that the investigation into Russian interference was a hoax.

The intelligence community has long concluded that Russia attempted to influence the 2016 election through a social media campaign, but the Mueller investigation couldnt prove those operators had ties to the Trump campaign.

Democrats have blasted the accusation as an attempt to change the subject from the Trump administrations handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. (Getty Images)

Democratic Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut slammed Gabbards claims as utter nonsense.

Odd that then CIA Director Pompeo didnt say any of this. Or that none of the six DNIs in Trumps first term said any of it, Himes responded in a post on X. Once again, @DNIGabbard is trashing her own people in an attempt to regain Trumps favor or to distract from the Epstein scandal. Probably both.

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He added, No one alleges that the Russians did technical hacks of voting technology. But ALL of the investigations, including the Senate bipartisan investigation, found that the Russians sought to influence the 2016 election in Trumps favor.

Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, accused Gabbard of weaponizing her position as Trumps director of national intelligence.

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 in a post on X. 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.

Obama has not yet responded to Gabbards claims.
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  Turkish Cypriots on Sunday celebrated Turkeys military invasion of Cyprus that cleaved the island nation along ethnic lines 51 years ago. Turkey's president reaffirmed his full backing for a controversial peace deal that envisions the establishment of two separate states.

Its a proposal that the majority Greek Cypriots in the islands internationally recognized southern part reject out of hand. It would formalize Cyprus partition and give Turkey a permanent foothold they see as a bid for control of the entire, strategically situated country and its offshore hydrocarbon wealth.

Our support for (Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatars) vision for a two-state solution is absolute, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in remarks to a crowd during celebrations that culminated with a military parade. It was scheduled this year for the evening to avoid the worst of the scorching mid-summers heat.

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It is time for the international community to come to terms with the facts on the ground, Erdogan added, urging the international community to establish diplomatic and economic relations with the breakaway state in Cyprus northern third that Turkish Cypriots declared in 1983.

Turkeys invasion came in the immediate aftermath of a coup staged by Athens junta-backed supporters of uniting Cyprus with Greece. Currently, only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and maintains 35,000 troops in the north.

Erdogans renewed support for a two-state deal came just days after Tatar, the islands Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, the foreign ministers of guarantor powers Greece and Turkey, and Britains minister of state for Europe gathered at U.N. headquarters in New York for meetings with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to end an eight-year moratorium on formal peace negotiations.

The meeting achieved little in the way of a return to fully fledged negotiations as Tatar insisted on recognition for the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state as a prerequisite. The meeting did, however, achieve some progress on a number of confidence-building measures such the exchange of cultural artifacts and the setting up of an advisory committee on civil society.

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Guterres said hell meet again with Tatar and Christodoulides in September and hold another wider meeting after a Turkish Cypriot leadership election in October in which Tatar is running on a two-state platform.

Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots insist a two-state deal is the only way forward because decades of U.N.-mediated peace talks based on a U.N. Security Council endorsed framework of reunifying Cyprus as a federation no longer had any meaning.

That switch came after the last big push for a peace accord in the summer of 2017. It fell through on what Greek Cypriots said was a Turkish and Turkish Cypriot insistence on keeping a permanent Turkish troop presence on the island and enshrining military intervention rights for Turkey as part of any deal. Greek Cypriots also rejected a demand for blanket veto powers for the minority Turkish Cypriots on all government decisions.

In the south where Greek Cypriots commemorated the invasion with solemn memorials to the war dead, Christodoulides said the international community gives no support to a two-state deal. He said Turkeys continuing occupation of European territory subverts its ambitions for closer European Union ties and undermines the role it wishes to play in the region.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson CR Kesavan on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of echoing a "pro-Pakistan narrative" after the Congress leader questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US President Donald Trump's recent "five jets shot down" claim. He further stated that the Congress leader spoke like the "Leader of Pakistan." "Rahul Gandhi is speaking like LoP. Not the Leader of Opposition but the Leader of Pakistan, peddling a very toxic pro-Pakistan narrative and tarnishing the image of India and our army," Kesavan told ANI. Labelling Rahul Gandhi's social media post as "pernicious and toxic", Kesavan said that the tweet demonstrated the Congress leader's lack of trust in the Indian Armed Forces. "Rahul Gandhi's pernicious, toxic tweet clearly demonstrates that Rahul Gandhi has no trust in our Indian Armed Forces. The tweet clearly shows that Rahul Gandhi's loyalty does not lie with India, and also Rahul Gandhi seems to be deriving a very sadistic pleasure in demeaning our brave defence personnel and defaming our nation... Rahul Gandhi currently got bail in a defamation case, allegedly for insulting the dignity of the Indian Army, and now he continues to ungratefully malign our armed forces..." Kesavan further claimed that while Trump's statement on jets nowhere mentioned India, Rahul Gandhi twisted and tried to humiliate the selfless valour of the Indian Army. "The tweet made by US President Trump had nowhere mentioned India's name. Rahul Gandhi has twisted and tried to humiliate the selfless valour of the Indian Army... he does not have belief in our own armed forces. His behaviour is condemnable. His dangerous anti-India campaign has caused outrage everywhere..." he added. Kesavan said such "anti-India campaigns" by Rahul Gandhi had triggered widespread outrage and added, "People of India will teach Rahul Gandhi a lesson..." The remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X on July 19, questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Trump's claims of having defused an escalation between India and Pakistan, during which "five ships were shot down." The post read, "Modi ji, what is the truth about the 5 ships? The country has the right to know!" This comes after Donald Trump once again claimed to have halted the escalation of the India-Pakistan conflict on Saturday. (ANI)
Catholics must speak up on deportations

Commentary: Donald Trump wants to deport migrants to South Sudan. What awaits them isnt pretty, (modbee.com, July 12)

Many Catholics and politicians expressed intense outrage over the closure of churches during the pandemic, viewing it as a direct assault on their right to worship and an infringement on religious liberty. Meanwhile, countless immigrants are afraid to attend mass due to fears of deportation, which similarly obstructs their right to worship and undermines their religious freedom.

Recognizing this fear, Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino has granted Catholics a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday mass. It is disheartening to see that these Catholics and politicians remain silent about the very real fears faced by migrants when attending mass, indicating that their commitment to defending religious liberty is selective and only arises when it serves their interests.

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Their silence suggests their indifference to the indiscriminate deportation of immigrants, something the church stands firmly against. The recent tax and spending bill signed into law by President Donald Trump allocates $150 billion for immigration enforcement and includes an additional 10,000 immigration agents. This development raises concerns that conditions for immigrants may deteriorate further.

Bishop Myron Cotta states: Our immigration problem will not be solved by an open border or by mass deportations, but by comprehensive immigration reform.

Rev. Misael Avila

Turlock

Mercy toward immigrants

Commentary: Donald Trump wants to deport migrants to South Sudan. What awaits them isnt pretty, (modbee.com, July 12)

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Two opinions about immigration justice ignore one factor to determine justice: One side believes justice exists when consequences apply to law breakers, while the other side believes it is okay to break the law if lawbreakers are trying to improve their life. One form of justice recognizes consequences for breaking laws. Another form of justice allows exceptions. But both ignore the fact that the law is enforced by the Executive Branch.

President Joe Biden did not enforce immigration law. His administration welcomed immigrants who broke the law. So should we now retroactively apply consequences to immigrants who broke immigration law after they were invited to do so? As a nation, we must consider the circumstances that welcomed those who broke the law.

It is time to be merciful toward immigrants who entered illegally at a time when they were welcomed.

Illegal immigrants who have broken more laws after taking up residence in the U.S. should face consequences; but those who entered illegally when welcomed and are now obeying the laws we live by are deserving of mercy and an opportunity to legally become citizens.

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Richard Tassinari

Waterford

Keep Diablo open

Keeping Diablo Canyon open could come with hidden costs | Opinion, (modbee.com, July 9)

Linda Parks claim that keeping Diablo Canyon running will cost $8 billion is misleading. The total cost of operating the plant for five more years doesnt correspond to ratepayers losing that amount of money, given that the sources used in Diablos place would not be free.

Renewables plus storage alternatives would have a similar cost, and would not have the grid reliability benefit that Diablo would provide. The offshore wind project that is being proposed for the area, as a partial replacement for Diablo, would cost much more, per megawatt-hour, than keeping Diablo open,

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The decision to keep Diablo until 2030 has already been made. The question is whether it should stay open until 2045, when the extended federal license ends. The cost of operating from 2030 to 2045 will be very low.

Most of the $8 billion is for capital expenditures that are required to allow operation until 2030. This is a no-brainer. Extending to 2045 will reduce power costs, bolster grid reliability, reduce air pollution and reduce CO2 emissions.

James Hopf

Tracy

Protect animal welfare

Trumps latest attack on California could leave him with egg on his face | Opinion, (sacbee.com, July 11)

I appreciate this stand against the Trump administrations attempt to overturn Californias animal welfare laws. The Biden administration already gave it a try, backing the pork industry in its suit before the U.S. Supreme Court. Lets hope the current administration is equally unsuccessful.

Lets also hope that animal advocates on both sides of the aisle let legislators know how closely we are watching them.

Karen Dawn

Animal advocacy nonprofit director
CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Two people are in jail, and another is dead after a chase led to a deadly crash at the South Carolina line, according to the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office.

On July 19, around 2:39 a.m., the sheriffs office got word of a stolen vehicle that had just entered the county, headed northbound on Highway 18 at Randall Road.

Deputies were told it was a Chevy Tahoe with South Carolina plates.

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Deputies got behind the vehicle near Davis Road and S. Lafayette Street (Highway 18) and attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver continued to flee, initiating a chase.

The pursuit continued for approximately five miles and ended at the South Carolina line on Dravo Road. Deputies continued on Dravo and watched the vehicle fail to reduce speed to make a turn, causing the vehicle to run headfirst into a ditch.

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Officials say the driver ran from the vehicle. The driver was later arrested by the York County Sheriffs Offices bloodhound team. He was treated for his injuries related to the crash.

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Police later identified him as Garry Tyrone Martin, 28 of Gaffney. Charges are pending from the South Carolina Highway Patrol. In North Carolina, he faces multiple charges, including

Possession of a stolen vehicle

Felony elude

Careless and reckless driving

Several traffic-related offenses

The back passenger, identified as Marvin Alex Woody, 20, was found in possession of meth. Both men were transferred to the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office in South Carolina.

Officials say a female front passenger was conscious when deputies first made contact with her, but she became unconscious shortly after. CPR and other life-saving efforts were performed, but she died at the scene.

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Her identity is not being released until the next of kin is notified.

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Tens of thousands of Haitians living and working in the United States with temporary protections from deportation will now be allowed to remain until at least February 2026 with employment authorization, according to the Department of Homeland Security website.

The restoration of Haitis Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, designation comes after a New York federal judge earlier this month blocked the Trump administrations efforts to shave six months off of the protections, which are usually for 18 months.

U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan, ruling in a suit against the Trump administrations decision to prematurely end Haitians TPS status and their work permits, had found that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem exceeded her authority when she rolled back the timeline. The TPS designation originally set by the Biden administration to end on Feb. 3, 2026 after being extended for Haiti  had allowed up to more than a half-million Haitian nationals to shield themselves from deportation and against losing their work permits.

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In his ruling, Cogan also partly denied the administrations motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought by Haitian immigrants with TPS, a labor union and a clergy group with TPS beneficiaries.

It is a victory, said Ira Kurzban, one of the lawyers in the lawsuit. We are pleased that the Court, as have many others, stopped the administration from engaging in unlawful and vicious actions against immigrants.

Administration vehemently disagrees

Its not immediately clear if the Trump administration would attempt to appeal the decision.

In an alert posted Friday on its website, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services noted that Haitis TPS designation and related benefits were slated to terminate on Sept. 2, 2025 but on July 15, a single judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued a final judgment in a lawsuit.

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The Department of Homeland Security vehemently disagrees with this ruling and is working to determine next steps, immigration services said in the alert.

The restoration follows several efforts by the Trump administration to end legal protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, including more than 200,000 Haitians who entered the U.S. under a Biden-era humanitarian parole program. Last week during a visit to Washington by Haiti Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, the uncertain status of Haitians in the U.S.  and more support for a Kenya-led multinational security support force fighting armed gangs were among the concerns raised in meetings with the State Department and congressional lawmakers.

In late June, Noem determined that Haiti no longer meets the conditions for its TPS designation and announced the end of the countrys designation once the current status ends. The decision, USCIS said, was taken after reviewing country conditions and consulting with the appropriate U.S. government agencies.

TPS designations have historically been given to countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions. The United Nations is warning that hunger continues to deepen across Haiti. The food crisis is compounded by ongoing violence, which is disrupting local food production in areas such as the community of Kenscoff in the hills above Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite, Haitis breadbasket. With more than 5.7 million Haitians experiencing hunger, including famine-like conditions, and Haitians increasingly being targeted by armed gangs, the county is a textbook case for TPS designation, immigration and Haitian advocates have argued.

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On Saturday, they welcomed the announcement but stressed that it was a court-imposed victory and they vowed to continue fight the effort by the Trump administration to end TPS for Haitians.

This is not just a policy decisionit is a hard-fought legal victory for the Haitian community and all who have stood in defense of our immigrant families, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-FL, said in a Saturday statement following the administrations confirmation that it will comply with a federal court order halting deportations until at least February. The courts ruling makes clear what we have always known: TPS holders deserve stability, protection, and respect, not political games or legal uncertainty.

McCormick said Haitian TPS holders who were wrongfully fired due to confusion around work permits must be reinstated immediately.

These individuals are essential workers, caregivers and taxpayers, and they deserve justice. Lets be clear: this is the enforcement of the law. Our communities should not have to rely on court orders to be treated with dignity. A stronger path forward begins at home, with permanent protections and immigration reform that centers humanity, not politics, she said.

Revoking TPS unconscionable

Her sentiments were echoes by the Family Action Network Movement, a Haitian rights groups in Miami.

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We are relieved that the Administration finally acknowledged the correct end-date of Haitis current TPS designation, said Paul Christian Namphy, political director of FANM. We are encouraged that the court recognized the dire conditions that Haitians threatened with deportation would face upon arrival in Haiti.

Sending back TPS holders to a country mired in gang violence, political instability and humanitarian crisis would be unconscionable, the group added.

With more than 4,000 Haitians already killed this year and armed gangs expanding to other regions of the country, Haitians face a dire situation marked by widespread violence, rape, kidnapping, armed robbery, lack of access to basic resources and governmental collapse. Just this week, scores of residents in Marchand Dessalines, a rural community in the Artibonite region, were forced out of their beds by armed gangs who invaded the community and set fire to the local police station before they were repelled by a self-defense group.

On Friday, the United Nations said that as of last month, there were nearly 250 active displacement sites across Haiti, housing many of the more than 1.3 million now displaced because of gangs.

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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, U.N. Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said.

Since the beginning of the year, the U.N. and its partners have provided support to more than 113,000 displaced people, including essential services such as water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare. Nearly 1.3 million people are now internally displaced in Haiti the highest number ever recorded in the country due to violence, he added during a press briefing.

Haq said that in June alone, more than 200 alerts were reported across displacement sites including reports about a lack of food, water, shelter or healthcare.

FANM said that the courts decision provides a crucial, if temporary, reprieve for the more than 500,000 Haitians and their families who depend on TPS to remain safely in the United States and can legally work.

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The group called on the administration and the courts to respect immigrant protections from deportation, and said it remains committed to advocate with Congress for comprehensive immigration reform solutions which include a path to residency and citizenship for long-term TPS holders.

Immigrants who have lived, worked, paid their taxes and taken care of their families and contributed in meaningful ways to their communities and to society for decades, deserve long-term protections and permanent status, FANM said.
On the morning of July 4, an American marketing professor was walking towards his ex-wifes house in Athens to pick up their two young children. It should have been an unremarkable, if strained visit  the couple had apparently been disputing the terms of custody arrangements.

But Przemyslaw Jeziorski never made it to the front door.

In broad daylight, in this typically quiet, suburban neighborhood of Greeces capital, he was shot multiple times at close range, according to police. Jeziorski died where he fell, police said, his body riddled with gunshot wounds seen in grim photographs taken in the immediate aftermath.

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As eyewitnesses rushed to his aid, the masked gunman fled.

The alleged perpetrator, arrested 12 days later : His ex-wifes new partner. The motive, he told police: to prevent Jeziorski from taking away her children.

I did it all for (her) and our children so that we could have a normal life without problems, he said, according to a transcript of a statement he made to police in the aftermath of his arrest for premeditated murder as well as illegal possession and use of a weapon.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the case is that the statements made to police by the alleged perpetrators have been widely leaked to Greek media, including a CNN affiliate, CNN Greece. The statements, verified as authentic by a senior police source speaking to CNN, offer an insight into how the alleged murder plot was put together, why it was undertaken, and provide clues as to who may have known what, and when. But there are key questions unresolved, too  not least the role, if any, of Jeziorskis ex-wife.

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According to Greek police, she is facing moral accomplice charges, which she denies, according to her lawyer, who spoke to CNN. Like all the suspects in this case, her identity is known to CNN but cannot be published due to Greek legal restrictions.

The alleged perpetrators confession, and other conflicting accounts from three alleged accomplices that were also leaked to the press, sets up what is likely to be a lengthy and high-profile trial.

Meanwhile, the killing and the aftermath have shocked the friends and family of the victim, who say Jeziorski was a kind and introverted academic who loved his children.

Jeziorski, 43, who went by the nickname Przemek or PJ, was an economist and tenured professor of marketing at the University of California Berkeleys Haas School of Business. He was born in Poland and moved to the United States in 2004 to study economics and math at the University of Arizona, and he went on to obtain his PhD from Stanford.

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He was one of the sharpest people Ive ever met, said Robert Kowalski, the victims friend from Stanford. He was a great guy, a genius in many regards.

UC Berkeley professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski pictured with his friend, Robert Kowalski, in an undated photo. - Courtesy Robert Kowalski

UC Berkeley said in a statement that Jeziorski had a passion for teaching and during his 13 years at the California university, he taught data analytics skills to more than 1,500 graduate and PhD students. His research work centered on emerging markets, which took him around the world for field research, and Berkeley described him as a leading expert in quantitative marketing, industrial organization, and the economics of digital markets.

The dean of UC Berkeleys business school, Jenny Chatman, said she was heartbroken by the death of Jeziorski, who she described as a beloved member of our marketing faculty.

Custody battle

Jeziorski met his ex-wife  a Greek national  in San Francisco in 2013, and they got married the following year, according to Kowalski. The couples twins were born shortly after.

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In 2015, the couple co-founded a start-up called Keybee, a short-term rental property management platform.

Its unclear what led to their relationship falling apart, but Kowalski told CNN the couple broke up around 2020 after moving to Greece during the Covid pandemic.

Their children are dual US and Polish citizens, according to a statement from the victims brother. The children had applied for Greek citizenship and were awaiting a decision on that, according to the ex-wifes lawyer.

Jeziorski filed for divorce in June 2021, according to California court records.

It appears to be one element in a years-long custody battle for the children, who ultimately lived with their mother in Greece, with a provision that their father, Jeziorski, could take the children for one month every summer.

Pictures released by friends of Przemyslaw Jeziorski show him with his twin 10-year-old children, who were living in Greece with their mother. - Chemtai Mungo

According to Kowalski, Jeziorski asked during the custody battle that his children attend an American school in Greece, so that they could be able to attend high school or college in the US one day.

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But his ex-wife was afraid of losing the kids much sooner, according to the statement to police from the principal suspect, her boyfriend.

We were afraid that he (Jeziorski) would end up taking the kids completely. That would completely finish off (my girlfriend), who was overly fond of them. This summer Przemek wanted to take the children and take them to America. But (my girlfriend) did not agree and so she went back to court with Przemek, the suspect said, according to the testimony transcript.

On July 3, a custody judgement ruled that Jeziorski was indeed allowed to take the children for a month.

Conflicting confessions

A month and a half ago I made the decision to end this torment we were experiencing once and for all, the suspect told police, adding that it was a good opportunity given that Jeziorski was in Athens to attend the custody hearing.

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The statement details how the suspect says he bought a pistol more than a month ago and asked a friend, who is from Bulgaria, to help him find Przemek and scare him so that he wouldnt take our children away from us.

He said it all began in Nafplio, a coastal city about two hours from Athens, so that it would appear that I was there and his cell phone would leave traces.

The suspect said that that he, his friend and two others  a man and a teenager from Albania  he paid drove to Athens and waited on the same street as the ex-wifes house, where the suspect said he knew Jeziorski was coming that afternoon to pick up the kids. I approached him and shot him a few times, but I dont remember how many times, he said.

According to the statement, the men had rented a gray Porsche Cayenne as a getaway car, but the murder suspect told police that his accomplices left him at the scene after they saw him shoot the victim.

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Police said Jeziorski died at the scene, where seven bullet casings were found after a masked gunman shot him in the neck and chest.

The three unnamed men who allegedly helped, two Albanian nationals and a Bulgarian national, are facing accomplice charges, police announced Thursday. The suspected accomplices  one of whom is a minor  have confessed to their peripheral involvement in the killing, a Greek police source told CNN on Thursday. CNN has been unable to reach attorneys for those men.

Greek police lead the ex-wife of murdered UC Berkeley professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski to court in Athens on Thursday morning, alongside her new boyfriend and three others alleged to be involved in the Polish educator's shooting on July 4. CNN has added blur to this image. - CNN Greece

My client has confessed his actions but as you can see from the simplicity of some of the things that took place this was not an organized plan. His accomplices only knew about a plan to scare him (the victim) so he would stay away from the children, the main suspects lawyer, Ermis Papoutsis, told CNN. (The ex-wife), his partner, knew nothing about any of this.

My client had come to me in the past to seek advice. He had said his partners ex-husband had serious alcoholism issues and that he and the mother were worried about allowing access to the kids. He wanted to see if there was something he could legally do about limiting access, the lawyer added. Now he is completely devastated after what happened. We will ask for a psychiatric examination because he has had some issues in the past.

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Jeziorskis friends have denied the allegations that he abused alcohol.

On Friday, CNN Greece obtained the police testimony of the alleged accomplice from Bulgaria, which contradicts the account of the alleged gunman. In this account, the alleged accomplice claims the victims ex-wife had organized the whole thing.

He described his friend, the perpetrator, obtaining a gun and then asking me to find some people to take him to Athens the next day to scare and threaten the Pole so that he would back down on custody of the children.

In fact, from what he told me, (the ex-wife) made him do it because she didnt want to give the children to the Pole, the accomplice said in the testimony, adding that the perpetrator offered him thousands of euros after he did something we hadnt agreed on.

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As for the ex-wife  her lawyer has said that she maintains her innocence.

She has nothing to do with the murder. She had no prior knowledge of the whole thing. She happened to be the murderers girlfriend, the ex-wifes lawyer, Alexandros Pasiatas, told CNN on Monday. Now, the most important (thing) is that she is terrified about the future of her children, because she thinks that she may lose them.

Outside the court, Pasiatas said: Based on the case file and what we will present both in our written submission and during the oral proceedings in the main inquiry, we will highlight the key points that prove she had absolutely no involvement.

For reasons that are unclear, nothing from her statements to police have made their way to the Greek media.

Our family is heartbroken

Meanwhile, the victims family are dealing with the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy. The victims brother said in a statement that our family is heartbroken, but grateful to Greek police and security professionals who made the arrests.

Przemeks ten-year-old children, who are US and Polish citizens, are now under care in accordance with Greek child custody procedures, the victims brother ukasz Jeziorski said in a statement. Our primary concern is their safety and wellbeing, and helping them reconnect with their family to minimize the trauma they have already endured.

Jeziorskis family started an online fundraiser to repatriate his remains to his native Poland and pay for legal representation in Greece.

A US State Department spokesperson told CNN the agency is providing consular assistance to the family.

Pictures released by friends of Przemyslaw Jeziorski show him over the years. - Chemtai Mungo

On Monday, the five suspects were appearing in person in court for their plea, according to Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, the lawyer representing the victims family. The four men and the ex-wife have been remanded in custody pending the trial. A trial date will be set at a later stage, Dimitrakopoulos told CNN.

The victims mother and brother will take sole custody of the children, Dimitrakopoulos told Greek media on Friday. The lawyer said that weve talked to the prosecutor for minors so that the victims mom and brother can get full custody of the kids and live with them in Poland, where they are now.

They have the opportunity to raise them in a loving environment, in a completely protective environment, Dimitrakopoulos said, adding that if the mother is acquitted, because we respect the presumption of innocence, then she has the right to request sole custody of her children.

CNNs Amy Croffey and Chris Dos Santos contributed to this report.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The University of Dayton community is in mourning after a sophomore accidentally drowned late last week.

Luke Skotzke, 20, was swimming near his hometown of Chardon Thursday when he died.

Skotzke was a mechanical engineering major at UD.

The university has set up a memorial for him at the Chapel of Immaculate Conception. Students, faculty and other members of the community are welcome to light a candle or offer a prayer for him.

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Funeral services are currently unannounced, but will be posted to Porches.

A fuller memorial will take place this fall once students and faculty return to campus.

The school reminds students and faculty that counseling is available on campus.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Ukrainian lawmakers are considering whether to allow men ages 18 to 24 to travel abroad, a move that would ease current wartime restrictions, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk said on July 19.

According to Suspilne, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) is reviewing proposals from both individual members and the parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence. Under current martial law, men in that age group are not subject to mobilization but are still barred from leaving the country unless they qualify for exemptions, such as medical reasons or official business.

Stefanchuk emphasized the need to find a legal mechanism to uphold basic rights for young men who are not eligible for conscription. These include the right to pursue education, work opportunities, or reunite with family abroad.

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"There are people aged 18 to 25 who are not subject to mobilization, but they cannot exercise their rights," Stefanchuk said. "We must find a mechanism to enable them to exercise their rights."

Several proposals are under discussion to liberalize exit rules, including the establishment of clear criteria and permitting certain categories of individuals to travel. However, no final decision has been made. Lawmakers expect the committee to issue its recommendations soon.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, men aged 18 to 60 have been prohibited from leaving Ukraine without special exemptions due to martial law. These include university students studying abroad, humanitarian volunteers, and drivers transporting aid.

Talks about easing restrictions for non-mobilized men to travel outside Ukraine began in 2023 but have yet to produce a comprehensive policy change.

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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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The weapons for Ukraine rumor mill went into overdrive earlier this week when it was reported that U.S. President Donald Trump was considering supplying Kyiv with Tomahawk cruise missiles.

A day later, things reached fever pitch with reports Trump had asked President Volodymyr Zelensky if Ukraine could strike key Russian cities if provided with long-range U.S. weapons.

The White House, while not denying the conversation took place, swiftly moved to shut down speculations, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying Trump was "merely asking a question, not encouraging further killing."

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But the news came amid a significant shift in Kyiv-Washington relations and the announcement of a NATO-backed scheme in which alliance members would purchase U.S.-made weapons systems for Ukraine.

"(Tomahawks) would definitely be a significant upgrade for Ukraines arsenal, especially in terms of long-range strike capabilities," Federico Borsari, a fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), told the Kyiv Independent.

"It would allow Ukraine to deliver a much heavier payload against targets compared to what its using now.

U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., U.S. on July 16, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)

What is a Tomahawk missile?

The Tomahawk is a subsonic, long-range cruise missile designed for precision strikes against land targets. It has an operational range between 1,600 and 2,500 kilometers, Borsari said, though he added any version Ukraine received could be liited to 1,700 kilometers.

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They were first used in combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and remain a key part of the U.S. long-range arsenal. Each missile costs around $2 million and is manufactured by Raytheon.

"Currently, I would say it is the main tool for the U.S. to strike land targets very far away and is launched mostly from naval platforms, including submarines and surface ships," Borsari said.

The Tomahawk can fly at low altitudes and conduct evasive manoeuvres to minimize the risk of being intercepted. The latest version of the missile can also be reprogrammed mid-flight and can even loiter over a target before striking.

A Tactical Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile conducts a flight test over Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), China Lake, California, U.S. on Nov. 10, 2002. (U.S. Navy / Wikimedia)

"Its a very fast, though still subsonic, cruise missile. It uses a combination of different guidance systems to be very accurate," Borsari said, saying it can hit a target within "around 30 meters, if not less."

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The Tomahawk also carries "a very powerful warhead" weighing around 400 to 450 kilograms, depending on the configuration," he added.

Why Ukraine wants Tomahawks

Tomahawks have been on Ukraine's weapons wish list for a while now, and were included in Zelensky's "Victory Plan" which he presented to then-President Joe Biden in October 2024.

Russia has a vast advantage over Ukraine when it comes to missiles, and regularly uses its own cruise missile systems, such as Kalibr, to strike Ukrainian cities, as well as ballistic systems such as Iskander.

In terms of cruise missiles, Ukraine is currently reliant on Western-supplied weapons such as Storm Shadow which have been used to great effect but only have a range of around 250 kilometers.

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For longer-range strikes, Ukraine is currently reliant on drones and drone-like missiles like the Palianytsia.

"Drones do cause damage  they can fly into windows at defense factories deep in Russia's rear," Ivan Stupak, a former SBU officer and a former Ukrainian lawmaker, told the Kyiv Independent earlier this month.

"But let's be honest, 50 kilograms of explosives are just 50 kilograms  500 kilograms in a missile can make a difference."

Read also: A US general just threatened Russias Kaliningrad  this is why thats so significant

What could Ukraine hit with Tomahawks?



The Tomahawk's range would open up great swathes of Russia to Ukrainian long-range missile strikes, most notably Moscow and St. Petersburg.

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Ukraine currently regularly targets the Russian capital with drones, and though these rarely cause damage, they do have a psychological effect on the Russian population as well as causing widespread disruption, particularly through the closing of Russian airports.

"These disruptions are not accidental. They are part of a pressure campaign against logistics, air defense systems, and public morale," Serhii Bratchuk, spokesperson for the army's Southern Operation Command, told the Kyiv Independent in May.

"The Russian population has to pay for this war. Sleeping in tents at the airport is not the highest price, but it does affect morale."

Tomahawks would allow for far more accurate and powerful strikes on Moscow.

Possible Russian targets for Tomahawk (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Another target that would likely be high on Ukraine's target list are the airbases from which Russia launches mass missile attacks against Ukrainian cities.

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Ukraine has long struggled to target them as Moscow has kept its air fleet out of range of weapons Kyiv has developed itself as well as those supplied by its Western countries.

This changed with Operation Spiderweb which saw the audacious use of first-person view (FPV) drones deployed inside Russia itself to target and destroy a significant number of Russian aircraft.

But the operation was a year-and-a-half in the planning and appears, for now at least, to have been a one off.

Tomahawk missiles would be able to regularly strike Olenya air base in Russia's Murmansk Oblast, one of the main launchpads for Russian mass missile attacks against Ukraine.

The difficulties

Vadym Skibitskyi, the deputy head of Ukraines military intelligence agency (HUR), told the Guardian on July 15 that Tomahawks "are not easy to use."

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"The main launch platforms are combat ships or strategic bombers. We dont have any strategic bomber aircraft," Skibitskyi said.

Borsari also said that Ukraine currently lacks the naval infrastructure required for sea-based Tomahawk launches, and deploying a ground-launched version would also be logistically demanding.



The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter fires a Tomahawk missile in the Mediterranean Sea on April 7, 2017. (Ford Williams / U.S. Navy / Getty Images)

"Its more complex because you need not just the missile, but the entire launch system. The U.S. could provide a few ground launchers but providing the whole package is more difficult at the moment," Borsari said.

These constraints make the prospect of Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine "a very remote possibility," according to Borsari.

Tomahawk alternatives

As discussions around long-range Western weapons continue, other systems may be more feasible for Ukraine in the near term.

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"When we think about potential weapons the U.S. could provide to Ukraine with longer range than ATACMS, we should look at, for instance, the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)," Borsari said.

"It has a range of roughly 1,000 kilometers, its very powerful, and it could be a good solution for Ukraine  and much easier to integrate into Ukrainian aircraft compared to the Tomahawk."

And there is another option on the horizon  Germany will provide Ukraine with new long-range missiles "very shortly, very soon," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on July 17, without mentioning the name of the weapons being supplied.

"Ukraine will be much better positioned and use these systems and get the support of us with regard to those systems in the weeks and months to come," Merz said.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine has pummelled Moscow with an unprecedented number of drones as Kiev seeks to ramp up pressure ahead of a potential new round of ceasefire negotiations that could take place as early as next week.

Air defences in the Russian capital were busy fending off drones overnight and into Sunday, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced attacks deep into Russian territory are to be intensified.

Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine has proposed holding ceasefire negotiations with Russia next week, but no date has been set so far.

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The talks are set to be hold in Istanbul, the venue of previous rounds of negotiations, Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing an unnamed source familiar with the talks.

Ukraine and Russia last held direct negotiations in early June, but an unconditional ceasefire in the war started by Moscow more than three years ago remains unlikely as the Kremlin continues to insist on its demands.

Moscow airports disrupted

Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow caused massive traffic disruptions at the Russian capital's four airports, officials said on Sunday.

In the Selenograd district, the strikes also damaged numerous high-rise buildings and cars were set on fire, according to images posted by residents on social media.

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Selenograd authorities confirmed this, adding that many windows had also been broken. Residents also posted photos of their devastated homes on the Telegram channel chp_Zelenograd.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin acknowledged the damage but said it was not serious and would be repaired.

As he had done during the night, Sobyanin reported repeatedly in the morning that Ukrainian drones had been shot down as they headed for Moscow. The number rose to over 20 by midday.

Air traffic diversions and delays

The Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsiya reported restrictions at the capital's four airports, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky.

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As it was initially impossible for aircraft to land and take off due to the drone threat, incoming flights were diverted to other airports, including St Petersburg.

Rosaviatsiya spokesman Artem Korenjako, who was himself affected, asked passengers for their understanding and patience. "Like many others, I have been on the plane for several hours now," he said in a video clip posted from his seat.

Drone alerts have been causing repeated flight cancellations and delays in Russia, with airlines complaining of massive financial losses in the middle of the school holidays, when traffic is heavy.

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.

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Private homes in Kamensk caught alight after drone fragments fell on them, Rostov regional governor Yury Slyusar reported. A woman was injured.

The Bryansk region to the direct north of Ukraine was also hit. Details of damage were not reported.

Ukraine also hit by overnight attacks

Ukraine is seeking to disrupt military supplies through its attacks on Russian border regions, noting 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.

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Russia meanwhile attacked Ukraine again with dozens of drones on Saturday night. The Ukrainian air defence reported 57 drones, significantly fewer than the previous day. Eighteen were shot down. There were also many impacts. The air defence did not provide any information on damage caused.

Zelensky says he's open to meeting with Putin

The possible negotiations in Istanbul are likely to focus on the mutual drone attacks, which have long been a key factor in the war.

Zelensky also confirmed his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia had recently repeatedly declared its willingness to continue the talks in Istanbul first launched in May.

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The last round ended abruptly at the beginning of June after the Russian and Ukrainian delegates broke off their meeting after just under an hour.

Moscow had originally expected a new round of negotiations in the second half of June.

The Ukrainian president said a new exchange of prisoner was also on the agenda, after the warring side agreed on swaps during previous negotiations.
Ukraine intends to secured $6.9 billion in international arbitration rulings against Russian energy giant Gazprom, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 20, citing a report by Serhii Koretskyi, CEO of Ukraine's state-owned energy company.

"These are absolutely fair decisions that demonstrate the responsibility of Russia and Gazprom and affirms the strength of international law," Zelensky said.

He added that Ukrainian ambassadors will receive detailed instructions on July 21 on how to proceed with the recovery of the awarded funds.

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This June, Naftogaz secured another legal victory against Gazprom. An international arbitration in Switzerland has ordered the Russian energy giant to pay $1.37 billion in damages to Naftogaz.

In 2023, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague found Russia liable for the illegal expropriation of Naftogaz assets following Russia's occupation of Crimea in 2014. A French court authorized this April the enforcement of a $5 billion arbitration award against Russia for damages caused to Ukraine's state-owned energy company Naftogaz during the occupation of Crimea.

Under international law, arbitration awards can be enforced in multiple jurisdictions through domestic courts. If a defendant's state fails to pay voluntarily, creditors can seek to seize foreign-held assets to satisfy the judgment.

Naftogaz, Ukraine's largest energy firm, lost critical infrastructure, natural gas reserves, and service networks in the region. Its case against Russia became one of the most high-profile corporate arbitration claims against Russia following the start of the war in 2014.

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Read also: Fire, flight diversions reported near Moscow as Ukraine launches drone attack on Russias capital

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The 15-year-old girl who was allegedly set on fire by miscreants at Balanga in Puri was brought out of AIIMS Bhubaneswar and was being airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for further treatment on Sunday. Prof.(DR.) Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said that the girl is currently stable and will be shifted by a special chartered flight. "She is stabilised. It's safe to transfer the patient. She will be shifted by a special chartered flight. The patient will go there. It has already been communicated to AIIMS Delhi," Biswas told ANI. Earlier, 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. The incident took place under the Balanda police station in the Nimapada block of Puri. 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)
Key developments on July 19-20:

Ukraine proposes peace talks with Russia next week, Zelensky says

Fire, flight diversions reported near Moscow as Ukraine launches drone attack on Russia's capital

Russia aims to launch 2,000 drones towards Ukraine at once, German general says

'Our goals are clear'  Kremlin unwilling to compromise on demands ahead of proposed 3rd round of peace talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 19 that Ukraine has proposed a new round of peace talks with Russia for next week.

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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."

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."

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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.

Fire, flight diversions reported near Moscow as Ukraine launches drone attack on Russia's capital

A fire broke out in Moscow Oblast overnight on July 20 as Ukraine reportedly launched a drone attack targeting the Russian capital, local Telegram channels reported.

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Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that at least 21 Ukrainian drones were launched toward Moscow since 6 p.m. local time on July 19. Sobyanin added that emergency crews were heading to the scene of the downed drones, without mentioning the extent of the damage caused.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its air defenses shot down 93 Ukrainian drones, including 19 over Moscow Oblast and another 16 en route to the region. Later in the day on July 20, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed an additional eight drones were downed shot down over Moscow Oblast in the daytime, five of which were allegedly en route to Moscow.

Russian Telegram channels reported, citing resident accounts, that a fire broke out in the city of Zelenograd, a satellite city 37 kilometers (23 miles) northwest of central Moscow.

Videos posted on social media appear to show vehicles burning near a residential building. No information was available on any casualties or the extent of the damage caused.

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In a security camera videos shared by Russian Telegram channel Baza, drone debris also appears to strike the top floors of a residential building in Zelenograd.

Temporary restrictions were imposed at all four Moscow airports amid the ongoing attacks, the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) reported. Arriving flights were being diverted to Pulkovo airport in St. Petersburg amid the attack. All flight restrictions were lifted around 4 a.m. local time.

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After months of increased attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, by Russian drones, Ukraine's military appears to have intensified its own efforts in targeting Russia's capital.

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The overnight attacks marks the fourth straight night that the Russian capital has come under fire. The region faced a similar attack the night prior as Ukraine's military reportedly launched 13 drones towards Moscow.

Kyiv rarely comments on reports of drone strikes in Russia, though Ukraine regularly launches attacks against military and industrial facilities on Russian territory.

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 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.

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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.

Russia aims to launch 2,000 drones towards Ukraine at once, German general says

Russia aims to be able to launch 2,000 drones towards Ukraine simultaneously, German Major General Christian Freuding said in an interview published on July 19.

The staggering figure described by Freuding, who heads the Ukraine task force at the German Defense Ministry, comes as Russia continues to expand its drone production.

Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) told Politico in June that the Kremlin plans to produce 2 million first-person-view (FPV) drones and 30,000 long-range and decoy drones in 2025, marking a critical expansion of Moscow's drone warfare program.

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Between Sept. 13, 2022, and Aug. 30, 2023, Russian forces fired nearly 2,000 Shaheds into Ukraine, according to Airwars, a London-based conflict monitoring organization. That number has surged in 2025  in June alone, Moscow launched a record 5,337 Shahed-type drones.

Freuding's comments come as Russia has continued to ramp up its Iranian-designed Shahed drone attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, including strikes on Ukraine's far-western regions. On July 9, Russia launched a record 728 Shahed-type drones and decoys across the country.

Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, the commander of Ukraines Unmanned Systems Forces warned on July 4 that Russian Shahed drone strikes could escalate to 1,000 per day.

Amid the increased risk of intensified Russian attacks, Freuding told the Bundeswehr podcast Nachgefragt, that Ukraine can indirectly counter anticipated drones attacks by targeting production sites with long-range missiles.

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Ukraine regularly strikes military production facilities on Russian territory, but has called upon Western allies to supply more long-range weaponry for added capabilities.

Freuding announced earlier this month that Ukraine will begin receiving hundreds of domestically produced long-range weapon systems by the end of July under a German-financed agreement. The announcement came ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's agreement with NATO to supply additional weapons to Ukraine.

Read also: This is what Ukraine could hit in Russia with US Tomahawk missiles

'Our goals are clear'  Kremlin unwilling to compromise on demands ahead of proposed 3rd round of peace talks



Moscow appears unwilling to shift from its maximalist demands in ending its war with Ukraine, as Russian President Vladimir Putin remains focused on achieving his goals on the battlefield, a Kremlin spokesperson said on July 20.

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"President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a Russian-state media reporter.

"The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear," Peskov added.

The remarks reflect Moscow's growing list of maximalist demands presented in its so-called "peace memorandum" during recent negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2.

The document calls for Ukraine to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea and four partially occupied regions  Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk  and demands full Ukrainian troop withdrawal and demobilization. The Kremlin has also insisted that Ukraine dismantle and destroy all Western-supplied weapons as part of any ceasefire deal.

Zelensky announced on July 19 that Ukraine has proposed a new round of peace talks with Russia for next week. The proposed talks, which will likely focus predominantly on prisoner exchanges, come as Russia has continued to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Russia has not yet agreed to a third round of peace talks, but has signalled that talks may resume in Istanbul in the near future,

Russia's refusal to hold credible peace talks has angered U.S. President Donald Trump in recent weeks.

After months of stalled progress, Trump appeared to significantly shift his policy towards arming Kyiv by announcing on July 14 that he will send weaponry and Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine through NATO. Trump also threatened Moscow with 100% tariffs unless a deal on ending the war is achieved within 50 days.

Despite Trump's tariff threats, three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters on July 15 that Putin remains determined to continue the war against Ukraine until the West agrees to peace on his terms.

Read also: Russia is weaponizing deportation  Ukraine evacuates 43 deportees from Russia-Georgia border



































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July 19 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants cease-fire negotiations with Russia next week and said he would be willing to meet directly and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian officials have proposed cease-fire negotiations next week, and Russian officials confirmed their receipt of the proposal for a high-level talk, CNN reported on Saturday.

"We need to do everything possible to achieve a cease-fire," Zelensky told Ukrainians Saturday during his daily address.

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"The Russian side must stop avoiding decisions regarding prisoner exchanges, the return of children and the cessation of killings," Zelensky said.

"A meeting at the leadership level is essential to genuinely secure peace," he added. "Ukraine is ready for such a meeting."

That meeting could be between Putin and Zelensky, the BBC reported.

Ukraine's call for cease-fire negotiations comes after Russia attacked 10 Ukrainian cities and other locales during the overnight hours from Friday into Saturday.

Russia launched more than 340 explosive drones and decoys and 35 ballistic missiles at targets in Ukraine, many of which the Ukrainian military said it intercepted.

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President Donald Trump on Sunday announced the United States will sell Patriot missile-defense systems to NATO, which will provide them to Ukraine.

Trump also threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Russia if Putin does not end its war against Ukraine within 50 days.

Russian and Ukrainian officials last met in Istanbul in early June, but that meeting ended quickly with no cease-fire agreement.
Newly appointed Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to discuss expanding battlefield technologies, the officials said July 19.

Shmyhal said the meeting focused on scaling up systems that have proven effective in combat, particularly interceptor drones.

"This technology has made an incredible breakthrough, and the number of successfully downed Shaheds is growing rapidly every month," Shmyhal said. "It is important to find and quickly scale anti-Shahed solutions. This is the task set by the president."

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He added that the meeting also addressed weapons production and the rollout of new systems that could shift dynamics on the front lines.

"We are working on deregulation in the field of drone transfer and decommissioning so that the military receives what they need without unnecessary bureaucracy," Shmyhal said.

Fedorov said the two discussed a new strategy for advancing defense innovation. Topics included the development of the "Army of Drones: Bonus" program and improving decision-making based on high-quality data, he said.

The meeting followed President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent government reshuffle, which saw Shmyhal resign as prime minister to take over the defense ministry. Zelensky has tasked the new leadership with boosting Ukraine's domestic weapons production amidst Russia's ongoing invasion.

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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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Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has shared images of dozens of heads of Ukraines diplomatic missions abroad visiting Zaporizhzhia as part of the annual Ambassadors Conference.

Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported European Pravda

Quote: "Today, we visited the frontlines of Zaporizhzhia and the region, as well as the Orikhiv district, with all Ukrainian ambassadors from around the world. The bravery of the people of Zaporizhzhia deserves our highest respect."

Today, we visited the frontlines of Zaporizhzhia and the region, as well as the Orikhiv district, with all Ukrainian ambassadors from around the world.



The bravery of the people of Zaporizhzhia deserves our highest respect.



Despite constant Russian terror, the region lives, pic.twitter.com/1MY5Zgsee4  Andrii Sybiha  (@andrii_sybiha) July 20, 2025

Details: The ambassadors, he added, saw houses destroyed by Russian strikes, frontline trenches, an underground school shelter, critical infrastructure, major industrial facilities, and honoured fallen Ukrainian defenders at the Tree of Life memorial.

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Quote: "Such visits provide a new understanding of how people live in Ukraine, what they go through, and what their most pressing needs are. They provide diplomats with new motivation to be more persuasive and achieve more tangible results."

Details: Sybiha also noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would open the Ambassadors Conference on Monday 21 July, titled From the Strength of Diplomacy to the Diplomacy of Strength.

Background:

On Sunday 20 July, Zelenskyy stated that he had received a report from Sybiha, which led to them agreeing on replacement of the heads of several embassies.

Olha Stefanishyna, former deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, is expected to become Ukraines new ambassador to the US.

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The Russians launched an attack with 57 unmanned aerial vehicles on the night of 19-20 July, of which 18 were shot down, and another seven disappeared from radar.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force

Details: A total of 32 unmanned aerial vehicle hits were recorded in 10 locations, with debris falling in 6 locations. Ukraines military reports that the attacks targeted Zaporizhzhia and frontline territories of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

As of the morning, the Russian assault continued, with a new wave of Shahed drones approaching from the northeast.

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The Atesh partisan group sabotaged a railway in Russia's Tula Oblast, causing "serious disruptions" to Russian logistics, the group claimed in a Telegram post on July 20.

Operatives with the group destroyed a relay cabinet on a railway near the town of Medvedky, west of the city of Tula, Atesh said. Russian troops reportedly use the railroad to transport military personnel and supplies to troops on the Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts fronts.

The sabotage operation disrupted Russian supply lines and led to delays in the delivery of ammunition, weapons, and dual-use components from Tula-based factories.

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The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

The Atesh movement regularly commits sabotage attacks on Russian territory and in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Partisans reported similar attacks on railroads in occupied Luhansk Oblast and in Russia's Smolensk Oblast in March.

Tula Oblast, located about 250 kilometers northeast of Sumy Oblast, is a regular target of Ukrainian drone strikes. The region is home to several military industrial manufacturing facilities that power Russia's war machine along Ukraine's front line.

Read also: Fire, flight diversions reported near Moscow as Ukraine launches drone attack on Russias capital













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ULYSSES, Kan. (KSNW)  Police in Ulysses are urging residents to use caution after a recent mountain lion sighting within city limits.

In a social post on Saturday, the Ulysses Police Department said it is working with local game wardens to monitor the situation.

BB gun sparks overnight SWAT standoff in Garden City

If you see or come across this or any large wildlife, leave it alone, do not approach it, and contact the Ulysses Police Department, the department said.

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Mountain lions are rare but not unheard of in Kansas.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, 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 KSN-TV.
In the port city of Marseille in the south of France, a local artist is leading tours that shed light on the city's colonial past  a history little known today.

One morning on Marseilles main shopping street, Rue Saint-Ferreol, a group of around 20 people gathered around the artist Mariam Benbakkar for what she calls a "colonial downtown walk".

This neighbourhood, with its grand, imposing buildings, was constructed in 1848, when, after 20 years of war, Algeria was divided into three French departments.

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"All the resources exploited in Algeria, but also in other colonies, arrived through the port of Marseille. This neighbourhood became a showcase for ship owners," explains Benbakkar.

She passes around a photo book ... Marseille, the first city to organise a colonial exhibition in 1906 ... Marseille and its colonial museum ... Marseille, the "gateway to the Orient".

The night of rebellion that changed France and Algeria forever

'History made invisible'

Colonial history remains almost hidden in the city of Marseille. A small stained-glass window with a ship here, a faded pediment there  but no plaques or explanations.

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Benbakkar leads the small group into the flamboyant Uniqlo store, whose dome is as high as that of the prefecture.

The reason for the building's grandeur? It used to be a branch of the Compagnie Algerienne, a French investment bank with operations in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon.

The letters C and A embedded in the wrought iron railings, and a heavy armoured door in the fitting rooms provide clues to the building's past, but this isn't explicitly acknowledged.

"There used to be a magnificent painted ceiling, showing the colonised cities, but it was covered up by Uniqlos air conditioning," Benbakkar told RFI.

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"This is knowledge that has been made completely invisible," notes Anne, one of the participants on the tour. Despite having grown up in these streets, she admits: "I know little about the hidden stories behind these buildings."

For Pauline, another young woman in the group, the tour is an opportunity to reflect on France's colonial past. "Im not from an immigrant background, but I still feel it concerns me," she says.

For Benbakkar, everyone has, in one way or another, a personal history with the French colonies.

With Franco-Algerian relations at an all-time low, can they get back on track?

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She reminds people that she is neither a sociologist nor a historian, but she chooses to talk about the history of her city.

"For me, the best way of changing people's mentality is to pass it on through speaking about it, in the streets," she says.

She has been working with post-colonial imagery for several years, through her feminist collective Filles de Bledards ("Daughters of North African Immigrants") and her Instagram account Marseille Coloniale.

She says she iis fascinated by public spaces, architecture, land registries and private construction.

'These images affect us today'

"Marseille is a key city when it comes to France and migration. It has an extremely rich culture, but its not represented in cultural institutions," explains Benbakkar.

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She mentions the names of forgotten industrialists and politicians: Jules Charles-Roux, a wealthy ship owner whose granddaughter married Marseille's mayor, Gaston Defferre; Edouard Marie Heckel, the founder of the colonial museum; Paulin Talabot, founder of the Paris-Lyon-Marseille railway and a lobbyist for the creation of the Suez Canal.

"There was a working bourgeoisie that made fortunes from the colonial empire. To this day, the redistribution of looted wealth is still not being done properly," she points out, referring to private enclaves in the citys wealthy neighbourhoods.

Equatorial Guinea accuses France of 'neo-colonialism' in Paris mansion row

Another stop on the tour is the C&A store  formerly the Grand Hotel du Louvre et de la Paix. It features four massive statues representing four continents.

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The figures representing Europe and the Americas, draped in togas, carry a winged machine symbolising progress, while Asia and Africa, bare-chested, carry an elephant and a camel.

"These images, which were installed in the 19th century, still affect us today. Its as if the urban space has a subconscious  eventually, we internalise those images," says Benbakkar.

"We need reparations for the damage caused by 19th-century capitalism and imperialism, which still impacts the banking, economic and private property systems today. And for that, we need to recognise that we have been robbed of our common property and demand our fundamental rights: access to the sea, to nature, to decent housing, to streets for all."

This article was adapted from the original version in French.
Adam Boehler, U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, on Sunday urged Hamas to take the deal on the table with Israel and to move forward toward peace.

In an interview on CNNs State of the Union, Boehler said that the current deal on the table  which would see Hamas release at least 10 remaining hostages in exchange for a path to peace  is the best theyre going to get.

We need to get the other hostages out. And then what we have done is, we have said, Hey, theres a firm pathway to negotiate peace. Thats the best theyre going to get. And they should take on the offer, take the offer thats there. They havent in the past, Boehler said.

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Every single time they dont take it, it goes down and goes down and goes down. So, my recommendation to Hamas would be, take the deal that Israel, that the United States is offering you. Lets get some people home. And lets move to end this conflict, he continued.

Boehler said he is optimistic about reaching an agreement with Hamas, especially after Israels military action in Iran, as theres a new sense of ability to get something done.

The Israelis want something done. Now, I will tell you, because I have been with them, Hamas is very hardheaded. They have been offered many things that they should take, and its time for Hamas to release the hostages, he said.

So Im more optimistic than I was because all of those factors are there. We have got an A team negotiating it. Now what I really want to see is Hamas take action. And if they dont, I will tell you something, Israels going to have to take some kinetic action, he added.

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Efforts to reach a 60-day ceasefire have continued in Qatar, but international reports indicate talks have hit a standstill.

President Trump has increased pressure on Israel to work toward brokering a ceasefire with Hamas. Boehler, in the interview, described Hamas as hardheaded and said Israel at this point is bending over backwards to strike a deal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Syria stands at a critical juncture - peace and dialogue must prevail - and prevail now, US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said.

US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack warned that President Donald Trumps lifting of sanctions and the international communitys cautious support of Syrias new regime are at risk due to Syrias current conflict, which has undermined the governments authority, in a post on X on Sunday.

President Trumps decision to lift sanctions was a principled step, offering the Syrian people a chance to move beyond years of unimaginable suffering and atrocities, Barrack began.

The international community has largely rallied behind the nascent Syrian government, watching with cautious optimism as it seeks to transition from a legacy of pain to a future of hope.

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Yet, this fragile ambition is now overshadowed by profound shock, as brutal acts by warring factions on the ground undermine the governments authority and disrupt any semblance of order, Barrack continued.

He called on all factions to immediately lay down their arms, cease hostilities, and abandon cycles of tribal vengeance.

Internal Security Forces officers escort a Druze prisoner and prevent him from being attacked by Bedouins, at an Internal Security Forces checkpoint working to prevent Bedouin fighters from advancing towards Sweida, following renewed fighting between Bedouin and Druze, Sweida, Syria, July 19, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/KHALIL ASHAWI)

Syria stands at a critical juncture - peace and dialogue must prevail - and prevail now, he concluded.

On Saturday, Barrack met with SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi to discuss the situation in Syria and stressed the urgent need to restore calm and stability, according to the US Embassy in Syria.

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They also discussed steps towards integration into a unified Syria and agreed that the time for unity is now.

Truce agreed to in Syria after five days of clashes

On Friday, the ambassador announced that a truce had been agreed to in Syria 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. In response, Israel had demanded that the government leave the area, accusing it of having been involved in oppressing the Druze.

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.

Barrack said that Israels prime minister and the president of Syria had agreed to the truce.

Seth J. Frantzman contributed to this report.
Shiv Sena Shaina NC on Sunday dismissed the speculations regarding a meeting between UBT MLA Aaditya Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and said that they were indeed at the same venue but attending different events. "In a city like Mumbai, if you have Aaditya Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis at the same venue, attending different programs, where is the speculation of a secret meeting? For all those who are suggesting, political circles are discussing a behind-the-scenes possibility, which is only possible if they meet. They haven't even met. So, please stop this speculation," Shaina NC told ANI. This development comes just days after Aaditya Thackeray publicly lashed out at Eknath Shinde in the Maharashtra Assembly and in media interactions. Without directly naming Shinde, Thackeray had called him a "traitor," "thankless," and "shameless" person who betrayed former CM Uddhav Thackeray despite being handed the powerful Urban Development portfolio. The remarks came amid heightened tensions during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra legislature, where opposition leader Bhaskar Jadhav had also accused Speaker Rahul Narwekar of bias and suppressing the voices of the opposition during a debate session, which was raised under Rule 293 by Jadhav. Maharashtra has been gripped by controversies, especially around language, an issue that has made it possible for Uddhav Thackeray's UBT and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to join hands. Amid chaos over language, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule took a jibe at Fadnavis, wondering who might be pressuring him to prioritise Hindi over Marathi. Speaking with the reporters on Saturday, Supriya Sule said, "I am very concerned about Devendra (Fadnavis) Ji. Who is pressuring him?... Under whose pressure is he doing this? This is the first time that Maharashtra's Chief Minister is placing Hindi above Marathi..." Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray hit back at BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's controversial "patak-patak ke maarenge" remarks. In a counter-attack, Raj Thackeray 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." Following backlash, the Maharashtra government revoked the government resolutions (GRs) on the three-language policy, which introduced Hindi as the third language in primary schools. The government has decided to establish a committee to review 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. (ANI)
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Loved ones and community members gathered Saturday to honor the life of a Palestinian American man who was tragically killed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

He was such a good kid who didnt deserve what happened to him, said Hesam Musallet, Sayfollah Musallets uncle.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Family of Tampa man killed in West Bank demands U.S. investigation

According to Sayfollah Musallets family, the Florida native was on a two-month vacation visiting family members when he was attacked and beaten to death by illegal settlers.

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Leaders of the Florida branch of the Council on American Islamic Relations, or CAIR, held Saturday evenings vigil.

The same way any one of us would protect our property. if an intruder and an illegal occupier came onto our property, in our territory, we would protect it and thats what he died doing, said Hiba Rahim, Florida branch of CAIR deputy executive director. His life was taken from him too soon [and] suddenly, he was not able to come back to continue his business and to continue his life.

Islamic advocates along with Musallets family are calling on U.S. elected officials for an independent investigation into the 20-year-olds death and for arrests to be made.

We are here to let everybody know hes an American citizen, he was loved, and we need the United States to find the perpetrators [and] help, you know, investigate, Musallets uncle said.

Local city council officials from multiple parts of the Tampa Bay area were also present urging for a deligent probe into Musallets death.

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I echo the words of the U.S. State Department in demanding and a great yet aggressive investigation into this criminal and terrorist murder of an American citizen beaten to death while visiting his mother, said Lynn Hurtak, City of Tampa councilwoman representing District 3.

I absolutely call for, investigation into this, to make sure that the criminals and the terrorists that did it are brought to justice, said Richie Floyd, St. Petersburg councilmember representing District 8.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also weighed in on the matter and posted a statement to X:

I have asked @Israel to aggressively investigate the murder of Saif Mussallet, an American citizen who was visiting family in Sinjil when he was beaten to death. There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was just 20 yrs old.  Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) July 15, 2025

Islamic leaders told News Channel 8 Saturday, though there are no more events scheduled in regard to Musallet for the near future, the momentum in calling for a U.S. independent investigation into the incident will not end.

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Due process is the law, protestors chanted outside the gates of a Carnival cruise ship in Norfolk Sunday morning.

They gathered following a report that showed at least a dozen lawful, visa-holding Filipino cruise ship workers were allegedly wrongfully deported.

Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of the grassroots nonprofit Pilipino Workers Center, which represents low-wage and immigrant Pilipino communities in the United States, told 10 On Your Side that more than a dozen Filipino crew members of the Carnival Sunshine cruise line, all holding valid 10-year C-1/D visas, were forcibly removed in handcuffs by Customs and Border Patrol officers at the Port of Norfolk.

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Officers allegedly told the workers they were accused of possessing child pornography and thats why they were removed from the ship.

Soriano Versoza said despite a lack of evidence, the cruise ship employees were all sent back to the Philippines without any legal representation or due process. Those former employees told Soriano Versoza that their employment with Carnival was terminated by the time they got home to their families.

Their abrupt removal, accompanied by the cancellation of their visas and a shocking 10-year ban from re-entry, has inflicted deep trauma and humiliation, plunging their families into dire financial straits, Soriano Versoza said.

10 On Your Side reached out to Carnival Cruise leaders to learn more about their former employees deportations.

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This is a law enforcement matter, Carnival said in a statement. Carnival always cooperates with law enforcement investigations. We also have active training and education programs to make sure our crew members follow internet safety guidelines.

WAVY also reached out to Customs and Border Patrol officials Sunday in relation to claims made by PWC. Their email is monitored Monday through Friday and will likely be addressed during those days.

WAVY also reached out to Sen. Tim Kaines Monday morning in response of Sundays incident.

The Trump Administrations months-long strategy to detain and deport people who are here legally with work visas and do not have criminal histories hurts our economy and is a direct affront to our countrys commitment to due process, Kaine said.

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10 On Your Side also heard from Rep. Bobby Scott, who is calling for inquiries with federal authorities to learn more about why the deportations happened.

I am making inquiries with the appropriate federal authorities to gather more information, Scott said in a statement. Our nation was founded on the fundamental principles of due process. Under our Constitution, everyone is entitled to due process regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

According to USA Today, in April 2024, Tirso Neri, a citizen of the Philippines, was charged with transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Neri was arrested, provided the evidence prosecutors had against him and given a court date for the alleged crimes.

The deported visa-holders told Soriano Versoza they were never shown what law enforcement cited as child pornography in their phones. They denied having any to Soriano Versoza. According to Soriano Versoza, the former cruise employees were not charged with any crimes prior to deportation.

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10 On Your Side spoke with an immigration lawyer in Virginia Beach. Radlyn Mendoza, co-founder and co-owner of Gardner and Mendoza Immigration law, was born to Filipino immigrants and went to work with her parents every day in their ethnic grocery store.

When I found out that there were some people who were protesting, I just thought to myself, Wow, this is this is really bad,' she told 10 On Your Side. Its bad all the way around. Im Filipino, Im a Filipino immigration attorney. My parents had one of the very first Filipino grocery stores in Ocean View in Norfolk.

Mendoza highlighted the lack of due process in the deportations. She asked why the individuals were not charged if they truly committed a crime.

Why are you not charging them if they actually did? I mean, its a crime to have child pornography, Mendoza said. So its very interesting to me that in several cases in Florida and I believe in California, people were charged and they were brought to justice and they did get convicted and they did serve sentences.

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When asked about the legality of the deportations, she approached it from an attorneys standpoint and took into consideration the broad powers that secretaries of state have.

It does fall under these really broad powers that the government has to to revoke visas, whether its legal or not, Mendoza said. As an attorney, Im looking at the statute. Yes, we can do this. But the tarnishing of these peoples reputation? Essentially, theyre not going to be able to come back, theyre not going to be able to get another visa ever again.

In statements to PWC, the deported individuals stuck to their claims that the alleged accusations regarding possession of child pornography are false. One 29-year-old man described being scared and intimidated after allegedly being threatened to with hefty fines and jail time to admit to a crime he claims he didnt commit.

His statement was translated by PWC from his native language of Tagalog.

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I said no because I have sisters and I am married and have a child, he said. Suddenly, they threatened me and asked if I had the $250,000 to pay and if I wanted to go to jail. They tried to convince me many times to admit their accusation. I told them that I knew and God knows that I did not watch it.

He said he willingly gave them his phone to look through and was very cooperative. He said they made him read a statement.

And at the end, they made me read something that said that I watched minors in October 2021 and submitted a photo of minor in October 2021 as well, he said. Im surprised because its so impossible. Ive never watched or submitted anything like that and the evidence theyre saying is surprising because its just written in words and its not clear which platform it came from, whether it came from Facebook, Twitter, IG, et cetera.

At one point, he said they accused him of only having a visa to escape from the ship and work in the U.S. as an illegal.

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In his statement, the 29-year-old claimed eight other Pilipino coworkers were detained and deported.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
A bus carrying 14 political prisoners with bags over their heads hurtled through the lush Belarusian countryside one morning last month, its destination unknown. Five years after President Alexander Lukashenko launched an unsparing crackdown on dissent in the former Soviet nation, some of the captives feared they were about to be executed.

Among the group was the prominent dissident Siarhei Tsikhanouski whose wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, became the face of the Belarusian opposition movement after his arrest in 2020.

As the bus approached its destination, their minders from the Belarusian security services  which still goes by its Soviet name the KGB  removed the bags from their heads but told them to keep their eyes fixed on the floor. We kept looking ahead all the same, said Ihar Karnei, a Belarusian journalist who was among the group and had been imprisoned for two years. We were interested: Where were they taking us?

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The bus pulled up to a field not far from Belarus border with Lithuania. The door of the van flew open, and they received a surprising greeting: President Trump sent me to take you home.

The man speaking to the bewildered prisoners was John Coale, one of President Donald Trumps lawyers and now a deputy special envoy to Ukraine. It took a moment for the reality of what was happening to sink in.

They were terrified, Coale recalled in an interview with POLITICO Magazine. Opening that door and getting them to realize that You are free was quite a moment.



The prisoner release, a goodwill gesture by the Belarusian leader, marked the continuation of a cautious diplomatic opening between the United States and Belarus. The fraught relationship between the two countries came to a standstill in 2020 when protests against rigged elections were met with mass arrests and thousands of people were swept into the countrys vast prison system.

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But the release also wouldnt have happened without Coales efforts to forge a relationship with Lukashenko, including over a long lunch with vodka toasts.

I did two shots, didnt throw up, but did not do a third one, said Coale.

The episode offers a window into the highly personalistic way in which foreign policy gets done during Trumps second term in office, as the president has tapped a slew of close friends and allies to serve as his envoys and implement his agenda abroad. Critics have balked at their lack of experience; after all, they smirk, can real estate magnate Steve Witkoff really lead negotiations to conclude Russias war on Ukraine, tackle Irans nuclear program and end Israels war in Gaza?

But the envoys bring the prospect of a direct line to the president and the chance to bypass State Department bureaucracy. They are also free to say and do things that traditional U.S. diplomats might not be able to.

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Its sort of easier to have an eye-to-eye conversation with the presidents right hand, said Artyom Shraibman, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Dispatching the national security advisor or secretary of State (currently Marco Rubio in both cases), could be seen as a full legitimization of Belarus isolated president, said Franak Viacorka, chief of staff to Tsikhanouskaya, the opposition leader.

But if we speak about envoys  an envoys task is to make deals, to solve crises, he said.



Coales adventures in Belarus began with a call from the State Department in late April with a special request. Was he willing to go to Minsk to meet with Lukashenko, a man often described as Europes last dictator?

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Fine, said Coale. Could he fly out the next day? Not fine, he replied. But I did it anyway.

The 78-year-old Coale is a plainspoken, veteran litigator perhaps best known for helping to broker a $386 billion settlement from Big Tobacco in the late 1990s. Hes also had a winding political life; a longtime Democrat, Coale endorsed John McCain in 2008 and befriended Sarah Palin, before backing Democrat Martin OMalleys 2016 presidential bid.

In 2021, he led Trumps longshot lawsuit against social media companies, accusing them of censorship. The woke stuff has moved me to the right, he said in one interview. He first met Trump some 20 years ago through his wife Greta Van Susteren, the former Fox News host who has interviewed the president on numerous occasions.

Days after the call, Coale and a handful of U.S. diplomats crossed the border from Lithuania into Belarus, stopping on a country road to swap out the diplomatic license plates on their vehicles so as not to attract attention.

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They arrived at Independence Palace, Lukashenkos residence in central Minsk which, with its glass facade and swooping metal roof, is the size of a small airport terminal. Its so big that Tom Brady couldnt throw a pass from one end of the lobby to the other, Coale said. The imposing complex on the capitals Victory Avenue was built as a symbol of the countrys independence, according to the website of the Belarusian president.





That sovereignty was always tenuous. One of Russian President Vladimir Putins closest allies, Lukashenko has long relied on subsidies from Moscow to prop up his ailing economy. In 2022, Belarus was used as a staging ground for Russian troops in their full-scale assault on Ukraine which further cemented his alienation from the West.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994, preserving many of the institutions and habits of the countrys Soviet past. He has proven skilled at playing Russia and the West off against each other, flirting with Washington and Brussels to get Putins attention or secure relief from economic sanctions imposed on the country. Political prisoners have often been used as a bargaining chip. In 2015, Lukashenko released all those deemed wrongfully detained, prompting Europe and America to lift some sanctions.



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The reprieve was to be short-lived. Over 5,000 people have been convicted of politically motivated charges over the past five years, according to the Belarusian human rights organization Vyasna, and some 1,150 remain in prison. Trump has made freeing wrongfully detained Americans a priority of his foreign policy, creating an opening for authoritarian leaders like Lukashenko to get his attention. Within a week of Trumps inauguration in January, Belarus unilaterally released U.S. citizen Anastasia Nuhfer from prison.

Lukashenko is afraid of Trump, said Viacorka. [He] knows very well how to deal with ordinary politicians, but he doesnt have a clue how to deal with these strong and unpredictable leaders like Trump.

Three more political prisoners were released in February, after Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Chris Smith quietly travelled to Belarus, becoming the most senior U.S. official to visit the country in over five years. By April, they were on the cusp of getting another American citizen released and dispatched Coale in a bid to seal the deal.



Over a long lunch in the palace, Coale was tasked with getting to know the garrulous Belarusian leader. They told me to charm him. To yuck it up with him, so I did that, he said. [Lukashenko] brought up stuff about the State Department and I said, Yeah all they want to do is blah blah blah, so he loved that.

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Lukashenko struck Coale as smart, savvy. He does want better relations with the United States, Coale said, adding that the Belarusian leader seemed keen to play a role in negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine.

At some point vodka  Lukashenkos own personal brand  was brought out and the toasts commenced. The Belarusian president offered a toast to Trump. Smith, the State Department official, nudged Coale to reciprocate, as is customary in the region. Coale followed suit with his own toast to Lukashenko, and soon, he began to worry about his stomach.

As the afternoon wore on there were more toasts, and while there was little talk of politics, the two men got to know each other. A relationship was developing. It was all fun, Coale said.

Lukashenko seems to have agreed. Hours later, the American delegation got what they had come for as the Belarusian authorities handed over Youras Ziankovich, a naturalized U.S. citizen who was arrested in Moscow in 2021 and accused of plotting a coup against Lukashenko. The U.S. government deemed him wrongfully detained earlier this year.

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Discussions continued behind the scenes into the summer and by June, another prisoner release was set in motion.



When she awoke on the morning of Saturday June 21, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had little idea that she was about to be reunited with her husband, Siarhei. A popular YouTube blogger, he was swiftly arrested after attempting to run against Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential elections.

Tsikhanouskaya, a soft-spoken former teacher, took up her husbands mantle after his arrest and was herself quickly forced into exile in Lithuania, becoming the most recognizable face of the Belarusian opposition. For five years she has shuttled between global capitals to raise awareness about her countrys political prisoners, often carrying a folder bearing a photograph of her husband.

On the morning her husband was released, Tsikhanouskaya was flying back from Poland to the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. She knew that Trumps special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, had been in Belarus the night before with Coale and that negotiations about a prisoner release were underway. She speculated with her chief of staff, Viacorka, who might be released but didnt dare expect her husband would be included.

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Having been held without access to anyone on the outside for over two years, Siarhei was on a shortlist of some 200 prisoners deemed a priority for release by Belarusian human rights defenders on humanitarian grounds. The majority of the 14 people who were about to be released were citizens of other countries who had been swept up in the crackdown, or, had some kind of affiliation with the West.

It wasnt until the morning of the release that Coale learned the final details of the prisoners to be freed.

As Tsikhanouskaya made her way back to Vilnius, the bus carrying her husband and 13 other political prisoners made its way to the Belarusian border with Lithuania, after the KGB handed them over to Coale and representatives from the State Department.

By the time the now-former prisoners made it to the border, it was hours since they had been fed. Many were gaunt after years of meager prison rations. Siarhei, once a bear of man, emerged from prison unrecognizable with hollow cheeks. For some reason, in one of our cars was a whole basket of little Tootsie Rolls, said Coale, which they passed around the group. As they waited to be processed into the country, Coale and the other diplomats passed their cellphones around so people could call their loved ones and let them know that they had been released. Nobody had any idea this was happening, he said.

In the Vilnius airport, Tsikhanouskaya received a call from her husband, with whom she hadnt had any contact in over two years. When I heard the voice of my husband on the phone, it was a huge surprise, she said. He told her: My dear, I am free.



While Trumps efforts to broker an end to the war in Ukraine have run headlong into Putins intransigence, Tsikhanouskaya hopes that her country could offer the diplomatic victory that Trump craves so dearly.

Belarus can be a success story for President Trump, she said. [A] free, independent Belarus is in the interest of the USA as well.

Lukashenko also senses an opportunity to return to relevance as the U.S. president seeks to strike a deal between Russia and Ukraine, said Shraibman of the Carnegie Endowment. He wants to be relevant to the peace process. He wants to speak to the big guys. This is a prize in itself.

But Belarus isnt Switzerland. Lukashenko is so, so deeply dependent on Putin and Russia these days that it is simply beyond the power of the United States, no matter how hard it tries, to decouple these two countries, Shraibman said.

Coale isnt too preoccupied with Lukashenkos diplomatic dance. Thats for Rubio to worry about.

I look at the thing of, can I free some more people, he told me. And if it plays into my purpose and what Im trying to do, I dont care.


SEATTLE (AP)  After a Seattle immigration judge dismissed the deportation case against a Colombian man  exposing him to expedited removal  three people sat with him in the back of the courtroom, taking his car keys for safe-keeping, helping him memorize phone numbers and gathering the names of family members who needed to be notified.

When Judge Brett Parchert asked why they were doing that in court, the volunteers said Immigration and Custom Enforcement officers were outside the door, waiting to take the man into custody, so this was their only chance to help him get his things in order. "ICE is in the waiting room?" the judge asked.

As the mass deportation campaign of President Donald Trump focuses on cities and states led by Democrats and unleashes fear among asylum-seekers and immigrants, their legal defenders sued this week, seeking class-action protections against the arrests outside immigration court hearings. Meanwhile, these volunteers are taking action.

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A diverse group  faith leaders, college students, grandmothers, retired lawyers and professors  has been showing up at immigration courts across the nation to escort immigrants at risk of being detained for deportation by masked ICE officials. They're giving families moral and logistical support, and bearing witness as the people are taken away.

The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project was inundated by so many community members wanting to help that they made a volunteer training video, created Know Your Rights sheets in several languages and started a Google sheet where people sign up for shifts, said Stephanie Gai, a staff attorney with the Seattle-based legal services non-profit.

We could not do it without them," Gai said. Some volunteers request time off work so they can come in and help.

Robby Rohr, a retired non-profit director said she volunteers regularly.

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Being here makes people feel they are remembered and recognized, she said Its such a bureaucratic and confusing process. We try to help them through it.

Recording videos of detentions to post online online

Volunteers and legal aid groups have long provided free legal orientation in immigration court but the arrests have posed new challenges. Since May, the government has been asking judges to dismiss deportation cases.

Once the judge agrees, ICE officials arrest them in the hallways and put them in fast-track deportation proceedings, no matter which legal immigration pathway they may have been pursuing. Once in custody, it's often harder to find or afford a lawyer. Immigration judges are executive branch employees, and while some have resisted Homeland Security lawyers' dismissal orders in some cases, many are granted.

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Masked ICE agents grabbed the Colombian man and led him into the hallway. A volunteer took his backpack to give to his family as he was taken away. Other cases on the day's docket involved immigrants who didn't show up. Parchert granted removal in absentia orders, enabling ICE to arrest them later.

When asked about these arrests and the volunteers at immigration courts, a senior spokesperson with the Department of Homeland Security said ICE is once again implementing the rule of law by reversing Biden's catch and release policy that allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens to be let loose on American streets."

Some volunteers have recorded arrests in courtroom hallways, traumatic scenes that are proliferating online. How many similar scenes are happening nationwide remains unclear. The Executive Office for Immigration Review has not released numbers of cases dismissed or arrests made at or near immigration courts.

While most volunteers have done this work without incident, some have been arrested for interfering with ICE agents. New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested after locking arms with a person in a failed attempt to prevent his detention. Landers wife, attorney Meg Barnette, had just joined him in walking migrants from a courtroom to the elevator.

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Helping families find their relatives as they disappear

The volunteers' act of witnessing has proven to be important as people disappear into a detention system that can seem chaotic, leaving families without any information about their whereabouts for days on end.

In a waiting room serving New York City immigration courtrooms, a Spanish-speaking woman with long dark curly hair was sitting anxiously with her daughter after she and her husband had separate hearings. Now he was nowhere to be found.

The Rev. Fabian Arias, a volunteer court observer, said the woman whose first name is Alva approached him asking Where is my husband? She showed him his photo.

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ICE detained him, Arias told her, and tried to comfort her as she trembled, later welling up with tears. A judge had not dismissed the husbands case, giving him until October to find a lawyer. But that didnt stop ICE agents from handcuffing him and taking him away as soon as he stepped out of court. The news sparked an outcry by immigration advocates, city officials and a congressman. At a news conference, she gave only her first name and asked that her daughters be withheld.

Brianna Garcia, a college student in El Paso, Texas, said shes been attending immigration court hearings for weeks where she informs people of their rights and then records ICE agents taking people into custody.

We escort people so theyre not harassed and help people memorize important phone numbers, since their belongings are confiscated by ICE," she said.

Paris Thomas began volunteering at the Denver immigration court after hearing about the effort through a network of churches. Wearing a straw hat, he recently waited in the midday heat for people to arrive for afternoon hearings.

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Thomas handed people a small paper flyer listing their rights in Spanish on one side and English on the other. One man walking with a woman told him thank you. Thank you. Another man gave him a hug.

Denver volunteer Don Marsh said they offer to walk people to their cars after court appearances, so they can contact attorneys and family if ICE arrests them.

Marsh said he's never done anything like this before, but wants to do something to preserve the nation's rule of law now that unidentifiable government agents are snatching people off the streets.

If were not all safe, no ones safe, he said.

__

Attanasio reported from New York City and Slevin from Denver.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Saturday afternoon traffic stop in Mt. Juliet led to the apprehension of a woman wanted for multiple offenses in Memphis.

According to the Mt. Juliet Police Department, an officer noticed a speeding vehicle with a false temporary tag, sparking a traffic stop on South Mt. Juliet Road near Central Pike on Saturday, July 19.

President of Monterey T-ball organization accused of stealing funds

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Authorities said the driver initially handed over a drivers license that belonged to someone else in an attempt to hide her identity. Upon further questioning, she allegedly provided a second fake name and birth date.

Through careful investigation, law enforcement said they discovered both names were known aliases. Police eventually learned the driver  described as a 34-year-old from Memphis  had several active warrants out of that city, including identity theft, aggravated burglary, marijuana resale, bond revocations, and failure to appear on serious felony charges.

According to officials, the woman was not only arrested on all of the outstanding warrants, but now she faces additional local charges for identity theft, criminal impersonation, driving on a revoked license, and forgery of a license plate.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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Were incredibly grateful for the sharp work of our officers and their continued commitment to keeping our community safe, MJPD posted on social media.

No additional details were arrested about this incident, including the name of the woman who was apprehended.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Surrendering on climate change

As a climate advocate with Citizens Climate Lobby in Tacoma, I was disappointed to see the budget reconciliation bill recently signed by President Donald Trump once again sideline critical climate investments.

Climate change isnt a distant threat  its here. From smoky summers in the Pacific Northwest to erratic weather, the evidence is clear. Yet this budget prioritizes short-term interests over long-term sustainability, ignoring clean energy innovation, disaster preparedness and efforts to cut carbon pollution.

Washingtonians understand the stakes. We see salmon runs dwindling, forests burning and coastal communities threatened by sea-level rise. Our national budget should reflect those realities  not ignore them.

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We need Congress to look beyond short-term politics and invest in a livable future. That means putting climate solutions  like carbon pricing, clean energy tax credits and support for workers  at the center of budget policy.

Our children and grandchildren deserve better than a budget that pretends climate change isnt real.

Jason Berkowitz, Tacoma

Should have backed Palmer

The TNT missed the mark by not endorsing Latasha Palmer for City Council Position 6. Shes the only candidate in that race ready to govern on day one. The endorsement of another candidate ignores her extensive community work and detailed policy ideas.

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Palmer spent 100+ hours on the 2024 Charter Review Committee. She knows how the council works and doesnt work. She has offered numerous, specific policy proposals, both on the CRC and during her campaign. Check out both websites. She also engaged in ongoing public outreach during the review process and after it concluded in May of last year. She has testified at council meetings.

Palmers the only candidate who has championed strengthening Neighborhood Councils, promoted innovative approaches to affordable housing by co-founding Aya Community Land Trust, and pursued grassroots policy-making through a coalition she founded last fall, which urged the council to pass a long-overdue surveillance-technology ordinance, something now being considered.

Latasha Palmer has done more than enough to earn your endorsement. Former Mayor Bill Baarsma, Senator Yasmin Trudeau, Councilmember Jamika Scott, several unions, Indivisible Tacoma, and many other organizations and community members agree.

Rebecca Stith, Tacoma

Delusions about Trump

A recent letter writer is obviously suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome, and his assertion that the so called Christian Republicans  especially the MAGA crowd  worship President Donald Trump is sheer lunacy.

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Christian Republicans dont hate anybody and they worship God.

The writer repeatedly smears Trump when in fact, voters knew Trump was no choir boy. Democrats knew Bill Clinton was a sexual predator and an admitted draft dodger and Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden were both corrupt, but never mind.

Trump ran for President for the right reason  he loves America. He wasnt in politics for the money. Tax cuts for rich people are not at the expense of the middle class or poor people. The bottom 50% of tax payers contribute only 3% of federal tax revenue, while the top 10% contribute 72%, and it increases over time.

HHS Secretary Noem stated the alligator detention center (not concentration camp) in Florida is better than typical federal facilities and Biden had detainees squeezed into tents and on the floor. I suggest the writer do some homework next time and stop using God for sinister purposes.

Craig A. Chilton, Bonney Lake
Heres a quick summary of the situation around Miami-Dades plan for a new waste incinerator. The county agreed to move forward with building a modern facility, but the location is still undecided and controversial.

In addition to building an incinerator, Miami-Dade aims to increase composting of waste scraps.

FULL STORY: Miami-Dade gets back on track to build waste incinerator. But where?

Miami-Dade needs a new incinerator because the old one burned down and landfills are running out of space. The plan is for a cleaner, waste-to-energy facility.

Several previously suggested sites have been ruled out due to backlash from local communities and high-profile neighbors, including the old Doral location.

Theres uncertainty over what land is still available for the new plant, and the only notable alternative, a 65-acre swap, isnt moving forward right now.

Some officials suggested placing the facility in a remote government-owned area, but that would likely face strong legal and environmental challenges.

Many environmental groups oppose any new incinerator, pushing for composting instead, but large-scale composting is not yet legal in the county  though efforts to change that are underway.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Miami Herald journalists.
Numal Mahatta, Senior Superintendent of Police of Cachar district, said that, based on credible intelligence on Saturday (July 19), Cachar police launched a special operation against the illegal transportation of narcotic substances at the Saptagram area under the jurisdiction of Dholai Police Station and intercepted one vehicle.

"The vehicle was coming from Churachandpur of Manipur, and the police team apprehended two persons, namely Michael Lairemruot of Churachandpur and Merina Neitinphal, wife of Michael Lairemruot of Churachandpur, Manipur. During a thorough search, the police team recovered 99 soap cases containing narcotic substances weighing about 1.22 kg concealed inside specially made chambers in the vehicle. The price of the psychotropic substances is worth about Rs 6.22 crore in the black market," Numal Mahatta said.

The senior police official further said that the recovered narcotic substance was seized in the presence of independent witnesses.

"During the examination conducted at the place of occurrence, the drug detection kit showed positive results for heroin. During the preliminary investigation, it has come to light that the psychotropic substance has been illegally transported from Churachandpur, Manipur. Further investigation into the matter has been ongoing, "Numal Mahatta said.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 18 applauded the Assam Police for arresting an individual after 30,000 YABA tablets worth Rs 6 crore were recovered from him.

In a post on social media X, the CM wrote, "In a source backed anti-narcotics operation carried out by @sribhumipolice, 30,000 YABA tablets worth 6cr were recovered from an individual. The accused has been arrested and investigations are on to trace linkages. Good job @assampolice." (ANI)
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. (WJW)  A driver led police on a 100 mph chase in Wisconsin before crashing into multiple cruisers and being taken into custody.

According to the Pleasant Prairie Police Department, officers tried to stop the vehicle for a sign violation on June 28, but the driver fled, leading officers on a 100+ mph pursuit that continued into Illinois.

Tech company CEO resigns after controversy over video captured at Coldplay concert

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The driver then hit multiple police vehicles before being taken into custody.

Pleasant Prairie officers, along with other assisting agencies, made several attempts to deflate the tires. While the first two were unsuccessful, a final deployment helped end the pursuit safely, police said. The fleeing driver struck multiple squads during the incident but was taken into custody without further issues.

The Browns dome wont be the only new football tie for Brook Park: I-TEAM

According to police, the driver was charged with felony fleeing/eluding, five counts of first-degree reckless endangering safety, hit and run, possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, OWI and numerous other municipal citations.

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Illinois isnt an escape route, its just more road, police said on Facebook.

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UPDATE:

JOPLIN, Mo.  A tragic end to a search and rescue operation that began this afternoon at Grand Falls.

A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy went over the falls, around 3:30 this afternoon, according to Joplin Deputy Fire Chief Andy Nimmo.

The 20-year-old swam to the bank and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, but the 16-year-old did not resurface, according to Nimmo.

Rescue crews locked down the falls to search, using boats and sonar.

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Divers were on the scene, but did not enter the water.

Responders located the boys body after 7:30 this evening.

Ive been to countless situations like these at Shoal Creek, and if I could tell parents anything, its just stay away from The Falls. This is not an area to swim. Its an area to look and take pictures. There are other areas that are more conducive to swimming. The Falls are not. Theyre unforgiving, said Andy Nimmo, Deputy Joplin Fire Chief.

In addition to JFD, Redings Mill Fire Department, Joplin Police Department, and the Missouri Highway Patrol were all on scene.

ORIGINAL:

JOPLIN, Mo.  An afternoon water rescue takes place at Joplins Grand Falls.

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According to members of the Joplin Police Department, two teenage boys were playing by the falls when both went under for an extended period.

The Joplin Police Department received the call around 3:30 p.m.

One of the teens has been found and medically transported; the second is unaccounted for.

Grand Falls is locked down while a search is underway. Members of the Joplin Police Department, along with Joplin Fire, Newton County Ambulance, Joplin METS, Joplin Station 2 Swift Water Rescue, and the Missouri Highway Patrol are working together to assist in the search.

Divers and two search boats are on scene.

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We will bring more information as it becomes available.

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SUVA PLANINA, Serbia (AP)  A severe drought this summer has left over 1,000 cows and horses without water on a mountain in southeast Serbia, forcing the authorities to bring up emergency supplies.

The early drought that started in May has affected people, animals and crops throughout the Western Balkans, causing water and power restrictions, disruptions in river traffic and problems in agriculture in this part of southeast Europe.

At Suva Planina, Serbian for Dry Mountain, cattle owners said they can't remember the springs ever drying up before mid-August. Lack of water has sent the cattle roaming down the mountain in panic, they said.

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We haven't had any rain on the mountain since May 27, lamented Nikola Manojlovic, from the nearby village of Mali Krcimir.

Suva Planina is located about 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Serbia's capital, Belgrade.

The drought has left visible consequences on a plateau at the altitude of some 1,200 meters (nearly 4,000 feet)  cracked ground has replaced the main water spring, along with dry, yellow grass and dust.

We tried to dig new wells but everything has dried up, he said. It was horrible, our cattle had no water for three days, they were screaming."

Alarmed, authorities drove up water trucks on Thursday, and workers used hoses to fill up a pond from the tanks for the thirsty animals. The Ministry of Agriculture said it will keep sending supplies in the coming weeks.

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We are out of imminent danger, local municipal chief Milisav Filipovic said after the water trucks drove up the mountain. He warned that the situation remains just as bad down the mountain, in villages that have faced restrictions in water supplies for weeks now.

Our farmers don't recall such a bad and hard year, Filipovic said. People here mostly do farming and use products for own needs, for their existence. This year has brought unseen hardship for them."

While a spell of rainy weather in July brought some relief, farmers say that the land is too dry deep below the surface to recover easily. Scores of small rivers, lakes and creeks that are normally used in Serbia's rural areas have dried up.

In neighboring Bosnia, meteorologists have said that June this year could end up being the driest in recent history, causing huge damage in agriculture.

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In eastern Croatia, authorities declared emergency measures in several municipalities along the border with Hungary to deal with the effects of the drought. The country's vegetable growers have warned many could go out of business.

Earlier in July, both Albania and Kosovo reported water shortages that affected also electricity production in Albania.

Serbia's farmers have asked for financial help from the government, fearing poor yield, which could spike prices. Irrigation systems in the country are underdeveloped, leaving many farmers dependent on the weather.

Jovica Jaksic, of the Independent Farmers Association told the state RTS television that the damage to the corn is so big already that even if it rained for the rest of the summer, it wouldn't help.

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Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness in parts of Europe, making the region more vulnerable to health impacts and wildfires.

The EU monitoring agency found that, in Europe and globally, 2024 was the hottest year on record and the continent experienced its second-highest number of heat stress days.

In Serbias northern neighbor Hungary, weather-damaged crops have dealt significant blows to the countrys overall GDP. This has prompted Prime Minister Viktor Orban to announce the creation of a drought task force to deal with the problem.

Persistent droughts in the Great Hungarian Plain, in the countrys southeast, have threatened desertification, a process where vegetation recedes due to high heat and low rainfall. The soil remains critically dry, the countrys meteorological service said on Thursday, warning of the negative effects on the crops.

A new heat wave is expected in the Western Balkans in the coming days.

___

Associated Press writer Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary, contributed to this report.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  The Watertown Fire Department was called to a structure fire at 1149 Temple Street around 1:59 a.m. on Saturday, July 19. Jefferson County Dispatch reported receiving numerous 911 calls about the fire while traveling. Officers from the Watertown Police Department arrived first and established that there was a working structure fire in the street with downed power lines.

According to the Fire Department, Engine 2 arrived a little later and verified that there was a severe fire in every part of the house. Before the fire department arrived, it was verified that every resident had safely left the house.

Firefighters launched a defensive outside attack because of the advanced fire conditions and the magnitude of structural damage. Some home pets are still missing, but no civilian or firefighter injuries have been reported.

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No damage was done to other buildings, and the fire was restricted to the structure that was involved.

The Watertown Fire Department was assisted by Watertown Police Department, Watertown Water Department, North Pole Fire Department, Watertown Codes Department, Watertown Department of Public Works, Guilfoyle Ambulance and National Grid.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to the fire department.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  State Rep. Josh Elliott is set to potentially challenge his fellow Democrat, Gov. Ned Lamont in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

He spoke with Dennis House on This Week in Connecticut about what he would do differently if elected, including a call for tolls in the state.

Watch above.

THIS WEEK IN CONNECTICUT

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  On This Week in Louisiana Politics, House GOP lawmakers have passed a bill to cut approximately $9 billion in federal spending, fulfilling one of President Donald Trumps top priorities.

The spending cuts target at least $1 billion in foreign aid and hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to public broadcasting services like PBS and NPR.

President Donald Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law earlier this week. The HALT Fentanyl Act was authored by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, who was present at the signing ceremony alongside other dignitaries and members of the press.

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Cassidy discussed the HALT Fentanyl Act.

Louisiana senators support Trump administrations $9 billion spending cuts

Looking ahead, Roxson Welch, Director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Family and Youth Services Center, will speak at the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday, July 21, about the centers new facility and resources for families.

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CREVE COEUR, Mo.  Saturday marked a proud moment for families of youth interested in a law enforcement career.

Nearly 50 students, most of them teens, graduated from the Police Explorers Academy. The group has spent the past seven days at Missouri Baptist University, where they went through intense training and exercises, similar to that of a real police academy.

Kathy Minard brought flowers to the graduation program for her 17-year-old niece, Delilah.

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Its so cool to see these teenagers want to do something. Theyre looking into their future, Minard said. [Delilah] is just a really, really cool kid. Its so good to see a kid want to do this. Shes going to do this.

The week-long program included hands-on experience with building searches, bomb and arson, K9s, and physical fitness.

We got to enter these rooms and got to make sure all the suspects were held. It was great. It was very hectic, but we got through it together, Minards niece, Delilah, said.

Delilah Minard said she is interested in joining the U.S. Army next year before becoming a member of the Washington, Missouri, Police Department.

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The 2025 Explorers Academy paid special tribute to Det. Antonio Valentine, a St. Louis County Police Sergeant who was killed in the line of duty in 2021. Members of Valentines family were present at the graduation ceremony.

The academy is run by the St. Louis Area Law Enforcement Exploring Association.

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A Palestinian baby has died of starvation in Gaza as Israel maintains its blockade on aid supplies and fires on people forced to seek food at controversial United States-backed aid sites described as death traps.

The 35-day-old infant died of malnutrition at Gaza Citys al-Shifa Hospital, director Muhammad Abu Salmiya told Al Jazeera. The unnamed infant was one of two people who succumbed to starvation in the facility on Saturday.

The deaths occurred as Gazas Ministry of Health warned that hospital emergency wards were overwhelmed by unprecedented numbers of starving people, with officials saying that 17,000 children in Gaza are suffering from severe malnutrition.

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Meanwhile, the Israeli military continued to pound the Strip, with medical sources reporting that at least 116 people were killed across the enclave since dawn, including 38 who were shot dead while seeking food from aid sites run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said the deaths happened near a site southwest of Khan Yunis and another centre northwest of Rafah, both in southern Gaza, attributing the fatalities to Israeli gunfire.

The Health Ministry says almost 900 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and private military contractors near dangerous GHF sites since the foundation began distributing aid in late May, opening four points that replaced about 400 centres run by United Nations agencies and charities.

Witness Mohammed al-Khalidi told Al Jazeera the shots fired at aid seekers on Saturday were meant to kill.

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Suddenly, we saw the jeeps coming from one side and the tanks from the other, and they started shooting at us, he said.

Another witness, Mohammed al-Barbary, whose cousin died in the shootings, said the GHF sites are death traps.

Anyone can get killed. My cousin was innocent. He went to get food. He wanted to live. We want to live like everyone else, said al-Barbary.

Reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary said families hoping for something to eat are instead burying their loved ones.

The GHF denied that Saturdays killings happened at its site, claiming they occurred several kilometres away and hours before our sites opened.

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The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident.





Open the gates

Jagan Chapagain, the secretary-general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, warned that Palestinians in Gaza face an acute risk of famine.

No one should have to risk their life to get basic humanitarian assistance, he said.

Basic supplies are not available in markets or distribution points, while the cost of essentials such as flour skyrocketed, making it impossible for the population of 2.3 million to meet their daily nutritional needs.

No one should have to risk their life to get basic humanitarian assistance. Recent weeks have seen desperate people risking their lives just to receive basic aid in Gaza. The population is facing an acute risk of famine, with continuously worsening conditions. Basic food  Jagan Chapagain (@jagan_chapagain) July 19, 2025

Jan Egeland, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), rejected assertions made earlier in the week by European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who noted some good signs regarding aid distribution in Gaza.

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For NRC and many others no relief has entered for 142 days. Not one truck. Not one delivery, Egeland wrote on X. He noted that 85 percent of aid trucks never reach their destination because of looting or other issues fuelled by the Gaza starvation crisis.





The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, which Israel has banned from operating in the Palestinian territory, including in occupied East Jerusalem, said it had enough food for the entire population of Gaza waiting at the border crossing in Egypt.

Open the gates, lift the siege and allow UNRWA to do its work, the organisation said on X.

Wave of attacks

At least 116 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Saturday as Israel continued its ruthless onslaught, bombing tents for the displaced and homes across the enclave.

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Four bodies were recovered from the site of Israeli strikes on Bani Suheila near southern Khan Younis, sources at Nasser Hospital told Al Jazeera.

At least one person was killed by an Israeli drone attack on a tent housing displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis.

Further north, Israel struck a residential home in the town of az-Zawayda in central Gaza, killing the director of the Nuseirat police, Colonel Omar Saeed Aql, along with 11 of his family members, according to the Interior Ministry.

In Gaza City, three people were killed in two Israeli air attacks on the Zeitoun neighbourhood, according to a source at al-Ahli Hospital.

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Also in the city, five people were killed in an Israeli air attack on the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Medical sources said two people were killed in Israeli shelling in the Jabalia an-Nazla neighbourhood, in northern Gaza.

Israeli forces also opened fire on and arrested three Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Media Office.

The Israeli military has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, when Hamas took over the enclave, which has been tightened since the start of the war in October 2023.




Communities across Massachusetts continue to lend their support to the people whose lives were changed forever by the Gabriel House fire in Fall River.

Frontline Cafe and Bakery in West Bridgewater is among the businesses offering help to survivors.

With all the people that have been displaced by the fire, the least that we could do is try to help out with some donations, explained Frontline Cafe and Bakery Owner Heather Littlefield.

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Littlefield said they started collecting donations last Tuesday, but they quickly ran out space to store the number of items they were receiving from the community. However, a generous person came to their aid and loaned them a moving truck with more room.

Littlefield said people have been donating brand new items as well as belongings that hold a lot of sentimental value.

A lot of people are coming in because their mother or their father or their grandparents passed away, and theyve been waiting for the right time to kind of go through their clothes, and to go through their things. And this was the time, and that means a lot, Littlefield said.

Ultimately, Littlefields goal is to fill the entire truck with donations before they drive it to Fall River on Monday.

While Littlefield said she is happy to be offering this type of help, she really wanted to be there for the victims the night the fire broke out.

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Before she opened her cafe and bakery in April 2024, Littlefield was a paramedic for 16 years. Seven of those years were spent in Fall River where she took care of many patients from Gabriel House.

Its heartbreaking to see what everybody is going through, she explained.

Frontline Cafe and Bakery will be accepting donations until Monday at 2 p.m. She said they are looking for toiletries, medical supplies, clothing, blankets and other non-perishable items.

For those who donate, they will receive 10 percent off their purchase at Frontline Cafe and Bakery thats located at 450 East Center St.

If the business isnt open when people try to donate, Littlefield said they can leave items outside of the truck.

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Learn about Littlefields cafe and bakery here, and the support her business offers to veterans and first responders year-round.

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Tensions flared in Tamil Nadu's political landscape as senior Communist leaders lashed out at AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami over his recent comments against the Communist parties. The sharp criticism follows Palaniswami's remarks during a public meeting at Nannilam on Friday as part of his state-wide tour, alleging that the Communist Party has "taken money from the DMK", and is irrelevant in today's politics. Responding strongly, CPI leader CR Senthilvel condemned EPS's statements and said, "Edappadi Palaniswami, who came to power by crawling on the ground, is speaking in a derogatory manner about the Communist parties, saying that the Communist Party is worn out, they have taken money from the DMK, and all this. How much the struggle of the Communist Party has contributed to the freedom struggle." "Today, he is roaming around Tamil Nadu politics like a comedian. People will give him a proper answer in 2026. If Edappadi Palaniswami continues to make such fourth-rate criticisms about the Communist parties, he will face huge consequences from the Communists," he added. Joining the counterattack, CPI(M) leader G Siva accused Palaniswami of misrepresenting the Communist presence in the state. "AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami is touring all over Tamil Nadu and campaigning. He is campaigning that communists are present at these meetings," he said. "The BJP did not give the education funds to the state. They did not pay the GST dues. They did not give funds even when the floods came. We, the communists, strongly oppose the AIADMK-BJP alliance. The people of Tamil Nadu will never accept their alliance. They will definitely face defeat in the 2026 elections," he added further. Apart from this, DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan spoke to ANI in Chennai over the issue and said, "They are with BJP, and who will join BJP. All these parties in our alliance are against the BJP. How will they go to the AIADMK alliance when the BJP is there...? I think the speech is also written by the BJP people and given to Edappadi." Tamil Nadu is scheduled for assembly polls in 2026. (ANI)
A motorcyclist died of injuries suffered in a crash near Newmanstown, police in Millcreek Township, Lebanon County, announced Saturday.

Investigators gave this account:

On Friday at about 4 p.m., police were dispatched to an accident scene at the intersection of Stricklerstown and Rod and Gun roads. The crash involved a motorcycle driven by Zachary Books, 40, Robesonia, and an SUV driven by Donna Montich, 52, King of Prussia..

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Emergency medical workers treated Brooks at the scene and transported him to Reading Hospital. The Berks County coroners office informed police that the rider died of his injuries.

Montich was not injured.

Police said the crash took place when the SUV was attempting to turn left from Stricklerstown Road to Road and Gun Road. The motorcyclist, heading in the opposite direction on Stricklerstown, collided with the SUV as it was turning.

Millcreek Township police were assisted on scene by the Newmanstown Ambulance Association, Myerstown Ambulance, First Aid and Safety of Lebanon, Newmanstown Fire Department, Richland Neptune Fire Department, Womelsdorf Fire Department, Schoeneck Fire Department, fire police from Newmanstown, Richland and Womelsdorf as well as the state police accident reconstruction team.

The crash is still under investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact Millcreek police Sgt Terry Katzaman at 610-589-4066.
The 20th annual Kecksburg UFO Festival is underway this weekend.

Hosted by the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department, the festival commemorates the mysterious 1965 Kecksburg UFO sighting, which marks its 60th anniversary this year.

Thats when multitudes of people saw this burning fireball that went through Canada over much of Ohio and Pennsylvania, came in over the greater Pittsburgh area about 4:47 p.m...but according to many reports, it fell, not far from here, over a hill, into a large wooded area, said prominent UFO researcher Stanley Gordon.

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A replica of that UFO is set up outside the fire department and many people stop to take photos with it.

The Kecksburg UFO Festival has grown into a national event, attracting people interested in the unexplained and the possibility of extraterrestrial life and cryptids.

A lot of people here are sharing their recent sightings of UFOs. Weve had a lot of activity in the greater Pittsburgh area in recent months, Gordon said.

Vendors come together to sell alien and cryptic merchandise and simpler offerings, like burgers and fries.

While the event serves as a place to speculate sights from space, it also gives people an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant summer day.

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A parade was held on Saturday, featuring local fire trucks and old military vehicles.

Ive interviewed thousands of UFO witnesses, and while we can explain many sightings, there are a lot of things going on year after year we cannot easily explain away, Gordon said.

The annual event also raises money for the Kecksburg Fire Department.

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Recent polling is painting a mixed picture for Democrats as they look to chart a path forward in the wake of their loss to President Trump in November.

Trumps approval rating remains comfortably underwater as he reaches the six-month mark back in office Sunday. But while Democrats have scored some notable victories in high-profile elections since then, theyve been unable to pull away from the GOP as they hope to regroup for next years midterms.

Data experts said Democrats position has improved since Trump started his second term, but they still have a lot of work to do to win back trust from the American people and be poised to take back control of the House.

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You cant just be on the attack. You cant beat something with nothing, Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said. We have to show and tell what we would do, but I think that were on the precipice of a big opportunity, and I hope we take advantage of it.

Months after Democrats suffered a major blow with Trump sweeping all seven battleground states and the GOP winning control of both houses of Congress, the party is still seeking to put the pieces back together.

Halfway through the first year of Trumps term, many data points on where the party stands dont appear bright.

Views of the Democratic Party have been at historic lows for a few months. The percentage of registered voters who view the party favorably reached some of its lowest levels since at least the start of Trumps first term in office in YouGovs average, more than 20 points underwater as of late May.

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A CNN poll released Thursday found only 28 percent of surveyed Americans view the party favorably, a record low in the history of the outlets polling dating back to 1992.

Views of the Republican Party also arent strong but havent been quite as poor.

A poll conducted by the Democratic super PAC Unite the Country found recently that voters perceive the party as out of touch, woke and weak. An AP-NORC poll found just more than a third of surveyed Democrats are optimistic about the partys future, compared with 57 percent last July.

Surveys have also shown widespread frustration with Democratic leaders and a feeling that Democrats arent fighting hard enough against the Trump administration and for their voters.

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This has been particularly pointed against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), whose favorability rating has been stuck in the mid-to-upper 20s throughout Trumps second term, according to the Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) polling average, though his net favorability has improved somewhat more recently.

Scott Tranter, the director of data science for DDHQ, said Democrats are still trying to form a coherent message and dont have a clear rallying cry, though some of them have received attention as theyve been arrested during face-offs with Trump administration officials or visited detention centers such as Alligator Alcatraz in Florida.

Its pretty clear that Schumer is not the guy, just based on his approval rating, Tranter said. And one can make the argument that Nancy Pelosis approval rating was underwater as well, but  Schumer doesnt seem to have that kind of gravitas that she did.

One other common trend in polling over the past several months is a lack of agreement over whom the leader of the Democratic Party is after 2024.

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A CNN poll found in March that 30 percent of surveyed Democrats didnt give a name to respond to a question about which leader best reflects the partys core values. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) had the most support but sits at just 10 percent, while former Vice President Kamala Harris had 9 percent support and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) had 8 percent.

An Emerson College poll found surveyed Democrats widely split on their preferred 2028 presidential contenders, with the leading candidate only receiving 16 percent support.

Tranter said this dynamic is to be somewhat expected following a partys loss in the presidential election, pointing to the first months of 2005 for Democrats after John Kerrys loss and of 2013 for Republicans after Mitt Romneys loss.

Coming out of Kerry, the Democrats were also in the wilderness, he said. And so I think that the takeaway is that every time something like this happens, each party goes through its transformation. I think were still pretty early on [in] it.

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But the data does show some reasons to be optimistic for Democrats.

Trumps approval rating and favorability have consistently been underwater, which is not abnormal for him even as he won the November election, but still presents Democrats with an opportunity.

Democrats have mostly kept a lead in DDHQs average of the generic congressional ballot since early March, albeit a small one of a few points at most. They led on that question by 1 point as of Monday.

The same CNN poll showing disapproval of the Democratic Party found Democrats are more motivated to vote in next years midterms. A poll from Republican pollster Fabrizio Ward found Republicans trailing on the generic ballot in 28 battleground House districts.

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Democrats also expressed hope the passage of Trumps big beautiful bill, which extended Trumps tax cuts and increased border security funding while cutting Medicaid spending, could give them the opportunity theyve been looking for.

Multiple polls have shown at least a plurality of registered voters or adults oppose it, though many also say they dont know enough.

Trump and the Republicans are certainly focused on incredibly unpopular policies that are likely to benefit the Democrats that they deserve leading into the midterms, said Ryan ODonnell, the interim executive director of the progressive polling firm Data for Progress. But Democrats also have to show that theyre hearing peoples concerns and actively offering solutions to those concerns to make their lives better and more affordable.

Lake said the lack of a clear leader has a positive side, as the 2028 Democratic field will likely feature many showing what the Democratic alternative is to Trump. But she said the process of a leader or a few leaders emerging has been slower than in the past, and she expects that is unlikely to be fixed before the 2026 midterms.

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That will require having a unified message, she said.

They need to have a unified voice and a unified plan, and that plan has to include a proactive, populist economic message about what were going to do and who were going to fight for, Lake said.

Lakes polling firm and the Democratic donor network Way to Win partnered to conduct a poll released Thursday evaluating those who voted for former President Biden in 2020 but didnt vote in 2024. The poll, conducted from late April to early June, found many of those voters didnt like either candidate and didnt feel Harris had a strong enough economic message to convince them she would lower costs.

Pollsters also found most of those voters would lean toward voting for a Democrat if the midterms were held today.

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Jenifer Fernandez Ancona, the co-founder and vice president of Way to Win, said the feelings of regret that respondents indicated they felt about not voting, particularly as it relates to the Medicaid cuts and the cost of living not dropping, give the party an opening.

She said the poll, showing the most anguish about cuts to programs that help children and Medicaid, was taken before the laws passage, but those concerns are coming to fruition now.

I think you can use that, right? You could leverage that to say, The thing you care about the most is the thing that is actually happening. And so you need to come and be a part of [the] opposition to this, Fernandez Ancona said.

And the firms poll, along with other polling, has shown Democrats want their party to go on offense.

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The table has been set, she said. So the question is, will we be able to take advantage of it? Will we really lean in? Will we not shy away from actually going on offense about this bill? Its all about, can we seize the opportunity?

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Donald Trump reportedly ended his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein because the latter was a creep, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the New York Times in a lengthy report published Saturday  not due to the pairs real estate dispute over a Palm Beach mansion they both wanted to buy, the story that was previously reported in 2019.

Leavitt also told the Times that stories tying Epstein and Trump together as friends are tired and pathetic attempts to distract from all the success of President Trumps administration. The outlets dive into the years-long relationship between Trump and Epstein was published as the president continues to fight off his links to the disgraced financier, who was found dead in his cell as he awaited trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.

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In 2019, the Washington Post reported on a real estate race between the two men; both were vying for the same Palm Beach mansion that was being sold after the owners filed for bankruptcy. The propertys trustee Joseph Luzinski told the Post both men contacted him in an attempt to hold sway.

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It was something like, Donald saying, You dont want to do a deal with him, he doesnt have the money, while Epstein was saying: Donald is all talk. He doesnt have the money,' Luzinski told the Washington Post at the time.

Trump has downplayed his closeness with Epstein referring to him as more of an acquaintance than a friend. Epstein though was a fixture at Mar-a-Lago despite never becoming a member, and his former business partner Steven Hoffenberg also explained, Donald liked Epstein. But he was crazy about [Ghislaine] Maxwell, a very charming lady.

Still, those feelings didnt stop Epstein and Trump from falling out.

At the time, Trump described the property as the finest piece of land in Florida and probably the U.S. and said he planned to build the second greatest house in America, Mar-a-Lago being the first before reselling it. Epstein, the Post wrote, appeared to be interested in living in the home.

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Luzinski later described the bidding war that followed as two very large Palm Beach egos going at it. Trump later sold the mansion to Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev for $95 million. There is little public record of the two men interacting after the real estate fall out.

Back in 2019 Trump also referred to Epstein as a creep. His former aide Sam Nunberg claimed that when he asked Trump about Epstein, his boss replied, Hes a real creep, I banned him [from Mar-a-Lago]. Trump also reportedly told Nunberg Epstein had asked a woman who worked at Mar-a-Lago to give him massages. The New York Times report also said that Trump told associates that Epstein acted inappropriately to the daughter of a member of Mar-a-Lago.

One of Epsteins victims was Virginia Giuffre, who was 16 when she worked at Mar-a-Lago. Giuffre said she was initially brought onboard by Maxwell, who hired her to give Epstein massages. She accused both of sex trafficking. Giuffre died by suicide April 25, 2025.

The president has faced backlash for repeatedly trying to downplay the Epstein situation with MAGA and even turned on supporters blasting him and his administrations handling of it. [The Democrats] new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this bullshit, hook, line, and sinker, Trump posted on Truth Social. They havent learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.

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Several conservative commentators who have supported the president have been unhappy with what the administration has shared about Epstein. Tucker Carlson has called out Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for saying there is no Epstein client list, saying youre not going to shout me down for asking pretty reasonable questions.

The post White House Insists Trump Fell Out With Epstein For Being a Creep  Not Their 2019 Real Estate Dispute appeared first on TheWrap.
The IDF located the shaft to the tunnel where the bodies of the six hostages were found, surrounded by childrens toys in a backyard in Gaza, September 4, 2024. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

On Sunday, the IDF issued evacuation orders for the Deir al-Balah central Gaza area, a reliable sign that the IDF intends to attack an area more aggressively, often with a full-scale invasion.

The IDF had invaded Deir el-Balah in central Gaza at least twice before this Sunday and had attacked it from the air at least 11 times. So why did hostages support groups get so upset by the militarys latest announcement that it is invading this area?

On Sunday, the IDF issued evacuation orders for the citizens of Deir el-Balah, a reliable sign that the IDF intends to attack an area more aggressively, often with a full-scale invasion.

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The message included the phrase that the IDF was going to operate in areas where it has not operated in the past.

Soon after that, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum slammed the announcement, saying that the IDF and the government were going to endanger hostages being held by Hamas.

They asked rhetorically whether the authorities could vow to them that these new operations would not lead to the deaths of hostages, as occurred in August 2024 when the IDF invaded new areas of Rafah where it believed there were no hostages, and Hamas terrorists responded by killing six hostages they were guarding.

Families of hostages, former hostages, and supporters march to the US embassy branch in Tel Aviv, calling for the release of all hostages, July 19, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90)

There have also been at least a few other instances where hostages were accidentally bombed or shot by the IDF, as it did not realize they were nearby or that they were not Hamas terrorists.

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Moreover, the forum said that invading these new areas should not be seen as a card to play in negotiations over releasing hostages and a ceasefire, but rather as a clear and present danger to the hostages lives.

Also, during recent hostage releases during the January to March period, there was public footage showing hostages being released from these general areas in central Gaza.

The footage showed that some areas appeared to be much less attacked and destroyed than many other areas in Gaza.

Despite all this, the IDFs statements over the 21-month war have indicated that it undertook air strikes in Deir el-Balah as early as November 6, 2023.

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That was followed by IDF air strikes on the area in 2024 on: January 1, March 25, July 6, July 20, August 4, September 4, October 7, and November 30, as well as on April 13 and May 8 in 2025.

Moreover, the IDF has invaded Deir el-Balah with the 98th Division both from June 5-10, 2024 as well as sometime during the August 16-30, 2024, period.

So what is so special this time that it set off alarm sirens about endangering the hostages?

There are at least two possibilities.

Prior invasions did not delve deep into Deir al-Balah

One is that prior invasions of Deir el-Balah were on the eastern side or in the peripheral areas but did not delve deep into areas beyond its eastern side.

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In this case, the Hostages Families Forums concerns could be valid even if the IDF has invaded nearby and directed air strikes in the area.

IDF, gov't use reinvasion as psychological warfare

Another possibility is that the IDF and the government are using this operation as a psychological warfare game.

If they know that the remaining top Hamas commanders  essentially second-and third-string commanders since all top commanders, including Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, Mohammed Sinwar, Marwan Issa, and others, have been killed over 21 months  then the threat of invasion and further encroachment could finally pressure Hamas into agreeing to another hostage deal.

Within that same strategy, it is possible that the IDF has invaded this area before, but advertising publicly now that it is willing to invade areas where it has not yet operated could leave Hamas uncertain enough of the future that it signs a deal.

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At press time, the IDF had not clarified to The Jerusalem Post what was different about its expected invasion area compared to prior actions in Deir al-Balah.

Either way, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum was clearly responding to the IDFs use of words and messaging, along with all of the factors that have made portions of central Gaza viewed as highly sensitive.

Whether the pressure works on Hamas will play out in the coming days.
The wife of the Long Island man killed in a freak MRI accident has broken her silence, suggesting the imaging machines technician is to blame for her husbands premature death.

His body went limp, a grieving Adrienne Jones-McAllister told News 12 Long Island through tears.

He went limp in my arms and this is still pulsating in my brain.

Adrienne Jones-McAllister said her husband was instantly pulled into the machine. news12

Jones-McAllister said the Nassau Open MRI technician knew her husband was wearing the chain, suggesting they are to blame for her husbands premature death. news12

Keith McAllister, 61, was fatally injured in the bizarre incident, which unfolded Wednesday afternoon inside Nassau Open MRI in Westbury.

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Adrienne Jones-McAllister was at the MRI center to have an image of her knee taken, she told the outlet.

Her husband, who she said usually wears a massive 20-pound chain around his neck, normally comes into the MRI room at some point during her appointments to help her get from the table to her feet., she said

But on Wednesday, tragedy befell the couple.

Adrienne McAllister was laughing with the MRI technician as they entered the room, she said, and in that instant, the machine switched him around, and pulled him in.

The panicked wife and the MRI technician both tried prying Keith Jones-McAllister from the machine, Adrienne Jones-McAllister said, but were unable to free him.

Keith McAllister died after suffering several heart attacks. Brigitte Stelzer

She said the technician dropped the ball.

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That was not the first time that guy has seen that chain on her husband, she said. They had a conversation about it before.

Her husband was wearing the bulky chain as part of his weight training, the grieving wife said.

Keith McAllister was 61 years old when he died from the freak accident. Facebook

The strong magnetic field created by an MRI machine can cause metal objects to be pulled in with force.

They can also heat up metal objects, potentially burning a patient.

Adrienne Jones-McAllister said her husband suffered several heart attacks as a result of the incident, which ultimately led to his death.
Jul. 19Urban development can give the illusion of impenetrability against wildfires. But experts say city residents aren't off the hook.

For decades the Inland Northwest's hot, dry climate has sparked an abundance of wildfires, some more destructive than others.

Ray Kresek, a former firefighter and curator at the Fire Lookout Museum, bore witness to many of these fires and has seen firsthand how they've changed. Kresek got his start as a firefighter in the 1950s, when he said most fires were dealt with by hand.

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"Fire just didn't get big back in the 1950s and 1960s," he said.

That shifted in the 1970s, when dry vegetation that could catch fire on the ground became thicker due to less fire activity and more people moving to the wilderness, Kresek said.

Thirty-five years ago, houses were rarely destroyed by fires in the area, Kresek said. Now, the West is experiencing "unusual" fire seasons, including recent large blazes that destroyed thousands of homes in heavily urbanized areas around Los Angeles.

"Then what happened last January down in California was, I'm afraid, what's going to happen up here. It's just a matter of time," Kresek said.

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Wildfires are increasingly evolving into urban conflagrations. These are large-scale, destructive wildfires that converge into urban areas and spread from building to building.

"Fires are moving from the wildland, skipping the urban interface and going directly into housing units, and the houses are becoming fuels," said former Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer.

These types of fires will continue to happen if government entities do not focus their systems and policies on fire prevention, Schaeffer said. This would involve greater staffing in fire services, predictive services, the National Weather Service and other programs that work to prevent fires from occurring.

"They engineer the neighborhoods correctly. They provide the water supply and the evacuation route as a mandatory part of the code process," said Schaeffer, the fire chief of Columbia, Missouri. "Give the people making those decisions the right information to be ahead of the fire before it even gets there to save lives."

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One of the programs in Spokane that focuses on tackling the problem is Darkhorse AI. This uses past fire department data to model the performance of fire stations, and map the improvements that adding fire stations and other resources could bring to neighborhoods.

A lot of areas outside the city aren't receiving the same amount of support, Schaeffer said.

"As you watch the state's budget with DNR, the Forest Service, BLM, even our partners up on the reservations with BIA, all of those services have been cut as part of the cuts and sequestrations across the government landscape," he said.

Stoking the flames

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It's not just Washington. Countries around the world are seeing an uptick in the intensity and frequency of wildfires.

An analysis of 35 years of meteorological data by the U.S. Forest Service found that the Western United States, along with Mexico, Brazil and East Africa, face wildfire seasons that are a month longer than they were 35 years ago. Between Jan. 1 and July 9 of this year, there have been 36,825 fires that have burned around 2.1 million acres across the country, said Caleb Ashby, public affairs specialist with the National Interagency Fire Center . Although the total acres burned are below the 10-year average, the number of fires is higher than normal.

"We've shifted from traditional 'fire season' to what we now call a 'fire year,' " Ashby said.

On July 12, the National Interagency Fire Center announced the national wildfire preparedness level increased to a 4, on a scale from 1 to 5. This scale indicates how prepared firefighters and other crews must be, given the fuel and weather conditions, fire activity and resource availability across the country. A Level 4 means national resources are committed to fight fires due to significant wildfire activity and heavy demand for additional resources.

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In Washington, 90% of wildfires are caused by humans, according to the Department of Natural Resources. A stray firework or a mishandled bonfire can easily ignite dry brush and spread uncontrollably. A gust of wind can carry burning embers miles from the main fire front, potentially reaching neighborhoods and other residential areas.

Combine human interference with the looming threat of global warming, and you've got an equation for increasing wildfires.

Warmer spring temperatures are melting snowpacks earlier than usual, and parts of the state are receiving less than normal precipitation, two factors that worsen drought conditions. A hotter, drier climate parches fuels and coats forest floors with dead plants, making them more susceptible to catching fire.

Last month was the fourth driest June in Spokane since 1881, said National Weather Service Fire Weather Program Leader Stephen Bodnar.

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"For June precipitation, pretty much the entire Inland Northwest experienced below normal precipitation and in the bottom 10%," Bodnar said. "Some areas, including the Palouse down around the Tri-Cities and then into central Washington, like the east slopes of the Cascades towards the Waterville Plateau, southern Okanogan Valley had their record driest."

Since 2011, there's been an upward trend in temperatures during the summer, Bodnar said.

This year isn't the first for hot , dry conditions. In 2015, Washington experienced a severe drought sparked by a snowpack deficit and record spring and summer temperatures. The Okanogan Complex fires broke out that summer, burning more than 300,000 acres and killing three firefighters.

In 2021, the heat dome surrounding the Pacific Northwest brought record-breaking temperatures and accounted for 21-34% of the total area burned in North America that year, according to a Nature study.

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"Although we didn't see that kind of heat, it's just been persistently dry and we keep going into these three- to four-day periods of well-above -normal temperatures," Bodnar said.

Be prepared

There have been 941 fires in Washington this year as of Friday, burning more than 38,000 acres of land, according to the Department of Natural Resource's Intel Dashboard. There are six large fires currently burning in Washington, including the 5,800-acre Western Pines fire in Lincoln County, the 7,800-acre Hope fire near Kettle Falls and the 2,100-acre Pomas fire in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

According to First Street, a nonprofit studying climate risks for properties, 87% of properties in Spokane County have some risk of being affected by wildfire over the next 30 years.

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"There's a lot of impacts that can happen, and just because you may live in city limits doesn't mean you should be less aware," said Ryan Rodrucker, communications manager for the Department of Natural Resources in Eastern Washington . "You need to be fully situationally aware during wildfire season that those fire impacts could affect you."

The key to mitigating wildfires is preventing them from happening in the first place, Rodruck said.

"The closer we get to addressing those fires at 10 acres or less, the less chance that they have to turn into a catastrophic wildfire," he said.

Local and state governments have provided regulations and resources aimed at preventing and preparing for fires.

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Spokane County is under a burn ban until further notice. This means that unauthorized fires, including an outdoor fire without a chimney and spark arresters, such as a backyard fire pit, can result in a ticket with a $250 fine.

The Washington Department of Natural Resources has a Wildfire Ready Neighbors website with resources for homeowners looking to protect their property from potential fires. The program offers a free Wildfire Ready plan adapted to property and connects people to local wildfire experts in the area.

Guy Gifford, a pubic information officer at the Washington Department of Natural Resources, emphasized the need for preparation when it comes to wildfires.

Embers are the leading cause of home ignition. Since these can travel on the wind and land outside your house, it's important to minimize the amount of combustible objects that are next to the house, he said. This includes brooms, newspapers, boxes and anything else that can easily catch fire.

"Just being aware of the things that if I took a match to it would have caught on fire," Gifford said. "Think of all of those the next time you walk around a house."

People also should be cautious about running sprinklers from public water systems during wildfires, he said.

"If we all did that in my neighborhood, there'd be no water for the hydrants," he said. "We don't really encourage people on public systems to run sprinklers because that takes away from the firefighters."

Spokane County Emergency Management recommends to prepare a "go bag" including money, important documents, snacks, water, pet supplies, medications, clothes and something to sleep with including a pillow, blanket or sleeping bag.

In the event of a wildfire, the Alert Spokane program disseminates emergency notifications regarding evacuations and other safety alerts to all registered users. Spokane Regional Emergency Communications also has an official Spokane County Evacuation Zone Map that identifies evacuation areas and their levels.

It's not just flames that give cause for concern. Wildfire smoke consists of fine particles and other pollutants that can lead to a variety of health effects, including respiratory tract infections, heart failure and worsened asthma symptoms.

Staying inside might keep prevent inhalation of the worst of the fumes. However, air conditioning units brings air in from the outside. Not every unit is equipped to filter pollutants from wildfire smoke. The Environmental Protection Agency lists recommendations for minimizing exposure through HVAC systems and other air-conditioning units on its website.

Bonny Matejowsky'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.
Stop us if you've heard this before: Wisconsin will confront wildfire smoke and extremely high humidity later this week.

Canadian wildfire smoke has already moved into northwest Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this weekend.

Hazy conditions should reach the Milwaukee area by the late afternoon or early evening July 20, continuing tonight and into tomorrow morning.

"We'll at least have some overhead smoke," said National Weather Service meteorologist Denny VanCleve.

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There's a slight chance of storms Tuesday into Wednesday that meteorologists are still timing out, but the big story for the middle of the week is extreme heat and humidity.

The hottest day will be Wednesday, with highs reaching at least the low 90s in Milwaukee. The heat index  or "feels-like" temperature  could reach 100 or even 105.

"Thursday could see those higher temperatures linger before we get a cold front through, later in the week," VanCleve said.

Southwest winds will keep the cooling breeze from Lake Michigan away, and dew points will be in the 70s.

That heat will be widespread throughout Wisconsin, including up to a 100-degree heat index in Green Bay.

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"We'll have to wait and see what we actually get," he said.

More: It's about to heat up in Wisconsin. Here's 10 things you shouldn't leave in a hot car

More: 'You can see the steam off the ground': Wisconsin slow to add cooling system in prisons despite rising heat

Tips for staying safe in the heat

Prepare for the extreme heat this week by reviewing advice from the Milwaukee Health Department. Information on designated cooling sites is available here.

Limit time outdoors.

Spend time in air-conditioned buildings, if possible.

Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.

Stay hydrated even if you do not feel thirsty.

Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks and caffeine.

Stay cool in your home by taking colder showers and baths, and using wet towels to lower body temperature.

Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, which include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and fainting.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of heat stroke  which include high body temperature, dry skin, confusion and rapid pulse  call 911 immediately.

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Contact Hope Karnopp at HKarnopp@gannett.com or on X at @hopekarnopp.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wildfire smoke back, plus heat index up to 105 this week in Milwaukee
Dustin Harpe built his familys dream home in Kenosha County, Wisconsin: a space where his kids could grow up and where he could thrive as a father with quadraplegia.

But that dream turned to disaster this month when a fire sparked by a lithium-ion drone battery ripped through the house, leveling it in less than an hour.

"I didn't think a battery that size would take my house down in 45 minutes," Harpe told local station TMJ4.

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Now Harpe is sharing his story with a plea: Take precautions to protect your family.

Don't miss

Why lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous

Lithium-ion batteries  found in drones, smartphones, e-bikes, and power tools  are lightweight, rechargeable, and power much of our modern life. But when damaged, overheated or poorly manufactured, they can become ticking time bombs.

Fire officials and consumer safety advocates agree. Richard Trumka, a commissioner with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recently released a statement warning of the escalating risk:

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"People in apartment buildings are worried that their neighbors e-bike could burn down the entire building. And thats not a hypothetical concernits happening. A fire broke out on the 20th floor of a 37-story New York apartment building. It hurt 43 people, and for those living in floors above the fire, firefighters had to rappel down from the roof to save them through their windows."

The CPSC has logged 227 fire-related incidents linked to lithium batteries in micromobility products alone  leading to 39 deaths and 181 injuries. But proposed safety regulations to address the issue are currently stalled, after the agency's Democrat majority was ousted in May 2025 and remaining Republican commissioners voted to withdraw the rule in its current form.

Experts warn that the biggest risks of fire or explosion come from:

Overcharging or unattended charging

Low-quality or uncertified batteries

Improper storage in hot garages or near flammable items

Damaged, swollen or counterfeit battery cells

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CPSC officials urge consumers to use only batteries and chargers certified by labs such as UL or ETL, follow manufacturer guidelines for storage and charging carefully, and avoid cheap aftermarket substitutes.

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

No time to react

After an accident nine years ago left him with quadriplegia, Harper was very lucky that he decided to leave the house that day.

"I was really close to just getting back in bed because I wasn't feeling very good. I don't know what made me change my mind," Harpe said. "If I'm stuck in bed by myself I'm like a turtle on my back, you know, I can't get up or get out."

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His wife and their four children were not home when the fire broke out, but the home  designed to be fully accessible for Harpes wheelchair  was completely destroyed. Their three pets did not survive the flames.

How to protect yourself from lithium battery fires

Harpe says he never thought a drone battery could do this kind of damage.

"It's not something that I think most people think about, that something that small can cause a problem that big," Harpe said. And he's right, most consumers dont realize how dangerous lithium batteries can be if not handled with care.

Heres how to reduce the risk in your own home:

Never charge lithium batteries unattended, especially while sleeping or away from home. Avoid extreme temperatures. Don't leave batteries in hot garages or cars. Use fireproof storage or charging bags for drones, e-bikes, or tool batteries. Look for damage. If a battery is swollen, hot, or smells odd, stop using it immediately. Charge in a safe area. Keep batteries away from flammable items, wood, paper, or gasoline. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby  especially in garages or home workshops.

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Experts typically also recommend charging batteries like these outside if possible, in shaded areas like a shed in the backyard. It's also a great idea to charge them inside of fireproof bags or in non-flammable spaces.

As for Harpe, he plans to rebuild a new home once the debris of his old one is cleared  focusing on fire protection measures.

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.
Wisconsin meteorologist warns mom of incoming tornado live on air originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

A Wisconsin television meteorologist has gone viral for warning his mother of an incoming tornado while he was live on the air at WISC-TV in Madison.

Blaise Keller, a meteorologist for WISC-TV in Madison, was live on the air during the July 16 severe weather outbreak that produced five tornadoes in southern Wisconsin  one of them headed straight for his mother's home.

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"A trained spotter has reported a tornado along County Road Z, a reported funnel cloud County Road YZ, so that would be right where we're looking at  so I'm going to text my mom and let her know," Keller said during the live severe storm coverage.

Of the five twisters, four were rated as weak, EF0 tornadoes, while the strongest of the bunch  an EF1 that was on the ground near Dodgeville in Iowa County.

Of the five twisters, four were rated as weak, EF0 tornadoes, while the strongest of the bunch  an EF1 that was on the ground near Dodgeville in Iowa County  caused tree damage at his mother's property.

The Dodgeville tornado was on the ground 13 minutes and approximately seven miles while producing peak winds of 95 mph and reaching a maximum width of 150 yards, according to the National Weather Service.

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"That was kind of my worst fear coming to life on air," Keller said, fighting back some emotions during an interview with ABC 33. Sorry, it's just something that I didn't think I would have to do, did not want to ever have to do, and I hope I never have to do again."

The Dodgeville tornado on July 16, 2025.Credit: Amanda Gardner via NWS Milwaukee

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address critical issues in Parliament, particularly regarding, defence, foreign policy and electoral structure. Gogoi emphasised the importance of the PM Modi's presence in Parliament to provide clarity on Pahalgam terror attack, responding to US President Donald Trump's claims about mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and Election Commission's functioning, particularly in relation to the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and its potential extension to other states. As the all-party meeting concludes a day before the monsoon session of Parliament, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that the government will have to put forth its point on the security lapse in the ghastly April 22 terror attack. "There are some crucial issues that will be raised in the monsoon session, and this is why we have more hope than before that Prime Minister Modi will address the country through the House. Those important issues are Pahalgam and the security lapse, as well as the things the Lieutenant Governor said about it. A lot of time has passed, and the government will have to put forth its point on it," Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Lok Sabha, told reporters here. "The statements coming from the US President today, in some way, raise questions on the dignity of India, the bravery of the Indian Army. The answers to the US President can be given only by the Prime Minister," he added. Gogoi said that concerns regarding the Election Commission and its workings have been consistently raised since the constitutional body has not provided any clarifications. He added that the Prime Minister has the responsibility to put forth the government's position on issues related to elections. "Important questions are being raised today regarding the right to vote. The way the Election Commission is shying away from talking to various political parties and is not giving clarifications. Important questions are being raised about the upcoming elections in states, about the entire electoral structure, and the constitutional democratic structure. Being the head of the government, it is the duty of the Prime Minister to put forth the position of his government or the government's side inside the House," the Congress leader said. Gogoi stressed the need for the Prime Minister to clarify the government's stance on defence and foreign policy, especially regarding the two-front axis formed on India's borders with China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. "The third thing is that our senior army officers have raised a very sensitive issue about the two-front axis that has been formed on our border with China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. So it is very important that we talk about defence and foreign policy. It will be very important for Prime Minister Modi to come to this House and put forth his views on these three subjects," the Congress MP said. He criticized the government's handling of the Manipur crisis, pointing out that despite the Prime Minister's promise of peace, the state still faces unrest and violence almost two and a half years later. "Today, this government is also bringing various bills regarding Manipur and the Prime Minister had said about Manipur that peace will come to Manipur in a few months. Almost two and a half years have passed and we are not able to see an atmosphere of peace. The Prime Minister goes to small countries. But in a small state of our own country, where fire is still there, he is avoiding it for some reason. We hope for a positive discussion in the coming session," he added. The opposition bloc, INDIA, plans to jointly raise these concerns in Parliament and demands that Prime Minister Modi address the House on these issues during the upcoming Minsoon Session, starting from Monday seeking clarity and accountability from the government. (ANI)




NEED TO KNOW

A 25-year-old woman died suddenly last weekend, three weeks after collapsing at work and being diagnosed with leukemia and COVID-19

Samantha Kimene, who is from Tipperary, Ireland, died in Tenerife, Spain, where she was living at the time

She is being remembered by her family as someone who was "loved by everybody"





A 25-year-old woman has died, weeks after collapsing at work.

Samantha Kimene from Tipperary, Ireland, died last weekend in Tenerife, Spain, where she was living at the time, her uncle, Arturs Kimens, told the Irish Mirror. He said she collapsed at work three weeks ago and was taken to a hospital, where she was diagnosed with leukemia and COVID-19.

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She had begun treatment, but it was "too late," Kimens said.

"She got the diagnosis too late. What happened was, they were just trying to do the treatment for her, and it was unsuccessful because her body couldn't take it," he told the outlet.

"She had COVID as well and the virus, or whatever it was, spread through her organs and just... she passed away, unfortunately," he added.

The grieving uncle told the Irish Mirror that he and Kimene's mother, Inese, were in Tenerife to make arrangements to repatriate her to Ireland. During his time on the Spanish island, Kimens has had a chance to meet some of the friends his niece made in her new home.

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"All the people here that I met, that she was working with, they're in absolute devastation. They're devastated that shes gone, they cant believe it," he told the outlet, noting that the 25-year-old was someone who was "loved by everybody."

"And she meant everything to me," Kimens added. "I loved her very much and Im going to miss her."

Kimens set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to support Kimene's family. "Please help us raise the funds to bring [her] body back to Ireland, back home for [the] funeral," he wrote.

As of Saturday, July 19, the GoFundMe has raised more than $25,000.



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Kimene's employer, Paddy O'Kelly's Irish bar in Tenerife, paid tribute to the 25-year-old in a post on Instagram. Alongside a photo of Kimene posing on a balcony in a black dress, the bar wrote, "Its with a heavy heart that our colleague and friend, Sam, has sadly passed away. She was a valued part of our team and will be deeply missed."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"A beautiful and kind human with the biggest smile," the message continued. "Were still in shock and heartbroken . Please keep her family in your thoughts during this difficult time."

Paddy O'Kelly's directed people to her uncle's GoFundMe and also said the pub would be organizing a fundraiser of its own.

The establishment signed off its tribute post, "Rest in Peace Sam. You will be greatly missed. Lots of love. Your Paddy OKellys family ."



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A search for an armed and dangerous man ended Sunday in another state after a woman was killed days earlier in South Carolina, the Lee County Sheriffs Office said.

Jamie Allen, a 53-year-old Lee County resident, was taken into custody in Wake County, North Carolina on arrest warrants out of South Carolina, including a murder charge, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

At about 9:45 p.m. Friday, deputies responded to a report of a shooting on Mikado Road, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Thats in the Mayesville area of Lee County.

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Deputies found a woman who had been shot and she died at the scene, according to the release.

Carol Wilson Baker, a 60-year-old Lee County resident, is the woman who died, the sheriffs office said.

An investigation showed that Baker and Allen were in a relationship, according to the release. On Friday night Baker was driving on Mikado Road when she was shot by Allen, the sheriffs office said.

Allen then carjacked another vehicle in the area and left the scene, according to the release.

No other injuries were reported.

Information about a motive for the shooting was not available.

A search began Friday night for Allen, who the sheriffs office said was believed to be armed and dangerous.

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The vehicle that Allen carjacked was located in Cumberland County, North Carolina on Saturday, a day before Allen was tracked down, according to the release.

Allen is currently being held in Wake County on murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and carjacking charges out of Lee County, the sheriffs office said. Allen will undergo the extradition process and then will be taken back to Lee County, according to the release.

Allen is facing murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and carjacking charges, according to the release.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau Of Investigations and Wake County Sheriffs Office assisted in the search and investigation.
(FOX40.COM)  An adult woman was pulled from the American River in Carmichael and died despite rescue efforts from crews on Saturday afternoon.

According to Sacramento Metropolitan Fire, firefighters responded to a water rescue incident along the American River near Kiekebusch Court. A woman was seen from the shoreline floating downstream, prompting a full water rescue response.

Discovery of 2 bodies in San Joaquin River prompts law enforcement

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Metro Fire stated that crews arrived on scene alongside the Sacramento County Parks Marine Division, who located the woman and brought her aboard their boat. CPR efforts were immediately initiated on the boat.

The patient was then transported to the Rossmoor Bar area, where Metro Fire and EMS personnel assumed care and provided advanced life support treatment, authorities said. She was then airlifted to a local hospital for further medical attention.

Despite the combined efforts from first responders and hospital staff, the patient was pronounced dead, Metro Fire said.

At this time, there is no further details available regarding the incident, officials said.

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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.
From Yemen to Tehran, these lieutenant-colonels lead critical operations while balancing family life and military duty.

Its 7:30 p.m., supposedly just another regular evening. In reality, it is part of the war routine inside the Operations Division of the IDF General Staff at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.

For Lt.-Col. M., head of the Planning and Operational Execution Branch, and her colleagues, the workday is far from over. Operation Rising Lion may be behind them, but the Swords of Iron War continues. They are there, working around the clock.

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Just after being called to an urgent and undisclosed event via the red phone next to her  the secure military line referred to as the SLC  and issuing clear directives, Lt.-Col. M. is asked about the possibility of a female chief of staff. She responds confidently: Wherever you place women in leadership, they can do it better than men, because they see farther and dont work from ego.

Then she clarifies: This is in general. For a female chief of staff, our society is not yet prepared or ready.

Lt.-Col. M. (40), married and a mother of four, is one of several female lieutenant-colonels in the Operations Division, including those who served during the campaign against Iran. These women, driven by ambition and a sense of mission, recall that when they enlisted nearly two decades ago, the militarys attitude toward women was markedly different. Today, they are determined to prove that gender is not a factor in military roles.

Women in an IDF combat unit help one of their fellow fighters during a training exercise (credit: REUTERS)

Nine years ago, when I was pregnant with my twins, I went to a job interview with a brigadier-general, M. recalls. He immediately looked at my belly and said, Big belly. When I explained I was having twins, he asked, Do you think youll manage this job with four kids? For me, that interview ended at that moment. It continued, but the result was clear."

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I was furious, she continued, and I swore to myself I would never ask my subordinates such a question from a judgmental place. I would care about their well-being, of course, but out of interest and sensitivity, not questioning their abilities. I moved to another role, but that remark stayed with me. Fortunately, when I interviewed for the role I hold today, it was the opposite. The general who interviewed me said, We wont go easy on you because youre a mother of four. Youre here to do the most important mission in the IDF. Thats how it should be. No leniency, because theres no difference between men and women.

There are more female officers than male officers in the Operations Division  from second lieutenants to lieutenant-colonels. When I needed to do lighter duties because I had babies at home, I did them. It's our responsibility as women to choose where we are in different stages of life. Being a woman is not a factor, she concludes.

In their current roles, these female lieutenant-colonels no longer need to prove themselves.

Overseeing operations in Yemen and distant fronts

Lt.-Col. Y. (38), married and a mother of two, is responsible for medium-distance threats. She leads operational procedures, directs processes, and oversees operations in Yemen and other regions.

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Every strike, every covert operation in the area is led by my team, she says. We are responsible for making sure the chief of staffs directives are implemented on the ground, that everyone is aligned with the General Staffs instructions, in collaboration with the Navy, Air Force, Military Intelligence, and others. I am responsible for coordinating with them.

She was present earlier this month when the Israeli air force attacked ports in Yemen, and she served throughout Operation Rising Lion. It wasnt easy, not only professionally.

Personally, these were complex days. I was here in the bunker a few days before the operation started, and my husband, also in the military, was at his base. The children were with my parents, who are almost 80 years old and have a bomb shelter at home. I knew the kids were in the best hands, but I worried about my parents. It was hard with what I was imposing on them. They tried to reassure me, to signal that everything was okay when I could talk to them, but it was hard. I cried once or twice. And whenever I felt it was possible, when a few hours of calm were expected, I rushed to hug the kids and hurried back here.

Lt.-Col. O. (35), married and a mother of one, heads the Cyber Arena. She is responsible for electronic warfare and for maintaining communication infrastructure so that every pilot flying over Irans skies can communicate with the bunker.

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She is used to what she calls emergency events and has often had to return to the bunker on weekends, to regulate the Home Front Command forces or to dispatch a plane to provide communication in Judea and Samaria during an attack.

Operation Rising Lion was a form of correction after the October 7 disaster, she says. Theres no one in uniform, especially those whove been in the military for a long time, who didnt take October 7 hard. It doesnt matter what role youre in, whether your unit was involved or not  its a tough failure. It was difficult for me to get up in the morning and put on the uniform. In the end, when you grasp the situation, theres a great pride in serving in the military at such a historic time, with the belief that in the end, we will win.

She describes the operation as an exemplary campaign with an excellent combat procedure. The synchronization was amazing, and it was a great honor to be part of it.

During the operation, she saw her daughter once or twice. It was hard because the meeting ended quickly, then theres drama, and a child crying, holding you in your uniform and saying Dont go, she says.

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Lt.-Col. R. (40), married and a mother of two, heads the Home Front arena and serves as a link between the Home Front Command and the General Staff. Its like being a control tower, seeing the big picture, she explains.

During the war with Iran, she was too busy for four days to even make a video call with her children. In the ongoing emergency routine of the past 21 months, she has found alternative ways to maintain family connection, including reading bedtime stories over video and explaining the importance of her role.

For example, during Operation Rising Lion, I explained that I was responsible for ensuring the sirens would go off, she says. For making sure there was someone in the news studios to guide people on how to behave to protect their lives.

The officers all speak of a personal rigid protocol  significant family events that justify their absence from the bunker, even briefly. The protocol applies to fathers as well.

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R. recounts: It happened that my son missed his first-grade graduation party simply because I didnt have it on my radar, I didnt put it in the schedule. I consoled myself knowing he didnt realize he missed it, but I felt bad, and yes, I cried a little in the office. But I dont focus on the price, because what my children gain is much bigger.

Our actions make it possible for them to have a country to live in, especially these days when antisemitism is rising worldwide. The hatred and evil of our enemies surprise us every time, and we are here to stop it and ensure that children continue to go to the playgrounds without fear.

She was present when the decision was made to provide the public with advance warning before the sirens during Operation Rising Lion.

There were many discussions about it  whats right and whats not, how the citizens would feel, R. recalls. We also conducted learning debriefs along the way, and thats how it was decided, for example, that a warning 30 minutes before the siren is unnecessary, while a 10-minute advance warning is very important. This gives enough time to prepare and reach a protected area. Civil defense is part of the campaign, and fortunately, people cooperated, and the number of casualties was incredibly low compared to the tens of thousands of strike items.

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She notes that while there were fatalities from direct hits on bomb shelters in Petah Tikva and Beersheba, such outcomes remain statistically rare.

It could happen, at a low probability. Its like you could be involved in a car accident even though youre wearing a seatbelt. We, of course, continue to investigate to understand if theres anything more we can instruct the public to do to increase security.

Lt.-Col. L. (41), married and a mother of two, heads the recruitment division. She refers to her field as working with the heart of the IDF.

Reservists are the force multiplier of the IDFs strength, and I am responsible for managing processes in this context at the General Staff level, she explains. We are in constant communication with the government to reflect the manpower situation, for example, in the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, when its time to extend mobilization orders.

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In emergencies, we are responsible for planning the force structure  which systems we want to operate against the directives given to us  and we examine this in relation to the force compositions and their readiness.

Since the start of the Swords of Iron War, her division implemented a preparation day procedure, giving reservists a few extra days to reset after their mission.

Recently, many reservists have spoken of burnout.

Theyre burned out, but highly motivated, says L. We, the career officers, are a bit burned out too, but in the end, we all have a spark in our eyes, and we want to win. And we will win.

In an effort to ease the burden on reservists, her team monitors data trends and social media to identify concerns and advise commanders accordingly.
At 28, many people would consider Amanda Costa to be young. But she was much younger when her passion for socio-environmental activism began to take shape, as she told IPAM Amazonia in an interview.

During her childhood in the northern fringes of Sao Paulo, Costa would walk along the beaches of Praia Grande, picking up garbage with her mother.

"Even though I didn't know what climate justice or environmental activism was, my body already felt that taking care of the planet was urgent," she said.

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Her hometown was situated in a region scarred by frequent flooding, poor sanitation, and little greenery, which Costa credits to her early passion for taking care of the environment. But it wasn't until her teens that everything really began to click.

In 2017, Costa was awarded a scholarship from the World YMCA to attend the prestigious COP23 conference.

"When I got there, I was shocked to find myself surrounded by white men in suits discussing how the climate crisis would impact the peripheries," she told IPAM. "They spoke as if we didn't have a voice, as if we needed someone to explain to us what it's like to feel the absence of public policies, violence and environmental racism."

Costa hardly needed these subjects explained to her. Instead, she took on the challenge of bridging the gap between these high-powered authorities and the neighbors she knew personally.

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This felt particularly important to her, considering that the latter included many people whose lives had been directly affected by the dangers of a warming planet, but who had also been denied a real voice.

She earned her degree in International Relations and created a project that has since grown to become the Instituto Perifa Sustentavel, or the Sustainable Periphery Institute.

"The idea was to create a bridge between the global and the local, to connect what was happening in multilateral decision-making forums with those impacted by the climate crisis in the peripheries and communities," Costa explained.

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.

Today, her organization seeks to democratize climate action in the so-called peripheries by working across three axes: education, communication, and climate-focused political advocacy.

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Costa has been named a young ambassador to the United Nations, representing Brazilian youth at four UN Climate Conferences, and she was placed on Forbes magazine's #Under30 list in 2021.

"We're at a point in history where we can no longer think about new technologies and propose solutions that aren't connected to a sustainable development debate that reduces social inequalities," Costa said.

"This is the future I believe in and seek to build every day. But for it to happen, we need each person to find themselves, see themselves and position themselves as an agent of transformation, a person who is collaborating to create this truly sustainable future."

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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 20 imposed sanctions on five individuals, three Ukrainians and two Russians.

The decree, which follows a decision of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, was published on the Presidential Office's website together with the list of sanctioned people.

Zelensky imposed sanctions on Yulia Latynina, a popular Russian exiled journalist. While Latynina initially presented herself as anti-war at the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she later became aligned with Kremlin propaganda, supporting Russia's war against Ukraine.

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Last month, Latynina said that she was not in favor of a peaceful settlement of the war: "Ukraine in its current form is an extraordinary challenge to the existence of Russia," she claimed.

Also the sanctions were slapped on Natalia Korolevska, a former Ukrainian lawmaker from the now-banned pro-Russian Opposition Platform  For Life party. Since the start of the full-scale war, she reportedly has lived in Dubai with her husband, ex-lawmaker Yuriy Solod.

Among others sanctioned is Hennadiy Balashov, a businessman and former Ukrainian lawmaker, who led the libertarian 5.10 party. In 2021, Balashov was charged with failing to pay nearly Hr 10 million ($239,000) in taxes. As the case was handed over to the court in 2022, Balashov reportedly left Ukraine for the U.S.

He runs a YouTube channel that promotes narratives echoing Russian propaganda.

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Also on the sanctions list are Ukrainian blogger Andrii Serebrianskyi, known as Andrii Luhanskyi, and Tatyana Aksenenko, who is allegedly involved in operating one of Russias largest pro-war Telegram channels.

Sanctions include freezing of assets, suspension of economic activity and extraction of resources, as well as a ban on flights and shipment of goods among other restrictions. Internet providers also must block access to websites and services hosted on particular domains and subdomains, related to the individuals on the list.

The restrictions are valid for 10 years.

According to the Law on Sanctions, Ukraine can impose sanctions against foreigners and foreign entities, as well as Ukrainians who engage in terrorist activities. Ukrainian citizens are now targeted without a criminal record, a step, the legality of which remains uncertain.

Read also: This is what Ukraine could do with US Tomahawk missiles

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to replace the heads of several Ukrainian embassies.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The president stated that Sybiha reported the start of the annual ambassadors conference.

"The Minister and more than 80 heads of Ukrainian diplomatic missions visited Zaporizhzhia and, together with the Head of the region, Ivan Fedorov, discussed what should become key priorities in working with partner countries," the president said.

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He added that these priorities should include specific components in the supply and production of weapons, concrete reconstruction projects to restore normal life in Ukrainian towns and villages, and legally effective mechanisms for holding Russia accountable and using Russian assets to protect against its own aggression.

"Over the next six months, we must achieve tangible new results in cooperation with our partners across these three areas," Zelenskyy stressed.

He also stated that he and Sybiha had agreed on the replacement of ambassadors in several embassies.

Background:

In June, Foreign Minister said that Zelenskyy had already made "certain personnel decisions" to replace the heads of some foreign diplomatic missions, with changes expected in July.

Ukraines Foreign Ministry, commenting on the replacement of the ambassador to the US, said that Oksana Markarova's four-year term in this position was coming to an end.

Former Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olha Stefanishyna, is expected to become the new ambassador to the United States.

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NEW YORK  Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamadani is embarking on a trip to Uganda to celebrate his wedding, he announced Sunday  six weeks after indicating he would not take any foreign trips if elected mayor.

Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and lived there until the age of five, announced the trip via a video posted to the social media network X .

"I'm going back to Uganda," he said. "I'm headed there in a personal capacity to celebrate Rama and I's marriage with our family and friends."

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Mamdani, who was born and raised in Kampala, is a dual citizen of Uganda and the U.S., according to The New York Times . His fathers side of the family belongs to a community of East Africans that have lived in the region for generations and are originally from the Indian state of Gujarat. After Uganda, Mamdani moved with his family to South Africa and then finally to New York at the age of seven.

Mamdani said he would be back in the city by the end of the month. He was legally married to his wife Rama Duwaji in New York City in February. The two also celebrated their marriage in Dubai in December.

The mayoral nominees announcement of the overseas trip comes after the candidate told voters, I would stay in New York City when he was asked in the first primary debate what his first international trip would be as mayor.

My plans are to address New Yorkers across the five boroughs and focus on that, Mamdani said.

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He was one of the only candidates on the stage to say he would not visit Israel as mayor. He has also said he wasnt sure if Israel would allow him entry given his history of supporting an economic boycott of the country in response to its treatment of Palestinians.

Mamdani identifies as Ugandan and was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2018. One right-leaning House Republican has called for an investigation into his naturalization proceedings, and President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he would look into whether Mamdani is here illegally.

In the video, the Democratic mayoral nominee sarcastically described the trip as a response to xenophobic comments on social media telling him to go back to Africa.

Being a politician means listening, not just to your supporters, but your critics, too, Mamdani says in the video. And some of these critics, especially on a certain website, have been giving me consistent advice.

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He continues, cheekily, I hear you and I agree: Im going back to Uganda.

He also sought to preempt any negative press the trip could receive from the citys politically influential and right-leaning tabloid: Since you will undoubtedly read about this trip in the New York Post inshallah on the front page  here are a few of my humble suggestions for headlines.

A few of them: Uganda Miss Me; Hes Kampala-etely Crazy; Carl Kampalanile Investigates Mamdani; Zo-Running Away?

Mamdani, a democratic socialist and state assemblymember from Queens, handily defeated the more moderate former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the citys Democratic mayoral primary last month. He faces Cuomo, who is now running as an independent, Republican Curtis Sliwa, independent Jim Walden and Mayor Eric Adams, also running as an independent, in the general election.

Jeff Coltin contributed to this report.
Congress workers on Sunday paid tribute to the former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on her death anniversary. Remembering her mother, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit said Sheila Dikshit gave the best development model in the country during her tenure as Chief Minister of Delhi. "It has been six years since she passed away. She was my mother as well as our leader who made Delhi. Whenever we remember her as more than a leader, we remember her as the one who built this city. Not only in Delhi but the whole nation believes that if someone has given the best development model, then it was Sheila Dikshit... Even after so many years since her death, everyone remembers her work, and this is the biggest tribute to her," Sandeep Dikshit told reporters. Earlier today, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on her death anniversary on Sunday, remembering her for her contributions to transforming the national capital. Kharge highlighted her visionary leadership, progressive policies, and commitment to the city's growth and inclusivity.In a post on social media platform X, Kharge wrote, "On her punyatithi, we pay our heartfelt tributes to the Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who profoundly transformed the city." Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit, credited with transforming Delhi into a modern, contemporary city during her three terms as its chief minister, died on July 20, 2019, at the age of 81. She was admitted to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute on July 19, 2019, for cardiac arrhythmia and was put on a ventilator within a few moments of her admission. Born on March 31, 1938, Dikshit was the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi. She held the position for three terms from 1998 to 2013. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday urged Kanwar yatris to expose elements masquerading as hooligans that aim to defame the holy yatra and inform the administration immediately. Yogi Adityanath warned that strict action will be taken against miscreants who try to disrupt the peace and harmony during the yatra. Speaking to the reporters, Yogi Adityanath said, "...A few elements are making continous attempts to harm and defame fervour and devotion. Even on social media platforms and even in person, such attempts are trying to defame Kanwar Yatra. It is also the responsibility of every Kanwar Sangh to expose all such elements masquerading as hooligans to defame this holy Yatra of Lord Shiv. Do not let them join you and inform the administration immediately. I appeal to all kanwariyas and everyone to understand others' problems too." CM Yogi emphasised that the spirit of devotion displayed by the Kanwar Yatris should be promoted, highlighting the importance of faith and spirituality. "...I feel great that Shiv bhakts who are carrying the kanwar are displaying social harmony and going with devotion. The spirit of devotion can be seen in their 'sadhna'. It should be promoted. Govt, NGOs and different social and religious organisations have made good preparations," CM Yogi said. The administration has taken measures to ensure the safety and convenience of the devotees, including CCTV surveillance and prompt action against any troublemakers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also showered flower petals on Kanwar yatris in Meerut on Sunday. He also conducted an aerial inspection of Chaudhary Charan Singh Kanwar Marg and the Meerut-Muzaffarnagar road. The UP government had earlier issued an order, mandating eateries to display QR codes containing information on the shop owners. The Kanwar Yatra began on July 10. During the annual pilgrimage, Kanwariyas collect holy water from rivers and carry it over hundreds of kilometres to offer it at Lord Shiva temples. Devotees across the country observe fasts, perform rituals, and undertake the Yatra as a mark of devotion. 'Sawan' holds a special place in Hindu mythology. Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples during the 'Sawan' month. This year, Sawan month commences from July 11 and will conclude on August 9. (ANI)
Mumbai: India's foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 3.06 billion to USD 696.67 billion for the week ending July 11, marking the second consecutive week of decline, according to official data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In the previous reporting week ending July 4, the country's forex reserves had slipped by USD 3.049 billion to USD 699.736 billion.

In the week ending July 11, foreign currency assetsthe major component of forex reservesfell by USD 2.477 billion to USD 588.81 billion, likely emerging as the primary reason behind the decline in total reserves. Gold reserves, another key component, also saw a sharp fall of USD 498 million, bringing them down to USD 84.348 billion.

The country's Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined by USD 66 million to USD 18.802 billion during the reporting week, as per the RBI data. The Reserve Position in the IMF also decreased by USD 24 million.

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Central banks worldwide are increasingly accumulating safe-haven gold in their foreign exchange reserves, and India is no exception. The share of gold maintained by the RBI in its forex reserves has nearly doubled since 2021.

In 2023, India added around USD 58 billion to its forex reserves, in contrast to a cumulative decline of USD 71 billion in 2022. In 2024, the reserves rose by a little over USD 20 billion, reaching an all-time high of USD 704.885 billion at the end of September.

India's foreign exchange reserves are currently sufficient to cover 11 months of the country's imports and about 96 per cent of its external debt, said Governor Sanjay Malhotra while announcing the outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decisions.

The RBI Governor expressed confidence, stating that India's external sector remains resilient, with key vulnerability indicators showing improvement.

Foreign exchange reserves, or FX reserves, are assets held by a nations central bank or monetary authority, primarily in reserve currencies such as the US Dollar, with smaller portions in the Euro, Japanese Yen, and Pound Sterling.

The RBI often intervenes in the forex market to manage liquidityselling dollars to prevent steep rupee depreciation and buying dollars when the rupee is strong.
China on Saturday officially kicked off the construction on a mega dam project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo, upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River in Tibet. The project has reportedly sparked concerns in nations including India and Bangladesh, which are the downstream countries.

After China had announced its plans to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra River, India voiced its concerns with Beijing last year, including the need for transparency and consultation with the nations that lie downstream.

China Dams Affects On India

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The government of China has insisted that the project aims to deliver electricity for external consumption and address local demand in Xizang. However, the construction of the dam could harm the downstream nations of the Brahmpautra.

India has reportedly been carefully monitoring the developments relating to the Brahmaputra River, including Chinas plans to develop hydropower projects. Moreover, New Delhi has also taken necessary measures to protect the nations and citizens' interests, including preventive and corrective measures to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people residing in downstream areas.

According to a report by India Today, with an investment of billions of dollars, the project is expected to generate over 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

According to the report, the project's hydropower station will be built at a significant gorge in the Himalayas, specifically where the Brahmaputra River makes a U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh and subsequently flowing into Bangladesh.

Thus, the project has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh.

Indias Concerns On Dam Construction

The concerns of India regarding the construction of the dam were 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 and 27.

Fast forward to July 2025, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and discussed the trajectory of India-China bilateral relations. During the talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the EAM emphasised a long-term approach to resolving bilateral issues.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, 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.

According to IANS, the state-owned press agency reported that 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, which is about 167.8 billion US dollars.

Also Read: Indus Water Treaty Suspension: Can Pakistan-China Make Brahmaputra A Weapon Against India? Expert Says

Indias Bridge Over Brahmaputra River

According to ANI, the Indian Railways sanctioned the construction of the Second Rail-cum-Road Bridge at Saraighat over the Brahmaputra River, under the doubling project of the Agthori-Kamakhya railway line in Assam.

The project, approved under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), is estimated to cost Rs. 1,473.77 crore and is targeted for completion by December 2029. The bridge will cover a total length of 7.062 km between Agthori and Kamakhya stations, and will feature a 1.3 km-long steel composite girder over the Brahmaputra.

(with agencies inputs)
In a shocking incident, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable allegedly killed his live-in partner, a woman police officer, on Friday in Gujarat's Kutch district, according to a report in The Indian Express.

The accused, identified as Dilip Dangchiya, allegedly strangled the victim, Aruna Natu Jadav, to death following a dispute at their shared residence in Anjar, the report said.

The incident came to light on Saturday morning when the accused surrendered at the Anjar police station, where the victim was posted as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI).

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Further investigation is underway, police said

Man Kills Live-In Partner In Andhra Pradesh

In a separate incident in Andhra Pradesh, a 22-year-old woman, Oleti Pushpa, was brutally murdered by her live-in partner on July 16 in Siddhartha Nagar of B Savaram village, police said.

According to Police Inspector Naresh Kumar, Pushpa, who had separated from her husband, had been living in a rented house with Sheikh Shamma, also 22, for the past six months.

Police Inspector Kumar said, Sheikh was frequently under the influence of alcohol and the couple often quarrelled.

Inspector Kumar said that on Wednesday night, tensions escalated after Sheikh got into a dispute with Pushpas mother and brother. When Pushpa tried to intervene, Sheikh attacked her with a knife, stabbing her in the left side of her chest and her leg.

Inspector Kumar added that when Pushpas mother, Ganga, and her brother attempted to stop him, Sheikh assaulted them as well, leaving both injured. Pushpa succumbed to her injuries at the scene due to excessive bleeding.

A case has been registered, and two police teams have been deployed to track down Sheikh, who is currently absconding, Police said.

(With ANI inputs)
The Alipore Court on Saturday granted bail to Premanand Mahaveer Toppannavar, also known as Parmanand Jain, the student accused in the alleged rape case on the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta campus.

The court allowed bail on a bond of Rs 50,000, citing that the victim had 'not cooperated' in the investigation.

The decision comes after Toppannavar, a second-year student at IIM Calcutta, was remanded to police custody till July 19. He had been arrested by Kolkata Police on the night of July 13 following a complaint filed by a woman alleging that she had been raped on the IIM Calcutta campus.

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Earlier, Kolkata Police officials had informed that a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the Deputy Commissioner of the South West Division to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

Chief Prosecutor Sourin Ghosal told ANI that during the court proceedings, the defence claimed the sexual act was consensual, while the prosecution argued that prima facie evidence and medical reports supported the complainant's claims.

"We asked for police custody, and the accused asked for bail. They argued that it was consensual. We argued that no, the prima facie investigation shows that a crime was committed, and the medical evidence supports the victim. The court granted police custody till July 19," Ghosal said.

Meanwhile, the mother of the accused student, Mahaveer Toppannavar alias Parmanand Jain, said the family was stunned by the development and had no knowledge of the reason behind his detention. She asserted that her son, a final-year student at the prestigious institute, was innocent and incapable of committing such an act.

Her comments came after Kolkata Police arrested Toppannavar. Speaking to ANI, mother of Mahaveer Toppannavar alias Parmanand Jain said, "We recieved a call from his friend around 11 in the night. He told us that my son has been detained and he doesn't know the reason... We have no clue why our son has been arrested... We want to meet our son and talk to him."

"He was in the final year of his college... We do not know anything here in Kolkata. Where the Police Station is or the Court. My son is innocent. He has come so far to study. He will never do such a dirty thing," she told ANI.
New Delhi: An encounter broke out in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district as the Indian Army launched a major anti-terror operation following specific intelligence inputs. The encounter is ongoing in the remote Hadal Gal area of the Kishtwar sector.

Based on specific inputs, an operation was launched by the Indian Army in the Hadal Gal area of the Kishtwar sector. Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress, the Army said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

OP CHERJI,



Based on specific inputs an operation was launched by #IndianArmy in the Hadal Gal area of #Kishtwar Sector.



Contact has been established with #terrorists. The #operation is currently in progress.@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) July 20, 2025

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This marks the second encounter in Kishtwar this month. In an earlier operation that lasted two days, security forces failed to neutralize the terrorists despite intense efforts. The frequency of such engagements signals a worrying uptick in militant activity in the region.

The mountainous terrain of Kishtwar has witnessed several encounters over the past year. On May 22, a soldier was killed in action during an operation in the Chatroo area, underscoring the growing threat in the once-peaceful belt.

Located in the Jammu division, Kishtwar has increasingly become a focal point in the security forces counter-terror operations. Once largely unaffected by militancy, the district has now emerged as a significant terror hotspot, posing serious challenges for law enforcement.

According to officials, terrorist groups operating in this rugged region are highly trained in jungle warfare and have been involved in multiple attacks targeting both the Army and civilians across Jammu.

Security agencies are on high alert as the current operation continues, with reinforcements and surveillance being deployed to prevent the militants from escaping. More details are expected as the situation develops.

(More Details are awaited)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor asserted that the nations interests come above all else and that, no matter the party, the ultimate goal should be to create a better India.

Speaking at an event in Kochi on Saturday, Tharoor said that while all parties may aim for a better India, they have the right to differ on the most effective ways to achieve that goal.

"Which is your first loyalty? To my mind, the nation comes first. 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 its 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.

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Tharoor emphasised that regardless of any party's point of view, everyone should be committed to making India better, safer and 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 urged all parties to unite in difficult times, emphasizing that the countrys well-being must take priority for the prosperity and security of its people.

"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.

Tharoor has faced criticism from members of his own party for expressing admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a recent article.

(With ANI Inputs)
In a shocking revelation, Neha, widely known as "Neha Kinnar" in Bhopal, was discovered to be Abdul Kalam, a Bangladeshi man who falsely posed as a transgender woman and lived illegally in India for nearly 30 years.

His disguise was exposed after Bhopal police arrested him based on credible information received from a confidential informant.

According to a report by Dainik Jagran, Kalam confessed during interrogation that he had entered India illegally at the age of 10, initially residing in Mumbai before relocating to Bhopal. He revealed that he had been living in India for about 28 years.

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During his stay in India, Kalam obtained forged documents, including an Aadhaar card, ration card, and an Indian passport through an agent, as reported by Dainik Jagran.

Using these fraudulent documents, he reportedly traveled abroad, including to Bangladesh, and frequently changed residences within Bhopals Budhwara area.

Media reports also indicate that Kalam was involved in criminal activities in 2019, with a case registered against him.

Due to the cases national security implications, the Intelligence Bureau and Anti-Terrorism Squad have joined the investigation, according to India Today.

Kalam has been placed in 30-day detention as authorities prepare for his deportation to Bangladesh, which is expected to proceed once the probe into his decades-long illegal stay in Bhopal is complete.

Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrant Arrested In Maharashtra

In another development, in a major crackdown on illegal immigration and human trafficking, the Pune City Police arrested five Bangladeshi women from the Budhwar Peth red-light area in Pune.

Acting on a specific tip-off, senior officers from the Faraskhana Police Station and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) launched a targeted operation in the red-light area on Friday. The arrested women were found to be residing illegally in India without valid documentation.

A preliminary investigation revealed that they arrived in India illegally from Bangladesh, and while pretending to be residents of West Bengal, moved to Pune and engaged in prostitution. The women, aged between 20 and 28, had been using false identity documents to stay in India.

The operation also uncovered the involvement of several traffickers who facilitated their illegal entry and stay in India. Police have registered cases under relevant sections of the Immigration Act, Passport Act, and human trafficking laws.

(With ANI Inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom from July 23 to 24 at the invitation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marking Modis fourth visit to the country, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Sunday.

Notably, Prime Minister Modis visit to the UK comes amid speculation that the two countries may formally sign the landmark India-UK free trade agreement.

During this visit, Modi will hold comprehensive talks with his British counterpart on all aspects of India-UK bilateral relations and he is also likely to meet King Charles III.

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According to the MEA, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to call on His Majesty King Charles III. During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties.

For the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26, on the invitation of the President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This will be Prime Minister's third visit to Maldives, and the first visit by a Head of State or Government to Maldives during the Presidency of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Significantly, PM Modi will be the 'Guest of Honour' at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives on July 26.

During the visit, PM Modi will meet Dr Mohamed Muizzu and hold discussions on issues of mutual interest. The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024.

MEA in its statement underscored that the visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship.

(With ANI Inputs)
The SpiceJet Flight SG447, which was scheduled to travel from Darbhanga to Delhi on Saturday morning, was cancelled due to technical issues and sunset restrictions at the airport. The passengers of the flight were reportedly left stranded after the cancellation.

According to sources cited by ANI, the flight, which was originally set to depart at around 11:40 am, was initially delayed due to technical issues with the aircraft. Later, SpiceJet arranged a replacement aircraft to carry the passengers to Delhi.

ANI quoted the sources as saying, "The flight, originally set to depart around 11:40 am, was initially delayed due to technical reasons with the aircraft. The aircraft was unable to operate as planned. SpiceJet then arranged a replacement aircraft to carry the passengers to Delhi."

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Darbhanga airport, which operates as a defence airport, enforces a strict sunset restriction on civil flight movements, the sources said.

Furthermore, the replacement aircraft that eventually reached Darbhanga arrived too late to obtain the necessary clearance for departure before sunset. Subsequently, the flight was unable to take off and was cancelled, the ANI sources continued.

SpiceJet assured that alternative arrangements were made for the stranded passengers to travel to Delhi on Sunday.

SpiceJet Flight Cancel

Earlier, a SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Mumbai handed over two passengers to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for their unruly behaviour after they attempted to approach the cockpit while the aircraft was taxiing forcefully.

The incident was of flight SG 9282, before its take-off, and despite the cabin crew and the Captain's repeated warnings, the individuals refused to return to their seats and created a disruption onboard. The two passengers were removed from the flight and handed over to the CISF.

"In the interest of the safety of all passengers and crew, the Captain decided to return the aircraft to the bay," the airline had said.

(with ANI inputs)
Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker and BJP leader Numal Momin has lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling her a "half-Hindu" after she alleged that the BJP government in Assam was persecuting Bengali-speaking citizens for asserting their linguistic identity. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Momin said, "Mamata Banerjee is giving a statement that is very much condemnable, and not a single Assamese person will support this statement. She wanted the coexistence of Bangladeshi infiltrators... That is not acceptable at any cost. She is a half-Hindu, which is why she is making such statements against Hindus. What did she want to prove...? She wanted to make Bengal, Assam, and the Northeast into an Islamic state." He further accused her of ignoring the condition of Hindus in West Bengal and urged her to focus on her own state instead of commenting on Assam. "She never had sympathy for Hindus. In West Bengal, the Hindus are suffering a lot. Instead of commenting on Assam's internal matter, she should concentrate on West Bengal...," he said. Earlier, Mamata Banerjee had stated X, saying, "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 also extended her support to those defending their cultural and linguistic identity, saying, "I stand with every fearless citizen who is fighting for the dignity of their language and identity and their democratic rights." Her comments came after a protest march in Siliguri organised by the Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress (INTTUC), affiliated with the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), against the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The protest was held over the alleged harassment and pushback of Bengali-speaking individuals from several BJP-ruled states. According to the union, many Bengali-speaking migrants have been wrongly labelled as "Bangladeshis" and targeted under the pretext of removing illegal immigrants. 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..."(ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv has proposed to hold a new round of peace talks with Moscow next week.

Rustem Umerov, who headed the Ukrainian delegation in the previous two talks in Istanbul, had sent the Russian side the offer to hold the meeting next week, Zelensky said in his evening address to the nation on Saturday.

"The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up," Zelensky said. "Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire."

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Umerov, the former defence minister, was just appointed by the Ukrainian president as secretary of the National Security and Defence Council on Friday.

Russia on Tuesday rejected US President Donald Trump's 50-day ultimatum to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire, dismissing the threat of "severe tariffs" as unacceptable.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasised that Moscow favours a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict and is ready to negotiate.

The announcement of a new round of peace talks comes as earlier in the day, Russian forces carried out a massive strike on enterprises of Ukraine's military-industrial complex, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

The attack involved high-precision air-, ground- and sea-launched weapons, as well as drones, and all designated targets were hit, the ministry said in a statement.

Zelensky took to Telegram and said that Russia launched more than 300 drones and over 30 cruise missiles overnight, killing one person and injuring six others in Odesa, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry said its forces shot down 71 Ukrainian drones overnight. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 13 drones were intercepted while approaching the Russian capital.
Fresh satellite images analysed by a leading geo-intelligence expert have reignited speculation over whether Kirana Hills, a highly sensitive facility linked to Pakistans nuclear programme, was targeted during Indias Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows -



1 - the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025

2 - repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025 pic.twitter.com/BLOXYB9fKP July 18, 2025

Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon shared two images on X. The first depicts Kirana Hills, marked with ammunition impact marks and sentry posts, along with visible evidence of damage. The second shows the Sargodha airbase a few days after the attacks, highlighting repairs to runway sections where missiles had reportedly created craters.

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Kirana Hills

Kirana Hills is a highly sensitive military area under the jurisdiction of Pakistan's Ministry of Defence. It is widely believed to be a vital centre linked to Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme.

India's Stance

India has denied targeting the nuclear facility at Kirana Hills. After the May ceasefire, Air Marshal AK Bharti stated that the armed forces neither targeted Kirana Hills nor knew of any nuclear installation at the site.

When asked if India hit Kirana Hills, Air Marshal AK Bharti said, Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses a nuclear installation; we did not know about it. We have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there, Air Marshal Bharti said.

Pahalgam Terror Attack To Operation Sindoor

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

Under Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces launched precision strikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing over 100 terrorists.

A ceasefire was announced between the two countries on May 10, after the Pakistani DGMO requested it during talks with his Indian counterpart.

US Designates TRF As Foreign Terrorist Organisation

On Thursday, the United States 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 attackas a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).

US Labels Pahalgam Incident as Deadliest Attack Since 2008

The US also described the Pahalgam incident as the "deadliest attack" on India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks perpetrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba.

China Condemns Pahalgam Attack

Following the US statement, China condemned the April 22 attack in Pahalgam 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," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.
New Delhi: India-based crypto exchange CoinDCX suffered a major cyberattack on July 20 with hackers stealing nearly 44 million dollars (around Rs 380 crore) from its internal accounts. The breach which occurred over 17 hours ago. It was first flagged within the community by ethical hacker ZachZBT.

CoinDCXs co-founder later confirmed the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter). As a precaution, the company has temporarily paused its Web3 operations but assured users that customer funds on CoinDCX Web3 remain safe.

CoinDCX co-founder Neeraj Khandelwal confirmed that the hackers stole around 44 million dollars from the companys treasury funds, not from user accounts. He assured users that CoinDCX itself will cover the loss, and their top priority has been to secure all remaining assets and ensure user safety.

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The total amount lost was ~$44Mn out of our treasury assets. Coindcx Treasury will be bearing these losses. Our first and foremost objective throughout the day has been to first secure assets. https://t.co/Gohc727ONR  Neeraj Khandelwal (@neerajKh_) July 19, 2025

How did the breach happen?

CoinDCX co-founder and CEO Sumit Gupta revealed that hackers targeted one of the companys internal accounts used for managing funds on a partner platform. The breach was described as sophisticated and involved vulnerabilities in their server system. As soon as the issue was detected, the team quickly isolated the compromised account to contain the damage. Cybersecurity experts are now investigating the breach and working to fix the security gaps, and tracing the stolen funds.//

CoinDCX CEO Sumit Gupta assured users that the situation was brought under control swiftly by isolating the affected operational account. He explained that since customer wallets are kept separate from internal accounts, the breach was limited to just one account. The incident was quickly contained by isolating the affected operational account. Since our operational accounts are segregated from customer wallets, the exposure is only limited to this specific account and is being fully absorbed by us - from our own treasury reserves. Our internal security and operations teams have been working through the day along with leading cybersecurity partners to investigate the matter, patch any vulnerabilities and trace the movement of funds, Gupta said.//

Hi everyone,



At @CoinDCX, we have always believed in being transparent with our community, hence I am sharing this with you directly.



Today, one of our internal operational accounts - used only for liquidity provisioning on a partner exchange - was compromised due to a pic.twitter.com/L1kZhjKAxQ  Sumit Gupta (CoinDCX) (@smtgpt) July 19, 2025

India Sees Another Major Crypto Breach Within a Year

CoinDCX has become the second major Indian crypto exchange to suffer a cyberattack in the past year. Back in July 2024, rival platform WazirX lost a staggering 234 million dollars in crypto assets after one of its wallets hosted on Liminal was hacked.

The breach forced WazirX to halt trading and withdrawals, triggering panic among its 4.4 million users. The company filed an FIR and even launched a white hat bounty program, offering up to 23 million dollars to recover the stolen funds. However, a year later, only 3 million dollars has been recovered. International investigations later traced the hack to North Korean state-sponsored cybercriminals.
Mumbai: Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has mourned the passing of Chandra Barot, the director of his iconic 1978 film, 'Don.'

Barot, who was 86, passed away on Sunday morning. In a blog post, the 'Zanjeer' actor extended his prayers in an emotional note as he remembered Barot as his family friend.

"Another and another sad moment... Dear friend and my director of DON - Chandra Barot passed away this morning... It is difficult to put in words the loss... we worked together yes, but he was more a family friend than any else...I can only pray," Big B wrote in his post.

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Chandra Barot made his directorial debut with Don in 1978. The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role, has gained cult status over the years.

The movie's popularity led to several remakes and sequels, including the Don franchise featuring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. The remake was directed by Farhan Akhtar, and also starred Priyanka Chopra. Its sequel, also helmed by Akhtar, was released in 2011.

Apart from Don, Chandra Barot was also known for directing Aashrita in 1989. Earlier, Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar also mourned the death of 'Don' director Chandra Barot.

Taking to his Instagram, Farhan Akhtar paid tribute to the filmmaker by calling him the "OG Don". He also expressed his condolences to Barot's family.

His post read, "Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family." Celebrities like Farah Khan and Isha Koppikar reacted to the post.

Apart from 'Don,' Chandra Barot assisted on films like 'Purab Aur Pachhim,' 'Yaadgaar,' 'Roti Kapada Aur Makaan,' and 'Shor.' He also directed the 1989 Bengali film, 'Aashrita.'
New Delhi: Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot died at 86 after a seven-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He is known for the cult classic 1978 film 'Don' which stars Amitabh Bachchan. Barot took his last breath on Sunday, July 20. His wife, Deepa Barot, confirmed the demise. Speaking to TOI she said, 'He had been battling pulmonary fibrosis for the past seven years.'

Deepa Barot further revealed that the veteran filmmaker was undergoing treatment at Guru Nanak Hospital under the care of Dr Manish Shetty. He had also been admitted to Jaslok Hospital earlier.

Farhan Akhtar, who directed Don 2 and directing the third installment of the franchise, took to Instagram and paid emotional tribute to Chandra Barot on his post read, 'Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family.'

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About Chandra Barot

Chandra Barot was born into a family that later moved to Dar-es-Salaam, South Africa, due to political uncertainty in the 1930s. He worked at Barclays Bank in Tanzania before pursuing a career in filmmaking. Barot eventually moved to India and, under the mentorship of Manoj Kumar, joined the film industry. He contributed several cult classics to Indian cinema and also worked as an assistant director on various projects.

Chandra Barot Movies And Critically Acclaimed Work

Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot made his directorial debut with the 1978 cult classic Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. This bold move came after actor-producer Nariman Irani faced financial difficulties following the failure of Zindagi Zindagi (1972). Barot and his associates decided to produce Don, bringing on board the acclaimed writer duo SalimJaved. He also worked as an assistant director on films like Purab Aur Pashchim, Yaadgaar, Shor, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. Following Don's chartbuster success, he directed the Bengali film Aashrita (1989) and Pyar Bhara Dil (1991). However, many of his later projects, including Boss, Neil Ko Pakadna... Impossible, and Hong Kong Wali Script, were never released.

Chandra Barot's Cinematic Legacy

Critically acclaimed director Chandra Barot's cinematic legacy lives on through the Don franchise. The 2006 film Don and its sequel Don 2, directed by Farhan Akhtar and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, revived the classic. Now, Akhtar is back with Don 3, which is set to begin shooting in January 2026, with Ranveer Singh taking on the lead role bringing the magic of the action-thriller franchise back to the big screen.
New Delhi: B-town's new parents, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, are now enjoying a new chapter in their lives, as the star couple welcomed their first child on July 15, 2025, at Reliance Hospital in Mumbai. Kiara was discharged from the hospital on Friday. Amid this, an image of the couple with a baby, posing alongside superstar Salman Khan, has been making rounds on social media. The photo has created quite a buzz on the internet.

Take A Look At The Post:

Is Kiara, Sidharth Pic With Baby Girl And Salman Khan REAL?

The now-viral photo shows Kiara Advani holding a newborn baby, posing with Sidharth Malhotra and superstar Salman Khan. The selfie has created a buzz on social media. However, the image is fake yes, you read that right! The photo has been digitally edited to make it appear as if the three actors are posing with a baby girl. The child in the picture is not Sidharth and Kiaras daughter. In fact, all three actors images have been digitally altered and placed against a background that appears to be a nursery.

Kiara, Sidharth Request 'No Photos' Policy For Their Daughter

.@SidMalhotra and @advani_kiara have always been respectful and warm to the media & fans.



They've politely asked the paps & everyone to follow a no photos policy for their baby girl. Let's respect their request! Every child deserves a private, gentle beginning ____ pic.twitter.com/wEn2hOCfq4  Sidharth Malhotra FC (@SidharthFC_) July 17, 2025

Recenlty, New Parents Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra have urged media and photographers to respect their privacy after their daughter's birth. On Friday, the couple issued a joint statement and requested everyone not to click pictures of their newborn as they too opt for no photo policy. The request note reads, 'We're so grateful for all the love and wishes, our hearts are truly full. As we take our first step into this new journey of parenthood, we hope to enjoy it intimately as a family. It would mean a lot to us if this special time could stay private. So, no photos please, only blessings. Thank you for your support. Love Kiara and Sidharth.'

For the unverse, the couple also sent pastel pink boxes of sweets to the paparazzi and requested them to respect their family privacy with a note on the box that reads, 'Our Baby Girl Is Here. Just a little something sweet to celebrate this special moment. No pictures please, only blessings.  Kiara & Sidharth.'

FAQs

When did Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani Announced The Good News?

Sidharth, Kiara took to Instagram on July 16, 2025 and annouced the birth of their baby girl in a heartfelt post.

Is Kiara Advani in Delhi After Hospital Discharge ?

No, Kiara and Sidharth with their newborn baby was spotted at Kiara's mother Genevieve Advani's house in Mumbai.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Dan Rivera knew what it meant to walk into places most people avoid. He had stood still in rooms where the air never quite felt empty, stepped carefully across floorboards that remembered too much and sat in silence where children once wept. Ghost stories were not stories to him. They were testimonies.

On the night of July 13, Dan finished another tour. It was a full house. The Devils on the Run had stopped at the old Soldiers National Orphanage, a place layered in loss. He spoke with care, as he always did, about Annabelle  the doll many believe never truly sleeps. People listened and laughed. Some looked over their shoulders. Then Dan said goodnight and walked away into the Gettysburg dark.

He never made it to morning.

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Hours later, hotel workers unlocked his door. Dan was alone. He was not breathing. Paramedics came. The Pennsylvania State Police arrived. Nothing looked out of place. No blood. No broken glass. Just quiet.

And something was missing. The doll.

Coroner Francis Dutrow, the first official on the scene, confirmed what people had already begun whispering online. The Annabelle doll was not in the room when I arrived. It had never been in there, he said.

That absence carried weight. Dan had been touring with Annabelle. He had spoken about her only hours earlier. She was part of his work, his warnings and his purpose. But in the room where he died, she was gone.

The New England Society for Psychic Research, the group Dan had worked with for more than a decade, tried to calm the storm of speculation. She is safely secured, they said. But that statement only opened more questions. When did she leave? Who took her? Why was not she there?

Beneath NESPRs online tribute to Dan, someone wrote asked, What happened in that room?

Annabelles story goes back further than most know. Not born from film scripts, but from a small apartment in Connecticut in 1968. A nursing student received the doll as a gift. She kept it in her home. Then things began to move. The girl brought in a medium. The answer  a child named Annabelle lived inside the doll. But the Warrens, Ed and Lorraine, felt something colder.

They did not call it a haunting. They called it a possession.

The doll was locked behind glass in their museum. A warning written above it, Do Not Touch. But Annabelle never really stayed quiet. She appeared on movie posters. Inspired entire horror franchises. Gathered followers, skeptics and believers. Dan Rivera spent years carrying her story, reminding people that what scares us often wants to be heard.

Dan was not in this for fame. He was a veteran. A husband. A father. He joined the NESPR to help people who were afraid in their own homes. To offer answers where others only gave silence.

He became a familiar face on paranormal shows. Netflixs 28 Days Haunted. Travel Channels Most Haunted Places. But those who knew him say his real gift was offline, in basements, living rooms and abandoned schools, where families waited for peace.

He always listened first. He never treated fear like fiction, the NESPR said.

Ryan Buell, host of Paranormal State, described Dan as thoughtful, committed and kind. A man who had seen shadows but always carried light.

That final day, Dan did not feel well. He told his colleagues he would be heading back early. The tour went on. He quietly stepped away. By nightfall, he was gone.

The autopsy report will take time, maybe two months. So far, no signs point to foul play. No evidence of anything unnatural. But the timing is impossible to ignore.

He had spent his night talking about a cursed object. The doll vanished. Then he died.

Dans death has left a hole, not just in his team, but in the community that followed his work. The NESPR says their tours will continue, now in his name. But for those who stood with him in old theatres, abandoned hospitals and war-touched orphanages, there is something they cannot stop thinking about.

A man devoted to unmasking fear now gone. A doll that should have been locked away now unaccounted for.

Dan Rivera leaves behind his wife, his children and years of unanswered questions.

He followed the stories that no one else dared to. He believed people when they said they were scared. He chased shadows with steady hands.

Now, as people search for meaning, all that remains is silence and a locked door.

And somewhere, once again, Annabelle is missing.
Mumbai: 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"

According to media reports, the 'Pathaan' actor sustained an injury while filming an action sequence for his latest project, 'King'

Reports regarding my brother Shah Rukh Khan sustaining muscular injuries during shooting make me worried. Wish him speedy recovery. @iamsrk July 19, 2025

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.

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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.
Los Angeles: The Vampire Diaries actor Paul Wesley has announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend and model Natalie Kuckenburg.



Wesley took to Instagram on Saturday to share a photo with Natalie, who can be seen flaunting her engagement ring. The announcement came with a glimpse into the couple's romantic Italian getaway.

The 25-year-old also confirmed the news on her Instagram handle, posting a picture of her hand being held by Wesley. "Yes. Always and forever," she captioned the photo, showcasing a stunning oval-cut diamond engagement ring.



The engagement came on the heels of the couple's recent Italian vacation. They shared pictures of their getaway earlier this week.



"A beautiful time in Tuscany," Paul wrote in his Instagram post, when Natalie chimed, "The best time!!"

According to a report by People, Paul Wesley and Natalie Kuckenburg have been together for a while now, but were first linked in 2022, when they were spotted spending time in Nerano, Italy.

It was on Valentine's Day 2023 that Natalie shared a picture with the actor, confirming their romance in public. Ever since, the cuple has never failed to give each other sweet shoutouts on social media and express their love.

In a March 2024 interview with People, Wesley described Natalie as "the funniest person" and emphasised the importance of laughter in their relationship.

"I think the reason we get along so well is because all we do is laugh, and I think it's probably one of the most important things in a relationship," he said.

Paul Wesley was previously married to Ines de Ramon. The actor filed for divorce in February 2023 after a "mutual decision."
New Delhi: Vicky Kaushal's father and veteran stunt director Sham Kaushal recently opened up about a deeply emotional and vulnerable phase in his life when he had suicidal thoughts following a cancer diagnosis.

In a candid conversation on a podcast with Aman Aujla, Sham recalled that during the shoot of the film Lakshya in Ladakh, he suddenly experienced severe stomach pain and was rushed to an army hospital. What was initially thought to be a routine issue turned out to be something far more serious cancer.

He shared that after undergoing a three-hour surgery to remove a suspicious growth from his stomach, doctors informed him that the condition was critical, and they werent sure he would survive. It was after receiving this news that Sham, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, had suicidal thoughts.

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They informed me in the evening, and at night, I had this wild thought of jumping from the third floor of the hospital where my room was situated. I didnt make the decision out of weakness, but thought when I have to die anyway, why not now? But I couldnt move due to the pain post-surgery, Sham said.

The veteran action director also revealed that in that moment, he hoped give him just 10 more years to live.

After that night, something changed. I overcame the fear of death. The next morning, I gained the hope that its just a matter of a couple of surgeries, and Ill be alright. That incident changed my entire outlook on life and strengthened my willpower.

Sham revealed that over the course of a year, he underwent multiple surgeries and tests but remained strong. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread. He credits that difficult phase for shaping his personal and professional journey.

I asked God to bless me with 10 more years, and today its been 22. I met good people, received good work, my kids have done well I grew in life, he added.

Sham Kaushals Work Front

Sham Kaushal is one of Indias most respected action directors, with over four decades of experience in both Bollywood and Hollywood. His debut as an action director was in the Malayalam film Indrajaalam (1990).

In Bollywood, his work includes critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), PK (2014), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Padmaavat (2018), Sanju (2018), and Simmba (2018). He has also worked internationally, notably on the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire (2008).

(If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Suicide is preventable. Please reach out to a mental health professional or call a suicide prevention helpline. In India, you can contact: Sanjivini (Delhi): 011-40769002 (10 AM  5:30 PM), Sneha Foundation (Chennai): 044-24640050 (8 AM  10 PM), Vandrevala Foundation (Mumbai, 24x7): +91 9999666555)
Following the alleged suicide case of a BDS student in a private university in Greater Noida, the deceased's uncle on Sunday claimed that the management had been torturing her for years, which led to her tragic decision. He demanded justice and called for the university's license to be revoked. Speaking to ANI, deceased's uncle said, "The management and faculty in this college are absolutely zero. Its licence should be revoked. Our daughter was a last-year BDS student here. There is no security here. For our daughter's death, the university's management is responsible. Management mentally tortured her for 2-3 years. That's why she took this step.. Justice should be served and culprits must be caught... Out of 6-7 culprits, only two were arrested. Police said that they will be arrested within a week..." While the deceased's brother, Devender, said his sister took the extreme step due to the constant torment she faced. He further urged authorities to take action against the remaining suspects. "My sister committed suicide after being mentally harassed by management and a lecturer, which led her to take this difficult step. After the FIR was filed, police arrested some of the accused whose names she mentioned in her suicide note. However, there are 3-4 more accused for whom no action has been taken. We are urging authorities to take strict action against them as soon as possible," Devender said. A village representative, Charan Singh, stated that the college management had put intense pressure on the girl, which led her to take her own life. He mentioned that the deceased's family had been living in Gurugram for many years and that her parents had recently met with the college teachers. Singh, along with many villagers, has urged the government to ensure justice for the girl. "They (deceased's family) have been living in Gurgaon for many years, and their children are also studying there. What I heard is that the deceased's parents met teachers a few days ago. The college management put so much pressure on the girl that she took her own life. Many people from the village have gone to Gurgaon. We urge the government to deliver justice for the girl," Singh said. A 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. (ANI)
After China had announced its plans to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra River, India voiced its concerns with Beijing last year, including the need for transparency and consultation with the nations that lie downstream.
A head constable of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) died after he allegedly shot himself with his service weapon in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district, police said on Friday. The incident took place on Thursday at the headquarters of CRPFs 199th battalion in Bhairamgarh, a police official said here. CRPF is engaged in operations against Naxals in the state.
Three people, two women and a young girl, were killed in a shooting incident in Washington state. Meanwhile, authorities have cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Paris: The United States has remained at the top of the global arms industry for decades. But France is steadily emerging as one of its strongest challengers. After offering its Rafale fighter jet as a credible alternative to the American F-35, Paris is now setting its sights on the Patriot missile system with a new air defense contender.

Developed jointly with Italy, France has unveiled the Samp/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain) system  a modern air defense solution designed to compete directly with the U.S.-built Patriot. The move comes as several Western nations re-evaluate their defense contracts, particularly those involving American hardware.

According to a report by the Eurasian Times, France is actively presenting Samp/T to nations reconsidering large F-35 orders, positioning it as a European-built solution that not only defends but reflects sovereign industrial independence. This shift could impact billions in future U.S. defense contracts.

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Rising Defense Budgets, Bigger Stakes

Across NATO and beyond, countries are ramping up their defense spending. Recent global conflicts have highlighted the need for modern and mobile air defense systems. Nations unable or unwilling to engage with Russia or China for military hardware now look west to the United States and increasingly to France.

President Emmanuel Macron has pushed hard for foreign orders of the Samp/T. He has called it a complete European alternative, urging buyers to opt for this next-generation missile defense over the U.S. Patriot.

Those who buy Patriots should now consider the Franco-Italian Samp/T. And those who look at the F-35 should be offered the Rafale, he said.

Features That Set Samp/T Apart

At this years Paris Air Show, EuroSAM, a consortium behind the Samp/T, outlined the systems capabilities. Military advisor Eric Tabachi emphasised its advanced radar, which rotates every second, scanning over 220 miles of airspace and offering full 360-degree coverage. He claimed this feature gives it a distinct edge over the Patriot.

The system can detect ballistic missiles maneuvering up to 600 km away and intercept targets at 150 km. Its vertical-launch Aster missiles, 48 per unit, can respond to threats from any direction.

Each unit includes a multifunction radar and up to six launchers. Despite its compact design, it is highly mobile and cost-effective, though production capacity may limit its global availability.

Can Samp/T Dethrone the Patriot?

The American Patriot system remains a dominant player. Trusted by over 19 countries, it has a strong combat record and wide global deployment. Its PAC-3 MSE missiles are effective, but some experts suggest they trail behind the Aster 30 in flexibility and performance.

The Patriot requires more setup space and personnel, while Samp/T boasts quicker mobility and simplified logistics.

EuroSAM insists Samp/T has evolved beyond just matching the Patriot. It now surpasses it in many areas. Features like vertical-launch canisters and sweeping radar coverage may appeal to nations seeking cutting-edge alternatives.

Global Footprint Still Growing

So far, only France and Italy operate the Samp/T domestically. Singapore has purchased a customised variant, and two batteries have been delivered to Ukraine. Since entering service in 2011, 18 complete systems have been ordered worldwide.

By contrast, Patriot has seen over 240 orders from 19 countries. Can France and Italys Samp/T chip away at Americas dominance in global missile defense? Only time and new contracts will tell.
In a major security incident, CoinDCX, one of Indias cryptocurrency exchanges, has confirmed a hacking attack that led to a loss of around $44 million (nearly Rs 368 crore). The hack took place early on Saturday and targeted one of the company's internal operational accounts. However, the Mumbai-based crypto platform has assured users that their personal funds are completely safe. In a statement, CoinDCX clarified that the compromised account was only used for liquidity operations on a partner exchange and did not store any customer assets.

Sumit Gupta, Co-founder of CoinDCX, explained on social media that this particular account was hit due to a sophisticated server breach. He added that the losses will be covered entirely by the companys treasury reserves, which are sufficiently healthy to absorb the damage. Soon after detecting the attack, CoinDCX temporarily paused its Web3 trading platform as a precaution. However, it is now live again. Regular trading and INR withdrawals on the main crypto exchange were never stopped, and users can continue to use the platform without any issues.

The breach comes at a time when crypto security is under the spotlight in India. The government is expected to release its first crypto policy paper soon, which could bring clearer regulations to the sector. CoinDCX says it is taking this incident very seriously and will continue to focus on building a safe and trustworthy crypto ecosystem in India. This reminds people of the WazirX breach in which several Indian users lost their funds are awaiting justice alleging inaction by the authorities.

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What Is WazirX Case?

In July 2024, WazirX, one of Indias largest cryptocurrency exchanges, suffered a cyberattack in which hackers stole approximately Rs 2,000 crore worth of digital assets, said media reports. Following the attack, WazirX offered users partial recovery of assets (between 55%85%), which many Indian users claimed was arbitrary and lacked transparency, said media reports. Affected users in India filed a class-action complaint with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), arguing that their contract was with WazirX's Indian entity, Zanmai Labs. The NCDRC dismissed the case, citing lack of jurisdiction and ambiguity over the legal status of cryptocurrencies in India.

According to reports, the Singapore High Court has dismissed in June Zettai's proposed restructuring plan for WazirX. The court cited concerns about regulatory compliance for the distributing company which was earlier suggested to be Panama based entity Zensui. The compromised wallet was jointly managed with a company called Liminal, and both Liminal and WazirX have since pointed fingers at each other over the vulnerability that was ultimately exploited by North Korean hackers. When the breach occurred last July, WazirX faced backlash for its delayed communication with users and for creating confusion by freezing their funds in the aftermath of the attack.

In January this year, WazirX said it had frozen the first tranche of stolen assets, worth around $3 million. Despite being known primarily as an Indian crypto platform, WazirX took its restructuring efforts to the legal system in Singapore. There, it sought a moratorium to protect itself from legal claims during the reorganization.

The initial creditor vote in favour of the scheme received approval rate of 93.1%. If the amended version gains similar support, Zanmai could begin distributing recovered assets within 10 business days of court approval. The company also announced that, to align with updated legal and operational standards, it has adopted a new structure under which the FIU-registered Zanmai India entity will handle asset distributiononce the court approves and sanctions the proposed Scheme.

Indian Investors Await Justice

The case attracted attention for its cross-border legal implications, with many Indian investors initially questioning why proceedings are being handled in Singapore. Many Indian investors have expressed frustration with the lack of prompt action from domestic authorities. With ongoing legal proceedings and market volatility, many investors remain anxious about recovering their crypto before values fluctuate further. Affected Indian users have been taking to X to vent their anger.

TBH....Indian crypto users just wants their funds BACK



Theyre tired of your lies. They know how clearly youve exploited them, how many times youve hidden the truth



You still havent even made the real #WazirX PoR public & it's been 1 year now !!! pic.twitter.com/w3J10H0sOA  Ajay Kashyap (@EverythingAjay) July 17, 2025

While other exchanges fully compensated users after a hack, WazirX didnt pay even 1.

Instead, they keep shifting blame saying others are too big or too small to compare, while offering excuse after excuse.

No refunds. Just PR and blah blah blah.#WazirX #WazirxScam  Harish Varma (@Harishvarma08) July 19, 2025

The slow and indecisive response from Indian authorities has frustrated many WazirX customers in the country, with several questioning why the fate of their invested crypto is still being determined in a foreign court. Others are growing increasingly anxious to regain access to their assets amid fears of a market downturn, but the legal battle remains unresolved.
The story so far: Kyiv woke to a warm July morning on 17, its sunlight spilling over the golden dome of the Verkhovna Rada. In front of the Parliament building, Yulia Svyrydenko took her place no longer as a minister or economic strategist, but now Ukraines new prime minister. A nation under siege by war, which is scarred by loss and tested by time, turns to her leadership with cautious hope.

She becomes Ukraines 19th prime minister at a defining moment. As June ends, so does Denys Shmyhals five-year tenure. What follows is a transition of power, vision, voice and urgency. Svyrydenko steps in not as a populist, nor a wartime orator, but as a calm and calculated technocrat. She is an economist by training, a builder of frameworks and a problem-solver in the middle of crisis.

Her path to this moment has been decades in the making. Born on Christmas Day in 1985 in Chernihiv, Svyrydenko was a standout student at Kyivs State University of Trade and Economics. With a masters degree in antitrust management, she started in the private sector before transitioning to public service in 2011. Her early years saw her posted to China and later advising regional governments on economic growth.

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By 2019, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took notice. He brought her into a socio-economic working group during early peace dialogues, later elevating her to deputy head of the Presidential Office. In November 2021, months before Russias full-scale invasion, she became deputy prime minister and minister of economy.

Then came war.

Instead of retreating, she helped Ukraine navigate one of its darkest periods. She played a pivotal role in securing a U.S.-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund in 2022, unlocking funding for rebuilding and tapping into Ukraines mineral wealth. This year, she carried Ukraines case to Rome, securing 11 billion euro in recovery pledges from Western partners.

President Zelenskyy formally nominated her on July 14. Three days later, 262 members of Parliament voted in favour. She became the first woman to lead Ukraines government during wartime.

Her mandate is steep. Ukraine faces a $19 billion fiscal hole. Artillery shells continue to fall. But she has already laid out her battle plan  deeper fiscal reforms, deregulation, privatisation and a push to manufacture at least half of Ukraines military equipment domestically within six months. She aims to speed up EU integration and deepen military ties with the United States.

In her first message on X, she wrote, Our Government sets its course toward a Ukraine that stands firm on its own foundations  military, economic and social. My key goal is real, positive results that every Ukrainian will feel in daily life. War leaves no room for delay.

It is a great honor for me to lead the Government of Ukraine today.



Our Government sets its course toward a Ukraine that stands firm on its own foundations  military, economic, and social. My key goal is real, positive results that every Ukrainian will feel in daily life.



War pic.twitter.com/oytWMCp1S3  Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) July 17, 2025

With that, a new chapter begins.
New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to renewed peace talks with Ukraine, but Moscow remains firm on achieving its key objectives, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday, according to media reports citing Russian state media.

President Putin has repeatedly expressed his desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible, Peskov stated. However, this is a complex and lengthy process that requires substantial effort.

Peskov emphasized that Russias goals in the conflict remain unchanged. The most important thing for us is to accomplish our objectives. These goals are clear and non-negotiable, he added, without specifying further.

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Peskov also addressed recent comments by US President Donald Trump, noting that the world has grown accustomed to his sometimes harsh rhetoric. However, he acknowledged that Trump had also expressed a desire to work toward a peace deal with Russia, a sentiment Moscow views as constructive.

The remarks came as Kyiv signaled a willingness to resume peace talks, which have been stalled since early June. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was quoted in media reports as saying that Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov had proposed a new round of negotiations with the Russian side to take place next week. The momentum of the negotiations must be stepped up, Zelenskyy said.

Meanwhile, Trump, speaking on Monday, announced new military aid for Ukraine and warned of fresh sanctions targeting buyers of Russian exports if Moscow fails to agree to a peace deal within the next 50 days.

Previous negotiations between the two sides, including two rounds held in Istanbul, failed to produce a ceasefire. However, they did result in agreements on prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers.

As both sides reiterate their commitment to diplomacy, albeit with firm conditions, the coming weeks could prove critical in determining whether meaningful progress toward peace is possible.
Ukraine has proposed to hold a new round of peace talks with Russia next week, following negotiations that stalled last month, according to Al Jazeera.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Saturday that Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov had made an offer for a meeting with Russian negotiators for next week.

"Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire," Zelenskyy said in his evening address to the nation, Al Jazeera reported. "The Russian side should stop hiding from decisions."

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Ukraine's leader 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.

There was no immediate response from Russia, as per Al Jazeera.

Umerov, a former defence minister, was appointed last week as the head of the National Security and Defence Council and tasked with adding more momentum to the negotiations.

He headed his country's delegation in two previous rounds of talks in Turkiye earlier this year, which yielded little more than an agreement to exchange prisoners and soldiers' remains.

In previous rounds, Russia outlined a list of hardline demands that were not acceptable to Ukraine, calling on it to cede four Ukrainian regions it claims as its own and reject Western military support, as per Al Jazeera.

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday indicated that Moscow agreed with a statement by Zelenskyy that peace efforts needed "more momentum".

The shift came after United States President Donald Trump, who initially appeared to adopt a conciliatory approach towards Russia after entering office, upped the pressure on Moscow.

This week, Trump set a 50-day deadline for Moscow to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine or face "100 per cent tariffs" and the prospect of secondary sanctions being imposed on countries that buy Russian oil.

He also promised to ramp up arms shipments to the war-battered country.

Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the ministry, said on Thursday that Russia would not accept the "blackmail" of Washington's sanctions ultimatum, and the decision to resume weapons deliveries was a signal to Ukraine to "abandon the peace process".
Kabul: Every morning before the first prayer call, Kabul (the capital of Afghanistan) begins its slow and painful crawl through another waterless day. Feet crunch down dry dust paths as women clutch buckets and young boys, barely past ten, drag jerry cans that scrape against the rock. There are no puddles left. No trickles. Only memories.

Raheela, 42, does not remember the last time she turned on a tap. Her four children do not know what that is. When the tanker horns echo through the alleys of her neighborhood, she grabs her cracked blue bucket and runs. That moment is her lifeline. Because in this corner of Afghanistans capital, water arrives with no schedule. And it disappears even faster.

We live on hope and buckets. Every day I wonder how long can this go on? she tells CNN, with her face tired and hands tight around her plastic container.

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Kabul is now closer than ever to becoming the first capital in modern memory to run entirely dry. Not a metaphor. Not a warning. A near-certainty.

A recent report from Mercy Corps delivers the brutal verdict  groundwater levels across Kabul are falling so fast they might not recover. Half the boreholes in the city are already dead. Once moist and rich beneath the Hindu Kush meltwaters, the earth is cracked deep and dry.

Three decades ago, Kabul was home to less than 2 million people. After 2001, the numbers exploded as people fled war zones hoping for safety in the capital. The promise of peace brought growth. Growth brought concrete. Concrete brought thirst.

The city sucks 44 million cubic metres more water each year than nature can replace. That thirst has consequences. A full 80% of groundwater is now contaminated  filthy with fecal bacteria from pit latrines and chemical runoff.

People like Ahmad Yasin, 28, know this well. He lives in a compound with 10 relatives, including small children and aging parents. For months, he and his brother stood in mosque lines with buckets. Every morning, every evening. Just water, nothing else. Until finally they gave up.

They scraped together 40,000 Afghanis, six months of savings, to dig a backyard well. They drilled down 120 metres before they hit water. But it is not water they can drink.

There is no filter. We spent everything on digging. So we boil it, every time. We do not have a choice, he says, while talking to the news channel.

The story is the same in Taimani, in Khair Khana, in Shahr-e-Naw. Pick a district. Ask anyone.

Sayed Hamed, 36, has stopped eating out. Not because he cannot afford a meal, but because every meal comes with a side of diarrhea. His three children now brush with bottled water if they can get it.

Even that is not enough. We get sick just from brushing our teeth, he says.

He works for the government. But now, most mornings, he joins a queue. He waits, with buckets in hand. His 13-year-old skips school to fetch water. So does his 9-year-old. They climb steep roads in the heat, sweating and silent.

There is no time to study. There is no strength either, he says.

What snow once gave Kabul is now lost.

Najibullah Sadid, a water management expert, has studied the trends for years. The rain is coming heavier. But the snow is disappearing. Snow is what used to feed our groundwater. Rain just rushes through and floods us, he explains to CNN.

Floods now sweep through poorly built drains while aquifers sit empty. Mercy Corps warns that Kabul could run out of drinkable water by 2030. Some say it might happen even earlier.

Without deep pockets, families rely on tankers. The lucky ones pay. The rest walk.

Rustam Khan Taraki devotes a third of his income just to stay hydrated. He does not have extra for medicine or meat.

The poorest do what is left  wait in lines or accept donated water, one bucket at a time.

Women bear the brunt of it. Under Taliban rule, stepping out of the house without a male guardian is a punishable act. For women trying to collect water, it is a risk every single time.

There are stares and there is harassment and fear. But if we do not go out, there will be no water at home. So we take the risk, says a 22-year-old resident who asked not to be named.

Children give up learning. Mothers give up safety. Fathers give up meals.

And the government? The ruling Taliban has not fixed the pipes, dug reservoirs or launched a strategy.

Since the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, the state has collapsed inward. President Donald Trumps decision earlier this year to freeze all foreign aid hit Kabuls most urgent lifelines, which are water and sanitation support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Von Zahn from Mercy Corps does not mince words. We need $264 million just to keep things stable. Only $8 million has arrived. We are out of time. And out of money, he says.

What is left are whispers, dust and dry promises.

Raheela still remembers the day she chose this neighbourhood. The rent was manageable. The mosque well was flowing.

Now there is nothing. No plans. No pipeline. Just her family and a row of empty buckets.

We will be forced to leave. But where do we go, when water runs out everywhere? she asks.
An Indian-origin doctor in the United States has been charged with soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for opioid prescriptions and defrauding New Jersey Medicaid. He has also been charged with distributing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, the U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

After Kalra made his initial appearance before US Magistrate Judge Andre M. Espinosa in Newark federal court, he was released on home incarceration and an unsecured US dollar 100,000 bond. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said in a statement that the New Jersey doctor is also prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing medication.

Furthermore, he will be required to shut down his medical practice while the case is pending.

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Who Is Ritesh Kalra?

Dr. Ritesh Kalra is 51 years old from Secaucus, New Jersey, and was charged in a 5-count Complaint with three counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice, not for a legitimate medical purpose, and in exchange for sexual favors, and two counts of healthcare fraud.

He is an internist in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and allegedly between January 2019 and February 2025, issued over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone.

The U.S. Attorney's statement also informed that Dr. Karla allegedly operated a pill mill out of his medical office, where he routinely prescribed high-dose opioidsincluding oxycodoneand promethazine with codeine to patients without a legitimate medical purpose.

Meanwhile, several former employees of Dr. Kalra have reported that female patients complained that he touched them sexually and demanded sexual favors from them to obtain their prescriptions.

Physicians hold a position of profound responsibilitybut as alleged, Dr. Kalra used that position to fuel addiction, exploit vulnerable patients for sex, and defraud New Jerseys public healthcare program. By allegedly exchanging prescriptions for sexual favors and billing Medicaid for ghost appointments, he not only violated the law but endangered lives. Our Office will continue to pursue those who turn their medical licenses into tools for personal gain and sexual gratification, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said in the statement.

How Much Prison Time Is Ritesh Kalra Facing?

The statement clarified that each count of distributing controlled substances carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a US dollar 1 million fine. In addition, each count of health care fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of US dollar 250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greater.
In a heart-warming gesture of support and empowerment, the Indian Army's Golden Arrow Division has taken a significant step towards nurturing the future of Young Warrior Svarn Singh, said a press statement. Recognising his exceptional courage and resilience during the Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army has committed to fully sponsoring Svarn's education, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder his growth and aspirations. During a special ceremony at Ferozepur Cantonment, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C Western Command, personally felicitated Svarn, highlighting the Indian Army's enduring bond with the people of Punjab and its deep sense of responsibility towards the next generation. This initiative is a testament to the Army's promise to not only safeguard the nation's borders but also nurture its future. Svarn's story serves as a reminder of the quiet heroes across the country who deserve recognition and support. In this initiative for the comprehensive educational support will be ensured to him. The Indian Army's Golden Arrow Division will cover all aspects of Svarn's schooling, from admission to academic needs. This aims to provide Svarn with the opportunities and resources necessary to excel in his educational journey. Lt Gen Katiyar emphasised that the Army stands beside Svarn in every step of his journey, underscoring the significance of this partnership in fostering a brighter future for the young warrior. This gesture not only reflects the Indian Army's commitment to the welfare of its citizens but also sets an inspiring example of compassion and support. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed deep concern over the abduction of Ranjeet Singh, an Indian national from Ramban district, who was kidnapped in Niger's Dosso region. In a tweet from the Chief Minister's Office, Abdullah urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene urgently and ensure Ranjeet's safe and swift return. In a post on social media X, the Chief Minister's Office wrote, "The Chief Minister has expressed concern over the abduction of Ranjeet Singh, a resident of Ramban, in Niger. He urges the Hon'ble EAM @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to urgently intervene to secure Ranjeet's safe and swift return." Ranjit Singh, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, was working at a construction site when unidentified gunmen attacked, killing two Indians and abducting him. Earlier in the day, the family of the abducted pleaded for the government's help to bring Singh home safely. Located in the remote village of Chakka Kundi in Ramban, the family of Ranjit Singh sat shrouded, unaware of his whereabouts. In an exclusive interview to ANI, the father of Ranjit Singh, Mohan Lal Sen, said, "We want to tell Modiji to act on it, the Government of India should work to bring him back. We have been suffering for the last 5-6 days. He has little children. We are very worried about him- where is he abducted, has he eaten anything or not." His mother, Sadhu Devi, is distraught, hasn't slept or eaten since the incident, and is desperate to see her son return home. The grieving mother, Sadhu Devi, told ANI, "Please bring my son back. I want him back. I haven't slept in nights or eaten anything. When will my son come back?" Tears rolling down her face, she said, "We are very worried about his whereabouts. He has three small children, they are also worried. We want our son to come back home safe and sound. "In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger. The Indian Embassy in Niamey is in touch with the local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains of those killed and ensure the safe release of the abducted Indian. The mission also cautioned all Indians in Niger to remain vigilant. The Indian Embassy in Niger is working closely with local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains of the two deceased Indians and ensure Ranjit Singh's safe release. In a post on X, it said, "In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger's 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 the safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant." Arab News reported, citing local sources, 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 city of Niamey. (ANI)
After attending the all-party meeting convened by the Centre ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MP M Thambidurai said on Sunday that the party will raise the plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen, among other pressing issues. "Tamil Nadu fishermen are suffering a lot. The Sri Lankan army kills many Tamil fishermen, so it is important to pay attention to this. Similarly, whatever promises the Sri Lankan government has made, they must be fulfilled in time," the MP said, speaking to ANI. He further stated that other issues, including that of the drug menace, custodial deaths and implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, will also be discussed. He said the party would also raise concerns over the drug menace, custodial deaths, and the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill. "Drug menace is very high across the country, especially in Tamil Nadu. The state government has failed to take any action on this. Custodial deaths are happening in Tamil Nadu. We asked that the report of the Archaeological Department, which conducted excavations in Tamil Nadu, has not been released by the central government. The government should release it. And also, especially the Women's Reservation Bill has to be implemented..." he added. Meanwhile, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra stated that the party would take into consideration the deteriorating law and order situation in Odisha. Speaking to ANI, Patra claimed that the collapsed law and order situation in the state under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was a reflection of "utter lawlessness" and "anarchy", further stating that there had been an alarming rise in heinous crimes against women and girl children in the state. "One of our primary issues would be the deteriorating law and order situation in the state of Odisha. There seems to be a complete collapse of law and order situation in the state of Odisha by the BJP government there and there seems to be a day-to-day rise, an alarming rise of heinous crimes against women and girl children in the state of Odisha.... This clearly shows that how the Odisha BJP government is running the state of Odisha in utter lawlessness and anarchy... The recent incident of the self-immolation of a student in Balasore district of Odisha has shaken the conscience of this nation. She reached out to the BJP MP in Balasore. She reached out to the local administration there. She tweeted to the Odisha chief minister and the higher education minister. Everyone turned their back on her. She was both a student and an active member of the ABVP. She self-immolated and tragically passed away. Yesterday only, a 15-year-old girl in Puri district was set ablaze by miscreants...About 20 days back, the Additional Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation was beaten up by five BJP local leaders who were then arrested," Patra told ANI. The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to begin on July 21 and will continue till August 21, with no sittings on August 13 and 14 due to Independence Day celebrations. (ANI)
The decision, which came into effect on July 17, was made following a recent security review report submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs by central agencies.

The Centre's move to enhance his security cover comes amid ongoing political friction in West Bengal.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which is currently providing 'Y+' category armed security to Dibyendu, will now provide the security cover to the leader across the country during his stay and movement.

Dibyendu Adhikari is the younger brother of Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and a key BJP leader in the state. The Adhikari family has been at the centre of West Bengal's political dynamics, especially since Suvendu's defection from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2021 state elections.

Dibyendu also joined the BJP on March 15, 2024, along with former MP Arjun Singh.

Dibyendu, who was also elected as a TMC MP from Tamluk in the past, has largely maintained a low profile in recent years but continues to be seen as an influential figure in the politically sensitive Purba Medinipur region, which has witnessed tensions and clashes between rival political groups. (ANI)
The incident occurred while the teenager was grazing cattle in the forest.

According to the Bijapur Police, the explosion occurred around 5:00 PM on Saturday, when the boy, identified as Krishna Gota, son of Fakir, a resident of Kondapadgu village, accidentally triggered the device.

He sustained severe injuries to his leg and face and was immediately rushed to the district hospital in Bijapur, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Condemning the incident, the Bijapur Police described it as a "cowardly act," stating, "Even innocent children are no longer safe from Maoist IEDs. In their attempt to spread fear and violence, Maoists have begun targeting children too."

The police have urged residents to remain extremely vigilant in forested areas and to report any suspicious activity or objects to the nearest police station or security camp.

"We urge residents to exercise utmost vigilance in jungle areas and immediately inform the nearest police station or security camp about anything unusual," the police said in a statement. (ANI)
The Karnataka Government on Sunday issued an order to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter related to alleged incidents of mass murder, mass rape, and mass burial in Dharmasthala town. The development follows a letter from the Karnataka State Women's Commission (KSWC) requesting that CM Siddaramaiah form an SIT under the leadership of senior police officials to investigate the matter. In their letter, the KSWC cited a media report which consisted of a statement from a person who had claimed that bodies were buried in the past 20 years in the region. The government order said that it was found appropriate to form a Special Investigation Team to investigate the cases registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS) at the Dharmasthala police station. Earlier on July 16, A group of concerned public-interested lawyers met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Chief Minister's Residence "Krishna" to urgently request the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged incidents of mass murder, mass rape, and mass burial at Dharmasthala. The advocates apprised the Chief Minister of the grave factual matrix surrounding these widely reported incidents. In a shocking development, a complaint has been filed with the Dharmasthala Police alleging the secret disposal of multiple bodies in the village of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka. The complainant, a former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple, ridden with remorse, whose identity remains confidential for security reasons, has expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities if provided legal protection for himself and his family. According to the complaint filed at the Superintendent of Police's (SP) office, the individual claims to have been involved in the disposal of several bodies under threat. Overwhelmed by guilt, the whistleblower has now come forward, offering to share detailed information about those involved and the specific locations where the bodies were disposed of, conditional upon assurance of safety. The complaint has been formally registered at the office of the Superintendent of Police and the Dharmasthala Police Station. Following due process and obtaining necessary court permission, a case was registered on July 4, under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The matter is currently under investigation, and further action will be determined based on the findings. (ANI)
Four accused in the Patna Paras Hospital firing case were produced before Alipore Court this evening. On Thursday, Police reported that unidentified assailants shot a prisoner, Chandan Mishra, who was admitted to a hospital in Patna for treatment. Bihar Police, in a joint operation with Kolkata Police and Kolkata STF, detained the main accused, Taushif alias Badshah, from Kolkata for the shooting incident. Additionally, Nishu Khan and two others have also been detained. While being taken to Alipore court, the accused Nishu Khan stated to the media, "I did not know anything about murder plotting. I came here with my girlfriend for my spinal surgery, as in 2023, I was shot due to a land-related fight issue and became bedridden. Taushif is my brother; he told me Sheru said to shoot Chandan. I don't know why he shot him. After the gunfire incident, he came to me and told me --I didn't know how to react or what to do... Later on, STF came and raided where I was staying. They arrested me, my nursing staff, caretaker, and later my girlfriend too" According to Bihar Police, initial investigation has revealed that the conspiracy for this murder was hatched at Nishu Khan's residence, and Taushif alias Badshah mainly carried out the act. In the release, the police said, "Interrogation of other suspects related to the incident is ongoing. All arrested accused are being sent to Patna as per legal procedures. Kolkata Police and Kolkata STF have provided commendable support in this case. A team was formed by Kolkata Police, which continuously and actively assisted Patna Police." The prisoner, 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 on Thursday. 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. Reacting to the incident, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday questioned the Bihar government, asking if "anyone was safe anywhere" in the state after unidentified assailants shot a prisoner admitted at a hospital in Patna. In a post on social media platform X, Tejashwi Yadav wrote, "Government criminals stormed into the ICU and shot a patient admitted to the hospital. Is anyone safe anywhere in Bihar? Has this happened before 2005?" (ANI)
The Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested another accused in connection with the religious conversion syndicate allegedly led by Chhangur Baba alias Jamaluddin, officials said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Rajesh Kumar Upadhyay, was arrested on Saturday, they said. The arrest comes days after Jamaluddin and his close aide, Nasreen, the alleged masterminds of a covert network involved in religious conversions across Uttar Pradesh and beyond, were arrested from Uttar Pradesh. According to Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, the gang operated for over 15 years and used a variety of manipulative tactics, including honey-trapping, administrative pressure, targeting minors, and enlisting influential individuals to facilitate conversions. "A significant amount of foreign funding has been traced to the gang," ADG Yash had told ANI earlier. "Separate rate cards existed for different types of conversions, and the money was routed through nearly 40 bank accounts. The ATS is tracking the sources of these funds." He further stated that any properties acquired using these funds would be seized and demolished as per legal provisions. "Chhangur Baba and his main associate, Neetu alias Nasreen, will be interrogated regarding their network, financial trail, and assets. The process to seize and demolish their illegally acquired properties has begun. All individuals against whom there is evidence have been arrested. Mohammed Ahmed is also named in the case, and further investigation is underway," he added. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had requested a copy of the FIR from the ATS for a parallel investigation into the financial aspects. Highlighting concerns of demographic shifts, ADG Yash pointed out that the region in question lies close to the Nepal border, and such changes have been under observation for some time, raising suspicions of a larger conspiracy. On Wednesday, the ED launched a major search operation in connection with the case. Raids were conducted at 14 different locations, including 12 premises in Utraula in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur district, and two in Mumbai. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], July 20 (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the formation of a multi-sectoral central team in view of the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Sunday. The Central team comprises experts from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Roorkee, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, a Geologist, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore. The Union Minister's direction came following a recent meeting in which he was apprised that Himachal Pradesh has witnessed an increase in the frequency and intensity of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and torrential rainfall, causing widespread loss of life, damage to infrastructure, livelihoods and environmental degradation. Further, in the wake of floods, flash floods and landslides during the South West monsoon 2025 in different parts of the state, the Centre has already deputed an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) in advance, without waiting for their memorandum, for on-the-spot, first-hand assessment of the damages. IMCT started their visit to the affected areas on July 18 and will continue their visit till July 21. In this direction, a high-level committee chaired by the Union Home Minister has already approved an outlay of Rs 2006.40 crore to Himachal Pradesh for recovery and reconstruction in areas affected by disasters like floods, landslides and cloudbursts for the year 2023, and has also released the first instalment of Rs 451.44 crore on July 7 this year. Further, in order to support the affected people of the state, the Central government has already released 1st instalment of the Central share of Rs 198.80 crore to Himachal Pradesh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) on June 18, 2025, for relief measures of an immediate nature. The central government has also provided all logistic assistance to all states, including Himachal Pradesh, including deployment of requisite National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, Army teams and Air Force support. A total of 13 teams of NDRF are deployed in Himachal Pradesh for rescue and relief operations. According to Himachal Pradesh's State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), around 119 human lives have been lost across the state since the onset of the monsoon season on June 20. The state has experienced severe disruptions to public infrastructure, with 146 roads still blocked, 28 power transformers out of service, and 58 water supply schemes affected, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) report released on July 19. On July 15, Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also met with Union Minister Shah to apprise him about the damage caused by the monsoon in the state, and requested central assistance. (ANI)
Speculation over a possible change in the political landscape of Maharashtra continues to grow after political rivals Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a Mumbai hotel recently. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Prashant Jagtap has said that a reunification of Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena's (UBT) faction will be of 'no surprise' to Maharashtra, saying that similar developments have been happening in the state since 2019. The NCP (SCP) Pune city president, Prashant Jagtap took a swipe at the BJP and the UBT, saying, "Anything can happen in Maharashtra. We've already witnessed several unexpected developments after 2019. If they decide to reunite, it won't be shocking for the people of Maharashtra." However, Jagtap also issued a word of caution, saying that he hopes the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction stays with the Maha Vikas Agadhi (MVA), and doing so otherwise would be a betrayal to the people. "I truly hope Shiv Sena (UBT) does not join hands with BJP again. The voters backed MVA for its ideology and progressive stance. Reuniting with BJP would be a betrayal of that mandate," he added. The senior NCP (SCP) leader's remarks come after UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray met with CM Fadnavis at Mumbai's Sofital Hotel on July 19, a few days after Uddhav Thackeray, UBT chief and father of Aadtiya Thackeray, met with CM Fadnavis at the office of Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde. Notably, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also has said that ego clashes and disagreement over seat sharing led to the Maha Vikas Agadhi's defeat in the assembly polls. Currently, Shiv Sena (UBT) is in the opposition alliance of Maha Vikas Agadhi (MVA), with Congress and NCP(SCP) as its partners. Meanwhile, the Mahayuti alliance leads the Maharashtra government, comprising of BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar). The meeting between the political rivals has sparked intense debate, as recently during the Assembly Session Maharashtra CM, on lighter note, told Uddhav Thackeray to come to the side of the government. Regarding Shiv Sena (UBT) chief's comments on the rift between alliance partners, he said that in-fighting over seat sharing led to the MVA's defeat in the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections, despite having an impressive performance in the Lok Sabha polls. During an interview with the party's mouthpiece, Saamana, Thackeray said that individual party interests led to confusion, weak messaging and ultimately the defeat of the party. The MVA had a dismal performance in the 2024 assembly election, winning only 46 seats. UBT is the largest party in the MVA alliance with just 20 seats. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising of BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar) and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), had swept the assembly polls by winning a total of 230 out of 288 seats. This is also not the first time the state would see a possible shift between alliances and leaders. In 2022 the Shiv Sena party itself split into two, after Eknath Shinde broke away to ally with the BJP and became the Chief Minister. The Shiv Sena and BJP have also allied previously after 2014 to form the government in the state. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said that a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) will "thoroughly" probe all the criminal cases registered in the Dharmasthala police station in the Stae related to the mass burial case. The development comes following a letter from the Karnataka State Women's Commission (KSWC) which requested a "comprehensive and impartial investigation into the case." "The special investigation team will thoroughly investigate all criminal cases registered at the Dharmasthala police station, as well as those registered or to be registered at other police stations in the state related to this matter, and submit a report", Siddaramaiah's 'X' post said. The Karnataka CM stated that in Dharmasthala there have been claims related to hundreds of bodies being buried including a media report revealing the discovery of a human skull in the region. "In the Dharmasthala region, an individual has recorded a statement in court claiming that hundreds of bodies have been buried, and local as well as national media have broadcast reports about the discovery of a human skull and statements from the family of a missing medical student. There is a possibility that unnatural deaths, murders, rapes, and other serious crimes may have occurred in this area", Siddaramaiah wrote on 'X'. "Considering all these possibilities, the State Women's Commission has urged the state government to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the case. Following their request, a special investigation team comprising four IPS officers has been formed and ordered to proceed", his post added. A complaint has been filed with the Dharmasthala Police alleging the secret disposal of multiple bodies in the village of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka. The complainant, a former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple, ridden with remorse, whose identity remains confidential for security reasons, has expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities if provided legal protection for himself and his family. According to the complaint filed at the Superintendent of Police's (SP) office, the individual claims to have been involved in the disposal of several bodies under threat. Overwhelmed by guilt, the whistleblower has now come forward, offering to share detailed information about those involved and the specific locations where the bodies were disposed of, conditional upon assurance of safety. The complaint has been formally registered at the office of the Superintendent of Police and the Dharmasthala Police Station. Following due process and obtaining necessary court permission, a case was registered on July 4, under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The matter is currently under investigation, and further action will be determined based on the findings. (ANI)
Congress MP KC Venugopal on Sunday said that the INDIA bloc will raise the demand to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir in the Monsoon Session of the Parliament. Sharing an X post, he wrote, "Did PM Modi lie on the floor of Parliament about granting statehood for J&K? If not, why has J&K Police arrested JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra ji & other Congress leaders?" The Congress MP further questioned the police for allegedly sealing the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC)'s office in Srinagar. "Why did they seal the PCC Office in Srinagar yesterday & stopped our party workers from protesting peacefully for statehood?" he wrote in the X post. https://x.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/1946876486570655917?s=48 "In the upcoming Parliament session, INDIA alliance will be demanding that full statehood be restored in J&K immediately. This farce cannot go on any longer," the X post read. Earlier today, Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra was allegedly detained by the police as he led a protest demanding statehood under the Congress' 'Humari Riyasat Humara Haq' campaign. The X handle of J&K Congress wrote, "JKPCC President @TariqKarra arrested by BJP led LG police while conducting peaceful "Jammu Chalo" March under banner 'Humari Riyasat Hamara Haq' today in Jammu." The party slammed the BJP over the alleged police action against party leaders. Sharing an X post on Saturday, Congress wrote, "The @INCJammuKashmir, led by JKPCC President @TariqKarra ji, along with AICC General Secretary @GAMIR_INC ji and other senior leaders, organised a protest demanding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. The "Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq" campaign, a movement of the Congress party, has reached every nook and corner of J&K over the past nine months." Launching an attack against the BJP, Congress added, "Today, the police administration--controlled by the BJP--locked down the JKPCC headquarters in Srinagar and arrested several party workers en route to the protest." "Given that it was a peaceful demonstration, such a blatant attack on democracy through the arrest of non-violent protesters is unacceptable. What is the BJP government so afraid of?" the X post read. Addressing reporters in Jammu today, Karra said, "Since the Constitutional changes of 2019, the Congress party has been continuously demanding J&K statehood to be restored. The Prime Minister has repeatedly given assurances for this both inside and outside the Parliament. However, when we realised that his assurances were just another slogan, the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir protested for this demand... Today we have a program to go to LG House. Tomorrow we have a programme to go to Delhi. But you can see in what brutal way our procession is being stopped... We will force the Bharatiya Janata Party to pass a bill to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming session." Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Tariq Hameed Karra called for a march towards the national capital on July 21. "For the past 6 months, we have launched the 'Humari Riyasat Humara Haq' program across Jammu-Kashmir to restore statehood. We will intensify the program in Srinagar and Jammu, as we had previously announced. We have also called for 'Chalo Dilli Chalo' from Jammu and Srinagar," Karra told ANI. He added that the party will surround the Parliament and raise their demands amid the Monsoon Session. "We hope the administration will not obstruct this peaceful march... This campaign is now reaching its final phase, where we will march towards Delhi on the 21st, and our effort will be to surround Parliament to present our memorandum and raise our voice there. This letter from Rahul Gandhi has the support of the entire INDIA alliance. It has the support of 233 MPs," he said. (ANI)
The 15-year-old girl, who was set on fire by miscreants at Balanga in Puri, has been airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to AIIMS in the national capital for advanced treatment. 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 minor had suffered 70 per cent burns in the incident. "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 per cent 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," chief minister 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. The incident took place under the Balanda police station in the Nimapada block of Puri. 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 student 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 MP K Suresh said on Sunday that the party extended its full support to the impeachment move against High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, joining hands with the INDIA bloc parties. "The INDIA bloc parties are also supporting this and are also signing the letters to the Speaker," Congress MP K Suresh told ANI in the national capital after attending an all party meeting convened by the government ahead of Parliament Monsoon session. Suresh said that the Congress had already provided 40 signatures to back the motion and was working with other opposition members to complete the required tally. "They are asking for the signatures of 40 members from the Congress party, and we are giving them. More than 100 members have to submit the letter with signatures, and the Congress party is also signing them," he added. Earlier today, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also said that the signatures of over 100 MPs have been collected for the impeachment process against Justice Verma, who remains in trouble after burnt cash was discovered at his residence. "The signature (collection) is underway, and it has crossed 100 already," Rijiju said while responding to a question about the status of the requisite signatures of MPs for the impeachment exercise against Justice Verma. When asked about whether the Parliament will take up the issue in this monsoon session scheduled to start on July 21, the Union Minister said, "In the Justice Varma case, the process will be undertaken together by all parties. This is not the move by the Government alone." "I can't comment on any business in terms of priority until and unless the matter is passed by the BAC (Business Advisory Committee) with the approval of the chair. It is difficult to make an announcement outside," he said. (ANI)
The Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat culminated at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Sunday with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Summit brought together more than 600 youth leaders, representatives from over 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, Academicians, and domain experts. The event marked a defining moment in Bharat's journey toward a drug-free society by 2047. This gathering represented a national convergence of youthful energy, spiritual vision, and institutional resolve. The Summit featured four focused plenary sessions exploring key dimensions of substance abuse: its psychological and societal impacts, the mechanics of drug trafficking and supply chains, strategies for grassroots awareness campaigns, and the role of spiritual and cultural institutions in rehabilitation and prevention. These deliberations formed the foundation of the Kashi Declaration which is a visionary commitment to collaborative action against drug addiction, rooted in India's civilizational wisdom and youth leadership. Speaking at the Summit, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasised: "We have reflected deeply over the last three days across diverse thematic sessions. Based on this collective chintan, the Kashi Declaration is born, not just as a document, but as a shared Sankalp for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat." These deliberations laid the intellectual and moral foundation of the Kashi Declaration, uniting diverse voices into a common national direction. The Kashi Declaration, formally adopted today, affirms a national consensus to treat substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge, and calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. It emphasises the integration of spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent addiction, support recovery, and foster a national culture of sobriety. It proposes institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting, and a national platform for linking affected individuals to support services. Building on the spiritual foundation of the summit, Mandaviya added, "Bharat Spiritual strength has always guided Bharat through its crises. This is why spiritual institutions must now lead the charge in creating a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat. They will serve as the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan." Echoing this spiritual ethos, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, reflected on the cultural sanctity of the venue: "This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna (consciousness), where discipline and values guide life's journey towards moksha. We are not just gathering, we are sowing seeds that will one day grow into a strong tree of national transformation." He further cautioned: "If a nation where 65% of the population is youth falls prey to addiction, only those who break free from it will be able to build the future." The culminating session of the Summit was marked by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries. The keynote address of Session 4 of Day was delivered by Nitin Agarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Excise and Prohibition, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Several dignitaries, including Virendra Kumar (Social Justice and Empowerment), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Culture and Tourism), Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State, Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, Raksha Nikhil Khadse (Youth Affairs and Sports), and Girish Chandra Yadav (Sports Minister, Uttar Pradesh), participated in sessions for day 1, contributing valuable insights. Raksha Khadse highlighted the misuse of digital platforms targeting school children and reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy under the Hon'ble Prime Minister's leadership. As part of the broader MY Bharat framework, the Youth Spiritual Summit has laid the foundation for a national youth-led anti-drug campaign. MY Bharat volunteers and affiliated youth clubs will now spearhead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and community outreach efforts across the country. The Kashi Declaration will serve as a guiding charter, and its progress will be reviewed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring continuity and accountability. (ANI)
The Hindu Munnani alleged that these temples have received significant revenue, and therefore, a public account of how the funds are being utilised is essential.

Speaking to the media after the state executive committee meeting, the Hindu Munnani state president, Kadeswara C. Subramaniam, said the organisation also appreciated the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for including the "real historical context" of Mughal rule in school textbooks, saying it is a positive step toward correcting historical narratives.

Expressing concern over the rising cases of sexual crimes against minors in the state, the Hindu Munnani urged the Tamil Nadu government to take swift and strict action to control such incidents and ensure the safety of children.

Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the organisation called for a thorough revision of the electoral rolls and the removal of bogus voters to ensure free and fair polling.

The meeting also passed a resolution condemning ADGP David Asirvatham, accusing him of functioning with prejudice and bias in his role.

The resolutions passed at the meeting, the state president said, reflected the Hindu Munnani's firm stance on religious transparency, educational reforms, protection of children, electoral integrity, and accountability within the law enforcement system.

Earlier, Minister PK Sekarbabu said that under the Dravidian model of governance, temple renovations have been prioritised, and nearly Rs 1,400 crore had been received through sponsors for such renovations.

He said that Kumbhabhishekam had been performed in 3,325 temples under the DMK regime. (ANI)
In a major step forward for diagnostic healthcare in India, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the new centre of Mahajan Imaging & Labs, a pioneer in advanced diagnostics and medical imaging in Dwarka on Sunday, a release said. The event also marked the launch of Ultra-Fast AI-powered MRI scanner, the 'Excel 3T,' positioning Delhi at the forefront of medical innovation. Marking a significant expansion in Southwest Delhi, the new facility brings together multiple branches of advanced diagnostics, including imaging, laboratory medicine, and genetic testing, within easy reach for residents of Dwarka and nearby areas. Alongside this integrated approach, the centre also offers in-depth specialisation in key areas, especially cardiac imaging, neuroimaging, and musculoskeletal scans, addressing the growing demand for precision-led, organ-specific diagnostics. Its energy-efficient systems and water reuse mechanisms underscore a conscious approach to sustainable healthcare. Speaking at the inauguration, LG Vinai Kumar Saxena said, "This centre showcases the future of healthcare. It makes me proud that Delhi is the first city in India to host this level of diagnostic innovation. The rise of NCDs, especially cardiac disease, is alarming, and I am glad that private service providers are playing a pivotal role. We are ensuring that all residents of Delhi have access to affordable diagnostics and health services by upgrading our hospital infrastructure. I invite private healthcare providers to partner with the Government in this endeavour." Making its Indian debut at this facility, the Excel 3T MRI delivers a signal-to-noise ratio up to 50% better, producing sharper, high-resolution images in less time. Cardiac MRI scans, for instance, have been reduced from more than an hour to just 30-40 minutes. Its advanced technologies, such as real-time motion correction, AI-driven reconstruction, and contactless respiratory tracking, help improve precision and make scans more tolerable for children, elderly patients, and those with claustrophobia. An immersive in-bore experience and smart automation further enhance comfort during procedures. Behind these capabilities are innovations like AI-based compressed sensing and 5th generation acceleration, which allow rapid scanning without compromising image quality, an important advantage in high-volume clinical environments. The system's powerful 45/200 gradient and 2.05 MW output ensure clear, detailed imaging across complex anatomical regions. Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chairman, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said, "When we set out to build the Dwarka centre, the goal was not just to introduce the latest technology--it was to rethink how diagnostics should feel for a patient. We wanted to create a space where clinical precision meets emotional comfort, where the most advanced AI-powered imaging systems work seamlessly within an environment designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and confusion. This centre represents years of learning, innovation, and listening to what patients truly need. It's a new model for how diagnostic care can be delivered with empathy, efficiency, and excellence." Kabir Mahajan, Chief Operating Officer, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said, "With the Dwarka centre, our aim is to make quality diagnostics more accessible to people in their own communities while ensuring optimal patient comfort and experience. We've built a strong pathology network that connects neighbourhood collection points, clinics, and doctors, ensuring that tests are processed quickly and efficiently across the region, along with multiple full-fledged radiology centres. By bringing together AI-powered imaging, advanced lab services in the most patient-friendly ambience with local convenience, we're creating a diagnostic ecosystem that truly puts the patient first." The Dwarka centre, which offers advanced preventive health checks, also features a comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic technologies, including a 128-slice cardiac CT scanner, Full-Field Digital mammography, 3D/4D Ultrasound with AI, digital X-ray, DEXA BMD, Echocardiography, Holter monitoring, and PFT systems. Many of these, such as the MRI, CT, and ultrasound machines, are AI-enabled, enhancing the speed, precision, and efficiency of diagnostics. With the launch of its new facility, Mahajan Imaging & Labs further strengthens its presence in the national capital, setting a new benchmark for how technology, care, and design can converge to redefine diagnostics in India. This expansion not only brings cutting-edge innovations, such as the AI-integrated MRI system, closer to home but also reinforces local healthcare infrastructure through accessible, all-in-one diagnostic services in a created, adaptive, efficient, and future-ready environment for patients. (ANI)
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched an attack on central agencies on Sunday after the arrest of his son, Chaitanya Baghel, saying not just the ED, but the EOW (Economic Offences Wing) is also calling and threatening people who have already given statements. On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate 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. "Not just the ED, but the EOW (Economic Offences Wing) is also calling and threatening people who have already given statements and taken oath in court... They have only one target- Bhupesh Baghel and his son... All ED does is spin tales... After Chaitanya was arrested, Rahul Gandhi was the first person to call me. Many other leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, called me... Now we will fight a decisive battle against Adani," Baghel told ANI. 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." Earlier, 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." (ANI)
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday recovered the upper body of a pistol, four magazines and a drone in two significant operations with a large heroin packet in Punjab's Tarn Taran, the BSF said in a release. According to the release, "On Sunday early morning, the BSF troops carried out a search operation, which culminated in the recovery of one packet containing the upper body of a pistol and four magazines wrapped in yellow adhesive tape with an iron ring and a torch attached to it. This recovery took place from a waterlogged paddy field adjacent to the village of Wan." In another incident in the morning hours, acting on specific information, a joint search operation was conducted by the BSF and Punjab Police, which led to the recovery of one DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone carrying 01 large packet of heroin (Gross Weight- 3.700 Kgs) from a farming field adjacent to village- Shekhpura of district Tarn Taran. The narcotics packet, wrapped in yellow colour adhesive tape, was found attached to the drone with the help of a metal ring. Reliable input and keen observation, followed by swift action of BSF troops, once again thwarted these nefarious attempts of Pakistan-based smugglers trying to pump drugs and arms in Punjab from across the border. Vigilant BSF troops intercepted a drone movement on the Tarn Taran border on Saturday and conducted a search operation in the suspected area to recover a DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from an irrigated field ahead of the border security fence, adjacent to the village of Khemkaran. According to the press release from BSF, sharp observation followed by swift action of BSF troops thwarted yet another illicit intrusion attempt of a rogue Pak drone from across the border. Earlier, BSF troops recovered six Pakistani drones along with four packets (over 2.30kg) of suspected heroin from the farming fields near Pulmoran village along the Indo-Pak border in Amritsar. (ANI)
A large number of Kanwariyas have reached Haridwar as the Kanwar Yatra enters its final stage, with the city packed with devotees gathering to collect holy Ganga water for offering to Lord Shiva. Officials expect the total number of pilgrims to cross 3 crore by the end of Sunday. The number of Dak Kanwariyas, those who return quickly after collecting water, is increasing, and police have implemented a traffic plan to manage the swelling crowds. From city roads to Har Ki Pauri, the entire area is filled with devotees and vehicles. Pilgrims are arriving in large numbers via Nagla Imarti and heading to designated parking zones in Haridwar. Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal said, "The third phase has started, which mainly involves traffic diversion, parking is activated, and several parking spaces are already full. Route diversion is underway, and the exit plan is also going. We are sure that we will organise a safe Kanwar yatra." "The diversion plan was informed through media as well as QR code, and the kanwariyas are following it as well", he added. The police officials informed that parking areas are now full, CCTV cameras have been installed across the area, and officials are monitoring the situation regularly. Toilets, drinking water, and health facilities have been arranged in the parking and Kanwar routes. Authorities said the number of visitors is expected to cross 3 crore today and urged devotees to stay peaceful and begin their return after collecting water. Pilgrims are coming from various states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Har Ki Pauri is crowded with people collecting water from the Ganga. So far, over 2.5 crore Kanwariyas have already left for their destinations with the water. The remaining ones are mostly Dak Kanwariyas who return quickly after collecting water, and the police officials have been informed. Some Kanwariyas told ANI that the arrangements made by the government are satisfactory and thanked the authorities for their efforts. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant reiterated the demand of several political parties to hold a comprehensive discussion on Operation Sindoor and its aftermath, foreign policy, and other pressing national issues during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Sawant was among 54 leaders from 51 political parties who participated in the all-party meeting convened by the Centre on Sunday ahead of the session's commencement on July 21. Speaking to ANI, Sawant said that the opposition collectively demanded discussions on three primary topics: Operation Sindoor, foreign policy, and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. "All the parties demanded discussion on Operation Sindoor, Pahalgam. The second was on foreign policy. Donald Trump is saying something every day. The third thing was the way the Election Commission is working in Bihar right now. After that, we raised the issue of law and order. We raised the issue of language, farmers' suicide, and mill workers of Mumbai. We said that all these issues should come up for discussion," Sawant said. Kerala Congress MP K. Francis George also mentioned that the opposition is looking to thoroughly discuss whether India's defence forces faced any losses during Operation Sindoor, while also raising the issues of farmers and trade talks with the US. "We want to go very deep into it, what is our loss, whether we have lost anything as far as our defence assets are concerned. We will also be raising farmers' issues, trade talks that are going on, and the Bihar SIR/voters list. All these issues will be raised in the meeting," the Congress MP said. For his home state of Kerala, too, he said that the party will be raising the issue of Nimisha Priya, who was arrested in Yemen on a murder charge and is set to be executed. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey criticised the Prime Minister for remaining "silent" after US President Donald Trump claimed that multiple planes were shot down during the increased hostilities between India and Pakistan. "PM should speak on this (on Donald Trump's remarks). This is very disgraceful. Our country's army is very brave; it is the pride and glory of our country. All three chiefs of our army are saying that we have not suffered any losses, but President Trump is saying that the planes have been shot down... If the PM remains silent, then people will believe that he is telling the truth," Dubey said. While President Trump did not clarify whether the losses were from the Indian or Pakistani side, India has vehemently denied asking the US to mediate between the two countries, and said that the agreement on cessation of hostilities was mutually agreed upon without a third party in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. To ensure the smooth functioning of the parliament, the Centre on Sunday convened an all-party meet before the commencement of the first day of the Fifth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha on July 21 (Monday). Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rijiju urged both the ruling and opposition sides to coordinate to ensure the smooth functioning of the House. The meeting was attended by 54 representatives from 51 political parties. (ANI)
China to toughen crackdown on smuggling of strategic minerals

Xinhua) 09:23, July 20, 2025

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.

Since its launch, this campaign has taken a zero-tolerance approach to strategic mineral smuggling, with relevant authorities handling a series of related cases, according to the meeting.

However, tackling strategic mineral smuggling remains a severe challenge, with cases continuing to occur and becoming increasingly difficult to detect, the meeting noted. It urged relevant departments to maintain a stringent crackdown to prevent the illegal outflow of strategic minerals and related technologies.

While proceeding with the campaign, all relevant departments should work to establish a joint enforcement coordination center for dual-use item export control. Measures must be taken to prevent circumvention of export regulations by adding foreign end-users that evade national export controls to a restricted list.

Additionally, export companies will be guided in due diligence work to ensure that relevant items are not illegally used for military purposes, according to the meeting.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared an article that highlights Meghalaya's remarkable transformation driven by tourism, youth empowerment, women-led SHGs, initiatives like the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Vibrant Village Programme and more, according to a release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Responding to a post by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on X, PM Modi said, "Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman highlights Meghalaya's remarkable transformation driven by tourism, youth empowerment, women-led SHGs, initiatives like the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Vibrant Village Programme and more. With strong government support and vibrant community spirit, the state stands as a blueprint for a resilient and self-reliant India." https://x.com/PMOIndia/status/1946888439107834366 Earlier, on the final day of her four-day visit to Meghalaya, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the historic Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Sohra. During her visit, the Minister paid floral tributes at the statues of Swami Ramakrishnanda and Swami Vivekananda. She was shown the Mission's vocational training facilities, where around 100 women are being trained in weaving free of cost. Swami Anuragananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Sohra, shared that the Minister has long been familiar with the institution's work. "Being one of the oldest centres in the Northeast, she was eager to learn about the history, growth, and current challenges of the Mission, as well as the various activities it undertakes," he said."She expressed a keen interest in meeting the women entrepreneurs and was deeply moved by the empowerment initiatives on the campus," Swami Anuragananda added. To welcome the Minister, several dignitaries were present, including the school's President, Kong Theilin Phanbuh, a recipient of the Padma Shri in 2006 for her work in women's upliftment. It may be noted that the Ramakrishna Mission School, Sohra, has recently completed 100 years of dedicated service in the region. Minister Sitharaman planted a sapling on the campus towards the end of her visit. Also present were former teachers and staff, including Kong Lolin Lyndem, one of the school's oldest alumni, at the age of 90, who had served both as a student and a teacher. The school community, including students and faculty, among other dignitaries, were present to grace the special occasion. On Saturday, the Union minister visited the iconic living root bridge at Siej Village in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills District. The Minister interacted with village elders, local leaders, and beneficiaries of the Payment for Ecosystem Services programme, an initiative supported by the World Bank, KFW, and ADB, to understand how indigenous communities are preserving and innovating age-old ecological practices. During her address to the village community, Sitharaman expressed deep appreciation for the traditional knowledge systems that have been preserved over generations in Meghalaya. Highlighting the uniqueness of the living root bridges, she stated, "At a time when the world is searching for sustainable solutions, the people of Siej have shown what is possible through simple, nature-aligned practices. You have found a way to survive, move, and grow without harming your surroundings. It's extraordinary how local indigenous solutions can serve as global examples." Minister Sitharaman also acknowledged the ongoing community-led efforts to document and seek UNESCO heritage status for the living root bridges. "Recognition is not for showing off, but for showing the world that you did it first. Your practices are not only effective--they're replicable. Global recognition will help inspire others." She also visited Laitkynsew Village, East Khasi Hills District and interacted with Women SHGs and Lakhpati Didis, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). During her visit, she expressed her deep appreciation for the Government of Meghalaya's dedicated efforts in implementing Central and State schemes across the state. The Union Minister, during her visit, also laid the foundation stone for multiple landmark development projects in Shillong, Meghalaya, worth over Rs 1,500 crore, besides dedicating and reviewing a few projects. She inaugurated Shillong's first multi-facility Shopping Complex in Polo, along with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday alleged that small traders and street vendors in the State are facing problems due to the GST introduced by the BJP government at the Centre. Speaking at an event organised here to distribute government benefits to the people, he said, "Notices are being issued to all those who are doing business of over Rs 40 lakh, and notices are being issued to tender coconut sellers, vegetable vendors, etc. This is the achievement of the Union government. The traders don't have to worry; we will take necessary actions to protect their interests." Shivakumar said that the State government has made several appeals to the Centre for funds for the last two years. "We have made several appeals to the Centre for funds for the last two years, but none of the BJP MPs are speaking for the state. They are not concerned about the poor of the state. Karnataka gets only Rs 13 for every Rs 100 it gives to the Centre in the form of taxes," he said. "We are committed to getting Yettinahole waters to the Bengaluru North district by 2027. BJP did not bother supplying water to this region; it was the Congress which is getting water for the region. We have also decided to prepare a DPR to bring the metro to Hoskote, and we will ensure it is complete during our term," he added. He said that the State government has taken steps to regularise B-Khata properties in Bengaluru. "We have also taken steps to regularise B khatas in Bengaluru. Our government is also giving out more than one crore of patta khatas to scheduled tribes. Hoskote is a large producer of milk, and our 'ksheera dhaare' programme is helping dairy farmers in a big way," he said. Earlier in the day, addressing reporters after offering Bagina at Kabini reservoir in Mysore, Shivakumar said that repair works at the state's dams would be taken up on a priority basis once the technical Committee on dam safety submits its report. "We had set up a technical committee on dam safety after one of the gates at Tunga Bhadra reservoir was damaged. We will take necessary action once we receive the report," he said. "We offered Bagina today. Kabini was not full for the last two years, but it is full this year. Kabini has been of great help during years of poor rainfall. Our MLAs have given a proposal to develop the area. During the Cabinet meeting at Male Mahadeshwara Hills, we approved projects worth Rs 35 crore. We have also submitted a DPR for a drip irrigation project at a cost of Rs 88 crore," he added. (ANI)
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Inter-State Cell of the Delhi Police's Crime Branch has busted an inter-state narcotics syndicate and arrested two key operatives. The police seized a total of 1.5 kg of Alprazolam worth 30 lakhs and 606 grams of heroin worth Rs 1.25 crore, officials said on Sunday. According to officials, acting on specific intelligence, a team from the Crime Branch launched an operation near Harijan Basti in Ghazipur, Delhi, where a drug delivery was being planned. The team successfully apprehended two suspects, identified as Mahendra Pal and Natthu Khan -- both residents of Faridpur in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Officials said that 50-year-old Mahendra Pal initially worked as a supplier of Alprazolam to heroin manufacturers. Over time, he expanded his role and developed his own distribution network in the illegal drug trade. The second accused, 60-year-old Natthu Khan, has a history of criminal involvement and has previously been arrested in three cases, including one under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. His brother held an opium agriculture license, which was misused for heroin production The seized items included 1.5 kg of Alprazolam, approximately Rs 30 lakh and 606 grams of heroin, which costs around Rs 1.25 crore. The Delhi Police have said that further investigation is underway to trace the origin of the narcotics and identify other members involved in the supply chain. Authorities believe this bust is a significant blow to interstate drug networks operating between Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Earlier, the Delhi Police Crime Branch dismantled a well-organised cheating syndicate that was operating across India, involving Nigerian nationals and their Indian accomplices. The gang allegedly lured unsuspecting individuals with fake lottery winnings, gifts, and prize schemes, officials said on Sunday. According to officials, seven people have been arrested in connection with the case, including two Nigerian nationals identified as Shedrack Onainor and Sunday John alias Liberty, and five Indian accomplices, Shahid Raza, Shahrukh Khan, Vikas, and Rakesh alias Lalu. During the crackdown, the Delhi Crime Branch recovered cash amounting to Rs 3.63 lakhs, mobile phones, multiple phones containing incriminating data, ATM cards, nine cards issued in the name of Vikas, bank passbooks, multiple passbooks and cheque books, Aadhaar card and PAN Cards. The two Aadhaar cards have different addresses, they added. (ANI)
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging his intervention against the alleged harassment, humiliation, and detention of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Maharashtra and Odisha. Chowdhury alleged that these daily wage workers are being targeted for speaking Bengali, which is reportedly being mistaken for Bangladeshi. "It is with immense anguish and a great deal of concern that I am seeking your kind intervention for bringing to end, the unprecedented and unheard of harassment, humiliation, physical torture and "uncalled "for detention that a large number of Bengali migrant workers, who eke out their living by working mainly as daily wage labourers in different parts of Odisha and Maharashtra in particular are being subjected to," he wrote. He further stated that the migrant workers are facing harassment for speaking Bengali, as their language sounds similar to that of Bangladesh. "Your knowledge and understanding of issues relating to migrant labourers, and more specifically, the lakhs of inter-state migrants who hail from West Bengal, their income levels, living standards, as also contribution to the revenues of the State Government are immense," he wrote. "I, therefore, do not feel it to be necessary to put forth these facts before you. What is deeply saddening - in regard to which your intervention is an urgent necessity - is the fact that the migrants who belong to the poor and down trodden section of Society and are bonafide, Indian Citizens are being harassed, humiliated, held in detention and physically abused and assaulted on the pretext of the fact that their physical appearance and accent of language spoken is similar to the people of Bangladesh," he added. Calling the situation "inhumane," Chowdhury urged the Prime Minister to take urgent steps to ensure the safety, dignity, and livelihood of these inter-state migrant workers. "The Union Government under your Leadership is bestowed with the responsibility of protecting the lives and livelihood of the Country's Citizens. Harassment and physical abuse of inter-state migrant labourers who belong to a specific linguistic group or community and are Indian Citizens, and more sadly, on a very large scale, and in the most in-human manner cannot be allowed to continue," he wrote. Chowdhury further added, "Given the facts relating to the targeted harassment, humiliation, and torture the poor and innocent Bengali speaking people working as labourers in Odisha, Maharashtra and other States are being subjected to, I would earnestly request you to intervene for protecting these poor and innocent people from the suffering they are being subjected to." Chowdhury requested PM Modi to direct the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Union Home Ministry to protect inter-state migrant workers. "As a step in the direction for protecting the right to life and livelihood of bonafide, Indian Citizens which have been under threat, I would request you to issue appropriate directions to the Ministry of Labour and Employment for taking positive action for protecting the rights. of "inter-state migrant labourers" who hail from the State of West Bengal. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Home Affairs may be asked to ensure that the innocent are not subjected to unwarranted hardship despite being legitimate Indian Citizens who have migrated to other States for earning their livelihood," the letter read. "I eagerly look forward for your kind intervention, as the Head of the Government, in protecting the lives of its Bengali speaking citizens, who belong to the poorer sections of the Indian Society and are inter-state migrant workers," it added. On July 13, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote to the President of India, expressing grave concern over the ongoing harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers. Meanwhile, on Friday, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)- affiliated workers' union and 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)
Additional DCP (Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiya said that the accused, identified as Abhishek Kumar Mahato and Anurag Kumar Jha, are co-founders of a Bengaluru-based private company.

They allegedly defrauded four individuals from Indore: Murshid Khan, Kapil Thakur, Amit Narwar, and Rahul Chauhan.

"Abhishek Kumar Mahato, founder of NOMOEX TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD, and co-founder Anurag Kumar Jha, defrauded the victims of Rs 1.34 crore in the name of investment," Additional DCP Dandotiya said.

During the investigation, it was found that the accused lured people by promising to multiply their investments by 3 to 15 times within 6 to 12 months. However, after collecting the money, they stopped responding to the victims and failed to return the promised returns, the officer said.

A case was registered at the Indore Crime Branch police station under Sections 318(4), 316(5), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), he added.

Both accused were arrested and produced before a local court. The court granted police remand till July 22.

Officials said further investigation is underway to examine the company's operations and trace the total amount defrauded.

More details are awaited. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Congress leaders will protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, to demand statehood for the Union Territory during the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain said on Sunday. Syed Naseer Hussain told ANI, "Leaders and workers of the J&K Congress party will come to Delhi and protest at Jantar Mantar. Our demand is the statehood of J&K." As the Parliament Session is set to begin on July 21, he said that the INDIA bloc will raise the demand for the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament. "All INDIA alliance parties will strongly raise the issue of the statehood of J&K," he said. Husaain added that the Opposition will flag the Pahalgam terror attack, ceasefire in Operation Sindoor, and the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll in Bihar. "Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor, ceasefire, President Trump's statements, and our foreign policy, we will raise all these issues. There will be a huge discussion on how they won in Maharashtra by adding voters and trying to win in Bihar by deleting voters," the Congress MP told ANI. Earlier today, Congress MP KC Venugopal on Sunday said that the INDIA bloc will raise the demand to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir in the Monsoon Session of the Parliament. Sharing an X post, he wrote, "Did PM Modi lie on the floor of Parliament about granting statehood for J&K? If not, why has J&K Police arrested JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra ji & other Congress leaders?" The Congress MP further questioned the police for allegedly sealing the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC)'s office in Srinagar. "Why did they seal the PCC Office in Srinagar yesterday & stopped our party workers from protesting peacefully for statehood?" he wrote in the X post. "In the upcoming Parliament session, INDIA alliance will be demanding that full statehood be restored in J&K immediately. This farce cannot go on any longer," the X post read. Meanwhile, speaking to ANI on Saturday, Tariq Hameed Karra called for a march towards the national capital on July 21. "For the past 6 months, we have launched the 'Humari Riyasat Humara Haq' program across Jammu-Kashmir to restore statehood. We will intensify the program in Srinagar and Jammu, as we had previously announced. We have also called for 'Chalo Dilli Chalo' from Jammu and Srinagar," Karra told ANI. He added that the party will surround the Parliament and raise their demands amid the Monsoon Session. "We hope the administration will not obstruct this peaceful march... This campaign is now reaching its final phase, where we will march towards Delhi on the 21st, and our effort will be to surround Parliament to present our memorandum and raise our voice there. This letter from Rahul Gandhi has the support of the entire INDIA alliance. It has the support of 233 MPs," he said. (ANI)
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged protests against Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, including burning her effigy, following the horrific incident of a minor girl being set on fire in Nimapara, Puri district, on Saturday. The 15-year-old victim, who suffered 70% burn injuries, is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and is in critical condition. She is being airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment on Sunday. BJD MLA Tusharkanti Behera condemned the incident, stating, "It's quite unfortunate what happened to the minor girl student of Nimapara, a constituency whose leader is Deputy CM Pravati Parida. We pray that the girl will recover quickly. Therefore, the government should step down." BJD leader Lekhasri Samantsinghar expressed outrage, saying, "This is extremely unfortunate. A 16-year-old girl who was going to deliver books to her friend was set on fire yesterday by three criminals at Nimapara, Deputy CM Pravati Parida's constituency. She is also the Minister for Women and Child Development. We are all demanding her resignation. Moreover, the three culprits have not been caught to date. We suspect that the Deputy CM herself has been protecting these criminals. We demand presidential rule in Odisha, and an emergency should be imposed because the BJP government has completely failed to safeguard the interests of Odia women." BJD spokesperson Lelin Mohanty highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation, stating, "Right now, Odisha is in a state of shock. Within a span of just 7 to 10 days, two gruesome incidents have taken place. One occurred at FM College, where a girl, despite being associated with ABVP, did not receive the institutional support she needed and ultimately ended her life. The other happened just a day ago in Puri, where a girl from a minority community, specifically a Muslim, was burnt alive. What makes it even more disturbing is that the girl belonged to the constituency of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, yet she was not able to ensure her safety or protection. We visited AIIMS and were shocked by the behaviour of the police and the administration." BJD MLA Susant Kumar Rout said, "Our only demand is that the victim's health receives the most attention, and she recovers soon. If she is not getting enough care, she should be airlifted to another location. The government has now accepted our demands, and the airlifting is currently underway. The AIIMS director also signalled the same. We hope the victim will return soon after recovering. What's more sad is that so many hours have passed, yet the perpetrators are still nowhere to be found by the police. The government has failed in this. Even the leader whose constituency is Nimapara has not come so far." 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. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with former Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik calling it a symptom of "systemic failure of governance" in Odisha. Meanwhile, Congress also demand the resignation of CM Mohan Majhi and Dy CM Pravati Parida over the incident. Congress leader Sashmita Behera said, "This is an unfortunate incident. I learned that the victim will be airlifted... We demanded that the minor girl receive the best treatment so she can recover soon. We are concerned about her health..The government has been unable to catch those who set the victim ablaze, despite Nimapara being a deputy CM's constituency. This is a serious concern for the state. The law and order situation is in disarray... CM Mohan Majhi and Dy CM Pravati Parida should resign." Congress leader Ashok Kumar Das said that the government is doing an airlift for 'publicity purpose', said, "They are doing an airlift just for publicity purposes; they did it to divert attention from the issue. They know that, because of this incident, the government's image is slowly being tarnished. This government is not sensitive enough towards the victims." (ANI)
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor reignited his campaign for political reform in Bihar with a scathing attack on Sunday, stating that "people want to be free from Lalu, Nitish, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Kishor made the remarks during his visit to East Champaran -- the starting point of his Jan Suraaj Padayatra (public march). While speaking to mediapersons, he accused past and current leaders of failing the people of Bihar. "We started our march from this very land. I have walked these same paths. There used to be knee-deep sand on this road, and I raised my voice about it... Today, I see a crowd of people. People want change. People want to be free from Lalu, Nitish, and Prime Minister Modi," Kishor said. A day earlier, Kishor had reiterated that the Jan Suraaj Party would not field any musclemen or politically powerful figures, insisting that candidates would come from ordinary backgrounds. "There is no place for any 'Baahubali' in Jan Suraaj, be it gun, money, liquor, sand or political 'Baahubali'. The children of common people will contest in Jan Suraaj," he told reporters. As the Bihar Assembly elections approach later this year, Kishor also sharpened his attack on Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal, alleging that serious charges have been levelled against him. Kishore pointed out that Dilip Jaiswal was not responding to these allegations. "...There are allegations against Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal for committing heinous crimes, and he is not responding to these allegations...We will expose the BJP and Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal...," Kishore told reporters earlier. The Assembly elections are expected to be a crucial test for Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party. Kishor is confident that the Jan Suraaj Party will bring about change in Bihar. Bihar Assembly 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, consisting of the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, will once again be looking to continue their stint in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, consisting of the RJD, Congress, and left parties, will be looking 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 comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by Congress with 19, CPI(ML) with 11, CPI(M) with 2, and CPI with 2. (ANI)
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday condemned the arrest of YSRCP Lok Sabha MP PV Midhun Reddy, terming it "a political conspiracy designed to silence those who stand with the people." The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Andhra Pradesh police arrested Mithun Reddy on Saturday night in connection with the alleged 3,200 crore liquor scam. "I strongly condemn the illegal arrest of YSRCP Lok Sabha MP Sri P.V. Midhun Reddy. This is nothing but a political conspiracy designed to silence those who stand with the people," Jagan Mohan Reddy said in a post on X. "Midhun Reddy, who has been elected as a Member of Parliament for three consecutive terms, has been falsely implicated through forced confessions. This is a targeted act of political vendetta by the TDP Government to cover up its own scams and failures," he added. The fact that @ncbn (Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu) himself is on bail with respect to a case on issues pertaining to liquor policy during 2014 - 19 itself, is irrefutable evidence as to why he is stooping so low. The fact that he wants to nullify his case for acts during 2014-19 and also justify his policy now for 2024- 29, he is finding fault with the policy formulated by the YSRCP Government," the YSRCP chief said. "What is more alarming is that, while falsely accusing YSRCP leaders of a liquor scam, the current TDP-led coalition is reviving the very corrupt liquor practices that the YSRCP government had dismantled. The belt shops and illegal liquor outlets named permit rooms have returned. While undoing the YSRCP government's successful deeds of shutting down thousands of such belt shops and permit rooms and also reducing the liquor outlets significantly, the present government is now encouraging permit rooms, belt shops, backdoor liquor sales beyond MRP and weakening regulatory enforcement," he added. He alleged that the corruption and Mafia have crept back into the process of awarding wine shop licenses, and thereby the placement of orders to the distilleries, undoing the transparent Government shops system the previous YSRCP government put in place in 2019. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Chandrababu Naidu of misusing state agencies and the "yellow media" to settle political scores. "Ironically, Naidu himself is currently out on bail in multiple serious corruption cases, including a liquor scam that occurred during his own tenure from 2014 to 2019. During that time, private liquor syndicates thrived, and corruption was institutionalised," he said. "After coming to power, Naidu stalled investigations into those serious corruption cases against him and his close associates. To divert attention and escape accountability, he has conspired to fabricate a politically motivated liquor case targeting YSRCP leaders," he added. He alleged that the TDP's real agenda is to use the SIT to arrest YSRCP leaders under the guise of investigation and drag the legal process to keep them in jail indefinitely. "But once the actual trial begins, the truth will emerge. This is a baseless, politically motivated case totally devoid of legal merit," he said. Jagan claimed that YSRCP leaders are being arrested not because they are guilty, but because the party remains deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. This is not a legal process. It is a political witch-hunt aimed at destabilising a strong opposition, he said. "Every time such conspiracies have been hatched to suppress the YSRCP, we have fought back with courage. We rose by standing with the people and giving them a voice. That is how the YSRCP earned its place today, by confronting injustice head-on," he said. "The abuse of power by the TDP, as described above, is nothing short of a crime perpetrated against Democracy. I commit to the people that, regardless of how overwhelming the odds can be, the YSRCP will continue to stand with the people, remain their voice and their shield, now and always," he added. (ANI)
As part of a broader initiative to promote self-reliance among dairy farmers and usher in a White Revolution in the State, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched a new scheme at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati. Under this scheme, approximately 20,000 dairy farmers associated with 601 dairy cooperative societies across the State would receive assistance of Rs. 5 per litre of milk, for up to 30 litres per day. This assistance applies to farmers supplying milk to organised dairy processing projects. A provision of Rs. 10 crore has been made for the scheme in the financial year 2025-26. Sarma, speaking on the occasion, observed that Assam's daily milk production stands at approximately 29 lakh litres; however, only 1 lakh litres of this is processed and made available through cooperative societies such as Purabi and Sitajakhala. "In response, the government has resolved to raise the volume of processed milk to 10 lakh litres per day," he said. The Assam Chief Minister stressed the importance of enhancing processing capacities and encouraging greater participation from farmers in the cooperative system. "Depending on the scheme's performance, the daily milk volume eligible for financial assistance may be revised upward in due course. With financial support from the Assam Government, Purabi Dairy's processing capacity increased from 60,000 litres to 1.5 lakh litres in the previous year. During the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, two agreements were signed - one with Amul and another with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Pursuant to these agreements, Amul is setting up a facility near Rani, Guwahati, with a capacity of 1 lakh litres per day, while NDDB is working to expand Purabi Dairy's capacity to 3 lakh litres," the Assam Chief Minister said. He also referred to a dairy project, Kanyaka, with a capacity of 25,000 litres, which is nearing completion. Sitajakhala Dairy Cooperative Society is undertaking similar efforts. "A joint venture, North East Dairy Food Limited, has been established based on the agreement with NDDB. A 5,000-litre capacity dairy plant in Silchar has already been handed over to this venture. Additional dairy processing facilities with capacities of 20,000 litres per day have commenced at Nalbari, Barpeta, and Bajali, while smaller plants of 5,000 litres per day in Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Bokakhat have also been transferred to the joint venture," he said. Looking ahead, Sarma stated that the State Government has approved the development of projects by North East Dairy Food Limited, with State support, to enable daily processing of 1 lakh litres of milk at Dhemaji, Jorhat and Dibrugarh. He underscored the requirement for a consistent milk supply to meet the demands of these new units and stated that the Government aims to establish dairy cooperative societies in 4,000 villages to facilitate this. "Through these cooperatives, the State targets a daily milk processing volume of 10 lakh litres by 2030, which would allow for the export of processed milk both within the Northeast and to other States. Under the newly launched scheme, government assistance would be directly credited to the bank accounts of eligible dairy farmers on a designated date each month," Sarma said. The Chief Minister also spoke of plans to provide initial capital assistance to the proposed 4,000 dairy cooperatives for the purchase of cows. In addition, he encouraged cooperative societies to engage in supplementary income-generating activities such as beekeeping, and the production of biogas and bio-CNG from cow dung. In an effort to boost milk production, Sarma highlighted that, under the sex-sorted semen initiative, the State had procured 2.16 lakh frozen semen doses between 2022-23 and 2024-25. "This has so far resulted in the birth of 27,748 female calves. Crossbreeding efforts are also underway, combining Gir cattle with local Lakshmi cows, to enhance milk yield. To ensure quality control, the Directorate of Dairy Development has established five dedicated milk testing laboratories across the State. For the first time, the Government is taking concerted steps to support dairy farmers, acknowledging them as an integral component of Assam's economy," he said. The Assam Chief Minister referred to the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation by the Central Government and noted that, under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, efforts are being made to take cooperative products to international markets. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the expansion of the Purabi Dairy facility at Panjabari, Guwahati. This expansion project, with an estimated outlay of Rs. 104.55 crore, would further enhance the plant's capacity from 1.5 lakh litres to 3 lakh litres per day. The event was attended by Minister of Cooperation, Jogen Mohan, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary etc. Krishnendu Paul, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Chairman of NDDB Dr. Meenesh Shah, Commissioner & Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department M. S. Manivannan, Secretary of Department of Cooperation Anant Lal Gyani, and other senior officials and dignitaries. (ANI)
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday called for bonhomie and mutual respect among political parties, as per a release from the Vice President's Secretariat. Vice President Dhankar stated, "I appeal to everyone in the political spectrum -- please have mutual respect. Please don't trade unbecoming language on television or otherwise against the leadership of one party or the other. This culture is not our civilizational essence. We have to be careful with our language...Avoid personal attacks. I appeal to politicians. Time for us to stop calling politicians names. It does no good to our culture when, in various political parties, people take on senior people of other political parties and call them names." "We must have an absolute sense of decorum, mutual respect -- and that is the demand of our culture. We otherwise cannot have unity in our thought process...Trust me, if political dialogue takes place at a higher level if leaders mingle more frequently. They have greater discourse among themselves. They exchange ideas at an individual level -- interest of the nation will be served....... Why should we fight amongst ourselves? Let us not look for enemies within. Every Indian political party and every parliamentarian, to my knowledge, is a nationalist at the end of the day. He believes in the nation. He believes in the progress of the nation," VP Dhankar added. "Democracy is never of a kind where the same party will ever come to power. We have seen in our lifetime, the change takes place at state level, at panchayat level, at municipal level, that's a democratic process. But one thing is for sure, there has to be continuity of development, continuity of our civilisational ethos, and that comes only from one aspect. We must respect democratic culture," VP Dhankar said. "A thriving democracy, friends, cannot afford an atmosphere of constant acrimony...Your mind must be disturbed when you find political acrimony, when you find political atmosphere in a different direction. I urge everyone in the country that political temperature must be brought down. Politics is not confrontation; politics can never be unidirectional. There will be different political thought processes but politics means achieving the same object but somehow in different ways. I strongly believe no person in this country will think against the nation. I cannot visualise a political party being against the concept of Bharat. They may have different ways, different thinking; but they must learn to discuss with each other, have dialogue with each other. Confrontation is not a way out. When we fight amongst ourselves, even in the political arena, we are strengthening our enemy. We are giving them enough material to divide us. Therefore, young minds are a great pressure group. You have very strong power. Your thought process will control the politician, your parliamentarian, your legislator, your corporator. Think of the nation. Think of the development", he added. Addressing the inaugural programme for the eighth batch of participants of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme (RSIP) at the Vice-President's Enclave today, Dhankhar underlined, " Let us not have politics when there is national interest, let us not have politics over development, let us not have politics when it comes to the growth of the nation. Let us not have politics when it is an issue of national security, national concern and that can happen because India has to stand proud amongst the comity of nations. We are well regarded in the world. The very idea that Bharat can be controlled from outside goes against our claim. We are a nation, a sovereign nation. Why should our political agenda be set by forces that are inimical to Bharat? Why should our agenda be even influenced by our enemies?" As per the release, drawing attention towards the bitterness among the political parties being reflected on television debates he stated, "Every political party has matured leadership. Every political party, big or small, has commitment towards national development and therefore duty of the youth to ensure this mindset. This thought process must come in social media and once you will find our television debates soothing, positive, appealing, just imagine how much change can come -- just take a moment to observe. What do we usually see? What do we hear? Isn't it tiring to the ears? Our ears are fed up, aren't they? Brother, why is it like this? We come from a great culture. There is a foundation to our ideology." "We can have differences of opinion -- we can have disagreements -- but how can we have bitterness in our hearts? We are Indians. What does our culture teach us? Anantavad -- the belief in endless dialogue. What does Anantavad mean? It means discussion and debate. What does discussion and debate mean? It means expression. And expression means -- speak your thoughts freely, but do not become so convinced of your own opinion that you believe it to be the final and absolute truth. Don't assume that no one else can possibly have a different point of view than yours," he said. Highlighting the need for meaningful discussions in the upcoming monsoon session of the Parliament, VP Dhankhar said, " We must be resilient. We must believe in our point of view. But we must also have respect for the other point of view. If we believe in our point of view and think, "I am the only one who is right, and everyone else is wrong" -- that is not democracy. That is not our culture. That is ego. That is arrogance. We must control our ego. We must control our arrogance. We must try to understand why the other person holds a different point of view -- that is our culture." "What has India historically been known for? Discourse, dialogue, debate, deliberation. These days, we do not see all this happening in Parliament. I assume the upcoming session will be an important one. I have every hope that there will be meaningful discussions and serious deliberations that will take Bharat to greater heights. It is not that everything is perfect. We will never live in times where everything is perfect. There will always be some shortcomings in certain areas at any given time. And there is always room for improvement. If someone gives a suggestion to improve something, it is not condemnation. It is not a criticism. It is only a suggestion for further development. Therefore, I appeal to political parties to engage in constructive politics. And when I say this, I appeal to all parties -- those on the treasury benches, the ruling party, and the opposition parties," the Vice President said. (ANI)
VCK Founder-President Thol Thirumavalavan has alleged that the BJP-led Centre had reduced scholarship allocations for students from reserved categories and urged the INDIA bloc parties to raise the issue during Parliament's Monsoon Session. "On behalf of VCK, I spoke (at the INDIA bloc online meeting on July 19) about the post-metric scholarship and overseas scholarship for students from reserved categories and minorities. Over the past decade, the BJP government has gradually reduced the allocation of scholarships to students from reserved categories," Thirumavalavan told ANI on Sunday. "On behalf of the INDIA Bloc, we have to raise this issue to protect the rights of minorities," he said. Thirumavalavan said that DMK's Tiruchi Siva raised in the meeting the Union Government's alleged failure to release the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan fund to Tamil Nadu. "D Raja (Communist Party of India General Secretary) spoke about Operation Kagar. The Union Government took some steps against tribals in Jharkhand in the name of extremists... Tiruchi Siva spoke about the Union Government's failure to release the amount for SSA (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan). So all the leaders from the INDIA bloc have to pressurise the Union Government to release this amount for Tamil Nadu," he said. The Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to begin tomorrow, with the Opposition parties planning to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, demand accountability from the government, and raise the issue of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. Congress MP KC Venugopal said today that the INDIA bloc will raise the demand to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming Parliament Session. Sharing an X post, he wrote, "Did PM Modi lie on the floor of Parliament about granting statehood for J&K? If not, why has J&K Police arrested JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra ji & other Congress leaders?" The Congress MP further questioned the police for allegedly sealing the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC)'s office in Srinagar. "Why did they seal the PCC Office in Srinagar yesterday & stopped our party workers from protesting peacefully for statehood?" he wrote in the X post. "In the upcoming Parliament session, INDIA alliance will be demanding that full statehood be restored in J&K immediately. This farce cannot go on any longer," the X post read. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will brief mediapersons tomorrow just before the commencement of the first day of the Monsoon Parliament session. Just before the commencement of the first day of the Fifth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha, PM Modi will be briefing accredited media persons, according to an official statement. (ANI)
Spokesperson of Dharmasthala, K. Parshwanath Jain, on Sunday welcomed the decision of the Karnataka Government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe in matter related to alleged mass burial of human bodies in the region. Jain stated that a case was recently registered at the Dharmasthala police station which claimed "several dead bodies were buried" in the region which "sparked widespread debate, speculations, and confusion at the national level in recent days." The Dharmasthala spokesperson stated that truth and belief are strongest foundation for society's ethics and faith. He expressed hope and demanded the SIT to bring out the truth of the matter. "A case was recently registered at the Dharmasthala police station claiming that "several dead bodies were buried," which has sparked widespread debate, speculations, and confusion at the national level in recent days. In light of our expectations, as well as that of the general public, for a fair and transparent investigation, it is understood that the State Government has transferred the case to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Truth and belief are the strongest foundation for a society's ethics and faith. Therefore, it is our sincere hope and earnest demand that the SIT conducts the highest level of investigation in this case and brings out true facts to light", Dharmasthala spokesperson said in a statement. The Karnataka Government today issued an order to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter related to alleged incidents of mass murder, mass rape, and mass burial in Dharmasthala town. The development follows a letter from the Karnataka State Women's Commission (KSWC) requesting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah form an SIT under the leadership of senior police officials to investigate the matter. In their letter, the KSWC cited a media report which consisted of a statement from a person who had claimed that bodies were buried in the past 20 years in the region. The government order said that it was found appropriate to form a Special Investigation Team to investigate the cases registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS) at the Dharmasthala police station. (ANI)
The road link to Nubra Valley has also been restored by the Indian Air Force.

Sharing an X post, the Western Air Command, IAF, wrote, "Rain & mudslides cut off the road link to Nubra Valley yesterday. Despite being affected themselves as well, Air Force Station Thoise sheltered 21 stranded civilians, including five women, for the night. Swift efforts have since restored connectivity."

According to a press release by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), isolated very heavy rainfall is predicted over Jammu and Kashmir during July 21-24, along with heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand during July 20-22, Himachal Pradesh during July 21-23 with heavy rainfall likely over Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh on July 20-21; East Uttar Pradesh on July 26, West Rajasthan on July 20, East Rajasthan on July 22-26, Haryana on July 21-22.

Meanwhile, a comprehensive joint Disaster Management Workshop and Exercise focusing on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations was recently conducted in Papum Pare district, exemplifying seamless coordination across India's disaster management network.

The exercise brought together personnel from the Spear Corps, the Indian Air Force (IAF), the ITBP, the CRPF, and resources from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), as well as the Ministry of Power.

The event showcased a unified and resilient approach to addressing large-scale emergencies, with a particular emphasis on remote and disaster-prone areas.

Among the notable dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Commissioner of Papum Pare, Mr A. Balan, Member, CEM, Maj. Gen Ajay Kumar Verma (Retd), Senior Consultant at NDMA, and senior officials representing the NDRF, ITBP and the Indian Army. Their presence and the insights they contributed further enriched the collaborative experience, providing invaluable guidance for future operations.

This initiative has made significant strides in advancing inter-agency readiness for forthcoming HADR missions. (ANI)
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said the city is fully prepared to welcome Kanwariyas, with comprehensive arrangements in place across Kanwar camps and borders. She highlighted that the Delhi government has extended grants to 374 Kanwar committees and will distribute Ganga water pails and jute bags to five lakh Kanwariyas to promote environmental awareness. Speaking to reporters at Punjabi Bagh, CM Gupta said, "Beautiful arrangements have been made by all the Kanwar committees. The Delhi government made preparations to welcome all the Kanwariyas in a very different way this time. Grants have been issued to 374 Kanwar committees in Delhi." She added that the Kanwar camps have been equipped with essential facilities, including electricity, health services, toilets, and a cleaning staff. "Welcome gates have been installed on all the borders of Delhi... We will increase the amount of assistance provided to the Kanwar committees. Along with this, we will also provide pails of Ganga water and jute bags to 5 lakh Kanwariyas of Delhi so that this group of Kanwariyas can join in protecting the environment in Delhi. The distribution of all this will start from tomorrow," she said. Meanwhile, a large number of Kanwariyas have reached Haridwar as the Kanwar Yatra enters its final stage, with the city packed with devotees gathering to collect holy Ganga water for offering to Lord Shiva. Officials expect the total number of pilgrims to cross 3 crore by the end of Sunday. The number of Dak Kanwariyas, those who return quickly after collecting water, is increasing, and police have implemented a traffic plan to manage the swelling crowds. From city roads to Har Ki Pauri, the entire area is filled with devotees and vehicles. Pilgrims are arriving in large numbers via Nagla Imarti and heading to designated parking zones in Haridwar. (ANI)
Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P Sandosh Kumar on Sunday said that Rahul Gandhi, being a leader of the INDIA bloc, should "show some amount of maturity," as "no sensible man can compare RSS with Left parties." "Rahul Gandhi, being the leader of the INDIA Alliance movement, should show some amount of maturity. No sensible man can compare RSS with left parties. I don't know what has happened to him. These kinds of immature, apolitical statements must not be done by a leader like Rahul Gandhi. The country is expecting something more from him. Whenever he speaks, he always shows some amount of immaturity, and how can he run the INDIA alliance? So the Congress party should take a serious note of this," the CPI leader told ANI. Hitting back at the Congress, he said it is, in fact, acting as the "B-team" of the Bharatiya Janata Party, pointing to the defection of many Congress leaders to the BJP. "Most of his colleagues are in the BJP, who are acting as the B-team of Congress in the RSS-BJP. He is the most important supplier of cadres to the RSS and the BJP. His core team, all of them, are in the BJP now. I can give you a list, including Himanta Biswa Sarma...Almost all people are supplied by Rahul Gandhi only. So don't compare left and RSS," he added. The CPI leader also referred to the all-party meeting ahead of the monsoon session, demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the House and clarify developments following the Pahalgam attack, particularly Operation Sindoor. "The first thing is that the Prime Minister should come and address the House, making it clear what has happened in Pahalgam, the post-Pahalgam developments, and all related matters. I don't think the government is going to respond positively," he said. Rahul Gandhi, while speaking at an event in Kerala's Kottayam on July 18, had said that although he fights both RSS and Communists ideologically, his main concern is that they lack empathy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while addressing an event in Kerala's Kottayam on July 18, had said that while he fights both the RSS and Communists on ideology, his main objection to the organisations is that they do not have feelings for the people. "I fight the RSS ideologically, and I fight the CPM ideologically, I fight them in the realm of ideas and in the realm of speech. But, my biggest complaint is that they do not have feelings for people," the Congress MP had said. "You can have whatever speeches, ideas, if you do not feel for people, not ready to connect or hug people you cannot be a leader. If you are in politics, feel what people are thinking, listen to them, and touch them. The real tragedy in Indian politics today is that very few people are actually feeling what others are feeling," he added. Following the remarks, both CPI General Secretary D Raja and CPI(M) Politburo member M A Baby objected to Rahul Gandhi's comparison. D Raja indirectly raised the issue at the INDIA bloc meeting on Saturday. Without mentioning the name of the Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, D Raja called for restraint and being mindful before criticising each other. Meanwhile, CPI (M) leader M A Baby said, "I do not know whether Rahul Gandhi knows about the track record of Congress in fighting RSS in Kerala. The very fact that Rahu Gandhi equated RSS and CPI(M) betrays an absence of the correct understanding of the role of CPI (M) and RSS in Kerala and India." He added, "We don't have to elaborate how systematically we are fighting against RSS-BJP. Rahul Gandhi only needs to recall how (former PM) Manmohan Singh could not form the government without the support of the CPI(M) and the left parties, as Congress did not command a majority after the 2004 Lok Sabha elections." (ANI)
BJP MP Mukesh Dalal on Sunday slammed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for his controversial remarks against Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, warning that Gujarat will not tolerate such disrespect. Speaking to mediapersons in Surat, Dalal said, "Raj Thackeray has no political standing. He has no credibility left in the whole of Mumbai. He is not even the dust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's feet. Even if you drink the water from Sardar Patel's feet, it is still less." It comes after Thackeray, in a press conference on Friday, reportedly said that some Gujarati leaders and businessmen had previously 'attempted to separate Mumbai away from Maharashtra.' He also mentioned Sardar Patel and former prime minister Morarji Desai. He also alleged that certain vested interests were trying to create a rift between Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra. "A few Gujarati businessmen had planned to cause a rift between Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra...They have had their eyes set on Mumbai for years. They are testing us... if Maharashtra oppose the Hindi language being mandated... If we remain mum, Hindi would be the first step; their plan is to take control and send everything to Gujarat," he said. The BJP leader criticised Thackeray for allegedly insulting the legacy of Sardar Patel, who is widely respected across Gujarat and India. Dalal accused Thackeray of trying to gain political mileage ahead of the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections, saying, "He is doing all this for political gain, but he will never get success. Thackeray brothers are doing all this for the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections." The BJP MP further added that after a 14-year-long political exile, Raj Thackeray was resorting to absurd statements to regain relevance. "They are not going to get any benefit from it in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections," he further added. "Gujarat and the people of Gujarat will never tolerate this insult. These people are doing this only and only for the municipal elections," he said. (ANI)
According to officials, the accused, identified as Atul Kumar Singh (32) and Manish Yadav (24) -- both residents of Uttar Pradesh-- allegedly defrauded thousands of vehicle owners across multiple states by circulating malicious APK files via WhatsApp under the pretense of collecting pending vehicle fines and collecting personal data through Telegram bots.

They reportedly used Telegram bots to harvest vehicle details and targeted users across multiple states.

Police said the main developer of the fake app is a 16-year-old relative of Manish Yadav, believed to be the mastermind behind the operation.

The investigation began after an Ernakulam-based individual reported to the NCRP portal that they had been defrauded of Rs 85,000 through a fake Parivahan link.

Acting on this complaint, Kochi Cyber Police registered an FIR and launched a detailed investigation.

A special team led by Inspector Shameer Khan, and officers Arun, Ajith Raj, Nikhil George, Alfit Andrews, and Sharafudheen tracked and apprehended the accused based on digital evidence.

During the raid, data from over 2,700 vehicles across Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal were found on the suspects' devices, indicating the scale of the scam.

Earlier on Friday, Kerala Police arrested two persons for allegedly smuggling 16 kilograms of cannabis in a fish transport vehicle in Edakkara in Kerala's Malappuram district.

The arrests were made by a team led by Edakkara Sub-Inspector P Jayakrishnan, in collaboration with the DANSAF (District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force) team.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Anas (42), a native of Kolathur in Kondotty, and Hakeem (42), from Chirayamanangad in Thrissur, said the police. The arrests followed a confidential tip received by Malappuram District Police Chief R Viswanadh. (ANI)
As lakhs of devotees pour into Uttar Pradesh for the annual Kanwar Yatra, the administration in Bulandshahr has mounted a multi-layered security operation to ensure a peaceful and seamless passage for the pilgrims. With all pilgrimage routes now mapped into zones and sectors, and surveillance stepped up, officials say they are leaving no stone unturned to maintain order during one of the largest religious gatherings in northern India. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Tejveer Singh said a patrolling bike has been deployed every kilometre, with police posted at all diversion points to manage traffic and block heavy vehicles. "In Bulandshahr district, all routes for the Kanwar Yatra have been divided into zones and sectors for security arrangements, with one patrolling bike deployed every kilometre. Police are stationed at all diversion points to manage route diversions and prevent heavy vehicles from entering. CCTV cameras have been installed on all routes, and all officers are actively patrolling," SP Singh told ANI. Meanwhile, in Aligarh, a group of wrestler Kanwariyas from Aligarh were seen carrying their Guru on foot as they undertook the pilgrimage from Ramghat to Chintahar in Rajasthan. On Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged Kanwar yatris to expose elements masquerading as hooligans who aim to defame the holy yatra and inform the administration immediately. CM Adityanath warned that strict action will be taken against miscreants who try to disrupt the peace and harmony during the yatra. Speaking to the reporters, CM Adityanath said, "...A few elements are making continous attempts to harm and defame fervour and devotion. Even on social media platforms and even in person, such attempts are trying to defame Kanwar Yatra. It is also the responsibility of every Kanwar Sangh to expose all such elements masquerading as hooligans to defame this holy Yatra of Lord Shiv. Do not let them join you and inform the administration immediately. I appeal to all kanwariyas and everyone to understand others' problems too." The Kanwar Yatra began on July 10. During the annual pilgrimage, Kanwariyas collect holy water from rivers and carry it over hundreds of kilometres to offer it at Lord Shiva temples. Devotees across the country observe fasts, perform rituals, and undertake the Yatra as a mark of devotion. 'Sawan' holds a special place in Hindu mythology. Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples during the 'Sawan' month. This year, Sawan month commences from July 11 and will conclude on August 9. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee inspected the arrangements for the 'Shahid Dibas' rally in Kolkata's Dharmatala area on Sunday. The event honours 13 "martyrs" who lost their lives during the 1993 Kolkata Writers Building march. Addressing an event ahead of the AITC program, CM Banerjee said, "When CPI(M) was in power in West Bengal, we fought a lot... our comrades fought, sacrificed their lives. In their memory, we observe July 21 as Martyrs' Day, and for the past 33 years, this program has been held at the same place because many people sacrificed their lives here, some people even object to this." For the past three decades, AITC has been carrying out events and rallies on July 21 annually to remember the death of 13 people in 1993. In a post on X, CM Banerjee stated, "The right to vote freely, fearlessly, and with dignity, something we take for granted today, was once denied to the people of Bengal under an oppressive regime that silenced dissent and shut doors on democracy. We observe Shahid Dibas as a solemn tribute to the 13 brave souls who laid down their lives in the fight for Maa, Mati, and Manush, and as a reaffirmation of our commitment to protect our constitutional values at any cost. As always, I personally visited Dharmatala today to ensure that all arrangements are in place for tomorrow's programme, including proper accommodation for our guests and seating for the media. To the people of Bengal, I say this: Come peacefully, come in strength. Even if it rains, let it be seen as the tears of the martyrs reminding us of why we gather, why we remember, and why we must never stop fighting for democracy." https://x.com/MamataOfficial/status/1946968383452581951 Earlier today, mentioning the Chief Minister's visit to Dharmatala, AITC posted on X, "As is tradition, Mamata Banerjee visited Dharmatala on the eve of Shahid Dibas to personally review the preparations. She has shaped history. With unyielding resolve and the unshakable support of the people, she has dismantled empires that thought themselves invincible." While remembering the 13 "brave souls," Mamata Banerjee posted on X, "We observe Shahid Dibas as a solemn tribute to the 13 brave souls who laid down their lives in the fight for Maa, Mati, and Manush, and as a reaffirmation of our commitment to protect our constitutional values at any cost. As always, I personally visited Dharmatala today to ensure that all arrangements are in place for tomorrow's programme, including proper accommodation for our guests and seating for the media." "On July 21, 1993, our 13 comrades lost their lives prematurely due to the barbaric atrocities and ruthless firing by the CPIM police," she added in another post. Continuing her remembrance of the "martyrs" Bandan Das, Murari Chakraborty, Ratan Mondal, Bishwanath Roy, Kalyan Banerjee, Asim Das, Keshab Bairagi, Shrikanta Sharma, Dilip Das, Ranjit Das, Pradeep Roy, Mohammad Khaleq, and Inu, the Bengal CM invited everyone to participate in the rally. In 1993, Mamata Banerjee, part of the Indian National Congress, participated in the Writers' Building March, during which 13 people were killed in a police firing. A few years later, in 1998, the All India Trinamool Congress was formed, breaking away from the Congress, with Banerjee leading the party to this day. (ANI)
Jeff Bezos didnt make any of the VIPs at his wedding sign gagging contracts, one of his guests claims.

Jeff Bezos didnt make any of the VIPs at his wedding sign gagging contracts, one of his guests claims

The Amazon founder billionaire, 61, and his partner Lauren Sanchez, 55, exchanged vows at the end ofd June during a weekend of celebrations held at a private venue in Venice.

And one of the couples guests, 44-year-old actress and podcast host Sara Foster has now spoken candidly about attending the lavish ceremony.

Sara, who is the daughter of music producer David Foster, revealed behind-the-scenes details of the three-day celebration in Italy during an episode of The Worlds First Podcast, which she co-hosts with her sister Erin Foster.

She said: No one signed NDAs. No NDAs.

Jeff and Laurens wedding, which took place on 27 June, brought together a guest list of more than 200 people, including some of the worlds most high-profile names.

Sara added the event felt far more intimate than the public had been led to believe.

She said: Theres nothing  its so interesting how the optics were this over the top, you know, protesters its just not, its not what it was.

It actually felt very intimate.

The ceremony, reported to have cost around $50 million, attracted global media attention and saw the presence of celebrities such as Mick Jagger, 80, Oprah Winfrey, 70, Leonardo DiCaprio, 49, Sydney Sweeney, 26, Jerry Seinfeld, 70, Orlando Bloom, 47, Jessica Alba, 43, Bill Gates, 68, Brooks Nader, 27, and Ivanka Trump, 42.

Members of the Kardashian-Jenner family were also in attendance, including Kim Kardashian, 43, Khloe Kardashian, 40, Kendall Jenner, 28, Kylie Jenner, 27, and Kris Jenner, 68.

Sara addressed the criticism she received online after sharing photos from the wedding on Instagram. Heres the problem. You cant say anything anymore without being attacked, she said.

Sara added: I swear to God, it never occurred to me once that anybody would take issue with people attending a wedding. Truly. It really didnt. It didnt.

She also hinted at the discretion of some attendees.

Sara went on: There were definitely a lot of people that were not photographed.

I cant. I mean, thats, like, so lame. Im not gonna do that. But its very interesting how many people went un-photographed. It was definitely a very interesting setup.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Prashant Sudamrao Jagtap on Sunday slammed Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister, Manikrao Kokate, after a purported video of him playing an online card game on his phone in the Legislative Assembly went viral. Jagtap termed the alleged act "an insult to the farmers." The video was shared on social media by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rohit Pawar. "Ever since Manikrao Kokate became the Agriculture Minister in Devendra Fadnavis' government, he has been making fun of Maharashtra's farmers," Jagtap told ANI. "In the same session in which it was being discussed that farmers are committing suicide every day in Maharashtra, he was seen playing online rummy. This is an insult to the farmers," he added. Earlier in the day, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule demanded the resignation of Kokate. Sule criticised the minister, pointing out that while 750 farmers had committed suicide in the past three months, the minister is engaged in playing games. She urged the Chief Minister to take action and remove him from his position if he does not resign. Speaking to the reporters, Supriya Sule said, "A video of the Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra has come out. When the House was in session and the debate was underway, he was playing rummy on his mobile...750 farmers have committed suicide in three months and the Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra is playing these games. He should resign for this dirty act; otherwise, the Chief Minister should remove him." Sharing the video, Rohit Pawar criticised the minister for his lack of attention to the state's pressing agricultural issues. In a post on X, Rohit Pawar wrote, "Since the Nationalist faction in power cannot do anything without consulting the BJP, even with countless agricultural issues pending and 8 farmers committing suicide daily in the state, the Agriculture Minister, with nothing else to do, seems to have time to play rummy." He also urged the government to listen to farmers' demands for crop insurance, loan waivers, and price support, and also asked, 'Will these ministers ever hear the desperate plea of farmers?' "Will these misguided ministers and the government ever hear the desperate plea of farmers demanding crop insurance, loan waivers, and price support: "Come to the fields of poor farmers sometimes, Maharaj"?," the post reads. (ANI)
Congress leader Mumtaz Patel expressed deep concern over the recent cases of violence against women in Odisha, criticising both the state administration and the central government for their silence and inaction. Her remarks came in response to two distressing incidents reported from the state: the self-immolation of a young woman in Balasore after alleged prolonged harassment, and another case of a minor girl being burnt alive in Puri district. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Patel said, "In Balasore, a few days ago, we saw that a girl had to commit suicide after being harassed for so many days, and now you saw that in Puri, another girl was burnt alive. I want to express great sorrow and anger at such incidents." She added, "This is not just a question of law and order, but a question that arises in society that why are we not able to hear the fear and screams of our daughters? I want to ask if the Deputy CM of Odisha is herself a woman. I also want to talk about the silence of the Prime Minister. It is obvious that action should be taken; these people should be punished. The bigger question is what are we doing to the daughters of our country?" Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged protests against Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, including burning her effigy, following the horrific incident of a minor girl being set on fire in Nimapara, Puri district. BJD MLA Tusharkanti Behera condemned the incident, stating, "It's quite unfortunate what happened to the minor girl student of Nimapara, a constituency whose leader is Deputy CM Pravati Parida. We pray that the girl will recover quickly. Therefore, the government should step down." The 15-year-old victim, who suffered 70% burn injuries, is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and is in critical condition. She is being airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment on Sunday. 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)
Four individuals arrested in connection with the firing incident at Paras Hospital in Patna are being sent to Bihar on Monday. They were given transit remand from the Alipore Court. On Thursday, Police reported that unidentified assailants shot a prisoner, Chandan Mishra, who was admitted to a hospital in Patna for treatment. Bihar Police, in a joint operation with Kolkata Police and Kolkata STF, detained the main accused, Taushif alias Badshah, from Kolkata for the shooting incident. Additionally, Nishu Khan and two others have also been detained. All four of the accused have been arrested in Kolkata in connection with the murder of Chandan Mishra in a Patna hospital, said Patna SSP Kartikey K Sharma, adding that the other four are still absconding. "On 17th July, Chandan Mishra was shot dead in the hospital. The shooters fled to different places after committing the crime. While starting the investigation, raids were conducted by the Patna Police at various places, and many people were questioned. The main shooter, Tausif, was arrested in Kolkata. Kolkata Police and Kolkata STF gave us very commendable support, and due to that support, Tausif was arrested in Kolkata. Along with Tausif, 3 other people were also found there who had a role in this conspiracy...He has been booked in NDPS, Arms Act and attempt to murder cases in the past. Nishu Khan has also been booked in extortion and Arms Act cases in the past, with him his Harsh and Bheem arrested...All 4 of the accused have been arrested in Kolkata...," SSP Kartikey K Sharma said. He further said, "The other four are still absconding and will be arrested soon. The investigation is underway." While being taken to Alipore court, the accused Nishu Khan stated to the media, "I did not know anything about murder plotting. I came here with my girlfriend for my spinal surgery, as in 2023, I was shot due to a land-related fight issue and became bedridden. Taushif is my brother; he told me Sheru said to shoot Chandan. I don't know why he shot him. After the gunfire incident, he came to me and told me-I didn't know how to react or what to do... Later on, STF came and raided where I was staying. They arrested me, my nursing staff, caretaker, and later my girlfriend too" According to Bihar Police, initial investigation has revealed that the conspiracy for this murder was hatched at Nishu Khan's residence, and Taushif alias Badshah mainly carried out the act. In the release, the police said, "Interrogation of other suspects related to the incident is ongoing. All arrested accused are being sent to Patna as per legal procedures. Kolkata Police and Kolkata STF have provided commendable support in this case. A team was formed by Kolkata Police, which continuously and actively assisted Patna Police." The prisoner, 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 on Thursday. 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. (ANI)
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Saturday met Mandla Tshawuka, Minister of Agriculture of Eswatini. The two leaders held talks on enhancing relations in the agricultural sector. In a post on X, Margherita said, "Happy to meet H.E. Hon. Mandla Tshawuka, Minister of Agriculture of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Had productive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946525878218875264 According to the Indian High Commission in Mbabane, Eswatini has availed a line of Credit of USD 37.9 million from the EXIM Bank of India for Agricultural Development and mechanisation in Eswatini. The project was implemented over a period of 3 years and was completed in 2017. The model entailed demonstrating that applying the correct inputs in the correct quantities results in high yields. It also aimed at motivating farmers to invest in inputs for the rest of their fields in subsequent seasons after realising the resultant yields. In this way, production and productivity were expected to increase, resulting in improved food security. The project targeted farmers with the potential to engage in meaningful production. The potential was determined by the availability of land, equipment, labour and knowledge of farming practices. The project also contributed significantly to improving service delivery by the Ministry of Agriculture of Eswatini, particularly on soil testing and mechanisation. The components of the project include Tractors and Implements, Soil Testing and Liming, Input Subsidy, and Vermi-Composting Sites. Margherita visited Eswatini, where he engaged in fruitful discussions with King Mswati III and several ministers on Friday, deepening existing ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two nations. During his visit to the African nation, Margherita also met with Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mduduzi Matsebula, Minister of Health; Mandla Tshawuka, Minister of Agriculture; and Tambo Gina, Minister of Economic Planning and Development. (ANI)
The huge crowds in Israel called for a comprehensive deal that would end the war and bring back all 50 living and dead captives held in Gaza and called for US President Donald Trump's intervention, Al Jazeera reported. Protesters displayed banners urging Trump to strike another "big, beautiful deal". Earlier, US President Donald Trump 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. "We know the outlines of a deal exist. What's missing is the final push - the kind of resolve only President Trump can bring. We ask President Trump: lean in. Use your power. Show the world that freedom matters," said Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, whose remains are held in Gaza. Nadav Rudaeff, whose father, Lior Rudaeff, remains in Gaza, directly thanked Trump and said his efforts are not taken for granted, as per Al Jazeera. "Please do everything you can to pressure all the parties to reach an agreement," he said. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned the international community for failing to act as starvation grips Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. "The international community, with the complicity of our own government, has not only tolerated but effectively normalised the daily massacre of Palestinian civilians by the far-right government of indicted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu," CAIR said in a statement, as quoted by Al Jazeera. "These are not accidents. These are not isolated incidents. These are the predictable consequences of a system of brutality and impunity backed by billions in US taxpayer-supplied weapons and aid," the group said. "We demand immediate action to end all US support for Israel's genocidal assault. Silence is complicity with genocide, and normalisation of slaughter is a betrayal of humanity." The US provides Israel with at least USD 3.8bn in military aid annually. Since the Israeli war on Gaza began, it has also provided billions more in assistance and blocked UN Security Council resolutions seeking to pressure Israel to end its assault. Noureddine al-Baba, the spokesman for the Interior Ministry in Syria, also said clashes in the southern city have come to a halt. The announcement, shared by Syria's official SANA news agency, comes after the government deployed forces in the Suwayda governorate to try to quell days of sectarian violence, as per Al Jazeera. 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)
Ukraine has proposed to hold a new round of peace talks with Russia next week, following negotiations that stalled last month, according to Al Jazeera. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Saturday that Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov had made an offer for a meeting with Russian negotiators for next week. "Everything should be done to achieve a ceasefire," Zelenskyy said in his evening address to the nation, Al Jazeera reported. "The Russian side should stop hiding from decisions." Ukraine's leader 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. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1946633485818462481 There was no immediate response from Russia, as per Al Jazeera. Umerov, a former defence minister, was appointed last week as the head of the National Security and Defence Council and tasked with adding more momentum to the negotiations. He headed his country's delegation in two previous rounds of talks in Turkiye earlier this year, which yielded little more than an agreement to exchange prisoners and soldiers' remains. In previous rounds, Russia outlined a list of hardline demands that were not acceptable to Ukraine, calling on it to cede four Ukrainian regions it claims as its own and reject Western military support, as per Al Jazeera. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday indicated that Moscow agreed with a statement by Zelenskyy that peace efforts needed "more momentum". The shift came after United States President Donald Trump, who initially appeared to adopt a conciliatory approach towards Russia after entering office, upped the pressure on Moscow. This week, Trump set a 50-day deadline for Moscow to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine or face "100 per cent tariffs" and the prospect of secondary sanctions being imposed on countries that buy Russian oil. He also promised to ramp up arms shipments to the war-battered country. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the ministry, said on Thursday that Russia would not accept the "blackmail" of Washington's sanctions ultimatum, and the decision to resume weapons deliveries was a signal to Ukraine to "abandon the peace process". (ANI)
The two held talks on increasing cooperation in the energy sector.

In a post on X, Margherita said, "Glad to meet HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Hon'ble Minister of Natural Resources & Energy, Kingdom of Eswatini. Discussed ways to increase cooperation in the energy sector."

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946532204621762935

Earlier, in an attempt to increase energy cooperation, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Senator Peter Bhembe, with a three-member delegation consisting of the Managing Director of Eswatini Electricity Company, Acting Chief Geologist and Chief Mining Engineer, visited Delhi, Kolkata and Ahmedabad to study iron and steel production units in India in November 2019.

Earlier in the day, Margherita met Mandla Tshawuka, Minister of Agriculture of Eswatini.

The two leaders held talks on enhancing relations in the agricultural sector.

In a post on X, Margherita said, "Happy to meet H.E. Hon. Mandla Tshawuka, Minister of Agriculture of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Had productive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture."

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946525878218875264

According to the Indian High Commission in Mbabane, Eswatini has availed a line of Credit of USD 37.9 million from the EXIM Bank of India for Agricultural Development and mechanisation in Eswatini. The project was implemented over a period of 3 years and was completed in 2017.

Margherita visited Eswatini, where he engaged in fruitful discussions with King Mswati III and several ministers on Friday, deepening existing ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two nations.

During his visit to the African nation, Margherita also met with Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mduduzi Matsebula, Minister of Health; Mandla Tshawuka, Minister of Agriculture; and Tambo Gina, Minister of Economic Planning and Development. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected two PLA aircraft and four Chinese naval aircraft operating around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) on Sunday. The MND stated that they monitored the situation accordingly. In a post on X, the MND said, "2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1946736823411093875 Earlier on Friday, 18 sorties of PLA aircraft, eight PLAN vessels and one official ship operating around itself. In a post on X, the MND said, "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." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1946374430759739496 Earlier on Friday, Taiwan's Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo 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. (ANI)
In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger. The Indian Embassy in Niamey is in touch with the local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains of those killed and ensure safe release of the abducted Indian. The mission also cautioned all Indians in Niger to remain vigilant. In a post on X it said, "In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger's 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 safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant." https://x.com/IndiainNiger/status/1946189382152556790 Arab News reported citing local sources 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 city of Niamey. Previously in March, Niger had seen a terrorist attack by the Islamic State in Great Sahara in Kokorou, which had resulted in the deaths of at least 44 civilians and had left 13 severely injured, as reported by UN Security Council Press. The members had issued a statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms and had underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice. Significantly, the members had underscored the importance for all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate with the authorities of Niger as well as all other relevant authorities in this regard. The statement further highlighted, "The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts." US State Department's 2023 Country Report on Terrorism for Niger had observed, that terrorist organizations exploited Niger's extensive borderlands and sparsely populated regions to attack and recruit among populations where access to government services was weak and economic opportunity negligible. Due to the small size of its "defence force, ineffective coordination among security services, budget shortfalls, and instability in Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, and the Lake Chad Basin", Niger's efforts to fight terrorism were hampered. Niger is in the midst of a political upheaval as a military coup has taken control, ousting the democratically elected President. In July, 2023 President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by the Presidential Guard and General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself the new leader. This event led to widespread international condemnation. The Niger coup is the seventh such event in West and Central Africa since 2020, highlighting a concerning trend of military interventions in the region. (ANI)
The Hong Kong Observatory on Sunday issued its highest warning for tropical cyclone Typhoon Wipha which is descending on the city and is "posing a considerable threat." Authorities have hoisted the T10 signal, which is the highest-level warning, this morning at 9.20 am (local time). It warned that the typhoon would skirt about 50km to the south around noon. The highest-level warning, means that winds with mean speeds of 118km/h or more are expected. The last No 10 signal was during Super Typhoon Saola in 2023, with the storm causing 86 injuries, landslides and thousands of trees to fall according to local media, including the SCMP and Hong Kong Free Press. The annual Hong Kong Book Fair and over 500 flights have been cancelled, the local media reported adding that the weather service urged the public to take precautionary measures. If the eye of the tropical cyclone passes directly over Hong Kong, there may be a temporary lull. The Hong Kong Observatory warns that this lull will be followed by a sudden resumption of violent winds, so residents have been advised to stay in safe places. The water level rose to about 3 metres above Chart Datum at Tai Po Kau. Maximum gusts exceeding 103 kilometres per hour were recorded at Tate's Cairn, Hong Kong Free Press reported. The Hainan and Guangdong provinces remained on high alert after the storm brought rain and flooding to the Philippines. A significant number of flights are cancelled or rescheduled, Xinhua news agency reported. So far, Wipha has resulted in one reported injury involving a man and reports of uprooted trees, while 214 people have sought refuge in government shelters. As of 9am, the government had opened 34 temporary shelters with 214 people seeking refuge. Over 500 weekend flights have been cancelled and the Airport Authority said 400 could resume in the afternoon at the earliest after the typhoon moved away from the city. Several MTR lines will maintain a limited service, although those on open sections including the Light Rail and Airport Express have been suspended. Most ferry and bus services have also been suspended. According to experts, warming of the seas leads to tropical cyclones. (ANI)
Liam Gallagher has paid tribute to the legions of Oasis fans listening to the bands gigs in Manchester from Gallagher Hill.

Liam Gallagher has paid tribute to the legions of Oasis fans listening to the bands gigs in Manchester from Gallagher Hill

The frontman, 52, has been playing a string of packed-out comeback shows with his older brother Noel, 59, in the citys Heaton Park, and at Saturday (19.07.25) nights show dedicating a raucous rendition of Bring It On Down to the crowds who had gathered outside the ground without tickets.

He said before launching into the track from Oasis 1994 debut album Definitely Maybe. If you lot are listening on the hill bring it on down.

By the end of their final Manchester concert tonight, 20 July, around 400,000 fans are expected to have seen Oasis perform at the venue during their five-night run as part of their international reunion tour. But the official numbers dont account for the thousands of additional fans who descended on north Manchester to be close to the music, despite not having tickets.

A grassy mound near the site has been dubbed Gallagher Hill by fans and local media and has become a makeshift gathering point for fans hoping to soak in the atmosphere, even if they cant see the stage. According to the Manchester Evening News, a fence was installed around the hill last week to deter crowds and protect livestock and newly planted trees.

Despite warnings from Manchester City Council that you wont be able to see the show, fans turned up in droves again on Saturday at the spot.

Saturdays performance also saw Liam also take a swipe at viral behaviour seen at a recent Coldplay concert, where a couple were caught hugging on a stadium camera before disappearing out of view.

He said to laughter and cheers from the crowd: We dont do that round here.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed Saturday nights concert concluded without any major incidents. However, the force said 14 people had been arrested on suspicion of offences including fraud, assault and drink driving.

Oasis fifth and final performance at Heaton Park will take place later on Sunday (20.07.25) evening before the tour heads to Wembley Stadium in London for its next leg.

The reunion tour marks the first time the band has performed together in over 15 years, drawing massive crowds across the UK.

With sold-out stadiums and global demand, the tour is projected to gross over 100 million, with Liam and Noel Gallagher reportedly set to earn as much as 40 million each from the gigs, as well as brand and merchandise deals.
The family of Ranjit Singh, an Indian national abducted in Niger's Dosso region, is pleading for the government's help to bring him back home safely. Ranjit Singh, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, was working at a construction site when unidentified gunmen attacked, killing two Indians and abducting him. Located in the remote village of Chakka Kundi in Ramban, the family of Ranjit Singh sat shrouded unaware of his whereabouts. Ranjit Singh's father, Mohan Lal Sen, is urging the Government of India to take immediate action to secure his son's release, expressing concern for his well-being and safety. In an exclusive interview to ANI, father of Ranjit Singh, Mohan Lal Sen, said, "We want to tell Modiji to act on it, Government of India should work to bring him back. We have been suffering from the last 5-6 days. He has little children. We are very worried about him- where is he abducted, has he eaten anything or not". His mother, Sadhu Devi, is distraught, hasn't slept or eaten since the incident, and is desperate to see her son return home. The grieving mother, Sadhu Devi told ANI, "Please bring my son back. I want him back. I haven't slept in nights or eaten anything. When will my son come back?" Tears rolling down her face, she said, "We are very worried about his whereabouts. He has three small children, they are also worried. We want our son to come back home safe and sound." In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger. The Indian Embassy in Niamey is in touch with the local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains of those killed and ensure safe release of the abducted Indian. The mission also cautioned all Indians in Niger to remain vigilant. The Indian Embassy in Niger is working closely with local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains of the two deceased Indians and ensure Ranjit Singh's safe release. In a post on X it said, "In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger's 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 safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant." Arab News reported citing local sources 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 city of Niamey. Previously in March, Niger had seen a terrorist attack by the Islamic State in Great Sahara in Kokorou, which had resulted in the deaths of at least 44 civilians and had left 13 severely injured, as reported by UN Security Council Press. US State Department's 2023 Country Report on Terrorism for Niger had observed, that terrorist organizations exploited Niger's extensive borderlands and sparsely populated regions to attack and recruit among populations where access to government services was weak and economic opportunity negligible. Due to the small size of its "defence force, ineffective coordination among security services, budget shortfalls, and instability in Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, and the Lake Chad Basin", Niger's efforts to fight terrorism were hampered. Niger is in the midst of a political upheaval as a military coup has taken control, ousting the democratically elected President. Niger has been facing a severe security crisis due to jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State, exacerbated by a military coup in July 2023. In July, 2023 President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by the Presidential Guard and General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself the new leader. This event led to widespread international condemnation. The Niger coup is the seventh such event in West and Central Africa since 2020, highlighting a concerning trend of military interventions in the region. The region has seen several attacks targeting foreigners, including kidnappings of aid workers and Indian nationals. (ANI)
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a deadly bomb blast that killed a senior Pakistani Army officer in Quetta on Saturday evening, The Balochistan Post reported. According to initial reports, a magnetic IED explosion targeted a vehicle near the city's Jinnah Road area, resulting in the death of Major Anwar Kakar, an active-duty officer associated with the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) cell of the Pakistan Army's 12 Corps. The Balochistan Post reported that Major Anwar was a native of Pishin, a Pashtun-majority district in Balochistan, and the son of Haji Akbar Kakar. CCTV footage reviewed after the incident shows two motorcyclists discreetly attaching a magnetic explosive device to the vehicle, which detonated shortly afterwards, killing the officer on the spot. The Balochistan Post reported that no other casualties were confirmed at the time of reporting. Major Anwar had served for more than a decade in the Pakistan Army and was reportedly involved in major counter-insurgency operations against Baloch pro-independence armed factions across the province. Notably, he had previously sustained injuries in the BLA's high-profile "Zerpahazag" attack in 2019, when four suicide attackers from the Majeed Brigade laid siege to the Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar for nearly 24 hours, The Balochistan Post reported. In a brief statement released late Saturday night, the Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, identifying its Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) as the unit behind the operation. The BLA stated that the attack was based on precise intelligence gathered by its internal unit, Zirab, and promised to release a detailed report of the mission in the coming days, The Balochistan Post reported. This latest incident underscores the persistent volatility in Balochistan, where Baloch nationalist insurgent groups have repeatedly targeted security forces in their decades-long struggle against the Pakistani state, The Balochistan Post reported. (ANI)
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), 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, 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. Meanwhile, in Balochistan's Nokundi area, Shah Dur Mengal, a poor civilian and driver involved in cross-border fuel trade, was killed on July 18 by direct fire from the Federal Constabulary (FC), the BYC reported. Mengal, the sole breadwinner of his family, was shot indiscriminately by FC personnel. Following his killing, family members blocked the Baab-e-Umar entry point and placed his body on the main highway to demand justice. The blockade remains in effect, with widespread shutdowns observed in Nokundi and surrounding areas, including Chaghi, Dalbandin, Chahtar, and Yakmach, where markets remain closed in solidarity. The BYC has called on civil society, media, human rights organisations, and the international community to stand in solidarity with both the peaceful protesters in Islamabad and the bereaved families in Balochistan, urging an end to violence, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings of Baloch people. (ANI)
Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamic party in Bangladesh, demanded for reforms ahead of the national elections, scheduled for February next year. It held a national rally with several agendas which included issues such as ensuring of a level playing field, fundamental reforms, and holding national elections through a PR system. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is the largest Islamic party in the Muslim majority South Asian country of 170 million people. Its demands included ensuring a level playing field for free, fair, impartial and peaceful elections, prosecuting all genocides by the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, necessary fundamental reforms, implementing the July Charter and Declaration, rehabilitating the families of those martyred and injured in the July Uprising, and holding national elections through the PR system. A national rally was held at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Saturday, at the initiative of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Jamaat also demanded that voting facilities be provided to more than 10 million expatriates. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman presided over the rally. Earlier in July, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed the law-enforcing agencies to complete all preparations by December for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Around 8 lakh law enforcement personnel will be engaged, and they will undergo further training before the election, reports United News of Bangladesh (UNB). The Chief Adviser instructed to take preparations for bringing some 16,000 vulnerable polling stations throughout the country under CCTV monitoring network to ensure peaceful balloting in the upcoming national election. The measures that are being considered also include the installation of cameras on the bodies of police members in the vulnerable polling stations, he added. Besides, this time the members of police and other forces will be deployed for seven days instead of the traditional five days during the election in a bid to resist any sort of violence ahead of the vote and prevent the deterioration of law and order after the vote, said the press secretary. Earlier in June, Yunus hinted that national elections would be held in February in 2026. Meanwhile, India reiterated that elections in Bangladesh, scheduled for April 2026 should be credible, democratic, peaceful, and all-inclusive. Responding to a query on Bangladesh general elections after former Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted in a student-led uprising in August last year, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in weekly media briefing said, "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." This comes after the recent agreement between the Chief Executive and a major political party on holding early elections. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday. The visit to the UK is at the invitation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while the state visit to the Maldives is at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. According to the MEA, PM Modi's visit to the UK will be his fourth visit. He will hold wide-ranging discussions with his UK counterpart on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. The Prime Minister is also expected to call on King Charles III. During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties. For the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26, on the invitation of the President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This will be Prime Minister's third visit to Maldives, and the first visit by a Head of State or Government to Maldives during the Presidency of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Significantly, PM Modi will be the 'Guest of Honour' at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives on July 26, 2025. During the visit, PM Modi will meet Dr Mohamed Muizzu and hold discussions on issues of mutual interest. The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024. MEA in its statement underscored that the visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship. (ANI)
Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has received an invitation from India for a two-day official visit in September, sources confirmed to ANI. As per officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal, and another official from the Office of the Prime Minister, PM Oli has received an invitation for a visit to India from September 16. "This possibly will be the shortest visit of the Nepali Prime Minister to India. He has received the invitation for two days starting from September 16. Preparations for the visit have started upon receiving the invitation," the official from the Foreign Ministry told ANI. Nepali envoy to India, Shankar Prasad Sharma, in an interview with ANI on Saturday, also hinted at the visit, stating that Prime Minister Oli would travel to India "very soon," as both sides work toward finalising agreements in key areas. The ambassador's remarks came 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, the visit is expected soon. "I think he will come to India very soon," he said. The Prime Minister's Office official, who spoke to ANI on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that preparations have started for his visit to India and are working on the agenda. "There won't be an announcement of new and big agendas. The visit will focus more on strengthening the Indo-Nepal relation and move forward with the ongoing projects in Nepal," the official told ANI. PM Oli, who assumed office in July last year for the fourth time, has yet to make 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 PM Oli on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in areas such as energy, connectivity, and people-to-people linkages. Another official from the MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Nepal, confirmed that the Indian side has also informed of the possibility of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nepal in November. "It has been communicated that the Indian Prime Minister will visit Nepal in November. The Indian side hasn't communicated the dates, but they have given the probable month as November for the visit. Like before, his visit might focus on a tour to the religious sites of Nepal," the official told ANI. As per official sources of Nepal, PM Modi's visit to Nepal is expected to be brief and symbolic, reinforcing the long-standing cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries. (ANI)
Following this, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.

A tsunami watch was issued for Hawaii in the United States after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia on Sunday, according to the US' National Weather Service. The NWS later cancelled the tsunami watch alert, as "further investigation indicates there is no longer a threat to Hawaii."

According to the USGS website, three powerful earthquakes occurred in the same area off the coast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky within a span of 32 minutes on Sunday.

The first earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 jolted 142 km ESE of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia at 0628 GMT on Sunday, the US Geological Survey said.

The epicentre, with a depth of 46.0 km, was initially determined to be at 52.60 degrees north latitude and 160.60 degrees east longitude.

Following that there were three earthquakes--at 6.7 R, 6.6 R, and 6.0 R--in the region.

Russian broadcaster RT.com showed visuals of groceries being hurled off the shelves at a store after the 7.5 R quake. Residents ordered to evacuate immediately as Pacific tsunami threat issued.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency reported that waves of up to 60 cm could reach the sparsely populated Aleutsky District on the Commander Islands.

The city is located in the Kamchatka Region facing the Pacific, northeast of Japan and west of the US state of Alaska, across the Bering Sea.

The Kamchatka Peninsula is the meeting point of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates, making it a seismic hot zone. (ANI)
Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim reaffirmed the government's firm commitment to national security and regional stability on Friday, amid rising Chinese threats and intensifying geopolitical tensions, Taipei Times reported. Speaking before dozens of foreign correspondents and foreign office representatives in Taipei, Hsiao emphasised that Taiwan continues to navigate one of the world's most complex and contested regions. "Taiwan does not live in a vacuum," she said. "We operate at the centre of one of the world's most dynamic and contested geopolitical environments," Taipei Times quoted her as saying. Hsiao said pressure from China, through military provocations, gray-zone warfare, and economic coercion, has only intensified since President William Lai took office in May 2024. She described China's behaviour as "aggressive military posturing" and "counterproductive," warning that Beijing's efforts to infiltrate and divide Taiwanese society directly undermine the cross-strait status quo. According to Taipei Times, the Vice President outlined Taiwan's multi-layered response to rising threats. "To deter these risks, we are reforming and integrating our national defence strategy, rooted not only in military modernisation, but also in the resilience of our entire society," she said. She explained that Taiwan's military is evolving into "a force that is capable, credible, and responsive" by focusing on asymmetric warfare, joint operations, and improved training. However, Hsiao stressed that modern threats go beyond the battlefield, identifying cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, supply chain disruptions, and economic blackmail as pressing hybrid challenges. Highlighting recent Han Kuang military drills and Urban Resilience Exercises, Hsiao said they reflect Taiwan's integrated national defence strategy that involves both military deterrence and civilian preparedness, Taipei Times reported. On cross-strait relations, Hsiao reiterated Taiwan's commitment to maintaining the "status quo," which she described as "a choice grounded in responsibility and the collective interest of regional peace." Despite mounting pressures, she declared that Taiwan is "not a passive actor." "We are not only reactive, we are shaping our future through partnership, innovation, and democratic resolve," she said, according to Taipei Times. (ANI)
The family of Ranjit Singh from Jammu and Kashmir who was abducted in Niger's Dosso region has appealed fro help from the Gvernment to help to bring him back home safely. His wife, Sheila Devi, in a heartfelt message shared her plight and asked the government for swift intervention into the situation. In an exclusive interview to ANI, his wife, Sheila Devi said, "My husband's name is Ranjit Singh. He works in Niger as senior safety officer in a transmission lightning company. This a transmission line and the company's name is Transrail. On July 15 I tried to contact him, since then there has been no communication". She said that when she wasn't able to contact her husband, Sheila Devi got in touch with the management who informed them of a terrorist attack which had taken place. In order to escape, people ran to the jungle and she was informed that her husband too ran into the forest. She said that after speaking to her husband's colleagues she got to know that Ranjit Singh was abducted by terrorists. "This news was confirmed to me on July 16." Shiela Devi appealed to the Indian government and all the higher authorities to "please bring back my husband home safely." "I have no idea in what condition my husband is," she said breaking down into tears. "My entire life is at stake... I appeal Indian government to bring back my husband," she said sobbing. Stating that she has an old and ailing family and three young children to look after and that only the swift action and intervention by higher Indian authorities would help bring back her husband. Sheila Devi said she has received positive response from the District Commissioner of Ramban. Those who have taken my husband hostage, I request them too to please return my husband back safely". Singh, a resident of Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir was working at a construction site when unidentified armed assailants ambushed a Nigerian army unit guarding an electrical line construction project. Two other Indians lost their lives in the incident. Located in the remote village of Chakka Kundi in Ramban, the family of Ranjit Singh sat shrouded unaware of his whereabouts. Ranjit Singh's father, Mohan Lal Sen has also urged the Government of India to take immediate action to secure his son's release, expressing concern for his well-being and safety. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Mohan Lal Sen, said, "We want to tell Modiji to act on it, Government of India should work to bring him back. We have been suffering from the last 5-6 days. He has little children. We are very worried about him- where is he abducted, has he eaten anything or not". His mother, Sadhu Devi, is distraught, hasn't slept or eaten since the incident, and is desperate to see her son return home. In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger. The Indian Embassy in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains of those killed and ensure safe release of the abducted Indian. The mission also cautioned all Indians in Niger to remain vigilant. The Indian Embassy in Niger is working closely with local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains of the two deceased Indians and ensure Ranjit Singh's safe release. Arab News reported citing local sources 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 city of Niamey. Previously in March, Niger had seen a terrorist attack by the Islamic State in Great Sahara in Kokorou, which had resulted in the deaths of at least 44 civilians and had left 13 severely injured, as reported by UN Security Council Press. US State Department's 2023 Country Report on Terrorism for Niger had observed, that terrorist organizations exploited Niger's extensive borderlands and sparsely populated regions to attack and recruit among populations where access to government services was weak and economic opportunity negligible. Niger is in the midst of a political upheaval as a military coup has taken control, ousting the democratically elected President. Niger has been facing a severe security crisis due to jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State, exacerbated by a military coup in July 2023. In July, 2023 President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by the Presidential Guard and General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself the new leader. This event led to widespread international condemnation. The Niger coup is the seventh such event in West and Central Africa since 2020, highlighting a concerning trend of military interventions in the region. The region has seen several attacks targeting foreigners, including kidnappings of aid workers and Indian nationals. (ANI)
South Korea's National Security Adviser, Wi Sung-lac, has departed for Washington, DC, with less than two weeks remaining before the August 1 deadline for tariff negotiations with the US, Yonhap News Agency reported. This visit comes just 11 days after Wi's previous trip to the US, where he met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio from July 6 to 9, raising views that his latest trip is aimed at engaging with high-level counterparts to accelerate tariff negotiations. However, the presidential office declined to confirm whether Wi has left for Washington. A ruling party bloc official, however, confirmed the top security adviser's departure, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. During his earlier visit, Wi proposed a comprehensive "package deal" that encompasses both economic and security considerations in bilateral tariff negotiations. According to Yonhap News Agency, he also suggested a potential summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Donald Trump to accelerate talks, which Rubio reportedly supported. Wi's visit, meanwhile, comes as Seoul's newly appointed finance and foreign ministers are expected to visit the US soon to discuss pending issues. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol is arranging plans to visit Washington next week, while Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is seeking a US visit later this month. On Monday, July 8, Trump announced that his administration would impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from South Korea and Japan, effective August 1, according to The Hill. Trump has shared details regarding expected tariff rates in letters to the South Korean President and the Japanese Prime Minister. He shared details regarding tariffs on his social media platform, Truth Social, as well. Previously, Trump indicated he would send letters to several nations on Monday. "Please understand this 25 per cent number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity we have with your Country," Trump wrote to the two nations, The Hill reported. Trump warned that if either nation increased its tariffs in response, the US would raise its tariffs by the same amount. In a letter to his South Korean counterpart, Trump wrote, "As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Korea, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely - in other words, in a matter of weeks." (ANI)
Billie Eilish is working on "something very, very special" with James Cameron.

Billie Eilish is working on a new project with James Cameron

The What Was I Made For? hitmaker explained to fans at her show at Co-op Live in Manchester, north England on Saturday (19.07.25) that the evening was being filmed for her mystery collaboration with the Avatar filmmaker.

She said on stage: So you may have noticed theres like more cameras than usual.

Basically I cant say much about it, but what I can say is that Im working on something very, very special with James Cameron.

While Billie declined to offer any specific details, she did confirm the project "is gonna be in 3D".

James was in attendance at the concert, and Billie suggested filming will continue during her other three shows at the venue.

She added: "You and me are part of the thing that Im making with him. Also, Ill probably be wearing this exact outfit for like four days in a row.

Earlier this year, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande have revealed they hope to collaborate on music when the Bad Guy hitmaker interviewed the 31-year-old star about her film Wicked at a screening of the blockbuster musical in Los Angeles.

Towards the end of the Q+A, Ariana told Billie they need to hit the studio together.

Billie accidentally said: OK, a few more songs. And then we go, because were only allowed a few more songs. Did I say songs? Oh my God. I meant questions. Im on tour, you guys. Im used to saying that. Sorry.

Prompting Ariana to respond: We do need to do that, though."

Billie agreed: I would love to do that."

Ariana explained that Billie was at the top of her wish-list to join her on the sofa for the chat, but she didn't expect her to be able to do it due to her hectic schedule, so she was so nervous.

She said: My team was like: Who would be a cool person to do this? Whos your dream person?

I was like, Billie, [but] shes not gonna say yes. Shes too busy. Shes too fabulous. Its too much. But she said yes, and I was like, Oh, s***. Now Im so nervous.
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita addressed the Indian diaspora in Eswatini, noting their contributions in building bilateral ties between both nations. Margherita said that the diaspora helps further deepen the bilateral ties between India and Eswatini. In a post on X, he said, "Glad to meet the vibrant Indian diaspora in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Their valuable contributions continue to strengthen people-to-people connections and further deepen the bilateral ties between India and Eswatini." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946811415098179666 As per the Indian High Commission in Eswatini, there is about a 3000-strong Indian community in Eswatini consisting of Indian-origin and Indian nationals. About 90 per cent of the Indian community in Eswatini are from the State of Gujarat, belonging to the Muslim community. Earlier on Sunday, Margherita handed over ICCR scholarship letters to 30 selected students from Eswatini and wished them great success. In a post on X, he said, "Pleasure to hand over ICCR scholarship letters to 30 selected students from the Kingdom of Eswatini. They are true ambassadors of goodwill and a living bridge of friendship between India and Eswatini. Wished them great success as they begin their academic journey in India." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946628781097271376 Margherita visited the Royal Science and Technology Park in Eswatini which was built with Indian assistance. Margherita said that it was a milestone in the India-Eswatini development partnership. In a post on X, Margherita said, "Another milestone in the India-Eswatini development partnership. Visited the Royal Science and Technology Park in the Kingdom of Eswatini, built with a Government of India Line of Credit worth US$20 million." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946585503870152903 Margherita held talks with Prince Lonkhokhela, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Eswatini, on Saturday. The two held talks on increasing cooperation in the energy sector. In a post on X, Margherita said, "Glad to meet HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Hon'ble Minister of Natural Resources & Energy, Kingdom of Eswatini. Discussed ways to increase cooperation in the energy sector." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946532204621762935 Margherita visited Eswatini, where he engaged in fruitful discussions with King Mswati III and several ministers on Friday, deepening existing ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two nations. (ANI)
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita landed in Lesotho with an aim to strengthen bilateral relations. Margherita was welcomed by Thabang Lekhela, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho. In a post on X, he said, "Landed in Maseru city of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Warmly welcomed by Mr. Thabang Lekhela, Principal Secretary, Foreign Affairs & International Relations of Lesotho. Looking forward to engaging the leadership to further strengthen bilateral relations." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946964491947868414 Earlier onhis previous visit to Eswatini, Margherita addressed the Indian diaspora, noting their contributions in building bilateral ties between the two nations. Margherita said that the diaspora helps further deepen the bilateral ties between India and Eswatini. In a post on X, he said, "Glad to meet the vibrant Indian diaspora in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Their valuable contributions continue to strengthen people-to-people connections and further deepen the bilateral ties between India and Eswatini." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946811415098179666 As per Indian High Commission in Eswatini, there is about a 3000-strong Indian community in Eswatini consisting of Indian-origin and Indian nationals. About 90 per cent of Indians community in Eswatini are from the State of Gujarat, belonging to Muslim community. Earlier on Sunday, Margherita handed over ICCR scholarship letters to 30 selected students from Eswatini and wished them great success. In a post on X, he said, "Pleasure to hand over ICCR scholarship letters to 30 selected students from the Kingdom of Eswatini. They are true ambassadors of goodwill and a living bridge of friendship between India and Eswatini. Wished them great success as they begin their academic journey in India." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946628781097271376 Margherita visited the Royal Science and Technology Park in Eswatini which was built with Indian assistance. In a post on X, Margherita said, "Another milestone in the India-Eswatini development partnership. Visited the Royal Science and Technology Park in the Kingdom of Eswatini, built with a Government of India Line of Credit worth US$20 million." https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1946585503870152903 Margherita visited Eswatini, where he engaged in fruitful discussions with King Mswati III and several ministers on Friday, deepening existing ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two nations. (ANI)
At the Guru Samman and felicitation programme for new entrants in Civil Services by Samkalp Foundation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar explained that when the government says that they have provided four crore houses, they have covered an equivalent of the entire population of Japan. Jaishankar said that the entrants must spread awareness on how they can take the development to the next level. In his address, Jaishankar said, "When we say that we have provided four crore houses under Aawas Yojana, it means that we have covered the entire population of Japan in the last decade. If you look at the statistics of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna, more people than the population of entire Europe and America get nutrition support every month... Today's India builds seven new airports every year. Today's India opens 1-2 new metro systems every year. Today's India lays 12 kilometres of railway track every day. Every day, it builds 28 kilometres of highways. So when you give these figures of change and we are living our lives amidst this change, then we should be excited about it, we should be proud of it, we should also be aware of how we can take it forward and your generation will take it to the next level." Jaishankar reminisced about his Civil Services interview day, which coincided with a historic moment in India's history - the day the Emergency was revoked, March 21, 1977. He highlighted that the core of their profession lies in serving the nation. Recalling his own Civil Services interview, Jaishankar said, "My interview was on March 21, 1977. That was the day the Emergency was revoked. I go in for an interview at Shahjahan Road, the first person that morning." "Looking ahead to India's growth, Jaishankar said, "We say today that by 2030, India will be the third largest economy. By 2047, we will be closing the gap between 3 and 2..." He encouraged the young civil servants to think about their contributions to India's development, saying, "I want you to think 20 years ahead. I want you to think about what your contribution to Viksit Bharat will be when we move towards it." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1946842511453856045 Emphasising the importance of service, Jaishankar added, "There can be nothing greater than serving your nation. Whether you enter the Indian Foreign Service, the Indian Railway Service, Indian Police Service, or the Indian Revenue Service, the important word is Service..." (ANI)
In 2022, the European Union slapped the Kremlin with sanctions on all coal exports, impacting a quarter of all Russian coal exports worldwide in response to Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. The United States has also tightened its own sanctions on Russian coal companies in recent years as part of a unified Western front. Three years later, the Russian war in Ukraine rages on, but the coal sector is now showing serious cracks and is likely on the verge of collapse.

Russia has the 6th largest coal industry in the world, and is a major player in global fossil fuel markets. For this reason, Europe and the United States have specifically targeted Russian energy exports as a strategic vulnerability in order to condemn and undercut the Kremlins military operations in Ukraine. Coal is a much smaller economic sector than oil and gas in Russia, but it still has a considerable impact on the economy, and remains a critical sector for dozens of single-industry towns where it employs hundreds of thousands of workers, according to Newsweek.

The European Unions sanctions on Russian coal have amounted to an?8 billion?loss of revenue per year for Russia. This financial blow comes on top of extreme and intensifying challenges to access the necessary equipment to continue operations as usual. This is thanks to high borrowing costs (exceeding 20%) and compounding sanctions limiting the Kremlins access to critical technologies. Before 2022, Russia was reliant on the United States, Japan, and Europe for much of its mining equipment.

The Russian government has also pointed the finger at high company debt of 1.2 trillion rubles ($15.34 billion) in loans, weak external demand, coal prices at a four-year low and an unfavorable ruble exchange rate, according to a report from the Moscow Times. Natalya Zubarevich, a specialist in the region, told Bloomberg that "the coal industry faces what you'd call a perfect storm: all problems have converged at once".

On Tuesday, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Dmitry Islamov stated that altogether, these sanctions have taken a brutal toll on the sector, with losses totaling 112.6 billion rubles ($1.44 billion) by the end of 2024. On top of this critical decline, he said that, "unfortunately, the situation continues to deteriorate." Indeed, the crisis is picking up speed. Between January and May of 2025 alone, coal enterprises registered losses of 112 billion rubles ($1.43 billion), according to Dmitry Lopatin, deputy director of the coal department at the Energy Ministry.

As a result, only about half of Russias approximately 180 coal companies remained profitable in 2025, and more than a quarter of all Russian coal companies are at risk of closure. Based on data from the Energy Ministry, 51 enterprises  both mines and open-pit operations  have either been halted or are on the verge of suspending activities, Islamov said at a Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy meeting.

In short, Russias coal sector is caught in a downward spiral. Russia is attempting to prop up the failing industry through measures like tax breaks and social insurance payouts, but the writing is on the wall. Exchange rates are untenable and companies would be lucky to break even. Plus, thanks to sanctions, Russias pool of buyers has shrunk considerably, making the Kremlin vulnerable to any shifts in a given buyers demand  especially if that buyer is China. "Any fluctuation in Chinese import activity could significantly impact the industry's recovery and pricing stability, says Isaac Levi, CREA's Europe-Russia policy and energy analysis team lead.

Government subsidies and reforms may delay the inevitable, but analysts warn the industry faces sweeping consolidation or collapse. While Putin has historically crowed about the resilience of Russias economy in the face of sanctions, the coal industry is showing major cracks in that facade, which could be indicative of much deeper problems and an exhausted and beleaguered wartime economy. At minimum, it shows that the sanctions are working, slowly but surely.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Norway has major plans to expand its hydropower capacity through expansion projects and new developments. The Scandinavian country, which is well-known for its strong and diverse energy sector, recently announced plans to collaborate with the United States Department of Energy (DoE) to support research and development into hydropower in the two countries. In addition, Norway aims to ramp up its hydropower production in the coming years to supply clean power as the domestic energy demand continues to rise.

In July, the DoE said that it had extended its collaboration with the Norwegian Ministry of Energy on hydropower research and development, building on an existing memorandum of understanding between the two powers. Norway and the U.S. will share key information, tools, and technologies related to marine energy and new hydropower solutions. The partnership is expected to help reduce energy costs and strengthen grid reliability and security.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated, Strong partnerships drive innovation, and innovation strengthens Americas energy future Hydropower is a tremendous resource - one that supports reliable, affordable power across the country and holds vast potential to bolster Americas grid. Wright added, By signing this Memorandum of Understanding with Norway, we are building upon our two nations' shared expertise and advanced marine energy technologies.

Norway has invested heavily in its hydropower sector in recent years, in research and development, as well as plant expansions and new developments. In 2023, hydropower contributed 89 percent of Norways power generation, followed by wind power at 9 percent, according to the International Energy Agency. In May, Norway was named the second most energy-resilient country in the world, after Iceland, by TRG Datacenters, thanks to its strong hydropower sector and diverse energy mix.

In February, the Norwegian parliament voted to open up protected rivers to hydropower plants, which spurred significant opposition from environmental groups concerned about wildlife and ecosystems. The bill permits the construction of hydropower plants larger than 1 MW in protected waterways if the societal benefit is significant and the environmental consequences are deemed acceptable. Norway has almost 400 protected waterways. Some groups have accused the government of rushing the bill through parliament without conducting adequate public consultation or environmental impact assessments.

In April, SEB Nordic Energys portfolio company Locus Energy acquired a 158 GWh hydropower portfolio consisting of operational assets and assets under construction. This will bring Locuss hydropower assets to 410 GWh per year in total once completely operational.

Richard Gavel, the Portfolio Manager at SEB Nordic Energy, stated, The addition of reliable hydropower generation reinforces Locus Energys long-term strategy with a solid cash flow profile. Gavel added, By expanding strategically within the Nordics and leveraging synergies across technologies and geographies, the company is building a scalable, resilient platform with long-term value potential. We are excited to support the next growth phase.

In May, the Norwegian state-owned utility Statkraft submitted a license application to upgrade its hydropower plants on the Numedalslagen river in Buskerud at a projected cost of $390 million. Statkraft aims to increase electricity production and reduce consumer utility bills. The firms Nore I plant has been operational since 1928, and its Nore II plant began operations in 1946. It expects to commence work on five major upgrades by 2030 if the licenses are approved.

Statkraft must decide between two options for the upgrade. The firm hopes to merge the existing two plants into a single new facility constructed inside the mountain, to increase capacity from 274MW to 500MW and raise annual production from around 1,500 GWh to 1,700GWh. Alternatively, Statkraft could move the two plants into the mountain independently, which would boost capacity by 65 MW and annual production by around 150 GWh.

Statkraft also applied for a license for the expansion of its Mauranger hydropower plant in western Norway from 250 MW to 880 MW in 2022. And, in May this year, the firm applied for a license to construct a $590 million hydropower plant in Sunndal. If approved, the new Aura facility will be constructed deep in a mountain to replace two existing stations  Aura and Osbu. This would also be one of Statkrafts largest hydropower investments in decades.

The CEO of Statkraft, Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal, stated, Electricity is the backbone of our society and the foundation for value creation across the country. Many hydropower plants now require modernisation. Vartdal added, At the same time, growing demand and increased production from intermittent energy sources mean we need to be able to generate more electricity exactly when it is needed. By building a new Aura power plant, we can deliver more capacity and slightly more energy without adding more water. Thats what the future renewable energy system needs.

Norway plans to continue investing heavily in hydropower in the coming years to support the countrys growing electricity demand, as well as cross-border power sharing efforts. It will collaborate with the U.S. on research and development to drive down production costs and improve technology. In addition, it plans to significantly expand existing plants as well as encourage the development of new facilities across the country.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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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
Recent polls indicate a decline in global perceptions of the US, while views of China have slightly improved in many surveyed countries, with some seeing China as the world's top economy.

These US withdrawals are creating a vacuum that China is actively filling, expanding its influence and media reach in various countries.

The Trump administration's "America First" approach involves significant cuts to foreign aid agencies and media outlets, leading to a reduction in US soft power globally.

As U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited the trade war with China, he is gutting federal government funding for foreign aid agencies and media outlets, in a move touted as an America first approach by his Administration and slammed by Democrats and critics as damaging the U.S. soft power on the global stage.

Following decades of efforts to build partnerships and influence, including with the promotion of democratic and free-economy values, the U.S. is now retreating, leaving a void that China would be happy to fill.

The Trump Administration dismantled the US Agency for International Development (USAID). More than 80% of USAID programs were scrapped early this year, while the rest was formally absorbed by the State Department in early July.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) was also dismantled, leaving only Chinese state media broadcasts in many Asian countries such as Indonesia, the biggest economy in Southeast Asia.

The departure of Voice of America (VOA) from Indonesia and other countries including Thailand and Nigeria has led to Chinese state media expanding its reach in these countries, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The Trump Administration has gutted or shut down government-funded programs, citing wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars by the federal government.

The withdrawal from the global stage is giving China another weapon to yield soft power and compete with the United States for global influence by the superpowers, critics of the Trump Administrations moves say. They also criticize the defunding of many scientific and research programs and the withdrawal of the U.S. from global institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

Commenting on Americas withdrawal from global agencies and institution, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement carried by Axios,

President Trump and Secretary Rubio have made America respected again while ensuring that all actions align with the America First agenda that people voted for.

Yet, U.S.-based Pew Research Center published a new poll this week, showing that views of the U.S. have worsened while opinions of China have improved in many of the 24 countries surveyed this spring.

In many of these countries, views of the U.S. have turned significantly more negative over the past year, while views of China have turned slightly more positive.

People in Israel and countries in Asia such as Japan, South Korea, and India, are more likely to see the U.S. favorably compared to China.

But in the top U.S. trade partners, Canada and Mexico, the sentiment has shifted negatively for America in recent months, largely due to President Trumps trade policies.

Moreover, a median of 41% of adults across the countries surveyed see China as the worlds top economy, while a slightly lower share, 39% median, say that of the U.S.

This is a marked departure from two years ago, when considerably more people saw the U.S. than China as the worlds leading economy, Pew Research Center said.

Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee published a report this week, slamming President Trumps withdrawal from global institutions and agencies as inflicting damage to Americas image while offering no viable alternative for the United States to counter Chinese propaganda.

While President Trump retreats from every corner of the worldattacking allies, slashing Americas diplomatic tools and embracing adversariesChina is building influence, expanding relationships and reshaping the global order to its advantage, Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen said in a statement.

Meanwhile, President Trump has notably shifted his aggressive rhetoric against China, in an effort to secure a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and a trade deal, people with knowledge of internal discussions told Bloomberg this week.

President Trump is likely to seek deals for purchase of American goods by China, according to Bloombergs sources.

Referring to China, President Trump said in Pittsburgh this week that we will be fighting them in a very friendly fashion.

A trade deal with China could alleviate some of the oil markets concerns about the global economy and global oil demand in the near to medium term.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Councilor Angelita Sanchez Announces Run for Oregon State Representative

Sweet Home Leader Launches Campaign to Represent Rural Voices and Restore Accountability in Salem

By Angelita Sanchez campaign,

Sweet Home, OR  Angelita Sanchez, a respected community advocate, mother, and small business owner from Sweet Home, has officially announced her candidacy for the Oregon House of Representatives. Sanchez will file to run to represent House District 11, pledging to bring common sense, courage, and rural representation back to Salem.

Our part of Oregon is full of hard-working families who feel forgotten, said Sanchez. I am running to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear in the Capitol. We need another representative who understands our way of lifeand is willing to fight for it.

A 7th generation Oregonian, Sanchez has deep roots in Sweet Home and the surrounding communities. Her distant grandfather Frank Kropf is the Father of the Ryegrass Industry. He put up his own land to get the irrigation those farmers needed. Her grandfather Ralph Myers worked in the mills and gave her the love of forestry. She saw what it did to him when the mills closed. She knows what our valley needs, and she is putting up her own time and treasure to serve.

Sanchez has worked in the legislature under the leadership of Senator Cedric Hayden (R-Fall Creek), the last two years. She knows the issues in the healthcare industry and the transportation sector that need to be addressed before they break Oregons budget and leave families without resources and services. She is ready to take that with real solutions.

Angelita has earned my endorsement for the Oregon House of Representatives because shes proven herself to be a true grassroots advocate for the people of her community, said Senator Cedric Hayden, who serves as the state senator whose district covers House District 11. Not only has she been a strong voice serving as a City Councilor in Sweet Home, shes served in our Senate office as my legislative aid engaging in complicated topics like health care, transportation taxes, and civil rights for families and people with disabilities. Her constituent service work is excellent. She has earned her place to serve as a State Representative through her actions and her heart for the people of this state.

During her time serving this state, Sanchez has been successful by:

Helping Defeat Measure 117, Rank Choice Voting;

Giving more power back to the people of Sweet Home to directly elect their mayor;

Helping Defeat cap and trade taxes by organizing people who would be impacted;

Organizing grassroots opposition from around the state to halt the current transportation package HB 2025;

Supporting a senior property tax freeze which was sponsored as SJR 1 at her request in 2025 which she will bring back again in 2027 if elected;

Standing up in opposition to deep drawdowns of local reservoirs because our rural way of life matters.

Opposed the COVID mandates that hurt small businesses, state workers, and families;

Advocated to securing $500K for local public safety from the State Legislature;

Advocated to secure $3 million for all of the Linn County homelessness funding from The State Legislature;

Joining recruiting efforts for a full police staff for the City of Sweet home; and

Being a consistent voice against taxes and fee increases at the local and state level.

Sanchezs campaign will focus on:

Protecting rural jobs and natural resource industries;

Defending parental rights and educational choice;

Securing our communities and standing with law enforcement;

Rejecting unfunded mandates and urban overreach from Salem; and

Putting working Oregoniansnot bureaucratsfirst!
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Oregon reporter Andy Ngo lays out the assault on journalists during the ICE Portland riot: Support Andy Ngos journalism here.

This comes 48 hours after KATU-TV reporters were ambushed.

Portland, OR- ANTIFA attack a man wearing a 47 Trump hat outside of the Portland ICE facility. The protesters who have been taunting ICE agents all night are starting to get more aggressive as the night progresses @TPUSA | @sav_says_ pic.twitter.com/BVda03ceI2  FRONTLINES (@FrontlinesTPUSA) July 20, 2025

Portland (July 19)  Journalist @KatieDaviscourt was attacked by Antifa while covering their direct action attack on the ICE facility. Video by @0_Parallax_0: pic.twitter.com/T0QxTBBTwV  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) July 20, 2025

Portland (July 19)  Antifa threaten and attack @KatieDaviscourt and @hunnybadgermom outside the ICE facility as they make claim to all of the land there while saying the government has no authority to deport illegal foreign nationals. Video by @sav_says_: pic.twitter.com/WnNGytPKal  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) July 20, 2025

Support Andy Ngos journalism here.
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This image provided by the European Southern Observatory on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, shows jets of silicon monoxide blowing away from the baby star HOPS-315. (ALMA(ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/M. McClure et al. via AP)

Astronomers have discovered the earliest seeds of rocky planets forming in the gas around a baby sun-like star, providing a precious peek into the dawn of our own solar system.

It's an unprecedented snapshot of "time zero," scientists reported Wednesday, when new worlds begin to gel.

"We've captured a direct glimpse of the hot region where rocky planets like Earth are born around young protostars," said Leiden Observatory's Melissa McClure from the Netherlands, who led the international research team. "For the first time, we can conclusively say that the first steps of planet formation are happening right now."

The observations offer a unique glimpse into the inner workings of an emerging planetary system, said the University of Chicago's Fred Ciesla, who was not involved in the study appearing in the journal Nature.

"This is one of the things we've been waiting for. Astronomers have been thinking about how planetary systems form for a long period of time," Ciesla said. "There's a rich opportunity here."

NASA's Webb Space Telescope and the European Southern Observatory in Chile teamed up to unveil these early nuggets of planetary formation around the young star known as HOPS-315. It's a yellow dwarf in the making like the sun, yet much younger at 100,000 to 200,000 years old and some 1,370 light-years away. A single light-year is 6 trillion miles.

In a cosmic first, McClure and her team stared deep into the gas disk around the baby star and detected solid specks condensingsigns of early planet formation. A gap in the outer part of the disk gave allowed them to gaze inside, thanks to the way the star tilts toward Earth.

This image provided by the European Southern Observatory on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, shows HOPS-315, a baby star where astronomers have observed evidence for the earliest stages of planet formation. (ALMA(ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/M. McClure et al. via AP)

They detected silicon monoxide gas as well as crystalline silicate minerals, the ingredients for what's believed to be the first solid materials to form in our solar system more than 4.5 billion years ago. The action is unfolding in a location comparable to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter containing the leftover building blocks of our solar system's planets.

The condensing of hot minerals was never detected before around other young stars, "so we didn't know if it was a universal feature of planet formation or a weird feature of our solar system," McClure said in an email. "Our study shows that it could be a common process during the earliest stage of planet formation."

While other research has looked at younger gas disks and, more commonly, mature disks with potential planet wannabes, there's been no specific evidence for the start of planet formation until now, McClure said.

In a stunning picture taken by the ESO's Alma telescope network, the emerging planetary system resembles a lightning bug glowing against the black void.

It's impossible to know how many planets might form around HOPS-315. With a gas disk as massive as the sun's might have been, it could also wind up with eight planets a million or more years from now, according to McClure.

Purdue University's Merel van 't Hoff, a co-author, is eager to find more budding planetary systems. By casting a wider net, astronomers can look for similarities and determine which processes might be crucial to forming Earth-like worlds.

"Are there Earth-like planets out there or are we like so special that we might not expect it to occur very often?"

More information: Melissa McClure, Refractory solid condensation detected in an embedded protoplanetary disk, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09163-z Journal information: Nature

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
PROVIDENCE, R.I., July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brace yourselves for the strangest and most exciting event of the year as The Oddities and Curiosities Expo , the ultimate celebration of all things peculiar and extraordinary, returns to Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI on July 26th and 27th.

Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased at https://oddities.com

The Oddities and Curiosities Expo is a one-of-a-kind traveling showcase that brings together hundreds of oddity vendors and artists from across the country, creating a playground for the strange and unusual. Here, the weird, wonderful, and downright bizarre unite in a fascinating display of the extraordinary, providing a platform for vendors and artists to connect with a community of like-minded individuals.

The event will travel coast to coast, visiting 40 cities in the United States and Canada in 2025.

Attendees can browse and shop for rare and unique items, including taxidermy, preserved animal specimens, dark artistry, original horror and Halloween-inspired artwork, antiques, metaphysical accoutrements, handcrafted oddities, skulls, bones, and funeral collectibles.

Beyond shopping, the expo offers an immersive experience with photo opportunities, tarot readings, sideshow performances, and various concessions to keep attendees entertained throughout the day.

Founded in Oklahoma by Michelle and Tony Cozzaglio, The Oddities and Curiosities Expo has hosted hundreds of events across North America, recognizing a growing demand for this unique large-scale gathering.

"We created this expo to give odd small businesses and artists a space where they can thrive," said Michelle. "Our goal is to build a community where people feel safe to be themselves, surrounded by like-minded folks who appreciate the weird and wonderful."

With its strong DIY ethos and a commitment to excellence, the expo continues to grow year after year. "Our success comes from working with the best exhibitors in the world and curating every event to deliver exactly what our attendees want to see," Michelle added. "We're always looking for ways to evolve and make the experience even better for both our exhibitors and our guests."

As the original, curated event of its kind, the Oddities and Curiosities Expo remains the leading destination for the wonderfully weird.



Guests of The Oddities and Curiosities Expo can also purchase tickets to a day-long taxidermy class where they can learn to make their own full-sized taxidermy mount, which will vary by city, or insect pinning classes.

In all classes, hosted by The Sleeping Sirens, students will work with sustainably sourced specimens to learn the basics of taxidermy and entomology and will be provided with a variety of tools and materials.

It is important to note: All animals in the taxidermy class and other parts of the show  like preserved specimens  are sourced ethically and died of natural causes.

EVENT INFO

The Oddities and Curiosities Expo will take place Saturday, July 26th from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, July 27th from 10am to 4pm at Rhode Island Convention Center at 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. The event is all ages - however, parents are advised to use their best judgment about if their children should attend.

Tickets can be purchased at https://oddities.com

The Jackalope Taxidermy Class will be held on Saturday, July 26th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for $225. The Beetles and Spiders Beginner Entomology Class sessions will be held on Sunday, July 27th, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM for $150. All classes will be hosted by Heather Clark of Sleeping Sirens Art & Oddities with built in breaks for lunch and exploring the expo. Materials and tools are provided, and tickets include admission to the expo.

For additional information, follow The Oddities and Curiosities Expo on Facebook , Instagram and TikTok .

Contact

Dayna Castillo

[email protected]

SOURCE Oddities & Curiosities Expo
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: Towfiqu barbhuiya from Pexels

Have you felt disgust when taking a walk along the riverside or plunging into the sea to escape the summer heat, only to spy a used wet wipe floating along the surface? Or shock at finding out that animals have died choking on plastic products or that the seafood we eat may be contaminated with microfibers?

These pollutants are common in our waterways because of the mismanagement of sewage and inappropriate disposal that flush hygiene products and microfibers into rivers and oceans. In the UK alone, more than 11 billion wet wipes are thrown away annually. Wet wipe litter was found on 72% of UK beaches in 2023.

They persist because they're made of plastic, a durable material that won't easily degrade. Plastic can last for decades to hundreds of years. Therefore, governments and manufacturers are eagerly encouraging the use of non-plastics as more "sustainable" alternatives, with the UK banning plastic in wet wipes in 2024.

These textiles can be made from plant or animal fibers such as cotton and wool, or they may be chemically and physically modified, such as rayon or viscose. They are often labeled "biodegradable" on product packaging, suggesting they are environmentally friendly, break down quickly, and are a safe alternative to plastics. But is this really the case?

My research focuses on investigating the environmental impact of these non-plastic textiles and their persistence in waterways. My colleagues and I have found that some non-plastic microfibers can be just as problematic or even more harmful than plastic.

While non-plastic textiles are not as long-lived as plastics, with many composting within weeks to months, they can last long enough to accumulate and cause damage to plants, animals and humans. Studies by scientists at the University of Stirling show that biodegradable wet wipes can last up to 15 weeks on beaches, where they can act as a reservoir for fecal bacteria and E.coli. Other studies have highlighted non-plastic textiles lasting for two months or more in rivers and oceans, where they break up into hundreds of thousands of microfibers.

These microfibers are so prevalent in waterways that they have contaminated animals across the food chain, from filter-feeding mussels and oysters to top predators such as sharks and the seafood we eat.

They are also found in remote locations as far away as the Arctic seafloor and deep sea, thousands of miles from civilization. These discoveries highlight that non-plastics last longer than we think.

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The dangers of non-plastics

Once exposed to aquatic life, non-plastic microfibers can be easily ingested or inhaled, where they can become trapped in the body and cause damage. During their manufacture, textile fibers can be modified with various chemical additives to improve their function, such as flame retardants, antibacterials, softeners, UV protection and dyes.

It is known that several toxic synthetic chemicals, including the plastic additive bisphenol A (BPA), are used for this purpose. These additives can be carcinogenic, cause neurotoxic effects or damage hormonal and reproductive health.

Researchers like me, have only just begun to explore the dangers of non-plastics. Some have shown that non-plastic microfibers and their additives can damage the digestive system, cause stress, hinder development and alter immune responses in animals such as shrimp, mussels, and oysters. However, other studies have shown little to no effect of non-plastic microfibers on animals exposed to them.

We do not yet know how much of a threat these materials are to the environment. Only the manufacturers know exactly what's in the textiles we use. This makes it hard to understand what threats we are really facing. Nevertheless, assumptions that non-plastics are environmentally friendly and an easy alternative to plastic materials must be challenged and reconsidered.

To do this, we need to push for greater transparency in the contents of our everyday items and test them to make sure that they are truly sustainable and won't harm the world around us. So next time you are browsing the supermarket aisles and come across a pack of "biodegradable" or "environmentally friendly" wet wipes, just question, are they really?

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Earth's continents may look fixed on a globe, but they've been drifting, splitting and reforming over billions of yearsand they still are. Our new study reveals fresh evidence of rhythmic pulses of molten rock rising beneath east Africa, reshaping our understanding of how continents break apart.

Our findings could help scientists understand more about volcanic activity and earthquakes.

There are around 1,300 active volcanoes on Earth's surface. Active volcanoes are those thought to have had an eruption over the last 12,000 years or so. Of these volcanoes, more than 90 lie on the East African Rift Valleythe seam along which Africa is splitting apart. This weak seam of crust may even allow a new ocean to form over the next few million years.

Although ocean formation is happening around the world, and has been for several billion years, there are few places on Earth where you can study different stages of continental breakup at the same time. This is because they normally become submerged under water as Earth's crust thins, and seawater eventually inundates the rift valley.

The Rift Valley is different. There is, at its northern end (in Ethiopia) a place called Afar, which sits at the meeting point of three rifts. These are called the Red Sea Rift, the Gulf of Aden Rift, and the Main Ethiopian Rift.

The Red Sea Rift has been spreading for the last 23 million years, and the Main Ethiopian Rift for the last 11 million years. There are active volcanoes across all three of these rifts. In Afar, all three rifts are at least partly exposed, with the Red Sea Rift and Main Ethiopian Rift having the most exposure.

Volcanic rocks that erupt when Earth's tectonic plates spread apart provide a window into the inner Earth that wouldn't otherwise be accessible. Each lava flow and volcano has its own story that is recorded in the rock and we can learn about that through geochemistrythe concentrations of the elements that make up the rockand mineralogythe minerals within the rock.

Analyzing these things can tell us about the depth at which the melting rock formed and roughly where in Earth's mantle it formed. In our new study, we analyzed over 130 new lava samples, obtained from the Afar rock repository at the University of Pisa and our own fieldwork.

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We used these samples to investigate the characteristics of the mantle beneath this rifting, when tectonic plates are moving apart from each other. These samples are from Holocene eruptions (rocks younger than 11.7 thousand years old) from across Afar and the East African Rift.

Geodynamic model, showing what happens in the mantle (brown) as the plates (green) rift apart. At approximately five seconds (equivalent to 35 million years) into the video the seafloor ridge has formed.

Since the 1970s, scientists have believed that there is a mantle plume beneath the Afar region. Mantle plumes are a portion of abnormally hot mantle (around 1,450C) or unusual composition of the mantle (or both) below Earth's surface. Scientists think it pushed some of the mantle to Earth's surface. Our study not only confirms the presence of a mantle plume in this region, but also gives scientists details about its characteristics.

We discovered that the mantle plume beneath the region rises beneath the tectonic plates in pulses, and the pulses have slightly different chemical compositions.

There are mantle plumes around the world. They can be identified in the geological record as far back as several billion years. Each of the plumes has different characteristicswith their own unique chemical composition and shape.

One mantle plume still active today is the one lying below the Hawaiian islands. These islands are part of the Hawaiian Emperor chain, formed over the last 80 million years or so, and are still forming today. The islands originate from the Pacific tectonic plate slowly moving across the top of a mantle plume, making lava bubble up, erupt and eventually solidify as rock.

This plume melts Earth's mantle and forms magma, which over long periods results in the formation of an island chain or breaks up continents. It can also form volcanoes along a rift in Earth's crust, as we see in east Africa. The Hawaiian plume signature comes from two chemical compositions rising up through the mantle together like two vertical strands.

While scientists have long thought there probably is a plume underneath Afar, what it looks like is debated.

In our study, we created several scenarios of what the plume looks like and then used mathematical modeling to see which plume scenario best fit the sample data. Using this data-driven approach, we show that the most likely scenario is a singular plume that pulses with different chemical compositions.

The three rifts in Afar are spreading at different rates. The Red Sea Rift and Gulf of Aden Rift are moving faster at about 15mm per year (that's half the rate your fingernails grow at) compared to the Main Ethiopian Rift moving at about 5mm per year. We deduced that the pulses are flowing at different speeds along the stretched and thinner undersides of the tectonic plates.

All this shows us that the motion of tectonic plates can help focus volcanic activity to where the plate is thinner.

This finding has important implications for how we interpret volcanic and earthquake activity. It may indicate that volcanism could be more likely to occur in the faster spreading and thinner portions of the rift, as the flow beneath replenishes the magma more frequently.

However, the eruptions here may be less explosive than the slower spreading rifts. This fits observations that explosive eruptions occur more frequently in the Main Ethiopian Rift (which sits on a thicker part of the plate and where the volcanoes are more mature), compared to the Red Sea Rift.

Our understanding of the link between continental rifting and mantle plumes is still in its infancy but research is already providing insights into how tectonic plates affect mantle plumes and how this might be recorded in the future seafloors of Earth.

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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

If you choose to buy a sustainable product at the supermarket, or invest in a sustainable portfolio at your bank, how far does that sustainability reach? Does the product's "sustainable" label account for the environmental and labor costs where the raw materials were extracted? Does the portfolio include renewable energy in countries where the investment is needed most?

In the EU, whether you are an individual or represent a company or financial institution, these questions are governed by the bloc's non-financial reporting (NFR) regulations. The latest ones include the European Sustainable Reporting Standards (ESRS), which are gradually coming into force through 2029. The ESRS set out reporting standards and requirements, while the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) determines which companies these standards apply to, to what extent, and when.

These EU regulations also have strong implications for the Majority World, the countries and territories outside Europe and North America where most people live, at a time when global, systemic policy effects are more important than ever. As supply chains become longer and more interconnected, and as communities involved in them confront the fragilities of economic, political and climate shifts, the regulations that govern the sustainability of these chains and that enable or prohibit participation in them must be crafted and implemented to minimize harm to the most vulnerable.

In an article in Environment and Development Economics, my co-authors and I developed a set of proposals to improve the global sustainability of the NFR regulations. These call for collaborative development of regulations across the value chain, better data accessibility, measuring of and accounting for cross-border environmental damage, and greater integrity and engagement from financial actors.

Cooperation, not compliance

As the ESRS come into force, reporting requirements are being applied to companies' full value chains. This means that Majority World actors, such as those that extract raw materials for European products, may be indirectly subjected to the NFR regulations. This is important, as it holds companies and consumers, EU and non, accountable for the ethics of the goods and services they rely on. However, when regulations are built without directly involving those they will affect, they risk causing collateral, longer-term damage. For example, reporting requirements that feel inaccessible to smaller organizations can foster distrust and backlash, or cause companies to withdraw from contexts where data are less accessible, taking away key sources of income for communities.

While global climate negotiations have come under public scrutiny for their Minority World dominance, there has been relatively less scrutiny of global organizations governing financial and corporate sustainability standards. On their boards, the Majority World is conspicuous by its absence, demonstrating the dearth of attention to its agency in enabling greater sustainability, both locally and globally. European investors and policymakers are already shifting capital from the Majority World back to the EU in response to the NFR regulations, citing the difficulty of accounting for activities along the length of value chains. The damage falls on livelihoods, industries and essential investments, such as in renewable energy, which can suddenly disappear.

Developing NFR regulations in collaboration with all stakeholders, rather than only at the top, can provide a regulatory landscape that is, from the outset, more implementable, accessible and effective in the long run.

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Democratic data and digitalization

Efficacy in global NFR regulations relies on global data cooperation, which could lower the administrative burden on those reporting and enable greater accountability. The increasing number of EU NFR regulations do not exist in a vacuum: they have been accompanied by shifts in global regulations and a proliferation of national regulations. With regulations expanding to cover the full value chain, actors are increasingly likely to be subjected to multiple regulatory bodies, or have to provide data to reporting entities upstream. The time, financial resources and practical challenges involved in identifying, collecting, processing and sharing data are considerable, both for those submitting data and those receiving and verifying them. This makes divestment or significant losses more likely. Furthermore, the expansion of regulations can result in isolated streams of data and closed-circuit processes, which, in turn, cut out civil society organizations and individuals who use data to help hold firms to account for their social and environmental responsibilities.

Aside from EU calls for a European Single Access Point for corporate data, Majority World contexts offer particularly fertile ground for reimagining and building data infrastructures. Digitalization in low- and middle-income countries is growing rapidly, and demonstrates the ability to make digital financial and business instruments democratic and accessible to those with the fewest resources. Such efforts should involve statisticians and local data experts from the outset to determine and harmonize appropriate data, along with transnational entities with the mandate of establishing links across data systems.

Support for international emissions accounting

Corporate reporting on environmental impacts must be accompanied by their reduction. Indeed, the work and transparency required to identify impacts in the first place, let alone mitigate them, underpins decisions to simply detach from the system, moving economic activity to local contexts where impacts are more traceable.

Firms that cannot afford to bring their activities onshore must account for emissions that occur from assets not directly under their ownership or control, which are known as Scope 3 emissions. In some cases, these emissions constitute well over half of a firm's total value chain emissions. However, the implementation of the ESRS has designated the reporting of Scope 3 emissions, and climate impacts in general, to be largely discretionary, under the condition that firms provide evaluations of the economic and material implications of a given activity in their value chains.

The glaring gaps between some firms' targets, actions and declarations are in part enabled by reporting systems that allow the omission of more distant climate risks and impacts, maintaining the misalignment between climate pledges and actions aimed at achieving them. While the number of firms showing readiness to comply with Scope 3 accounting is increasing, data on global investor preferences suggests that investors do not necessarily prioritize companies' performance on these emissions when making investment decisions. For ethics to exist on the ground, they must be prioritized in financial flows.

Investment with integrity

In light of the above, financial institutions have a core responsibility to engage with NFR. These institutions' economic leverage and centrality in the value chains and activities of several sectors give them incentivizing power to catalyze a shift from the submission of reports to the building of living data systems and the achievement of fuller value chain accountability. Currently, many investors are not willing to accept reductions in their returns in exchange for the pursuit of social or environmental goals. Surveys suggest this is in part due to perceptions of the low quality of environmental information, limited ability to assess the data received, and the difficulty of making investment decisions accordingly. In the current landscape of Minority World-led reporting, such mistrust is likely to be greater with respect to Majority World data, reiterating the need for data systems and reporting mechanisms built on equal footing.

Financial institutions can operate proactively, using their privileged access to data to bridge Minority and Majority World actors engaging in sustainable practices, such as microfinance bodies, local communities and relevant investors. Doing so could plug, at least in part, an information and trust gap that can hinder Minority World firms' investment in unfamiliar contexts.

Regulating for whom?

The research underpinning our article initially involved a recommendation on streamlining and supporting reporting by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 60% of the EU's corporate emissions. For these firms, especially, regulators face a critical balance between lowering the entry barrier of the reporting ecosystem and setting robust environmental targets. The nature, data points and timelines of reporting under the CSRD are currently under review following calls for simplification and greater support, and decision-makers are wrestling with the tension between accessibility and integrity.

Our work also included a recommendation that turns from the supply side, the focus of the preceding proposals, to the demand side: the data and sustainability literacy of the individual who walks into the supermarket to buy that sustainable product, or wants family investments to do more good than harm. Across sectorspublic policy, investment and citizen engagementresources must be dedicated to these literacies, so that actors are better placed to hold each other to account. Regulation becomes easily abstracted, reduced to figures and PDFs, databases and scores. Beneath each regulation is a world of citizens whose homes, livelihoods and health depend on them.

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:

PhD candidate Shiva Pariyar is using a Global Navigation Satellite System to collect tree locations. Credit: University of Canterbury

Originally from Nepal, Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) Ph.D. candidate Shiva Pariyar is breaking new ground with remote sensing research that could help reduce economic and environmental losses caused by pest damage in non-native eucalyptus species.

"In New Zealand, plantation forestry is dominated by Pinus radiata (pine), which needs chemical treatment to make the timber durable," Pariyar explains. "To avoid the environmental risks of chemicals leaching into the soil and water, New Zealand Dryland Forest Innovation (NZDFI) has introduced naturally durable eucalyptus species as a more sustainable alternative."

However, these eucalyptus trees, imported from Australia, are vulnerable to paropsine beetles, also known as leaf-chewing beetles, and other pests. "Leaves are the most important part of the tree. Damage or defoliation significantly reduces the tree's ability to photosynthesize, affecting their growth and forest productivity."

One of his supervisors, Associate Professor Steve Pawson, says New Zealand cultivates more than 15,000 hectares of eucalyptus, with the impact of paropsine beetles varying widely depending on the severity of the attack and the type of eucalypt production system. "Potential yield loss is estimated at $10 million per year, with control costs currently estimated at $1 to $2.6 million," he says.

Using drone-mounted light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and multispectral sensors, and high-resolution satellite imagery from trial sites across Marlborough and North Canterbury, he is developing a new model to detect and quantify the spatial extent, intensity, frequency and timing of eucalyptus defoliation both at the individual tree-level and across entire landscapes.

"Human eyes can't always pick up subtle changes in canopy greenness or stress levels, but the technology we use can. Ground-based measurements are costly, time-consuming, labor-intensive and often impractical in remote or dangerous environments.

"Without timely and accurate information, forest managers are unable to respond to insect outbreaks effectively that may cause long-term ecological and economic damage. My research outcome supports forest managers and policy makers to take both proactive and reactive measures to improve forest health and the vitality of eucalyptus plantations."

His research supports the expansion of targeted plantations of 100,000 hectares of naturally durable eucalyptus in New Zealand by 2050.

"If the trial is successful," says Pariyar, "this model could be used not just here but globallywherever eucalyptus is planted as a sustainable alternative to chemically treated pine.

"I wanted to build on my skills in the field of remote sensing and technology. And luckily, I found this opportunity at UC to explore and expand my theoretical knowledge and practical understanding, including recent technologies.

"UC has given me all the facilities that I need, including learning how to operate drones. Now I can prepare flight plans, fly drones and analyze data for future use."
SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE LOAN RECEIVED AND FINAL PROPOSAL FROM THE PROXY GROUP

VANCOUVER, BC, July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

RevoluGROUP CanadaInc. (TSX-V: REVO ), (Frankfurt: IJA2 ), (Munich: A2PU92 )

The Proxy Shareholder Group of RevoluGROUP Canada Inc., representing over 10% of the company's share capital, expresses its gravest concerns regarding the financing agreement reportedly signed with Brinks Resources Ltd, and its sole director.

Based on publicly accessible information from official UK company registers and basic online research, Brinks Resources Ltd appears to:

Be a recently created entity with a capital of only 100 (approximately 170 CAD ).

). Have no known operational activity and no published accounts.

Have been registered in October 2024 .

It is important to mention that Brinks Resources Ltd has no relation whatsoever with the internationally known and reputable The Brink's Company.

Despite these red flags, current management, specifically Mr. Gavin McMillan, claims that a due diligence process (KYC/KYB) was properly conducted  something we find utterly incomprehensible. A simple search using public search engines and AI tools such as ChatGPT immediately revealed extensive and concerning information regarding both Brinks Resources Ltd and its sole director. This raises serious questions as to the depth and sincerity of any alleged due diligence process.

We also understand that RevoluPAY Spain submitted a formal compliance report to the Board, warning of significant risks tied to this agreement, highlighting the connections between Brinks Resources Ltd and companies involved with Bandenia in Spain. This report was neither acknowledged nor answered by management.

Moreover, the loan granted by Brinks Resources Ltd reportedly:

Could be convertible into shares under undisclosed conditions, potentially leading to shareholder dilution.

Might include clauses affecting the governance of RevoluGROUP.

Was granted by a director who held relevant positions in Bandenia companies in Spain and Cyprus .

To this day, no official disclosure has been made to shareholders regarding this loan, despite the obligations of the TSX Venture Exchange and the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC), which require disclosure of all material agreements.

We further remind the Board that continuing to execute this agreement could result in RevoluGROUP losing its Spanish, Canadian, and US licenses.

OUR FINAL PROPOSAL

In the interest of transparency and to avoid legal escalation, the Proxy Shareholder Group hereby makes its final offer:

Immediate cancellation of the loan agreement signed with Brinks Resources Ltd. Substitution of the Proxy Shareholder Group (or any shareholder wishing to participate) in said financing, under equal or superior terms. Confirmation of our additional loan proposal of CAD 350,000 , aimed at repaying debts and restoring compliance for TSX relisting.

In parallel, we formally address RevoluGROUP's legal counsel:

Even if a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prevents the publication of the Brinks Resources Ltd loan agreement, we believe this does not prevent you from answering the following basic compliance and regulatory questions:

Does the loan agreement signed with Brinks Resources Ltd comply fully with TSX and BCSC regulations? Is the Brinks Resources Ltd loan convertible into shares, and if so, under what conditions? Does the Brinks Resources Ltd loan include any clauses affecting the company's governance, Board composition, or shareholder rights? Have the funds received been used exclusively in the interest of RevoluGROUP shareholders, excluding director compensation? Given the warnings received from RevoluPAY Spain, does this loan expose RevoluGROUP to regulatory risks that could threaten its licenses?

We request clear, written answers to these questions within five (5) calendar days.

This proposal represents our final amicable attempt to protect the company and its shareholders. Continued delays and opacity serve only those receiving remuneration while RevoluGROUP deteriorates further.

We call upon all shareholders  whether they join the Proxy Group or not  to demand transparency and protect their investments by directly requesting explanations from the Board of Directors, the TSX Venture Exchange, and the BCSC.

SOURCE Proxy Group RevoluGROUP
BAGHDAD (AP)  Drones used to attack military bases in Iraq during the recent Israel-Iran war were manufactured outside Iraq but were launched inside its territory, according to the decisive findings of an investigation published on Friday.

The report of an investigative committee formed under the directive of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani did not identify who was behind the attacks that targeted radar and air defense systems last month.

The attacks on several military bases, including some housing U.S. troops, damaged radar systems at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, and at Imam Ali Base in Dhi Qar province.

Iraqi army spokesperson Sabah Al-Naaman said the investigation had reached decisive findings.

He said the drones used were manufactured outside Iraq but were launched from locations inside Iraqi territory. All drones used in the attacks were of the same type, indicating that a single actor was behind the entire campaign, he said.

Al-Naaman said the investigation had identified the entities responsible for coordinating and executing the operations, but he did not name them.

Legal measures will be taken against all those involved, and they will be referred to the Iraqi judiciary to be held accountable in accordance with the law, the statement said.

Before the drone attacks, Iran-backed Iraqi militias had previously threatened to target American bases if the U.S. attacked Iran. Some of the militias are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of armed groups that is officially under the command of the Iraqi military, although in practice they largely act independently.

More recently, several oil fields in the semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region have come under attack by drones, further exacerbating tensions between the central government and Kurdish authorities and raising concerns over the security of Iraqs critical infrastructure.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The home secretaries of Nepal and India are going to meet in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss key cross-border security related issues.

During the meeting discussion will be held on ranges of issues related to the bilateral relationship including the extradition treaty, border infrastructure, maintenance of boundary pillars and drug trafficking.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak said adding that the meeting will discuss issues related to cross-border crimes, border management, maintenance of boundary pillars, trafficking of drugs and humans across the border, and joint patrolling and surveillance of bordering areas adding as that the meeting would to be fruitful on mutual legal assistance to information and intelligence sharing.

It is fixed that Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi and his Indian counterpart Govind Mohan will lead their respective delegations to the meeting. Other delegate members from several line ministries will also be participating in the meeting.
Apiqroo completes preliminary studies on new Puerto Morelos industrial deep sea port

Puerto Morelos, Q.R.  The Comprehensive Port Authority of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo) has completed several preliminary studies for a new deep-sea port. The completed studies include pre-feasibility, environmental, engineering and legal work to determine the viability of building a new industrial complex.

The industrial complex would be constructed in Puerto Morelos over 130 hectare area outside the reef zone on land donated to the state more than 15 years ago. The new Puerto Morelos port would become the logistics hub that would connect the Maya Train with the Interoceanic Corridor.

The industrial port is part of the Administracion Portuaria Integral de Quintana Roo (Apiqroo) plan approved by the Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR) in June of last year.

According to the authorized 20242029 Port Development Master Plan, the facility will cover more than 130 hectares with general and containerized cargo port terminals, administrative offices and a liquid cargo terminal designed to ensure the supply of fuels and energy products in the region.

The new port would be Quintana Roos first large-scale industrial maritime infrastructure, allowing the state to reduce logistic costs, guarantee energy supplies by sea and connect to the Mexican rail system, positioning the state as a new player in regional logistics in the Caribbean.

According to Info-Transportes, the majority of commercial cargo and fuel consumed in the state of Quintana Roo arrives by land or sea routes from the U.S. with estimated logistics overcosts of between 15% and 20%.

Apirqoo Director Vagner Elbiorn Vega said that it would be the first port to move all the cargo generated by the states tourism industry. We have just completed some pre-feasibility studies including environmental, engineering and legal aspects to determine if a large deep-sea port is possible and feasible.

And yes, everything indicates that it is necessary, not just for cargo. Lets remember that the Maya Train will soon have cargo and that will be very important for us to be able to receive the type of merchandise needed in the state, he said.

Vega said since the beginning of Governor Mara Lezamas administration, they have been searching for a suitable site to build a deep sea port to accommodate all cargo arriving in Quintana Roo by road from Puerto Progreso, Yucatan and Veracruz, since the costs are very high due to road transportation.

We are looking to build a deep-water port where we can import and export with great depth. As you know, the current port we have in Puerto Morelos is only 4.5 meters deep which is very shallow and the vessels arriving are very small.

Weve already completed the pre-feasibility phase which gives us a little bit of a go-ahead as to whether its necessary and whether it can be done. Well, we are going to start with what time remains of the year. I think well still be working with all the federal ministries in the first quarter of the next year because everything thats done has to adhere to the legal framework.

We have to work with the Navy, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, the governors office, etc. so now is when well begin all the studies to see if its feasible to build this port, he explained.

He said that the site where the deep-sea port is planned to be built in Puerto Morelos has a natural depth of 12 meters, but studies will determine whether dredging is necessary. If it were decided to do so, he said the depth could be increased to 14 or 16 meters.

This would mean great connectivity which could become the first major deep-sea port in the Mexican Caribbean where we could receive vessels from Asia, Europe, North America, Central America and South America. Thats great news, he said adding that this would give Quintana Roo a new lease on life since the state currently relies 90 percent on tourism.
Cancun suspect on the run since 2019 captured in Mexico City

Cancun, Q.R.  A suspect in the 2019 kidnapping of two people has been returned to the state from Mexico City after being on the run. Ariel Alejandro N was taken into custody by personnel from the State Attorney General (FGE) of Mexico City in collaboration with the FGE of Quintana Roo.

Ariel Alejandro N was returned to Cancun Friday night after the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection executed an arrest warrant.

The incidents for which Ariel Alejandro N is being investigated occurred in November 2019 in Cancun when the two victims were deprived of their liberty. The kidnapped individuals subsequently contacted their families, demanding one million pesos for their release.

The money was supposed to be deposited into a bank account in the name of Ariel Alejandro N. The victims family transferred 4,000 pesos to the account, followed by another 21,000 pesos. The caller later gave them an account number for another bank account in the name of Jose Alberto N, where they deposited 30,000 pesos, authorities said.

Following complaints from those affected and investigative actions aimed at clarifying the facts, the Public Prosecutors Office gathered evidence to request an arrest warrant for the crime of aggravated kidnapping against Jose Alberto N, Edy del Carmen N, Elmer N, Jose Luis N, and Ariel Alejandro N.

The latters involvement included receiving part of the ransom demand in his bank account.

Ariel Alejandro N was arrested after police learned he was living in Mexico City. Three others connected to the same kidnapping, Elmer N, Jose Luis N, Edy del Carmen N and Jose Alberto N, are being held in the Federal Social Reintegration Center in Chiapas for homicide.
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Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here.

Dear Care and Feeding,

Im getting married next year, and my mom is helping me with a lot of the planning. Shes great at this stuff, and super excited to help (and Im glad to have hershes one of my best friends!). But were worried about squabblingor to be honest, yelling at each otherduring the process. Were VERY close, but prone to fighting about nonsense things. Any tips for avoiding a repeat of my (very loud) teenage years while we plan?

My Fiance is Very Calm, By the Way

Dear By the Way,

So you and Mom just press each others buttons, huh? First, the good news: You can be proactive about this and you can make a plan for de-escalation if your prophylactic measures fail.

The bad news: You and your mom are going to have to have a (probably) tough conversation before the wedding-planning process begins in earnest. Fighting about nonsense things is never about those thingsas I believe you already knowbut about whatever the nonsense stirs in us. If you hope to get through the next year without shouting matches over the venue, color scheme, flowers, music, number of guests, and whom to invite/exclude, its time to take the bull by the horns. Plus, it will improve your relationship beyond the planning of your wedding. Mother and daughter being close (best friends!) is a wonderful thing. Being prone to fighting is not.

If youve never acknowledged this dynamic before, thats your first step. If she protestsWhat are you talking about? We never fight!go over your recent squabbles in detail. But make sure that when you do, you take responsibility for your part in these arguments. (In fact, go ahead and generously take most of the responsibility for it. This opens the door for her to do the same.) Tell her youve been trying to figure out why the two of you end up yelling at each other so often when you like as well as love each other so very much. Ask her if she has any ideas about why this happens. In other words: Begin a dialogue.

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The fact is that you cant keep from pushing each others buttons if you either 1) dont know what the buttons are or 2) know exactly what they are but have an irresistible impulse to poke them (maybe without even knowing why). Find out what it is you say or do that sets her off. Its important that you start there, not with telling her what she does that rubs you the wrong waybut before you even begin this conversation, take some time to consider what that is, so that youre ready to talk about this with her in a non-confrontational, loving way. This is all the proactive stuff, and its essential.

Regarding a plan for de-escalation: If your mother is on board about trying to move forward without these pointless fights, agree on a way to head them off at the pass. This could be a silly word invoked (Pumpernickel!) or a plan of action (time to break and get a cup of coffee, or step away from the Pinterest board and into two different parts of the house for 10 minutes).

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Congratulations on your engagement (and on having a calm fiance, which will come in handy in the long run). And good luck with the wedding-planning.

Get parenting and family advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Care and Feeding, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Care and Feeding following up) Submit

Dear Care and Feeding,

I have a 13-year-old daughter, Addy. In the past year, Addy has been diagnosed with ADHD and an anxiety disorder. She has been seeing a counselor for about two years and the therapy has really helped her.

Recently, we discussed giving away the toy kitchen set that she and her sister played with when they were little. She has a cousin who is 1, so its kind of perfect. Addy started crying. She said, You cant give it to her! Its so special to me. They vape in their house and it will get ruined! She got so upset! This is not an atypical reaction from her. She has very strong emotions and regularly becomes attached to both meaningful and meaningless objects.

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Is there a productive way to help her understand that stuff is just stuff? That giving away items that no longer serve a purpose in our home is a good thing? Also: The reason we want to get rid of it is that we are getting her a new pet, which will live in a cage, and the spot with the toy kitchen is where it needs to go.

If We Dont Need It, Why Keep It?

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Dear Dont Need It,

Children (and adults) who have significant anxiety often find it difficult to part with things, even if they are no longer using them and wont be using them again. (In its most drastic form, this can be a symptom of a hoarding disorder.) There is no productive way for you to persuade her that things are just things. You cant talk her out of a symptom of her anxiety. But since she is already seeing a therapist, this is something she can work on in therapy.

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If I were you, Id give the therapist a heads up about the toy kitchen, letting them know that this is part of a pattern and that you are concerned. Addys need to hold onto this toy might have any number of sources, from associating the play kitchen with a happier, more carefree period in her life, to fear/dread about growing up13 is a complicated age!or a sense that the object (any of the objects she has displayed a deep attachment to) has feelings and would be sad to be given away. Figuring this out is part of a therapists work. Telling Addy that the kitchen has to go because you need the space will not be persuasive or helpful to her as she tries to manage her emotions.

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My own instinct would be to suggest storing the toy kitchen, for now, elsewhere in your home, not only so that you can make use of that space for the new pet, but because having it out of sight but still in your familys possession temporarily would be a baby step toward moving it out of the house, while Addy and her counselor work through this. If the counselor Addy is seeing is not confident about how to proceed and doesnt have the training and experience to tackle this sort of problem, then I urge you to find one who does.

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Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here!

Dear Care and Feeding,

Im a graduate student. Im American, but have lived abroad since I was 16 and have no plans to return to the United States except for visits. I currently live in the United Kingdom. My question is about my brother, who is 14 and lives with my parents in the States. I want to find ways I can stay connected with him despite the distance between us. We have several shared interests, including multiple games, but time zones (and our moms insistence on a presumably unenforceable bedtime) make it difficult to play them together or even talk or videochat very often. Its not out of the question that he could visit me, especially as he gets a little older, but these visits would certainly not be frequent.

On London Time

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Dear London,

You could write him letters and encourage him to write back, as siblings (and others) separated by distance stayed close in days of yore. If you cant bring yourself to go to the trouble of hand-writing letters or typing them and printing them out, putting them in envelopes, obtaining postal stamps, and mailing them (and I get itit seems like a lot of workbut as someone who recently got an actual, long, excellent handwritten letter in the mail from a friend, I can report that theres nothing quite like it), then start up an email correspondence. I know that to Gen Z, email may seem as archaic as snail mail, but its worth a try: It is infinitely more effective for correspondence than texting. And, of course, if neither you nor your younger brother has any interest in long, chatty, newsy emails, then frequent texts or audio text messages are still better than nothing. You can even try recording videos of yourselves, talking to each other as you go about your days.

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Couple the correspondence with periodic small, thoughtful giftsa book you think hed like, a fun souvenirthat arent tied to holidays, just to let him know youre thinking of him. As to phone/video calls: Set up (via text) a mutually agreed-upon time, a day or two ahead. Since it will be later for you than anywhere in the U.S., it should not be that hard to find a half-hour when both of you are free and hes awake.

Michelle

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We found out a few months ago that my husbands brother and his wife are expecting. For the last couple years, every time were together, theyve peppered us with questions about whether or when to have kids (we have two, now preschool and toddler ages). Ive been 100 percent honest with my sister-in-law about the realities of pregnancy, birth, postpartum period, and being a working mom. She seemed really on the fence about it all, but I sensed my brother-in-law really wants to be a father. I initially sensed his disappointment when I didnt rave about motherhood and sort of sell his wife on the experience, but I would never do that to another woman.
Gabfest Reads is a monthly series from the hosts of Slates Political Gabfest podcast. Recently, David Plotz talked with author Carl Hiaasen about his new book, Fever Beach. They discussed how Matt Gaetz is the ultimate Florida man, and how the Florida mediocrity problem is spreading.

This partial transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.

David Plotz: Did you ever meet Matt Gaetz? Because you satire him just brilliantly.

Carl Hiaasen: No, I never. So, you think theres a resemblance?

The congressman in this is slightly like Matt Gaetz. Yes.

Ive never met him, but Ive followed very closely. And Ill tell you why. Right after I retired from doing the column, which was in the Spring of 21, it was only within a matter of months that the original Matt Gaetz story broke, about the Venmo, and the

It was the first time I was really regretted that I still didnt have the column, because it was like a slow pitch down the middle of the plate, and I wasnt there to take a swing at it. But Ive seen him in action like the rest of the country. I mean, I think the most touching moment was when he showed up at the Britney Spears rally chanting, Free Britney. I thought, I was moved. I know the rest of the country mustve been moved and didnt think there was anything weird, or strange, or twisted about that.

But look at whats happened though, David. Florida used to be, by far, it was just assumed to be the weirdest place in America. And we deserve that. We deserve that reputation. And now, with Trump in the White House, hes importing all this talent from Florida. Now youre seeing the curse, the Florida curse, has now affected Washington. I mean, look, youve got Pam Bondi, youve got Marco Rubio, youve got talk show hosts from here.

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Thats a really interesting point. So, if you were going to describe what that means, what is it that has been exported? What are the qualities of Florida-ness that now the rest of the country has to deal with?

Oh, David, I think its all our best and brightest. Have you seen Marco Rubios face when he gets his picture taken during these meetings? The deadness in his soul at this point? This is a guy that spent his entire political career in South Florida, which elected him, railing against Fidel Castro, railing against Moscow and the Russians. And now he has to, up until last week, he had to play nice, and pretend that he abandoned Ukraine.

But what is it? Youre an observer of Florida, what does it mean for the whole country to become ruled by a Florida sensibility?

Well, I think you have to have an embrace of mediocrity, a full-hearted embrace of mediocrity, of servile and spineless public officials. So, you have to be all in on that. I mean, there are people in state government now who desperately want Donald Trump to love them againour governor for one. Hes like a puppy, Just give me one little pat, just give me a little pat on the head. And its pathetic. But if the country accepts that this is all theres going to be, this is the best. And youll appreciate what we suffer through here in Florida, in terms of leadership.

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Youre a former journalist, do you think theres a way for journalism to effectively cover Trumpism, and to survive and thrive the assault on its independence?

There is a serious threat, but I think, yes. And I think its being done. And obviously, certain institutions, certain newspapers are still strong. I think the networks are still strong enough. Even CBS, I think can recover.

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I think, my main fear for journalism isnt at a national level at all, because I think theres always going to be aggressive journalists, whether theyre from Fox, or whether theyre from CBS, or wherever. But my fear is for local journalism, the decline of the coverage of local news and small-town papers that are going under, because the economy, they dont have classified ads anymore. If you dont have a good web page, youre in the tubes.

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And theres so many people in this country that live in cities now where you cant find out what happened at the city commission meeting last night because they didnt have enough reporters to send. They could have changed the zoning on your street, and youre finding out after the fact. Thats what I worry about. And I travel around and I see this: People are desperate for real news, real facts. And when you dont have the local stuff, then you have folks going online, and going down these crazy rabbit holes. And theres nothing to fill the vac. Theres nothing to step in between them. And thats what Im scared about.

So, youre allowed to leave Florida, it sounds like?

Im encouraged to leave Florida. I think they would like me to leave permanently.
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It takes a lot for a stunt on Instagram Reels to jolt me. You will not raise my heart rate by backflipping off a rooftop onto another one, or throwing a giant rock off a suspended bridge 800 feet in the air, or intentionally getting yourself bitten by a rattlesnake. But a few months ago, I came across something that shook me to my core: a 28-year-old man boarding an April afternoon flight from JFK to Cairo, landing in Egypt at 5 a.m., sightseeing for a day, and flying back to New York that night, with the whole thing packed into a crisp, nutritious minute of vertical video.

It was his chipperness that first caught my attention, the way he grinned as he explained the NYCCairo day trip he was about to undertake. Good night, the traveler, Kevin Droniak, tells us as he pulls down a sleep mask on the plane. And good morning from the Great Pyramids of Giza, he carries on from, well, the Great Pyramids of Giza. No one talks about how the pyramids make you peckish, he points out, as we cut to the most Instagrammable of all meals: some delicious-looking meat eaten over an open flame (aka Egyptian mashawy). We see his first and last Egyptian sunset and a brief stop in a hotel to freshen up since I feel so bedraggled. Seconds later, were back at JFK, our influencer-explorer left with a T-shirt and internet viralitynow 250,000 followersfor his trouble.

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Let me know if you would do this, he says in signing off, or if you are mentally stable.

Solo travel is Droniaks thing, and everyone in the attention economy needs to have a thing. He had chronicled about 20 of these flying day trips when we spoke, and the number grows all the time. Most trips arent as ambitious as Egypt, but include everywhere from New Orleans to Paris to Montreal to Utah. I am held rapt by Droniaks videos for two reasons: One, they are absurd, and two, they look like so much fun.

There might be a third reason. I wondered if Droniaks thing had caught my eye because it was the maximally absurd version of a travel dynamic that I often feel myself. And, I suppose fourth, if I felt that way, was it possible that this little pocket of travel influencerdom turned out to offer a descriptive insight on how a lot of people are interacting with travel? After further review: Yeah.

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Deranged as it may be to fly across the world and back in a day for fun, American travel is moving toward that pole. This trend is becoming more and more obvious, Becky Liu-Lastres, an associate professor at Indiana Universitys Department of Tourism, Event, and Sport Management in Indianapolis, told me. People, especially families, taking vacations at a high frequency, but shorter distance and shorter stay so they can save money but, meanwhile, enjoy the leisure and vacation opportunities.

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I found it impossible to get perfect national data on how Americans travel, but the available evidence is a mosaic pointing toward people preferring to travel in short bursts. We have collectively taken fewer vacation days since the 1980s, according to data from the American Travel Association, and Expedias Vacation Deprivation Report finds that our country is bad at getting away. With that limited time, we are committed to getting away often, if not for long. Deloitte, which has surveyed Americans travel plans since 2021, finds that this year in particular, more people are planning trips of three nights or fewer. Individual travel budgets are going up, but the budgets for our longest trips are holding flat, suggesting that the moneys got to go elsewhere.

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Quick trips now have a cottage industry around them. Airlines have been in this game for many years. Who among us has not gotten a Southwest email urging us to book a flight on sale the following weekend for approximately $39? Many corners of the travel world now seem especially geared toward this person too. Were seeing more customers who want a quick recharge. Thats become really common, Alex Ailoto told me. Ailoto is co-founder of Whimstay, a platform that connects travelers who are feeling a getaway itch to last-minute short-term rental homes at severe markdowns.

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The least disputed reason for the move toward shorter trips is money. It was the first thing Liu-Lastres mentioned to me, and it is the subject of much of Deloittes report. (Many travelers who are planning on decreasing budgets are shifting spending away from one big trip in favor of shorter, more frequent trips, a preference that rose from 18% in March to 28% in April.) But these are matters of shifting budgets, not of people declining to spend their dollars on trips. Deloittes report found that half the people who were planning to spend more on their longest summer trip than they did last year were doing it because the trip now feels more special.

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In some key ways, this conversation is a rerun. Downbeat feelings about the economy affecting consumer behavior is just about the most normal thing that has ever happened. Businesses have catered to last-minute travel whims forever. Ailoto thinks of his platform as Hotwire or HotelTonight but for short-term rentals. Travelers wanting to make quick stops in photogenic destinations is also a tale as old as time. What younger generations are doing nowshort trips to landmarks for checklist photosisnt new, Liu-Lastres said. In the 80s, big group tours did the same thing: visit the site, take a photo, move on.

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Post-COVID travel feels like its own beast, though, and specifically like a beast that will encourage all of us to take a million short trips for the rest of our lives. Remote work and the rise of bleisure have made it way easier for bunches of us to finish up work on a Thursday afternoon, drive somewhere that night, work from an Airbnb kitchen on Friday morning, have a weekend, and be back in the computer mines by Monday morning. And as jealousy-inspiring as your aunts Flickr album of her Jeep safari may have been, a nice viral travel video has intoxicating properties of which our ancestors never dreamed. The point isnt that we do as we see on TikTok, but that we take on stripped-down versions of it.

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Its common among the younger generation, Liu-Lastres told me, seeing what influencers do and mimicking it in a quick, affordable way. In other words: You will not see a solo day trip to Italy and book a flight to Venice, but you are suddenly likelier to see if some pals want to do a weekend in Denver.

I have thought a bit lately about whether all of this is good. Its been four years since my fiance and I took a trip longer than eight or nine days to a place other than our parents houses. Almost all of our leisure travel lately has been for friends weddings, and the rest has been trips of between two and six days, with lots of time spent on laptops. On the one hand, Droniak sees the quick (and in his case exotic) day trip as a way of navigating certain capitalistic limitations. The whole point of a day trip is that you dont have to have a lot of vacation days, he reminds his followers in one of his most recent videos.

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Related From Slate The TSA Is Letting Travelers Keep Their Shoes on in Security. About Time. Read More

Sure, but its a thin line between taking a liberating day trip and using it as an excuse not to rest more or not to get to know places in more detail. So I asked Droniak: Does he think that hes sacrificing depth of experience in order to get in and out of places so quickly? (And implicitly, then, are his videos encouraging untold millions of scrollers to do the same?) He had thought about this a lot. Doing day trips, its changed my mindset around travel so much, he told me. Theres one thing I want to do in each place. Egypt was the pyramids. So I check that off and experience that part of it, and then leave.

That alone would be a nauseatingly superficial approach to travel, but theres more to it: I actually one day want to go back to Egypt and go for longer. Part of doing these day trips is getting a taste of the destinationless commitment than being there for multiple nights and then, who knows, not liking the vibe there. Im able to now see that I like the place and, in my head, one day want to go back. Droniak has conceded in his videos that some places, like Japan, are not day-trippable (at least from the U.S.) for a variety of reasons.

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Most ideally, Id have a job that carried a deep reservoir of paid time off. That is not the freelance writer and self-employed podcasters lot in life, and this exchange with Droniak made me realize why the most Instagram-friendly travelshort, sweet, prettyis so appealing to me.

I am a master of sitting in a hotel room and finishing some not-even-that-time-sensitive work when I should be out at a tapas bar on a nominal vacation. (This is a direct scene from a stop in Madrid last year, Im sad to admit.) Did I really feel Spain over five days of that kind of living? Would I have felt it more if I had committed to the bit and gone for one day (or, to be quasi-realistic, two and a half)? This is what Droniak says he feels when he does a solo day trip to some far-off place: When you land somewhere and know that your time is fleetinglike, you have only X amount of hoursyou dont allow yourself to feel tired. You just kind of know, he says. When the plane hits the ground somewhere, Im like, This is the start of a crazy day.  I dont like that I find this approach so persuasive when the alternative is marinating in a place for two weeks, but I like it much more than thinking too much about why the latter feels so distant.
Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz, right, gestures as he scores after hitting a solo home run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith watches during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, left, and Esteury Ruiz watch from the dugout during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers' Isaac Collins, right, scores on a double by Caleb Durbin as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith waits for the ball during the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers' Isaac Collins gestures as he rounds first after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz, right, hits a solo home run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith watches during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz, right, hits a solo home run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith watches during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz, right, gestures as he scores after hitting a solo home run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith watches during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, left, and Esteury Ruiz watch from the dugout during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers' Isaac Collins, right, scores on a double by Caleb Durbin as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith waits for the ball during the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers' Isaac Collins gestures as he rounds first after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz, right, hits a solo home run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith watches during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Freddy Peralta won his seventh straight start, Isaac Collins and Joey Ortiz homered, and the Milwaukee Brewers held off the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7 on Saturday night to extend their win streak to a season-best nine.

Shohei Ohtani hit his National League-leading 33rd homer and drove in three runs for the Dodgers. Tommy Edman and Miguel Rojas both went deep in the eighth to pull the NL West leaders to 8-7.

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But then Ohtanis flyball died on the warning track to end the eighth, and Trevor Megill threw a 1-2-3 ninth for his 23rd save as Los Angeles lost for the ninth time in 11 games.

Milwaukee improved to 5-0 against the defending World Series champions, including a three-game sweep at home last week.

Peralta (12-4) wasnt particularly sharp, giving up four runs and five hits in five innings as his ERA rose from 2.66 to 2.85. But the Brewers tacked on three insurance runs to maintain the lead after he exited, and the All-Star right-hander became the first 12-game winner in the majors.

After the teams traded four-run rallies in the third, the Brewers took a 5-4 lead on Collins 363-foot homer over the short right-field wall in the fourth. They made it 6-4 on Caleb Durbins RBI double in the sixth.

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The Dodgers pulled to 6-5 in the sixth when Edman snapped an 0-for-29 skid with a single and Ohtani sliced an RBI single to left.

Milwaukee pushed it to 7-5 in the seventh when Andrew Vaughn hit a two-out RBI single, and 8-5 in the eighth on Ortizs homer.

Los Angeles starter Emmet Sheehan (1-1) allowed five runs and seven hits in three-plus innings.

Key moment

Peralta prevented an even bigger rally in the third when, with four runs in, a runner on third and no outs, he struck out Andy Pages, got Michael Conforto to ground out to shortstop with the infield in and retired Edman on a fly to left.

Key stat

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The Dodgers were hitting .157 with four runs in four-plus games against the Brewers this season before scoring four times in the third.

Up next

Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (4-1, 3.88 ERA) faces Brewers lefty Jose Quintana (6-3, 3.28) in Sundays series finale.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250720/five-reasons-why-no-amount-of-additional-nato-support-to-ukraine-can-stop-russian-steamroller-1122463323.html

Five Reasons Why No Amount of Additional NATO Support to Ukraine Can Stop Russian Steamroller

Five Reasons Why No Amount of Additional NATO Support to Ukraine Can Stop Russian Steamroller

Sputnik International

The US and its European NATO allies are working on new arrangements to keep the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine going for as long as possible. Here's why the outcome will be the same no matter how much additional support is delivered.

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analysis

military & intelligence

ukraine

russia

nato

patriot

patriot 3 (pac-3) air defence missile

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/09/1118355630_0:197:3072:1925_1920x0_80_0_0_577033e244d1f4478bf7c353f71346be.jpg

1. Ukraine Has Already LostLong term, there is no material-technical nor political strategy to avoid Ukraines defeat, Quincy Institute fellow Almut Rochowanski told Responsible Statecraft this week, stressing that the West simply doesnt have the capacity to arm Kiev sufficiently to stop it from losing more territory, troops, arms and infrastructure.2. Russias Advance Has Become UnstoppableCase in point? The ongoing summer offensive, which even the Russophobic NYT admits has scored its biggest monthly gains in territory since the beginning of the year in June  attributable to advantages in troops, airpower and the methodical destruction of Ukraines army.3. Any New Resources Delivered Will Be WastedCurrently, new deliveries include promises of additional Patriot batteries, sourced from European (not US) stocks, and 49 used Australian M1 Abrams tanks.Announced to great fanfare, the latter arent enough to field even one armored brigade, much less challenge overwhelming Russian FPV drone, artillery and ATGM superiority.As for Patriots, both Russian and Western analysts like CEPA calculate that with the US manufacturing 500-600 PAC-3 interceptors per year, Russias output of 200+ missiles PER MONTH is easily enough to overwhelm and swamp Ukraines defenses.4. No Amount of New Support Can HelpWith any prospect of a Russian defeat vanishing, the only rational motivation for the West to continue arming Kiev lies in the logic of continuing the war to exterminate our two peoples, Kostikin told Sputnik.5. Preparing for war with Russia?But NATO's real goal? Preparing Europe for a direct clash with Russia, the observer says.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/ukraine-proposes-new-round-of-talks-with-russia-for-next-week-1122460125.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250720/russia-warns-west-using-romania-as-springboard-for-ukraine-escalation-1122462053.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250720/publication-of-epstein-hearings-likely-to-be-delayed-documents-to-be-redacted---reports-1122460264.html

Publication of Epstein Hearings Likely to Be Delayed, Documents to Be Redacted - Reports

Publication of Epstein Hearings Likely to Be Delayed, Documents to Be Redacted - Reports

Sputnik International

The US President Donald Trump-requested publication of transcripts of the court hearings in the case of financier Jeffrey Epstein, accused of sexual exploitation of minors, may be delayed for months, and the final documents will be redacted, US media reported.

2025-07-20T04:30+0000

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2025-07-20T04:30+0000

americas

jeffrey epstein

donald trump

us

pam bondi

sex trafficking

sex trafficking ring

jeffrey epstein's apparent suicide

rape

rape allegations

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On Wednesday, Trump said that the accusations of his alleged ties to Epstein were the Democrats' "new SCAM." In an interview with the Real America's Voice broadcaster, the US leader called those Republicans who had accused him of alleged ties to the late financier naive and unstable. On Friday, the president asked US Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the transcripts of the court hearings in the case against Epstein. Trump's request makes the release of new information unclear at best and subject to a complex legal review that could take months, the publication said. An American news website notes that the grand jury documents cannot be released without permission from the federal court overseeing Epstein's criminal case. The administration's request will be heard in New York and Florida courts, the publication clarifies. At the same time, the Justice Department, according to the publication, has already notified the courts of its intentions to make appropriate redactions on victims and other personal data before releasing the transcripts. Even if Trump and Bondi succeed, it is unclear whether the documents and transcripts will provide any new information beyond what is already known, the publication noted. In 2019, Epstein was charged in the United States with sex trafficking of minors, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. According to prosecutors, between 2002 and 2005, he had sex with dozens of underage girls at his residences in New York and Florida. He paid them hundreds of dollars in cash, and then assigned some of the victims to serve as recruiters to bring in more girls. Some of the victims were as young as 14 years old. In early July 2019, a Manhattan court in New York City, after hearing Epstein's arraignment, ruled that he should remain in custody and not be released on bail. In late July of that year, it was reported that he was found in a prison cell "semi-conscious" and later died. The investigation revealed that the financier had committed suicide.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/fbi-allegedly-told-agents-to-flag-mentions-of-trump-in-epstein-files---us-senator-1122457932.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250719/trump-files-lawsuit-against-murdoch-two-reporters-dow-jones-1122458242.html

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epstein case, trump bondi, trump epstein, trump friend epstein, trump's friend, trump rapes, trump rapist, epstein rapes, epstein pedophile, trump pedophile
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250720/putin-trump-meeting-is-essential--and-only-a-matter-of-time-1122461791.html

Putin-Trump Meeting is Essential  and Only a Matter of Time

Putin-Trump Meeting is Essential  and Only a Matter of Time

Sputnik International

The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, is essential and will take place one day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday.

2025-07-20T09:26+0000

2025-07-20T09:26+0000

2025-07-20T09:26+0000

russia

russia

vladimir putin

dmitry peskov

donald trump

us

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"It is possible and it will take place one day. It is essential," Peskov said in an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin.The latest phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, which took place on July 3, was pragmatic.Despite his "tough and straightforward" rhetoric, Trump is "confirming his intention to do every possible thing to facilitate peaceful settlement" of the conflict in Ukraine, Peskov said.The settlement of the Ukrainian conflict is a complicated and lengthy process and "most likely Washington starts to understand it more and more," the spokesman added.Speaking about the Ukrainian crisis, Peskov said that Putin has repeatedly expressed his desire to shift the settlement of the conflict to a peaceful course as soon as possible."President Putin has repeatedly expressed his desire to bring the settlement of the Ukraine conflict to a peaceful course as soon as possible," Peskov told Rossiya 1 reporter Pavel Zarubin.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250703/putin-and-trump-talk-ukraine-iran-syria-and-space-in-wide-ranging-call-1122392937.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250720/syria-needs-to-use-all-its-resources-to-prevent-terrorist-activity-in-country---rubio-1122460446.html

Syria Needs to Use All Its Resources to Prevent Terrorist Activity in Country - Rubio

Syria Needs to Use All Its Resources to Prevent Terrorist Activity in Country - Rubio

Sputnik International

The Syrian authorities need to use all their resources to prevent the Islamic State (IS or ISIS, a terrorist organization banned in Russia) and other "violent jihadists" from operating in the country if they want to establish peace, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

2025-07-20T04:38+0000

2025-07-20T04:38+0000

2025-07-20T04:38+0000

world

islamic state

marco rubio

middle east

syria

suwayda

terrorism

international terrorism

fight against terrorism

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Earlier, Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba said that clashes between Druze units and Bedouin tribes in the city of Suwayda in southern Syria had ceased. Last week, armed Bedouin groups attacked several Druze settlements in Suwayda province, clashing with Druze self-defense forces. The Syrian Defense Ministry said that over 30 people had been killed and 100 others wounded in the clashes, including 20 troops loyal to the Syrian transitional government. On Tuesday, the Syrian Defense Ministry said that the army and interior ministry deployed troops to Suwayda to clear the city of illegal armed factions. Later, they began withdrawing heavy military equipment from Suwayda toward Damascus, transferring residential areas under the control of internal security forces. The Israeli government ordered an immediate military strike against Syrian forces. Israel said it acted out of concern for the Druze community of Syria, citing close ties with the Druze population within Israel and historic connections.*a terrorist organization banned in Russia

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250720/us-will-not-grant-delays-to-eu-on-august-1-deadline-for-tariffs-1122463209.html

US Will Not Grant Delays to EU on August 1 Deadline for Tariffs

US Will Not Grant Delays to EU on August 1 Deadline for Tariffs

Sputnik International

The United States is not going to provide any delays to the European Union on import tariffs, which are coming into effect on August 1, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said on Sunday.

2025-07-20T17:25+0000

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"No, no, that's a hard deadline. So, on August 1 the new tariff rates will come in," Lutnick told CBS News, when asked if the deadline could be flexible for the EU. On July 12, President Trump announced that he would impose 30% tariffs on imported European goods starting August 1, while the previous sectoral tariffs would remain in place. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said over the weekend that the EU would continue negotiations with Washington, but warned that it was ready to introduce countermeasures.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250715/potential-implementation-of-30-us-tariffs-on-eu-will-hurt-all-parties-involved-1122441213.html

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Just two races into his career, freshman pacing colt Beau Jangles is already building an impressive resume in the Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) program.

On Saturday, July 19 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, the 1-2 favoured son of Cattlewash-Mrs Major Hill won his second $140,000 Gold event in as many starts, storming to a 1:51.1 victory in a talented field of 10.

In the most recent Gold, Bob McClure settled Beau Jangles fourth off the gate from post eight as both No Waitlist (Travis Henry) and Tilthecowscomehome (Jody Jamieson) left hard from posts six and 10, respectively. Ultimately, it was Windor (Doug McNair) who pressed on to lead the field to the :26.4 quarter. McClure had Beau Jangles out and rolling shortly after, and the colt claimed the front before hitting the half-mile marker in :55.4. He took the field through the 1:24.2 third-quarter station and powered home to record a 1-1/2-length victory. Tilthecowscomehome was a strong second despite the outside post. Windor went inside two pylons, but judges ruled he was forced inside the cones and kept him up for third, followed by Borderline Mobby (James MacDonald) and No Waitlist.

Beau Jangles, a Dr. Ian Moore trainee bred by Tara Hills Stud of Port Perry, Ont., already has earnings of $140,000 for owners Graham Grace Stables LLC of Clifton, Va., Kiwi Stables LLC of La Plata, Md. and Bolton Stables of Clermont, Fla. Beau Jangles was purchased for $90,278 at the 2024 Standardbred Horse Sales Companys yearling sale in Harrisburg, Pa. He paid $3 to win.

Beau Jangles won the first Gold event in the division on July 5 at Woodbine Mohawk Park in 1:50.1. McClure said the colt was even more impressive in his most recent outing.

He felt even better tonight, McClure told Woodbine broadcaster John Rallis in the winners circle on Saturday. I knew with [Tilthecowscomehome having] the outside post, there was going to be a lot of horses leaving to follow him. So, he left, and then I ducked him behind, and [Beau Jangles] worked his way to the front.

He's just a real pro about everything, and he got stretched pretty good to get there and he just shut down in the third quarter and then as soon as I called on him to kick home, he just kicked into gear. And he's just kind of playing around out there. His ears were up and everything. But when they got to him after the wire there, he just wanted to go around again.

Dr. Moore said Beau Jangles already has an impressive array of talents.

I told Bobby before the race, You can do whatever you want, but probably not too far from the front, Moore said. He'll sit in a hole, no problem. He'll do it whichever way you want. He doesn't wear any earplugs. So, he's been very good so far, and not like some of them, you know, when they get on the front a bit and they get a little racy, they get a little hard to handle. But this guy's been good. He was good today.

The trainer said Beau Jangles is large for a two-year-old and his stride appears to be lengthening.

I was just watching the replay on the big screen behind us and it looks like his hopples might be too tight now, because he's striding out more than he used to, Moore said. We set them about 60 inches when we broke him, and then we never touched them. So, I'll check them out tomorrow. The problem is, with two-year-olds, is that you only race them 10, 11, times, and every race is a big race. Do you let them out an inch or two or what do you do? Its a hard take sometimes, but I think I can let them out. Hes very sure-footed and very steady and so it should be no problem.

Moore said Beau Jangles may race next in the Battle of Waterloo, which has its final on August 4 at Grand River Raceway. But first, he has to discuss the options with the colts owners. The next Gold Series event for two-year-old pacing colts is August 14 at Mohawk.

Later on the card, Mohawk Gold Cup winner Brue Hanover extended his win streak to four as he went back-to-back in the $36,000 Preferred Pace.

Third to the quarter in a quick :25.4, MacDonald sent the 1-9 shot to the engine on the backstretch and managed the middle fractions to :54.2 and 1:22 while alone on the lead. Four horses gave chase down the stretch, but MacDonald had little work to do as Brue Hanover marched to victory in 1:49. Century Komodo (McClure) found late pace and cut the deficit to a length while taking the place spot. Arbitrage Hanover (Billy Davis Jr.) finished third.

Brue Hanover added another tally to his impressive season, upping his stats to 13 wins in 16 starts. He is undefeated at Woodbine Mohawk Park this year for trainer Dave Menary with seven Preferred wins. The five-year-old Stay Hungry-Blind Ambition gelding is now 31-for-81 lifetime with $626,465 in earnings. Burke Racing Stable LLC co-owns him with Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

Caviar N Crackers won her second straight $36,000 Fillies and Mares Preferred Pace, ending the three-race win streak of rival mare Grit N Grace in the process.

Caviar And Crackers (Ed Hensley) opted to sit back and let things develop as the wings folded, slotting in fourth as Grit N Grace (Jody Jamieson) charged to the front in a :27.3 opening panel. Hensley moved Caviar N Crackers as the field reached the backstretch, and the mare glided to the top before the half in :56.1.

Angostura Hanover (Trevor Henry) shifted out and pressured the leader to three-quarters in 1:23.4, but Caviar N Crackers shrugged her off at the top of the lane and sprinted for home on top. Neither Angostura Hanover nor Grit N Grace were able to worry Caviar N Crackers down the lane as she flew to the finish in :26.2, lengthening her winning margin to 2-1/2 lengths in a 1:50.1 mile. Glenboro (Travis Cullen) closed for second over Grit N Grace. The winner returned $3.20.

Caviar N Crackers is now eight-for-22 this year with six wins in the Preferred ranks at Mohawk and a victory in the Forest City Pace. The Captive Audience-Crackers Hot Shot mare is trained by Ashleigh Hensley, who co-owns her with Ed Hensley. The five-year-old mare has won 20 of 83 lifetime appearances and earned $433,681.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Ontario Racing & Standardbred Canada)
Ginger Tree Finny, making his Manitoba debut, was untouchable in the $5,200 Horses and Geldings Open Pace as harness racing returned to Miami Fair on Saturday, July 19.

The gelding took the lead at the quarter in :29.1 for Michel Rey, strolled to the half in :59.4, and let loose in the third panel, racing clear by four lengths by three-quarters in 1:28.3. He kept the gas pedal down, extending his lead into the stretch, and cruised home a winner by five lengths in 2:00.1. Appoggiatura (Clayton Braybrook) finished second over Seek And Destroy (Paula Mason).

Ginger Tree Finny, trained by Melanie Rey Clark, make his 100th start a winning one, improving his career totals to 16 victories and $135,078 in earnings. The seven-year-old son of Captaintreacherous-Ideal Weather shipped in from Ontario for owner Laverne Turnbull of Kitchener, Ont. He paid $2.80 to win.

Nonversation, driven by Richard Remillard, upset at 6-1 with a late-closing victory in the $5,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace. Odds-on favourite Outlaw Spiced Rum (Michel Rey) set the tempo with :28.1, :58.3, and 1:28.3 splits. Outlaw Spiced Rum was overtaken by pocket-sitter Hurry Home (Darryl Mason) in deep-stretch, but Nonversation kicked home from fourth and got up by a half-length to score in 2:00.3. Hurry Home finished second, followed by Controlthedistance (Paula Mason).

Nonversation notched her 15th win in 67 lifetime outings and improved her bankroll to $93,517. Tara Isman trains the five-year-old Mystician-Say Anything mare and co-owns her with Jim Wilson of Regina, Sask. and Remillard of Westbourne, Man.

Miami Fair will host another card on Saturday, July 26 before Manitoba racing shifts to The Loop on Saturday, August 2.

To view Saturdays harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Miami Fair.

(Standardbred Canada)
Another matchup between Speedbewithyou and Demonic Niko is on the docket as the second leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes for freshmen kicks off with three $50,000 USD divisions of filly trotters on Sunday, July 20 at MGM Northfield Park.

Speedbewithyou is the early 8-5 favourite in the second division with Demonic Niko the 5-2 second choice. Both fillies have shown early promise with top-three finishes in the $202,703 Next Generation and first-leg victories in the OHSS already on their resumes.

Demonic Niko finished second in the Next Generation at Eldorado Scioto Downs on July 5, posting a time of 1:56.4 to edge out Speedbewithyou in third in 1:57. A week later, on July 12, they returned to Scioto and won their respective divisions in the first leg of the OHSS  Speedbewithyou in 1:55.1 and Demonic Niko in 1:55.4. Only one can add to their win total on Sunday though.

Demonic Niko was in the Next Gen, so weve been head-to-head with her before, Speedbewithyou trainer Todd Luther said. Theyre both nice fillies, but we definitely got the better end of the post draw.

Speedbewithyou will leave from post two on Sunday while Demonic Niko drew post six in the seven-horse field. Austin Hanners returns to the sulky with Speedbewithyou after driving the Mission Accepted filly in both of her prior starts this season.

Austin came and trained her before the Next Generation and really liked her, Luther said. It makes it nice when you have a driver that knows the horse. It makes it a lot easier for him to drive.

While that driver-horse connection may prove fruitful, trainer Erv Miller has tabbed Dan Noble to be in the bike with Demonic Niko for the first time on Sunday after Atlee Bender guided the In Range filly to a pair of wins and a runner-up showing in her three starts thus far.

Noble has no concerns about making his first start with the promising filly though.

I like being a first-time driver, he said.

While Speedbewithyou and Demonic Niko are the headliners in this division, the competitive field also includes a pair of third-place finishers from the opening leg in Mooter Tooter (Chris Page) and Tomboy Strong (Anthony MacDonald). Based on Speedbewithyous win in the opening leg of the OHSS and her post draw for Sunday, Luther likes her chances of coming out on top. But hell enter that race with cautious optimism.

Shes sure-footed, which is definitely going to help, but with two-year-old filly trotters, you dont ever know whats going to happen, he said. She qualified two times on a half, and she gets around that thing just as good as she does a five-eighths, so well see what happens. My job will be done Sunday when they go to the gate, and then itll be all up to Austin.

Miller has also tabbed Noble to drive first-leg winner Lucky Lady Volo for the first time on Sunday as the In Range filly looks to score a second OHSS victory. Lucky Lady Volo will leave from the rail as the 2-1 morning line favourite in the first division while Sarahs Mission (Page), who posted a second-place finish in the opening leg, is the 5-2 second choice. Lucky Lady Volo has hit the board in two of three starts this season, adding a third-place finish to her OHSS victory in 1:56.2.

There are no first-leg winners among the entries in the third division. However, a trio of horses will be looking to make their mark after hitting the board in the opening leg. Rose Run Brooke (Luke Hanners) is the early 8-5 favourite in the division. The Vernon Beachy trainee and daughter of In Range posted a runner-up finish in the opening leg. Another second-place finisher from the first leg, Guardian Doll, will leave from the far outside as the 7-2 second choice with trainer Ronnie Gillespie in the sulky. At 9-2, Princess Karolyn (Justin Irvine) is the third choice after finishing third in the opening leg.

First-leg winner Godusa is not entered in the second leg.

Sundays Ohio Sires Stakes races at MGM Northfield Park include 22 total entries and are part of a 15-race card that begins at 6 p.m.



(Ohio Harness Horsemens Association)
Binge On Yankee sprung the biggest upset in the 16-year history of the Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Pace on Saturday, July 19 at Saratoga Casino Hotel, winning the $342,466 Grade 2 stakes as the longest shot on the board.

He pulled off the 43-1 shocker as he parlayed his pocket ride to victory in the richest race of the year at the Spa. Braxten Boyd sat behind the Todd Luther-trained pacer, who drew the rail for his try in the signature event.

The heavily favoured Desperate Man (Matt Kakaley) assumed the early lead and cruised through a first half in splits of :27 and :55.2. As Desperate Man took on a pair of rivals through three-quarters in 1:23, Binge On Yankee sat comfortably in the two-hole before finding room up the rail when he got loose late in the stretch. Desperate Man battled but wound up second by a neck to the longshot winner as Binge On Yankee surged to score in 1:51.1 for the biggest win of his career. Howlenthehills (Ridge Warren) earned the show spot. The win price was $89.50.

Binge On Yankee, a five-year-old son of Stay Hungry-Bootleg Yankee, passed the half-million-dollar earnings mark as he built his bankroll to $628,381. Greg Luther Racing LLC of Blacklick, Ohio owns the gelding, a 16-time winner in 76 lifetime appearances. Binge On Yankee is five-for-20 this year.

Todd Luther became the 16th different trainer to win the Gerrity, while Braxten Boyd became the 15th unique driver to score a victory in the race's history. Only Jason Bartlett has prevailed multiple times in the Gerrity.

Bartlett highlighted a five-win performance on the 14-race card with a sweep of the two New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) divisions for rookie pacing males.

He guided the undefeated Fragment to a third straight victory in the $102,055 first split as the Huntsville-The Show Returns colt got every call in a three-length 1:54.3 decision. Lakewood Nick (Brett Beckwith) was second-best, and Ideal Rebel (Tyler Buter) finished third. The winner, who took a new lifetime mark, is trained by Per Engblom for Engblom Stable LLC and Douglas Sipple. Fragment has won all three races in NYSS events.

Coming off a dominant debut win, Quickaway stayed perfect as he motored down the stretch for Bartlett to capture the $103,973 second division by a neck over Hunt Off The Press (Buter) in 1:55.3. Casper The Ghost (Ray Schnittker) completed the ticket. Quickaway, an American Ideal-Logans Girl colt, races for trainer Blake MacIntosh and owners Ozzie Mackay, Gilles Landry, and Robert MacNeil.

Bartlett also won the $21,918 Open Handicap Pace with Street Hawk N, who grinded out a first-over trip and pushed his head in front at the line to prevail in 1:51.4 over Prairie Rocknroll (Phil Fluet). Little Willy (Beckwith) was third. The winning seven-year-old Bettors Delight-Racketeers Girl gelding is four-for-eight this year since moving to North America for trainer Scott Blackler and owner Chad Kowal.

Bartlett's other two wins on the card were with Shakeitonthebeach ($4.50) and Blank Stare ($2.80). The reinsman, coming off a career-best season in earnings, is on pace for his fourth straight year with more than 600 wins and $10 million in earnings.

The winners of the $27,397 Excelsior Series divisions for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings were Southwind Iron ($6.20) and Shakeitonthebeach.

Live harness racing at Saratoga Raceway resumes on Monday with a matinee program that begins at noon.

(Saratoga Raceway & Standardbred Canada)
Syrian interim gov't begins phased implementation of ceasefire in Sweida as clashes continue

Xinhua) 09:25, July 20, 2025

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 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.

Tribal fighters take positions during clashes in the town of Wolgha, western countryside of Sweida, southern Syria, on July 18, 2025. (Str/Xinhua)

The clashes reignited fears of a broader breakdown in the truce, which had been brokered with international support earlier this week. 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 defense 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.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
Yo Tillie reaffirmed her current standing as the top horse in her division with a sixth consecutive victory in one of four divisions of the Tompkins-Geers Stake for three-year-old trotters on Saturday, July 19 at The Meadowlands.

Yo Tillie remained unbeaten in four tries this season after displaying an awesome closing kick rather than the dazzling early speed she showed in each of her first three starts this year.

Her last couple of starts shes been awesome, said winning driver Todd McCarthy. Ive been racing her pretty aggressively and that was kind of the plan for tonight, but shes come back so smart this year and shes learned how to settle in. Its an advantage when you can race them like that.

The daughter of Tactical Landing-Consolidator raced in fourth through :27.2 and :56.2 fractions and past the five-eighths in the $50,856 first dash for fillies, then moved to the outside before three-quarters in 1:25.1. She then unleashed a powerhouse final quarter of :26.3 to win by 3-1/2 lengths over R Charm (Scott Zeron) in 1:52.3. Jersey Slide (Tim Tetrick) was third.

I knew when I tipped and asked her that she would give me a pretty good last quarter, said McCarthy.

Not eligible for the Hambletonian Oaks, Yo Tillie is being pointed toward the Kentucky Filly Futurity and Breeders Crown, among other stakes events this year, according to trainer Andrew Harris. The filly is owned by William Pollock, Bruce Areman, and Harris. She is now 12-for-16 lifetime and is riding a six-race win streak, which dates back to last season. She returned $2.10 to win as the 1-9 favourite.

Onajetplane used a quick brush down the backstretch to secure the top just after the half and then had to hold off a late-charging Hey Porter (Zeron) to take the $53,596 first Tompkins-Geers division for colts and geldings. He scored by a head in a lifetime best-equalling 1:52.1. Warrior (Ake Svanstedt) was third.

He doesnt love being in front, he starts looking around a little, said winning driver Andy McCarthy. He got to wandering a little, but once Scottie [Zeron, driving Hey Porter] came to us, he got back to business.

In the opinion of his driver, the son of Walner-Noble Lover is a Hambletonian contender. This horse is good enough [to compete in the Hambo]. He needs a good draw and a good trip and hell be right there, McCarthy said.

Onajetplane is trained by Noel Daley, who co-owns the five-time winner from 14 starts with Sjoblom Racing Inc., L A Express Stable LLC, and Zei Zei Racing Inc. As the 4-5 public choice, Onajetplane paid $3.60 to win.

Andy McCarthy and Daley doubled up in the Tompkins-Geers in the $51,541 second division for fillies, when Miss Belmar (Muscle Hill-Chapter Too) scored by 3-1/2 lengths in a lifetime-best 1:52.1, giving her two wins in her last three starts after starting her career 0-for-9. She paid $13.20 as the 5-1 third choice. She is owned by Allister Stables LLC, Dean Ehrgott, Joe Sbrocco And JAF Racing, and Zei Zei Racing Inc. Grand Reserve (Todd McCarthy) finished second, and Best Friends Girl (David Miller) and Margareta Hanover (Yannick Gingras) dead-heated for show.

In the other split for colts and geldings, the Blake MacIntosh-trained Go Ahead Makemyday led at every call in the $54,281 dash, stopping the clock in a lifetime-best 1:53 with Miller at the controls. He was three-quarters of a length clear of Lefties Righties (Dexter Dunn), who edged out Lt Loverboy (Zeron) for second. The winning son of Walner-Uvie Hanover could be peaking at just the right time with the Hambletonian eliminations just one week away, as eight days ago he was a solid second-place finisher to the talented Mr Mouton. Go Ahead Makemyday paid $10 as the 4-1 second choice. The colt, a five-time winner in 16 outings, is owned by MacIntosh, Van Camp Trotting Corp, Mortgage Boys Stable, and Ozzie Mackay.

Andy McCarthy led the driver colony with three winners on the night while Shaun Vallee and Daley topped the trainers with a pair of victories apiece.

Track announcer Ken Warkentin had a big night handicapping, treating his followers to eight winners. All-source handle totaled $2,910,648 on the 14-race program. Racing at The Meadowlands resumes on Friday at 6:20 p.m.

(With files from The Meadowlands)
The old Whiskey Creek building just off Highway 26 holds memories for the buildings co-owner, Troy Little.

Id come here after church with my daughter, Little said. Its amazing what (weve made) this place turn into.

Little has turned the building into a new Mexican restaurant named El Barrio Cantina.

Theres a history behind the name, Little said, Its not just our name: It isnt Joes tacos.

When the first wave of immigrants from Mexico and Texas came up here, he said, they stopped at Scotts Bluff monument, and they ran across all this farm ground.

After working in the fields, in the evenings, they would get together, play music and do big cookouts, he said.

And they called it the barrio, Little said. It was a gathering where people just got together.

When renovating, the floor they kept true to the old Whiskey Creek building, but everything else has been redone.

As far as the food goes, Littles girlfriend, Amy Hidalgo, heads up the kitchen, where their biggest push is tacos. However, Little claims El Barrio is different.

If you get down into Texas, Alabama, California, you see all these seafood and stuff with the Mexican restaurants, he said. And here, maybe in the next two months, were also going to do big steaks, because you dont see that here.

Little is friends with Antonio Parra, the owner of Ole Restaurant on the other side of Highway 26. Little said when he told Antonio he wanted to open a Mexican restaurant, Antonio told him to go for it.

He encouraged me to do all this, but he didnt know I was gonna be right across the highway from (him), he said, laughing.

He did get questioning looks and even people who said, Another Mexican restaurant? when he shared that he was open for business.

Were not your traditional, western Nebraska Mexican food, Little said. But another big thing that Im going to do here eventually is  get this outdoor patio done.

Once his patio  just west of the main door between the restaurant and the Luna Bean Coffee House  is complete, Little plans to host family-friendly events such as a taco-eating competition. The patio would also be dog-friendly.

Were going to do things for kids, like have big bounce houses, games, cornhole, stuff for family, he added.

While some of Littles events will have a Mexican theme, like a grito competition and inviting the Los Guadalupanos group, not everything will be.

Ive looked into Chauncey Williams, Little said. He added that he wants to do all-day events.

Currently the restaurant doesnt have a large sign, but the pole from Whiskey Creek is still there.

Possibly in the future we could get a big sign put on that post, Little said. We actually still have the old so we would just need to reskin it.

To reskin the sign would cost approximately $7,000, compared with $40,000-$50,000 for a new one.

The only special El Barrio currently has is Taco Tuesdays, all-you-can-eat tacos for $12. Types include pastor, carnitas, chicharrones and chicken.

Thanks to friends in the restaurant business, Little found out myriad little details that are needed when you start and need any business venture, especially a restaurant.

Getting registered for Google Maps, Apple Maps, Little said, you know, theres so much to get. Theres those little things you wouldnt have even thought of.

In addition, Little had to register with Google itself. Hes had a number of out-of-town visitors since hes located right on the highway.

Were getting people from Canada and Europe, he said. I cant remember the name of the town, but they were from the U.K. They were super neat people and they came back a second night.

Little said connections with people like that are what he enjoys the most about his new business.

I get a joy out of giving something to people, he said, and theyre they love it. So this is rewarding doing this, even though theres a lot of late nights.

El Barrio Cantina is located at 1802 E. 20th Place in Scottsbluff. The restaurants Facebook page can be reached at tinyurl.com/ElBarrioCantina
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:

Singapore's Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing says select military units are helping combat a cyberattack on the country's critical infrastructure.

Units in Singapore's military have been called in to help combat a cyberattack against critical infrastructure, the country's defense minister said Saturdaya hack attempt attributed to an espionage group experts have linked to China.

Defense 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.

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 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," 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.

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.

"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."

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.

"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
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First Citizens bank is perhaps the greatest comeback story in Trinidad and Tobagos financial history, and certainly among its major public relations triumphs.

Created in 1993 from the collapse of three institutionsthe National Commercial Bank (NCB), the Workers Bank, and the Trinidad Cooperative Bank (TCB)FCB was able to win public confidence and perform well over the ensuing 31 years. In its 2024 annual report, Group CEO Karen Darbasie noted First Citizens had copped the number one spot for Best Performing Bank in Trinidad and Tobago in The Banker Top 30 Caribbean Banks of 2024 ranking.

Now, however, the UNC administrations ham-fisted handling of Darbasies pending departure threatens to undermine public trust in the bank. The Government thus needs to explain quickly, clearly, and thoroughly what has triggered the move to have her relieved of her position.
PHOENIX  Attorneys for doctors trying to void some existing abortion restrictions are trying to keep a judge from hearing the lone arguments against their efforts.

If they are successful, it would leave no one to defend those laws. That would potentially allow the judge to simply declare the statutes invalid and unenforceable.

The laws in question set a mandatory 24-hour waiting period, require in-person medical exams, and prohibit the prescription of abortion pills through telemedicine.

The Center for Reproductive Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union are challenging the laws. Their lawyers say Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen waited too long before filing their bid to dismiss the challenge.

Attorneys for the challengers said the lawmakers inexcusably missed court deadlines several times.

The two GOP lawmakers were told on May 22 that the lawsuit had been filed by the center and the ACLU and were granted extensions to file their paperwork. The plaintiffs said they agreed to the extension out of professional courtesy. Yet it still took Montenegro and Petersen until July 7 to file their arguments about why the lawsuit should be dismissed.

Attorney Andrew Gould, representing the Republican leaders, does not dispute the timing. But he said it falls under the category of excusable neglect.

Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, who normally would be the one to defend existing state laws, has refused to do so in this case. She says the challenged statutes are no longer enforceable after voters approved Proposition 139 in November, which placed a constitutional right to abortion in the Arizona Constitution.

Montenegro and Petersen do have a legal right to defend the constitutionality of the laws, particularly with Mayes stepping aside.

But they are required to meet legal deadlines.

If the judge, Greg Como of Maricopa County Superior Court, finds they had no legitimate reason for failing to do so and that the late filings are not excusable, that would leave no one eligible to defend the challenged laws from the pending litigation.

It also would leave no one to defend statutes that now make it illegal for a doctor to perform an abortion knowing the procedure is sought based on the sex or race of the fetus, and a parallel law that imposes criminal penalties on doctors who terminate a pregnancy knowing that the abortion is sought solely because of a generic abnormality of the child.

Central to the case is the breadth of Proposition 139.

Approved in November by Arizona voters by a 3-2 margin, it spells out in the Arizona Constitution that there is a fundamental right to abortion.

In the case where a fetus is not yet viable  generally considered 22 to 24 weeks  it bars the state from adopting or enforcing any law or regulation that denies or interferes with that right unless justified by a compelling state interest that is achieved by the least restrictive means.

It further defines compelling state interest as one seeking to improve or maintain the health of the person seeking abortion and in a way to not infringe on that individuals autonomous decision making.

There is more latitude for state regulation of post-viability abortions. But it still provides a right to abortion when a treating health care professional determines it is necessary to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual.

The first post-approval lawsuit successfully wiped out a 15-week limit on abortions. There was no opposition.

This litigation goes deeper into the dozens of laws already on the books that affect abortion, picking out ones that two abortion providers and the Arizona Medical Association say run afoul of the new constitutional provision.

Gould, on behalf of legislative leaders Montenegro and Petersen, argues that the Legislature had legitimate reasons for approving all of the restrictions  which predate Prop. 139  that the lawsuit seeks to wipe out.

But, for the moment, the question is whether he will be able to make his case to Como.

The next hearing is set for Aug. 1.
Project Blue. What a catchy name. Evokes images of clear skies. And water. Which, in the desert, are mutually exclusive.

So far, this project, if blue at all, seems to be colored deep indigo  the shade of shadows.

Non-disclosure agreements have kept key information in the dark. Like whom the operator of the sprawling data center will be. And what they will pay for their enormous, hundreds-of-megawatts power consumption (compared to long-suffering residential customers who just got hit with a 14% rate-increase proposal).

The doubletalk of replenishing all consumptive water losses is just that. In our perennially thirsty environment, no matter how much lipstick goes on the pig, a water-guzzling industry deserves close scrutiny.

According to a fact sheet released by the city last week, if the two centers envisioned within the city limits as part of Project Blue are built out, the combined water usage would total 1,910 acre-feet per year.

In slightly more comprehensible terms, thats a shade over 1.7 million gallons of water per day.

Theres also nothing stopping Project Blue from using even more than that staggering projection. Of course, the mystery operator would pay a premium for the overuse of water, but theres no evident contractual limit on how much they could draw.

Also worth factoring into this is that some very good reporting from elsewhere has made the point that promises made to governmental bodies by data-center developers around the world frequently have not been kept.

Tucsonans have a right to know who the operator of this massive plant will be. That should be non-negotiable. The stakes are too high to greenlight this project without being able to assess how it might be managed.

Second, the terms of its private deal with TEP should be disclosed.

Some business deals get done in private because negotiations work better away from the glare of public opinion. But government business  the peoples business  should never value non-disclosure over the peoples right to know.

The peoples land and water, the peoples power, the peoples money must be handled in transparent, public fashion. Not only are we, the voters and taxpayers, entitled to know the decisions our governments make on these matters  but we are also entitled to understand the information upon which the decisions are based.

Some of our most respected officeholders and business leaders are foursquare in favor of this project  people like Rex Scott, Pima County Board of Supervisors chair, who has not minced words about his support.

The boost it could provide to our local economy may well be transformative, Scott says.

On the Opinion pages of the Arizona Daily Star, Pat DeConcini, another well-respected community leader, wrote that the benefits will be profound  our police, fire and public safety can be properly funded and thousands of Tucsonans most in need can receive the help they deserve.

But significant doubts and questions remain.

The New York Times, in a hard-hitting story last week about data centers water use, said big techs data-center owners often want to build where power can be bought relatively cheaply, because of the prodigious amount of power they use  even if those locales are in drought-stricken places.

In the New York Times story, Newsha Alami, a hydrologist and director of urban water policy at Stanford, said, Data center companies often demand as much water as they can get, using the tax revenue they pay as leverage.

She added that tech companies priority to build where power is cheap and dependable has exacerbated water shortages across the world.

Water is an afterthought for tech companies, she said. The thinking is, Someone will figure that out later.

And, as Pima County Supervisor Jen Allen pointed out last week, data centers beget data centers, because once power and water infrastructure is built, other projects follow.

All of these facts, including the industrys spotty track record on keeping pre-project promises, must be taken into account before the Tucson City Council greenlights this huge project. We must know who the operator will be, how much power the project will use and how much they will pay for it. And we need to do some hard math to determine whether it really makes any kind of sense to invite in an industry to use 1.7 million gallons of our precious water every day of the year.

Every step of the way, local officials must demand transparency and carefully fact-check the promises made. And the public must be kept in the loop.

It was recently said that if Project Blues prospective operator is outed, they will walk.
July 20, 2025: China has, for decades, proclaimed its intention of making the independent island nation of Taiwan, Chinese once more. China has considered numerous attack options but so far none of them were promising enough to try. China realizes that if they attack Taiwan, they must occupy and conquer it quickly before the United States, South Korea and Japan can intervene.

China also fears a wider disruption of trade, which would be fatal for the current Communist government. The Communists remain in power because of prosperity, the result of China becoming the largest exporter in the world. If that trade were to be blockaded or sanctioned, China would have millions of bankrupt and angry Chinese to deal with. Its situations like this that keep China from following through on its threat to conquer Taiwan.

Both China and Taiwan have problems with corruption. This makes it difficult for either country to keep secrets, like plans to attack or defend against hostile activities. China has corrupted Taiwanese security personnel as well as general officers. The infiltration extends to security agencies including the National Defense intelligence section. Military personnel are also at fault. Active duty and retired personnel with access to secrets were compromised.

That is how Taiwan monitors the extent to which China has infiltrated or hired Taiwanese gangsters and businessmen to back Chinese efforts. The criminals are in it for the money. Taiwanese businessmen are cooperating to maintain business interests in China as well as Taiwan. Smugglers are another source of information. Tens of thousands of ships doc at Taiwanese ports each year. This is how China could bring in explosives, electronics, and drones to be used to thwart efforts to defend the island against attack.

Chinese firms that own a lot of enterprises in Taiwan dont want a war and support efforts to avoid one. Chinese entrepreneurs have far more to lose than their Taiwanese counterparts. A primary goal of a Chinese attack would be senior government officials. This is simplified by the infiltration of personnel.

There are potential solutions for all this. The government needs to improve its capabilities to keep the government operational after an attack. This includes lists of successors for important posts. There must be enough to survive heavy losses among leaders. Simulation tests must be run several times to be certain that the system works.

The defense of Taiwan from Chinese attack should include the development of plans and doctrine and not depend on rigid plans that have never been tested in training exercises. Another needed innovation is the use of enthusiastic volunteers willing to serve a military reserve. These troops would undergo some training and be ready for action. This might also include the Swiss allowing volunteers to keep their weapons at home so soldiers can go into combat within hours or minutes. Nothing surprises Chinese invaders who made it to shore than being met by armed and resolute Taiwanese infantry.

All of this can best be used with an opposition force, or OpFor to regularly practice wartime maneuvers regularly. This would ensure that plans and countermeasures are kept current and effective

China has not given up on seizing Taiwan, but they need a plan that has a high probability of working. A recent Israeli military operation against Iran provided some inspiration. On closer examination it turned out that China lacked several of the essential abilities Israeli used to make their plan work. The most important element of Israeli success was experience. China has not fought a war since 1979, when they battled veteran Vietnamese soldiers in a brief border conflict. China lost initially but later claimed they had prevailed when they warned Vietnam that they might use air strikes and a naval blockade if the Vietnamese did not let Chinese forces withdraw more or less peacefully. Not only did Israel have more experience but they had developed a network of over a hundred intelligence and sabotage operatives inside Iran. Most of these were Iranians hostile to the current religious government. China has no such network in Taiwan, but both China and Taiwan have intelligence operatives in enemy territory. Both are also hobbled by corruption within the military and government.

China thought there might be useful lessons learned from the Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russia. There werent. Ukraine had many operatives inside Russia, either ethnic Ukrainian Russian citizens or Russians angry over the futile and expensive war against Ukraine.

Taiwan is not seeking to attack China but to defend itself against Chinese invasion. In that respect Taiwan benefits from what Iran has done to recover from the devastating Israeli airstrikes. Iran has received substantial aid from Russia and China. Russia depends on Iran for supplies of cheap missiles to use against Ukraine. China obtains most of its oil imports from Iran. Taiwan has long relied on the United States to supply them with weapons. Chinese efforts to persuade or bully the Americans into halting these weapons shipments have failed. America is too powerful to bully and considers Taiwan an ally in its opposition to an aggressive China.

Taiwan does have legitimate fears of China using its growing arsenal of militarized drones to overcome Taiwanese defenses. China started the drone revolution in 2006 when a Chinese firm introduced the first of a long line of Mavic quad-copter drones. While Ukraine was a heavy user of Mavis drones, they were also building their own. Drone components are manufactured by numerous firms worldwide. When Russia persuaded China to halt drone exports to Ukraine, the Ukrainians increased local production. Many of the Ukrainian drone producers now plan to offer stiff competition for Chinese drones after the war.
Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

OKLAHOMA CITY  A new cellphone-friendly portal to access the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission should make it easier and less stressful for people to file claims for unemployment benefits or take care of other business.

According to OESC officials, a benefit claim process that used to take 1 hours or longer, and which for many might have required an in-person visit to an OESC office, may now take only half an hour or so.

Considering that the OESC handles an average of about 100,000 unemployment insurance claims annually, that should represent about 100,000 hours of time saved by Oklahomans who are often struggling with the trauma of losing a job and stress of finding new work.

OESC Chief Executive Officer Trae Rahill said the recent launch of the portal, a milestone event in an ongoing major system modernization, should yield greater efficiencies in other areas as well, such as in helping people to land new jobs.

The portal, which offers seamless capability across desktop computers, tablets and  most importantly  smartphones, isnt just more intuitive; its also more secure.

From first interaction to final submission, this portal is designed to stay one step ahead  not just in ease of use, but in ensuring benefits go to the right people, OESC Chief Innovation Officer Mark Davis said. If you come to our website (on a cellphone) it will appear as though it was built for it.

The portal also was designed to make it easier for people to use their phones to upload documents, check up on claims or file weekly updates on their information. It includes improved fraud detection capabilities that will benefit legitimate filers by more efficiently zeroing in on questionable claims and using more sophisticated processes to clarify and greenlight legitimate ones.

Rahill said that will help to ensure that business taxes collected to support the system are well spent.

Davis said the state was long overdue for a successful modernization of the Unemployment Insurance processing system. The OESC had been relying on mainframe technology more than 30 years old. The system was swamped during the pandemic, when claims shot up from the annual average of 100,000 to 200,000 per month.

People were in dire need, so thats where the focus went, and unfortunately that meant that some of the technology modernization really struggled, he said.

But the forced slowdown of modernization combined with lessons learned during the pandemic and advances in technology seem to have left Oklahoma in better shape than many other states. Other states have spent far more on modernization efforts that have essentially failed.

Some states are now rebuilding their systems for the third time, Rahill said.

Oklahoma invested about $2.5 million to $3 million  most of it federal pandemic relief funding  on the new portal.

Davis and Rahill said the OESC is continuing to update and improve its processes involved with helping people to find work, matching employers with people who have desired skills, streamlining and offering new services for businesses and meeting federal reporting and other requirements.

So, even though this is the most substantive part of our modernization effort, it is just one of the pieces, Davis said.

The vast majority of the OESCs modernization efforts should be completed by 2027.

(However), modernization is an interesting term, because every day its refreshed, but our expectation is that this (new portal launch) will give us the most significant and most impactful change while at the same time we are also doing all of those other updates for the employers and employees, Davis said. So, a lot more competency for driving the future.

The OESC executives said the new portal has received positive feedback from users.

People who have used the system before can log into the new portal by using their existing credentials. For new claimants, the registration process was designed to be fast and secure. For additional information or to access the portal, visit https://oklahoma.gov/oesc/individuals/unemployment.html.
Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Columnist Follow Ginnie Graham Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

If someone offers to sell a $300 handgun in exchange for $100 and free haircuts, be suspicious. Also, dont leave your firearms unsecured in your parked car.

Those are the takeaways from the latest Wheres Your Gun? blurb on the Tulsa Police Departments Facebook page.

Its common sense, but hoping gun owners use common sense is the only Oklahoma approach to gun safety. Something people dont realize is that buying a stolen gun, even if unknowingly, can lead to an arrest.

Lawmakers refuse to consider even basic safety regulations for firearms. To better incentivize responsible behavior, lawmakers passed a bill in the past session to exempt sales tax on gun safes and firearm safety devices. Senate Bill 50 was sponsored by Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, with Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City.

Thats a good, commonsense start. But police are still dealing with an incredible amount of guns among the public. Despite the pithy catchphrase, they cant always tell the good guys from the bad guys by sight.

While licensed dealers are required to do a criminal background check before a sale, a private sale has no such requirement  those firearms may stay completely off the radar until popping up in a crime.

Former Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin was frustrated by the amount of firearms getting into the hands of kids and criminals, finding much of it was from irresponsible gun ownership. Guns not properly locked and stored were being stolen and used in crimes, either by thieves or kids in the household.

In 2022 and 2023, more than 600 guns were stolen in Tulsa, largely from vehicles. Among Franklins priorities was emphasizing responsible gun ownership by using various outreach tools. Last year, 458 firearms were reported stolen, a 30% decrease.

In early 2024, TPD began a social media campaign on Wednesdays with examples of irresponsible gun ownership with prevention tips. The latest caught my attention.

On July 9, officers stopped Daryl Exom in the 2300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on a traffic violation. They searched the vehicle after identifying an open beer bottle and the odor of marijuana, according to TPD. They found a 9 mm Taurus pistol under the drivers seat.

Exom said he is a barber who bought the gun from a client for $100 and some free haircuts. Unfortunately for Exom, this is Possession of Stolen Property, the TPD post states.

The pistol was stolen March 31, 2021. A woman told police she had driven to a location where she could take a walk, parked with the vehicles windows cracked and left the firearm in her unlocked glovebox. When returning 30 minutes later, she found someone had broken into her car and took the gun.

That is a common scenario. Also, to alleviate a false sense of security, guns are often stolen out of cars parked in gated neighborhoods. Thieves can get around fences and gates.

Exom was arrested and faces misdemeanor charges of receiving stolen property and unlawfully carrying a firearm. Even though his purchase led to legal problems, buying a gun from an acquaintance isnt unusual in Oklahoma. Who knows how many hands that firearm went through before landing in that car.

Private gun sales in Oklahoma have led to deadly and tragic endings. Among the worst: In a 2008 murder case in Weleetka, a man with a history of criminal and violent behavior bought a gun from someone at a McDonalds drive-through while he worked a shift. That Glock .40-caliber was later used to kill 11-year-old Skyla Whitaker and 13-year-old Taylor Paschal-Placker while the girls were walking on a rural road. Kevin Sweat pleaded guilty to those homicides and for murdering his fiancee, 23-year-old Ashley Taylor, in 2011.

Getting a gun in Oklahoma isnt difficult. A person can buy a military style, semi-automatic rifle from a buddy with no wait or background check, sling it over a shoulder and carry it into a local bakery. Thats not a fictional scenario; I uncomfortably waited in line next to that guy for a buttery croissant.

High school kids have an easier time obtaining a gun than they do a bottle of Jack Daniels or marijuana gummies.

Thats not likely to change as Second Amendment purists have the money and influence to control elections. It would be helpful if those same gun enthusiasts at least pushed for responsible gun ownership.

Gun owners need to get back to basics: Treat every gun as loaded; keep firearms pointed in a safe direction; keep finger off the trigger until firing; be aware of the target and its surroundings; know firearm well; and, importantly, store a gun securely.

For those buying in a private sale, police can help authenticate the firearms legal status.

TPD says a person can verify if a firearm has been stolen by calling the departments non-emergency number, 918-596-9222. Officers can check the National Crime Information Center database to see if its been reported stolen.

Oklahomans depend on responsible gun ownership as public policy. So keep guns locked  not in a car, in a bedroom drawer or under towels beneath the sink  and know the ownership history of the weapon youre purchasing.
Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net

Patna: A new survey has revealed a major shift in Bihars Dalit political landscape, with the Mahagathbandhan (the RJD, Congress and Left alliance) emerging as the top choice among Dalit voters, securing 46.13% support  well ahead of the NDAs 31.93%.

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Conducted by the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations (NACDAOR) and The Convergent Media (TCM), the survey covered 18,581 respondents across 49 Assembly constituencies, including 11 reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). The fieldwork spanned from June 10 to July 4, 2025, across Kosi, Mithilanchal, Seemanchal, Bhojpur, Champarana and Magadh-Patliputra regions. The findings were released in Patna on July 18.

The Mahagathbandhans dominance is especially notable in Kosi, where support peaks at 72.33%, and in Bhojpur, with 53.75%. The NDA maintains a lead only in Seemanchal, where it secures 42.57% of Dalit votes. The survey points to a growing alignment of Dalits with the Mahagathbandhans stance on issues such as unemployment and caste census. A combined 58.38% of respondents credited Rahul Gandhi (30.81%) and Tejashwi Yadav (27.57%) for leading the push on these concerns.

The data suggests a rise in youth-led leadership and issue-based voting patterns, reflecting growing political assertion among Dalits. According to the survey, unemployment, voter list-related anxieties and demands for expanded reservations are key issues that political parties must address to engage this critical voter segment.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadavs popularity appears to be growing within the community, particularly for his stance on caste census and unemployment, issues that 58.85% of respondents identified as their top concerns. The caste-based survey in Bihar was carried out when he served as the deputy chief minister, under a government led by Nitish Kumar with support from Lalu Prasad Yadavs RJD.

Despite Tejashwis surge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to hold the top spot in popularity among Dalit voters, with 47.51% support. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi follows closely at 40.30%, which the survey views as a notable gain for the Congress, given its limited organisational presence in the state.

The caste census debate remains central in Bihar politics, and the surveys findings offer surprising insights into public sentiment. A striking 58.38% of respondents attributed credit for advocating the caste survey to Rahul and Tejashwi  compared to only 33.15% for Prime Minister Modi.

Tejashwi also leads in overall popularity among Dalit leaders, with 28.83% support, followed by Chirag Paswan (25.88%) and Nitish Kumar (22.80%). His support is especially strong among younger Dalits and in regions like Kosi and Bhojpur, pointing to a generational and regional shift toward new leadership.

By contrast, Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) President and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appears to be losing support among Dalits, particularly among Mahadalit communities. The Dusadh caste shows the least backing at 18.79% and other Mahadalit groups range between 20% and 33% support.

Discontent with Nitishs government is reflected in the 48.43% of respondents who rated his administration negatively. Disapproval is highest in Bhojpur (71.10%) and Kosi (68.75%). While some communities like Mehtar, Hadi, Valmiki and Pasi expressed relatively better views, the overall mood indicates declining trust in his leadership.

Unemployment remains the dominant concern for Dalits, cited by 58.85% of respondents, with the crisis felt most deeply in Kosi (80.51%) and Bhojpur (61.42%). Education and healthcare (14.67%), along with corruption (11.21%), were also highlighted as significant issues.

The survey also examined Dalit perceptions of the ongoing and controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. Only 51.22% of respondents said they trust the Election Commission of India, while 27.40% raised doubts about its impartiality. A concerning 71.56% feared being removed from the voter rolls, especially among Ravidas (83.05%), Pasis (78.84%) and in regions like Seemanchal (78.08%) and Kosi (77.19%).

In terms of legacy, Ram Vilas Paswan continues to be the most influential Dalit leader overall, with 52.35% support, especially among Dusadhs (65.37%) and smaller castes (68.36%). Among Ravidas, Babu Jagjivan Ram remains the most admired, with 47.87% support.

Conducted entirely by Dalit activists and covering all 23 Dalit sub-castes, the survey had strong representation from Dusadhs (31%), Ravidas (30.72%) and Musahars (17.08%), together accounting for 97.8% of Bihars Dalit population. Four training workshops were held in Patna, Begusarai and Darbhanga to ensure methodical and community-rooted data collection.

The findings point to a major shift in Bihars Dalit political sentiment, indicating growing alignment with Mahagathbandhan and Tejashwi Yadav and a decline in Nitish Kumars influence, particularly among Mahadalits. Issue-based politics, especially focussed on unemployment and caste representation, appear to be driving the change.

NACDAOR Chairman Ashok Bharti and TCM Directors Prem Kumar and Ranjan Kumar hailed the study as a milestone in participatory research. They emphasised its importance in capturing the real concerns of Dalit communities. The 25-day fieldwork, backed by four intensive residential workshops, ensured methodological accuracy and deep grassroots insight  making this a significant intervention in the run-up to Bihars Assembly elections in OctoberNovember.
This easternmost region of Bihar, bordering Nepal, West Bengal and Bangladesh, covers Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar and Purnia with 24 assembly seats. It has a large Muslim population  68% in Kishanganj, 43% in Araria, 45% in Katihar and 39% in Purnia according to the 2011 census. Still, many families remain poor.

Since independence, Muslims here have faced neglect. The NITI Aayogs 2023 Multidimensional Poverty Index ranks all four districts among Bihars poorest. A survey by the Asian Development Research Institute in 32 villages and 4,205 respondents shows 43.32% of Muslim families are Economically Backward Class (EBC), versus 24.92% of Hindu families; 49.22% of Hindu EBCs are Dalits.

Education levels are bleak. Only 0.82% of Muslims hold a graduation degree. Illiteracy affects 37% of women and 29% of men.

Health risks compound challenges. Nausheen Khatoon, 37, from Jokihat, complains, If a woman does not have a normal delivery, she has to go 50 to 60 kilometres away. Sometimes, they die due to complications.

Though agriculture supports over 90% of families, no processing units exist for their produce  tea, dragon fruit and pineapple. Yearly floods and erosion destroy homes and fields. No floodcontrol or rivermanagement systems are in place.

Congress MP Katihar, Tariq Anwar, says, Since independence, floods, erosion, unemployment, migration and corruption have been major issues in Seemanchal, but solutions have been inadequate. Different governments have tried, but results are lacking.

The Bihar Caste Survey 2022-23 found 68-75% of Muslims live in kutcha houses. Funds are frequently spent on political rallies instead of schools, roads or bridges. Promises remain paper-thin, even as youth leave in search of opportunity.

Meanwhile, community-led innovations have emerged as a ray of hope.

Daniyal Ashraf, who runs Rahi India Foundation, says, How long can we keep complaining? If we teach people how to use computers, phones and the internet, they will become digitally and socially aware. That is why, we have launched the DigiPathshala project in the Kochadhaman assembly constituency.

Politics, Promises and Polls

Seemanchal has become a political hotspot, with Muslim votes swinging outcomes. Amour MLA Akhtarul Iman, who belongs to the Hyderabad-based All India Muslim Majli-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and Jokihat legislator Shahnawaz Alam, a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), criticise Nitish Kumars government for Seemanchals backwardness.

While Alam claims that during the 17month Mahagathbandhan (RJD, Congress, Left combined) government, we provided jobs to 5 lakh youth, Iman says that Seemanchal is a Muslimmajority area, so everyone has taken advantage of it. Nothing has been done.

In 2020, the AIMIM won five assembly seats, shaking up RJDs dominance. In 2015, the RJD and the Congress relied heavily on Muslim votes.

Now, as the 2025 elections loom, both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition Mahagathbandhan are campaigning aggressively.

CM Nitish Kumar touts new schemes; the Opposition promises a Seemanchal Development Authority.

Former MLA Saba Zafar states, The education system has improved but it is not enough. Even if the government builds schools, many parents do not send their children. Migration happens due to lack of education. Nitish Kumar is seen as a proMuslim leader.

Two key political issues are in focus  the Waqf (Amendment) Act and the Seemanchal Development Authority. The NDA hopes the newly-enacted waqf law will draw Hindu and backward Muslim votes. The Opposition emphasises real development.

Jamia Millia Islamia scholar Raqib Alam points to internal divisions. People here are divided into groups, pulling each other down. If Kishanganj MP Javed Azad organises a social reform programme, others will not attend because he is from the Congress. People do not see these as community programmes but as party events. That is why progress is slow.

Journalist Tanzil Asif, who owns Main Media that extensively covers socio-political issues in Seemanchal, highlights rising representation and rising frustration.

BJPs state president Dilip Jaiswal, Congress legislative party leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan, CPI(ML)s Mahboob Alam and AIMIMs Akhtarul Iman all hail from Seemanchal. Floods and erosion remain perennial issues. When will solutions come? It is hard to say, he says.

Voices of Change

First-time voter Babar, 19, from Bahadurganj, says, I will not vote based on caste, religion or propaganda. I will see which party and leader stand with the most marginalised. That is how I will decide.

Shahid Ali, 46, from Thakurganj, adds, We are uneducated, so politicians only take our votes. But our children are studying. Now we will see which party works for us and vote accordingly.

Today, Seemanchals politics and society are changing  slowly and unmistakably. Muslims here have been held back since Independence due to geography, economics and political neglect.

Official data confirms Seemanchal as the most backward region in Bihar. While the 2025 assembly elections offer hope, the journey toward real development and empowerment has only just begun.
Snobar, TwoCircles.net

In the quiet and sun-scorched village of Aterna Samshabad, near Badakli Chawk in Mewat, Ayana once sat in the eighth-grade classroom of the only government school in the area. According to her teachers, she was a promising student  sharp, curious and full of potential. But that promise dimmed when life took a harsh turn. Her mother was pregnant, and she needed care.

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Ayana stepped up, managing the house and walking long distances to collect water for her family. She tried to balance her responsibilities, but when her mother died during childbirth, her life changed forever. She was pulled out of school for good.

Her absence was deeply felt. Worried by her disappearance, her class teacher went to her home to find out why she had not returned. What she learned broke her heart. With her mother gone, Ayanas education no longer mattered to her family. Chores did. Responsibilities did. Survival did. Ayana would never walk into a classroom again.

Though painful, her story is not unique. In Mewat, now known as Nuh, Ayanas fate mirrors that of countless girls for whom water, or the lack of it, decides whether they get an education or not. Here, girls are often the first to be pulled out of school when family needs intensify. And with the chronic shortage of water, those needs are constant.

Mewat is one of the most underdeveloped regions in the country. It lags behind in nearly every basic facility  education, healthcare and clean water. According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate in the region, with three states (Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) have jurisdiction over it, is just 54.08 percent. For men, it is 69.94 percent. For women, it drops sharply to a mere 36.60 percent.

In schools across the region, the story is the same. Up until eighth grade, nearly all girls are enrolled. But beyond that, the numbers fall. Families often justify it by saying, Unki ladkiyan badi ho gayi hain, ab unhe school nahi aana chahiye (Their daughters have grown up  meaning they have started menstruating  so they should not go to school anymore).

When asked about water availability in the school, a female teacher, who did not wish to be named, said, Pani toh hai hi kam (There is already very little water).

Though the school does have water, it does not come through tap connections. Instead, the school head arranges for tankers. But these tankers are sporadic, unreliable and not easily accessible  not to students, not to teachers and not even to the women who cook the midday meal.

The government has not given us a dedicated tanker. In the summer, tankers get delayed for weeks. Demand is too high. And when the water finally arrives, we fill buckets and store what we can. We do not know when we will get it next, the teacher explained.

There are toilets on school grounds. But they are dry, locked or overflowing. The girls washrooms remain locked most of the time because there is no water for flushing. The boys toilets are open but reek of foul smells. For the staff, both male and female, there is just one washroom. Its tap is broken. It never supplies water.

It is not just hard for the girls. Even we face these problems. When water comes every four or five days, we save it in buckets just to be able to use the washroom. The taps have stopped working altogether, another female teacher said.

It gets worse. The water that does come, rarely and in small quantities, is salty and undrinkable. Tankers, which cost Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000, are a luxury most families cannot afford. So they drink what is available, no matter how bad it is.

When the water comes, villagers rush to fill their containers. They cannot afford tankers. But this water is saline. It should only be used in toilets. Still, out of desperation, they drink it, the teacher complained.

She spoke of how water scarcity affects attendance, especially among girls. Around 80 percent of the girls go to collect water. Their families are poor. They cannot buy water, so they rely on one or two daughters to fetch it. These girls walk 2 to 4 kilometres daily. They leave in the morning and return in the evening. There is no time left for school, she narrated.

And it is not just water collection that keeps girls away. Menstruation does too. The teacher explained how girls often skip school during their periods. They do not say it outright, but when we ask, they just say, Problem thi(There was a problem). We understand what they mean, she said.

Saheedan, a midday meal worker in her 40s, echoed the same pain.

The biggest problem in Aterna village is the lack of water. When girls start menstruating, this becomes an even bigger issue. Washrooms should have water at that time, but they dont. So girls stop coming to school. Their families cannot afford private schools where there are better facilities, she said.

She talked about how the children manage drinking water during school hours. We carry buckets of water from a tanker near the gate and pour it into a single can. That is the only drinking water the children have. Sometimes, they fight over it. There are no taps. Just one can, she described.

When asked about government claims that 100 percent of households and schools in Mewat have tap water under the Har Ghar Jal Yojana, she shook her head in anger.

It is a complete lie. There is no water at all. Many homes do not even have taps. Some do not have pipelines. And water is so expensive  Rs 1,000 for just one tanker, she added.

Another staff member, Vijendra Singh, said bitterly, These yojanas (schemes) are only fulfilled on paper. Har Ghar Jal, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, they sound good but nothing happens in real life.

In Aterna village, official data shows that all 332 households have tap water connections. But what is visible tells a different story.

Mubarak, an activist from the village, pointed to one of the so-called taps. It is just a pipe running over a filthy drain filled with garbage. Many pipes are broken. Dirty water from the drain seeps into them. This is what people are expected to drink.

Pointing at a cracked pipe, he added, It is not even a tap. Just a joke of what clean water access should look like.

The only government water chamber nearby is surrounded by drain water and open fields. Women who use the water say it is not safe to drink.

We want the tank to be cleaned. It is dried up. When the school runs out of water, my children come home to drink. Then they say they are late and do not return to school. They miss out on learning, said one woman, her face hidden behind a scarf as she washed clothes.

Barkati, in her 50s and a former Gram Panchayat (village council) member, said with visible frustration, There is neither electricity nor water. There is nothing in the schools either. Our girls have to go far to fetch water. There are no toilets. No water. No facilities. That is why they remain uneducated.

Her voice trembled between anger and sorrow. The government has given us nothing. No one listens to us. All we want is education for our girls, clean water, working taps, clean water chambers and roads that do not crumble beneath our feet.

A walk through Valmiki Gaon in Aterna revealed a large open drain at the village entrance, spilling with garbage. Pipes stuck out from corners of homes, supposedly part of the tap water scheme  but they were bone dry.

A Dalit woman recalled, Last year, they installed these taps. They promised clean water. For a few days, we got some. But then it stopped. Since then, nothing.

A young Dalit man, afraid to be named, said quietly, Madam, just write this  there is no water here.

Another woman added bitterly, If you want water here, pay for it. If you cannot, stay thirsty.

She continued, A tanker comes every 38 hours, but we have to wait a full day in advance just to get a little water. In summer, we must request it 15 days before.

As she spoke, a girl in grade 7 suddenly threw down the metal pot she was using to collect water. I cannot do this anymore. I am going to school, she yelled.

The woman looked on, weary but proud. She gets so tired from carrying water again and again, she just gives up, she said and then smiled gently. We have only one demand  free access to water.

Tell me, madam, she said, We are labourers. How are we supposed to survive? What will we eat, what will we drink, how will we educate our children? We do not even own land. But if we get water, we get everything. Nothing is more important than water.

In Chak Rangala village in Firozpur Jhirka, Zareena, in her 40s, spoke of her daughters.

Their school is 1-2 km away. They carry bottles, but they are empty in an hour. In summer, they are thirsty and tired. They ask me, Mummy, how can we go to school when there is no drinking water or water in the washrooms? They get anxious. They do not want to go.

The scheme that was meant to empower women by providing water has failed them. Instead of support, it has only deepened their burdens.

Zakir Hussain, founder of Al-Khair Education and Charitable Trust in Firozpur Jhirka, claimed his organisation has been working to address this crisis. They say they have implemented over 150 water projects, installing RO systems in madrasas, building washrooms and providing clean water.

The water crisis has a direct impact on girls education. They spend their whole day collecting water. There is no time left to study, he said, adding, Government data says 100 percent of homes have water. But in reality, maybe 15 households actually have it and that too, irregularly.

In Ghasera village, once home to several wells, nothing remains. Fields hide what is left of them  dry and salty pits no longer fit for use.

Yousuf, an Urdu teacher, said, The rains have stopped. Groundwater has dried up. Wells used to help. But now, they are gone. Some were even covered with soil to prevent accidents. The few that remain hold dirty water not even fit for animals.

In 2001, the Payjal Badhotri Yojana was launched with a budgetary allocation of Rs 450 crore to bring water to villages like Ghasera. It lasted until 2006. After that, the supply dwindled. Nothing improved under successive governments. People were left behind.

Mohammad Mohsin, a worker at a local petrol pump, said, We had a powerhouse for water under Chautalas government. Now, it does not even have a motor.

Sarpanch Aasu Mohammad alleged that tenders go to big companies. No one knows who got the contract. Pipelines were laid. But no water comes, he said.

Nuhs Congress MLA Aftab Ahmed admitted that the 100 percent tap water claim is false. I raised it in the Vidhan Sabha (state assembly). But what more can I do?

Yousuf summed it up by saying, What the government promised was just a slogan. There is not a single working tap here.

Repeated attempts to contact the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), which oversees the scheme in Nuh, went unanswered.
A Manhattan federal jury is now seeing firsthand the crazy, emoji-ridden crypto scam as the trial of the Tornado Cash laundering case continues.

Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, is responsible for the crypto "mixing" service. He is charged with laundering more than $1 billion in dirty cashmoney linked to North Korean hackers.

The last witness was Andre Marcus Quiddaoen Llacuna, a 23-year-old convicted NFT scammer, who testified as part of a government cooperation agreement. Llacuna gave an inside perspective on how Tornado Cash supposedly aided him and other actors to mask the source of stolen crypto.

NFT Rug Pull Funded Through Tornado Cash

Llacuna admitted to defrauding investors in a now-defunct NFT initiative named Frosties, selling 8,888 NFTs under pretenses of an impending game and breeding mechanics with a partner.

The tokens, priced at about $200$300 per token, sold out fast, then the devs disappeared, wiping the project's website, Discord, and Twitter, leaving purchasers with zero.

According to Coindesk, he informed the jury that he laundered more than $1 million worth of Ethereum (ETH) from selling the Frosties through Tornado Cash, labeling it as the "best way to hide the money and get away with it." Asked how he "cleaned" the money, Llacuna replied matter-of-factly:

"By using Tornado Cash."

He even used the "washy washy" phrase at the time as part of his joke to his girlfriend.

Victims and Investigators Report Tornado Cash Ignored Red Flags

Prosecutors also introduced testimony from victims and investigators who tried to reclaim stolen money, only to be ignored or dismissed by Tornado Cash.

Hanfeng Lin, a Georgia court interpreter, described how she lost her $250,000 life savings to a crypto scheme. A private investigator tracked $150,000 of her money to Tornado Cash, but when she wrote hello@tornado.cash, she heard nothing.

In another case, crypto exchange BitMart's lawyer, Joseph B. Evans, testified that hackers made off with $196 million on the platform in 2021. Having tracked funds to Tornado Cash, Evans approached Storm in writing, asking for assistance in freezing the funds.

However, he was greeted with a dry reply, which only says that "Tornado Cash is a decentralized computer software program that no one can control." With that, the team cannot help him.

Roman Storm Faces 40+ Years If Convicted

Storm, who is running an unlicensed money transfer business and evading federal sanctions, has refuted that he didn't do anything wrong. His defense contends that Tornado Cash is merely open-source code that provides financial privacy, not a money-laundering service.

His attorney, Keri Curtis Axel, defended that Roman can't do anything to prevent bad actors because he just wrote the software.
The tradition of painting the portrait of a British monarch is an exclusive art form that stretches back more than 600 years. But for the first time, the brush was not being wielded by a human, but by Ai-Da, a humanoid robot infused with advanced artificial intelligence (AI).

Ai-Da has created an oil portrait of King Charles III called "Algorithm King," painted without the king sitting for it. It's made possible with the help of the reference photo and, of course, the AI.

Who or What is Ai-Da?

According to Digital Trends, the painting was premiered at the AI for Good Summit organized by the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. It's an event that is committed to highlighting the ways that artificial intelligence can be utilized for the benefit of humankind.

Ai-Da, the world's first ultra-realistic AI robot artist, was created in 2019 by a joint venture between gallery director Aidan Meller, Engineered Arts, and researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Leeds.

With the help of advanced language processing algorithms, cameras, and a pair of robotic arms, Ai-Da can have natural conversations and draw highly detailed pictures. Though it is not mobile as yet, and needs to be set up in front of a canvas to start working.

How Did Ai-Da Create 'Algorithm King'

For "Algorithm King," Ai-Da employed both image processing and algorithmic choice to analyze different photos of King Charles III. She then painted oil on canvas using her robot arm, creating a portrait which many have dubbed surprisingly human in its rendition.

"It's a privilege to be part of this remarkable event at the United Nations, surrounded by those shaping the future of technology and culture," Ai-Da said in comments via Sky News. "

The robot said that the portrait of the British Monarch is "not just a creative act, but it's also a statement about the evolving role of AI in our society."

The Developing Controversy Over AI and Art

The portrait has generated new debate regarding AI use in creative industries. Opposition claims that AI art undermines the livelihood of traditional artists and habitually employs copyrighted material without permission.

Ai-Da's creators insist that her artwork is not in the same league as generative AI models trained on enormous datasets without express permission. That still leaves open ethical issues like whether the photographers whose photos were used consented or received any payment.

For instance, a Colorado artist faced a legal battle regarding his artwork ownership and copyright. Jason Claim claimed he spent thousands of hours painting "Theatre D'opera Spatial" on Midjourney, yet some people reproduced his artwork without permission.

However, the US Copyright Office did not allow Allen to register the artwork's copyright because the original creator is Midjourney and not him.

For the coming years, AI-made artworks will be harder to identify from human art, as supported by a study from Bowling Green State University in 2023.
Wrexham.com has invited local Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home  you can find them all here.

Its been a year since I was elected as your MP, which is an incredible privilege.

Our constituency is diverse, taking in the city centre as well as villages and rural communities. I represent everybody and advocate for them where I can.

I know there is a lack of trust in politics and that extends to the media, the establishment and institutions.

Thats why for example I am advocating for changes to the way we vote.

Ive spoken in Parliament about the need for a National Commission to explore electoral reform and I am part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Elections which also looks at media misinformation, disinformation and dirty money in politics.

I continue to work for fair funding for Wales and we are already seeing progress on this after years of underfunding. As a member of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, I can do this on a weekly basis in the committee as well as in parliamentary debates and meetings with ministers and stakeholders.

The Barnett formula for example needs to be reviewed as we should not just have a case where funding is Barnettised.

We have seen a record settlement for Wales in the budget and funding for transport infrastructure from the spending review where Wales will get 445 million plus 200 million in Barnett consequential funding along with the Welsh Government budget allocation for transport.

Network North Wales is ambitious, with huge potential benefits here in Wrexham and that is already starting in terms of the improvements on the Wrexham-Bidston line.

I really enjoy being in Wrexham meeting constituents, businesses and organisations here. In the last year Ive held surgeries across the city from Brymbo to Bangor on Dee and Rossett to Gwersyllt as well as in the centre of Wrexham itself.

My office handles incredible amounts of case work ranging from issues around potholes and noise pollution to housing and hospital waiting lists.

There is undoubtedly still work to do but the Employment Rights Act will protect workers from day 1, especially from practices like fire and rehire which we know all too well in Wrexham as well as zero-hour contracts.

We have seen pay increases for nurses, doctors, our armed forces and teachers as well as increased support for our armed forces veterans, particularly in terms of housing and wellbeing.

The UK Labour Government has also decriminalised homelessness and regulated water companies about bosses bonuses and pollution.

The Government has published its industrial and trade strategies, but I know from speaking regularly to businesses in Wrexham, that we need more support for small and medium sized businesses.

I am working on areas such as the electricity we get from the grid both in terms of the amount and the price, and mobile signal for example which I know will make a difference.

As a backbench MP we can challenge the Government and that has been seen recently with the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments Bill.

Along with colleagues, I made representations, signed letters and attended meetings to represent the views of the constituents who had contacted me along with organisations who were concerned about the impact of these reforms on Wrexham and Wales.

The Government listened and made a number of changes to the Bill.

As my second year begins, I am looking forward to developing my ACE (Accessibility, Community, Environment) Wrexham campaign alongside existing projects that will benefit the people of Wrexham.

Thank you to all those who have met or contacted me and for the continued support.

If you have an issue which you would like help with, please contact my office on 01978 788854 or email Andrew.Ranger.MP@parliament.uk
North Wales Clean Energy Fund launches 24.6m low-carbon fund for businesses

Ambition North Wales has launched a 24.6 million North Wales Clean Energy Fund, aimed at accelerating the regions transition to a low-carbon economy.

The fund, which is part of the North Wales Growth Deal, will provide financial support primarily for businesses and voluntary-sector organisations, wanting to deliver clean energy or decarbonisation projects.

Initially running over a five-year period, the project consist of two key sub-funds for organisations based in North Wales.

A voluntary sector sub-fund led by WCVA  designed for charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects; with UMi delivering on a private sector sub-fund for businesses. A third reserve fund can consider applications from other organisations and alternative funding models.

The funding streams will support projects delivering smart energy solutions including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation and renewable energy generation.

It is estimated that the fund will deliver a 100m investment in the region, create up to 150 new jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Details of the fund were unveiled at a launch for partners and stakeholders, which was aptly held at Coleg Llandrillos Engineering Centre in Rhyl  a transformative development which features a renewable energy technology training facility.

Cllr Gary Pritchard, Lead Member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme, Ambition North Wales and Leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running.

It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly.

By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans, who attended and addressed delegates, said: The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the regions thriving clean energy sector.

With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy.

I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future.

Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith, who was able to share a video message during the event, said: The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Waless growing reputation in the clean energy sector.

This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs.

The UK Government has made kickstarting economic growth and making Britain a clean energy superpower the cornerstones of our Plan for Change.

North Wales is at the heart of our ambitions to secure our energy supply, respond to climate change, reduce household energy bills as well as grow the economy.

The fund aligns with the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, aiming to increase the use of renewable energy and establish a strong local ownership of clean energy assets, ensuring long-term benefits for communities and businesses alike.

To learn more and application details, visit https://ambitionnorth.wales/low-carbon-energy/clean-energy-fund/.
Wrexham antique bed specialists celebrates 50 years in business

A family-run business in Chirk has marked its 50th anniversary with a new venture into the luxury mattress market.

Seventh Heaven, led by husband and wife team Tony and Tracy Butler, has earned international recognition over five decades as one of the UKs leading suppliers and restorers of antique beds.

The company sources rare, elegant pieces and restores them to showroom standard for clients across the UK and overseas.

To mark the milestone, the business has launched a new line of handcrafted mattresses designed to complement antique bed frames while offering modern comfort.

Each mattress is made in the UK using natural materials and traditional techniques.

Cllr Nigel Williams, Wrexham Councils lead member for economy, business and tourism, recently visited the business to hear more about its artisan approach and expansion plans.

He said: It is always good to hear of a local company doing well, and in the case of this company they have had some wonderful successes.

I wish them luck with their new product line and look forward to hearing how it goes in the future.
A man was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after a rollover crash along I-80 near Mustang Sunday afternoon.

According to Nevada State Police, the initial investigation suggests the man was driving a Jeep heading Eastbound, when it went off the road, hit a guard rail and flipped over.

Impairment is not suspected.

Nevada State Police tells us there is no longer impacts to traffic from the crash.
by Leanne Ogasawara

1.

Shortlisted for the Womens Prize for fiction this year, Sanam Mahloudjis The Persians is a multi-generational novel about a wealthy Persian family, told from the points-of-view of five of the familys women. Starting the novel, I was expecting a fun romp with a group of extremely glamorous Persian ladies. You know, Chanel suits and amazing shoes. And the novel did open with a wild night: the American branch of the family is partying on vacation in Aspen (where else?), when Aunt Shirin is arrested for prostitution, accused of soliciting an undercover cop in a bar.

A ridiculous idea that Shirin is struggling to take seriously even after she spends the night in jail. After all, she is rich beyond belief, the descendant of a great Persian war hero, if you believe all those old stories, plus the family are hereditary landowners.

This wealth being the center of everything.

The story starts with the matriarch of the story Elizabeth, who falls in love with the chauffeurs son, not something done back in the day. And then when things get iffy with the Shah and revolution seems possible, Elizabeths daughters, including Shirin and family decide to take a short trip to Paris, to wait it out. Fully expecting to return to Iran, Shirin agree when Grandma Elizabeth informs Shirin that her daughter Niaz wants to stay behind in Iran with grandma. That Paris holiday turns into twenty-seven years with Shirin and family eventually settling in Houston and Niaz staying behind with her grandma in Tehran.

Because the family is separated into the bilinguals in America and the Persians who stayed behind, Shirins words at the start of the novel have real impact.

We didnt come here for a better life. We left a better life.

It is a startling comment since at one point her daughter Niaz has been jailed by the Revolutionary Guards and has had to lead a life much more circumscribed than Shirins drug-fueled wildly extravagant lifestyle. But the more you read, the more you wonder about happiness. First of all, Shirin has basically been profiled and racially targeted by the white policeman in Aspen. That is what her lawyer says. But Shirin dismisses this since because she says, she doesnt even have dark skin and also because she is convinced that the cop desired her for real and that just like everywhere else in the worldhe was a man struggling with how to contain and control a strong woman. In fact, she was just playing along with him, because she was bored and drunk.

They still have all their money and live like royalty so why does she feel she had a better life in Iran?

Why does she seem so genuinely unhappy? Well, maybe because she loved her country and flourished in her home culture and didnt really want to leave. And to drive home this idea, her daughter who stayed behind in Iran seems to have more inner freedom and a strong sense of purpose, despite authoritarianism.

Reading the novel, you just cant help but wonder how Shirin would have been different had she stayed back in Iran. How Niaz might have been transformed by America had she come with the rest of the family. And then there is Shirins niece Bita, who has a much more tenuous tie to Iran, having come to the US as a baby and not being fluent in the language or culture beyond their family. The degrees of cultural assimilation and language loss are explored so brilliantly in the novel, as is a more complex understanding of personal identity.

2.

Not unlike Bita, my son came to the US from Japan when he was young. At the time, he couldnt speak English. Immediately put in ESL programs at a public school in California, he became fluent in English, losing any trace of an accent by high school. But he also lost any real trace of his Japanese language skills.

And I have often looked at him and wondered what he wouldve been like if we had stayed in Japan. He is still polite and respectful, a rule follower just like he was in childhood, and I think hes the same kid, but I often wonder about myself, how I might have been a different person if I had not spent those decades in Japan, especially when I was young and impressionable, and more, if I had not rewired my brain thinking and dreaming in Japanese.

Immersing myself in Japanese culture was rewardingbut becoming fluent in Japanese was also to wake up one day realizing that another version of myself had taken up residence in my psyche like some annoying roommate Id been forced to bring in, and who will never leave. Forever toggling back and forth between things American and those Japanesefrom thinking and dreaming in Japanese then back again to English, had left me alienated. Always betwixt and between, I never felt truly at home in either language or country. Sometimes I hardly recognized myself from the person I was before Japan. And then, the older you get Shirin and I are around the same agethe more difficult it is to do that toggling.

3.

This kind of seesawing whiplash, for example in The Persians between jaded American consumerism and the sadness and guilt of displacement, is on full display in another 2025 Womens Prize shortlisted novel called Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis, which is also a debut. The story is written by an academic and former humanitarian worker about an academic aid worker in Iraq named Nadia. In the novel, Nadia was born and raised in the UK and is the daughter of an Iraqi parent. Nadia, the child of two Muslim parents, had a religious upbringing. She is currently not speaking to her mother since being kicked out of her home, when her mother becomes angry aftre Nadia is seen without a head scarf.

Alienated and emotionally drifting, Nadia takes a job working for the UN in Baghdad trying to rehabilitate former ISIS brides. In a similar exploration of alternative versions of oneself, Nadia sees herself in one of the former ISIS brides named Sara. In Sara, Nadia sees a younger version of herself, when she was nearly recruited at an Islamic summer camp. A charismatic boy she met there began grooming her, and she says she could have easily made Saras mistake.

Well, except that Sara insists she wanted to go. She was fifteen and her best friend went and so Sara willingly traveled overland from Turkey into Iraq to marry.

In contrast to Sara, there is a Swiss former ISIS bride who was kidnapped and terribly abused in Iraq and who hates ISIS. All this woman wants to do is return to her home in Switzerland. But Nadia drops the ball on this womans case, instead risking life and limb to get Sara out of Iraq so she can be reunited with her parents, because, again, Sara reminds Nadia of herself.

But as she is helping to save Sara, Nadia is also hooking up with men and women right and left and taking massive amounts of drugs and drinking copious amounts of alcohol in front of her young charge. Sara, who just escaped Islamic indoctrination, tells Nadia that yes, she desperately wants to go home; however, she never wants to live the empty, lonely life Nadia has succumbed to.

Like The Persians, it is an unforgettable exploration of meaning and human flourishing. It is also about the seesawing sense of self that bilinguals sometimes experience. And maybe more than anything, both books resist the notion of pure identity and illuminate the way the paths we did not take in our lives, perhaps as much as those we do take, still inform who we are.

4.

Perhaps more than any other art form, novels are able to excavate the ambiguous and complex human experiences that defy easy categorization. Through the microcosm of the characters, life trajectories are laid out for us. Because we are emotionally engaged, literature generates insight and empathy as characters navigate external and internal forces. For example, I have never been able to fully articulate how tiring being an immigrant can be, especially as you age. But I am also haunted, like Shirin and Nadia, about alternative versions of myself.

I recently asked my son if he thinks he would have been a different person if we hadnt left Japan to return to California. And he says he often wonders this but is unable to imagine it. We all lead these double lives, with alternative versions of ourselves haunting us like ghosts. The novel is an art form that captures this idea of ourselves as stories better than anything else in the world.

5.

There was a recent article in the New York Times about the gender divide in reading fiction in the US. Men are not reading novels anymore, the article lamented. A 80/20 divide is frequently cited in articles, with women buying the lions share of fiction. These so-called industry numbers are frequently cited, but its not clear where the numbers come from or what study they are based on. Trying to get to the bottom of it, a friend mentioned that a couple of years ago, British author Ian McEwan conducted an admittedly unscientific experiment. He and his son waded into the lunch-time crowds at a London park and began handing out free books. Within a few minutes, they had given away thirty novels.

Nearly all of the takers were women, who were eager and grateful for the freebies while the men frowned in suspicion, or distaste. The inevitable conclusion, wrote McEwan in The Guardian newspaper: When women stop reading, the novel will be dead.

I think it is beyond question that literary fiction and publishing in general is now dominated by women. But then overall, arent people reading less? And what of the other arts? Especially in a country without national healthcare or federally managed and more egalitarian school systems it is harder and harder to find time to read, much less practice the arts since most people are busy hustling to pay for these things.

In Japan, where everyone has healthcare and where all schools have similar budgets and facilities no matter where you live, people have more space to read and practice art if they want. And what a gift that is.

Like everyone else, I do much reading online, essays and stories. But it is very hard to provide more than an opinion or perhaps a half-idea in an article compared to a book-length project, something taking many, many months to write in most cases, if not years. Deeply researched online writing has become scarce, and we are experiencing a sort of pancake effect in our society, where the nuance and richness of books is missing. Without the intricate tapestry of a novel, it is almost impossible to convey a state of being in which our conflicting selves struggle and reconcile, in which our ghost lives are inextricably woven into the lives we choose or have forced upon us. Both these novels explore the pull of contrasting cultures, lifestyles, and identities, with a depth and complexity that I could never convey in this online essay. And so, with eagerness for you and gratitude to their authors, I point you to these wonderful and exciting new debut novels!

++

For more:

For those who read David Brooks latest about the death of the novel, you might be interested in knowing that the above two novels were written by Europe-based authors, outside the MFA tradition in the US. Another recent novel that explores similar themes is The Coin by Yasmin Zaher. This book received the Dylan Thomas Prize. It is an astonishing book. I am looking forward to the Booker Prize Longlist later this month (and Obamas Summer reads list). I hope all three books make the list. Also, Europe-based American writer Nell Zinks latest novel Sister Europe and Guo Xiaolus re-telling of Moby Dick, Call me Ishmaelle. Also loved Katie Kitamuras latest, The Audition.

For those interested in the great possibilities of non-US storytelling traditions really recommend Henry Liens Spring, Summer, Asteroid Bird
A 21-year-old man has been charged in the shooting at Birminghams East Lake Park that left one man dead, and a woman injured.

DeAerius Johnson is charged with murder in the slaying of 23-year-old Cameron Demijah Little, and first-degree assault in the wounding of a woman who sustained non-life-threating injuries.

East Precinct officers were dispatched to the park in the 100 block of 84th North just after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. The citys gunfire detection system, Shot Spotter, had alerted them to about 10 rounds fired.

Police arrived to find Little unresponsive in the park. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead at 12:01 a.m.

The woman later arrived at UAB Hospital by private vehicle.

On Saturday, BPDs Crime Reduction Team with the assistance of the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office arrested Johnson in the 3000 Block of 15th Street Ensley.

Johnson was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 7:39 p.m. Saturday. He is being held without bond.
FILE - In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson watches as the "The Spirit of Benovia" WWII-era aircraft lands in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, file) AP

PARIS (AP)  D-Day veteran Papa Jake Larson, who survived German gunfire on Normandys bluffs in 1944 and then garnered 1.2 million followers on TikTok late in life by sharing stories to commemorate World War II and his fallen comrades, has died at 102.

An animated speaker who charmed strangers young and old with his quick smile and generous hugs, the self-described country boy from Minnesota was cracking jokes til the end, his granddaughter wrote in announcing his death.

FILE - World War II veteran Jake Larson meets youths during ceremonies at the US cemetery to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, on June 6, 2025 in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File) AP

Tributes to him quickly filled his Story Time with Papa Jake TikTok account from across the United States, where he had been living in Lafayette, California. Towns around Normandy, still grateful to Allied forces who helped defeat the occupying Nazis in World War II, paid him homage too.

Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young, granddaughter McKaela Larson posted on his social media accounts. He went peacefully.

As Papa would say, love you all the mostest, she wrote.

Born Dec. 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age since he was only 15 at the time. In 1942, he was sent overseas and was stationed in Northern Ireland. He became operations sergeant and assembled the planning books for the invasion of Normandy.

He was among the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the Normandy shore on D-Day, June 6, 1944, surviving machine-gun fire when he landed on Omaha Beach. He made it unhurt to the bluffs that overlook the beach, then studded with German gun emplacements that mowed down American soldiers.

FILE - In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson walks to a seat before going for a ride in the "The Spirit of Benovia" WWII-era aircraft in Oakland, Calif. Both Larson and the former C-53 Skytrooper transport plane plan to be in Normandy, France and take part in events for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, file) AP

We are the lucky ones, Larson told The Associated Press at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June, speaking amid the immaculate rows of graves at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.

We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.

He went on to fight through the Battle of the Bulge, a grueling month-long fight in Belgium and Luxembourg that was one of the defining moments of the war and of Hitlers defeat. His service earned him a Bronze Star and a French Legion of Honor award.

In recent years, Larson made repeated trips to Normandy for D-Day commemorations  and at every stop, Papa Jake was greeted by people asking for a selfie. In return, he offered up a big hug, to their greatest joy.

One memorable encounter came in 2023, when he came across Bill Gladden, a then-99-year-old British veteran who survived a glider landing on D-Day and a bullet that tore through his ankle.

I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet, Larson told Gladden, as their hands, lined and spotted with age, clasped tightly. Gladden died the following year.

In his TikTok posts and interviews, Larson combined humorous anecdotes with somber reminders about the horrors of war.

Reflecting to AP on the three years he was in Europe, Larson said he is no hero. Speaking in 2024, he also had a message to world leaders: Make peace not war.

He often called himself the luckiest man in the world, and expressed awe at all the attention he was getting. Im just a country boy. Now Im a star on TikTok, he told AP in 2023. Im a legend! I didnt plan this, it came about.

Small-town museums and groups around Normandy that work to honor D-Days heroes and fallen shared tributes online to Larson, one of their most loyal visitors.

He was an exceptional witness and bearer of memory, the Overlord Museum posted on Facebook.

He came every year to the museum, with his smile, his humility and his tales that touched all generations. His stories will continue to live. Rest in peace Papa Jake, it read.

Thanks for everything.
There is no national law that mandates increased driver license regulations for senior citizens, Getty Images

Some rumors just wont die

In July, a widely circulated article claimed that the U.S. Department of Transportation will require people age 70 and older to undergo eye exams, road tests and even yearly cognitive screenings to keep their driver license. For those aged 70-80, stories claimed, seniors will have to renew their licenses every four years; 81-86 will be every two years; and 87-plus will have to renew their license every year and take a mandatory road driving test.

The first variations of the story claimed the law would go into effect July 1, newer versions say Aug. 1.

None of this is true. There is no national law that mandates increased driver license regulations for senior citizens, something confirmed to AL.com earlier this year. Myth busting website Snopes also confirmed the rumor was false.

Indeed, no reputable news outlet had reported such an announcement... Snopes said. Further, Snopes ran both stories through artificial-intelligence content detectors, which confirmed both were likely the products of AI software.

In short, the claim appeared to be made up for the purpose of gaining clicks or views online, it added.

State regulations do vary

States do have the authority to set requirements and some do mandate seniors to undergo an eye exam before renewing their licenses.

Alabama is not among those states.

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, West Viriginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming require vision tests for every renewal.

Other states only require vision tests once a driver reaches a certain age or at set intervals. Those include:
The area between Beach Access 25 and Beach Access 36 at Panama City Beach will be closed from 10 p.m to 5 a.m. tonight due to recent incidents that occurred in the area, according to the city government. The closures first began Friday. Getty Images for IRONMAN

Panama City Beach has announced a temporary nighttime closure for the weekend.

The area between Beach Access 25 and Beach Access 36 will be closed from 10 p.m to 5 a.m. tonight due to recent incidents that occurred in the area, according to the city government. The closures first began Friday.

According to local news outlets, there was a shooting in the area on Wednesday night behind Pineapple Willys, an oceanfront seafood restaurant.

Its ridiculous that we had a shooting, Deputy Chief of Panama City Beach John Deegins told 13 ABC.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.

Deegins told the news station that public safety was their number one goal.

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.

The city council previously set nighttime closures earlier this year during spring break, saying the decision was supported by police data and strong support from businesses in the area.
Courtney Woods, founder of PC Media Techs will present a series of activities for Digital Detox Week to help students and parents adjust to new anti phone school rules. Courtesy photo

A Birmingham-based entrepreneur is aiming to help students cope with putting down the screens as the school year approaches and new rules regarding cellphones and social media use take effect.

Courtney Woods is taking on an issue impacting families across Alabama  digital overload. The founder of PC Media Techs will present a series of activities for Digital Detox Week.

As Alabama takes bold steps to limit unnecessary screen time at school, families and students need tools to manage their digital habits at home, too, Woods said. A digital detox is about unplugging from constant notifications and reconnecting with what really matters  our focus, our mental health and each other.

The free community-focused events are designed to help families and students build healthier relationships with technology before returning to the classroom. The events running July 24 through August 5 are open to the public.

The Alabama FOCUS Act, officially known as the Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act restricts cellphone use in Alabamas public K12 schools during instructional time. Woods said some students and families will need assistance in adjusting to the new rules.

Woods is also a consultant for Bessemer City Schools to facilitate the transition and align with the states new rules.

Woods defined a digital detox as a planned break from smartphones, tablets, and other screens. She said studies show excessive screen time can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety, and overload the brain, especially in young people.

The FOCUS Act sends a clear message that our classrooms should be safe learning environments free from digital distractions, she said.

The Back to School Digital Detox Week includes:
The Boston Red Sox play against the Chicago Cubs in an MLB game tonight. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. CT on FOX. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

The Red Sox entered the All-Star break red-hot, as they won 10 consecutive games. Due to their recent hot streak, the Red Sox are only a few games behind first place in their division.

In order to win tonights game, the Red Sox will need to rely on their star player Jarren Duran. He currently leads the team in hits, which highlights his offensive prowess.

The Cubs are currently sitting atop the National League Central, so they will try to continue their great play tonight.

In order to win this game, the Cubs will need a great performance from their star player Seiya Suzuki. He leads the Chicago offense in home runs and RBI, so he will look to continue his offensive success this evening.

Notably, Suzuki also leads the team in doubles this season.

Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.










English News Cultivating new generation of envoys for China-U.S. friendship

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Juillet 2025



This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, China and the U.S. fought side by side for peace and justice, and the friendship forged during wartime between the two peoples has withstood the test of history and contributed to the ultimate triumph of the global anti-fascist cause.

By Zhong Sheng, People's Daily Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently replied to teachers and students of the U.S. youth pickleball cultural exchange delegation from Montgomery county, Maryland, who visited China under the initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs in a five-year span.



Xi congratulated the delegation on its successful visit to China, expressing the hope that the delegation members will become a new generation of ambassadors for friendship between the two countries and make greater contributions to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples.



Xi's heartfelt message resonated deeply with the delegation, injecting fresh momentum into growing people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.



For any great cause to succeed, it must take root in the people, gain strength from the people, and be accomplished by the people. Growing China-U.S. friendship is such a great cause.



At a welcome dinner by friendly organizations in the U.S. in San Francisco in November 2023, Xi announced that to increase exchanges between the two peoples, especially between the youth, China is ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years.



In 2024, more than 16,000 American youth people visited China through this program, representing all 50 states and Washington, D.C. As one group after another travels across the Pacific, forging friends, learning Chinese, experiencing Chinese culture, and exploring modern China, they are building a more resilient foundation for bilateral relations.



The future of the China-U.S. relationship depends on the youth. Youth exchanges remain a vital source of strength for the development of bilateral relations.



Pickleball, a dynamic and inclusive sport, has become a new bond for youth exchanges between China and the United States. From teamwork on the court to cultural exchanges off the court, students are writing a new chapter of friendship with their passion and sincerity.



Such exchanges help dismantle cultural barriers and enhance mutual understanding, reflecting their shared aspiration for peace, cooperation, and mutual benefit. The friendships they forged are not only cherished memories but also a beacon of hope for the future of China-U.S. relations.



As more and more young people from both countries come to understand and appreciate each other, and become new-generation envoys of friendship, they will continue to inject vitality into the development of bilateral relations.

The achievements of China-U.S. relations have always been driven by the efforts of ordinary people. Likewise, the path forward depends on their continued engagement and goodwill.



No matter how the global landscape evolves, the historical trend of peaceful coexistence between China and the U.S. will not change. The ultimate wish of the two peoples for exchanges and cooperation will not change. The expectations of the whole world for a steadily growing China-U.S. relationship will not change.



From the icebreaking "Ping-Pong Diplomacy" in the 1970s to today's pickleball exchanges, sincere people-to-people interactions between the two countries have consistently supported the bilateral relationship.



At this critical juncture in China-U.S. relations, strengthening people-to-people ties is more important than ever. Both sides should facilitate cross-cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions and work to remove unnecessary barriers that hinder engagement.



China remains open and welcoming to the American people and stands ready to enhance mutual understanding through exchanges and cooperation. By encouraging greater interactions and closer bonds between the peoples, both countries can continue deepening the legacy of friendship and contribute to the long-term development of bilateral relations.



This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, China and the U.S. fought side by side for peace and justice, and the friendship forged during wartime between the two peoples has withstood the test of history and contributed to the ultimate triumph of the global anti-fascist cause.



Moving forward, China stands ready to work with the U.S. to draw strength from the history of friendship between their peoples, and to promote the steady, sound, and sustained development of bilateral relations, delivering more benefits to both peoples.



(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)



Dans la meme rubrique : < > A Chinese hero remembered in reverence Shanghai FTZ experience spurs innovation-driven growth through institutional reform They Leave to Uplift, Not to Escape: How Migration Sustains Lesothos Quiet Villages Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Today, July 20, is the 250th Anniversary of the First National Call to Prayer and Fasting by the Continental Congress. Newspapers and handbills throughout the colonies encouraged citizens, churches, and colonial leaders to set aside a day to appeal to the Great Governor of the Universe for His help and protection. The entire Continental Congress gathered at Christ Church in Philadelphia on this day in 1775 to pray and to hear a sermon by Rev. Jacob Duche, who would later become the first Chaplain of Congress.

Indeed, one could say that today is the official start of a year with many 250th anniversaries. Thus, this July marks the start of the 12-month countdown to celebrating Americas 250th birthday, July 4, 2026. This is the biggest 250 of them all, and we have an incredible opportunity to rekindle the flame of liberty and remember who we are and what we have done as a nation.

Calvin Coolidge celebrating the Declaration of Independence in 1926. Public domain.

Ronald Reagan gave this advice in his Farewell Address on January 11, 1989:

If we forget what we did, we wont know who we are. Im warning of an eradication of thatof the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit. Lets start with some basics: more attention to American history and a greater emphasis on civic ritual.

If we use Reagans wordsmore attention to American history and a greater emphasis on civic ritualas a starting point, lets take a look at President Calvin Coolidges remarks on the 150th Anniversary of the Declaration on July 4, 1926, almost a century ago.

His remarks that day are some of the most insightful words a public official has ever spoken about the Declaration. He shared his remarks before tens of thousands who had gathered in Philadelphia for the Sesquicentennial event.

He began by saying,

We meet to celebrate the birthday of America. The coming of a new life always excites our interest. Although we know in the case of the individual that it has been an infinite repetition reaching back beyond our vision, that only makes it the more wonderful. But how our interest and wonder increase when we behold the miracle of the birth of a new nation. It is to pay our tribute of reverence and respect to those who participated in such a mighty event that we annually observe the fourth day of July.

He continued, reminding his audience that people from all over the world had come to Philadelphia to celebrate the Declaration, making the case that the principles embedded in this incredible document are eternal truths that are for all people, at all times, everywhere. There is no other charter of principles like it in the entire world and that its principles are the preeminent supports of free governments throughout the world.

Coolidge asserted that man[kind] everywhere has an unconquerable desire to be the master of his own destiny, which is to pursue his or her own happiness. The Declaration declares that this is an unalienable right forged in Heavens fire and forged into the essence of every human being by the Creator.

Buoyed up by the faith that they voiced on the July 20, 1775, National Call to Prayer and Fasting, fifty-six men put their lives (and their families lives) on the line to declare these truths. Once the ink was dry, the British targeted them for destruction. The 56 Signers gave it all. But those representatives were expressing the views of their respective colonies, which had come to these same convictions over time.

Coolidge explained,

The American Revolution represented the informed and mature convictions of a great mass of independent, liberty-loving, God-fearing people who knew their rights, and possessed the courage to dare to maintain them. The Continental Congress was not only composed of great men, but it represented a great people.

Embedded in this quote is the formula for national restoration; namely, the people themselves, who (1) loved liberty, (2) loved God, (3) knew their rights, and (4) had courage. In keeping with that timeless formula, for the next 12 months, we modern Americans must be active in advancing and instilling these bedrock concepts into our family, friends, churches, and community.

But President Coolidge dug even deeper. Where did these foundational principles come from?

No one can examine this record and escape the conclusion that in the great outline of its principles the Declaration was the result of the religious teachings of the preceding period... They are found in the texts, the sermons, and the writings of the early colonial clergy who were earnestly undertaking to instruct their congregations in the great mystery of how to live. They preached equality because they believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. They justified freedom by the text that we are all created in the divine image, all partakers of the divine spirit.

The clergy inspired the colonies with these principles for 155 years (1620-1775). These great truths were in the air that our people breathed.

Now to the fundamental point that Coolidge would have his audience understand. If all that he has said is true up to this point, then only one conclusion can be drawn:

In its main features the Declaration of Independence is a great spiritual document. It is a declaration not of material but of spiritual conceptions.

The elements of equality, liberty, and the rights of man are not things you can see and touch. They are ideals. They are rooted in religious convictions. They belong to an unseen world. This being the case, the church is a fundamental place for these ideas to be brought forth, examined, and talked about.

As Scott Powell has said, America needs a spiritual revival. Courageous pastors are essential.

Coolidge drove home this point with a prophetic warning.

Unless the faith of the American people in these religious convictions is to endure, the principles of our Declaration will perish. We can not continue to enjoy the result if we neglect and abandon the cause.

And then he concluded with this:

We live in an age of science and of abounding accumulation of material things. These did not create our Declaration. Our Declaration created them. The things of the spirit come first. Unless we cling to that, all our material prosperity, overwhelming though it may appear, will turn to a barren sceptre in our grasp. If we are to maintain the great heritage which has been bequeathed to us, we must be like-minded as the fathers who created it. We must not sink into a pagan materialism. We must cultivate the reverence which they had for the things that are holy. We must follow the spiritual and moral leadership which they showed.

It has been said that:

Hard times create strong men, Strong men create good times, Good times create weak men, Weak men create hard times.

Our Founders lived through hard times and were strong men. We Americans benefited from the good times they created. Now, were paying the price.

On this day, July 20th, the 250th anniversary of the First National Day of Prayer and Fasting, we as a nation need to wake up, return to first principles, pray, and act with courage. It is time for strong men and strong women to step up and lead. It is time for courageous pastors to fill the pulpit and teach these principles without fear. It is time for us to give of our Lives (time), our Fortunes (our money), and our Sacred Honor (reputations), so that America can Awaken again as we count down to 250!
The three biggest stories this week expose judicial hijinks, the willingness of the Wall Street Journal to publish defamatory anti-Trump nonsense in violation of all journalism ethics, and Tulsi Gabbards public declassification of material showing how President Obama worked from the moment of Trumps 2016 election victory on to tar and hamstring him with made-up Russian influence lies.

Judicial Malfeasance

As usual, the most significant coverage of lefty judiciary hijinks is by Margot Cleveland. She uncovered a memo of a judicial conference in which the notorious D.C. judge James Boasberg confirmed to Chief Justice John Roberts the anti-Trump bias of that lower court, making clear the judges assumed that Trump would violate their orders. (Indeed, its my belief this is the hope of judges who enter preposterously over-the-top orders -- the hope that, wearying of having to repeatedly seek higher court reprieves, he will ignore those orders and give the Democrats fuel for yet another impeachment circus.)

In a memorandum obtained exclusively by The Federalist, a member of the Judicial Conference summarized the March [of this year] meeting, including a working breakfast at which Justice Roberts spoke. According to the memorandum, District of the District of Columbia Chief Judge James Boasberg next raised his colleagues concerns that the Administration would disregard rulings of federal courts leading to a constitutional crisis. Chief Justice Roberts expressed hope that would not happen and in turn no constitutional crisis would materialize, according to the memorandum. The summary of the working breakfast added that Chief Justice Roberts noted that his interactions with the President have been civil and respectful, such as the President thanking him at the state of the union address for administering the oath. Donald Trump, however, is not merely the president: He is a Defendant in scores of lawsuits, including multiple cases in the D.C. District Court. As such, this conversation did not concern generic concerns of the judiciary, but specific discussions about a litigant currently before the same judges who expressed concern to the Chief Judge of the D.C. District Court that the Trump Administration would disregard the courts orders. Judge Boasbergs comments reveal he and his colleagues hold an anti-Trump bias, for the Trump Administration had complied with every court order to date (and since for that matter). The D.C. District Court judges concern also went counter to the normal presumption courts hold -- one that presumes public officials properly discharged their official duties. Apparently, that presumption does not apply to the current president, at least if you are litigating in D.C. And what is both troubling and ironic is that only a few days later, Judge Boasberg, in a case in which he completely lacked jurisdiction, as the Supreme Court would later confirm, entered a lawless order commanding the Trump Administration to halt removals to El Salvador. So, one of the judges concerned about Trump following the law, ignored the law. Nonetheless, Judge Boasberg would later find the Trump Administration committed criminal contempt of court by failing to turn the planes around or fly the gang members back to the U.S., even though the courts written (and unlawful) injunction ordered neither.

The judicial overreaching continues, as this week Judge Michael Farbiarz, a Biden appointee in New Jersey, ordered the Trump Administration to direct an immigration judge to proceed in a certain way to vacate its decision in the Khalil case, even though Congress had established exclusive jurisdiction for appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals and then the circuit court.

She has documented how district court judges are repeatedly issuing orders contrary to clear law and Supreme Court rulings. At some point, Justice Roberts and the court will have to blow the whistle on this. That they have not yet is costing their reputation dearly.

The Wall Street Journal

As some influencers demanded more on the Epstein story, suggesting Attorney General Pam Bondi was somehow covering something up, the Wall Street Journal published an article authored by Khadeeja Safdar that indicated that in 2003, Trump sent a bawdy typed letter with a sketch of a naked woman to Epstein wishing him a happy 50th birthday.

Trump immediately denied authoring the letter, which the Journal described but did not print. It appears they never had it, but were publishing something told to them by someone who said he saw it.

Trump slammed the story in a lengthy social media post on Thursday night, saying he spoke to both the paper's owner, Rupert Murdoch, and its top editor, Emma Tucker, and told them the letter was "fake." Trump promised to sue the paper over the story, saying: "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures." U.S. Vice-President JD Vance said the newspaper "should be ashamed" for publishing it. "Where is this letter? Would you be shocked to learn they never showed it to us before publishing it? Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?" he wrote on social media platform X.

Trumps sued publisher and owner Rupert Murdoch for $10 billion in the Southern District of Florida, contending that the claims were false, defamatory, unsubstantiated, and disparaging. Its likely this case will be settled before trial. If not, discovery should prove very embarrassing to the paper and, in the end, may well result in a trimming back of the rulings in NYT v. Sullivan and its progeny, which has allowed nonstop slander of anyone whom a court can conceivably agree was a public figure.

In any event, the Journal has risked substantial damages and its already sinking reputation for journalistic ethics for nothing, as Byron York notes:

Say the WSJ story is entirely accurate. What does it add to our understanding of Trump and Epstein? The birthday letter was January 2003. Trump and Epstein broke off contact in 2004. Epstein was first arrested in July 2006 from an investigation that began in March 2005. WP factchecker, surveying all public knowledge about the case, wrote that "No credible allegation has emerged to connect Trump to any of Epstein's crimes. If the full [Epstein] file is ever released, we are confident that no connection would be found." So what does this birthday card tell you?

The Obama-directed RussiaGate Lie

DNI head Tulsi Gabbard declassified documents in her possession which, in her words, 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. Her entire presentation of the history of this seditious conspiracy, which began on December 8, 2016, is neatly organized on this thread.

Its true Devin Nunes and his then-investigator Kash Patel uncovered this plot seven years ago, but without the ability then to declassify the documentation as Gabbard has done. She has transmitted all this material to the Department of Justice, and James Comey, James Clapper, and John Brennan should, if they have not yet done so, seek counsel in yet another boon for D.C.s criminal defense attorneys. (Its likely that the same white-shoe law firms that rushed to defend the thugs in Gitmo -- but not the J6 defendants -- will volunteer some services, and some independent funding will pour in to help, but they cant be happy to be so publicly exposed and facing serious legal jeopardy.) And those further down who engaged in or covered up what they knew are unlikely to be so lucky.

As for the lightbringer, check out the 2016 Trump swearing-in ceremony and watch Obama, who had already set in motion something no former president has ever done, sabotaging his successor. Knowing what he had set in motion just weeks before, even his adherents can never look at him in the same way again.

Jeff Childers explains what is so monumental about what Gabbard has done.

It defied every norm of intelligence conduct. The DNI normally never speaks publicly about ongoing investigations, it has never accused former administrations of treason (or any crime), and certainly does not weaponize the credibility of the office to ignite a public reckoning. This marks the first time in modern history that the intelligence communitys internal coup (if proven) has been openly exposed by its own leadership, transforming the IC from a shield into a spotlight, and potentially rewriting the entire post-9/11 national security order. [snip] Heres a list of all the records Tulsi just shattered, in a single Twitter thread and 124 pages of declassified documents. And this list is only what I could think of as of this morning: 1. First sitting Director of National Intelligence to publicly accuse former intelligence leaders of a treasonous conspiracy (or any crime). 2. First time a DNI declassified internal IC assessments, memos, and emails during an active DOJ referral. 3. First full publication of an aborted Presidential Daily Brief (PDB) draft that contradicted an official narrative. 4. First evidence-based accusation that the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) was politicized by presidential directive. 5. First direct public attribution of intelligence manipulation to a sitting president -- Barack Obama -- by name, not just implication. 6. First official public confirmation that the Steele Dossier was used in the 2017 ICA, despite internal dissent and known credibility issues. 7. First use of a Twitter thread as an official vehicle for declassifying national intelligence -- turning social media into a disclosure mechanism. 8. First coordinated public release of IC whistleblower complaints, dissenting analyst emails, and interagency meeting notes in a single drop. 9. First breach of the classified means credible doctrine -- by showing how classification was weaponized to create false public certainty. This one has many legs. 10. First dismantling of the we cant comment on ongoing investigations playbook by someone inside the intel chain of command. 11. First time the post-Trump impeachment insurrection narrative has been turned against the intelligence agencies that constructed it. 12. First voluntary public declassification of internal IC meeting notes confirming political coordination of IC messaging -- without subpoenas and before the usual years of Congressional hearings and wrangling.

This Administration has fully absorbed the reality of the modern news business -- that it will not cover accurately anything which diminishes the opposition and instead advances it. (In fact, Gabbard makes clear that the media, especially the Washington Post, played a crucial role in the seditious plot.) It has mastered the art of going above their heads, directly to voters, and Tulsi showed they learned the lesson. As for what follows, Im certain this was all coordinated with the Department of Justice which (a) has sought from the court that sealed the Epstein records a copy of the grand jury proceedings in the Epstein matter and (b) will begin grand jury proceedings and indictments of the many people who acted as Obama puppets in this seditious, most scandalous operation.
Kudzu is a fast-growing vine introduced to the U.S. from Asia. It was thought that it would serve as fodder for cattle and its rapid growth makes it suitable for controlling erosion.

Unfortunately, it smothers native plants, trees, and structures by outcompeting them for sunlight and resources. It spreads rapidly, covering vast areas and reduces biodiversity by displacing native flora. The USDA estimates that it costs $100$500 million in damages and control costs in the U.S. It affects agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure, thrives in the southeastern U.S. climates and has no natural predators here, allowing unchecked growth.

Asian carp were introduced to North American waterways as a possible food source for humans, and as a means of controlling algae blooms and some aquatic fauna. These carp outcompete native fish for food (plankton) and space, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Their rapid reproduction and lack of predators lead to dominance in rivers like the Mississippi. They threaten the $7 billion Great Lakes fisheries by reducing native fish populations. Control measures, like electric barriers, cost tens of millions annually.

Zebra mussels are native to Eastern Europe, and were likely introduced into the Great Lakes through the dumping of water from foreign freighters. They clog waterways, attach themselves to infrastructure, and filter large amounts of plankton, starving native species. They alter water clarity and nutrient cycles, impacting entire aquatic food webs. They cause billions of dollars in damages annually and control costs in the Great Lakes region alone exceed $500 million per year.

Similar stories could be told about the Gypsy Moth, Tree of Heaven, nutria, European Starlings and more. The United States Geological Service even has a database for nonindigenous species.

Most of these species have a few things in common. First, they were introduced into the U.S. either with the best of intentions, albeit with no understanding of the long-term consequences, or through simple negligence. They tend to spread rapidly, outpacing native species and efforts to control them. They disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources or altering habitats. They incur high costs due to damage and management efforts, and they tend to lack natural checks such as predators or diseases in their new environments.

Analogous situations are occurring elsewhere, as in European cities such as Malmo, Sweden, or Molenbeek, Belgium where residents are experiencing integration challenges due to large numbers of migrants who do not assimilate. They form insular communities and maintain their own languages and customs. This can lead to cultural richness but also to social segregation. In some cities, this segregation leads to violence. Ireland and Spain, for example are reporting violent clashes between locals and immigrants.

Societies with high levels of unintegrated migration may face difficulties in maintaining shared values or civic participation, though evidence is mixed. For instance, Canadas multiculturalism model shows successful integration in many cases, while parallel communities in other contexts can strain social cohesion.

Large numbers of migrants can strain public resources like housing, healthcare, or welfare systems, especially if integration is slow. Migrants who do not integrate linguistically or vocationally may face higher unemployment or reliance on low-skill jobs, potentially creating economic burdens.

Host countries spend billions on integration programs (language training, education, etc.). For example, Swedens integration costs for recent migrants have been estimated at 1billion  2 billion annually, although some studies show that immigrants may contribute positively to economies over time.

On the other hand, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said in 2022 that her country has failed to integrate the vast numbers of immigrants it has taken in over the past two decades. This has led to parallel societies and gang violence.

Large-scale migration without assimilation can fuel anti-immigrant sentiments, as seen in the rise of new parties in Europe (e.g., AfD in Germany, National Rally in France) that oppose mass migration.

This reflects public concerns about cultural identity or security. In extreme cases, non-assimilation can lead to parallel legal systems such as informal Sharia councils in some U.K. communities, raising concerns about legal uniformity.

There are countless horror stories of unassimilated migrants clashing with indigenous populations in the U.K. and Western Europe. Locals in a Spanish town recently lashed out after migrants beat an elderly Spanish man.

Members of migrant rape gangs in the U.K. were recently arrested and tried. These rape gangs target British women and girls, who they refer to as "white sluts." Their countrymen protested, calling such arrests racially based.

In the U.S., a 2018 report found that 1 in 5 inmates of federal prisons were illegal aliens, with 91 percent being citizens of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Colombia or Guatemala.

Both invasive species of plants and animals and large migrant populations can strain resources  ecological (e.g., food, space) for species, and social/economic (e.g., housing, education, jobs) for humans. Invasive species disrupt ecosystems by altering food webs or habitats; non-assimilating migrants may challenge social cohesion or cultural norms, though the extent depends on scale and context.

Controlling invasive species requires costly, ongoing efforts (e.g., kudzu removal). Similarly, integrating large migrant populations demands significant investment in education, language training, and social programs. Invasive species spread quickly due to high reproduction or lack of predators. Large-scale migration can lead to rapid demographic changes, particularly in urban areas, outpacing integration efforts.

The spread of invasive species is biological, while migrants are human beings with intentions, choices and rights. They are often fleeing hardship or seeking opportunity. While ecosystems have limited adaptability to invasive species without external intervention, human societies have laws and policies that can adapt to and even benefit from controlled migration. Migration effects can evolve over time, with many "non-assimilated" groups eventually integrating. The Italian and Irish immigrants in the U.S. are excellent examples.

Similarly, the U.S. is now home to approximately 3 million people from India. Indian immigrants are more likely to be highly educated, to work in management positions, and to have higher incomes. They also have lower poverty rates.

A number of years ago, I had a student from India transfer into my school in April. Her father was bilingual but she only spoke Hindi. She and her mother studied English together for the next five months, and when she started school in September she spoke it perfectly. Linguistic assimilation is possible, if one is willing to work at it. Compared with both the overall U.S.- and other foreign-born populations, Indian immigrants are more likely to be highly educated, live in intact families, work in management positions, and have higher incomes.

Drawing an analogy between invasive species and vast numbers of unassimilated migrants poses real challenges.

They both strain resources, create friction between native and nonnative members and incur management costs.

Invasive species are inherently destructive in ecological terms while the impact of migration depends on scale and policies. Some studies show that second-generation migrants often adopt host-country norms while retaining their own cultural heritage, unlike invasive species which rarely "integrate" into local ecosystems.

Large-scale migration without assimilation obviously strains social and economic systems which can lead to cultural or political tensions.

However, human societies have a greater capacity for adaptation than ecosystems, and migration's long-term effects can be positive.

Comparing invasive species with mass migration can be useful for understanding resource competition and disruption, but it breaks down when we consider human agency and the potential for integration over time. It also runs the very real risk of dehumanizing people who are seeking to improve their lives.

The current situation with illegal immigrants has been developing for decades, and accelerated markedly under pResident (not a typo) Biden's disastrous term in office. While the Trump administration is finally making a real effort to address it, the situation will likely continue to be problematic for years to come.

Image: Library of Congress, via Picryl // public domain
When I look at the mayoral race in NYC, it reminds me of the same old political nonsense I dealt with during 20 years with the NYPD.

This guy, Zohran Mamdani, is just the latest version of liberal manipulation of commonsense policies that used to work in that concrete jungle. Like all politicians, mayors run for office with promises to make life better for the 8 million or so residents who try to get through each day without getting murdered, raped, robbed, or otherwise violated by the skulking cretins in their orbit.

We can call Mamdani a communist, socialist, a Democrat socialist, or any other appellation that tends to get the publics attention. What really matters is not some political or social designation, but what the policies are that have managed to give him the Democrat nomination for the citys highest office.

During any campaign for public office, the candidate must make promises that will appeal to the greatest number of voters, even if those promises are absurdly impossible to keep. Apparently, enough NYC voters think this latest version of free stuff for the lazy will carry the charlatan across the finish line. It saddens me to think that so many New Yorkers believe that free transportation, free child care, free housing, etc., along with other giveaway programs, are what they strive for.

Aside from his antisemitic views  which, if there was a scintilla of decency left in the electorate, would disqualify him from even appearing on the ballot  this eloquent Pied Piper, with a pleasant smile to mask a sinister plot, wants to replace the department responsible for community safety  namely, the NYPD  with a new department called the Department of Community Safety (DCS). Leave it to a bureaucrat to look for more ways to expand an ever-burgeoning bureaucracy. The proposed budget for this latest brainchild of left-wing orthodoxy is $1.1 billion. If past is prologue, that number is just a fraction of the actual cost, which, by the way, will come out of the pockets of those who actually work for a living and pay taxes.

One section of this new and soon to be bloated addition to the public debt will be entitled Community Mental Health Navigators (CMHN). The plan is to establish outposts in every neighborhood with the CMHN readily available to assist those with serious mental illness. This will include licensed mental health pros who will respond to the scene when someone is reported to be exhibiting emotional struggles. Mamdani says its needed because the city has already used a similar system, with limited success. However, as only a dyed-in-the-wool liberal thinks, if he throws more money at the problem, it will work even better. He cites stats that indicate that 40% of about 6,400 people in city jails have a mental health diagnosis. He goes on to say, Thats not leadership; its abdication, adding, Jails are not places where people can recover from a mental health crisis. This is merely another example of hand-wringing compassion for lawbreakers and zero concern for their victims.

To state the obvious, theyre in jail because they broke the law! Saying they are dealing with mental issues is an appeal that can be made during a trial. When I arrived at the scene of a crime, often encountering a bloody victim of someones violence, my job was to summon an ambulance and arrest the perp. When said perp put up a fight, his mental state had nothing to do with my responsibility, which was to remove the threat to myself and others. In my experience, most people who commit crimes, especially recidivists, can be characterized as antisocial misfits, violence-prone thugs, or savages with no redeeming qualities.

Calling them mental health sufferers is the job of their defense attorneys when the evidence against them is overwhelming. Its tantamount to the hackneyed defense that the client had a disadvantaged childhood, which led him to a life of crime. Although some people are plagued by mental problems, as soon as they victimize innocent people, the police must intervene in order to protect others. Sadly, such commonsense solutions are not so common anymore. So far, Mr. Mamdani has been effective in deluding primary voters, who are far fewer in numbers than those who go to the polls in the general election.

Inasmuch as the most important function of a citys chief executive is to keep people safe, its a no-brainer that NYC needs someone more like Rudy Giuliani than like Bill de Blasio. Without question, that person is Curtis Sliwa, the man who has been fighting crime on the streets and subways for more than a generation. As founder of the Guardian Angels, he and his army of volunteer crime-fighters, is well respected by New Yorkers, who feel as safe on the streets when those distinctive red berets arrive, as they do when that marked radio car, with lights flashing, shows up.

If voters want protection for themselves and their families, theres only one candidate who has earned their votes, and hes the GOP nominee. They should forget about party labels and vote for the guy who has been patrolling the streets of that crime-ridden city for more than 40 years, effecting tens of thousands of apprehensions that were turned over to NYPD for processing. Thats a lot of bad guys taken off the streets, and an incalculable number of lives saved. Moreover, thats a lot of crime-fighting for no salary or pension benefits.

Image via Pexels.
I never post on my Facebook page, but I routinely check it out because a lifetime of living in leftist enclaves means that many of my old friends give me a good insight into what ordinary Democratsthat is, not Democrats in the mediaare thinking. Today, what many of them are thinking is that ICE, acting on its racist, totalitarian instincts, arrested and detained a disabled military veteran and American citizen because he looked Hispanic. As always, though, the real story may be different because its possible that the same man interfered with an ongoing ICE operation, which is a federal offense.

The Military Times, which it would surprise many to know is a surprisingly left-wing outlet, reprinted the APs report on the Retes story:

A U.S. Army veteran who was arrested during an immigration raid at a Southern California marijuana farm last week said Wednesday he was sprayed with tear gas and pepper spray before being dragged from his vehicle and pinned down by federal agents who arrested him. George Retes, 25, who works as a security guard at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, said he was arriving at work on July 10 when several federal agents surrounded his car and  despite him identifying himself as a U.S. citizen  broke his window, peppered sprayed him and dragged him out.

Wow! Thats awful. An American citizen. A U.S. Army veteran. Grabbed from his car. Held for three days without even being allowed a shower or a change of clothes. He was even put in a special cell on suicide watch and checked on each day after he became emotionally distraught over his ordeal and missing his 3-year-old daughters birthday party Saturday. (I dont know about you, but thats a surprising emotional collapse for someone who was trained as a combat veteran, but what do I know?)

Democrats have taken the report and run with it:

ICE doesnt get to accidentally detain a U.S. citizen. George Retes served this country. Now hes missing after a violent, illegal arrest. This is how the veteran loving president treats veterans! Outrageous!!!!! pic.twitter.com/GJSzWMbIFj  Areva Martin, Esq. (@ArevaMartin) July 11, 2025 US Army Veteran George Retes plans on suing the Trump regime. He was arrested and detained for 3 days until being released with no charges. Even though he had pepper spray on his body, Retes said he wasnt given any medical attention. He also said, despite being a US citizen, he pic.twitter.com/GACh5xCZBM  Scott Dworkin (@funder) July 18, 2025 I dont want to hear that ICE isnt racially profiling people or detaining U.S. citizens. Theres absolutely no reason George Retes, an honorable veteran who served this country, should have been detained and mistreated for three days.



This isnt why we served this country, and https://t.co/7TqHyN0Dql   (@Tops_opinion) July 15, 2025

Heres a long Spanish language news report, not a word of which I understand, that reports on Retess arrest. I want you to pay attention to it because it shows clearly what Retes looked like on that day and what his car looked like:

El 10 de julio, George Retes intento negociar con agentes de ICE para pasar a su trabajo en Glass House Farm; termino detenido por varios dias.



Retes, veterano del ejercito estadounidense, sostiene que demandara al gobierno por el trato que le ha dado a los indocumentados. pic.twitter.com/GtlOxsRwwF  Noticias EstrellaTV (@NEstrellaTv) July 18, 2025

As you can see, Retes is a slender, dark-haired man wearing a gray hoodie and black shorts. Hes standing next to a white station wagon and gesticulating while talking to the ICE agents carrying out the raid. Without their stopping him, he gets into his car and backs up. And then, the video stops.

Clearly, after that point, something happened that caused the ICE agents to believe it appropriate to stop Retess car, break the window, spray him with chemicals, and arrest him. That particular video does not provide the answer.

However, there is another video that may provide more information. In the video below, which is the only one I could find that doesnt show the preferred Democrat narrative, ICE agents ordered a man who looks like Retes (young, slender, dark hair), is dressed like Retes (gray hoodie, black shorts), and is driving a car like Retess (white station wagon) to move and go home, at which point the man says, Make me.

George Retes wants to sue. Why would anyone park between a crowd and a wall of officers? The officer requested, "You should go home." To which he replied - "Make me." FAFO? @DHSgov @ICEgov @AGPamBondi https://t.co/HylmKFVwp6 pic.twitter.com/iaE018Yo08  Auraya Gold (@Auraya24K) July 17, 2025

In other words, its entirely possible, if the man in that video is Retes (and I am not saying it is because I do not know that for a fact), that ICE subsequently took Retes up on his challenge to make him move.

As it happens, 18 U.S. Code 111 makes it a felony to interfere with federal law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, as these men manifestly were. If the U.S. government can make the case that Retes interfered with ICE agents as they were carrying out their duties, Retes, rather than going home with a payout from the federal government, may find himself incarcerated at a federal prison for up to a year.

Again, Im not saying that Retes did anything wrong. I am saying, though, that our media routinely and uncritically accept anything theyre told if it aligns with their narrative that the Trump administration is evil.

For that reason, whenever you see that the news and your social media feeds are flooded with a too-perfect Democrat narrative, take a few minutes to investigate whether there might be more to the narrative than meets the eye. In this case, Ill be interested to see if that one little video snippet is indeed a counter to the dominant leftist narrative. Or maybe the federal government truly made a hash of things and, in George Retes, the Democrats finally found a picture-perfect victim of the Trump administrations policies.

Image created using ChatGPT.
And now for something completely insane: CBS News reporter Scott MacFarlane recently told podcaster Chuck Todd that he was traumatized by the anger the press faced from Trump rallygoers blaming media for the Butler, PA assassination attempt last July.

MacFarlane actually said he had PTSD due to the crowd saying things like, you did this  you killed him.

MacFarlane was traumatized?

By Trump supporters?

Trump was shot in the head and nearly had his head blown off on live television, and MacFarlane was concerned with his own feelings?! WTH?!

What a stalwart journalist, with a laser focus on what matters!

The president of the United States was shot? Innocent others were too, including one who later died?

And MacFarlane essentially says, How do you think I feel with you guys shouting at me?!

What kind of an unprofessional lout attempts to make this tragic and historic moment about his own unblemished carcass?!

How was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?

Well, it was O.K. until it was interrupted.

Talk about tone deaf!

If MacFarlane had covered Pearl Harbor, he would have said, Not the Arizona, I think I left my windbreaker on it when I interviewed Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd yesterday!

Calling MacFarlane an asshat is an understatement. As I have repeatedly stated before: You cannot hate the mainstream media enough. In the highly unlikely event MacFarlane reads this post, he may be traumatized yet again.

But that would be on him, not me.

Just sayin.

The unrelenting negative coverage and flat-out lies the mainstream media incessantly spouted -- and spouts -- about Trump obviously and inarguably had  and has -- an enormous effect on its viewers/listeners, and a deadly one on the already unstable.

Most of us were somewhat traumatized with what occurred on July 13, 2024  and how it occurred. We just werent focused on how it immediately affected  ourselves.

Image: X video screen shot
Congressional Democrats, at all all-time low of 19% approval have decided to do what they do best: double down on insanity and disaster. They obviously believe the problem could not possibly be their policies and values.

Graphic: Twitter Post

Theyre the party of our democracy, the party of slavery, segregation, racial hatred, the Klu Klux Klan, DEI, wokeness, identity politics, incompetent and ruinous economics, mostly peaceful protests, Antifa, illegal immigration, pedophilia, drag queens, the sexual indoctrination and mutilation of children, child labor and sex trafficking, a demented POTUS and a spoiled word salad running for POTUS. Who could be against that?

The smart thing to do would be to acknowledge past mistakes and adopt sane policies for the future. Americans are a forgiving people, willing to allow second chances. Sure, they probably wouldnt believe Democrats completely repudiating every stance and belief theyd held for centuries, but if they stuck to their promises, after a decade or so, Americans might begin to come around. Stop laughing; its not polite.

The issue most deadly to Democrats, the issue instrumental in reelecting Donald Trump in a landslide, is illegal immigration. Depending on how the issue is phrased, Americans want illegals deported by at least an 80% margin. One would think Democrats could use this issue to begin climbing out of the chasm theyve dug. One would think wrongly, as an Obama-appointed former U.S. Attorney recently explained:

Graphic: X Post

MSNBC contributor Joyce Vance, a former U.S. Attorney appointed by Obama, seemed to justify violence against ICE agents while speaking to host Ali Velshi on Monday. Its similar to what we recently saw from Sunny Hostin of The View. And as we see people being pulled off the streets  you know, the danger to law enforcement, quite frankly, is that when youre masked like that and people dont know who you are, someone might exercise their lawful right of self-defense to protect themselves, thinking theyre being kidnapped. So the notion that this is for law enforcements protection is utterly ludicrous. And we need to do away with that.

Vance isnt straddling the party line, shes going full resistance. Democrats have filed a bill to unmask ICE agents, because Democrats are doxing them, threatening agents and their families. It would also force them to display their names. This from the party that had and has no complaints about Antifa, BLM and other thugs wearing masks while rioting, looting, torching businesses and assaulting Jews on college campuses. This from the party accusing federal agents of kidnapping and disappearing people.

Federal immigration agents on raids and dealing with mobs wear body armor emblazoned with front and back identification of their agency, usually accompanied by the word POLICE. They are usually accompanied by local police, except in blue jurisdictions that wont allow their police to help immigration agents. There is no question about their authority and why theyre there.

Theyre wearing masks because Democrats are doxing them, exposing their familieswives and childrento injury or death. Their enemies arent only Democrats, but drug and trafficking cartels, Antifa, common criminals, foreign terrorists and Hispanic gangs, monsters for whom the murder of law enforcement officers and their families is daily business in their home countries.

A great many illegals are insane, violent criminals convicted of murder, rape, child molestation and more in their home countries. Immigration authorities are, for now, focusing on deporting them, but theyre not going to ignore illegals they find while looking for the worst of the worst.

Democrats let them in, unvetted, and theyre doing their worst to keep them all in America. If they can be counted in the next census, that means more seats in Congress for blue states, which are steadily losing population and tax base as their citizens flee to red states. Filling those population holes with immigrants that dont speak English, wont assimilate and need the massive public assistance promised them by those blue states will only make their budget woes even worse, but Democrats act on what ought to be rather than reality.

One cant import Third World, violent savages into America and not expect violence and savagery. These are people who dont obey the law and dont observe the unwritten rules of conduct between cops and criminals.

Any citizen may resist an illegal arrest. The trouble is few, if any, know the law well enough to know what constitutes an illegal arrest. The smart thing to do is never resist arrest, because the police may use whatever force is necessary to make an arrest. The time for argument is later in court.

Vance surely knows shes encouraging not lawful self-defense, but illegal and dangerous resistance to lawful arrests and deportations. But shes a Democrat, and when you hate Trump, America and Normal Americans that much, its all you have left.

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.
Outrageous price increases, rigid ideology, rampant intolerance, openly/institutionally racist, continual misinformation.

What American institution am I describing?

Congratulations if you said colleges and universities!

And you probably didnt attend one.

Ironically enough, no one with a functioning brain wants to attend one now. I believe it was George Bernard Shaw who said, Those who can, do, those who cant teach. He might well have added, And those who cant teach often become college professors.

These erstwhile institutions of higher learning are todays biggest hypocrites.

I signed up for a biology class when I was a freshman in a college of liberal arts and didnt find out until the first lecture its official title was Marxist Biology.

Talk about false advertising and deceptive practices!

I would have requested my money back if I thought it would have been possible. The professor claimed that biological and physiological processes made it a certainty that capitalism would end up on the ash-heap of history.

That is a true story.

Tragically, these schools have become nothing but indoctrination centers, purveyors of Marxism. Yet they keep jacking their prices up by raising their tuition and book prices -- despite gigantic endowments, government (taxpayer) subsidies, etc. And this money doesnt trickle down to the students, but most often goes towards hiring more administrators.

In recent years, often in the guise of DEI coordinators and diversity trainers. (Now that some of those have been shed due to Trump administration policy, I bet refunds will be given and tuition will fall, right? Right?)

And lets face it, student loans are a scam. They help drive up the cost of tuition and then force people with no kids to pay for them when they are ultimately waived or forgiven.

How much would you pay to indoctrinate your kids and have the schools teach them to hate you, the nation, capitalism, and Christianity -- among other things? If these schools were businesses, Democrats would be calling for them to be regulated, reformed, fined, or shut down. Well, whats good for the goose is good for the gander!

Except that, after a couple of semesters at these indoctrination mills, your children will no longer be able to recognize the difference. And you may not recognize them.

So, exercise your right to choose -- and homeschool your kids  or send them to Hillsdale College.

Most of the rest of these allegedly elite institutions should be aborted.*

Of course, thats just my opinion.

(Maybe someone should start an organization called Planned Studenthood.)

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
When you read as much news as I do, its often very tempting to rely solely on other peoples summaries and analyses of the information thats out there. If I trust the source, why shouldnt I let that source do the heavy lifting? Occasionally, though, you need to go to the original material to get the full impact.

I decided that, when it came to the material that Tulsi Gabbard released about the origins of the Russia collusion hoax that dragged down Trumps first term, I needed to see things for myself. Im glad I did, because it wasnt until I read the documents in situ, so to speak, that I realized that the Obama administration actually took its marching orders from Russia. This doesnt mean that Putin called Obama and said, Do this. It does mean, though, that Obama and his team, to destroy Trumps presidency, effectuated Putins election interference goals.

Image by AI.

You can see the declassified documents for yourself here, and an easier-to-read summary here. The summary emphasizes the fact that the intelligence community concluded Russia did not pose a threat to the integrity of the 2016 election in the lead-up to the election. That is, it lacked the ability to affect actual vote counts. Or, as an August 31, 2016, email concluded, The thrust of the analysis is that there is no indication of a Russian threat to directly manipulate the actual vote count through cyber means. The Obama administration lied.

What struck me more forcibly, though, were two other points. The first is what amounts almost to a throwaway line. Russia wasnt targeting a specific candidate, either to support or harm that candidate. Russia was meddling because doing so is a historical pattern. (September 9, 2016 email.) And why does Russia do this?

Well, the answer is summed up in the formal Intelligence Community Assessment  Cyber Threats to the 2016 US Presidential Election analysis included in the package. Putins goal was the same goal that the KGB always had; namely, to destabilize America:

[Redacted] The Kremlins cyber penetration of a US political partys servers and the timing of the probable subsequent leak of stolen data suggest that Russia is motivated to exploit the period surrounding the US presidential election either to try to shape the US political environment or to advance other Russian interests. For example, Putin may simply wish to make the US electoral process appear illegitimate, or to undermine the legitimacy of the President-elect, in order to strengthen Moscows hand. President Putin has the will and the authority in the Russian system to act forcefully and opportunistically and sometimes without planning for all the consequencesas he showed in occupying and annexing Crimea. [Redacted] The Kremlin probably expects that publicity surrounding the leaked party data will raise questions about the integrity of the US political process, as Putin hinted in a recent interview.

Viewed from that perspective, the way to foil the Russian goal is to ensure that the American people know that our elections have not been subject to foreign manipulation.

So what did the Obama administration do, on direct orders from Barack Obama himself, if the documents Tulsi Gabbard released are to be believed? (And I think they are.)

On December 9, 2016, the administration did two things. First, see page 67 of the released documents, the main actors in the administration had an all-hands-on-deck meeting of the National Security Council. And I do mean the main actors. Present were Susan Rice, James Clapper, John Kerry, Victoria Nuland (Dan Bongino listeners know her name), Andrew McCabe, John Brennan, Loretta Lynch, Ben Rhodes, and more.

This meeting saw them begin the process of demonizing Russia by depriving it of access to properties on American soil, denying it visas, and imposing sanctions. We probably remember this in connection with what came out during the James Comey attack on General Michael Flynn.

And while Obama himself wasnt at this meeting, if you go to page 71 of the released documents, you will see the text of a December 9, 2016, email broadcast within the DNI. It reported on POTUS [i.e., Obama] tasking at Mondays meeting on Russia election meddling and handing to everyone present a TP [talking point] about everything Russia did to interfere with elections.

These talking points list a parade of horribles that were not previously identified as matters of significance in the pre-election assessments, things such as hacking, leaks, cyber activity against voting systems, media spins and fake news, Russian intelligence efforts, etc. The email makes clear that the message from the White House was to disseminate to the public information about Russias ineffectual meddling, but, fraudulently, to sell it as a serious and significant crisis.

In other words, having lost an election that it was smugly certain its chosen candidate would win, the Obama administration instantly set about implementing the strategy Moscow had tried to realize in every American election since World War II: Cast doubt on the legitimacy of the American election to render the president unable to govern.

Thus, it wasnt Russia that successfully cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 2016 election; it was the Obama administration, either acting as an agent of Russia or acting independently, using Russia as its tool.
Now that President Trump's National Intelligence Director, Tulsi Gabbard, is exposing the depths of the Democrat deep state's disinformation operation against President Trump as a Russian agent as he entered office in 2021, it's worth noting that the operation had a lot of casualties on the way -- people who were smeared, often in the press at the explicit direction of the Obama White House -- one of whom was Gabbard herself.

Anyone recall how Hillary Clinton attempted to smear Gabbard herself as a "favorite of the Russians" and a "Russian asset"?

It led to backtracking in that Clinton later claimed that she was referring to 'Republicans' rather that Gabbard, but the damage was done, leading to this lawsuit from Gabbard in 2020:

Washington, DC  Tulsi Gabbard, a United States Congresswoman, Army National Guard Major, and 2020 presidential candidate, today filed a defamation lawsuit against Hillary Rodham Clinton. Gabbard, a U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district, asserts in her complaint that Clinton deliberately and maliciously made false statements in an attempt to derail Rep. Gabbard's campaign, by alleging that Gabbard is a "Russian asset." The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by Brian Dunne and Dan Terzian, Rep. Gabbard's legal counsel and partners at Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht LLP. Clinton was the 2016 Democratic Party nominee for President of the United States, United States Secretary of State from 2009 until 2013, a United States Senator for the State of New York from 2001 to 2009, and the First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001. On October 17, 2019, she publicly stated in an interview that "somebody who is currently in the Democratic primary ... [is a] favorite of the Russians... Yeah, she's a Russian asset." The press extensively republished and disseminated these statements, which were interpreted widely as Clinton asserting that Gabbard is a Russian asset.

After that, Gabbard dropped the case, probably for lack of funds, but asserting she believed in its merits nevertheless. Hillary's staff mocked her in Russian as a result.

According to CNN:

Plaintiffs Tulsi Gabbard and Tulsi Now, Inc. dismiss this action, Gabbards lawyers, Dan Terzian and Janice Roven, wrote in a court filing on Wednesday. While they remain certain of the actions legal merit, they are just as certain that this new COVID and post-COVID world require them to focus their time and attention on other priorities, including defeating Donald Trump in 2020, rather than righting the wrongs here. Terzian and Roven did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the voluntary dismissal. A spokesperson for Gabbard also did not respond to a request for comment. This was a publicity stunt through and through, and this filing makes that clear, Nick Merrill, a spokesperson for Clinton, said in a written statement. He then included the phrase good riddance in Russian.

What was that about? They did seem to enjoy the line that Tulsi was a Russian asset, didn't they?

What it shows is the extent to which Hillary Clinton was willing to use her office as Secretary of State to promote her lie and smears, all to justify herself for losing the election, a victim of Russian manipulations.

Since I had good Kremlin-connected Russian sources as a regular journalist at the time, I can say for sure that the Russians actually believed Hillary would win the election no matter what and they were as surprised as anyone when she didn't in 2016. Their interference as a result, through social media, was tepid, mostly just low-budget pot-stirring, and nothing to do with any candidates.

It just shows how low Hillary was willing to go.

One can only wonder what she's thinking now as Gabbard exposes layer after layer of their deceptions.

Image: Screen shot from CBS News YouTube video // fair use
I last wrote about Californias high-speed rail to nowhere in Democrats dying and dead mass people movers in June:

Approved by California voters in 2008, it was supposed to have run from San Francisco to Los Angeles by 2030 at a cost of a mere $33 billion. Eventually, it was downscaled to a very short route in the Central Valley, and the costs are over $100 billion and still rising [its now around $130 billion]. All that and not a single foot of railfor a railroad!has been laid. A variety of bridges and other concrete and steel monoliths have been constructed, which will surely baffle future archeologists as they have no discernible purpose for a railroad that never was or will be. Might they have had some religious significance? Were they primitive astronomical observatories? Fertility temples?

Lets repeat that. In 17 years, not a single foot of track has been laid, and California has a budget deficit of at least $12 billion dollars. I ended that article with this observation:

Well, at least Dems are consistent. They always choose the least efficient, most costly solutions to non-existent problems.

At PJ Media David Manney suggests the entire mess is Governor Gavin Newsoms vanity project, a concrete and rebarbut no railroad trackmonument to his greasy greatness. Its a bit of greatness that Newsom scaled back in 2019 from a coast-to-coast wonder to a Central Valley proof of concept test section.

To date, that test section has absorbed the full cost of the original, bigger project with no end in sight. Give Newsom credit though, hes proved the concept is impossible to build in California. If California wants to build this epic boondoggle, it will have to finance it alone. American taxpayers are out:

Graphic: Truth Social post

California's embattled high-speed rail project suffered a major setback after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the termination of $4 billion in unspent federal funding by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Citing 16 years of failure, no completed high-speed track, and escalating costs, Duffy declared the project, dubbed the "train to nowhere," a mismanaged and over-budget "boondoggle." "This is Californias fault. Governor Newsom and the complicit Democrats have enabled this waste for years. Federal dollars are not a blank check  they come with a promise to deliver results," Duffy said in a statement. [skip] "After over a decade of failures, CHSRAs mismanagement and incompetence has proven it cannot build its train to nowhere on time or on budget. Its time for this boondoggle to die. President Trump and I will always fight to ensure your tax dollars only go to projects that accomplish great, big, beautiful things."

Graphic: X Post

Duffy canceled $4 billion and also directed the FRA to review every additional grant connected to the project. In addition, the DOT is looking at clawing back everything spent on the project thus far and whatever legal action is necessary to accomplish that. Newsom, who is running for the Democrat 2028 nomination, is talking tough:

"Trump wants to hand China the future and abandon the Central Valley. We wont let him. With projects like the Texas high-speed rail failing to take off, we are miles ahead of others," Newsom wrote. "Were now in the track-laying phase and building Americas only high-speed rail. California is putting all options on the table to fight this illegal action," he continued.

In a sane state, a private railroad contractor could have built the project on time and under budget, but its unlikely that would be possible in California. Even while the state was trying to build it, all manner of regulations, permitting processes and lawsuits bogged construction down.

Newsom has painted himself into a corner. He obviously feels he has no option but to continue to waste money on this disaster. Fellow Democrats, and Republicans, are surely delighted. The campaign commercials write themselves: Gavin Newsom: hell to do America what he did to California! Newsom will blame Trump, but by 2028 thats not going to work anymore. It really doesnt now, but what else do Democrats have?

A recent Quinnipiac poll is deadly for Democrats. Theyre at a record 19%(?!)low in congressional approval since the issue was first polled in March of 2009.

Graphic: X Post

One would think Democrats, including Democrats hoping to be reelected in 2026 and running for the nomination in 2028 would completely revamp their positions and messaging, even admit error and promise to do better with policies Americans want. But noooooooo! as John Belushi used to say.

Without federal taxpayer dollars, with tens, even hundreds, of thousands of Californians fleeing California for red states every year, not as missionaries but political refugees, with California facing huge deficits and a legislature dedicated to going full commienever go full commiethe pilot project will never be finished. Even if a few feet of track are eventually laid, California will be stuck with abandoned, half-finished concrete and rebar monuments to Newsoms folly.

Theyll look splendid in campaign commercials and will persist for centuries, too expensive to tear down. China, which is also in deep economic trouble, can have that future. A railroad with no rails isnt ahead of anything.

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.
The war in Gaza has been going on for 648 days as of this writing, the same length of time the Israeli hostages have been held by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Gaza tunnels. The very objectives the Israeli government laid out for victory have not been fully met. Fifty hostages, 20 assumed alive and the rest murdered by Hamas, are still in captivity. Hamas is still on its feet, despite 15,000 dead and many more wounded. And in spite of losing its top commanders, and its political leaders in the Gaza Strip, Hamas continues to resist and control the Gazan population.

The objectives laid out by the Israeli government when launching the war against Hamas in Gaza were to defeat the terror group militarily and free the hostages  having paid a steep price by releasing thousands of murderous terrorists who may rejoin Hamas in attacking Israelis in the future. More importantly, the price was paid with the blood of 893 heroic Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. Another objective was to end the threat to Israel from the Gaza terrorist groups.

A major part of the problem for the Israeli policymakers and the IDF command is the media. The left-leaning Hebrew channels, and many of their TV anchors, who have contempt for Netanyahu and his right-of- center government, have skewed their reportage and hyped the hostage situation. Netanyahu and his government have been targeted as the reason for the absence of a resolution that would bring back the hostages  a wish the entire nation of Israel shares. Lost in the hyperbole is the fact that many Israelis support the government as they attempt to save lives rather than carpet-bomb the entire area.

Hamas operatives are watching the same Israeli TV broadcasts Israelis watch and derive immense pleasure from seeing the families of the hostages, encouraged by the TV channels hosts, rail against the government and Netanyahu in particular, while demanding that a deal be made with Hamas at all costs. Their calls to end the war on Hamass terms would leave Hamas in place, armed, and in political and civil control of the Gaza Strip. This simply amounts to music to Hamass ears.

The families of the hostages travel to the U.S. to meet with President Trump and previously with Biden, adding to pressure on Israel to end the war, without the IDF being able to accomplish its goals. Instead of demanding that more American pressure be put on Hamas and Qatar, they are maligning Netanyahu  accusing him of being more concerned with self-preservation than with ending the war and making a deal to release the hostages. Yet it is Hamas and not Israel that has rejected all efforts for a compromised deal for the release of the hostages.

At the same time, Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, must talk less about eradicating Hamas and do more to make it happen. The unnecessary statements from defense minister Israel Katz and P.M. Netanyahu are unproductive and accomplish very little. They simply provide fodder for the foreign press to come out against Israel.

Israel, oftentimes, employs a Western mindset when dealing with the cruel terrorist groups who respect only overwhelming power. Jerusalem has made chronic mistakes in Gaza that have prevented Israel from achieving ultimate victory. One such mistake is believing that Qatar and the Hamas leadership in Doha can influence Hamas in Gaza to become more flexible regarding a hostage deal.

Another mistake is rejecting the idea of occupying the entire Gaza Strip. Depriving Hamas of territory in Gaza would deem holding the hostages meaningless and would give Israel command over the negotiations for their release. Likewise, it would reverse the roles  with Israel setting the terms on who is to be released  and hopefully all 50 of them at once.

The strategy for a total victory must go beyond military triumph to change the reality on the ground. Although IDF troops have been victorious in their encounters with the Hamas and PIJ terrorists, killing all of them will take years and will compromise the lives of many IDF soldiers. Israel must therefore exploit Hamass weaknesses and disconnect them from the general population in Gaza by using elements within the Islamic faith and culture to expose and foil Hamass recruitment efforts.

Additionally, distribution of humanitarian aid to Gazans must continue to be carried out by an outside party, with the IDF being in charge of security. And Israel must encourage and support those Palestinians who seek to immigrate to other countries, in accordance with President Trumps vision.

Gazas reconstruction must be conditioned upon the freeing of all 50 hostages and their return to Israel, disarming the Hamas and PIJ fighters and facilitating their exile (not to Judea and Samaria) but preferably to Muslim nations like Malaysia or Indonesia, as well as the deradicalization of the educational system in Gaza for the remaining residents and their children.

Finally, the legal constraints placed upon the IDF operations in Gaza must be lifted, and the IDF must be able to use its full force to overwhelm and end Hamass will to fight.

The media in Israel has to become more responsible and stop  knowingly or not doing Hamass bidding. It is high time the IDF be unrestrained in order to win the war.

Image via Raw Pixel.
Mario Guevara reports from a local police traffic enforcement area in Stone Mountain, Georgia, on 29 April 2025. Photograph: Erik S Lesser/EPA

Prosecutors dropped the last remaining charges against Atlanta-area journalist Mario Guevara last week after he was arrested while livestreaming a protest in June. But the influential Salvadorian reporter remains penned up in a south Georgia detention center, fending off a deportation case, jail house extortionists and despair, people familiar with his situation told the Guardian.

Donald Trumps administration has been extreme in unprecedented ways to undocumented immigrants. But Guevaras treatment is a special case. Shuttled between five jail cells in Georgia since his arrest while covering the No Kings Day protests, the 20-plus-years veteran journalists sin was to document the undocumented and the way Trumps agents have been hunting them down.

Today, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, hes the only reporter in the United States sleeping in a prison cell for doing his job.

For the first time in my life, Im seeing what absolute power can do, said Guevaras attorney, Giovanni Diaz. Power that doesnt care about optics. Power that doesnt care about the damage to human lives to achieve a result Ive only heard about as some abstract thing that we heard about in the past, usually talking about other governments in the way that they persecute individuals. This is powerful.

***

Around Atlanta, Guevara has been the person that immigrants call when they see an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (Ice) raid going down in their neighborhood.

Guevara had been working for La Prensa Grafica, one of El Salvadors main newspapers, when he was attacked at a protest rally held by the leftwing group Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) in 2003. The former paramilitary organization viewed reporters from his paper as aligned with the rightwing government, and threatened his life. He fled to the United States in 2004, seeking asylum with his wife and daughter, entering legally on a tourist visa.

He has been reporting for Spanish-language media in the United States ever since, riding a wave of Latino immigration to the Atlanta suburbs to career success and community accolades. He began reporting on immigration crackdowns under the Obama administration, one of the few reporters to note a tripling of noncriminal immigration arrests in the Atlanta area, as noted in a 2019 New York Times video profile of his work.. He meticulously documented cases and interviewed the families of arrestees. People around Atlanta began to recognize him on the street as the journalist chasing la migra.

His work continued through the Trump administration, drawing an audience of millions that followed him from Mundo Hispanico to the startup news operation he founded last year: MGNews or Noticias MG.

Its a unique niche that was met by Marios innovation and entrepreneurialism, if you will, said Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and GALEO Latino Community Development Fund. He developed a really strong relationship with the community. He developed significant trust with much of that community. And because of that, his eyeballs started increasing.

An immigration court judge denied Guevaras asylum claim in 2012 and issued a deportation order. Guevaras lawyers appealed, and the court granted administrative closure of the case. He wasnt being deported. But he wasnt given legal residency either. Instead, the government issued him a work permit, his lawyer said. With a shrug, he went back to work.

Guevara is arguably the most-watched journalist covering Ice operations in the United States, a story that the English-language media had largely been missing, Gonzalez said. And local police were well aware of his work. He has been negotiating with them for access to immigration enforcement scenes for more than a decade.

Hes a test case to push the envelope for legal immigrants that have committed no crime, to trump up charges against them Jerry Gonzalez

Mario Guevara is well known  sometimes liked sometimes not  but definitely well known by law enforcement agencies, particularly in DeKalb county and Gwinnett county, and also with federal agents, and particularly immigration agents, Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez, among others, believes this put a target on his back in the current administration.

It seems like law enforcement coordinated and colluded with the federal agents, Gonzalez said. Gonzalez points to the misdemeanor traffic charges laid by the Gwinnett county sheriffs office shortly after Guevaras arrest in DeKalb county by the Doraville police department as evidence.

The facts and the timeline indicate that pretty clearly to anybody thats been following this, he claimed. In this regard its particularly troubling, given that he is a journalist and his situation. He had no reason to have been targeted for his arrest.

The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to a request for comment about their relationship with local law enforcement. The Gwinnett county sheriffs office said in a response to a lawmakers inquiry that it cooperates with Ice when deemed mutually beneficial but has not responded to requests for additional comment.

Doravilles police chief, Chuck Atkinson, has not replied to an email seeking answers and fled from questions about the case at a city hearing. But Doravilles mayor, Joseph Geierman, denied a connection between Ice and Doravilles arrest of Guevara.

***

On 14 June, the day of his arrest, in Atlantas DeKalb county, Guevara darted around a Doraville police truck. A group of riot cops nearby took note. One shouted last warning, sir! Get out of the road!

Guevara was helmeted and wearing a black vest over his red shirt with the word PRESS in white letters. James Talley, an officer with the Doraville police department, was wearing an olive drab Swat jumpsuit with a helmet and gas mask.

A masked demonstrator set off a smoke bomb near the cops. Guevara ran into the street with a stabilized camera in hand to capture the police reaction and the crowd scampering out of the way, as was shown on a police body camera video.

Police had issued a dispersal order and were kettling protesters out of Chamblee-Tucker Road. They chased the suspected bomb thrower into the crowd, to no avail. But Guevara was in front of them on a grassy slope.

Police from DeKalb county managing the raucous protest had been taking verbal abuse from demonstrators for a while  a sharp contrast from other protests around Atlanta held that day. The protest was winding down. Body camera video from the event suggests Talley was in an arresting mood.

Keep your eye on the guy in the red shirt, Talley said to another Swat officer from Doraville. If he gets to the road, lock his ass up.

Talley pulled another police officer aside. If he gets in the road, hes gone, Talley said. Hes been warned multiple times.

The other officer drew a finger across his chest. The press? Yep, Talley replied.

The three of them waited about 50ft away as a DeKalb county police officer approached Guevara on the hill, ordering him to get on the sidewalk. Guevara backed away from the officer, his attention focused on the recording, took two steps into the street, and the Doraville police pounced.

Guevara pleaded for the police to be reasonable.

Im with the media, officer! Guevara said. Let me finish!

People shouted at the officers Thats the press! as they walked him handcuffed to a vehicle. Why are you all taking him! He didnt do nothing.

More than one million people were watching Guevaras livestream when he was arrested.

***

Trump has stepped up his rhetorical attacks on journalists since his inauguration. Last week, he described a reporter asking about warnings and emergency response in the Texas flooding disaster as an evil person, an epithet he has turned to with increasing frequency.

The Guevara case is a sign of increasing hostility toward a free press, said Katherine Jacobsen, a program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists. She traced a through line from the Associated Press being barred from government briefings after it refused to accept the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, then lawsuits and investigations reopened against media companies, then attacks on journalists covering protests in Los Angeles, then Australian writer Alistair Kitchens deportation seemingly in relation to his reporting on student protests.

Next thing you know, we have Mario Guevara, a long time Spanish-language reporter in the Atlanta metro area, who is in Ice detention, she said. Its growing increasingly concerning by the day.

Guevaras audience views it as more than an attack on press freedom, though. They view it as an attack on themselves.

Hes a test case to push the envelope for legal immigrants that have committed no crime, to trump up charges against them, GALEOs Gonzalez said. And the second piece is how to target journalists.

***

Guevaras arrest set off an immigration nightmare akin to the kind he has spent the last decade documenting.

His arrest on a Saturday led to a weekend in DeKalb countys decaying jail and a bond hearing that Monday. A magistrate court judge granted Guevara a no-dollar bond, but by then Ice had become aware of the arrest and placed Guevara on a hold. The jail released him into Ice custody, and held him briefly in a metro Atlanta facility.

The next day, Gwinnett county charged Guevara with three misdemeanor traffic offenses, claiming that they were related to Guevara livestreaming a law enforcement operation a month earlier. The charges would be sufficient to keep him in jail and provide Ice an argument for his deportation at a federal bond hearing. The Gwinnett county sheriffs office said Guevaras livestreaming compromised investigations.

Guevaras attorneys tried to work quickly, Diaz said. The detained dockets are so backed up, and the immigration detention centers are so overwhelmed that what used to take us two or three days to get a bond hearing now is taking about a week, he said.

Attorneys working for immigration enforcement argued in court that Guevaras reporting constituted a threat to immigration operations.

Jacobsen with CPJ was listening to the hearing when the government made that argument.

We felt a sense of alarm, she said. Alarm bells were raised by the governments argument, as well as the judge not necessarily pushing back against the governments argument that live streaming poses a danger to threaten law enforcement actions.

The immigration judge granted Guevara a $7,500 bond for the immigration case. But Guevaras family was not allowed to pay it because government attorneys appealed the bond order to the board of immigration appeals. But it took seven days for the court to issue a stay to the governments appeal. Meanwhile, Ice began playing musical jail cells with Guevara.

Over the course of the next three weeks, Ice shuttled Guevara between three different counties around Atlanta and eventually to the massive private prison Ice uses in Folkston, Georgia, 240 miles south-east of Atlanta on the Florida line.

We werent surprised that they appealed, because the governments reserving and in most cases appealing everything, even stuff where they shouldnt appeal because theyre wasting everybodys time, Diaz said. But we didnt really know the breadth of what they were trying to do to him.

Earlier this week, Todd Lyons, Ices acting director, issued a memo changing its policy on bond hearings, arguing that detainees are not entitled to those hearings before their deportation case is heard in court. Immigration advocates expect to challenge the move in court.

But Guevara is not facing a criminal charge. The Gwinnett county solicitors office dropped the traffic charges last week, noting that two of them could not be prosecuted because they occurred on private property  the apartment complex  and the third lacked sufficient evidence for a conviction.

For now, Ice has mostly kept Guevara in medical wards in jails even though he is healthy, Diaz said. From the beginning, theyve been keeping Mario under a special segregation because theyre claiming hes a public figure. They want to make sure nothing happened to him.

***

Doraville is a municipality of about 10,800 in DeKalb county with a separate police force, and had been asked to assist managing the protest in the immigrant-heavy Embry Hills neighborhood nearby. Protests have become a regular occurrence in DeKalb county since the Trump administrations immigration raids began.

Doravilles cops have displayed a more cooperative relationship with immigration law enforcement than many other metro Atlanta departments, and observers have raised questions about whether its police department arrested Guevara to facilitate an Ice detainer.

I believe the government is trying to tarnish my record in order to deport me as if I were a criminal Mario Guevara

Geierman, the mayor, denied those accusations.

The Doraville police department was not operating under the direction of, or in coordination with, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) during the June 14th protest, he said in a statement. To the departments knowledge, no Ice personnel were present at the event. Doraville officers were on site to support the DeKalb county sheriffs office as part of a coordinated public safety effort.

Observers have also questioned Guevaras charges from Gwinnett county  ignoring traffic signs, using a communication device while driving, and reckless driving  that stemmed from an incident that occurred in May, a month before his arrest.

Mario Guevara compromised operational integrity and jeopardized the safety of victims of the case, investigators, and Gwinnett county residents, the department said in a statement.

But Gwinnetts belated prosecution left his attorneys gobsmacked.

In the narrative that they put out, they say he was livestreaming a police operation, and he was interfering, Diaz said. But when they went to a judge to get warrants, the only warrants the magistrate was able to sign for them was for traffic violations. I mean, thats kind of telling.

I think the whole thing is suspicious, he added. From the beginning, just everything seemed they were really making efforts to make it difficult for him to go free.

Marvin Lim, a Filipino American state representative whose district contains the apartment complex in Gwinnett in Guevaras citation, has asked the sheriffs office a detailed set of questions about the departments relationship with federal immigration enforcement. He has not received an adequate response, he said in an open letter to the sheriff.

An array of six advocacy organizations challenged Gwinnetts sheriff, Keybo Taylor, in a letter Tuesday over Guevaras arrest and the sheriffs posture toward immigration enforcement, demanding details about the relationship. GALEO, among them, also issued a separate letter Wednesday calling on Taylor to be transparent about the Guevara arrest.

Related: Ice politically targeted farm worker activist Juarez Zeferino, colleagues say

Guevara was arrested while doing the vital work that journalists in a democracy do, GALEOs letter states. Not only do the circumstances surrounding his incarceration and subsequent immigration detainment stir serious civil rights concerns, but they also build upon an expanding sense of fear and confusion in Georgias most diverse county.

I am being persecuted, Guevara wrote in a 7 July letter seeking humanitarian intercession from, of all people, Nayib Bukele, El Salvadors rightwing president.

I am about to complete a month in jail, and I need to get out in order to continue with my life, return to my work, and support my family, Guevara wrote. I have lived in the United States for nearly 22 years. I had never been arrested before. In these past three weeks, I have been held in five different jails, and I believe the government is trying to tarnish my record in order to deport me as if I were a criminal.

Guevaras American-born son turned 21 this year, permitting him to sponsor Guevaras green card and eventual citizenship. His application is pending, Diaz said. It may not matter.

This is the first time Ive ever seen a stay filed for someone who has no convictions, has almost no criminal history in 20 years, and only had pending traffic violations, Diaz said.

Its clear that everybodys working really hard to keep him detained.

 This article was amended on 21 July 2025. An earlier version misspelled the surname of Jerry Gonzalez.
Many Highlanders believe land being bought by wealthy individuals inflates property prices and shuts out locals. Photograph: Galbraith/PA

If youre spending a drizzly weekend indoors scrolling for the one-day countryside bolthole youll probably never buy, something in the Highlands of Scotland might catch your eye in the Rightmove listings.

Just north of Fort William, where the average property price is a shade over 200,000, is a sale listing for 9m  but this is no lochside bothy ripe for renovation.

Instead, the Glen Buck estate includes a four-bed farmhouse, two-bed holiday cottage, hydroelectric scheme, 3,600 hectares (8,900 acres) of land and part of the nearby loch.

There are possibilities to make more money from its rolling hills in the shadow of the Grampian mountains too, the consistent wind speeds of the area known as the electric glen making it prime for wind turbines.

The listing comes amid unhappiness from Highlanders who believe large swathes of land being bought by wealthy individuals inflates property prices and excludes local people from buying where they grew up.

According to government statistics, the rise in house prices in the Highlands is among the highest in Scotland, with a 7% increase between July 2023 and July 2024.

In 2022 the Scottish Land Commission warned the countrys land market is at risk of overheating, with the demand from corporations, charities and the privately wealthy for prime Highland estates outstripping supply.

Rod Christie, who is handling the sale on behalf of Galbraith estate agents, said: At the heart of the Great Glen, Glen Buck estate offers buyers enormous diversity through a wealth of residential, sporting, natural capital and renewable interests.

It will likely appeal to buyers from across the globe, with private buyers, institutions and investors all able to find a specific point of interest.

The estate in Aberchalder is rich in history too, closely associated with Scotlands bloody clan past and the Jacobite rebellion.

The nearby village of Invergarry was once home to a branch of Clan Donald. Approaching Glen Buck along the A82 before Invergarry, drivers come across a macabre monument dedicated to a series of 17th-century reprisal killings among the clans.

The obelisk next to Loch Oich is initially unassuming. However, closer scrutiny reveals it is crowned with a carving of a hand holding a dagger, and seven severed heads.

Called the Well of the Seven Heads, the name refers to revenge killings after two members of Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, a branch of Clan Donald, were murdered by their cousins.

The seven killers were tracked down two years later and themselves killed. They were decapitated, with their heads washed in a well underneath where the obelisk now stands. Their heads were then presented as proof of their deaths. The well can still be seen.

Related: Edinburgh tops list as US housebuyers eye a UK home

The area has strong links, too, to the Jacobite rebellion. Regiments from the area joined the Jacobite army that attempted to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne.

The nearby village of Fort Augustus was the scene of a siege during the uprising of 1745, and again a year later, as the area was contested between Jacobite forces and those loyal to the British crown.

Luckily, it has been far more peaceful since then. Glen Buck fronts on to the Caledonian canal, which connects the east and west Scottish coasts.

It covers low-lying ground, upland terrain and hill grazing to more than 800 metres at Carn Dearg, and includes native woodland as well as buildings including a farmhouse, bothies and a cottage used for holiday lets.

The leased Glen Buck Hydro Scheme is an electricity generation facility on the estate that will provide rental income until 2065.

The sellers also pointed to natural capital opportunities on the estate in the form of peatland restoration potential, and woodland creation supported by compensatory planting arrangements.

Meanwhile its sporting appeal is represented by well-established deer stalking across open country and areas of woodland, the sellers saying this could be further developed.

Christie said: With high hills, ancient woodland, open moorland and good-quality farmland, Glen Buck represents the best of the Highlands and enjoys access to, and a spectacular outlook over, Loch Oich.


It will take decades to unpick Starmers ludicrous deals - Jaimi Joy/Bloomberg

If Donald Trump practices the art of the deal, Keir Starmer gets closer to the art of the steal. Unfortunately, though, its everyone else that is stealing from us, and not the other way around.

As soon as Labour got in I could see the writing was on the wall. Desperate to curry favour with the unions, Starmer sent his ministers out to solve the unrest in the public sector. He sanctioned Wes Streeting to hand over a 22 per cent pay rise to the junior doctors. Labour boasted that theyd fixed the problem in the NHS and everything would now flourish. This week those same doctors will go out on strike because the government cant give them any more.

Next came the train drivers. After paralysing the country for months they accepted 15 per cent to return to a normal timetable. The Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh, who later had to resign over a fraud conviction, paid the money with no conditions. As a result the train drivers continue to milk the system, work four days a week and enjoy hopelessly arcane practices.

Then we come to the international negotiations. Sadly Starmer has fared no better than his Cabinet. Lets consider the Chagos Islands. When Labour got into power it wasnt entirely clear whether Mauritius actually wanted them. And with much huffing and puffing from Nigel Farage - who was covertly suggesting that he would get Donald Trump to veto any deal - it looked for all the world that the fire sale would never happen.

But thanks to Tony Blairs diplomat in chief Jonathan Powell and the Attorney General Lord Hermer a deal was struck. The bad news is that we are face paying the thick end of around 56 billion over the next several years. Hardly a bargain.

As I said at the time on my show, its like paying someone 25,000 to take away your 35 year old banger that needs lots of work and an MOT.

Next up it was the French. Before the rather ludicrous summit this month in London where Starmer got into full love-in mode with Emanuel Macron, he had already sold off our fishing rights to the French in return for a completely nebulous promise that the gendarmerie of Normandy might try a bit harder to stop illegal migrants from clambering onto some small boats.

771 million pounds later, theyre still coming. And now theyre being handed free life jackets too. Quite a ridiculously low return for our investment.

Since the summit Starmers negotiations skills have gone into overdrive. Thanks to his interventions it now looks like we will be paying vast sums into the coffers of the European Union in order to harmonise our food standards and to equalise our carbon markets.

And we havent even got to our trade deals yet. The one with Europe certainly looks like one way traffic with the UK as the supplicant in the relationship. We pay, they play seems to be the mantra for the Foreign Office.

India meanwhile appears to be the beneficiary of a spectacular deal to open businesses in the UK which will be given special treatment when it comes to levels of income tax and national insurance. Indian citizens will be enabled to come to Britain and work on a temporary basis and be better off than their British counterparts. And it isnt clear, as with most deals with this Labour government, exactly what we are getting in return.

Then we turn to the USA. Forget the cringeworthy moment of Starmer producing a letter from King Charles in the Oval Office out of his breast pocket, and instead focus on what has actually happened since the deal was done - much more recently than Labour would have you believe.

We have bought around 1 billion of military jets from America, but we are still subject to tariffs on steel, on cars and on a host of other exports that didnt used to pay them. Its a no win situation for the UK because walking into a room with a begging bowl isnt going to impress Donald Trump.

Hes taken the Prime Minister for a very long and costly ride.

This week an increasingly irrelevant and nervous looking PM entertained the leaders of Germany and the Czech Republic. He signed the Kensington Treaty with the former and a memorandum of understanding with the latter. All nonsense of course.

If you were a betting man, or woman, in a casino youd always bet against Two Tier Keir. He loses at the tables every time.

Mike Graham presents Morning Glory every weekday morning from 6am-10am on Talk
The minority are not the first to be targeted but their experience is especially grim

While the usual pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through London on Saturday preaching hatred of Israel, another group was staging a less prominent gathering in the capital.

Dozens of Syrians from minority communities took part in a rally calling for action to protect the Druze in their Sweida heartland in the south of the country, where sectarian violence has killed hundreds. Around 80 protesters chanted Stop supporting Jolani. This was a reference to the nom de guerre of the Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. His Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took over in Damascus late last year after the fall of Bashar al-Assads regime.

Yet despite pledges to abandon the hard-line fundamentalism previously espoused by Islamic State and other bodies, the new government is showing it is every bit as intolerant.The Druze minority are not the first to be targeted but their experience is especially grim. They fear their small community is being set up for ethnic cleansing and other minorities will suffer the same fate.

Israel, which harbours some Druze communities in the Golan, have become involved, bombing Syrian positions while the US fears the violence will wreck its efforts to bring peace to the region. Several attempts to impose a ceasefire have so far failed.

Western nations, including the UK, have invested a great deal of political and diplomatic capital in propping up the new regime in Damascus and will be reluctant to admit this might be a mistake.

HTS was founded as an affiliate of al-Qaeda and continues to espouse its Salafi-jihadist ideology. Their efforts to present a secular, non-threatening front to the rest of the world is in danger of falling apart amid the bloodshed of Sweida.
Protesters gathered outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex on Sunday night as protests continued. (PA) (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

It has cost 100,000 to police the violent protests outside a hotel in Essex believed to be housing asylum seekers, it has been revealed.

Eight police officers were injured following the demonstration outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday evening.

On Sunday, more than 100 demonstrators assembled there, with some chanting save our kids and holding signs saying deport foreign criminals, we go home when they go back and defend our girls.

Bottles and smoke flares were thrown towards police vans that blocked the entrance to the hotel.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the MP for the Essex constituency of Clacton, defended the protesters, saying most were "genuinely concerned families" and that the violence was caused by "some bad eggs".

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, from Essex Police, said: The cost of policing criminal incidents in Epping over the last week has reached 100,000  money which we would much rather spend on continuing to cut crime across Essex and keeping our neighbourhoods safe," he said.

Six people were arrested on Sunday evening, including a 17-year-old male on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a police car. Four were arrested on Sunday for alleged offences during Thursdays protest, the force said.

Protesters held signs saying: 'Save our kids' as protests continued. (PA) (Yui Mok, PA Images)

On Tuesday, Dean Smith, 51, from Madells, Epping, is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court charged with violent disorder following the protests.

On Monday, Keith Silk, 33, from Torrington Drive, Loughton, pleaded not guilty at Southend Magistrates' Court to a charge of violent disorder outside the hotel last Thursday.

He was also charged with criminal damage, having allegedly shaken a sign belonging to the hotel, but he was not asked to enter a plea to this. Silk was bailed with conditions ahead of a court appearance on 18 August.

Here is what we know about the protests and why they're happening.

What are the protests about?

There have been a series of protests outside the hotel since 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with sexual assault following an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Thursday, 17 July.

The protests come amid a wider debate over the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, with growing tensions in some towns and cities.

Police have been outside the Bell Hotel as protests continued. (PA) (Yui Mok, PA Images)

What has happened now?

On Sunday (20 July), more than 100 protestors gathered outside the hotel, with some chanting save our kids.

A line of police vans and officers blocked off the entrance to the hotel, with protesters facing them on the other side of the pavement and later throwing bottles and smoke flares.

Some protestors held signs saying deport foreign criminals, we go home when they go back and defend our girls. A small number were wearing balaclavas and face coverings.

Protesters set off smoke and chanted during Sunday's demonstration. (Getty) (Yui Mok - PA Images via Getty Images)

What do local politicians say?

Local Conservative MPs, Epping Forest's Neil Hudson and Alex Burghart, who represents Brentwood and Ongar, as well as Chris Whitbread, the Conservative leader of Epping Forest District Council, have called for the Home Office to stop housing asylum seekers at the hotel.

In a statement last week, Hudson and Burghart said: "The situation regarding the use of asylum hotels in Epping Forest District has become increasingly alarming and distressing in recent days.

"From the fires at the Phoenix Hotel and Bell Hotel a few weeks ago leading to a man being charged with arson, and now the alleged sexual assaults in Epping last week, leading to a man being charged, our local communities are becoming increasingly distressed.

"It is becoming more apparent that the Home Office do not have a grasp about the seriousness of this situation with regard to local community safety, or accountability or safeguarding of hotel residents.

"Together as neighbouring Constituency MPs, along with Epping Forest District Council, we are calling on the government to immediately close the Bell and Phoenix Hotels and make alternative arrangements accordingly."

Police officers at the scene at The Bell Hotel on Sunday night as protests continued. (AFP) (JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)

They said they had requested an urgent meeting with the home secretary, adding: "The government needs to get a grip of this issue both locally and nationally.

"Labour made promises that they would end the use of asylum hotels. They also made promises on illegal immigration, but on their watch this has markedly gone up."

Whitbread said in a statement: "We have consistently shared concerns with the Home Office that the Bell Hotel is an entirely unsuitable location for this facility and should close.

"We continue to press Home Office officials for the immediate closure of the site and are encouraged that our local MPs are now actively supporting our call."

What does the government say?

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged to end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds during last years general election.

But concerns have been voiced, including from his own backbenchers, over whether the government is achieving its aims of cutting the asylum backlog and housing people in longer-term temporary housing.

In the wake of the latest protests, a spokesman for the prime minister reportedly said it was important that legitimate protest did not cross a line into criminality, adding that there is a clear government policy to reduce the use of asylum hotels.

Read more

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Bedouin tribal gunmen engage in combat with Druze fighters in Sweida in Syrias southern province - Bakr Alkasem/AFP

Dr Talat Amer, a surgeon at Sweida National Hospital in southern Syria, worked tirelessly for three days as bombs fell and the building came under siege from government and militia forces.

On the fourth day of fighting in the Druze-majority city, Dr Amer was shot in the head as he tried to return to work.

He was dressed in scrubs and they executed him. Then they called his wife on his phone and bragged about it, Sami, a surgeon at the hospital, told The Telegraph. Witnesses reported it was regime forces wearing Islamic State badges on their military fatigues.

Dr Talat Amer, a surgeon at Sweida National Hospital was shot in the head as he tried to return to work

The fighting that has consumed the region started on July 13 as a local dispute between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes but quickly escalated into deadly clashes. Syrian government forces deployed to the region to quell the violence instead became embroiled in it, drawing in Israeli intervention.

Syrian soldiers, many of whom came from former jihadist ranks, are accused of aligning with other militias and attacking Druze fighters and civilians, carrying out a bloody rampage across the city.

After six days of terror, the death toll is estimated to be more than 900, but confirmation will take time as bodies are recovered and identified.

Despite an immediate and comprehensive US-brokered ceasefire being declared between Syria and Israel on Saturday in Sweida  it is failing to hold. Multiple witnesses say militias are still attacking villages and the city.

The fighting that has consumed the region started as a local dispute between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP

Sami, who is currently hiding with his family and speaking under a pseudonym for fear of retribution, was working at the hospital on Tuesday when he said government forces attacked.

We saw the soldiers and the bombs were landing on the hospital, we hid but then tried to continue treating patients. Then we lost electricity and water, he recounted.

He was not there on Wednesday when Syrian soldiers were alleged to have detained the doctors and nurses in the operating rooms. They killed a maintenance man and told the doctors they would be executed at 6pm.

The soldiers were forced to withdraw and his colleagues escaped, Sami said, but he still does not know how many staff were killed during the attack on the hospital.

Videos filmed inside the building show corpses piled up in hallways, blood-soaked floors, rooms stacked with body bags and a chaotic makeshift morgue set up outside.

The death toll in the city of Sweida is estimated to be more than 900 - Omar Haj Kadour/AFP

When Sami reached the hospital on Thursday, passing civilian bodies littering the roads nearby, he found a Syrian tank at its front entrance  and more bodies. It looked like a massacre, he said.

The hospital was partly destroyed, there were a lot of bodies put on top of each other. We still do not know who is dead. I havent been able to make contact with all of my colleagues.

The surgeon estimates that there are 400 bodies at the hospital. Most are piled outside in the back yard because the morgue ran out of space. I think they will reach 1,000 soon. We do not have time to identify them or bury them he said.

Syrias leadership has vowed to punish those who committed heinous acts against Druze civilians, but its control appears shaky and Sweidas residents fear authorities are unable to provide security.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Syrian president has vowed to protect the Druze minority, but his forces have been accused of executing them in the street.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Syrian president, said he will protect the Druze, but his forces have been accused of carrying out executions - Khalil Ashawi/Reuters

Nawaf Al-Shibli, a medical doctor who lives on the outskirts of Sweida, described feeling powerless as he heard that his friends and colleagues might be being killed inside the National Hospital.

He is trapped inside his own village on the outskirts of Sweida, which he said is still under attack from neighbouring Bedouin tribes and Arab militia groups.

You cannot imagine the horrors, Dr al-Shibli, who is also a prominent peace activist, told The Telegraph. These are my friends, they were so innocent. All the world will be shocked when it comes to light what happened, he said.

Dr al-Shibli has been distributing food and aid to his neighbours. I am trying to help, but there is nothing, no electricity, no clean water, no medicine. All the villages have been burnt around us.

When the violence broke out last week, he said many villagers fled to Sweida, where they believed they would be safe. Some were killed, he said, and those that returned are traumatised.

They came from all directions, all roads, with all resources and heavy weaponry. They wanted to destroy the Druze, they oppose our beliefs.

Dr Nawaf al-Shibli said he feels powerless as friends and colleagues might be being killed in the hospital

The Druze, whose religion is rooted in Islam but do not identify as Muslim have faced a history of persecution.

The Druze religious sect began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. More than half of the roughly one 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.

In Israel, the Druze are seen as a loyal minority and often serve in the military. In Syria, the Druze have been divided over how to deal with the countrys new leaders, with some advocating for integrating into the new system while others have remained suspicious of the authorities in Damascus and pushed for an autonomous Druze region.

We are peaceful, he said. We do not usually fight, we want to help others. Our saying is to hurt no one, love all, serve all.

Inside the city, residents are pleading for help from the outside community, saying that aid is not reaching them as militias have blocked all the roads.

The situation is very bad, this is a disaster, we are asking for a humanitarian corridor to open up, Kinan Azzam, a dentist who lives in the east of Sweida city, told The Telegraph.

He described seeing bodies all over the streets and hearing of Druze women and children kidnapped, while parents were killed in their homes in front of their children.

Kinan Azzam described seeing bodies in the streets and hearing of Druze women and children being kidnapped

On Friday, Mr Azzam learnt that his friend, an engineer, had been taken by regime forces and killed. He was a very good person, they kidnapped him and killed him in a bad way and left him.

Now, he said the fresh ceasefire agreement  the second this week after an earlier agreement on Wednesday quickly collapsed  is being broken continuously.

Please we need help, time is running out, why isnt anyone helping us?

Burcu Ozcelik, a Middle East security analyst at the Rusi think tank, told The Telegraph: The ceasefire remains extremely fragile.

She said a range of armed groups, operating beyond the control of the government and driven by divergent agendas, are converging on the area in anticipation of renewed conflict.

Ms Ozcelik added: This escalation must be urgently contained.

There have also been reports of attacks on the small Bedouin communities,  who are predominantly Sunni Muslim  in Sweida and what Syrian media outlets called massacres by outlaw groups.

Burcu Ozcelik, a Middle East security analyst, said a range of armed groups are converging on the Sweida area - Abdulaziz Ketaz/AFP

The deadly violence, the worst in this corner of Syria since the height of the countrys nearly 14 year civil war, has underscored the challenge the new Islamist regime is facing stabilising the country and exerting centralised rule.

The interim government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has tried and so far failed to unite Syrias diverse religious and ethnic factions since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December.

The former al-Qaeda leader turned statesman has promised tolerance and acceptance, authorities have been accused repeatedly of trampling over the rights of the countrys diverse minorities.

Col (res) Hamada Ganem, a Druze former commander of the IDFs Northern Brigade in the Gaza Strip, questioned why the Druze militias would heed their de-facto control of Sweida to the government.

Why would they put down their arms when they cannot trust the unstable regime to protect them? Everyone takes the law into their own hands and the Druze are suffering, he told The Telegraph.

The Druze want peace, they want to be part of Syria, but they need protection. Al-Sharaa speaks two languages: one of peace and accountability, while the other is spoken by his forces that attack the Druze.

Will there be peace? The situation is not easy, the future looks bad, Col. Ganem added.
Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, has faced accusations of incompetence, unprofessionalism and sharing sensitive military information - Jim Lo Scalzo/Shutterstock

Pete Hegseth has lost his sixth senior aide in as many months, with the defence secretarys struggle to retain key staff leaving the Pentagon in limbo.

Justin Fulcher, who resigned on Saturday, was named as an adviser to Mr Hegseth in April after joining the Trump administration as part of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).

Mr Fulcher said he only planned to work for the government for six months, but his departure is the latest of a string of top Hegseth aides to quit the Pentagon.

Mr Fulcher had been involved in a confrontation with Doge staff members assigned to the Pentagon in April, the Washington Post reported, but officials insisted his departure was amicable.

Justin Fulchers departure is the latest of a string of top Hegseth aides to quit the Pentagon

Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesman, said: The Department of Defense is grateful to Justin Fulcher for his work on behalf of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.

It comes following reports that Mr Hegseth is in full paranoia mode after a series of Pentagon leaks, and that he now only trusts his wife and inner circle.

The defence secretary was said to have entered full paranoia, back-against-the-wall mode following a slew of stories accusing him of incompetence, unprofessionalism and sharing sensitive military information, according to CNN.

Mr Hegseth came under intense pressure to step down after details about US strikes on Yemen were sent to a journalist who had been inadvertently added to a group chat on the Signal platform. He was also accused of posting the same details about strike plans in another Signal group.

The defence secretary fired several members of his senior staff following the leak investigation, including Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser, and Dan Selnick, the deputy chief of staff.

Joe Kasper, Mr Hegseths chief of staff, was also moved to another role within the department after coming under pressure over toxic workplace allegations.

Colin Carroll, another senior adviser, was ousted after being identified during an investigation into the leaks.

The Pentagon has been left in limbo by the slew of resignations and firings - Joshua Roberts/Reuters

Mr Fulcher suggested there was no ill will behind his departure.

Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Department of Defense has been incredibly inspiring, Mr Fulcher said.

Revitalising the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and re-establishing deterrence are just some of the historic accomplishments Im proud to have witnessed.

None of this could have happened without Secretary Hegseths decisive leadership or President Trumps continued confidence in our team.

Last month, it was reported that the department was struggling to fill positions, with at least three people turning down jobs to work for Mr Hegseth, an official told NBC News.

Mr Parnell denied the claims, saying that the anonymous sources cited in this article have no idea what theyre talking about.
A sign for Madison Mogen, one of the four students killed, in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. Photograph: Lindsey Wasson/Reuters

In the early hours of 13 November 2022 in an off-campus apartment in Moscow, Idaho, a masked assailant murdered four students. The dead, who would come to be known as the Idaho Four, were Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen. Each was stabbed multiple times. The killer left a gruesome scene and the motive was not readily apparent.

Videos, cellphone records and solid detective work led law enforcement to Bryan Kohberger, a doctoral candidate at Washington State University. Arrested at his parents home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, in late December, he was extradited back west.

Scheduled to be tried this August, Kohberger, 30, instead pleaded guilty to murder. Escaping the death penalty, he will in all likelihood serve four consecutive life sentences, an additional 10 years for burglary, and die in jail. Sentencing is set for 23 July.

An apparent embittered incel  involuntary celibate  and former heroin user, Kohberger signed a one-page confession, scant on details. He said he broke into the apartment but offered no reason for his crimes. An antisocial loner and video game fiend, he did not know his victims but may have met one of them, Mogen, at a restaurant.

Related: Judge lifts sweeping gag order in Idaho student murder case

With their book The Idaho Four, James Patterson and Vicky Ward have written perhaps the definitive account of the murders  a disturbing, necessary portrait of a killer and his victims.

Well-paced and well-written, their joint effort is a mesmerizing read and a great detective story, yet sadly all true. The prose is conversational and mellifluous. An array of facts, quotes and comments keep the readers attention.

Patterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of thrillers and non-fiction who has co-authored three novels with Bill Clinton. Jared Kushner, a son-in-law of Donald Trump, claims to have taken an online MasterClass from Patterson and then batted out 40,000 words of his memoir, Breaking History.

Ward is a former senior reporter at CNN and one-time HuffPost editor-at-large. Her previous books include The Liars Ball, The Devils Casino and Kushner, Inc. She has interviewed Trumpworld cast-outs, Michael Cohen and Anthony Scaramucci. She has turned an unflinching gaze at Jeffrey Epstein, the 47th presidents one-time friend. For The Idaho Four, she interviewed more than 320 people, some many times.

Kohberger left bread crumbs. His path to destruction appears to have been blazed by Elliot Rodger, a mass murderer from a wealthy family, the son of a well-known movie director who killed six people and wounded 14 near the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2014.

Rodger, 22, was a virgin and furious about it, Patterson and Ward write. He plotted his day of retribution for two years. He circulated a 137-page manifesto, airing his demons and frustrations. At the end of his spree, he killed himself. A martyr for a movement  and a role model for Kohberger  was born.

Kohberger learned of Rodger in grad school.

No one knows that, like Rodger, Bryan is a virgin who hates women, Ward and Patterson write.

No one knows that Bryan copes with loneliness by immersing himself in video games. Like Rodger, he goes for night drives. Like Rodger, he visits the gun range. And, like Rodger, he goes to a local bar and tries to pick up women.

In fall 2022, Kohberger took a brief ride from WSU in eastern Washington to Moscow, home to the University of Idaho. Walking into a restaurant, he spotted a blonde, blue-eyed waitress: Madison Mogen, Maddie for short.

Shes the epitome of the women who turned down Elliot Rodger, Patterson and Ward write. Her name is Maddie, like Elliots childhood friend Maddy, who grew into someone who ignored Rodger.

She comes over to ask what hed like.

He knows what hed like.

Her.

Mogens friends hypothesize that she spurned Kohbergers advances, so he began to stalk her.

Phone records add credence to the theory. Moscow police alleged that Kohberger was near Mogens apartment at least a dozen times between late August 2022 and the murder, almost always late at night, cloaked in darkness.

Related: It became a game to people: how online sleuths grew obsessed with the Idaho murders

Until Kohberger was arrested, the ghost of Rodger continued to haunt. Two administrators of the University of Idaho  Case Discussion Facebook group began noticing strange posts from a member under an alias: Pappa Rodger.

Of the evidence released, the murder weapon has been consistent as a large, fixed-blade knife, the poster wrote. This leads me to believe they found the sheath. This evidence was released prior to autopsies.

This was the first time anyone had publicly mentioned a sheath. Early in the investigation, Moscows police chief shared the existence of the sheath with a senior member of the force. After Kohbergers arrest, Pappa Rodger disappeared.

Earlier, Kohbergers classmates in a psychology program labeled him the Ghost, Patterson and Ward report, because: Theres something spooky about him.

A professor, Dr Katherine Ramsland, told the class that psychopaths brains are different from those of other people. By extension, the only way to cure a psychopath is to get him therapy at a very early stage, by around age four, and try to train his brain to change.

Kohberger listened carefully  and took copious notes.

 The Idaho Four is published in the US by Hachette
Bedouin and tribal fighters gather in Sweida - Moawia Atrash/DPA

The US called for calm in Syria and warned that the rape and slaughter of innocent people must stop.

Fighting in the countrys south, sparked by conflict between rival Druze and Bedouin groups, has led to the deaths of over 1,000 people.

The toll included more than 500 Druze, members of a minority religious group, 194 of whom were summarily executed by defence and interior ministry personnel, a war monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said those killed since last Sunday also included 342 government security personnel and 21 Sunni Bedouin, three of them civilians.

The group said some of the Bedouin were also summarily executed by Druze fighters. Another 15 were killed in air strikes carried out by Israel, which has promised to protect the Druze.

Aerial view of Sweida shows aftermath of clashes between tribal fighters and local Druze factions in southern Syria - Moawia Atrash/DPA

Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said: The US has remained heavily involved over the last three days with Israel, Jordan and authorities in Damascus on the horrifying and dangerous developments in southern Syria. The rape and slaughter of innocent people, which has and is still occurring, must end.

Amid the bloodshed, the Syrian government said that the fighting had halted on Sunday, after the southern city of Sweida had been recaptured by Druze fighters and state forces redeployed to the region. A US-brokered ceasefire was announced on Saturday to avert further Israeli military intervention.

Syrias interior ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba said in a post on Telegram that Sweida was evacuated of all tribal fighters, and clashes within the citys neighbourhoods were halted.

However, 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.

An internal security forces checkpoint prevents Bedouin fighters from advancing towards Sweida - KARAM AL-MASRI/REUTERS

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said, tribal fighters withdrew from Sweida city on Saturday evening, after Druze fighters launched a large-scale attack.

Fighting continued 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 first announced its involvement in the rapidly escalating conflict last week. It initially used air strikes partly to push back Islamist fighters from its borders in the disputed Golan Heights and later announced that it was intervening to support the Druze community, of which 150,000 live in Israel and serve in the countrys military.

But its involvement in Syria is leading to concerns among some in the White House, with Axios reporting that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is now out of control.

Bibi [Mr Netanyahu] acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time, one White House official told Axios, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. This could undermine what [President Donald] Trump is trying to do.

Last week, Israel dropped bombs on Syrias ministry of defence and near the presidential palace, causing eyebrows to raise in the US on the heels of Israels war with Iran, which led to destruction on both sides.

Another official told Axios that Netanyahu is sometimes like a child who just wont behave.

Tribal and Bedouin fighters head towards Sweida - Getty/ABDULAZIZ KETAZ

Just months after the country underwent a massive revolution to overthrow the decades-long dictatorial rule of the Assad family, Mr Rubio warned Damascus that it must work to achieve calm.

He wrote on X: If authorities in Damascus want to preserve any chance of achieving a unified, inclusive and peaceful Syria free of Isis and 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. Furthermore, the fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups inside the perimeter must also stop immediately.

Tom Barrack, who is the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria and is aiding ceasefire talks, said the deal had the backing of Turkey, a key supporter of Syrias interim president, 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, Mr Barrack wrote on X.

Mr Barrack later held a meeting in Amman with top diplomats from Syria and Jordan, during which they agreed on practical steps to support Syria in implementing the agreement, he added later on X.
Injured Palestinians are taken to hospital after over 90 were killed waiting for humanitarian aid - Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty

Scores of Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Sunday as they mobbed UN trucks in the deadliest incident linked to aid distribution since the beginning of the war.

The UN World Food Programme said its convoy carrying food encountered massive crowds of hungry civilians which came under gunfire, soon after it crossed the border from Israel.

At least 93 died at the scene in northern Gaza with dozens more injured, according to the Hamas-run ministry of health.

The Israeli military disputed the death toll but said its troops had fired warning shots towards a crowd of thousands to remove an immediate threat.

A UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity to the Associated Press, said Israeli forces opened fire toward the crowds who tried to take food from the convoy. Footage taken by the UN showed Gazans running as the sound of automatic gunfire could be heard.

Todays mass displacement order issued by the Israeli military has dealt yet another devastating blow to the already fragile lifelines keeping people alive across the Gaza Strip, The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement.

Ehab Al-Zei, who had been waiting for flour, said: Suddenly, tanks surrounded us and trapped us as gunshots and strikes rained down. We were trapped for around two hours.

Nafiz Al-Najjar, who was injured, said tanks and drones targeted people, and he saw his cousin and others shot dead.

The bodies of the Palestinians who were shot are lined up at a Gaza clinic - Jehad Alshrafi/AP

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the military certainly does not intentionally target humanitarian aid trucks and that a preliminary review indicates that the reported number of casualties does not align with existing information.

If the death toll is confirmed, however, the incident would be the deadliest single event involving those seeking aid in a string of tragedies to hit the Strips displaced population in over 21 months of war.

It comes as the Pope on Sunday criticised the barbarity of the war in Gaza, and urged against the indiscriminate use of force days after a deadly strike by Israels military on a Catholic church.

Meanwhile, White House officials are increasingly frustrated with Benjamin Netanyahu, according to leaks in the US media.

Various aides branded the Israeli prime minister a madman and a child who just wont behave, referring to his recent bombing campaign in Syria.

Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time, one official told the Axios news outlet, using the premiers nickname.

Sundays killings around the aid convoy came after huge crowds tried to reach food and medicine entering through the Zikim crossing with Israel, according to Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the health ministrys records department.

People carrying sacks of aid after the convoy reached Gaza - Jehad Alshrafi/AP

Mr al-Waheidi, a Hamas official, said another six Palestinians were killed in the Shakoush area, hundreds of metres north of a hub of the recently created Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the southern city of Rafah.

The GHF, the controversial body set up by the US and Israel to distribute to run the aid hubs in Gaza, distanced itself from the killings.

The entire aid system is under immense strain, it said in a statement.

Deaths of civilians seeking aid have become a regular occurrence in Gaza, with the authorities blaming Israeli fire as crowds facing chronic shortages of food and other essentials flock in huge numbers to aid centres.

Seven Palestinians were also killed in tents in Khan Younis in the south in a separate incident on Sunday, including a five-year-old boy, according to the Kuwait Specialised Field Hospital, which received the casualties.

A Hamas official said the deaths and the hunger crisis in Gaza could badly affect ceasefire talks in Qatar.

The group which is blocked from controlling aid under the current system, however, has been accused in the past of preventing Gazans from reaching food parcels and fermenting hostility at aid distribution points.

The group is also known to operate amongst civilians, and officials have been accused of intentionally using Gazans and civilian infrastructure as human shields.

First ground operations in central Gaza

The string of killings came as ceasefire talks appeared to have stalled and Israeli troops prepared for ground operations in central Gaza for the first time since the outbreak of the Gaza war.

The IDF warned in Arabic that it was operating with great force as it expands its activities into an area where it has not operated before.

Though it has conducted air strikes in central Gaza, there have been no ground forces until now, leading many to believe hostages may be held there.

Hamas has warned that if the Israeli military approaches areas with hostages, the captives will be killed.

Mourners at a funeral. The IDF carried out air strikes on Gaza on Saturday night - Hatem Khaled/Reuters

Families of the hostages have raised concerns over IDF expansion of ground forces into central Gaza.

In February, Hamas released Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami in Deir al-Balah, an area that until now had remained relatively calm.

The families of hostages are shaken and fearful after the announcement by the IDF of its intent to operate in central Gaza, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement on Sunday.

Can anyone assure us that this will not cost the lives of our loved ones? We expect the prime minister, defence minister and top military commanders to urgently explain to Israeli citizens and the families what the plan of action is and how they would protect the hostages still held in Gaza.

Gazas Hamas-run health ministry has said over 58,000 people have died in the Strip since the war began - Reuters

The forum said that the expansion of ground operations should not be used as a card in negotiations for a ceasefire deal, as it poses a tangible and immediate danger to their fate.

Enough! The Israeli people overwhelmingly want an end to the fighting and a comprehensive agreement that will return all the hostages, the statement added.

Multiple polls in Israel show that a large majority of the Israeli public support an end to the war to bring the hostages home.

Deir al-Balah is also home to multiple Gazan refugees who have been displaced from other areas in the Strip, which has been razed in Israels retaliatory attacks after the war sparked by the Hamas invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023. During the terror attack 1,200 mostly civilians were killed and 251 people taken hostage and moved to Gaza.

Fighting continues across the Strip as ceasefire talks continue in Qatar. Israel blames Hamas for delaying its response to the proposal while Hamas blames Israel for obstructing its demands.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv again on Saturday night calling on the government to make a deal to bring home the hostages.

While Israels war goals include the release of all hostages, only roughly 20 of whom are believed to be alive, they also insist on retaining military control in Gaza, and the complete removal of Hamas.

Hamas says it will not agree to a deal in which the Israeli military retains a presence in the Strip.

The Hamas-run ministry of health in Gaza says over 58,000 people have died in the Strip since the war began, with Israel saying at least 20,000 of those are combatants.

In recent weeks, Israel has also seen dozens of its soldiers die as the war continues to claim lives on both sides.

Three regional countries are discussing aid drops by air as a result of the chaos and killings around aid centres in the Strip, Fox News reported on Sunday.

One of those countries is actively planning to proceed with airdrops. These discussions started three weeks ago, a reporter from the network wrote.
Shigeru Ishiba (fourth from right) said he would take the election result humbly and seriously - Toru Hanai/Bloomberg

Japans prime minister refused to step down despite losing his majority, thanks in part to a surge in hard-Right support.

Shigeru Ishiba was asked if he would stay on after exit polls on Sunday night showed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party losing its grip on power in the upper house of the countrys parliament.

Mr Ishiba said: We are engaged in extremely critical tariff negotiations with the United States... we must never ruin these negotiations.

However, the 68-year-old admitted: Its a difficult situation, and we have to take it very humbly and seriously. He added that he could not speak lightly of the results so far.

While Sundays result does not directly determine whether Ishibas minority government falls, it heaps pressure on the embattled leader, who lost control of the more powerful lower house in October.

Shigeru Ishiba, the prime minister of Japan, in front of a board showing elected candidates from his party as red rosettes - Shigeru Ishiba/Anadolu via Getty

The ruling party, and its partner Komeito, were predicted to lose seats to opposition groups including Sanseito, the fringe hard-Right party emerged as one of the biggest winners.

Sanseito has gained support with warnings of a silent invasion of immigrants, and pledges for tax cuts and welfare spending.

Born on YouTube during the COVID-19 pandemic, spreading conspiracy theories about vaccinations and a cabal of global elites, the party broke into mainstream politics with its Japanese First campaign.

Public broadcaster NHK projected Sanseito would win as many as 22 seats, adding to the single representative it secured in the 248-seat chamber three years ago. It has only three seats in the more powerful lower house.

Sohei Kamiya, the partys 47-year-old leader, said in an interview with local broadcaster Nippon Television after the election: The phrase Japanese First was meant to express rebuilding Japanese peoples livelihoods by resisting globalism.

I am not saying that we should completely ban foreigners or that every foreigner should get out of Japan.

Other opposition parties advocating for tax cuts and tougher immigration policies look likely to make gains, with rising consumer prices  particularly a jump in the cost of the staple rice  a key issue for voters.

Japanese media reported that exit polls suggested the LDP and Komeito won about 41 of the 125 seats contested, fewer than the 50 needed to retain a majority.

Sanseito was projected to have made strong gains, winning between 10 and 22 seats, adding to the two it already holds in the 248-seat chamber.

The results are likely to fuel political instability in the worlds fourth-largest economy as a tariff deadline with the United States looms.

The LDP, which has ruled Japan for most of the post-war period, had its worst showing in 15 years in October.

That left Ishiba vulnerable to no-confidence motions that could topple his administration and trigger a fresh general election.

People walk past an election notice board in Tokyo, Japan - Toru Hanai/Bloomberg Finance LP

The centre-Right LDP has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955, albeit with frequent leadership changes.

Mr Ishiba, 68, a self-avowed defence geek and train enthusiast, reached the top of the greasy pole last September on his fifth attempt and immediately called elections.

But this move backfired and the vote left the LDP and its small coalition partner Komeito needing support from opposition parties, stymieing its legislative agenda.

Trade with Trump

Lingering resentment about an LDP funding scandal and US tariffs of 25 per cent that are set to hit the country on Aug 1  if there is no trade deal with the US  are exacerbating the LDPs fall in popularity.

Donald Trump poured cold water on the prospects of an agreement last week, saying Japan would not open up their country.

We will not easily compromise, Mr Ishiba said this month.

His apparent maximalist strategy of insisting all tariffs are cut to zero has also drawn criticism.

With fragmented opposition, chances are slim that the parties could form an alternative government.

The Japanese-first Sanseito wants stricter rules and limits on immigration, opposes globalism and radical gender policies, and wants a re-think on decarbonisation and vaccines.

Last week Sanseito was forced to deny any links to Moscow  which has backed populist parties elsewhere  after a candidate was interviewed by Russian state media.

They put into words what I had been thinking about but couldnt put into words for many years, one voter said at a Sanseito rally.

Toru Yoshida, a politics professor at Doshisha University, said before the media projections that if the coalition lost its majority, Mr Ishiba might need to step down.

Japan could step into an unknown dimension of the ruling government being a minority in both the lower house and the upper house, which Japan has never experienced since World War Two, Prof Yoshida said.

At one of Tokyos polling stations on Sunday, 54-year-old voter Atsushi Matsuura said: Commodity prices are going up, but I am more worried that salaries arent increasing.

Hisayo Kojima, another voter, expressed frustration that the amount of her pension was being cut shorter and shorter.

We have paid a lot to support the pension system. This is the most pressing issue for me, the 65-year-old said.
Christine Watterson said it was a 'huge shock' to see the massive whale 'appear out of nowhere'. Source: Marlon Quinn

A womans once-in-a-lifetime underwater encounter off Australias south coast has been captured on camera, but its a moment she wont soon forget.

Christine Watterson and her longtime friend Marlon Quinn ventured out on his boat a couple of weeks ago with the hope of finding some clear patches of water to practice freediving near Cape Conran, a coastal town about 400km east of Melbourne.

After discovering a nice, quiet spot, the pair plunged themselves into the icy ocean and started doing some warm up dives, but what started as a typical day soon turned into a rare and humbling experience.

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Just moments later, an inquisitive whale approached Christine and Marlon to say hello. [It] was a huge shock at first because it was a massive animal that just appeared out of nowhere, she told Yahoo News on Sunday. We very quickly realised it was a southern right whale.

Southern right whales are considered endangered in Australian waters. The protected species, which weigh about 80 tonnes, visits the countrys southern coast between May and October, migrating to warmer waters for breeding and calving.

The whale circled the pair and their boat for about an hour. Source: Marlon Quinn

Aussie divers' hearts race as whale circles for an hour

For about an hour, the whale swam in big, slow circles around the pair and the boat, Christine said.

On several occasions, the whale swam so close to us that we had to move out of its way! It was so gentle and curious, taking its time to check us out. Our hearts were racing the whole time, she told Yahoo.

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I was feeling pretty nervous but as time progressed, I started to relax. All I could think about was how incredibly privileged we were to share this encounter with such a beautiful animal.

Marlon was able to grab his underwater camera from the boat and managed to snap a couple of spectacular images, one of which shows the whale just metres away from Christine as she swims near the surface.

Christine said the encounter was the 'most incredible wildlife interaction' she's ever had in the ocean. Source: Marlon Quinn

The whale occasionally disappeared for several minutes before suddenly reappearing. Eventually, the whale disappeared and didnt return, and we knew that was the end of our encounter. We climbed back on to the boat and we were completely elated!

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Christine, who has been freediving and spearfishing along the coastline for almost seven years, said while she and Marlon have both had incredible experiences with wild animals in the ocean before, this one was particularly magical.

This was probably the most incredible wildlife interaction I have ever had in the ocean!

Earlier this month, swimmers in Queenslands Hervey Bay were left with tears in their eyes after two humpback whales greeted them.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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JD Vance, his wife, Usha, and their children are expected to holiday in the UK despite the US vice-president previously saying London was not English any more. Photograph: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images

He made his name with a memoir set among the hillbillies of the rugged Appalachians  yet it seems JD Vance now favours altogether more gentle hills.

For his familys holiday this year the US vice-president is understood to have chosen the Cotswolds, where Land Rovers outnumber pickup trucks.

Vance, his wife, Usha, and their three young children are expected next month to rent a property in the region  an increasingly popular choice for wealthy tourists  soon after Donald Trump, the US president, finishes a stay in Scotland.

Earlier in August, Vance and his family are expected to visit London, despite the vice-president having previously expressed reservations about the city, which he said  shortly before last years presidential election  was not English any more.

In February, Vance lashed out at European governments  including that of the UK  accusing political leaders of suppressing free speech, failing to halt illegal migration and running in fear from voters.

In Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat, he told the Munich Security Conference, listing a string of cases he claimed were evidence. Britain was singled out for arresting a man praying near an abortion clinic.

But while Vance might enjoy the Cotswolds  home to the Chipping Norton set whose ranks include David Cameron and Jeremy Clarkson  a different reception could await when he later travels on to Scotland, which is home to anti-Trump sentiment.

In his Munich speech, Vance hit out at the Scottish government over abortion rights, saying it was distributing letters to citizens whose houses lay within so-called safe access zones, warning them that even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law.

Related: What did the people of the Cotswolds do to deserve a visit from JD Vance? | Zoe Williams

He added: The government urged readers to report any fellow citizens suspected guilty of thought crime in Britain and across Europe.

A spokesperson for the Scottish government said Vances claim was inaccurate. It appeared to be a reference to the introduction of safe access zones within 200 metres of abortion clinics, banning any form of harassment.

Private prayer at home is not prohibited within safe access zones and no letter has ever suggested it was, added the spokesperson.

Vances trip to the UK comes at a time when tourist traffic going in the opposite direction has plummeted against the backdrop of Trumps policies and rhetoric.

The number of UK residents visiting the US was down 14.3% in March compared with the same month in 2024, official figures showed. However, Britons continue to make up the largest number of overseas visitors to the US.
Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, the PA news agency understands.

Claims of a bid of 90million euros (78m) being accepted for the Frenchman appear to be wide of the mark, with the two clubs still in negotiations over the fee and the structure of any transfer.

But it is understood Liverpool are increasingly confident an agreement will soon be struck, with personal terms already reached with the 23-year-old, who has made a splash in the Bundesliga after last years switch from Paris St Germain.

Ekitike initially moved to Frankfurt on loan 18 months ago before completing a permanent switch in the summer and he scored 15 goals in 31 games to help the club finish third in the German top flight.

His exploits attracted the attention of Newcastle, who reportedly had a 70m offer for the France Under-21 international knocked back and have subsequently seemed to have dropped out of the race.

Liverpool had been weighing up a big-money move for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, although with the Magpies warning he is not for sale, the Premier League champions switched focus to Ekitike.

Arne Slots side have already signed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez this summer, with Giorgi Mamardashvili linking up with the side after agreeing a move last August.

The likely arrival of Ekitike to Anfield for another sizeable transfer fee might nudge Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa closer to the exit door as Liverpool look to balance the books. Luis Diaz is still attracting attention from Bayern Munich although the Reds have no plans to sell the Colombian.
Marcus Rashford appears to be closing in on his anticipated move to Barcelona after travelling to Catalonia on Sunday evening.

Rashford posted on social media a picture of himself travelling on a private plane, and Spanish media reported that the Manchester United forward had arrived in Catalonia at around 9.30pm local time.

The PA news agency understands a broad agreement is in place following talks between United and Barcelona over a season-long loan that would include an option to buy.

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 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.

He has been training away from Ruben Amorims first-team since pre-season began while seeking a fresh start elsewhere.

In December, the England international admitted he was ready for a new challenge and last month revealed he would like to play alongside Barcelonas teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.

Marcus Rashford finished last season on loan at Aston Villa (Jacob King/PA)

Barcelona sporting director Deco in May told Catalan radio station RAC1 that the club like Rashford, who does not have a squad number at United having lost the 10 shirt to new signing Matheus Cunha.

Cunha is one of two new signings at United this summer, with the club having also added left-back Diego Leon.

Bryan Mbeumo is set to join them at Old Trafford, with the Cameroon forward in the final stages of completing his move after United finally struck a deal with Brentford worth 65million plus up to 6million in add-ons.
Mary Russells travelogue, Journeys of a Lifetime, bringing together many of her trips, was published in 2002 Photograph: provided by family

My mother, Mary Russell, who has died aged 88, was a teacher, travel writer, broadcaster and storyteller. She journeyed to more than 50 countries and shared her experiences of them in print, radio and in person.

After teaching in primary and secondary schools in London and Oxford during the 1960s and 70s, Mary started writing about travel for the Guardian on a freelance basis in 1980, while she was studying for an MA in peace studies at the University of Bradford.

The following year she went to Lesotho in southern Africa and wrote a series on solo female travellers for the Guardian womens page. She was then invited to edit a nonfiction book, Survival, South Atlantic (1983), by two wildlife photographers, Cindy Buxton and Annie Price, who had become caught up in the Falklands war.

The publishers, HarperCollins, subsequently asked what else she would like to do, and so she set about writing The Blessings of a Good Thick Skirt: Women Travellers and Their World (1986), which looked at the experiences of intrepid female travellers throughout the ages.

Three other books followed: Please Dont Call it Soviet Georgia (1991), an account of her travels across Georgia just before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Journeys of a Lifetime (2002), a travelogue bringing together many of her trips, and My Home Is Your Home: A Journey Round Syria (2011).

Born in Dublin, Mary was the last of the four children of Evelyn (nee Smyth), and Michael Russell, a civil servant. She was educated at Our Ladys Bower secondary school in Athlone and then University College Dublin, where she studied in the mid-50s.

Travelling back from an au pair job in Italy, she stopped off in London, where she met a writer called Ian Rodger. They married in 1960, after which they moved to Brill in Buckinghamshire and had three children, Deirdre, Russell and me. It was after a period of child-rearing and teaching that she began writing features for the Irish Times and for Irish radio, before hooking up with the Guardian.

After Ian died of motor neurone disease in 1984, she took herself away to France the following summer, travelling with a tent on the back of her bike, and then caught a ferry to Algeria, continuing down into the Sahara to spend time with the Saharawi, a desert people displaced by warfare in the region.

This, and other subsequent journeys, fed into the book Journeys of a Lifetime, and she continued to write well into old age. In addition, she was an election observer in Bosnia (1990), South Africa (1994) and Kyrgyzstan (2005).

A keen musician, Mary sang, played the guitar, piano and electronic keyboards, taught herself the penny whistle and the accordion in her 40s, and learned the saxophone in her 60s, performing with the Blow the Dust orchestra in Dublin.

She is survived by her three children, grandchildren Eta, Isabella, Charlie and Elizabeth, and a great-granddaughter, Lila.
On one thing everyone is agreed: the water industry is in a mess - Leon Neal

On one thing everyone is agreed: the water industry is in a mess. The finances are shot to pieces, charges to consumers have risen rapidly and the record on pollution is a disgrace. A review to be published today will try to chart a way forward for the countrys water companies though without any great expectations that it will bring about the fundamental reforms that are needed.

The political parties are unable to agree about what should happen next.

With businesses like Thames Water heavily in debt, is renationalisation the answer? Labour ministers, who are not normally shy about praising state ownership, are not keen since the costs would be enormous, probably around 100 billion.

Moreover, since the industry struggled to raise money for investment when it was run by the state, why would reverting to the days before privatisation make any difference? The Water Commission chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, former deputy governor of the Bank of England, was specifically told not to consider renationalisation as an option in its review.

Nonetheless, it has been looking at alternative models such as mixed public-private arrangements. The Government would retain a golden share and control while the private sector would still be expected to drum up the investment rather than the taxpayer.

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, says this is an approach he would favour if in office and it may be something the review recommends.

On the other hand, in his preliminary findings Sir Jon said it was by means clear that any particular model equated to better outcomes. The Commissions Call for Evidence set out preliminary analysis that suggested no clear, consistent causal link between ownership models and water company performance on a range of metrics and called, specifically, for more evidence on this issue.

There is one thing that unites everyone and that is the uselessness of Ofwat as a regulator and the need to replace it with something that works. On its watch the industry has come close to bankruptcy and vast sums have been paid out in dividends while pollution of rivers, lakes and seas has risen dramatically. Serious incidents have risen 60 per cent in a year, according to the Environment Agency.

Will todays review usher in the fundamental changes that are needed or merely see the mess continue? It would help if the politicians could agree on a way forward for dealing with our most precious commodity.
Lord Alliance: he acquired a large number of mills that might otherwise have been doomed but his empire was brought down by over-expansion - Graham Trott

Lord Alliance, who has died aged 93, was a teenage trader in the bazaars of Tehran before becoming one of the last tycoons of the British textile industry in its era of decline; he went on to make a fortune in mail-order clothing.

When the young David Alliance bought his first Lancashire cotton mill in the mid-1950s, the industry was made up chiefly of small, family-led firms making niche products  bedding, towelling, shirtings and so on  on obsolete looms. In the face of cheap imports and the advance of synthetic fibres, Alliance observed, Most of the British cotton industry was, technically and managerially, hopelessly out of date. Consolidation or closure was the order of the day.

Alliance proceeded to acquire, modernise and harness into his fast-growing business a large number of mills that might otherwise have been doomed. In 1968 he entered the public-company arena with the acquisition of Spirella, followed in the 1970s by Vantona, and in the 1980s by Carrington Viyella, Nottingham Manufacturing and the Scottish thread maker Coats Paton.

As Coats Viyella, the group at its zenith employed some 70,000 workers, and Alliance, as its architect and chief executive, was saluted as one of Britains most tenacious industrialists. There was still one more major expansion to come  but it would prove, even in Alliances own estimation, to be a deal too far.

This was the hard-fought 1991 takeover of the rival Tootal, best known for its ties and scarves, completed against a background of severe recession and rampant emerging-market competition. Under Alliances chairmanship, the merger led inevitably to rationalisation, disposals and management strife.

The stock market formed a view that the wily dealmaker Alliance had built an empire that was simply too big, and beset by too many challenges, to be managed in his idiosyncratic personal style. As the decade advanced, shareholders and analysts became increasingly critical; the consensus was that Alliance had outstayed his welcome.

Alliance in 1991: at its zenith Coats Viyella employed 70,000 people - Philip Hollis

At Coats Viyellas AGM in July 1999 he tearfully stood down. He remained proud of having rescued so many historic British companies  but saddened, to the end of his days, by the painful denouement of his 50-year career in textiles.

Davoud Alliance was born on June 15 1932 in the Persian oasis town of Kashan, between Tehran and Isfahan; famous for its ceramics, silks and carpets, it was, according to legend, a possible starting point of the journey of three Magi to Bethlehem.

Davoud (who later anglicised his name to David) was the elder son, following four daughters, of Eliahoo Alliance, a commodity trader and money-lender, and his wife Sarahi. When the government of Reza Shah Pahlavi insisted families adopt surnames for ease of identification, Eliahoo had chosen Alliance, from the Alliance Israelite Universelle, a French charity that ran Jewish schools throughout the Middle East, including the school in Kashan attended by Davoud and his siblings.

Around 1945 the family moved to Tehran. Davoud, a natural entrepreneur even as a boy, left school to work for a textile merchant, expanding his employers customer base  and periodically asking for more wages, until I was probably the highest paid teenager in the bazaar.

He opened his own small shop in partnership with a cousin, and within a few months  when he was 17 and about to become eligible for military service  he had saved enough money to travel to Manchester, where relatives of his mother were established both in the cotton trade and the Sephardic Jewish community.

Slowly, despite setbacks and for a time in miserable living conditions, Alliance built a small business of his own, buying cloth to ship back to Tehran and trading between other Manchester firms. Supported by a wealthy uncle, he established a company with the reassuring name of Banks & Lord, and in 1956 it made a first acquisition, of Thomas Hoghton & Co, a struggling manufacturer of shirtings and handkerchiefs at Oswaldtwistle, near Blackburn.

Alliance in 2000 with his fellow executives at the online retailers N Brown Group, Tim Kowalski (rear) and Jim Martin: My shareholding in N Brown has made me more money than everything else I have ever done in business, he said - Jon Santa Cruz

Within months Alliance had turned its fortunes around, as he did with most of the mills that came into his portfolio over the following decade. And in 1963 he embarked in a lucrative new direction after his first wife, Alma, showed him a mail-order catalogue.

Its marvellous, she told him, you can shop from your armchair. Intrigued, he researched the unfamiliar sector, and in due course bought a small Manchester mail-order house, JD Williams, which he expanded by acquisition and floated five years later as N Brown.

Browns catalogue brands flourished, one report put it, by being as unfashionable as could be, supplying plain garments at modest prices for older (and larger) customers in the north of England and Wales. Over the following decades its shares multiplied many times in value: having placed a large portion of them in his charitable foundation, Alliance was moved to declare that whereas his residual Tootal stake had in the end been worth little, its a straightforward fact that my shareholding in N Brown has made me more money than everything else I have ever done in business.

A very different  and for many years secret  aspect of Alliances life was his engagement with the state of Israel. A long-time fundraiser for Israeli causes among the British Jewish community, he was asked in 1977 by the government of Menachem Begin to assist the evacuation of Falashas, native Ethiopians who practised Judaism but were suffering persecution by the Marxist regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam. Their exit route was via transit camps in Sudan, where Alliance set up a company, ostensibly to trade in cotton but in fact to provide cover for Israeli agents and to bribe Sudanese officials.

When a more hardline Islamic Sudanese regime threatened to close the route in the early 1980s, Alliance persuaded Sir Edward Heath to fly to Khartoum with him to add diplomatic clout. A favourable encounter with a finance minister who had been a student in Manchester (and, it turned out, an ardent admirer of the newsreader Anna Ford) allowed the rescue operation to move forward again; in all, some 8,000 Jews were able to leave Ethiopia during Alliances involvement.

In 2004 Alliance accepted a Liberal Democrat peerage - Photoshot/Avalon

In the late 1980s, when Mengistu blocked the exodus of Falashas, Alliance had a discreet hand in a new deal which allowed it to restart, in return for military supplies to the Ethiopian regime.

Alliance was appointed CBE in 1984 and knighted in 1989. Like much else about him, his political views were inscrutable, though they included strong elements of sympathy for those in need of welfare support. He declared admiration for Margaret Thatcher but was never a true Thatcherite; he derided Tony Blair as Two Tonies but made himself amenable to New Labour. All three major parties regularly courted him as a potential donor, and in 2004 he accepted a Liberal Democrat peerage.

A fortune latterly estimated at 500 million did not fund a flamboyant lifestyle or appear to bring Alliance joy. A lifelong sufferer from depression, for which at one stage he underwent electric shock treatment, he cut a rather solitary figure in later years, ensconced in a high-walled mansion in St Johns Wood and an office at Spencer House, the private palace in St Jamess owned by his friend Lord (Jacob) Rothschild. Both were hung with works by LS Lowry, the Lancashire painter with whose matchstick millworkers Alliance felt an affinity.

Successive ghost-writers took on the challenge of helping him compile his memoirs. The veteran business journalist Ivan Fallon finally brought the project to fruition as A Bazaar Life (2015).

Alliance was a quiet benefactor of many Jewish causes, close to home and further afield, including his old school in Kashan. He endowed an Iranian studies centre at Tel Aviv University and a chair of Jewish studies at Manchester University, and was a major donor to what is now the Alliance Manchester Business School.

He married first, in 1955, his cousin Alma Joseph, and secondly in 1982, Homa Sassooni, a more distant relative whose family also came from Kashan. Both marriages were dissolved. He had an adopted son and daughter from his first marriage, and a son from his second.

Lord Alliance, born June 15 1932, died July 18 2025
Protesters scuffled with police on Sunday after marching into Eppings town centre - Justin Tallis /Getty Images

Downing Street has condemned the criminal violence that took place during demonstrations outside an Essex hotel believed to house asylum seekers.

More than 100 demonstrators descended on the Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday evening, chanting save our kids and holding placards that read: Im not far-Right, Im worried about my kids.

Essex Police said six people had been arrested and remain in custody, including a 17-year-old male on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a police car.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said the scenes in Epping were clearly unacceptable.

He said: Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but its clearly unacceptable to see police coming under attack as they ensure that peaceful protest is able to take place.

And I think Essex Police put out the statement making very clear: people who protest peacefully, lawfully and responsibly cause us and the wider public no concern. However, we can never and will never tolerate criminal violence, and I think the Prime Minister will obviously echo that.

Police officers stood by in riot gear as the crowd gathered in the early evening outside The Bell Hotel in Epping - UKNIP

The demonstration was one of a series of protests outside the hotel since Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old asylum seeker, was charged with sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl.

He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford magistrates court on Thursday.

Four people were arrested on Sunday for alleged offences during Thursdays protest, police added, saying a 16-year-old male from south London was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to cause criminal damage.

Essex Police said: There were angry and violent scenes when a woman walked through the crowds.

Missiles were thrown at her and a number of individuals were shouting abuse and trying to reach the woman.

Our officers walked alongside her until she left the scene in order to keep everyone on all sides safe and ensure no one was hurt.

An officer from Norfolk was struck in the face by a bottle and taken to hospital.

A Section 35 dispersal order was put in place to prevent further crime or anti-social behaviour, and officers were given emergency powers to make any individuals remove their face coverings and balaclavas.

Epping High Road was closed for a number of hours, with police saying all protesters were dispersed at 11.15pm.

Protesters walking near the Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday - Yui Mok/PA

Chief Supt Simon Anslow said: Disappointingly we have seen yet another protest, which began peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle.

For anyone who thinks we will tolerate their thuggery  think again.

Some set off blue and red flares, while others held signs that read deport foreign criminals, we go home when they go back and defend our girls.

Bottles and smoke flares were later thrown towards police vans blocking the entrance to the hotel on the High Road.

This came as a man was charged with violent disorder and criminal damage on Sunday afternoon following previous clashes outside the hotel.

Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton, was arrested on Saturday, Essex Police said.

Two men draped in the English flag stood in front of a line of officers as the tension heightened - Justin Tallis/Getty Images

On Sunday, the force said that the CPS had authorised police to charge Mr Silk with one count of violent disorder and one count of criminal damage.

He was remanded into custody and will appear at Chelmsford magistrates court on Monday.

Thursdays demonstration was one of a series of protests outside the hotel since 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with sexual assault after an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

A woman shouts at police outside the Bell Hotel which is used to house asylum seekers - Justin Tallis /Getty Images

He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford magistrates court on Thursday.

Chief Supt Anslow said: Individuals who thought that after last Thursday, turned up this evening only to find themselves getting arrested and we have continued to arrest others throughout the evening.

People have been protesting at the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping for housing migrants following the arrest of an asylum seeker on suspicion of alleged sexual assaults in the town - Getty Images Europe

He added: I would also like to set the record straight around misinformation that Essex Police is anything other than impartial.

We dont take sides, we arrest criminals and we have a duty to ensure no-one is hurt  plain and simple.

I know the people of Essex know what were about so I know they wont believe the rubbish circulating online that is designed to do nothing more than inflame tensions and trouble.

I think I speak for all of us  including the people of Epping  when I say weve had enough of your criminality.

But our cells, which have been filling up throughout the evening, are ready for you, so dont be in any doubt that this is where you will be sleeping.
Vanessa Feltz said she was chased by someone shouting fascist Zionist scum at her - David Rose

Broadcaster Vanessa Feltz has revealed she was chased through the streets by a pro-Palestine activist who hurled anti-Semitic abuse at her.

Feltz, 63, said a white man tried to whip up fellow protesters after spotting her heading from work while he screamed fascist Zionist scum at her with his speaker.

The broadcaster feared she was set to become the victim of a mob attack before a female stranger intervened and told her to run for the Tube.

Speaking on her LBC show on Friday, Feltz said: Ill tell you what happened to me not long ago. 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 oclock when the show was finished, there was a protest going on in Piccadilly.

Vanessa Feltz (right in pink) takes part in a march against anti-Semitism - Jordan Pettitt/PA

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.

Im a grandma, Im 63-years-old, Ive never been an athlete, I was wearing wedge shoes and carrying a handbag, and I thought, Oh my God, I cant run and if he catches me what will you do to me, is he going to beat me up?

Feltz revealed her ordeal when she was discussing Diane Abbotts claims that Jewish people do not suffer the same racism as black people.

Diane Abbott was suspended from Labour again after she defended her 2023 comments about racism - Leon Neal/Getty

Feltz, speaking to Royal Holloway politics lecturer Michael Bankole, said: Im only saying it because thats what I was called in the street. Obviously it wasnt because of the colour of my skin but it was because Im known to be Jewish.

Ms Abbott was suspended from Labour again last week after she defended her 2023 comments about racism.

The veteran MP apologised and was readmitted to the party before the 2024 general election, but in an interview with BBC Radio 4s Reflections programme last week, she said she did not look back on the incident with regret.

Ms Abbott said: 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.

You dont know unless you stop to speak to them or youre in a meeting with them. But if you see a black person walking down the street, you see straight away that theyre black. They are different types of racism.

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.
At least five people have died after a fire broke out on a ferry in Indonesia.

Some 200 passengers were rescued from the water after the KMII Barcelona ship caught fire off the coast of Sulawesi Island at around 1.30pm local time on Sunday.

A pregnant woman was among those killed, the countrys coast guard said.

Footage of the blaze showed smoke pouring out of the vessel, while coastguard boats and fishermen waited to rescue passengers still on board.

In another video, Abdul Rahmad Agu, a survivor of the incident, showed himself clinging onto a small child in the sea while other passengers wearing lifejackets jumped from the burning ship into the water. In the background, it is clear that many of the surviving passengers are distressed as they await help.

Vice-Adm Denih Hendrata, the commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command, said three navy ships had been deployed to aid rescue efforts, and 284 passengers and crew members had been evacuated so far.

The ferry was travelling from the Talaud Islands to Manado City and was about an hour away from the resort town of Likupang when it caught fire.

Vice-Adm Hendrata said the navy was still focusing on evacuation efforts and that the cause of the fire was being investigated.

Passengers in orange life jackets leapt from the burning ferry as passing fishing boats plucked survivors from the water - ViralPress

The rescue operation was aided by local fishermen and residents, who helped evacuate the survivors to nearby islands.

George Leo Mercy Randang, the head of the Manado search and rescue agency, told AFP: We are prioritising rescue before nightfall.

Those injured were taken to the nearest health facility, according to Bakamla, Indonesias Maritime Security Agency.

The total number of passengers and crew members on the ferry is not known, and there are no immediate reports of injuries.

The coast guard was alerted and rescue teams were at the scene helping those who were in the sea - ViralPress

Ferries are a common way to travel in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. Marine accidents are frequent, attributed to poor safety standards and bad weather.

Last month, at least 19 people were killed and 16 people are missing after a ferry sank off Bali, the Indonesian resort island. A two-week search operation involved over 1,000 rescuers, three navy ships and 15 boats.

In 2018, over 150 people died when a ferry sank in a lake on Sumatra Island.
Carmoola CEO Aidan Rushby aims to deliver 'wow' factor with firm's customer service.

Even as a child, if Aidan Rushby witnessed bullying at school the now entrepreneurs modus operandi was to come to the rescue.

Fast forward several years to when Rushby set up car finance app Carmoola to help consumers find value and rid the "horrendous" commissions which could now see millions owed compensation following the motor loan mis-selling scandal.

There is something about serving and helping people, says Rushby, co-founder and CEO of the fintech start-up. "Its about delivering value for consumers so they can get a great product and ultimately you can drive a great business. I love seeing customers' reactions to the product.

Read More: I ditched waking up before 5am every day to grow my luxury bedding brand

Rushby knew he was on to something when his mother-in-law understood the concept of Carmoola when he pitched it to her, ahead of launching the company in late 2022.

Carmoola has since processed around four million loan applications in the three years since the app first came to market  and acquired total funding to the tune of 146m.

Before car financing came car washing when he set up his first business as a 15-year-old. He later set up his own motor racing team, made websites at university selling T-shirts before working in property and being out and about in Bristol.

In 2013, Rushby started to think about digitising the rental experience and set up his first business venture, Movebubble, which lasted seven years. It was painful and I made so many mistakes, he admits.

I had a fair amount of childhood trauma and I was in this loop of failing. I was quite persistent and kept on trying to raise money to keep it going.

Aidan Rushby says consumers 'are trusting Carmoola with a very big purchase'. (Rosemary Roberts)

Its not a great place as an entrepreneur to fear failure as you really need to embrace it. I wasnt scared of taking risks, I was more scared of how others would perceive it if it didnt work.

Rushby, who has dyslexia, stepped away as CEO in 2021 and sensed an opportunity in the car finance market after mulling consumer business ideas in the mortgage and investment space.

He tested demand with a basic landing page website under a different brand name. Within a few hours, there were hundreds of sign ups for the product offering and it gave Rushby confidence to drive the business forwards.

I saw that consumers were being ripped off by all these traditional lenders where they were paying the dealerships massive commissions and raking up the APRs, he says. I thought there was a big opportunity to go direct to the consumer and deliver a modern fintech product experience.

Read More: 'In our workplace, we look for passionate, slightly unhinged mountain climbers'

There were still stumbling blocks ahead of launch as investors began to ask questions after regulatory approval took six months longer than expected.

Carmoola received the green light in the same week that Russias invasion of Ukraine escalated. With two of Rushbys co-founders and engineers hailing from Ukraine, there was a frantic move to make the border crossing to Poland before it closed a few hours later.

Of Carmoolas 50 staff, half are engineers now based in Warsaw and the rest housed at the firms Primrose Hill headquarters in London. A revenue run rate is closing in on 20m, with Carmoola growing at 150% year-on-year.

Its customer support team is employed directly and based in the UK, with Rushby noting that salaries are paid above market average in a bid to be pivotal, on-hand support to its customers.

Consumers are trusting Carmoola with a very big purchase, probably the most important purchase after their home, he says.

Founder Aidan Rushby has overcome fear of failure in building Carmoola.

Its an incredibly stressful time for those people who cant pay their car loan. They need professionals who can help them on that journey during periods if they lose their job or something happens in the family.

Rushby is also eyeing the looming Supreme Court ruling which could see payouts for millions of drivers after dealerships increased commission without being disclosed to consumers.

The Financial Conduct Authority could then set up a redress scheme for lenders to compensate consumers, while payouts could take up from six months up to one year.

It was one reason why Carmoola was created, to get rid of the horrendous commissions, says Rushby.

These people [lenders] were well aware of what they were doing in terms of ripping the consumer off. I have little sympathy. The traditional process was so opaque and they were acting for their own pockets. Where was the delivery of value to the consumer?

Read More: 'I returned to my old office to sell ties after being made redundant'

Carmoolas next port of call is to build out financial products centred around the vehicle by launching a leasing-style PCP product as well as car insurance. New markets expansion outside of the UK will also be explored.

One senses that with the plentiful hurdles that Rushby has overcome during his career, both privately and in business, the entrepreneur relishes opportunities to solve them. Sure enough, as a founder he admits this to being super fun.

The more scary it is, the better sometimes, he adds. Its a fun intellectual challenge of how to fix these things.

View from the top: how to build a successful start-up

Go with your own gut

Dont look for other people to give you advice. You have to make the decisions and they come from listening to other people. Very few people have the context that you are trying to solve, so you have to form your own judgement and be disciplined as an entrepreneur.

Writing a journal is powerful

I write a CEO report outlining what we are doing at strategic and operational levels. Its a powerful tool to look back over time in how I was thinking at the time and whether it played out.

Show value proposition

To show real understanding, are you able to communicate that to somebody who has no idea? Do they get it and does it make sense to them? I pitched Carmoola to my mother-in-law and she got it straight away. I wouldnt say that is the golden rule but it is a useful way of articulating whether the business model makes sense.

Motor fintech Carmoola says it is building the future of car finance. (Peter Carruthers via Getty Images)

A step by step process

This gave me a high level of confidence to make sure it would work after the lessons from my first business. What is the real size of the market? How is revenue generated and how many people are likely to use the product? How cost effective is it to acquire the customers in this space? Then its how to generate revenue and what the unit economics look like for the product. I forecast all of that before we even started.

The real thinking

From here, it is whether you are confident in acquiring these customers, what the competition is going to do and if they can stop you; to how much time you have got to really make it fly and the key elements of what you need to deliver on so that they cant copy you.

Read more:

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Global companies eye digital, green supply chain

Xinhua) 09:28, July 20, 2025

People visit the booth of Aviation Supply Chain at the Advanced Manufacturing Chain area during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -- At the Siemens booth at the third China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, the German conglomerate is exhibiting digital solutions powered by the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence and the industrial metaverse.

These solutions, along with numerous others from Siemens' partners, on its open digital platform called Xcelerator, aim to facilitate digital transformation and low-carbon growth of enterprises.

The platform will deliver innovative solutions to the global market and match Chinese suppliers with international opportunities, helping accelerate their integration into the global value chain, according to Siemens.

Xiao Song, chairman, president and CEO of Siemens China, emphasized the company's commitment to helping Chinese firms upgrade advanced manufacturing capabilities with digital and low-carbon technologies on its open platform.

Siemens aims to help Chinese firms "build green competitiveness globally as well as more resilient and sustainable global industrial and supply chains," Xiao said.

As the global industrial landscape undergoes rapid restructuring, Xiao noted that the expo is becoming an important platform for promoting the deep integration of the whole industrial chain and supporting Chinese firms to go overseas while meeting green standards.

Siemens is just one of the multinational companies that are displaying their latest digital and green technologies at the expo, underlining their efforts to build resilient, low-carbon supply networks and deepen ties with Chinese partners.

The supply chain expo, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, is seen as a key platform for multinational firms to strengthen collaboration with Chinese partners amid global economic uncertainties.

The event has attracted 651 companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions. Overseas exhibitors account for 35 percent, a three-percentage-point increase from last year.

Bosch, another German industrial giant, is concentrating on intelligent and electric vehicle components at the expo, tapping into China's rapidly expanding new energy vehicle market, which is also the largest in the world.

Chinese consumers are highly receptive to new technologies in electric and intelligent-connected vehicles, with automotive models evolving at an incredible pace. Bosch highlighted the importance of cooperation and localization for long-term growth.

"During this critical period of accelerated transformation in the global automotive supply chain, open cooperation and strengthened local manufacturing and innovation capability are key to long-term sustainable growth," said Xu Daquan, president of Bosch China.

"Bosch will continue to work with local partners in China to help build a more resilient, flexible and globally oriented smart mobility supply ecosystem," Xu said.

Amid digital transformation, Bosch's industrial internet solutions empower both upstream and downstream suppliers while Bosch itself is widely adopting AI technologies to better predict demand and manage inventory amid efforts to build a flexible and resilient supply chain.

Schneider Electric, a first-time participant at the expo, exhibits both hardware products and digital green solutions. The company is working to build an efficient and resilient green supply chain capable of responding swiftly to market shifts.

"The supply chain expo provides an important platform for global enterprises, especially in green supply chain construction," said Yin Zheng, executive vice-president of Schneider Electric and president of its China and East Asia operations.

Yin added that Schneider Electric hopes to share its experience and seek more cooperation opportunities through the event.

Aerospace giant Airbus also eyes greener development while boosting localization for a more resilient supply chain.

Erik Buschmann, chief operating officer of Airbus China, stated the company's commitment to transforming the aviation industry into a greener industry while ensuring the sustainable use of resources.

At a forum of the expo, Buschmann said many parts of its A320 aircraft assembled in Tianjin are from Chinese suppliers, which is underlying Airbus' intention that "we want to be more local."

"We try to have a very strong local footprint. We're working to increase that in order to put more emphasis on resilience," Buschmann said.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
Photo Credit: NBA TV/ESPN.

If Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark is going to go into broadcasting after his career is over, he learned a valuable and humorous early lesson on Saturday. Dont talk to the producer during the broadcast.

Clark joined announcers J.B. Long and Randolph Childress for guest commentary during the second quarter of the Summer League game between the Timberwolves and Houston Rockets.

Amaris a crafty player, Clark said, seemingly referencing Amari Bailey. What, whatd you say?

Thats Martez Brown walking into a triple, too, to back it up, Long said, as the replay showed Brown making a three-pointer. A little defense and offense.

Oh, ya, ya, ya, Clark replied, pointing at the screen.

Childress then offered some feedback to Clark, which also helped clue anyone in who might have been confused.

Thats the hardest thing when you first get in here is that when a producers talking in your ear, you gotta listen but you cant react to it, Childress said.

youre not supposed to react to the producer, @jayl7en  pic.twitter.com/qxjcpFYyAe  Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 19, 2025

Oh, my bad, Clark replied.

Cause no one else can hear him, but us, Childress added.

The announcers and Clark all enjoyed a good laugh.

I swear on my screen I saw Amari, Clark added. I didnt see Martez. Alright. Im learning. This is dope, for sure. This is super cool.
Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron

The current warmth between Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron may have opened the door to greater co-operation between France and the UK, but the Prime Minister must resist the French presidents ardent desire for the entente amicale to extend to premature recognition of the state of Palestine.

Announcing an annual national day of commemoration for Alfred Dreyfus (the Jewish army captain wrongly imprisoned for treason in 1894) last week, President Macron had the audacity to warn of the demons of anti-Semitism while urging his Western allies to join him in entrenching an anti-Israel bias that would supercharge those demons.

It is barely believable that any liberal democracy would think that this could be the moment to reward the terrorist regime and its proxies by recognising the state of Palestine  before any peace deal or path to stability is agreed, and while the region is a tinderbox and the butchers of October 7 2023 are still keeping hostages from their families after the horrendous mass murder and rape of Jewish civilians.

Yet that is precisely what Macron is continuing to press on Sir Keir. The Prime Minister deserves credit for resisting so far. But the fact that France is stepping up the campaign for recognition, rather than stepping back, continuing to lobby the UK and the EU, shows that Starmer must go beyond privately saying pas encore to this absurdly damaging suggestion.

To be clear, as a former chairman of Labour Friends of Israel, I am deeply committed to the ultimate goal of two sovereign states, Israel and Palestine, living securely and independently at peace. The alternatives are either a greater Israel with no justice for Palestinians, or the terrorists goal of wiping Israel off the map completely. Both are unconscionable.

But it is post-empire arrogance to think that countries such as the UK and France, looking in from the outside, can short-circuit the process by officially recognising Palestine as a state without any agreement between the people who will have to live side by side and make it work.

Announcing recognition like this will not make Starmer and Macron key players in the push for peace. The gesture would do the opposite; it would indefinitely sideline France and Britain from the difficult discussions ahead in the Middle East after many years in which their friendship with Israel had made the countries genuinely influential in this vital area.

The consequence of recognising Palestine now, in the shadow of a conflict triggered by the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, would do more damage than just making the UK seem weak and ineffective on the international stage. It would be seen as Britain rewarding the Islamist terrorists of Hamas and Hezbollah, and bolstering their Iranian puppet masters, who are dedicated to exporting violence and anti-Semitism to undermine our liberal freedoms in the West.

It is wrong to view any international diplomacy through the prism of the impact it will have on the governments domestic standing with voters. Leaders need to lead on the international stage and act in the UKs long-term strategic interest, not be buffeted by ever-changing opinion polls on intractable global issues.

So Labour should ignore siren voices urging it to recognise Palestine to win back discontented Muslim voters in communities where the rise of Gaza-focused independent politicians is a genuine electoral threat.

If party strategists are weighing up the domestic impact of any change on Labours policy towards Palestine, they must bear in mind that the political backlash will surely outweigh the benefits. The Jewish community in Britain may be relatively small and contain a wide variety of views on Israel-Palestine, but Sir Keir should not underestimate how many British Jews will feel deeply disappointed in him if he makes this gesture on recognition now. Particularly after he has worked so hard to restore trust in Labour after the appalling anti-Semitism that stained the party during Jeremy Corbyns leadership.

It is true that many Jews in Britain are dismayed by the increasingly hardline policies of the Netanyahu government and the scale of destruction in Gaza. That does not mean they will accept or forgive a futile diplomatic gesture on recognition that will be treated as a victory by Hamas.

And the domestic blowback of a Labour Government recognising Palestine now will not end there.

The solutions to conflict in the Middle East may not be top of the priority list of many white working-class voters in towns such as Barrow-in-Furness, which I used to represent in the House of Commons.

But sure as hell those Red Wall voters will hate the idea that Labour is being swayed by the crowds they see marching for Gaza, with all the extremism on display in those protests. That is exactly what they will be told by Nigel Farage and his new army of Reform councillors in key electoral battlegrounds if Labour moves its position.

And just as Hamas would be emboldened by the sense their actions have results, so would the organisers of the marches feel their aggressive tactics have been vindicated  encouraging fresh militancy.

Decisions facing leaders on international affairs are often delicately balanced. Prematurely recognising the state of Palestine should not be one of those decisions.

The Prime Minister is showing strength and deft judgment on other security issues, such as Ukraine and the need for rearmament. He should reject this nonsense and sideline anyone around him who is urging him down this path.

Lord Walney is former chairman of Labour Friends of Israel
Shane Lowry offered hope to Rory McIlroy and the rest of the chasing pack praying for an uncharacteristic Scottie Scheffler slip by shooting a final-round 66 at The Open.

The best conditions of the week, sustained sunshine and very little wind, left Royal Portrush vulnerable to some low scoring and the 2019 champion here made the most of it with a 66.

In reality Schefflers rivals are going to have to shoot lower than that if they are to challenge the world number one, who did not have a bogey on Saturday in extending his lead to four strokes.

Matt Fitzpatrick, five back, and McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton, six behind, represent the biggest threat, albeit a small one.

Be ready for the spectacular. It's Sunday at The Open. pic.twitter.com/9hkHCtI0z9  The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2025

Lowry recovered from a bogey at the par-five second to dial in his seven-iron with a birdie at the short next and a hole-out from the fairway at the fourth.

Four more birdies followed and he almost finished in style but his attempted chip-in did not drop.

The course is gettable today  but then that gives Scottie the chance to shoot three or four under and if he shoots three of four under he wont be caught I dont think, said the Irishman.

Englands Justin Rose was two under through three holes despite missing a seven-footer for birdie at the first but his move up to seven under still left him seven off the top.
SNP ministers have been accused of wasting 20 million of taxpayers money on woke jobs and training in Scotlands huge public sector.

The Scottish Tories said figures showed the sum has been spent on equality, diversity and inclusion (IDE) roles and training since 2019.

The total included 2.5 million spent by Scottish councils, 1 million by the justice sector, 8.9 million by the NHS, 5.9 million by universities and 1.7 million by the Scottish Government.

The Tories said the real total is likely to be much higher, as many organisations said they could not provide their spending as the figure was not held centrally.

Rachael Hamilton MSP, the Scottish Conservatives deputy leader, said: Hard-pressed Scots will be outraged that the SNP have squandered millions on woke training and roles, when they are making savage cuts to vital public services.

Rachael Hamilton, Tory deputy leader, said the real total is likely to be much higher - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Examples of the spending uncovered by the FoIs include 3,000 for membership of Stonewalls controversial Diversity Champions Scheme and 1,100 on transgender awareness training.

The spending was disclosed after The Telegraph reported in February that there are 46 Scottish Government employees with diversity, equality or inclusion in their job titles.

Kaukab Stewart, the SNP Equalities Minister, said they were on course to cost the public purse around 4 million in 2024-25, the equivalent of 86,326 for each post.

It also emerged that more than 6,000 SNP government staff have taken part in mandatory annual inclusive culture training to ensure they all feel welcome and valued in the workplace.

Ms Hamilton said: This is yet another example of the SNP prioritising ideological projects over the issues that people actually care about.

Its difficult to justify this level of spending when the NHS remains in permanent crisis mode, educational standards are plummeting, and Scotland continues to have the highest drug death rate in Europe.

Its no wonder Scots are fed up with Left-wing politicians at Holyrood. Theyre wasting taxpayers money like its going out of fashion.

The IDE job costs were published amid a landmark employment tribunal brought by nurse Sandie Peggie against NHS Fife and Beth Upton, a transgender doctor who was allowed to use a female hospital changing room.

Sandie Peggie, took NHS Fife to an employment tribunal over a trans doctor who was allowed to use a female changing room - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Isla Bumba, the health boards equalities officers, told the tribunal last week that the definition of biological sex was far more complex than whether someone had a male or female body.

She said she would hazard a guess that she was female, but she had not had her chromosomes tested to find out what my own body is made of biologically.

Ms Bumba also said that she did not need to know anything about the body of Dr Upton, who was born male, before advising that the medic should be given access to the female changing room at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

JK Rowling took to social media at the weekend to accuse NHS Fife of being ideologically captured but placed blame at the door of the SNP government.

This is 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, she wrote.

Dr Beth Upton, who was born male, was advised to use the female changing room at a hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife - Iain Masterton/Alamy

The tribunal is scheduled to resume on Monday morning after NHS Fife released a controversial media statement on Friday afternoon that accused Sex Matters, a human rights charity which is backing Ms Peggie, of steering public opinion on the row.

It also said the debate on the case had led to staff receiving personal attacks, including a threat of physical harm and sexual violence reported to Police Scotland.

But the board was forced to amend the statement at least twice after Ms Peggies lawyers accused it of suggesting that her supporters were behind the attacks.

A sentence was added saying Sex Matters had not contributed to the behaviour or issues mentioned above.

But Russell Findlay, the Scottish Tory leader, demanded that NHS Fifes board, including chief executive Carol Potter, resign over its dire handling of the case.

An NHS Fife spokesman 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. Ms Sturgeons spokeswoman was approached for comment.

Responding to Ms Hamilton, a Scottish Government spokesman said: Diversity, equality and inclusion roles exist to ensure fairness, tackle discrimination and help build a Scotland where everyone can thrive. This government is proud to stand up for a more equal society.
The Environment Secretary has urged Southern Waters chief executive to turn down a pay rise worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, saying it was not merited.

Lawrence Gosden, who has led Southern Water since 2022, was awarded 691,000 as part of a long-term incentive plan this year on top of his fixed pay of 687,000, according to the companys annual report.

It is understood that he has only received half of this payment this year, taking his total pay to more than 1 million.

Asked on Sunday about Mr Gosdens pay, Environment Secretary Steve Reed told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg it was outrageous and implored Southern to think about how this looks to their customers.

He said: Trust between the customers and the water companies is at the lowest point probably ever, and by paying their senior executives rises of that kind, what message are they sending to their customers?

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said Southern Waters performance meant a large payout to its chief executive was not merited (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Asked whether Mr Gosden should turn down the pay rise, Mr Reed said: I think it would be right if he did.

He added: I dont think Southern Water has performed well enough for that kind of pay increase to be merited.

Southern Water was banned from paying bonuses last month over a so-called category 1 sewage spill in the New Forest, Hampshire, in August 2024.

Under new rules, companies are banned from paying bonuses if they do not meet environmental, consumer or financial standards, or are convicted of a criminal offence.

Southern Water has insisted the payment to Mr Gosden is not a bonus but part of a long-term incentive plan set up in 2023 and linked to a two-year effort to improve the companys performance.

It is also paid directly by shareholders rather than out of consumers bills.

A Southern Water spokesperson said its chief executives pay and benefits were decided by a remuneration committee following protocols and rules set out by Ofwat and in accordance with the law.

They added: Lawrence Gosdens 2025 package includes a relocation allowance, and long-term incentive plan paid by shareholders which marks improvements made during the delivery of our turnaround plan. Both of these payments represent common industry practice.

Mr Reeds criticism of Mr Gosdens pay package came before the publication of a landmark review of the water industry, which is expected to recommend sweeping reforms to how the sector is regulated, including the abolition of regulator Ofwat.

The review follows widespread criticism of water companies for awarding executives large bonuses and paying significant dividends to shareholders while missing targets for investing in infrastructure and overseeing a rise in sewage pollution in Englands rivers.

Earlier this month, Southern Water itself was forced to ask its owner, Australian investment firm Macquarie, for an extra 2.1 billion to help boost its struggling finances.

The company, which supplies 4.7 million people across the south and south-east of England, has amassed nearly 9 billion of debt  making it one of the most heavily indebted water firms in the UK behind Thames Water, previously also owned by Macquarie.
Activists raising awareness of the risk of pickpockets in Venice are naming the young thieves online - SiriPx / SplashNews

They come in all shapes and sizes and have an uncanny ability to blend in with the crowd.

As thousands of tourists surge into Venice in the summer months, so do the pickpockets who shadow the holidaymakers cruising down the Grand Canal or winding through the Lagoon Citys labyrinth of narrow alleys.

But criminal gangs are cleverly exploiting a legal loophole and recruiting thieves as young as 12 or 13. Those under the age of 14 escape criminal prosecution.

Police chiefs say gangs have turned away from using pregnant women  who can be prosecuted  and instead turned their attention on children.

But even when the youngsters are caught and sent to a community centre for the night, they escape within hours, Marco Agosti, the commander of the Venice local police, said.

They were invisible

Many of the pickpockets are known to police. Frustrated local activists catch them tailing their victims and later post their images on social media, as well as their names or nicknames such as Shakira, Mika or Dodu.

I didnt feel a thing, they were invisible, said one 50-year old British victim, who did not want to be named. She was targeted during the citys annual Carnevale festivities in February. I didnt realise my wallet was gone until I arrived at the railway station.

Local police officers take away 15 bags full of wallets and bags in Venice - Corriere

Local and national Carabinieri police say they have apprehended more than 150 alleged thieves since the beginning of the year and filled 15 large bags of stolen bags and empty wallets at the town hall.

Despite more than 800 police cameras conducting surveillance across the World Heritage listed city, police say they are hamstrung by legal loopholes that allow criminal gangs to exploit the baby borseggiatori (or baby pickpockets) as well as the transient nature of their crimes.

Pickpocketing is only actionable on a partys complaint and if the robbed person does not show up for trial, the complaint is thrown out, Gianni Frazoi, the deputy commander of Venice police, told the daily, Corriere della Sera.

The victims are mostly foreigners and they hardly ever come to the hearing. And so there are no trials and no convictions.

Venice police said 41 people were caught pickpocketing or arrested between January and May this year but there were more arrests in June and July. In the first two weeks of May, police arrested 11 pickpockets.

All were minors but five could not be prosecuted under Italian law because they were under the age of 14.

Commandant Agostini rejected suggestions Venice was any worse than Italys other tourist hotspots like Milan, Rome, Florence or Naples. But he did say it was sometimes difficult to get a conviction under Italian law, citing the recent arrest of an alleged Venetian burglar known as The Grasshopper for leaping from one building to another and who has been in and out of jail for his alleged break-ins.

In early July, Venetian activists called Non Distratti Stop Borseggi (dont be distracted, stop pickpocketing) at a street march warning tourists and residents to be more attentive in the fight against pickpocketing.

Activists made signs warning of pickpockets in the area as tourists flock to the city in summer - Facebook

One of the leaders of the group, Monica Poli, known as Lady Pickpocket, could not be reached by The Telegraph but has been campaigning for years to fight pickpocketing and recruitment of children. She has been known to confront pickpockets on the streets when she finds them.

Venice mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, is calling for an immediate change to the law and broader police powers to tackle the problem which police say has surged after the Covid-19 pandemic.

We cannot resign ourselves to the normalisation of crimes that damage peoples lives and the citys image on a daily basis, Mr Brugnaro said this week. We need urgent corrective measures. The government has to listen to local communities and guarantee urban security.

Italys national justice undersecretary, Andrea Ostellari, and interior undersecretary, Nicola Molteni, both from the far-right League Party, say they are looking at changes to the law.

Tourists on Rialto Bridge. Mayors are calling for a change to the law and wider police powers to better protect residents and tourists - Stefano Mazzola/Getty

Meanwhile, other Italian mayors including Daniele Silvetti from the city of Ancona, and Nicola Fiorita from the southern city of Catanzaro in Calabria, have also called for wider police powers to stop pickpocketing and street robberies.

The pickpocket victims reflect the global reach of Venices allure. They include an 80-year-old British tourist, an Emirati sheikh fleeced by robbers near the Rialto Bridge, and a Chinese tourist targeted in St Marks Square.

In the past week there have been a number of targeted attacks on well-heeled tourists in Italy, including British peer and eminent surgeon, Lord Darzi.

Lord Darzi was robbed of his 175,000 watch by thieves while he was on holiday on the Italian island of Capri this week.

Turkish tourist, Nevzat Kaya, had his 300,000 (224,000) Richard Mille watch wrenched from his arm by three thieves as he returned to his hotel in Milan on Tuesday. On the same day a 60-year old Milan man had his luxury Patek Philippe Aquanaut watch stolen on the street.
This story previously aired on Oct. 20, 2018.

It's a murder case that shook a community and one that hinges on a personal activity tracker and another technology: Google Dashboard, a tool that many people don't even know they have. But could it convict a killer?

Nicole Vander Heyden went out with friends for a night on the town in Green Bay, Wis., on May 20, 2016. She never made it home. A day later, she was found dead in a field, having been beaten and strangled to death.

Nicole Vander Hayden

The murder left her friends and family shaken, and the community wondered how it could happen. At the time, Vander Heyden was living with her boyfriend, Doug Detrie, and their 6-month-old son. Detrie was interviewed by sheriff's deputies and quickly became the prime suspect when blood was found on the floor of their garage and in Vander Heyden's car.

Investigators also wondered why Detrie waited hours before reporting her missing. "It doesn't seem like a guy who's particularly worried about his girlfriend, the mother of his child, does it?" Slinger tells "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty.

Detrie was wearing a Fitbit device when he was interviewed and when he was arrested. Data recorded about his activities during the window of time Vander Heyden was murdered told a very different story  one that cleared him. He was released 18 days after his arrest.

Over the next several months, Nicole's clothing and items at the murder scene were processed for DNA. That would lead investigators in yet another direction  and to another man.

"Nobody knew who he was," says Kate Briquelet, a writer for the Daily Beast and a native Wisconsinite. "He had no connection to Nikki, no connection to Doug, no connection to any of their friends. I mean, he was literally a mystery man."

A YOUNG MOM VANISHES

Kate Briquelet: Green Bay is supposed to be a really safe place. You know, mothers don't go missing, and  police don't find their bodies in farm fields.

In February 2018, friends and family of Nicole Vander Heyden gather in a packed Brown County courtroom, seeking justice for her brutal, senseless murder, two years earlier.

Kate Briquelet: What happens in this case could definitely come down to the technology.

Kate Briquelet: Who would do this? Who would do this to Nikki?

Tiffany Hoffman was a close friend of Nicole's, who everyone called Nikki. They had been friends for years and shared a love of the outdoors.

Tiffany Hoffman: I was just  it's not real, you know, that can't be 

Erin Moriarty: What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of her?

Tiffany Hoffman: Light. Spirit. A verve and a zest and zeal.  She was close with her family, and loved her children.

Nikki was a mom to three: Mikayla and Tyler from a previous marriage, and 6-month-old Dylan, whose father was her boyfriend, Doug Detrie.

A cellphone photo of Nicole Vander Heyden and Doug Detrie at the Steel Panther concert. / Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

The two had met in January 2015, and soon moved in together.

Tiffany Hoffman: She was really, really happy. When she talked to me, she said they both were excited. Yeah, they both were excited to have a baby.

On the night of Friday, May 20, 2016, the couple make last-minute plans to get a babysitter and join friends at a bar called the Watering Hole to see a Steel Panther concert.

Kate Briquelet: I think Nikki was really looking to let loose and have a good time.

As the concert is ending, Nikki decides to go with his friends to another bar, called the Sardine Can.

Erin Moriarty: And leave him.

Kate Briquelet: Doug agreed that he would  finish his conversation that he was having and find her at the next bar.

Nikki, seen on security camera video at the Sardine Can, appears to be having a great time, talking and dancing with friends.

But as the night wears on, and Detrie still hasn't shown up at the Sardine Can, Nicole gets upset and begins sending him angry texts.

Kate Briquelet: They were scorching. And they were all but accusing him of infidelity.

Sometime after 11:30 p.m., Nikki tries calling Detrie, but he doesn't answer.

Kate Briquelet: So another friend calls Doug, and he answers. And this enrages Nikki.

So she gets up and leaves the bar.

One of Detrie's friends runs after her, begging her to come back to the bar. But she refuses. Instead, Nicole walks up the street, turns left, and vanishes into the night.

When Detrie finds out that Nikki has left, he and his friend Greg drive around looking for her.

When they can't find her, they go in to the Sardine Can, where Detrie, who can be seen on surveillance video, has more to drink before the two of them head out.

911 Operator: Brown County 911  where Is your emergency  Richard Vandehey: We just found a human body laying in some weeds

Early the next afternoon, farmer Richard Vandehey makes a gruesome discovery.

Richard Vandehey: At first I thought it was deer, because of the rust color in her hair  then I realized it was a young lady.

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: She was naked.  Other than socks that were on her feet and a pink wristband.  Other than that we had no form of identification

Brown County Sheriff Sergeant Rick Loppnow is among the first to respond to the scene.

Sgt. Rick Loppnow:  there was a lot of blood. There was obvious injury trauma on the side of her face.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Obviously the first step of the investigation is to identify who the person is.

Sergeant Brian Slinger is the lead detective on the case.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: That in and of itself was difficult due to the severity of the injuries.

Deputies get their first lead at 4:30 that afternoon, when Doug Detrie calls 911 to report Nikki as missing.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Her description matched what we had found in the field as far as age, approximate size  hair color.

Slinger sends officers with a hidden camera to Detrie's home, which is just a little over three miles away from where the body has been found.

Officer: So you left the Sardine Can and drove around for another 30-40 minutes? Doug Detrie:Yeah we didn't get back here till  I don't even know what time it was. It was  it was late. 2:30.

Detrie tells deputies that after Greg dropped him off, he fell asleep around 3 a.m. And except for getting to check on the baby, he was asleep until after 6 a.m.

Officer: Did you do anything to cause her to go missing? Doug Detrie No, not at all.

That night, Detrie's parents watch baby Dylan, while Doug is further questioned at the station. It's here they tell him that Nikki has been murdered.

Doug Detrie: It can't be  no please, no.

As Detrie is being questioned, detectives get a warrant to search his and Nikki's home. They find blood on the floor of the garage  and in Nikki's car.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: on the headboard, on the side and, then, in the backseat area.

They also discover a pair of Air Jordan's in the garage that appear to match the shoe print found on Nikki's back, and seem to have blood smudges on the bottom.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: For us, it's adding up. OK. This  this is our guy.

Just before dawn, an off-duty patrolman reports items scattered along a highway ramp less than two miles from where Nikki's body has been found.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: There was a purse  as well as her cellphone and  items that she was wearing that night

And there are more damning clues found in a neighbor's yard, who lives across the street from Doug and Nikki.

Erin Moriarty: And what was found here?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: A large quantity of blood that was determined to be Nicole's as well as some clumps of blonde hair  And, then, there was also a cord which I would describe as, a phone  charging cord.

Kate Briquelet: This was a huge discovery for police.  Now they had a murder scene. And it was 118 feet from Detrie's front door.

More than70 pieces of evidence are sent to the state crime lab. Now detectives had a theory about how Nikki had died.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: There was some sort of argument between her and Doug, maybe, when she got home and that  somehow ended up out in the street

Sheriff deputies are recording when they arrest Doug Detrie, who quickly becomes emotional.

Detrie isn't charged with murder, but deputies hold him on a $1 million bond, while they wait for DNA results.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Is there DNA on the bottom of this shoe? Is that blood on the bottom of this shoe?

Eighteen days later, investigators are stunned. Crime lab tests show the blood in the car isn't Nikki's, the blood in the garage isn't human, and the stains on the shoe aren't blood at all.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: We had nothing on Doug. So he was released.

What's more, on the night Nicole disappeared, Doug just happened to be wearing a Fitbit  a personal tracking device. It goes on your wrist, like a watch, and it tracks your activities: the steps you take, your heart rate, even your sleeping patterns.

When the Fitbit data stored in Doug's phone is examined, it corroborates his story.

Sgt. Brian Slinger:  he had a few footsteps throughout the night  getting up to go to the bathroom, check on the baby, whatever. His story that he told us was absolutely, 100 percent true.

So who killed Nicole Vander Heyden? Will high tech forensics blow this case wide open?

TRACKING A MYSTERY MAN

Nicole's mother and her brother Brandon struggle to understand how anyone could murder their beloved Nikki.

Vicki Meyer: It was a horrendous thing and it's just so hard to let that out of your heart.

Erin Moriarty: What do you miss the most?

Vicki Meyer: I'm waiting for her to come walking through my door again, you know. I miss her in the most  I miss her.

Brandon Meyer: I have a picture of  me and her when  we were younger  And just I look at that every night and I miss her all the time.

Remember, the evidence appears to clear Doug Detrie, so in June of 2016, his focus turns to raising his son Dylan, while Nicole's two older children live with their father.

The case torments Sergeants Brian Slinger and Richard Loppnow. They are back at square one, with no idea who did this.

Erin Moriarty: The two of you have this horrific murder on your hands. What are you feeling at that moment?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: We needed to figure out how Nicole got home.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: We pulled video cameras from every single bridge in the city of Green Bay  because in order for her to walk home, she would've had to cross a bridge ...

They reinterview witnesses and re-examine phone logs.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: I'll be honest with you, it was getting to the point we worried it was going to become a cold case.

Their first big break comes over the course of the summer. DNA results trickle in  and they are tantalizing. The officers learn that many of the samples taken from Nicole's clothing and from the neighbor's yard have DNA from an unidentified man. On dozens of samples, the same partial profile  but never enough for a positive ID.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: We had this one consistent mystery guy, I guess you'd call it.  And our job was to try and find out who that was.

Kate Briquelet: It was just a very confusing time. Nobody knew who would have done this to Nikki.

And then finally, that August, almost three months after Nicole disappeared, the officers get a call from the crime lab. One of the socks Nicole had been wearing has enough DNA to run through the national database  and they get a name.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: The excitement was amazing.

The DNA belongs to a man named George Steven Burch.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: It was a hit out of the state of Virginia.

Erin Moriarty: Virginia?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Yeah. Virginia.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: So it was like, OK, who is  who is George Burch? And  and why is he in Green Bay, Wisconsin, of all places?

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: Yes. We have a name now. But, now, we need to start digging on who this person is.

Burch moved from Virginia to Green Bay on March 1, 2016, looking for a fresh start. A longtime friend gave him a place to stay and helped him get a job. He also loaned Burch a car  a red, Chevy blazer.

That red Blazer would provide crucial evidence. It had been involved in a hit-and-run accident and destroyed in a fire a few weeks after Nicole's death. So when detectives run Burch's name through the local police database, up pops the accident report, which leads them to an address  for George Burch.

Surveillanance video caprures George Burch smoking on his front porch. / Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

Sgt. Brian Slinger: First time I drove by the house, there he is standing outside in front of the house smoking a cigarette. And my  my hair stood up on the back of my neck. I had goose bumps. It was like, "Oh my God, there's our guy."

They videotape his movements and keep their suspicions to themselves. And they learn that when Burch was questioned about the hit-and-run, he handed over his cellphone. And on it, a high-tech treasure trove.

Kate Briquelet: He gave them consent to search his phone. They extracted the entire thing.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: So I requested a copy of that. It's an Android phone. [It] had  a Gmail account associated with it. We were recently made aware of this Google Dashboard data that could, potentially, give us GPS data.

Most people aren't aware, Google Dashboard is a program that combines cellphone tower data, local Wi-Fi hot spots and GPS locators to calculate the actual location of the phone  at any given time.

The officers subpoena Google for the contents of George Burch's phone. What they get back is astonishing. Burch apparently spent much of the night Nicole disappeared at Richard Craniums, a bar a half-mile from the Sardine Can.

The data tracks Burch at 2:30 a.m. leaving Richard Craniums, and driving to Nicole's house  the crime scene  where he stayed for nearly an hour.

Sgt. Rick Loppnow:  it was very obvious that here's our guy.

He is next tracked at the field where Nicole's body was found, then near the off-ramp where her bloody clothes were discarded, and then, at 4:22 a.m., back at his home.

Erin Moriarty: When you saw that he was right there, what  what was your reaction?

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: It's a huge piece of evidence, obviously.

Finally  enough for an arrest  captured on police dashboard cameras.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: we sent one guy out to the house a little bit earlier to get eyes on.  And [he]  called me.  And he's like, "Oh my God  he's on the move. We gotta go now."  We all had to rally up, get in our cars and drive.

Four months after Nicole Vander Heyden's murder, George Steven Burch was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide / Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

On a drizzly September day, four months after Nicole's death, George Burch is arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide.

Interrogation room: Officer: The reason you're here  is in reference to a homicide investigation, into Nicole Vander Heyden. So if I read you your Miranda rights, you don't want to talk to me? George Burch: I would prefer a lawyer. Officer: OK.

Nicole's former brother-in-law, Shawn Vander Heyden, says the news came as a big surprise.

Shawn Vander Heyden: I had no clue who he was or where this guy came from  but  I was just happy to hear that they had  they had someone.

Nicole's family and friends have a new anguish; waiting for a trial. In March 2017, on what would have been Nicole's 32nd birthday, they came together on Lake Michigan to release lanterns in her honor.

Tiffany Hoffman: It was so cold. So cold. But her memory, you know, warmed us.  we all went out on that dock, on that pier, and lit our lanterns, and sent 'em off in  into  into, you know, her memory.

Erin Moriarty: Why lit lanterns? Why was that used to honor her?

Tiffany Hoffman:The lights. Her light. She was a light for so many in this world.

Nearly one year later, on Feb. 19, 2018, George Burch goes on trial for Nicole's murder.

The prosecution has a strong case.

Prosecutor David Lasee [in court]: Mr. Burch must be held accountable.

But, according to the defense, prosecutors have the wrong man.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: You will know that Douglas Detrie, Nicole's boyfriend, murdered Nicole.

THE TECHNOLOGY EVIDENCE

For Nicole Vander Heyden's family, every day of George Burch's murder trial is agony.

Erin Moriarty: Vicki, how did you get yourself to go every day to that courtroom?

Vicki Meyer: I don't know. God. He must have just taken our hands and led us there because, we wanted answers.

Friends say it is agonizing for Doug Detrie too, especially once he learns George Burch's defense team is planning to blame Nicole's murder on him.

Shawn Vander Heyden:  he was nervous. And I would be, too.  you know, you were accused of murder, and it's so many things goin' through your head.

And now, Doug Detrie's testimony is critical to the prosecution.

Erin Moriarty: It's kind of interesting that the man who you first thought might have killed his girlfriend is gonna be one of the most important witnesses at this trial. Right?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Right.  He will be very important.

Just as important would be "the technology evidence"  data collected from both Doug Detrie's Fitbit and George Burch's phone. Prosecutors say that Detrie's Fitbit shows he couldn't be the killer.

Prosecutor David Lasee [opening statement]: The autopsy results, the DNA identification, the Google Dashboard data, the records from Fitbit  that is the evidence that will drive you. You will follow that evidence and you will find the truth.

Doug Detrie is seen wearing his Fitbit tracker as investigators record him filing a missing persons report. / Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

Detrie's Fitbit is seen in the video captured by officers on their very first interview the day he reported Nicole missing. Prosecutors say downloaded data shows Detrie barely moved in the hours they believe Nicole was killed and left in the field.

Prosecutor David Lasee: Is that based on the data you obtained directly from Fitbit?

Tyler Behling | Forensic crime analyst: Yes it is. Everything that I could view directly on the device it lined up with what had previously been stated.

Erin Moriarty: Did you ever during this trial or have you thought much about it that how lucky it was that Doug happened to be wearing a Fitbit that night and the next morning?

Shawn Vander Heyden: Yeah.  That was huge in this case, I think, right there.  That pretty much said he  he wasn't there when this all happened.

On day three of the trial, Detrie takes the stand. Prosecutors aim to present him as a normal guy; not the best boyfriend, maybe, but an unlikely killer.

Prosecutor David Lasee: Tell us about your family?

Doug Detrie: My mother, my father, my amazing little son Dylan.

Detrie tells the jurors he and Nikki dreamed of getting married one day. And early on in the night she disappeared, they were having fun. Nikki didn't usually drink, he says, but that night they were both partying hard.

Prosecutor David Lasee: What was the pace she was drinking that night?

Doug Detrie: Pretty quickly. I think she had, like, two down and I was still on my first one.

Once they got separated and Nikki went ahead to the Sardine Can with friends, Detrie continued drinking and smoked some marijuana. Before long, Nikki sent him her first angry text, wondering where he was.

Nikki's texts got angrier, and she accused him of being with other women.

Prosecutor David Lasee: ... at any point in response to those messages, did you get upset with with Nikki?

Doug Detrie: No, I didn't.

The texts kept coming. Detrie said he offered to pick her up, but her phone died.

Prosecutor David Lasee: Were you concerned that Nikki was missing at that point in time?

Doug Detrie: I was  not concerned that she was missing. I was kinda concerned, like, why is she upset?

Prosecutor David Lasee: Doug, did you have absolutely any involvement in Nikki's disappearance or death?

Doug Detrie: No, I did not.

Under cross-examination, Burch's attorney Lee Schuchart pushed Detrie on whether things at home were really as good as he said they were.

Burch's lawyer shows jurors a text Detrie sent to his mom 10 days before Nikki died:

"I'm very seriously thinking about telling Nikki and the kids they have to move "

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: So in May of 2016, though, there were times where you were seriously considering breaking up with Nikki and the kids?

Doug Detrie: I never really, like, seriously thought about it. Like  like, made plans or anything like that.

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: It was just a lie to your mom.

What the jury would never hear is that several of Detrie's past girlfriends accused him of being jealous, abusive, and controlling.

Kate Briquelet: One girlfriend claims that he put a tracking device on her phone so he'd always know where she was.

Nicole Vander Hayden and Doug Detrie / Credit: Facebook

In her barrage of angry texts to Detrie that night, Nicole also accused him of being abusive.

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: Did you hurt Nikki that night?

Doug Detrie: Do you mean physically or what? I  no. I mean 

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: Did you physically beat her in the past?

Doug Detrie: No, I never physically beat N  Nikki.

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: Had you cheated on her in the past?

Doug Detrie: No, I have not.

Erin Moriarty: Doug is not an angel. Isn't that gonna be a problem in this jury?

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Doug Detrie's not on trial. George Burch is on trial.

Defense attorneys ask the babysitter who took care of Dylan that night, to recount an odd conversation she had with Detrie the day after Nicole died.

Dallas Kennedy | Babysitter: I just asked, "What happened?" you know, "What happened?" and he replied, "I don't know, she hit her head and she just wanted to walk home."

Burch Defense Attorney Lee Schuchart: So specifically, when you asked him what happened, he said that I don't know, she hit her head, correct?

Dallas Kennedy: It came out of his mouth, that comment. I don't know what that meant, but it came out of his mouth.

Would the questions raised about Detrie make jurors wonder if the right man was on trial? And would they buy George Burch's stunning version of what happened that night?



GEORGE BURCH'S STORY

It's day eight of the George Burch murder trial and with it comes the testimony everyone has been waiting to hear: Burch's version of what happened the night Nicole Vander Heyden was murdered.

Kate Briquelet: There was a lot of skepticism about George Burch's story  yet we all wanted to hear it from George's mouth.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: Let's start from the beginning.

George Burch: OK.

Prompted by his attorney, Burch tells jurors he's a hard-working family man with an easy going nickname:

George Burch: Most people call me "Big Country."

Public Defender Scott Stebbins takes Burch back to the night of the murder. Burch claims he ran into Nicole at the local bar called Richard Craniums.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: How were you acting towards her?

George Burch: I was flirting 

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: And how was she acting towards you?

George Burch: Somewhat the same pretty much  flirting back and forth with each other.

George Burch takes the stand in his trial for the murder of Nicole Vander Heyden / Credit: CBS News

According to Burch, they continued flirting until closing time around 2:30 a.m. And just as the Google Dashboard evidence showed, he drove Nicole the eight miles to her house and pulled up to the curb across the street.

George Burch: We sat there and talked for a few minutes.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: OK, what happened after that?

George Burch: Started, I guess, foolin' around, messin' around a little bit, started kissing.

Burch then detailed what he says was consensual sex. Nicole was in the back seat and Burch, too big to fit in the back seat with her, stood just outside the rear passenger door.

George Burch: I was standing outside the Blazer.

Nikki's family and friends had to sit there silently and listen.

Shawn Vander Heyden | Nicole's former brother-in-law: Anyone who knew Nicole knew that that was nothing that she would ever do  ever do  that was not her.

But it's what Burch says happened to him while he says he was having sex that was perhaps the most difficult to accept. He says he was knocked out.

George Burch: The next thing that I remember apart from us having intercourse was literally waking up on the ground outside the truck.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: Did you hear anything?

George Burch: The first thing I heard was, "don't even f------ think about it."

Burch said he turned and saw someone standing behind him holding a gun.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: At that point did you know who that individual was?

George Burch: Never seen him before in my life.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: Do you know who that individual is now?

George Burch: Now I do.

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: Who was it?

George Burch: It was Doug Detrie.

Burch says he saw Nicole laying on the pavement.

George Burch: I didn't know if she was alive. There was a lot of blood.

The 6'7 250-pound Burch said Detrie told him to put Nicole's body in the Blazer and then drive to the field. Detrie, he said, ordered him at gunpoint to carry Nicole's body down an embankment.

George Burch: That's when I turned and with everything I had I lunged at him and pushed him as hard as I possibly could.

Burch said he ran back to the Blazer and headed for home, throwing Nicole's clothes out the window on the way. The next day, he met up with friends and went fishing.

George Burch went fishinn the day after Nicole Vander Heyden was murdered

Defense Attorney Scott Stebbins: You didn't call 911.

George Burch: No sir.

But he didn't tell anyone else either.

George Burch: You don't tell on people. People get killed all the time where I'm from for that.

As Burch told his story, two women were in the courtroom listening to every word. They had travelled more than a thousand miles to be here every day.

Carla Rhoads: We just wanted him to see our face every day and know that we haven't forgotten what he did. And we've never forgotten Joey.

In 1997, Joey White was murdered in Newport News, Va. The man accused of killing him: Neighborhood rival George Burch. But this jury will never hear about it.

Shayna Stowe: He was out on bond when he killed Joey.

Joey White / Credit: Shayna Stowe

Shayna Stowe was White's fiance and mother of his child.

Shayna Stowe: He was my first love. He was it.

Carla Rhoads is Joey's sister.

Carla Rhoads: I miss him a lot.

Burch testified at that trial, too.

Carla Rhoads: He looked at us, laughed at us, you know the whole time. Smirked.

Erin Moriarty: And what happened?

Shayna Stowe: Not guilty.

Carla Rhoads: It was shocking when they said "not guilty."

Neither was surprised that Burch had been accused of another murder.

Shayna Stowe: I'm not shocked at all  I mean I wouldn't be surprised if he's killed other people. I mean look at what he did. I mean it's brutal.

When it was finally District Attorney David Lasee's turn to cross examine Burch he had one thing in mind:

Prosecutor David Lasee:  to show how ridiculous his story was.

And he says he had plenty to work with  like Burch's claim that Nicole would have agreed to have sex in the car.

Prosecutor David Lasee: So Nicole would rather have sex with you in front of her neighbor's home with your butt hanging out of the door of the car, than ask the babysitter to go home.

George Burch: Sir, I don't know. I wasn't the one making decisions.

And if Burch was hit hard enough to knock him out, why didn't anyone see bumps or bruises on his head when he went fishing the next day?

George Burch: I'm 6'7" so it's hard for someone to see the top of my head.

And why would Detrie murder Nicole and let Burch get away?

Prosecutor David Lasee: So rather than just beating you or killing you in the middle of the street he decided to enlist you  a total stranger  to help him dispose of the body of his girlfriend.

George Burch: I don't know what his plans where.

At one point, Lasee pushes Burch on a possible motive:

Prosecutor David Lasee: What really happened was you drove Nicole home fully expecting that you were going to have sex right?

George Burch: I was hoping that we would.

Prosecutor David Lasee: And when you get there and it becomes clear that Nikki isn't going to have sex with you, when she attempts to go into her house and leave your vehicle that's when your mood changes right?

George Burch: No sir.

Prosecutor David Lasee: That's when things get aggressive don't they.

George Burch: Not at all.

Prosecutor David Lasee: That's when you grab that cord and strangle her don't you?

George Burch: No sir, not at all.

Prosecutor David Lasee: That's when Nikki gets slammed on the ground repeatedly when she's trying to run toward her house.

George Burch: None of that is true.

And Burch loses his cool when Lasee presses him on an inconsistency in his story.

Prosecutor David Lasee: So clear this up for me, you're backing down the embankment with Nicole's body in a fireman's carried position, right?

George Burch: No.

Prosecutor David Lasee: What are you doing?

George Burch: I told you before and I will say it one more time for you sir. I was carrying her over to this area 

Shawna Stowe: I think it was a big turn when you saw him lose his temper.

Carla Rhoads: And I think we both said, "Well, there's the real Steve Burch coming out  not George. Not Big Country. This is how we knew him.

Prosecutor David Lasee: You're assaulted, you're held at gunpoint, you carry the mangled body of a woman to her final resting place and the next day you're going fishing with your buddy with a smile on your face and not a care in the world.

George Burch: I wouldn't say not a care in the world. That would definitely not be something I would say.

WHO WILL THE JURY BELIEVE?

The prosecution got one last chance to present witnesses to rebut the story George Burch told the jury.

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: During George Burch's testimony he specifically said, I recall, that they were having sex, her pants were off already at that point. So during the rebuttal, we brought those pants to enter into evidence and make sure they were viewed.

Prosecutor David Lasee: If she had been disrobed in her car, how do those clothes get not just bloody, but dirty and hairy? Those clothes are filthy. And they're demonstrative of being worn during a struggle.

Carefully and respectfully, Sgts. Brian Slinger and Rick Loppnow unwrapped and displayed the pants that Nicole wore the night she died found blood soaked and muddy on the highway.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: It goes to George's credibility, which is zero, that this was not a consensual act  She fought, escaped the vehicle  he bludgeoned her, strangled her with her clothes on, and then transported her body to the scene  His story was a lie  he disrobed her at the scene and forgot her socks.

And then the final arguments: the prosecution reminded the jurors of the weight of evidence against George Burch.

Prosecutor Mary Kerrigan-Mares: Whose DNA is on her sock?  Who is with Nikki at the four key areas of Brown County?  Their explanation is ridiculous and it's insulting to your intelligence.

While the defense hoped to plant doubt.

Defense attorney Lee Schuchart: Justice for Nicole is not going to be delivered by a wrongful conviction of George Burch. Doug Detrie had the motive, the opportunity and the connection to this crime.

Prosecutor David Lasee: The man that met this woman in a bar, and admitted by his own account to dumping her body in that field, looks like this the next day [shows photos of Burch fishing]. Who does that?

Erin Moriarty: What was the feeling in the courtroom as the case went to the jury?

Kate Briquelet: It was very tense  And I was surprised that, I think, 45 minutes later, I mean not even an hour later, the jury had a question.

Jurors asked to see the bloody wire used to strangle Nicole, as well as cords found in Doug Detrie's garage, to see if they were possibly a match.

The jury asked to see the bloody wire used to strangle Nicole, as well as cords found in Doug Detrie's garage, to see if they were possibly a match.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: You know, the fact that they're thinking about that is telling me, 'OK, are they actually believing George Burch's story here?"

Kate Briquelet: It really made me wonder where this was gonna go.

After a nine-day trial and more than 50 witnesses, the jury took just over three hours to reach a verdict.

Shayna Stowe: I just had this horrible feeling it was coming back not guilty  It just was really hard. I could not breathe.

Carla Rhoads: And you could feel everybody was, like, shaking.

Judge: We the jury find the defendant, George Steven Burch, guilty of first-degree intentional homicide

Vicki Meyer: Everybody was just like  Just thank God that he was guilty. Thank God.

George Burch reacts to his guilty verdict / Credit: CBS News

Sgt. Rick Loppnow: What sticks out in my mind was the gasp  hearing that from the family and knowing the relief that they had at that moment  that'll stick with me.

Erin Moriarty: In a good way 

Sgt. Rick Loppnow [emotional]: Absolutely.

Shayna Stowe: I know Joey was there for this  It was his 20-year anniversary of his death in October. It's just  trying not to get upset.

Erin Moriarty: Could you see Doug Detrie?

Kate Briquelet: Doug Detrie, I think, was relieved. Doug Detrie was holding his mother.  Doug wasn't even on trial in this case, but he was finally free of any suspicion.

Erin Moriarty: So what you found from this case is that this technology can do more than connect someone to a crime, it can actually exonerate a person.

Sgt. Brian Slinger: Absolutely, yeah. I feel bad that he sat in jail for 18, 19 days.  I mean, technology is very important and our goal is to exonerate people just as it is to find them guilty.

Kate Briquelet: If we didn't have these Google data locations on George's phone, if we didn't have the Fitbit  Would it be Doug Detrie sitting in prison as opposed to George Burch?

Back in court two months after the verdict, the judge speaks to George Burch before sentencing him, while Doug Detrie and his mother look on.

Judge: ... this family is destroyed and will never be like this again. This is a crime that would, I believe, merit the death penalty and for that you have to die in prison.

In a state with no death penalty, the sentence is as harsh as possible: life without parole.

It is what the families wanted, and yet, this is not a time for celebration.

The only comfort for Nicole's family is that George Burch can never destroy lives again.

Brandon Meyer: When they convicted George  It was a feeling of happiness, but yet still, like, somewhat of a realization that she's actually gone now. And it's hard.

Erin Moriarty: What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your daughter?

Vicki Meyer: Her big smile, her big gorgeous smile. She just radiates. She just does. She was always happy. And that just so reflects who she was.

Erin Moriarty: What do you all tell her children? Michaela, Tyler, Dylan?

Shawn Vander Heyden: Nicole is lookin' over 'em  that she loves 'em, and she'll see 'em again. And every night, I know Tyler and Michaela always say a prayer, and talk to their mom, and say good night.

Tiffany Hoffman: We gained an angel. We lost a breath of fresh air.  The memory lives on through the stories we share, things we never forget and she's okay. She's OK.

Vicki Meyer: She just had a passion for life, for living  She had good morals  Just what more can a mom ask for?

Would you go on a retirement cruise?

Linda Gwozdz speaks at her sentencing

Linda Duffey Gwozdz and the tale of Elmer Fudd
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How AI is changing the way you manage your money (Jackyenjoyphotography via Getty Images)

Your bank just texted you about a suspicious transaction. An AI system caught potential fraud in seconds  but should you trust that same technology for managing money or your retirement savings?

Managing retirement finances is already challenging enough  fixed budgets, rising healthcare costs and investment decisions  and we're now facing this question as artificial intelligence transforms how we handle money.

More than a quarter of all Americans are already making active use of AI-powered tools and robo-advisors, according to a Charles Schwab survey , even if many don't realize how much AI is already part of their financial lives. Those fraud alerts, investment recommendations in your banking app and budgeting insights? Theyre likely AI-powered.

The issue isn't whether AI will affect your finances, but rather how to use it wisely. Lets cover how AI is changing money management today and what you need to know about its benefits and potential pitfalls.

At-a-glance: Benefits and drawbacks of AI-driven finance

AI's greatest strength lies in its ability to process vast amounts of data instantly and identify patterns that would take humans hours or days to spot. That's why 90% of banks now use AI for fraud detection, as just one example. But this technology isn't perfect.

Strengths Drawbacks  Round-the-clock monitoring. AI provides 24/7 account surveillance, instantly detecting unusual activity or potential fraud.  Personalized insights. Systems can analyze your complete financial picture to generate tailored strategies that fit your specific situation.  Efficient automation. Handles routine tasks like bill payments, portfolio rebalancing and expense categorization without your constant attention.  Pattern recognition. Identifies spending trends and financial opportunities that might escape human notice, helping to optimize your money management.  Real-time adjustments. Automatically updates your financial plan as market conditions or personal circumstances change.  Cost-effective advice. Delivers sophisticated financial guidance at a fraction of the cost of traditional human advisors.  Privacy vulnerabilities. Requires access to your most sensitive financial information, creating the potential for data breaches or misuse.  Over-reliance risk. May encourage blind trust in algorithms without understanding the reasoning behind recommendations.  Limited scope. Cannot anticipate complex tax strategies, estate planning needs or long-term-care costs that become increasingly important with age.  Institutional bias. Algorithms might steer you toward products that generate higher fees or profits for financial institutions, rather than your best interests.  Lack of human judgment. Does not have the emotional intelligence and nuanced understanding that human advisors can provide.  Technology dependence. System outages or glitches could temporarily limit access to your financial management tools when you need them most.

Understanding these tradeoffs is crucial as AI becomes more integrated into everyday financial tasks. Let's look at how this technology is already changing 5 key areas of money management, starting with budgeting.

 Learn more: How to find a trusted retirement advisor: Costs, benefits and what to consider

1. Budgeting and money management

AI is transforming how we track and manage everyday finances. Modern systems go beyond basic expense tracking to offer predictive insights and automated optimization.

 What's happening now

AI-powered budgeting apps can automatically categorize expenses, predict upcoming bills and send real-time alerts when you're approaching spending limits. These AI tools analyze your spending patterns to forecast future expenses, suggest adjustments to meet your goals, identify forgotten subscriptions and automatically transfer money to bank accounts when you're under budget.

Wyatt Mayham, CEO & cofounder at Northwest AI Consulting, says AI excels at "tracking spending" and "analyzing fees"  routine tasks that help optimize your day-to-day money management. He notes that Empower Personal Dashboard and Monarch Money are two that he sees used often by older folks. While Cleo also tends to be popular for AI budgeting overall, he notes it's "not so much among this older age range," though it's still worth considering "from a popularity standpoint for AI and budgeting."

 What to watch for

While convenient, automated budgeting can create a false sense of financial security if AI gets it wrong. Additionally, these systems encourage you to link multiple accounts , creating a comprehensive financial profile that could be vulnerable to data breaches.

 Learn more: Best budgeting apps for 2025: $0 and low-cost ways to track and monitor your money

2. Personalized investments

The investment world has seen perhaps the most dramatic AI transformation through robo-advisors. In the U.S., assets under management in the robo-advisory segment are projected to reach $1.67 trillion in 2025, growing to $1.91 trillion by 2029 at a 3.5% annual growth rate, according to numbers compiled by Statista.

 What's happening now

Robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront use AI to create diversified portfolios tailored to your risk tolerance and goals. These platforms can automatically rebalance your portfolio as market conditions change with fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.50% of your account balance  significantly less than traditional financial advisors who typically charge 1% or more.

"Betterment and Wealthfront are probably more known for younger investors, but these are actually valuable for retirees managing a portion of their portfolio, says Mayham. Betterment, for example, automates income streams from investments, essentially acting like a self-made pension." He emphasizes that AI's strengths lie in specific areas  for example, "Running simulations, analyzing fees, tracking spending and managing a simple slice of your portfolio at low cost."

 What to watch for

While robo-advisors excel at basic portfolio management, they may struggle with complex financial situations, especially those common among retirees. Mayham emphasizes that "the best approach is some kind of hybrid strategy, using AI for simple portfolio management while relying on human advisors for "complex family situations, estate planning and market crashes  places where empathy and judgment matter."

If you have multiple income sources, complex estate planning needs or complex tax issues, you should consider consulting with a trusted financial expert who can provide the personalized guidance that AI cannot yet replicate.

 Learn more: 9 best investing platforms for 2025: Low-cost options to put your money to work

3. Security and fraud protection

AI has become a double-edged sword in financial security. More than 50% of fraud now involves artificial intelligence, according to Feedzai research, with criminals creating hyper-realistic deepfakes and sophisticated scams. But financial institutions are fighting back using the very same tools.

 What's happening now

AI systems monitor your account activity in real-time, learning your typical spending habits and locations to instantly flag or block unusual transactions  like large purchases in foreign countries or ATM withdrawals at odd times.

Banks already use AI to flag fraud based on spending patterns, and it works well," says Mayham. American Express reported a 6% improvement in catching fraudulent transactions, reports IBM, while PayPal enhanced their real-time detection capabilities by 10% using AI monitoring systems.

 What to watch for

As Mayham warns, "AI cuts both ways. Generative AI now powers scams like voice cloning for the 'grandparent scam.' " Deloitte predicts that gen AI could enable fraud losses to reach $40 billion in the U.S. by 2027.

His advice for protection: "Create a family safe word, and never act on an urgent request without hanging up and calling back on a verified number. Treat any request for gift cards, crypto or wire transfers as an immediate red flag."

 Learn more: Top 15 financial scams  and what you can do to keep your money safe

4. Banking and payments

AI is reshaping how we interact with our banks and make payments. The banking industry leads all sectors in AI adoption, with 60% of banks already using generative AI and 87% planning to invest in AI technology in the next year, according to a recent white paper from the SAS Institute .

 What's happening now

When you chat with your bank online or call customer service, you're likely interacting with AI-powered systems that can handle routine questions, transfer funds and help with account issues. Behind the scenes, AI is also helping banks make quicker decisions on loan applications. You might also notice more personalized offers or suggestions appearing in your banking app or statements.

 What to watch for

Your personal financial data is being fed into AI systems, and even bank executives admit that privacy and data security are their biggest worries about this technology. When AI makes decisions about your accounts or recommends financial products, it often can't explain why. More concerning is that AI might steer you toward products that make the bank more money rather than what's best for you.

 Learn more: 5 practical ways to keep your financial information and identity safe online

5. Retirement and long-term planning

For those approaching or in retirement, AI offers sophisticated tools for long-term financial planning that were once only available to wealthy clients with expensive advisors.

 What's happening now

"There are several AI financial tools that provide exceptional value for people approaching or in retirement," says Mayham. " Boldin is probably the most comprehensive platform for retirees  it runs Monte Carlo simulations, optimizes Social Security claiming, models Required Minimum Distributions and stress-tests 'what-if' scenarios like downsizing or long-term-care events."

He also highlights account aggregation tools: " Empower Personal Dashboard , formerly Personal Capital, excels at helping retirees who often juggle multiple income streams. It provides a real-time net worth and cash flow picture and includes a fee analyzer to uncover hidden costs."

Mayham notes that AI is particularly valuable for healthcare planning: "Traditional calculators use flat assumptions, which don't reflect reality. AI models incorporate your health history, location, longevity and care preferences (in-home vs. facility) to forecast more accurately. This helps retirees decide how much to allocate for health care and whether long-term-care insurance makes sense."

 What to watch for

Since retirement planning involves deeply personal decisions about your lifestyle, family and legacy, the current limitations of AI mean you still need human expertise for your most important financial decisions.

 Learn more: 5 red flags to watch out for before choosing a financial advisor

 Using AI wisely: Key dos and don'ts

As AI becomes more prevalent in financial services, knowing how to use these tools safely and effectively is crucial. Here are some practical guidelines.

 DO

Use AI for basic budgeting and expense tracking  it excels at categorizing transactions and identifying spending patterns

Try robo-advisors for straightforward portfolio management if you have simple investment goals

Ask AI chatbots general financial questions to get started on research, but verify the information  AI can and does make mistakes

 DON'T

Use AI for advice about specific stocks, cryptocurrency or high-risk investments

Rely solely on AI for major investment decisions without consulting a human advisor

Trust AI advice for complex situations involving estate planning or tax strategies

Share sensitive personal information with AI chatbots

Bottom line: AI works best as a starting point for financial information and basic automation, but expert human financial advice remains essential for major financial decisions and complex situations.

Other stories in our money and investments series

FAQs: Managing your wealth and protecting your money

Learn more about using artificial intelligence to manage your finances with these common questions. And take a look at our growing library of personal finance guides that can help you save money, earn money and grow your wealth.

How will AI change wealth management?

AI is making wealth management cheaper and more accessible. While traditional advisors may charge 1% or more annually, AI-powered robo-advisors charge from $0 to 0.25% , offering significant savings. Learn more in our guide to common investment fees (and tips for avoiding them).

Can AI help manage my money?

Yes, AI can help manage your money, particularly for routine tasks like budgeting and basic investing. However, complex financial situations like estate planning, tax strategies or coordinating multiple income sources still need human expertise.

How will AI change money?

AI is making financial services smarter through better banking apps, automated investing and fraud protection. It will make services more personalized and efficient. But money itself won't change  AI just makes existing tools work better.

Will AI replace money managers?

Not completely. While AI can handle basic portfolio management that entry-level advisors used to do, complex situations still need human judgment and emotional intelligence. AI makes advisors more efficient, rather than replacing them entirely.

Sources

About the writer

Kat Aoki is a finance writer who's written thousands of articles to empower people to better understand technology, fintech, banking, lending and investments. Her expertise has been featured on sites like Lifewire and Finder, with bylines at top technology brands in the U.S. and Australia. Kat strives to help consumers and business owners make informed decisions and choose the right financial products for their needs.

Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner
New York State Police/Facebook Melina Frattolin





NEED TO KNOW

A 9-year-old girl was abducted from Lake George on Saturday, July 19, according to police

Authorities in New York state have issued an Amber Alert and are asking locals to help find Melina Galanis Frattolin

The child is described as being of Indian descent with brown hair and blue eyes







Authorities in New York are asking for the public's assistance with locating a missing girl they believe is in "imminent danger" after being abducted from Lake George.

Melina Galanis Frattolin, 9, was last seen in a white van on Saturday, July 19, at 9:40 p.m. local time, going southbound on Interstate 87 near exit 22 in the area, New York State Police announced in an Amber Alert, as well as in a Facebook post, issued on Sunday, July 20.

According to authorities, the Warren County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is investigating the case as a child abduction.

"The child was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death," the state police announcement read. A suspect was unknown at the time of the Amber Alert, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information tied to the girl's whereabouts to call the WCSO at 518-743-2501 or to dial 911.

Frattolin is described as being of Indian descent with brown hair and blue eyes. She is five feet tall, weighs 100 pounds and was last seen wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, shorts and white Adidas sneakers.

State police and the WCSO did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for updated information on July 19.

New York State Police/Facebook Melina Galanis Frattolin

The Times Union of Albany reported that the initial Amber Alert said Frattolin was last seen at 7:40 p.m., before the time was updated to 9:40 p.m.

The outlet reported that the alert did not elaborate on what the girl was doing at the time of the reported abduction, where she was or who she was with.

Per the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Frattolin's case marks the third active Amber Alert issued in the U.S. Others currently active involve two teens who have been missing in Idaho since June.

Amber Alerts are activated in "the most serious child-abduction cases," per the NCMEC, which reported that 1,268 children have been "recovered" as a result of them since the end of 2024  226 of which followed Wireless Emergency Alert messages. In New York, the state police administer the alerts.

"The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of a missing child. These alerts are broadcast through radio, TV, road signs, cellphones, and other data-enabled devices," the nonprofit shared on its website, further explaining that the system is being used in all 50 states and beyond.



Read the original article on People
NBC4 Columbus Shaun Evans and Raleigh Havens





NEED TO KNOW

Eva Havens' son, Raleigh, and Michelle Evans' son, Shaun, both had serious heart complications as infants and underwent heart transplants

The mothers reunited to celebrate one year after their boys life-saving surgeries at Nationwide Children's Hospital

"We are so thankful for our donors and their heroic acts to come forward and support our boys and give a gift of life, Shaun's father Rayshaun said





Two Ohio toddlers are celebrating a year since they both received life-saving heart transplants.

Eva Havens and Michelle Evans bonded at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio while their sons, Raleigh Havens and Shaun Evans, were awaiting heart transplants amid serious health complications, NBC4 Columbus reported.

Their boys  who were nicknamed The Berlin Boys by hospital staff, referring to the device keeping them alive  went on to receive pediatric heart transplants just weeks apart.

[I was] very scared for what the future would hold for both of these kids, Eva told the outlet. They were both in very critical condition when we first met.

We were big sources of support for each other, Eva added, speaking of Michelle.

RunPhoto/Getty Images Stock image of a doctor

According to local news outlet 10TV, Raleigh was 11 weeks old when he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.

Shaun was six months old when his parents Rayshaun and Michelle first discovered that he was in heart failure after several doctor appointments, 10TV reported. The concerned mom recalled doctors thinking her son wouldnt survive the weekend at one point.

In a YouTube video shared by Nationwide Children's, Dr. Nandi said his team had to quickly move forward with installing a ventricular assist device to sustain Shauns life before months of waiting for a pediatric heart.

Shaun successfully had surgery on June 29, 2024, and 11 days later was healthy enough to be discharged from the hospital, 10TV reported.

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Raleigh and Shaun are no longer hospital patients but have to continue therapy. They will remain immunocompromised for the remainder of their lives, according to NBC4 Columbus.

Rayshaun shared his gratitude for his sons organ donor, emotionally saying, Just knowing that someone had to experience that to save the next."

The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!

But in all, we are so thankful for our donors and their heroic acts to come forward and support our boys and give a gift of life, he continued.

Eva described watching the two boys play together a year after they underwent surgery as like witnessing a miracle in real life, truly.

Its like you have to pinch yourself, she added.

Read the original article on People
Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock

I keep at least one container of hummus in our refrigerator at all times. It's a household staple!

With a tub of hummus on hand, I feel confident that Im never far from a satisfying snack or quick meal. For years, I made my own hummus, painstakingly peeling the membranes from the chickpeas before blending them to create a creamy texture. If youve ever peeled a can of chickpeas, you know its quite a time commitment.

Lucky for me, the Washington D.C.-based brand Little Sesame has a line of super-smooth hummus that I truly love, and I will never peel another chickpea again.

I try to avoid hyperbole when talking about brands, but I can honestly say that Little Sesame is the best store-bought hummus I've ever had. I'd put it up against some homemade versions, too.

Little Sesame strikes a brilliant balance between earthy chickpeas, tahini, tart lemon, and a hint of garlic. The hummus is made with fresh ingredients and a chef's attention to detail, which checks outLittle Sesame founders Nick Wiseman and Ronen Tenne worked together in a restaurant in NYC.

Simply Recipes / Little Sesame

Little Sesame Hummus Is All About the Flavors

Despite being a long-time hummus lover, I had never found a flavored hummus that I liked until I tried Little Sesames. Their jalapeno hummus introduces a bit of heat to the equation that I enjoy, and the caramelized onion hummus delivers a nice, long-cooked oniony sweetness.

But my favorite of the flavored options is the preserved lemon hummus, which features a bright, citrusy pop that I adore. Its my go-to snacking hummus.

How I Enjoy Little Sesame Hummus

Served with pita crisps or carrot sticks, hummus is one of my familys most reliable afternoon snacks. It gives us a much-needed energy boost to keep us satisfied until dinner time. But beyond its snackabilities, I love using Little Sesame hummus as a spread on veggie sandwiches and as an anchor for what we call "hummus and friends," a family dinner that starts with a big swoosh of hummus and ends in a choose-your-own-adventure of toppings.

Little Sesame also just released 2.5-ounce single-serving cupsperfect for anyone who might be inclined to pack a lunch.

Where to Buy Little Sesame Hummus

I live in Richmond, Virginia, so Little Sesames HQ in Washington, D.C., is pretty close to me. I learned about the company shortly after it started, and I could usually find the hummus at a local Whole Foods.

Now, however, you can find this hummus in Whole Foods stores across the country, plus Wegmans and Giant. If all else fails, you can shop online, where you can create your own Little Sesame bundles, which include a bag of exceptionally fluffy, flame-kissed pitas for dipping.

To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 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.

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.

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.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Czech Film and Television Academy has urged its voting members to select Broken Voices as the Czech Republics Oscar submission from a shortlist of three films, a move that has been slammed by some in the film industry as manipulative, bizarrely undemocratic and one that risks undermining trust in the process.

Ondrej Provazniks drama focuses on the real-life sex abuse scandal centering on the Bambini di Praga choir in the Czech Republic. The film premiered recently in the main competition at Karlovy Vary Film Festival, with actor Katerina Falbrova receiving a Special Jury Mention.

More from Variety

In an email sent by CFTA, shared with Variety by one of its members, three films have been selected by the academys presidium commission  a seven-member committee  for the second round of voting: documentary Im Not Everything I Want to Be, Caravan and Broken Voices.

The commission, whose members had to prove they had no conflict of interest when it came to the submitted films, is composed of chairman Ivo Mathe, Petr Dvorak, Matej Chlupacek, Jaromir Kallista, Jan P. Muchow, David Ondricek and Petr Zelenka.

The email, which has been translated from Czech, stated: Pursuant to section seven of the current bylaws, the commission wishes to recommend a vote for the film Broken Voices  for the following reasons  It meets the qualitative criteria necessary for nomination, offers a strong, internationally understandable theme, a sensitive directorial approach and a very strong production strategy for the Oscar campaign, which is crucial for the success of the film.

The email continued, The jury appreciated the active involvement of the international sales agent in the precise definition of the campaign and its themes, the strong media coverage prepared in major foreign periodicals and the generally strong international experience of the entire team.

As explained above, section seven of the academys bylaws states that in the first round, the commission selects three to four films out of the submitted films, and can also make recommendations for the academy members regarding voting in the second round.

In past years, the selection was done by the whole academy, with no preselection done by the presidium and no recommendation, said Marketa Santrochova, head of the Czech Film Centre, who described the new situation as rather unfortunate.

Last year, voters were able to choose from 13 Czech feature films submitted by their producers, according to an academy press release. This year, eight films were submitted to the commission, from which three candidates have been presented to voters.

Listed as next in line for recommendation by the commission were Caravan, directed by Zuzana Kirchnerova, and Im Not Everything I Want to Be, directed by Klara Tasovska.

The email also laid out three requirements for voters: they cant collaborate on any of the films included in the vote, they must have personally viewed all the submitted films, and must be a national of the Czech Republic  with the last stipulation also provoking a heated debate as Prague is home to many non-Czech filmmakers.

Santrochova said that many in the industry were surprised and disheartened by the changes to the procedure, especially as they were not communicated sufficiently in advance. The limited selection and the explicit recommendation to vote for one of the three preselected candidates have been widely criticized, as this approach feels manipulative and undermines the integrity of the voting process, she said.

She added that some members have chosen not to vote at all under these conditions, a response that could have negative consequences.

The unusually early deadline  set at May 31  added to the concern, she noted, as it may exclude or at least disadvantage certain films.

These changes risk escalating tensions and sowing doubt within the community, she said, and the situation could damage the credibility of the Czech film industry, but also harm the three candidates who have been put forward  through no fault of their own, she said.

The Oscar nomination is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity with significant impact for the entire country. The stakes are simply too high, she added.

Mike Downey, who produced Polish director Agnieszka Hollands Czech-produced film Franz, which is set for a fall festival release, said: I find it very strange that such a radical change of system doesnt go through a general assembly.

It feels to me bizarrely undemocratic for a board to instruct recommendations to members as to what is the best film in an open vote. Equally, its anomalous, unusual and strange within the EU to limit votes to Czech citizens, he observed. It seems highly unusual, and quite strange to an outside observer.

The producers of the three shortlisted films understandably have no issue with being shortlisted, but Caravans producer Dagmar Sedlackova objects to the recommendation as to which film to vote for. When the board has already selected three films for a shortlist, I think the process should then leave room for members to freely make up their own minds, she said.

Issuing a recommendation feels unnecessary, and without a well-argued explanation, it risks undermining trust in the process. For me, this approach makes the system lose some of its meaning, since the point is to let academy members evaluate the films themselves.

On the other hand, Lukas Kokes, who produced Im Not Everything I Want to Be, simply stated that the team was thrilled and proud to have advanced to the second round and that he respects the academys internal rules.

I trust that each one [of the academy members] will vote for their personal favorite: the film that resonates most with them, he said.

Broken Voices producer Jiri Konecny said, The idea of the new rules was to improve the selection by examining more thoroughly the films and their readiness to do the Oscar campaign  Im in favor of that. I believe it can help. That was the purpose of the whole change. However, the voters can see it differently. Im ready to accept it.

In a written response, CFTA told Variety that the ranking of the films serves only as a recommendation for the second round of voting, and it underlined that the final decision in the second round is made by the entire CFTA academy.

The voting period and the announcement of the Oscar candidate were moved to an earlier date, it said, to give the producer and the entire team of the selected film a better chance to prepare a relevant and competitive campaign.

The producers were invited to present not only their films, but also their distribution and marketing strategies directly to the commission.

CFTA added: The selection of a candidate involves more factors than just the artistic quality of the film itself. It is necessary to consider the marketing and PR strategies of the projects, the filmmakers ability to fund a campaign, and the involvement of an international distributor with experience on the U.S. film market.

CFTA claimed that the changes were made to better align with AMPAS guidelines, recommendations, and rules.

Leo Barraclough contributed to this story.

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Netflix

While Untamed is set in Yosemite National Park in California, much of the filming for the Netflix thriller took place in British Columbia, Canada.

Yosemite has served as a filming location for numerous projects, including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1994) and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989), but for Untamed, the production opted to use Canadian locations as a stand-in for the California park. Filming locations reportedly included Chip Kerr Park, Mount Seymour, Murdo Frazier Park, and the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish. In addition, production took place at Vancouvers North Shore Studios.

In August 2024, Untamed filmed in Port Moody in British Columbia, with local paper Tri-Cities Dispatch reporting, Hollywood was visiting Port Moody last week, with actor Eric Bana on the set of a new Netflix production around Chip Kerr Park. A dozen semi-trailers, a boom lift, catering truck, and a large film crew with set designers, production assistants, camera operators, actors and directors took over a portion of Henry Street, Hope Street and William Street.

Actress Lily Santiago, who plays Naya Vasquez in the series, shared behind-the-scenes snaps from filming in Vancouver on her Instagram ahead of the premeire.

Were on location a lot for this project, Santiago said in a recent interview. All the locations Ive been able to film for Untamed are just stunningly beautiful. For episode one or two, the director, Tom Bezucha, said he wanted the characters to take it all in and acknowledge the beauty. We both agreed that it shouldnt be too hard.

On his Instagram, Bezucha shared a glimpse of the fake El Capitan they filmed on:

Per his Instagram parts of Yosemite were also built on a sound stage:

All six episodes of Untamed are now streaming on Netflix. Watch now

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Bryan Bedder/Getty Eileen Fulton in 2010.





NEED TO KNOW

Eileen Fulton, the actress famed for starring in As the World Turns, has died at 91

According to an obituary, she had a period of "declining health" before her death on July 14

Fulton received one Emmy nomination and the Emmy Daytime Lifetime Achievement Award during her long acting career







Eileen Fulton, legendary soap actress, has died. She was 91.

Fulton died on July 14 in her hometown of Asheville, N.C., "after a period of declining health," according to an obituary from Groce Funeral Home.



She was best known for playing the role of Lisa Grimaldi on As the World Turns. She appeared on the soap opera from 1960 until the show ended in 2010, and her 50-year tenure made her one of the longest-running actors in soap operas.



Fulton was born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty in Asheville in 1933. Her father was a minister, and the family moved around a lot for his job.

Back in 1998, she told CBS News that her first performance took place in church when she was 2, saying, "I jumped from my mother's lap and ran to the altar and sang, 'Mama's little baby loves shortening bread.' They couldn't shut me up, and they haven't been able to shut me up since."

CBS via Getty Don Hastings and Eileen Fulton on 'As the World Turns' in 1962.

She went on to study drama and music at Greensboro College. After graduation, she started working with a local church choir, but her eyes were on New York City.

"I dreamed of being the greatest actress on Broadway," she told The Washington Post in 1990.

Fulton moved to New York in 1956 and took classes with the legendary acting teachers Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg. She adopted Eileen Fulton as a stage name and worked modeling gigs to support herself before appearing in the 1960 film Girl of the Night.

CBS via Getty Eileen Fulton on 'Our Private World', a spin-off of 'As the World Turns', in 1965.

Also in 1960, Fulton landed the role of Lisa on As the World Turns, which was in its fourth year. It was originally supposed to be a short role with the character meant to be a good girl. Don Hastings played her love interest, Bob Hughes, for most of the soap's run.

I had a lot of experience being conniving as a ministers daughter, Fulton told NPR in 2010. I found the people in my daddys church fascinating. When I went up for Lisa, she was just a nice girl next door. And just for the summer, for Bobs interest. I didnt want to play anything so close to myself. So I decided to just give her a background.

She continued, I thought about where her family came from. I thought about what she really wanted. And I thought amazing thoughts when I did those scenes. I didnt change their lines  not yet, because I knew better  but I certainly had other ideas about what Id like to do with that Bob. And it read. Soon, she was on the show long-term.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Eileen Fulton and four Chippendale dancers in 1984.

"I'm the classic daytime meanie," Fulton told PEOPLE in 1978 of Lisa. "I've had 32 lovers, four husbands, two children and one phantom fetus."

They hated her  and I thought it was fabulous, she told NPR of fan reaction to her character. Once, she told the outlet, a woman even hit her in the middle of a department store. And people looked at me like I was rotten and this woman was a heroine. But I thought, you know what? Ive reached them.

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.



Steve Eichner/Getty Eileen Fulton in 1990.

Fulton earned a reputation as a diva during her early years, which she didnt mind. I want things done right, she told the Los Angeles Times in 2000, but Ive learned that theres a nice way to ask.

In the shows early days, it was filmed live, and when a writer wouldnt tell her if Lisa was the murderer in an ongoing plot line, she said, Were live  dont forget. And if you dont tell me, Ill make up your mind for you on the air.

Fulton also starred in the theater, including in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? on Broadway in 1963 and Off-Broadway in The Fantasticks. But As the World Turns was the main focus of her career.

In 1965, she starred on a brief spin-off series, Our Private World, as well.

Alamy From left: Shawn Christian, Eileen Fulton and Alexander Walton for 'As the World Turns' circa 1996.

In the late 60s, Fulton had it written into her contract, for a time, that Lisa would not become a grandmother. The ban was eventually lifted. At that time, grandmothers had no romance at all  and I wasnt about to let that happen to me, she told the Los Angeles Times in 2000.

Although Fulton was a soap staple, she received her first (and only) Emmy nomination in 1988. ''All the actors get to choose the category they'd like to be in, and I wasn't going to put myself down for anything,'' she told PEOPLE in 1988. ''But I was told I had to choose something, and that's when I got smart. I thought I was never going to win anyway, so I chose 'aging ingenue,' which of course isn't a real category. They didn't allow that, so I put myself in for supporting actress and finally got nominated.''

Fulton was inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame a decade later. She also received a Daytime Emmy lifetime achievement award in 2004. As the World Turns ended in 2010.



Lawrence Lucier/Getty Eileen Fulton in 2003.

Beginning in the 80s, Fulton began publishing novels, first mysteries and later a romance. She also published a memoir, 1995s As My World Still Turns: The Uncensored Memoirs of America's Soap Opera Queen. She also continued to perform in her own cabaret show.

Fulton married three times: to Bill Cochrane in 1957, record producer Danny Fortunato in 1970 before splitting in 1980 and Rick McMorrow in 1989, whom she divorced three months later.

She told The New York Times in 1995, "I have gone through two lives, my own and Lisa's, and not many actors get to do that.

Fulton retired in 2019 and moved back to Black Mountain, N.C.

According to Groce Funeral Home, her funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9.

The actress is survived by her brother, Charles McLarty (her second brother James died before her) and sister-in-law Chris McLarty and niece.



Read the original article on People
Mark Von Holden/Getty Images

As the World Turns star Eileen Fulton has died at age 91, reports suggested.

According to Deadline, Fulton (real name Margaret Elizabeth McLarty) passed away in her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, due to an undisclosed illness. An obituary mentioned that the actress had experienced a period of declining health, though offered no further specifics.

Fulton, who was married three times throughout her life, initially joined As the World Turns in 1960 as Lisa Grimaldi, in what was originally supposed to be a short-term role for actress Lois Smith. When Smith was unavailable, Fulton was cast instead and ended up staying on the CBS daytime soap for more than 1,800 episodes over 50 years.

I knew I was going to get that part, Fulton told the Television Academy years later. There were two or three other girls there [at the audition], but I just knew. Even when I walked into the room with all these girls .. I just knew [Id get the part].

Shocking Soap Opera Exits Through the Years: From Kelly Monaco to Alison Sweeney

Lisa Grimaldi was considered the first soap vixen and thus was a trailblazer for future soap icons like Susan Lucci, Katherine Kelly Lang, Brenda Dickson and Kelly Monaco. Lisas messy romantic entanglement with Bob Hughes (Don Hastings) in the 1960s is also seen as one of the first examples of a soap super couple.

By the mid 60s, Fulton was such an in-demand actress that she starred in Broadways original production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and the off-Broadway musical The Fantasticks at the same time as she was filming As the World Turns. The actress would shoot the days live episode of ATWT, then rush to her Broadway theatre for a matinee performance of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and be back on stage in The Fantasticks each night. (She had earlier studied with pioneering acting teachers Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg.)

Fulton joked to The Los Angeles Times in 2000 that her seductive As the World Turns character must have had thousands of lovers  as well as eight husbands  throughout her tenure on the soap.

[Lisa] really couldnt control herself, she quipped.

Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImage

At that time, Fulton admitted that there was truth to longstanding gossip that she could be a diva onscreen and off.

I want things done right, but Ive learned that theres a nice way to ask, she teased. I was awful when I first went on the show, and mainly that was insecurity and being scared to death. Our show was live  and that was so hard. I remember just not knowing how to ask somebody to be quiet . . . just saying, Shut the hell up! They called me garbage-mouth.

Fulton ultimately established her place in TV history, having been inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998 and earning a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.

I hate to sound ungracious, but I felt it was about time [I won an Emmy], she later told The Television Academy. I wanted [that Emmy] ten years ago, I really, really did. Im very happy to have it. Im delighted and Im very proud of [it].  I have [the Emmy] standing right here in my entranceway. I could have said, Oh, Ill just put in the closet. Hell no! Im going to put it right out here where everyone can see it and lust after it.

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Fulton remained as a cast member on As the World Turns until its cancellation in 2010. Aside from her daytime work, Fulton had a minor role in the 1960 drama Girl of the Night and also appeared in the short-lived prime time spinoff of As the World Turns, Our Private World.

Following As the World Turns cancellation, Fulton retired to Black Mountain, North Carolina in 2019. The soap legend is survived by her brother, Charles Furman McLarty, and sister-in-law, Chris Page McLarty, as well as niece Katherine Morris and their children.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Saturday visited a Christian village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and urged accountability for an attack on an ancient church, which residents have blamed on Israeli settlers.



In early July, the village of Taybeh was hit by an arson attack in the area of the ruins of the Byzantine-era Church of Saint George, which dates back to the fifth century.



Residents blamed settlers for the fire, which comes as violence soars in the West Bank and last week saw an American-Palestinian man killed near Ramallah.

Israel has so far not responded to CBS News' requests for information about the incident.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, center, and the Palestinian mayor of the village of Taybeh, Suleiman Khourieh (left), tour the fifth-century Church of Saint George in the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh, northeast of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, on July 19, 2025. The church was targeted by an arson attack earlier this month. / Credit: JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images

Huckabee, an evangelical Christian and staunch advocate for Israel, said his trip to Taybeh aimed to "express solidarity with the people who just want to live their lives in peace, to be able to go to their own land, to be able to go to their place of worship."



"It doesn't matter whether it's a mosque, a church, a synagogue," he told reporters.



"It's unacceptable to commit an act of sacrilege by desecrating a place that is supposed to be a place of worship."



"We will certainly insist that those who carry out acts of terror and violence in Taybeh or anywhere be found, be prosecuted, not just reprimanded. That's not enough," he said.



"People need to pay a price for doing something that destroys that which belongs not just to other people, but that which belongs to God."



In the villages and communities around Taybeh, Palestinian authorities reported that settlers had killed three people and damaged or destroyed multiple water sources in the past two weeks alone.



Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and violence has surged in the territory since the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023, that triggered the Israel-Hamas war.



Huckabee, who has for years been an outspoken supporter of Jewish settlement in the Palestinian territories, on Tuesday demanded an aggressive investigation and consequences after settlers beat to death a Palestinian-American in the West Bank.



It was a sign of rare public pressure against U.S. ally Israel by the Trump's administration.



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
Stella Nova Resort

Universal Stella Nova Resort is one of the newest hotels located right near Epic Universe at Universal Orlando. This hotel is so close to Epic Universe that it even has its own walking path.

We recently stayed at this new Universal Orlando hotel and was surprised at what a great value it is for the price. Keep reading for our full review of the Universal Stella Nova Resort.

READ MORE  These Disney World Hotels Get the Same Perks at a Fraction of the Price

Walk to Epic Universe from Universal Stella Nova

Universal Stella Nova Resort is within walking distance to Epic Universe. There is a walking path that leads directly to the theme park. The walk is about 10-15 minutes depending on your walking speed and it's a straight forward path and only requires you to cross one street.

Universal is Fast with Shuttle Service

We didn't even end up using the Epic Universe walking path just because Universal was so fast with their bus service to and from the park. The buses were ready to go an hour before Early Entry at Epic Universe even began. But since the hotel is so close to the front gate, this means a bus trip only took just a few minutes and we were there! The Universal Stella Nova Resort is incredibly convenient for its proximity to Epic Universe and is by far one of the biggest perks of the stay.

Epic Universe Walking Path

Epic Universe walking path

Here is the walking path view to Epic Universe, You just walk straight down this road towards the theme park. We saw many families utilizing the walking path but we ended up picking the buses just because they were so efficient!

Brand New Rooms with Galaxy Theme

Universal Stella Nova

The theming of Universal Stella Nova Resort is galaxy inspired and this carries over into the design of the rooms. This hotel opened in early 2025 so this is a brand new hotel!

Views of Epic Universe for Most Rooms

Stella Nov resort

Since the hotel faces Epic Universe, most hotel rooms will have a view of the park. We were impressed to see how well we could see the park.

Our Epic Universe Room View

Epic Universe

This is the view from our hotel room. You can see Stardust Racers on the left in the image! Laying in bed at night we could see the park lit up which was a nice perk.

Bathroom Divider for Extra Privacy

Bathroom divider

The Universal Stella Nova Resort hotel rooms are plenty spacious and I also appreciated this nice privacy divider between the beds and bathroom area.

Brand New Hotel Means Brand New Bathrooms

bathrooms stella nova

A brand new hotel means brand new bathrooms! Usually the condition of a bathroom is how you can tell the true age of a hotel.

Overall, the room itself was clean, updated, and provided plenty of space for my family of three. You can't go wrong with staying in a hotel that is this new!

Large Pool Area for Universal Resort Guests

Epic Universe pool

The pool area was especially impressive considering its large size! There was so much seating along with a poolside bar. The pool area offers a large pool, splash pad, and hot tub. We didn't get much use out of the pool during our stay since we were at the theme parks so much but I was impressed at the size of it.

Modern Lobby Area with Plenty of Food

Lobby Stella Nova

The lobby of the Universal Stella Nova Resort features a gift shop, the Nova Bar, a cafe, and a restaurant. In the evenings the Nova Bar as lively with many guests enjoying drinks.

Large Eating Area with Plenty of Options

Stella Nova Resort food

The restaurant in Universal Stella Nova Resort had a large eating area with plenty of options.

Great Breakfast Food

Breakfast food

We enjoyed breakfast at the Universal Stella Nova Resort twice during our stay and both times we enjoyed our food.

Big Portions for What You Order

Breakfast food universal

The portion sizes for some of the menu items were great, especially if you ordered the oatmeal!

Biscuits and Gravy with Egg

universal

The biscuits and gravy came with an egg inside of it and it was very filling. Although you may want to save yourself for the amazing Epic Universe food items including breakfast in the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Is Universal Stella Nova Resort Worth It?

Epic Universe hotel

Universal Stella Nova Resort averages around $190 per night with even cheaper rates in the off season. During our stay we paid around $200 per night since it was peak summer season with prices tend to be high even though crowds are actually quite low according to our Universal Orlando crowd calendar.

For what we paid, this felt like a far higher end resort! The hotel is brand new and all of the amenities and food options seem like those that belong in a much higher priced resort. The only true downside is how far you are from the other Universal Orlando theme parks and City Walk which is at least a 10 minute bus ride away. But if you plan on spending a lot of time at Epic Universe, the Universal Stella Nova Resort is a great choice.

READ MORE  Hidden Secrets of the Disney World Hotels You Haven't Heard Of

Disney World hotels

I love exploring the different hotels at Disney World. Each hotel has so much detail that I always catch something new every time I revisit them. However, each hotel also has its own stories and secrets that, once you learn them, may change your whole perspective on Disney's attention to detail. Let's go over the top hidden secrets of the Disney World hotels.

READ MORE -Don't Pack These Items For Your Disney Trip. They Can Cause Headaches and Some Are Banned.

Disney items

When it's time to pack for your Disney vacation, it's important to keep in mind that certain items are not allowed on property. Even though Disneyland and Walt Disney World both have their own set of property rules, it can sometimes be unclear what exactly is allowed and what's not. There are many items that are completely banned, while others only have certain stipulations that need to be followed. These are the Disney items you shouldn't pack for your trip.

The post I Loved This Cheap Hotel Within Walking Distance to Epic Universe appeared first on Mickey Visit - Disney News & Planning Tips.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Mariska Hargitay; Jayne Mansfield





NEED TO KNOW

Mariska Hargitay joked that only "younger people" didn't know her mom was Jayne Mansfield during a Q&A following a special screening of her documentary My Mom Jayne on July 17

Mansfield, who died in 1967 at age 34, was a Hollywood icon who starred in films including Promises! Promises! and Too Hot to Handle

In My Mom Jayne, which marked Mariska's feature film directorial debut, she examines her mother's life  and reveals a shocking family secret





Mariska Hargitay's mother, Jayne Mansfield, may be a Hollywood icon  but her fan base runs a bit older.

While taking part in a Q&A hosted by HamptonsFilm on Thursday, July 17, Mariska, 61, joked about how not everyone knew that Mansfield was her mom when her revealing documentary, My Mom Jayne, premiered earlier this year.

After panel host Molly Jong-Fast noted that "a lot of people had no idea that [Mansfield] was your mom" despite the fact that she's "really, really famous," Mariska replied, "Only younger people don't know. The kids don't know."

The discussion followed a special screening of My Mom Jayne at Guild Hall in East Hampton. The documentary, which marked Mariska's feature film directorial debut, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17 ahead of its debut on HBO and Max on June 27.

In a press release announcing the documentary, Mariska said, This movie is a labor of love and longing. Its a search for the mother I never knew, an integration of a part of myself Id never owned, and a reclaiming of my mothers story and my own truth."

Archive Photos/Getty Mariska Hargitay as a baby with her mother, Jayne Mansfield, in 1964

Mansfield  who rose to fame as a Playboy model and an actress, known for such films as Too Hot to Handle and Promises! Promises!  died at age 34 in a car crash in 1967. Mariska, who was 3 at the time, and her two older brothers were in the car and survived the accident.

"I've spent my whole life distancing myself from my mother, Jayne Mansfield, the sex symbol," Mariska says in the film's trailer. "Her career made me want to do it differently, but I want to understand her now."

"I don't have any memories of her," she adds.

In the documentary, Mariska also revealed a shocking family secret that she kept for 30 years. She explained that her biological father is not Mickey Hargitay, the man who raised her, but rather a former Las Vegas entertainer named Nelson Sardelli.

Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Mariska Hargitay at the HamptonsFilm Summer Docs series screening of 'My Mom Jayne' on July 17, 2025

She told Vanity Fair that she first learned about Sardelli when she was 25 and then went to see him perform in Atlantic City, N.J., when she was 30. While Sardelli had an emotional reaction to their meeting, telling her, Ive been waiting 30 years for this moment"  Mariska grappled with "knowing I'm living a lie my entire life."

During her discussion with Jong-Fast on Thursday, Mariska shared that she spent Father's Day with Sardelli, 90, this year.

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"It was so magical," she recalled. "He apologized and he said, 'Thank you for forgiving me.' And I said, 'Thank you for making the choice that you made.' "

"So it's like everyone was right in the end, but I grew up not knowing that," she added.

The panel discussion was part of HamptonsFilm's Summer Docs Screening Series. On Aug. 29, Middletown directors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss and film subject Jeff Dutemple will join Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) co-chair Alec Baldwin and artistic director David Nugent in conversation.

Richard Gladstein, the new executive director of HamptonsFilms and HIFF, told PEOPLE: "We have a nice platform from which to show our films. And why do films want to come to film festivals? You create buzz and word of mouth about your film. That's what happens at film festivals. You discover films and filmmakers."

Read the original article on People
composite deputy grins at camera as he holds bunny and gets ready to throw it inset close up of the rabbit

A heartless New Mexico cop who belly laughed after slamming a baby bunny against the side of a police car has been arrested for animal cruelty and placed on paid leave  but his attorney believes he did nothing wrong.

Bodycam footage from Aug. 16, 2024, caught the moment Grant County Sheriffs Deputy Alejandro Gomez demanded another deputy hand over a small rabbit that was found on a dirt road outside Hachita, a town just miles from the Mexican border, reported the Albuquerque Journal.

The deputy who found and was holding the animal believed Gomez would kill it, and only handed it over after Gomez threatened him with a Taser gun. Supervisors were also present at the time of the incident.

Deputy Alejandro Gomez of the Grant County Sheriffs Office promised the helpless animal would be safe. Renee Pena Truitt / Facebook

In the video, Gomez, 27, swears on the life of his children he wont throw or kill the bunny.

But just moments after hes handed the animal, he smiles at the camera and then flings it at the vehicle with the force of a fastball.

The other deputy told New Mexico State police the bunny was clinging to life after the throw, and that he had to kill the animal to end its suffering.

Gomez grinned as he readied himself to throw the animal. Renee Pena Truitt / Facebook

The diabolical deputy has been charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon upon a peace officer and one count of extreme cruelty to animals, according to the Journal.

He will remain on paid leave until his criminal case is resolved. The supervisors are not facing disciplinary action.

The callous cop has been charged with five criminal counts. Renee Pena Truitt / Facebook

We dont think he did anything wrong, obviously, Gary Mitchell, Gomezs attorney, told the Journal, calling it an inner-office situation that should not have turned into a criminal case.

The attorney added that he was waiting to see what evidence the state has.

The Journal reports Grant County Sheriffs Office Internal Affairs investigators looked into the matter, with little or no action being taken against the deputies or supervisors involved.

How low can one man get? Renee Pena Truitt / Facebook

Days before the bunny was found, Gomez allegedly pointed his Taser at the same deputy following a disagreement over a cell phone, according to the outlet.

After the bunny died, Gomez was standing behind the same deputy when he allegedly pointed his service weapon at the officers back.

When questioned about the threatening move, he told other colleagues he was only testing his duty-mounted light.
An illegal immigrant accused of decapitating a missing woman and stashing her body in a bleach-filled container was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement -- three months after an Illinois judge initially let him walk on the gruesome charges, officials said.

An illegal immigrant accused of decapitating a missing woman and stashing her body in a bleach-filled container was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement  three months after an Illinois judge let him walk on the gruesome charges, officials said.

Mexican national Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, 52, was nabbed Saturday afternoon at a Chicago market after being charged with concealing and abusing the corpse of Megan Bos in April, the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News.

Lake County Judge Randie Bruno shockingly cut the perp loose after his first court appearance.

Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, 52, was arrested by ICE in Chicago Saturday afternoon. FOX News

It is absolutely repulsive this monster walked free on Illinois streets after allegedly committing such a heinous crime, a DHS spokesperson told the outlet.

Megan Bos and her family will have justice.

Mendoza-Gonzalez was first arrested in April after police discovered the 37-year-old victims headless body stuffed inside a bleach-soaked storage bin in the yard of his Waukegan home, officials said.

He allegedly told police the woman, who was reported missing in March after vanishing in February, had overdosed at his home, and instead of calling authorities, broke her phone, hid her body in the basement for two days, and later moved it outside, the outlet reported.

Megan Bos, 37, was reported missing in March  just one month before her body was found. FOX News

The Mexican national will now remain in ICE custody after a Illinois judge cut him loose back in April. FOX News

But police said Boss corpse had been rotting in his yard for nearly two months before it was found.

Mendoza-Gonzalez was locked up but released about 48 hours later under the states controversial SAFE-T Act, which abolished cash bail and allows judges to determine jail time, no matter how severe the crime is, Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner said at the time.

I was shocked to find out literally the next day that the person that they had arrested for this had been released from prison under the SAFE-T Act less than, detained less, I think, than 48 hours, he said, the outlet reported.

The headless body of Megan Bos was found in the alleged perps yard in a bleach-filled storage bin. FOX News

Theres other extenuating circumstances in this case. Not only the type of crime, how long the crime was concealed, the fact that the person that was arrested for this is not a U.S. citizen, and, you know, can maybe [flee] the country.

Mendoza-Gonzalez is now being held in ICE custody, officials said.

DHS did not immediately respond to The Posts request for comment.
The return to office is in full swing, but you might notice more men around the water cooler.

According to the Department of Labor, men are returning to the office in greater numbers than women. In 2024, 29% of employed men reported working from home, down from 34% the previous year. Approximately 36% of women worked from home last year, unchanged from 2023.

Whats behind these numbers? Its likely a result of return-to-office initiatives in male-dominated industries like tech, Cory Stahle, senior economist at Indeed, told Yahoo Finance.

Women accounted for only about a quarter of computer and mathematical jobs in 2024, according to the data. For some roles, like computer programmers and computer hardware engineers, the share is even lower  17.8% and 14.3%  respectively.

Many of these return-to-office efforts are coming at a time when demand for workers in male-dominated industries has weakened, giving employers the upper hand, Stahle said.

As for the unbudging number of women working remotely over that two-year period, there could be an explanation for that finding as well, according to Stahle.

Female-dominated fields such as private education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and state and local government have been less affected by return-to-work mandates, he said. Many of the jobs in these industries are already in-person roles.

Obstacle for gender equity

Whether women are trying to move up or break into fields where office time is required, the trend away from remote arrangements could have far-reaching repercussions for gender equity.

Heres why: Nearly 9 in 10 CEOs said in a 2024 survey that they will reward employees who make an effort to come into the office with favorable assignments, raises, or promotions.

That could also play out in the gender wage gap that has persisted across industries for decades. Last year, women earned an average of 85% of what men earned, according to Pew Research Center.

Will the pay gap get worse if in-office attendance is a prerequisite for pay bumps?

"In theory, remote work can be viewed as either a positive or negative amenity: It may offer greater scheduling flexibility, enhancing work-life balance, but it may also limit access to face-to-face mentoring and raise concerns about potential career growth penalties, said Zoe Cullen, a lead researcher for a National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) study on remote work.

We do know that roughly 8 in 10 CEOs envision a full return to the office in the next three years, and many of those making it mandatory have threatened employees with termination if they fail to follow the companys return-to-office mandate.

So far, the types of jobs being hit by these mandates have been well-paying, white-collar roles, Stahle said.

If a worker can't or chooses not to return to the office and loses their higher-paying job as a result, that will have clear implications for the pay gap and the economy, he said.

According to the Department of Labor, men are returning to the office in greater numbers than women. (Getty Creative) (Maskot via Getty Images)

The arc of remote work

Remote work has been facing into the wind all year. Organizations that describe their workplace environment as remote shrank dramatically between 2024 and 2025, according to a study by Payscale.

Despite the pressure, plenty of workers, not just women, are standing their ground on full-blown return-to-office attendance and are willing to take a pay cut to hold on to some flexibility.

A majority of job candidates would accept a pay cut to work remotely, according to a new survey by Criteria Corp. On average, employees are willing to accept a 25% pay cut for partly or fully remote roles, according to the NBER study.

All that said, the balance of power has shifted.

In 2023, when workers had the upper hand in a tight labor market, the odds of being penalized for not coming into the office were low, or in many cases, not realistic for employers, who were well aware that workplace flexibility was one way that they could hang on to and lure skilled workers.

Return-to-office demands by many tech-oriented employers, including Amazon, Google, and Meta, hit a fever pitch earlier this year.

In a softening labor market, employers have more leverage to demand in-office work, Marc Cenedella, founder of Ladders Inc., a career site for jobs that pay $100,000 or more, told Yahoo Finance. The great resignation is over. The great return is upon us.

Hybrid to the rescue

Compromise, however, has inched in. And that playbook can work for many women, who still shoulder a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities for children and aging parents, and need and value flexibility more than men.

Flexible work benefits have stabilized enough to suggest a permanent place in employers benefits, according to a new SHRM Employee Benefits Survey.

Overall, hybrid office environments  where attendance is generally three days a week for so-called knowledge workers (not front-line ones)  are the norm now at more than half of companies, followed by traditional office environments at 27%, with remote-first environments making up only 16% of office types, per Payscale data.

In fact, while 4 in 10 organizations deployed a return-to-office mandate in recent years, an increasing number have done a bit of soft shoe around the specific requirements and have loosened the rules depending on job type and for those who are top performers.

Have a question about retirement? Personal finances? Anything career-related? Click here to drop Kerry Hannon a note.

The aging population factor

Long-term trends in the workforce could ultimately help women gain ground.

As the baby boomer generation ages and companies grapple with fewer younger workers and our labor market tightens, companies cant afford to overlook any segment of the workforce, especially women, said Gwenn Rosener, co-founder of recruiting firm FlexProfessionals.

Because fewer people are born each year, our workforce is going to start to shrink, and we need workers to make products, provide services, and pay taxes, Bradley Schurman, a demographic strategist, told Yahoo Finance.

So, as we enter this period of the Super Age, with more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 18, this is going to create market conditions that are going to increase the demand for workers of all ages because the supply is so low, he said. Women will be able to negotiate for greater benefits and for greater salaries and more flexibility. And it's not just women, disabled and other marginalized groups will likely benefit too."

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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(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)
Storm damage from Hurricane Helene is seen at Impact Plastics Inc. in Erwin, Tennessee. - WVLT/WSMV

The owner of a factory where six workers died last year in flooding from Hurricane Helene wont face charges after a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation found no criminal wrongdoing. First Judicial District Attorney General Steven Finney announced the decision to close the case on Friday, saying no further action will be taken.

The investigation found no evidence that Impact Plastics employees were told they could not leave the factory or that they would be fired if they left, according to a news release from the district attorney. It also found employees had a little more than an hour during which they could have evacuated from the Erwin, Tennessee, industrial park. The conclusion mirrors that of a similar investigation by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration that found in April that workers had time to evacuate the premises, albeit by makeshift routes.

A statement from Impact Plastics attorney Stephen Ross Johnson on Friday said company president and founder Gerald OConnor welcomes the results of the TBI investigation.

The true and accurate facts are now known, the statement reads.

Five employees and one contractor who cleaned the offices once a week were killed on September 27 after they were washed away by floodwaters. They were among 12 people who stuck close to the Impact Plastics building, waiting for the water to recede, after realizing the exit road was already submerged. When the water kept rising, they climbed onto the bed of a semitrailer loaded with giant spools of plastic piping that was parked outside the factory. When floodwaters eventually overwhelmed the truck, six people were able to use the piping for flotation and were later rescued. The other six drowned.

The TOSHA report notes that several Impact Plastics employees did escape the flood. Some were able to drive or walk over an embankment to a nearby highway after workers at a neighboring business dismantled a fence there. Others escaped by driving over a makeshift path onto nearby railroad tracks that an employee at a neighboring business created with a tractor. Still others were able to escape by walking to the railroad tracks, according to that report.

Although the criminal case is being closed, the company still faces a wrongful death lawsuit from the family of Johnny Peterson, and other civil suits are planned.

Attorney Luke Widener, who represents the families of several flood victims, said in a statement that they categorically disagree that Impact Plastics employees were given any meaningful opportunity to escape. Indeed, if Impact Plastics account were true, Bertha Mendoza, Sibrina Barnett, and the others who perished would still be with us.

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Ron Galella Collection via Getty ; Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty Phil Hartman attends the Planet Hollywood Grand Opening Celebration on October 22, 1991 in New York City ; Phil Hartman, his wife Brynn, daughter Birgen and son Sean pose for a portrait with Bugs Bunny in June 1995 Valencia, California.





NEED TO KNOW

Phil Hartman welcomed two kids, son Sean and daughter Birgen, before his death in 1998

When the SNL star was shot and killed by his wife, Brynn, their son was 9, and their daughter was 6

Now Hartman's daughter is honoring his legacy





Saturday Night Live legend Phil Hartman was one of the most beloved comedic actors of his generation when he died in a shocking crime.

His wife, Brynn, ended both their lives in a tragic murder-suicide on May 28, 1998, leaving behind their kids: 9-year-old Sean and 6-year-old Birgen.

The children went to live with Brynn's sister in Wisconsin and lived largely out of the spotlight until adulthood. "This is just a tragedy beyond description," Rita Wilson, Hartmans costar in Jingle All the Way, told PEOPLE at the time. "Now two children are left without the two most important people in their lives, and with a lifetime of confusion."

On SNL, Hartman played characters like Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and impersonated celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Bill Clinton. He was also a longtime voice actor on The Simpsons, and had just wrapped his fourth season of his sitcom NewsRadio when he was killed. Taking the sitcom, Hartman said, was a way to be able to spend more time with his young children.

I think in my old age, I've come to realize just how precious everything is and I try to value the many blessings that have been bestowed upon me, he said in a 1998 interview, just months before his death, per ABC News. But there's also this sense of vulnerability if fortune took a turn for the worse, and that you live with the awareness that anything could happen in this world.

Here is everything to know about Phil Hartmans two kids and how they've maintained his legacy.

Sean Hartman, 37

Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Phil Hartman with his son Sean at party following screening of "Three Ninjas Kick Back" at Planet Hollywood.

Hartman and Brynn welcomed their son, Sean Edward Hartman, around June 1988.

Sean was "a particular source of pride" for Hartman because of his talent for visual arts, according to an interview former Groundlings member Tim Stack gave to the Los Angeles Times in 1998. Hartman started his career as a graphic designer, creating album covers for bands like Steely Dan, America, Poco and Crosby, Stills and Nash.

He was only 9 years old when his parents died, and he and Birgen were both in the family home when their dad was shot. During the massive police response and media circus that ensued, images of the kids being escorted out of the home circulated widely in the news.

"This a situation that occurred that redefines tragedy in every conceivable way," Stan Rosenfield said in a statement at the time, according to the Los Angeles Times. "There are two very young children and their needs must be attended to."

In the Hartmans will, they specified that custody of the children would go to Brynns sister Katharine Wright, who raised them in Wisconsin and Minnesota with her husband Mike. They grew up as loved children, Brynns brother Greg Omdahl told ABC News in 2019.

I believe my sister would be very proud of how Sean and Birgen have grown up and the people they've turned into, he added.

Birgen Hartman, 33

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Phil Hartman and Birgen Hartman during Nickelodeon's 1997 The Big Help in Los Angeles, California.

Hartman and Brynn welcomed their daughter, Birgen Anika Hartman, in February 1992.

I remember him calling me when Birgen was born, Lynne Stewart, Hartmans costar on Pee Wees Playhouse, told ABC News in 2019. He was very, very choked up ... He said, She's the most beautiful baby in the world. 

Many tributes after the Hartmans deaths spoke of their mutual devotion to their children. When I watched the old home videos of Brynn and Phil and their kids, it really brought home what loving parents they were ... and what a great mother she was, Omdahl told ABC News.

Birgen has shared that she had substance abuse issues in the past. On her 9-year soberthday in 2021, she posted an Instagram photo of a vista in Lake Como, Italy, captioning it, I know the pandemic has been difficult for many, & resisting substance abuse can become an even greater challenge in times of isolation. Asking for help isnt easy either. But you are deserving of love, health, & happiness.

Today, she works as a consent educator, according to her LinkedIn. My goal is to ensure that proper education about consent, safe and unsafe touch, and resources to receive external support are being offered to children, and that the adults in charge of their care are prepared to report any abuse disclosed to them, her bio reads.

As a part of her work, Birgen testified before the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022 and 2023 in support of the Beyond Bullying bill.

She doesnt post often on social media, but Birgen does share about her family sometimes. In 2022, on what would have been Hartmans 74th birthday, she jokingly posted on X, "My dad's 74th birthday today! Thanks for the personality disorder!"

In September 2018, Birgen married Brandon Dragos in Italy. On their first anniversary, she posted a photo of the couple on their wedding day on Instagram, captioning it: Fun Fact: I fainted literally 20 seconds after this photo was taken...  happy anniversary my dude (in sickness and in health, am I right?!)

Shes also proud of the work her dad has left behind and how relevant it still is today.

"It's great that people still love and remember my dad's characters on The Simpsons," she told The Hollywood Reporter in 2017. "Even after 20-plus years, I still see people quoting Lionel Hutz or sharing Troy McClure memes. The fact that those characters have carried themselves into the modern day and have remained relevant is just so cool to see, and I think my dad would have been proud of that."

Read the original article on People
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.

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.

Read More: Islamophobia Surges Online After Zohran Mamdanis Win

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read More: Amid Mamdanis Success, a Centrist Democrat Warns Her Party Not to Misread the Moment

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.

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.

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.

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.
For 21 months of war, the only Catholic church in Gaza has served as a fragile refuge in the besieged enclave, where hundreds of Christian and Muslim families took shelter from the Israeli assault outside its stone walls.

The Israeli shelling that blasted through that sanctuary on Thursday  killing three, including the churchs janitor, and wounding nine, including a priest  has seen Christians worldwide voice solidarity with their small community of fellow worshippers and drawn an unusually direct response from both the U.S. and the Vatican amid increasing global outrage.

Pope Leo XIV spoke Sunday of his "deep sorrow" and called for an end to the "barbarity of war," reading out the names of those killed at Holy Family Church.

This act, unfortunately, adds to the ongoing military attacks against the civilian population and places of worship in Gaza, he said, speaking after his Angelus prayer.

Holy Family Church remains standing despite Thursdays deadly strike, which Israel said it deeply regrets.

Ornate crucifixes and paintings depicting the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ still adorn its walls. Amid the flickering candlelight, its shattered windows and scorched facade attest to the strike.

Christian Palestinian mourners after the strike on Holy Family Church in Gaza City on Thursday. (Omar Al-Qattaa / AFP - Getty Images)

The church was watched over closely by the late Pope Francis, who spoke daily with its parish priest and once gifted his popemobile to the children there.

In a rare and risky visit to Gaza  largely sealed off from foreign officials  Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem, led a delegation into the territory on Friday to show their support.

Video captured their arrival at the church, greeted by cheers and ringing bells.

On behalf of all the Christians of our land, all the churches all over the world are united with us in this moment, said Pizzaballa, who also led Sunday-morning Mass at the church.

President Donald Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the strike.

White House spokesperson Tammy Bruce said it was an understatement to say Trump was not happy with Netanyahu during the call, adding that the U.S. had asked Israel to investigate the strike and ensure that all civilians, including Christian civilians, remain safe.

"Everyone is appalled," she said.

On Friday, staunch Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., introduced a bill to strip $500 million in U.S. military funding to Israel, a measure that was overwhelmingly rejected but marked a rare rebuke.

Netanyahu said that Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gazas Holy Family Church and called Pope Leo on Friday night.

Pope Leo XIV presides over a Mass at San Pancrazio cathedral in Albano Laziale, Rome, on Sunday. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP - Getty Images)

The Israel Defense Forces said it was reviewing the incident. Israels Foreign Ministry said the results of the investigation would be published.

Bruce called the prime ministers response an appropriate start and reiterated Israels framing of the strike as an accident.

But admissions of regret have not satisfied the grieving Catholic community, which has amplified its calls for a ceasefire.

The Jerusalem branch of the Vaticans Caritas federation named two of the dead as Saad Salameh, 60, the churchs janitor, and Fumayya Ayyad, 84, who had been sitting inside a Caritas psychosocial support tent when the blast sent shrapnel and debris flying. The pope named the other as Najwa Ibrahim Latif Abu Daoud.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called for peace and an immediate ceasefire following the strike, echoing Pope Leo and renewing calls made so often under Francis.

With the Holy Father, the Catholic bishops of the United States are deeply saddened to learn about the deaths and injuries at Holy Family Church in Gaza caused by a military strike, Broglio said in a statement. "May there be peace in Gaza."

Pax Christi International, a Christian peace organization, condemned the strike and called for "an immediate and permanent ceasefire."

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, censes during Sunday morning Mass at the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City. (Omar Al-Qattaa / AFP - Getty Images)

Yet while those calls may have intensified in the wake of the attack, there was little sign of one this weekend.

Since Pizzaballa first arrived at Holy Family Church on Friday, more than 150 people had been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

On Sunday, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders that suggested its ground offensive may be about to extend into new areas in the heart of the enclave, while the United Nations said that civilians were starving and in urgent need of aid.

Pizzaballa, closer to the carnage than most foreigners have managed since the current conflict began, once again called for peace.

"Churches all over the world, especially the church in the Holy Land, the Greek Orthodox, and all the churches, will never abandon and neglect you," he said, addressing the church.

We are working in the diplomatic world in order for a ceasefire, to stop this war, this tragedy, he said.
Adobe Stock/Allrecipes

Taco Bell has been on fire with new releases this year. And the latest launch shows the chain has no plans of slowing down.

Since teasing more than 20 new items at Live Mas Live in March, Taco Bell has added nearly a dozen food and drink items to its menu nationwide, from the return of the beloved Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets and Toasted Cheddar Street Chalupa to the new Steak and Cheese Tacodilla. And now, the chain is adding a brand-new lineup just in time to beat the summer heat.

While Taco Bell is known for Mountain Dew Baja Blast (and, of course, the viral Dirty Baja Blast), Taco Bell has expanded its beverage options in recent years, and this new menu will have you skipping the soda completely.

Taco Bell Launches New Agua Refrescas

Taco Bell just released a brand-new Refrescas beverage lineup, including a first-of-its-kind drink and a collab that has nothing to do with Mountain Dew. In a press release, Taco Bell said the premium collection was crafted to match any mood, meal, or moment, whether you need a pairing for your Crunchwrap or an energy boost to fuel your busy day.

First up, Taco Bell has three new Agua Refrescas some fans are comparing to mocktails, since they are non-alcoholic, fruity, and fun. A twist on the beloved Mexican beverage, Agua Fresca, each Refresca has a bold, fruity flavor thanks to real freeze-dried fruit, while green tea provides a gentle kick of caffeine. Each 20-ounce Agua Refresca is priced at $3.99 (though prices can vary depending on region) and is available in three new flavors: Strawberry Passionfruit, Dragonfruit Berry, and Mango Peach.

Taco Bell

If 52 milligrams of caffeine from green tea isnt enough for you, Taco Bell also has two new Rockstar Energy Refrescas. The collab, created exclusively for Taco Bell, features two new flavors, Pineapple Lime and Tropical Punch, and delivers a delicious boost of energy thanks to 200 milligrams of caffeine. These 20-ounce drinks are priced at $4.49.

And last but not least, if youre looking to cool down this summer or just mix it up from the usual Baja Blast Freeze, Taco Bell has a brand-new Strawberry Lime Refresca Freeze. It's a frozen take on the new Refresca lineup, featuring real freeze-dried fruit pieces. The coldest addition to the menu is priced at $3.79 for a 16-ounce Freeze and $3.99 for a 20-ounce Freeze.

This is only the beginning of new Taco Bell drinks. The chain also announced expansion plans for its Live Mas Cafe concept. These cafes, which are located inside existing Taco Bell restaurants, will feature more than 30 handcrafted beverages, such as the Horchata Latte. In the press release, Taco Bell said each drink will be prepared by trained "Bellristas" for a unique "beverage experience."

More than 30 new Live Mas Cafes are expected to open by this fall. However, the expansion is focused on Southern California and Texas, specifically Houston and Dallas.

But you dont have to live near a Live Mas Cafe or wait until the fall for a specialty drink. These new Refrescas are available nationwide now.



Read the original article on ALLRECIPES
Multiple lightning strikes on July 10, 2025, were incredibly unlucky: They ignited what would become a catastrophic wildfire at Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, creating a travel emergency that's still unfolding nearly two weeks later. The South Rim Fire has consumed over 4,200 acres and destroyed key visitor infrastructure, including the entire South Rim Campground (the park's main campground), multiple overlooks, and essential park buildings. The most underrated national park in the U.S.  in this author's very adamant opinion  is now cut off to a generation of parkgoers who could've fallen in love with its mystical cliffs and ultra-dramatic slopes.

South Rim Fire Information

The immediate impact on travelers

Park officials have canceled all reservations for the South Rim Campground and Wilderness Permits with no reopening date announced. The park remains completely closed as 510 firefighters battle the blaze, which has now, finally, achieved 21% containment despite round-the-clock efforts for upwards of ten days.

The destruction is extensive. While the South Rim Visitor Center and entrance booth have thus far survived, the fire destroyed the facility management building, the Western National Parks warehouse, the welding shop, and numerous bathrooms throughout the park. Heavy equipment used for maintenance was also lost to the flames. With funding to national parks slashed by the Trump administration, it's impossible to say when Black Canyon will be back to its former state.

Why this fire spread so rapidly

The perfect storm of dangerous fire weather conditions fueled the blaze's aggressive spread. High temperatures, extremely low humidity, and gusty winds combined with drought-dried vegetation to create an unstoppable force. Montrose County has implemented Stage 1 Fire restrictions, highlighting the broader regional fire danger that extends far beyond the park boundaries.

These conditions reflect a troubling trend affecting travel throughout the American West, where fire season increasingly disrupts summer tourism plans and forces travelers to maintain flexible itineraries. And in case you weren't yet aware: Grand Canyon National Park is on fire, too.

Alternative options for displaced visitors

Curecanti National Recreation Area, which shares management with Black Canyon, remains fully operational. Visitors can still enjoy boating, hiking, camping, and stargazing, though there's a temporary boating closure on Blue Mesa Reservoir west of Middle Bridge due to firefighting air operations.

Displaced Black Canyon rangers are now offering additional astronomy programming at Curecanti, providing free public programs that will enhance any Colorado experience  and, perhaps, lift travelers' spirits in the wake of all this devastation.

South Rim Fire Information

Essential fire season travel tips

This disaster underscores critical lessons every traveler should internalize during fire season:

Book flexible accommodations that allow cancellations without penalties. Standard travel insurance often doesn't cover natural disasters unless you purchase specific coverage.

Monitor fire conditions through InciWeb (inciweb.wildfire.gov) and local emergency services before departing for any Western destination.

Pack emergency supplies including N95 masks for smoke, extra water, and offline maps in case cell service fails during evacuations.

Have backup plans ready. Research alternative destinations within driving distance of your primary choice.

The bigger picture on wildfires in national parks

The Black Canyon fire represents more than just a temporary inconvenience  it's a preview of how climate change is reshaping Western travel. Fire seasons are lengthening, intensifying, and becoming less predictable, forcing the tourism industry to adapt.

Smart travelers are already adjusting expectations, building flexibility into itineraries, and choosing destinations with multiple backup options nearby. The days of rigid, unchangeable vacation plans may be ending in fire-prone regions. As recovery efforts continue at Black Canyon, this closure serves as a stark reminder that nature doesn't respect our schedules and needs  and perhaps that's exactly the lesson we need to learn.
Pew finds improved global view of China as Donald Trump hurts perceptions of US

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-16/pew-research-shows-global-view-of-china-improves-as-us-worsens/105536860?

By Asia Pacific Newsroom staff with wires 15 Jul y 2015

Pew found that views of Xi Jinping were less negative than previously.

New data shows China's economy continues to grow on the back of resilient exports, even despite Mr Trump's trade war.

A Pew researcher said US President Donald Trump's trade war had hurt confidence in the United States.

Public opinion in 24 countries surveyed by Pew Research Centre showed a softening of views towards China and its leader, Xi Jinping.

A majority of Australians say it is more important to have strong economic ties with China than with the United States, according to new research from the Washington-based Pew Research Centre.

Pew's latest survey of 24 countries found that opinion towards the US and its president, Donald Trump, had deteriorated, while views of China and its president, Xi Jinping, had improved in many countries worldwide.

More than half  53 per cent  of Australians surveyed said they favoured placing more importance on economic ties with China, a large increase from 39 per cent in 2021.

Only 42 per cent of Australians said it was more important to prioritise economic ties with the US  a drop from 52 per cent who said the same thing in 2021.

Still, Australian views of China and Mr Xi remained largely negative.

Some 76 per cent of Australians reported having an unfavourable view of China overall, compared to just 23 per cent who said they viewed China favourably.

Only 17 per cent of Australians reported having confidence in Mr Xi to "do the right thing regarding world affairs", compared with 77 per cent who had "no confidence".

Pew found the US was viewed more favourably than China in eight countries, China was viewed more favourably in seven, and the two were viewed about equally in the remainder.

Donald Trump's political opponents in the US accuse him of ceding global influence to China.

Pew did not provide definitive explanations for the shifts, but Laura Silver, associate director of research, said it was possible that views of a country may change when those of another superpower shift.

"As the US potentially looks like a less reliable partner and people have limited confidence, for example, in Trump to lead the global economy, China may look different in some people's eyes," Dr Silver said.

Also, China's human rights policies and its handling of the pandemic  which were related to negative views of the country in the past  may not weigh as much this time, she said.

Rich countries sour on US except in Israel

A group of Democratic senators this week accused the Trump administration of ceding global influence to China by shuttering foreign aid programs, imposing tariffs on allies, cracking down on elite universities, and restricting visas for international students.

China was the big disruptor in our region. Now the US is determined to take that title Photo shows Prime Minister Anthony in China Just as Australia is asserting that its national interests are different from those of both China and the United States, it seems the US may force us into a choice we don't want to make.

In the Pew findings, 35 per cent of those in 10 high-income countries surveyed consistently  including Canada, France, Germany and Italy  have favourable opinions of the US, down from 51 per cent from last year.

By comparison, 32 per cent of them have positive views of China, up from last year's 23 per cent.

And 24 per cent of them say they have confidence in Mr Trump, compared with 53 per cent last year for then-US president Joe Biden.

Mr Xi scored a slight improvement: 22 per cent of those in these rich countries say they have confidence in the Chinese president, up from last year's 17 per cent.

However, people in Israel have far more favourable views of the US than of China: 83 per cent of Israelis like the US, compared with 33 per cent who say they have positive views of China.

Some 69 per cent of Israelis said they had confidence in Mr Trump, while only 9 per cent expressed confidence in Mr Xi.

Mr Trump is a popular figure among Israelis.

Pew surveyed more than 30,000 people across 25 countries  including the US, which was excluded from the comparison  from January 8 to April 26, 2025.

The margins of error for each country ranged from plus or minus 2.5 to plus or minus 4.7.

China's economy grows robustly despite trade war

The Chinese economy slowed slightly in the last quarter as Mr Trump's trade war escalated, but it still expanded at a robust 5.2 per cent pace, officials said on Tuesday (Beijing time).

That compares with 5.4 per cent annual growth in January-March.

Strong exports have kept China's economy afloat.

Chinese authorities said that in quarterly terms, the world's second-largest economy expanded by 1.1 per cent.

In the first half of the year, the Chinese economy grew at a 5.3 per cent annual pace, the official data show.

However, some analysts said actual growth may have been significantly slower.

Zichun Huang of Capital Economics noted that investments in fixed assets such as factory equipment rose only 2.8 per cent in the first half of the year, implying 2.9 per cent annual growth in May and a mere 0.5 per cent increase in June.

The 5.2 per cent growth rate overstates the pace of expansion by about 1.5 percentage points, she said.

Capital Economics' activity proxy shows growth in China's gross domestic product, or GDP, at less than 4 per cent year-on-year in April and May, Dr Huang said, forecasting annual growth of 3.5 per cent for full-year 2025.

"The economic outlook for the rest of the year remains challenging," she wrote in a report.

Dr Huang added, though, that "political pressure to meet annual growth targets, even if only on paper, means that published GDP growth will be much higher".

Has Video Duration: 6 minutes 46 seconds. Watch 6 m Why Australia's iron ore sector is safe, according to former ambassador to China. (Kirsten Aiken)

A key factor behind the latest upbeat data was strong exports.

On Monday, China reported that its exports accelerated in June, rising 5.8 per cent from a year earlier, up from a 4.8 per cent increase in May.

Production of high-tech products, vehicles and electrical machinery and equipment rose by about 10 per cent or more from a year earlier.

A reprieve on painfully high tariffs on Chinese exports to the US prompted a rush of orders by companies and consumers as the two sides resumed trade talks.

Chinese companies also have expanded exports to and offshore manufacturing in other countries such as Vietnam, helping to offset the impact of higher tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

What Xi Jinping's private lunch with Anthony Albanese really means Photo shows A man in a black suit and pink tie shake the hand of a man in a dark blue suit and blue tie The prime minister's visit to Beijing featured an unusual one-on-one meal with China's most powerful man. It's significant in more ways than one.

But a 0.1 per cent decline in consumer prices in the first half of 2025 showed continuing weakness in domestic demand, a long-term challenge for the ruling communist party as the Chinese population declines and ages.

Those troubles deepened during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Falling property prices and slowing retail sales were also of concern, said Lynne Song of ING Economics.

Price cutting by Chinese manufacturers to help compete in overseas markets is adding to deflationary pressures that ultimately erode their competitiveness, Louise Loo of Oxford Economics said in a report.

Chinese leaders have set a growth target of 5 per cent for this year, in line with last year's growth.

A resumption of US tariffs of up to 245 per cent if Washington and Beijing fail to meet an August 12 deadline for a new trade deal could derail the recovery in exports, a major driver of growth and employment.
Maria Bartiromo and Tulsi Gabbard Screenshot/Rumble/Fox News

The Obama administration cooked up manufactured intelligence to suggest President Donald Trumps 2016 election victory was the result of Russian interference, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told Sunday Morning Futures host Maria Bartiromo.

Gabbard released documents and a memo Friday detailing a years-long coup against Trump after he defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Gabbard told Bartiromo the actions of the Obama administration after the 2016 election were nothing short of historic. (RELATED: How Did It Work Out?: Scott Jennings Cracks Up When Dem Talks About Meeting Discussing How To Beat Trump)

The implications of this are, frankly, nothing short of historic, Gabbard told Bartiromo. Over a hundred documents that we released on Friday really detail and provide evidence of how this treasonous conspiracy was directed by President Obama just weeks before he was due to leave office after President Trump had already gotten elected. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue, this is an issue that is so serious it should concern every single American because it has to do with the integrity of our democratic republic.

WATCH:

What we saw occur here, as the documents we released detailed, was that we had a sitting president of the United States and his cabinet and leadership team, quite frankly who were not happy with the fact that President Trump had won the election, that the American people had chosen Donald J. Trump to be the next president, commander in chief of the United States, and so they decided that they would do everything possible to try to undermine his ability to do what voters tasked President Trump to do, Gabbard continued. So, creating this piece of manufactured intelligence that claims that Russia had helped Donald Trump get elected, contradicted every other assessment that had been made previously in the months leading up to the election that said exactly the opposite, that Russia neither had the intent nor the capability to, quote-unquote, hack the United States election for the presidency of the United States.

Christopher Steele, an ex-British spy, authored a false dossier that was a key source behind the FBIs investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign over allegations it had colluded with Russia to sway the election. The debunked dossier was also a centerpiece in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant applications directed at former Trump campaign aide Carter Page.

Special Counsel John Durham concluded in a May 2023 report that the FBI used uncorroborated intelligence to launch its probe into the Trump campaign, and was unable to verify the claims made in the Steele dossier. FBI analyst Brian Auten testified in an October 2022 trial that the FBI offered Christopher Steele $1 million if he could corroborate the claims in the dossier, but Steele never did. (RELATED: Manipulated The System: Gregg Jarrett Accuses Former CIA, FBI Directors Of Framing Trump With Phony Dossier)

The effect of what president Obama and his senior national security team did was subvert the will of the American people, undermining our democratic republic and enacting what would be, essentially, a years-long coup against President Trump, who was duly elected by the American people, Gabbard said.

Clintons campaign and the Democratic National Committee were fined by the Federal Election Commission in 2022 for their involvement in the since-discredited Steele dossier, CNN reported.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a press conference in Rome on July 10. - Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for talks with Russia next week to push forward ceasefire talks amid growing US pressure on Moscow to reach a deal.

Ukraines Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, proposed the a 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.

A meeting at the leadership level is essential to genuinely secure peace. Ukraine is ready for such a meeting, he added.

Russian state media outlet TASS reported that a source close to Russias negotiating team confirmed that they had received Kyivs proposal for a meeting.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian media on Sunday that Russia is ready to move quickly on achieving a peace deal with Ukraine, but its main goal was to achieve its objectives.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly expressed his desire to transition the Ukrainian settlement process into a peaceful track as soon as possible. Its a lengthy process that requires effort, and its not simple. And most likely, this is increasingly being understood in Washington, Peskov told Russian state media journalist Pavel Zarubin.

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 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.

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.

Daria Tarasova-Markina contributed reporting.

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Whether you've inherited Grandma's crystal or frequent antique markets, you could have rare vintage items hiding in the corners of your home  and they could be worth thousands of dollars. It's hard for the average person to spot valuable items, but there are certain things you should always give a second look.

To help you learn where to start, we tapped two experts: Lily Barfield, founder of Lily's Vintage Finds, and antiques dealer and Sally Schwartz, founder of Randolph Street Market Festival, an antique market in Chicago.

If you think you may own a rare vintage find, Barfield suggests browsing antique shops or resale sites like Chairish and 1stDibs  "you start to get a feel for what brands or artisans tend to fetch a good resale value." For a quick result, Schwartz recommends a search using Google Lens. "If you can take a good clean photo of the item and any imprints or signatures it might have, you can quickly see what comes up for sale or recent auction prices."

Vintage items that could be worth money:



Art

If you own one-of-a-kind artwork (or think you might), do a little research. "Even if it's unsigned or unknown, older artwork  especially oils on canvas or anything framed under glass  can hold value," says Barfield.

Concert tickets

This one might surprise you: Vintage concert tickets are valuable to collectors. If you or a family member saved "ticket stubs from famous bands and 1960's music festivals like Woodstock or Montreux Jazz Fest," you might get lucky, according to Schwartz.

Audio gear

"It seems like everyone wants a record player these days  vinyl is huge again and components like turntables and gear for audiophiles, like Marantz amplifiers, are very valuable," says Schwartz.

Anna Savina - Getty Images

Crystal and glassware

Take a second look at that heirloom glassware set you inherited from Grandma. "Etched or cut crystal from companies like Fostoria or Cambridge can be worth a lot, especially full sets or rare patterns," says Barfield.

Sterling silver

From flatware and home decor to jewelry, pure sterling silver can sell for a lot  especially if it's made by a reputable brand or silversmith, like Tiffany & Co. "Many people don't realize they're sitting on sterling because it's not always labeled clearly," says Barfield. "Look for small hallmarks or stamps like '925' or 'sterling' on flatware or serving pieces."

wakila - Getty Images

Light fixtures

"Light fixtures are often overlooked, especially unwired chandeliers or sconces, because people don't always realize they can be restored," says Barfield. "With a little knowledge and the right help, you can rewire and clean them up. A fixture with good bones can carry serious resale value once brought back to life."

Blue Danube dishes

If you don't recognize the name, you'll recognize these blue-and-white patterned dishes  even modern brands continue to replicate the vintage style. Look for "Blue Danube, made originally in 1950's Japan and then later made in America with a different stamp on the bottom," says Schwartz, who says original soup bowls are really difficult to find and can be sold individually.

Masako Ishida - Getty Images

TV guides, magazines and comic books

Issues that pre-date 1970 could hold value to collectors. "People who collect these look for specific issues and will pay top dollar to fill a gap in their collection," says Schwartz.

14K gold charms

Grandma's gold charm bracelet could be worth thousands of dollars. "People started melting down these charm bracelets when gold prices soared and it's hard to find the charms anymore," says Schwartz. "Each charm can go from $300 to $500, so an individual charm bracelet can be a literal goldmine."

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The bishop visited a community that has grown nearly eightfold thanks to a wave of young families who arrived following the events of 2020. God is with them as they have a fresh start. The challenge now is to find a Cantonese-speaking pastor.

Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Cardinal Stephen Chow, Bishop of Hong Kong, made a pastoral visit to Manchester, United Kingdom, on 14 July, to support and encourage the city's growing Chinese-speaking Catholic community. The visit, reports the Sunday Examiner, Hong Kong's Catholic weekly, brought together faithful from across Northwest England and other parts of the United Kingdom.

Its highlight was the Thanksgiving Mass Cardinal Stephen celebrated at St Patrick's Church in Collyhurst, concelebrated with Bishop John Arnold of the Diocese of Salford, who had visited Hong Kong in 2023 to explore forms of pastoral collaboration in the face of the growing number of migrants from Hong Kong. Other concelebrants included Father Philip Sumner, chaplain of the Chinese Catholic community of Greater Manchester.

Following the events of 2020  when China launched a crackdown in the wake of large pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019  hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers, mostly young people, moved to Great Britain, availing themselves of the privileged channel guaranteed by the agreements that returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

Cardinal Stephen met with representatives of groups from various regions, as well as the Hong Kong Catholic Migrants Pastoral Coordination Group, which was set up last year.

The prelate also heard confessions and met with members of Manchester's Chinese-speaking Catholic community, along with representatives of similar communities from Liverpool, Warrington, and Scotland.

The dinner that followed provided a venue for fellowship, mutual support, and strengthening bonds.

In his homily in Cantonese, Cardinal Stephen offered words of hope and encouragement, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities of a new beginning in a foreign land.

Everyone here has a fresh start, he said. God is with you as you seek a spirit of unity and togetherness  and that is the greatest blessing.

He stressed that the Church's mission today is to bear witness to unity in diversity, as people from different origins come together to proclaim a shared faith.

The cardinal also spoke about the role of empathy in communication. True dialogue does not mean agreement in everything, he noted, but cultivating a heart of empathy that leads to mutual understanding.

He mentioned that he has sometimes been labelled pro-China or pro-Beijing because of certain meetings, but he believes that such misunderstandings can provide an opportunity for listening and building bridges.

As Hong Kong people, we can be a bridge. We need to engage with empathy  not with mockery or hostility  and we also hope others will try to understand us, the cardinal explained, reiterating that this involvement does not compromise core Christian values.

Regarding the Light Up Fund, a Church initiative with Hong Kongs Correctional Services Department to accompany and support incarcerated youth, he said it exemplifies how communication and compassion can lead to healing and renewal, even in complex situations.

Speaking to the Sunday Examiner, Li Pui-wai McNicholls, coordinator of Manchester's Chinese Catholic community, expressed gratitude for his presence.

Over the past three years, the community has grown significantly: from just 35 people to more than 250 regularly attending Mass every second Sunday.

In November 2023, the cardinal sent Father Bruno Lepeu of the Paris Foreign Missions to England for six months to assess the pastoral needs of this diaspora community.

Father Sumner, now 73, expressed concern for the future. I am hoping for a Cantonese-speaking priest from Hong Kong to join us and help support this growing community, he said.

He spoke about his own ministerial journey, which began after the retirement of Father Zhang Jingxian, a Mandarin-speaking priest who served the community from 1991 to 1997.

Feeling it would be unfair to celebrate Mass only in English, Father Sumner decided to learn parts of the liturgy in Cantonese using romanised texts and audio guides.

My Cantonese hasnt improved much over the years, he said humbly, but the community has always been incredibly appreciative.

Meanwhile, challenges remain. Many priests, including Father Sumner, try to celebrate part of the Mass in Cantonese but face difficulties hearing confessions or offering deeper spiritual guidance. The need for Cantonese-speaking priests in the United Kingdom is increasingly urgent.

ECCLESIA IN ASIA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SUNDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
20 July 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

At the 3rd Global Media Forum held in the symbolic city of Shusha, President Ilham Aliyev underscored Azerbaijans expanding global role not just as an energy supplier, but as a trusted partner in the transformation of global energy politics. The city of Shusha - liberated from decades of occupation and now reborn as a cultural, strategic, and diplomatic hub - served as a powerful metaphor for the broader rebirth of Azerbaijans geopolitical standing. And nowhere is this more evident than in the success and continued evolution of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC).

President Aliyevs remarks at the Forum were both reflective and forward-looking. He reminded the world that while energy has traditionally been viewed through the prism of profit, today it is inseparable from security, sustainability, and sovereignty. In that context, the SGC is not merely a pipeline systemit is a geopolitical stabiliser, a symbol of reliability, and a blueprint for regional cooperation.

The Southern Gas Corridor, completed in December 2020, is one of the most ambitious energy infrastructure projects of the 21st century. Stretching over 3,500 kilometres and consisting of the South Caucasus Pipeline, the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the corridor delivers Azerbaijani natural gas from the Shah Deniz field in the Caspian Sea to European markets. It currently supplies gas to Turkiye, Georgia, Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, and Italy, with further expansions on the horizon.

At Shusha, President Aliyev stated clearly: We started this energy transformation when no one was even thinking about diversification in Europe. Azerbaijan invested billions into this corridor to ensure energy security for our partners. This statement cuts to the heart of Azerbaijans approach: foresight, not reaction. While Europe grappled with the consequences of over-reliance on Russian energy following the Ukraine war, Azerbaijan had already built an alternative based on mutual trust, infrastructure, and a long-term strategic vision.

Indeed, the Southern Gas Corridor proved itself as a lifeline for Europe during the height of the 2022 energy crisis. When liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices soared and Russian supply dwindled, Azerbaijan increased its exports westward, delivering over 11 billion cubic metres of gas to Europe in 2023 alone, with plans to raise that figure to 20 bcm annually by 2027.

What makes this project even more remarkable is that it is underpinned by a rare blend of technical ambition and diplomatic finesse. The SGC passes through complex terrainsnot just geographically, but politically. Yet, Azerbaijan managed to align interests across Turkiye, Georgia, Greece, Italy, and the Balkans, while maintaining full sovereignty and control over its national resources. That is not simply energy tradeit is energy diplomacy in its highest form.

At the Shusha Forum, Aliyev also touched upon Azerbaijans next chapter: energy transition. We are now turning our hydrocarbon wealth into a platform for renewables, he said, highlighting wind, solar, and green hydrogen partnerships with the UAEs Masdar and Saudi Arabias ACWA Power. These are not token gestures. Azerbaijan plans to produce over 5 GW of green energy by 2030, much of it from the Caspian Seas offshore wind potential and the sun-rich plains of Jabrayil and Zangilan, regions once ravaged by war and now repurposed for sustainable development.

This commitment ties directly into the Southern Gas Corridors evolution. As Europe looks to green its energy supply, Azerbaijan positions itself not only as a reliable supplier of natural gas but also as a future exporter of renewable energy and green hydrogen. There is already talk of integrating electricity interconnectors and hydrogen-compatible infrastructure into the SGCs framework, making it not just a pipeline system, but a multi-vector energy corridor.

But the message from Shusha was also deeper: Azerbaijan is not only participating in global energy shiftsit is helping lead them. In a world fractured by supply disruptions, energy nationalism, and climate change debates, Azerbaijan offers a case study in pragmatic balance. It is a country that honours its hydrocarbons, invests in renewables, and prioritises partnerships over politics.

The Global Media Forum, attended by representatives from over 50 countries, was the ideal stage for this narrative. Shushaonce synonymous with destructionis now synonymous with dialogue. The fact that such a forum, combining media freedom, geopolitical discussion, and sustainable development, took place in this once-occupied city speaks volumes about Azerbaijans national revival and international aspirations.

President Aliyevs statements about energy, reconstruction, and strategic foresight at the forum reaffirm Azerbaijans trajectory: confident, sovereign, and outward-looking. His emphasis on predictability and responsibility was not rhetorical. Azerbaijan is increasingly viewed as a pillar of regional stability, a bridge between East and West, and a driver of infrastructure and energy diplomacy across Eurasia.

In conclusion, the Southern Gas Corridor is not merely a pipelineit is Azerbaijans declaration of strategic intent. And the Shusha Global Media Forum was not just a gatheringit was a testament to a nations rise. As the world hurtles toward an uncertain energy future, Azerbaijan offers something rare: a partner with vision, credibility, and capability. From the highlands of Shusha to the energy terminals of Italy, the message is clear: Azerbaijan is building the future, one corridor at a time.
20 July 2025 20:50 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The South Caucasus, a historically complex and geopolitically sensitive region, stands at the threshold of unprecedented opportunity. Thanks to the renewed and strengthened partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States, a new era of peace, security, and economic cooperation is taking shape. As President Ilham Aliyev recently emphasized during the III Shusha Global Media Forum, this relationship is not only grounded in shared interests but also in a robust history of collaboration that promises a bright future.

In his address to forum participants, the Azerbaijani leader highlighted the positive signals emanating from Washington, reflecting a mutual commitment to elevate ties to higher levels. "We have received very positive messages from Washington  and messages from Azerbaijan have also been very positive," President Aliyev said, underscoring the bilateral goodwill currently propelling both countries forward. This mutual positivity is essential, particularly in a region where lingering conflicts have long cast shadows over development and cooperation.

Energy security has been a cornerstone of U.S.Azerbaijani relations. Azerbaijans strategic location as an energy corridor connecting Caspian resources to global markets aligns closely with U.S. interests in diversifying energy supplies away from unstable regions. The President reminded his audience of this historical partnership, stating, "We have a great history of partnership in areas related to energy security, security as a whole, and issues related to connectivity." These words reinforce that the partnership is multi-dimensional  extending beyond hydrocarbons to broader security and infrastructural projects that connect not only Azerbaijan and the U.S., but the entire region to global trade networks.

Moreover, Azerbaijans role as a reliable ally in international security initiatives has deepened trust. The President pointed out, "We stood with the United States in Iraq and in Afghanistan when they needed us. Our military servicemen served shoulder to shoulder with them." This cooperation reflects Azerbaijans commitment to global security and peacekeeping, which strengthens the foundation for bilateral ties and opens doors for future collaboration in defense, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism.

Perhaps most significant is the active involvement of the United States in promoting peace in the South Caucasus. President Aliyev praised former President Donald Trumps engagemen. This engagement signals a U.S. willingness to invest diplomatic capital in resolving one of the most enduring regional conflicts, which, if successful, could unleash transformative economic and social benefits.

The optimism expressed by President Aliyev reflects a wider hope that the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia will accelerate. The positive messages from Washington not only reinforce U.S. support but also encourage regional actors to seek pragmatic solutions. The Presidents confidence that "we will have more good news in the future" is both a promise and a challengeto all stakeholders committed to peace.

Elevating U.S.Azerbaijani relations also sends a strategic message to other global powers involved in the region. It shows that the United States values Azerbaijan as a key partner in maintaining stability and securing energy corridors crucial for global markets. For Azerbaijan, this partnership brings political support, security guarantees, and access to advanced technologies and investment, all vital for its continuing development.

At the same time, Azerbaijans active diplomacy and readiness to cooperate with major powers underline its role as a constructive and sovereign actor shaping its own destiny. The willingness to engage with the U.S. on equal terms, based on mutual respect and shared goals, creates a sustainable framework for long-term partnership.

The evolving U.S.Azerbaijan relationship marks a positive chapter for the South Caucasus. With history as a guide and shared strategic interests as a compass, both nations are set to strengthen cooperation on energy, security, and regional connectivity. President Ilham Aliyevs vision, as articulated during the Shusha Global Media Forum, reflects a genuine commitment to peace and prosperity through partnership. As he put it, "I think this will be absolutely natural, because a lot of things unite us." The road ahead may be challenging, but with continued dialogue and support, Azerbaijan and the United States can lead the way toward a more stable and interconnected region.
20 July 2025 11:35 (UTC+04:00)

The 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, themed Digital Transitions: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, is being held in Shusha, the cultural cradle of Azerbaijan. The sacred city, long seen as a symbol of national memory and inspiration, has produced many prominent intellectuals, writers, and publishers who have enriched the countrys cultural and scientific legacy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration, highlighted the significance of holding the Forum in a city once ravaged by conflict but now undergoing rapid reconstruction.

This forum is particularly meaningful as it is taking place in a city that once bore the scars of war, where misinformation and disinformation were rampant. Shusha was the target of unprecedented fake news and provocative narratives. Just a few kilometers from here, the Khojaly genocide was committed in the early 1990s. At the time, very few media outlets were present to report on that tragedy, Hajiyev stated.

Hajiyev emphasized that the Forum serves not only as a global platform for media dialogue but also as a rare opportunity for direct engagement with President Ilham Aliyev.

Through this forum, participants can hear firsthand about the development of the region. Some guests have already visited Khankendi, and others will travel to Aghdam and Lachin, he added.

This year also marks a milestone for Azerbaijani journalism: the 150th anniversary of the national press. Hajiyev paid tribute to Akinchi, the countrys first newspaper founded by Hasan bey Zardabi, which promoted enlightenment and public education despite facing severe censorship.

It laid the groundwork for intellectual progress and the spread of modern thinking, he noted.

He also drew attention to Molla Nasreddin, the influential satirical magazine that fought ignorance and social stagnation during its publication in Baku, describing it as a psychological struggle for truth and awareness.

Turning to contemporary challenges, Hajiyev warned of rising waves of disinformation targeting Azerbaijan, particularly during the 44-day Patriotic War. Our domestic media stood resilient in the face of that information war, he said, adding that artificial intelligence now presents new dilemmas.

Truth has changedand is under serious threat. Facts and figures no longer shape perceptions. People increasingly rely on beliefs over evidence, he remarked.

Hajiyev called for global responsibility and ethical regulation of AI technologies. Humanity is failing to control social media. This failure leads to chaos. Were now fighting against machines that influence our thoughts. It is time to build new platforms that reflect human values.
20 July 2025 15:55 (UTC+04:00)

As part of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, the Director of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Mustafa Ozcan, met with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by the organization on its X accound.

The post reads that the two sides discussed the prospects of expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and the D-8 Organization, with a particular focus on strengthening bilateral engagement in areas of mutual interest.

In addition to his meeting with Hikmet Hajiyev, Ambassador Ozcan also held talks with Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency. Their discussions centered around potential avenues for collaboration in the fields of media and communications.

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation comprises eight Muslim-majority developing countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye. The organization was initiated by Turkiye and traces its origins to the Development Cooperation Conference held in Istanbul on October 22, 1996. The organization was officially established during a summit of heads of state and government on June 15, 1997, also in Istanbul. The Secretariat of the D-8 is based in Istanbul.
There is a revelation within the Democratic Socialists, which is creating a newfound discovery that masks are bad or wrong for society, and should not be worn by certain groups; currently the rancor is to unmask ICE agents: What is your opinion on the wearing of masks?

84.62% Yes, ICE agents should wear masks if it keeps them safe from the threat of doxing.7.69% No, ICE agents must be forced to reveal their true selves; however, wearing masks while rioting and looting is within the bounds of the Leftist dictum.7.69% I wear masks often at Halloween.
(Back, left to right) LaRita Tysor, Asha Paschal, KeNiya Peterson, Destiny Russell, America Lamadrid Cano, Rispah Mwangi, and Tyra Galloway. (Front, left to right) Suzy Carbone, Kaelee Alleman, JaShawna Clemmons-Jones, Teja Holley, Gabby Singleton, Rita Williams, and Jamie Wilder.

Attila Nemecz

Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator

Beaufort County Community College

5337 U.S. Highway 264 East

Washington, N.C. 27889

Ph : 252-940-6387

: 252-940-6387 Cell : 252-940-8672

: 252-940-8672 attila.nemecz@beaufortccc.edu

Fifteen graduates of Beaufort County Community College's Practical Nursing (PN) program celebrated the completion of their studies with a pinning ceremony on July 10. The event featured a traditional lantern-lighting, a recitation of the Practical Nursing Pledge, and pinning by friends or family members.Graduates include Kaelee Alleman, Haleigh Barker, Suzy Carbone, Ja'Shawna Clemmons-Jones, Tyra Galloway, Teja Holley, America Lamadrid Cano, Rispah Mwangi, Asha Paschal, Ke'Niya Peterson, Destiny Russell, Gabby Singleton, LaRita Tysor, Jamie Wilder, and Rita Williams.This cohort experienced significantly lower attrition rates due to a collaborative learning model that paired practical nursing students with associate degree nursing (ADN) students for 90 percent of their training. According to Dr. Kent Dickerson, dean of nursing and allied health, this model reduced attrition from 70 percent to 40 percent.said Dickerson.He continued,During the ceremony, Beaufort County Association of Nursing Students (BCANS) historian McKenna Taylor recognized BCANS members, including Suzy Carbone, Ja'Shawna Clemmons-Jones (who serves as the PN representative for BCANS), America Lamadrid Cano, Ke'Niya Peterson, Gabby Singleton, LaRita Tysor, and Rita Williams.Taylor also presented America Lamadrid Cano with the Academic Excellence Award.Coursework in the PN program covers the domains of health care, nursing practice, and holistic care of the individual. It emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care and teamwork using evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. Students complete nursing narratives, concept maps, and clinical rotations at local health care facilities.Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN before beginning employment at physicians' offices, clinics, hospitals, or in rehabilitation, long-term care, or home health settings. The Class of 2024 achieved a 100 percent pass rate. The Class of 2025 is scheduled to test within the next month. The ADN Class of 2025, which tested earlier this summer, earned a 95 percent pass rate.Both the ADN and PN programs are competitive and require students to apply for admission and pass the TEAS or HESI entrance exams. Beaufort CCC now accepts TEAS scores from within the past three years.Tuition and fees for the PN program are covered for qualifying residents of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington counties through the Beaufort Promise Scholarship. Students may also apply for additional scholarships to cover textbooks. North Carolina residents from households earning less than $80,000 may be eligible for the Next NC Scholarship, regardless of county. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before applying for scholarships.For more information about the Practical Nursing program, contact Nicole Smith-Poulin, allied health admissions coordinator, at 252-940-6431 or nicole.smith-poulin@beaufortccc.edu.
Greece is upset with being overrun by illegal alien migrants, and its conservative government is responding. The Greek government, headed by the New Democracy Party, recently took administrative action to put a moratorium on migrants from Muslim North Africa, the source of most of the migrants entering Greece, from being allowed to claim asylum. They have just followed that up with strong new legislation in parliament.

The legislation offered by the government will require illegal aliens arriving in Greece to return home, and if they do not they will be sent to prison for a minimum of three years. So the migrants will have a choice between returning home or a Greek prison for at least three years, after which they will probably be sent home anyway.

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news-corner/new-greek-law-to-force-migrants-out-or-lock-them-up/

Already, Greece has begun detaining illegal aliens, arresting 247 new arrivals from Libya.

https://rmx.news/article/greece-detains-247-migrants-from-libya-as-new-crackdown-begins/
Northern Ireland estate agency John Minnis is marking two decades at the forefront of the local property market.

Since opening its doors in 2005, the company has grown into a trusted name in residential sales, lettings, and property management - achieving an extraordinary milestone of 1.6 billion worth of property sold.

With a team of 36 employees, the company is embracing the future with a fresh look and renewed ambition.

Stephen McLean - Director, John Minnis - Company Director, Emma McNeill, Director

UK unemployment jumps to highest since 2021 as wage growth slows

John Minnis has unveiled a complete rebrand and launched a dedicated in-house marketing team, setting the stage for a new chapter of growth, creativity, and a continuous service of excellence.

What weve achieved is down to the dedication of our team and the trust of our clients, says founder and managing director John.

The growth of our team and the community we have built makes the anniversary feel extra special. We are celebrating being a dynamic, forward-thinking company focused on delivering the very best for the people we serve. We cant wait to see what the next 20 years will bring.

Twenty years in this business is a huge milestone - and one we dont take for granted.

The agency operates five offices in Belfast, Holywood, Bangor, Donaghadee and Comber.

As the business looks to the future, its mission remains unchanged: to be the very best at estate agency for its clients, industry and the community.

For more information, see www.johnminnis.co.uk
Lightning strikes and hail are also possible, the Met Office said. Stock photo

Spectators at The Open in Royal Portrush have faced heavy showers this week. Photo: Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker

Parts of Fermanagh were hit by flooding tonight amid warnings that Northern Ireland is expected to experience some of the worst of a heavy spell of rainfall.

Forecasters predict the region could see half a months worth of rain in less than a day.

An amber alert has been issued by the Met Office for counties Antrim, Down and Armagh between 11pm on Sunday and 8am on Monday.

Tonight there were reports that parts of Fermanagh had been deluged, with two roads impassable.

The PSNI said: Road users are advised the Marble Arch Road, Florencecourt and Sligo Road, Enniskillen are both impassable due to floods this evening.

Flooding is also affecting other parts of west Fermanagh  please take care when travelling, slow down, and exercise caution on affected roads.

The expected rainfall carries a risk of flooding, power cuts and dangerous driving conditions.

Forecasters also warned there is a small chance that some communities could be cut off by flooded roads while fast-flowing or deep floodwater could pose a danger to life.

Simon Partridge, a forecaster with the UK Met Office, said: It looks like Northern Ireland is the place where we could see the most rainfall and certainly the most impactful rainfall.

They could see 50 to 75mm of rain within 12 to 18 hours.

The rain carries a risk of localised flooding (Liam McBurney/PA)

'We are excited to see Rory' - Shannon Aitken from Canada

The region records an average of 89mm of rain in July, meaning more than half a months rainfall could hit Northern Ireland in less than a day.

The forecaster said: A spell of very heavy rain is expected to affect parts of east and southeast Northern Ireland during Sunday night and at first on Monday morning.

"There remains some uncertainty in the northern extent of the heaviest rain, but some places are likely to have 50-75 mm of rain in a short space of time with a risk of flash flooding.

There have already been two separate yellow alerts in place for parts of Northern Ireland, with thunderstorms, lightning strikes and hail all deemed possible.

One alert for counties Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone ran from 12pm until 8pm on Sunday, while the other alert covering counties Antrim, Down and Armagh has been running from 6pm on Sunday and will last until 6pm on Monday.

Amid the more serious amber alert, the Met Office is advising the public to take steps to stay safe, including avoiding travelling if possible and exercising caution around any floodwater.
The PSNI officer was taken to hospital with scald injuries to his chest and chin region

An ARU officer was injured at the scene. Stock photo by Kevin Scott.

A man arrested after a PSNI officer was scalded with a liquid during an incident involving a suspect armed with a knife has been released on bail.

The officer was attending a call-out in east Belfast shortly after 2.15am on Sunday.

Police received a report from the Fire and Rescue Service of a man armed with a knife inside an apartment in the Coates Row area.

Firefighters had been responding to a report of a deliberate fire inside the property when the occupant threatened them with a knife at the door.

An ARU officer was injured at the scene. Stock photo by Kevin Scott.

Fans explore The Shop at The Open for official merchandise

Police went to the apartment a short time later, including officers from the armed response unit who attempted to detain the suspect.

While doing so, the man threw a liquid over one officer, causing scald injuries to his chest and chin region.

Another was also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Both of them required hospital treatment. The suspect was initially detained and arrested at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, arson to endanger life, and other related offences.

In an updated statement on Tuesday, a PSNI spokesperson said: A 35-year-old man arrested on Sunday, 20th July in connection with a firearms-related incident in the Coates Row area of east Belfast  during which one officer was scalded  has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries. The investigation continues.
Dr Michelle Comber said the site was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe (Aengus McMahon/University of Galway/PA)

A ringfort overlooking Galway Bay has been confirmed as a settlement for rulers and nobles in Irelands Early Medieval period, according to archaeologists.

Rathgurreen Ringfort, in the Maree area of Co Galway, has been described as an impressive high-status settlement that could date anywhere from the 5th to 12th century AD.

An eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway, has also revealed exciting new layers to the story of the panoramic site with views south to the Burren, west to the Atlantic, and north across Galway.

University of Galways Dr Michelle Comber, right, and Susan Curran from the Discovery Programme: Centre for Archaeology and Innovation Ireland (Aengus McMahon/University of Galway/PA)

The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement  home to a local ruler such as a king or lord  by Professor Michael Duignan, then chairman of archaeology at the university, in the late 1940s.

Excavations now suggest that parts of the site are potentially 1,000 years older than previously thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia, possibly including the trade of valuable purple dye made at Rathgurreen.

A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort.

Dr Michelle Comber holding a turquoise and red glass bead found at the Rathgurreen Ringfort and believed to date from Early Medieval Ireland (Aengus McMahon/University of Galway/PA)

Dr Comber, lecturer in archaeology at the university, said: What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory.

Our research confirms that Rathgurreen was the home of a noble family  hence the description as high-status.

But the story is much deeper and richer. We have evidence of continuity and change at this site  a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort.

A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to Early Medieval nobility.

Glass and amber beads, an Iron Age knife, ancient axe heads and stone tools, and French pottery were found at the ringfort (Aengus McMahon/University of Galway/PA)

The archaeology team found a number of glass beads, some coloured blue and another turquoise and red.

These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age  the era that immediately precedes the Early Medieval period.

The dig has also confirmed the presence of Early Medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings.

Evidence of the manufacture of purple dye at Rathgurreen comprises the remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare and valuable colouring.

Dr Comber added: We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard.

In no sense, though, would it have been viewed as wild or isolated  on the contrary it was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe.

A dog-whelk shell found at Rathgurreen Ringfort which was used to manufacture rare and valuable purple dye (Aengus McMahon/University of Galway/PA)

The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present.

The excavation marks the launch of a research project exploring land use through time on the Maree peninsula in Galway, with the university team hoping to continue digs at the site in 2026 and to pursue other locations in the area in future years.

Community volunteers, University of Galway archaeology students, and international students from Uppsala University in Sweden came together to investigate the site and put into practice skills vital to careers in the archaeological profession.

The wider project involves work with local, national and international communities as well as the development of a conservation management plan for Rathgurreen in conjunction with landowners and experts, through a community monuments fund with Galway County Council.
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers is responsible for the delivery of the NDP (Brian Lawless/PA)

Increased spending on defence is envisaged within billions of additional funding on infrastructure under a revised National Development Plan (NDP).

The revised NDP, which will be announced on Tuesday, will include up to 30 billion euro in additional capital expenditure for infrastructure projects over 2026-2030.

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers, who is responsible for the delivery of the NDP, said Government would be setting out a trajectory of 200 billion euro in spending over the next 10 years to help bridge the infrastructure deficit we have in the Irish economy.

That deficit is acting as a key constraint on the delivery of critical areas to the economy like housing.

Mr Chambers had previously said 20 billion euro was available to allocate across critical areas in the economy, with the Government identifying housing, energy, transport and water infrastructure as priority areas.

Asked on Sunday where the additional 10 billion euro for the short-term plan to 2030 had arisen, he said the Government is prioritising capital investment in its medium-term economic planning.

Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien (Brian Lawless/PA)

He explained the 10 billion euro had been ringfenced for specific strategic investment, such as the electricity grid, water infrastructure and the Dublin metro project.

Pressed on the timeline for the metro project, the deputy leader of Fianna Fail said it would be dependent on the planning system.

Meanwhile on transport, Mr Chambers said the Government is no longer governed by the 2:1 ratio of public transport to roads which was a feature of the previous coalition.

Speaking on RTEs This Week radio programme, he said the revised NDP would contain a major uplift in commitments to public transports, road projects and active travel.

But we also need to ensure that in regions across our country  whether its in the west or the south-west or elsewhere  that roads projects which have been on the table for many years are progressed.

Tanaiste Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA)

Asked if this would include road projects in the constituencies of independents which supported the Programme for Government, Mr Chambers said it would not set out a list of particular projects and the focus was on driving delivery.

However, he said Transport Minister Darragh OBrien would have flexibility to ramp up funding for road infrastructure, as well as public transport projects.

Mr Chambers also said the profile of defence spending is set to increase, adding Tanaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris would provide further details on the specifics after Tuesdays announcements.

Meanwhile, the Government is also set to outline its Summer Economic Statement, which sets out the expenditure package for the Budget.

The Public Expenditure Minister said: Were approaching budget 2026 with significant caution.

We have serious economic uncertainty surrounding our country, but we are coming at this from a position of real strength.

He said Government would be seeking to moderate the level of increases in current expenditure.
The First Minister wrote to the Prime Minister earlier this month (Jane Barlow/PA)

The Prime Minister has been urged to engage with Scotland on evacuating injured children from Gaza who would otherwise be left to die.

First Minister John Swinney wrote to Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month, saying Scotland stands ready to receive some of the 2,000 children from Gaza injured as a result of the Israeli bombardment of the territory, to be treated in the NHS.

But Mr Swinney claims to have received no response from the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister has not responded to Mr Swinneys calls, the First Minister said (Frank Augstein/PA)

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.

That is the frank reality of life in Gaza under Israeli bombardment and blockade.

The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of total collapse, with surgeons working day and night under artillery fire, with inadequate supplies and often no electricity.

We know that many hospitals have been targeted and decimated by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces).

The First Minister added that Scotland is prepared to do what is required to save the lives of as many of these kids as we can.

His initial call came after a meeting with childrens charity Unicef, prompting him to declare a race against time to help children in need of urgent medical care.

But we cant do so without the support of the Labour Government to get the children through the UK visa system and into Scotland, he said.

The suffering, torment and killing of the people of Gaza has gone on for far too long.

I urge the Prime Minister to urgently engage with the Scottish Government on this issue so we can save as many young lives as we can.

A spokeswoman for the UK Government said: Since the start of the conflict, UK support has provided essential healthcare to over 430,000 people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

We have helped several children with complex paediatric conditions access privately funded medical care in the UK, supporting an initiative by Project Pure Hope.

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.
A man pulls a cart loaded with jerrycans of water after collecting it at a camp for displaced people in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

At least 85 people have been killed while trying to reach aid at locations across Gaza, the health ministry in the Palestinian territory has said.

The development represents the deadliest day yet for people seeking aid in more than 21 months of war.

And there was new alarm as Israels military issued evacuation orders for areas of central Gaza, one of the few areas where it has rarely operated with ground troops and where many international organisations attempting to distribute aid are located.

One aid group said several groups offices were told to evacuate immediately.

Palestinians carried sacks of humanitarian aid unloaded from trucks headed to Gaza City, in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

The largest toll was in northern Gaza, where at least 79 Palestinians were killed while trying to reach aid entering through the Zikim crossing with Israel, according to the health ministry and local hospitals.

The UN World Food Programme said 25 trucks with aid had entered for starving communities when it encountered massive crowds that came under gunfire.

A UN official said Israeli forces opened fire towards the crowds who tried to take food from the convoy. Footage taken by the UN and shared with the Associated Press showed Palestinian men running as the sound of automatic gunfire could be heard.

Suddenly, tanks surrounded us and trapped us as gunshots and strikes rained down. We were trapped for around two hours, Ehab Al-Zei, who had been waiting for flour, said.

I will never go back again. Let us die of hunger, its better.

Palestinians reacted after carrying the bodies of those killed while trying to reach aid trucks entering northern Gaza through the Zikim crossing with Israel on Sunday (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Nafiz Al-Najjar, who was injured, said tanks and drones targeted people randomly and he saw his cousin and others shot dead.

Israels military said soldiers had shot at a gathering of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza who posed a threat, and it was aware of some casualties. But it said the numbers reported by officials in Gaza were far higher than its initial investigation found.

The military said it was attempting to facilitate the entry of aid, and accused Hamas militants of creating chaos and endangering civilians.

More than 150 people were wounded overall, with some in critical condition, hospitals said.

Separately, seven Palestinians were killed while sheltering in tents in Khan Younis in the south, including a five-year-old boy, according to the Kuwait Specialised Field Hospital, which received the casualties.

The killings in northern Gaza did not take place near aid distribution points associated with the recently created Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US and Israel-backed group.

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Witnesses and health workers say hundreds of people have been killed by Israeli fire while trying to access the groups aid distribution sites.

The new evacuation orders cut access between the central city of Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis in the narrow territory. The military also reiterated evacuation orders for northern Gaza.

The United Nations has been in contact with Israeli authorities to clarify whether UN facilities in the southwestern part of Deir al-Balah are included in the evacuation order, according to a UN official.

The official said that in previous instances, UN facilities were spared from evacuation orders.

The latest order covers an area stretching from a previously evacuated area all the way to the Mediterranean coast and will severely hamper movement for aid groups and civilians in Gaza.

The Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) group said in a statement that several humanitarian organisations offices and guesthouses had been ordered to evacuate immediately and nine clinics, including the MAP one, had been forced to shut down.

Military spokesman Avichay Adraee called for people to head to the Muwasi area, a desolate tent camp on Gazas southern coast that Israels military has designated a humanitarian zone.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said repeatedly that expanding Israels military operations in Gaza would pressure Hamas in negotiations (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

The announcement came as Israel and Hamas have been holding ceasefire talks in Qatar, but international mediators say there have been no breakthroughs.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly asserted that expanding Israels military operations in Gaza will pressure Hamas in negotiations.

Earlier this month, Israels military said it controlled more than 65% of Gaza.

Gazas population of more than two million Palestinians are in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, now relying largely on the limited aid allowed into the territory. Many people have been displaced multiple times.

Hamas triggered the war when militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Fifty remain in Gaza, but fewer than half are thought to be alive.

Israels military offensive has killed more than 58,800 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not say how many militants have been killed but says more than half of the dead have been women and children.

The ministry is part of the Hamas government, but the UN and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has called on government officials, traditional leaders, and local communities to embrace participatory governance as a means to achieve tangible development outcomes across the province.Nguluvhe made the remarks during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in Beitbridge on Friday, where he emphasized the importance of collaboration between various sectors of society in driving meaningful progress. He reiterated the same message during his ongoing community engagement initiatives, including celebrations marking his appointment held at Tshapongwe Primary School last Saturday."Government aims to empower local communities and promote participatory governance through devolution. As such, traditional leaders are essential in mobilizing communities, promoting development, and ensuring the success of government initiatives," Nguluvhe said.He stressed that deeper collaboration between government officials, traditional leaders, and ordinary citizens would produce better development results than the conventional top-down governance approach.Participatory governance, Nguluvhe explained, refers to a model where citizens - not just elected officials - actively engage in shaping policies and influencing public decision-making processes. This system is designed to address democratic shortcomings by enhancing public awareness, encouraging participation, and ensuring that the voices of communities are heard and considered.Nguluvhe's remarks come as part of the government's broader push to strengthen the devolution agenda, which seeks to transfer greater responsibility and resources to local authorities and communities, empowering them to identify and implement development priorities that directly respond to their needs.Stakeholders who attended the Beitbridge meeting welcomed Nguluvhe's call, saying it was a timely reminder of the need for inclusivity and transparency in governance to drive sustainable development in Matabeleland South.
A Russian soldier in training at an undisclosed location in Ukraine (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP)

Russia is open to peace with Ukraine but achieving our goals remains a priority, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, days after US President Donald Trump gave Moscow a deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face tougher sanctions.

Mr Peskov and other Russian officials have repeatedly rejected accusations from Kyiv and its western partners of stalling peace talks.

Meanwhile, Moscow continues to intensify its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities, with more drones launched in a single night than during some entire months in 2024, and analysts say the barrages are likely to escalate.

Mr Peskov told state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin: (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has repeatedly rejected accusations from Kyiv of stalling peace talks (Pavel Bednyakov, Pool/AP)

The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear.

The Kremlin has insisted any peace deal should see Ukraine withdraw from the four regions that Russia illegally annexed in September 2022 but never fully captured. It 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.

In his nightly address on Saturday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said his officials had proposed a new round of peace talks this week.

Russian state media reported on Sunday that no date had yet been set for the negotiations but that Istanbul would likely remain the host city.

Mr Trump threatened Russia on July 14 with steep tariffs and announced a rejuvenated pipeline for American weapons to reach Ukraine, hardening his stance towards Moscow after months of frustration following unsuccessful negotiations aimed at ending the war.

US president Donald Trump has recently hardened his stance towards Moscow (Alex Brandon/AP)

The direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul resulted in several rounds of prisoner exchanges, but little else.

Mr Trump said he would implement severe tariffs unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days. He provided few details on how they would be implemented, but suggested they would target Russias trading partners in an effort to isolate Moscow in the global economy.

In addition, Mr Trump said European allies would buy billions and billions of dollars of US military equipment to be transferred to Ukraine, replenishing the besieged countrys supplies of weapons. Included in the plan are Patriot air defence systems, a top priority for Ukraine as it fends off Russian drones and missiles.

Doubts were recently raised about Mr Trumps commitment to supply Ukraine when the Pentagon paused shipments over concerns that US stockpiles were running low.

Elsewhere, Ukraines air force said it shot down 18 of 57 Shahed-type and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight into Sunday, with seven more disappearing from radar.

Two women were injured in Zaporizhzhia, a southern Ukrainian region partly occupied by Russia, when a drone struck their house, according to the regional military administration.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said his officials had proposed a new round of peace talks this week (Vadym Sarakhan/AP)

Two more civilians were injured in Izium, north-eastern Ukraine, after a drone hit a residential building, local Ukrainian officials said.

Later on Sunday, drones struck a leafy square in the centre of Sumy, wounding a woman and her seven-year-old son, officials said.

The strike also damaged a power line, leaving some 100 households without electricity, according to Serhii Krivosheienko of the municipal military administration.

Meanwhile, Russias defence ministry said its forces had shot down 93 Ukrainian drones targeting Russian territory overnight, including at least 15 that appeared to be headed for Moscow.

At least 13 more drones were downed on the approach to the capital on Sunday, according to mayor Sergei Sobyanin.

He said one drone had struck a residential building in Zelenograd, on the outskirts of Moscow, damaging an apartment but causing no casualties.
ONH faction scraping bottom of barrel to boost numbers as feud continues

A desperate ONH faction has recruited a notorious criminal and a suspected police informant into its ranks in a bid to bolster numbers.

Convicted blackmailer Cricky Notarantonio and a second individual who cannot be named for legal reasons are now part of what is known as the McDonnell gang.
I was determined to do something after we lost my father-in-law: How NI man helped raise over 1m for charity
Johnny Depp is like a big brother to me: NI actor struck up friendship with star before making Al Pacino cry

Co Armagh actor on landing major roles in films with Hollywood stars Al Pacino and Johnny Depp

Riccardo Scamarcio, Johnny Depp, Antonia Desplat, Ryan McParland and Bruno Gouery at the premiere of Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness (Photo by Dave Benett/WireImage)

Maureen Coleman Sun 20 Jul 2025 at 11:00







Ryan McParland has told of the surreal but incredible experience of working with Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.
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LENOX  The owner of a historically significant single-family house in the heart of downtown wants to tear it down.

But because of a town bylaw approved overwhelmingly by special town meeting voters in November 2019, Oliver Schulze will have to wait up to one year since the 51 Housatonic St. property, built around 1870, is deemed historically significant by the towns Historical Commission.

The commission considers it important to a neighborhood of similar houses and to the early 20th century working class roots of Lenox village.

The house, which has seen better days, is directly adjacent to the compact, unpaved town parking lot at the corner of Church and Housatonic streets. It is currently unoccupied, said Lucy Kennedy, a commission member. It had been rented by Shakespeare & Company for transient student housing, she added.

The Historical Commission will hold a public meeting on July 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall to explain its decision to enact the town bylaw requiring a 12-month demolition delay for the property, valued at close to $400,000 by Zillow and other online real estate sources. The town assesses the property at $305,000.

At the meeting, the commission will present the historical background of the building, which is in the towns commercial zone, and will take public comments.

The bylaw can be activated by a decision of the commission for any building in town constructed in 1950 or earlier.

Archives Lenox tweaks bylaw that would require demolition delay for historic buildings

Schulze could not be reached for comment.

Kennedy described the property as historically significant. It was an important part of early- to mid-20th century Lenox village as a repository of workers who supported the Cottages and others, she told The Eagle. She also noted that the house is directly adjacent to the downtown historic district.

Based on communications from Schulze, she understood that he wanted to sell the property as an empty lot with the building demolished because there was considerable expense in restoring the building to viability.

Kennedy described the structure as in need of significant repair. Wed love to have someone take it on as a historic restoration project, but at least theres a year in which it will be preserved.

The commission is concerned about the number of historical buildings in Lenox that have been allowed to deteriorate to the point that its very expensive to return them to usefulness, Kennedy commented.

Archives Lenox eyes protections for older residences

She favors policies that encourage owners to keep up their properties, particularly if theyre historic.

The commission favors saving such buildings through restoration by current or future owners.

WHAT THE BYLAW SAYS

The bylaw pauses demolition of historically significant buildings at least 75 years old for up to one year. It aims to preserve the traditional appearance of local neighborhoods. While it does not impact interior alterations, maintenance and minor renovations, it stresses preservation of street-facing facades.

During the 12-month delay, owners are encouraged to seek alternatives to demolition. The Historical Commission will explore a possible sale, as well as seek out "low-cost loans" to pay for maintenance and review structural alternatives with a historic preservation expert.

At least 155 of the states 351 cities and towns have similar bylaws in place, including Becket, North Adams, Pittsfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge and Williamstown, according to the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

In 2020, Lenox had 833 homes built at least 75 years ago, and 674 of those are at least 100 years old. At the time, 115 are protected because they are in the downtown Historic District, and 10 are shielded by the town's Great Estate bylaw.

The demolition can only go through if, at the end of that year, Schulze has made "bona fide and reasonable efforts" to find a buyer willing and able to preserve, rehabilitate or restore the structure without success. However, an emergency demolition permit can still be granted before the year is up if the building commissioner finds that the structure poses an immediate threat to public health or safety.
PITTSFIELD  The city is suing two companies it says took public funding but never followed through on their promises to open local operations and create jobs.

In separate lawsuits, the city accuses United Aircraft Technologies and PathogenX of breaking the agreement they signed to obtain a cut of the city's Economic Development Fund, money General Electric gave Pittsfield after reaching a settlement for polluting land and the Housatonic River.

The lawsuits allege that both companies made fraudulent representations to municipal leaders to obtain funding, but didn't actually intend to set up shop in Pittsfield.

"They made a lot of promises to receive the money from the city, and it seems like that was their sole intent," City Solicitor Devon Grierson said.

Grierson said the city reported both to the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell.

Hopes that United Aircraft Technologies could help buoy the region's manufacturing sector were high when the company first started making waves in the Berkshires during the pandemic.

The company said it made a new type of wiring clamp for aircrafts that was meant to be lighter and capable of diagnosing failures in electrical systems. Promising to revolutionize wire maintenance using artificial intelligence and augmented reality, the company touted military and commercial applications, and counted the state of New York's chief economic development agency among its early financial backers.

The profile of co-founders Evaguel and Daryian Rhysing began to rise in the Berkshires after they landed a small grant from Lever, the startup accelerator in North Adams, in 2019.

At the time, the company said it was located in the Quackenbush building in Troy, N.Y., where it subleased 254 square feet from the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency.

The Pittsfield City Council approved a proposal from then-Mayor Linda Tyer to give UAT up to $300,000 in Nov. 2020. As part of the agreement, the company pledged to relocate to Pittsfield, employ at least 13 employees start a paid internship program.

Tyer and the Rhysings toured what it billed as its first Pittsfield outpost at 273 Newell St. in 2021. A company sign hung on the wall, a 3D printer sat on a counter and airplane models rested nearby employee workspaces. The company said it moved to a larger space on North Street in 2023.

But the city's lawsuit alleges UAT never formally relocated all of its operations to Pittsfield, and did meet staffing requirements.

By the time the company folded, it had taken $170,000 in city funding, the city says, and signed paperwork agreeing to pay the city back if it didnt meet its commitments.

The city sent UAT and PathogenX default notices in April, but neither responded with a reimbursement, according to the claims.

The lawsuits aims to claw the GE fund money back, plus interest and attorneys fees, and were filed after it became clear they "were not going to be upholding their end of the bargain," Grierson said.

Michael Coakley, the city's business development manager, helped create the incentive packages. Companies that apply for an Economic Development Fund grant make their pitch before city and state development officials, he said, and submit financial information and business tax returns. A supermajority vote of the City Council is required for final approval.

By the time December 2024 rolled around, and UAT's promises had not materialized, city officials contacted the Rhysings, and Daryian Rhysing emailed Coakley with an update.

He described a series of internal conflicts with board members and investors with the Hudson Valley Startup Fund, the lead backer in UATs $1.35 million financing round that closed in Feb. 2021.

Daryian Rhysing told Coakley that personal issues, financial setbacks and boardroom conflicts ultimately led to the companys collapse and the termination of all staff.

He wrote that the company shut down due to financial strain from a canceled government contract  the company previously announced it won a $1.15 million contract from the U.S. Army.

He also blamed investors for having "derailed" the company, and said they falsely accused him of mismanaging funds.

Reflecting on his decision to leave the company amid escalating tensions, the founder wrote, I realized my values were no longer aligned with the companys direction.

Leon Greene, the managing member of the startup fund and former UAT board member, confirmed to The Eagle that the company has ceased operations. He declined to comment further.

The Rhysings did not respond to requests for comment.

'Shell corporation' allegations

The second lawsuit involves PathogenX, which had been registered in Wyoming until the state shut it down for failing to submit and pay taxes, according to the lawsuit.

The company's founder pitched a machine that could melt syringes into solid blocks that could be thrown out in normal garbage cans, obviating the need for traditional medical waste disposal.

Unlike the UAT case, which targets the company alone, Pittsfields lawsuit against PathogenX names its founder, Charles Chuck Berkeley, as the defendant.

That's because UAT appeared to have assets and business operations in Troy as well as a corporate structure before its closure, Grierson said.

But Berkeley, according to Grierson, was the sole officer, director, president, treasurer and secretary of PathogenX  which the city lawsuit alleges Berkeley operated as a "shell corporation" for his own personal gain.

Berkeley, a Pittsfield native, did not respond to an email or phone call seeking comment. PathogenX also participated in an accelerator program run by the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield.

PathogenX accepted $70,000 in GE fund money, but never even registered to operate in Massachusetts, or employ eight local employees as it pledged to do in order to retain the funding, according to the city. This lawsuit also claims Berkeley made fraudulent claims to get the incentive.

Despite agreeing to repay the money if it didnt meet that and other goals, Berkeley allegedly flouted the city's first demand for reimbursement, the city claimed, setting the stage for the lawsuit.

The parties named as defendants in the lawsuits, both filed on June 13 in Berkshire Superior Court, have not responded in court.

Coakley said the process companies must go through to obtain this type of economic incentive from the city is thorough. He named a few success stories of companies that received GE fund disbursements, including Hot Plate Brewing Co. and Bousquet Mountain.

"I believe in every company that I bring to the council, and unfortunately some of them don't make it for various reasons," he said.

UAT agreed to offer its propriety mold they said was used to make their product to the city as collateral, according to Grierson.

Sinicon Plastics, the Dalton-based company that had previously been reported to be UAT's manufacturer, did not respond to questions about whether the company had indeed manufactured clamps for United Aircraft Technologies or whether the partnership is still active.

If the suit is successful, Grierson said the city could seize the mold as a way to recover the funds.

Asked whether the mold itself holds any value, he said "we won't know that until we engage in some discovery."

"I'm not even sure if the mold exists," he said. "This is all based on representations of the company. We've seen that it doesn't seem that they were truthful in a lot of the things that they were saying."
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's business associate, Muller Conrad "Billy" Rautenbach, along with senior government ministers, has been reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for alleged fraud and corruption involving the controversial seizure of Springs and Stuhm farms from indigenous farmers, including war veterans and high-profile public officials.The complaint was filed by the Stuhm Farm Residents' Association, a grouping of ministers, MPs, public officials, and traditional chiefs who were allocated land at the farm. The dispute centres on the alleged irregular allocation of more than 900 hectares of public land to Rautenbach's company, Marimba Residential Properties (Pvt) Ltd, to facilitate an urban housing development project.In a letter dated 17 July 2025, titled "Report of Suspected Corruption - Irregular Allocation of 903.072 Hectares of Public Land by Minister Daniel Garwe to Marimba Residential Properties (Pvt) Ltd," the association's secretary, Trevor Saruwaka, said they believed this was a clear case of high-level public sector corruption."I write on behalf of the Stuhm Residents' Association, of which I am secretary and also a beneficiary of Stand Number 1332," Saruwaka wrote. "We wish to formally report what we strongly believe to be a case of high-level public sector corruption involving the illegal allocation of large tracts of public land."The land dispute has been further complicated by recent court rulings. High Court Justice Regis Dembure recently ruled against the eviction of indigenous farmers at Springs Farm in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East, describing the withdrawal of their offer letters by Lands and Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka as "grossly unreasonable, irrational and defying logic."Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, who allocated the land to Rautenbach, is also implicated in the saga. The association's report to ZACC alleges that the allocation was done under a cloud of corruption, fraud, and blatant manipulation of legal processes.Rautenbach's company was controversially allocated the land  with reported backing from President Mnangagwa  as supposed compensation for the loss of Aspindale Park, a property he was later found not to have legally owned. Evidence has emerged that Rautenbach was already in possession of the Springs Farm title deeds even before the legal processes had been concluded, raising serious questions about how the allocation was handled.In another case reflecting similar controversies, High Court Judge Bongani Ndlovu in Bulawayo recently blocked Minister Garwe's attempt to seize Esidakeni Farm in Nyamandlovu, Matabeleland North, which is owned by prominent human rights lawyer Siphosami Malunga and his business partners Zephaniah Dlamini and Charles Moyo.Representing the Springs Farm farmers, leading constitutional lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku argued that the Ministry of Lands' permanent secretary had improperly filed legal papers on behalf of the minister without written authority, rendering the defence invalid. Madhuku also cited legal precedent from an August 2024 High Court ruling, which stopped Masuka from arbitrarily withdrawing an offer letter from Chegutu businessman Christopher Rukawo.Justice Dembure, in his judgement, found that the process to evict the farmers had been conducted in an arbitrary and inconsiderate manner, noting that the farmers had occupied and developed the land over a long period, making it their primary source of livelihood.The unfolding saga has heightened scrutiny of land governance in Zimbabwe, with critics pointing to deep-seated corruption and abuse of office by politically connected individuals.
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The Select Board has voted to drop its litigation with Housatonic Water Works in an attempt to ease the financial burden for the company and to prevent further delay of the installation of the manganese water filter.
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ADIA to Invest USD 200 Million in Meril

July 20, 2025 | Sunday | News

Investment values Meril at USD 6.6 billion; marks strong global backing alongside Warburg Pincus for the Bilakhia Groupfounded healthcare innovator.

A wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has entered into definitive agreements to invest USD 200 million for a 3% stake in Micro Life Sciences Private Limited (Meril), one of Indias leading medical devices companies. This investment values Meril at an enterprise value of USD 6.6 billion. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Post this investment, Meril will be backed by two globally recognized investors, ADIA and Warburg Pincus.

Founded by the Bilakhia Group, Meril is a global innovator in medical technology (MedTech), with a strong focus on clinically advanced solutions across multiple specialties  including Cardiovascular, Structural Heart, Orthopaedics, Endo-surgery, In-vitro Diagnostics and Surgical Robotics.

Headquartered in Vapi, India, Meril operates state-of-the-art, vertically integrated, and globally certified manufacturing and RCD facilities, across a 100 acre sustainable MedTech campus. The company employs more than 13,000 people, has 35+ global subsidiaries, and serves healthcare systems in 150+ countries. Meril is committed to becoming the worlds leading MedTech company, powered 100% by green energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable innovation.

With a robust in-house global RCD ecosystem and a portfolio of 200+ technology platforms, Meril continues to lead in global clinical research and education. Breakthrough innovations such as the Myval Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) series, MyClip Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) system, and the MISSO Surgical Robotic System highlight Merils dedication to next-generation innovation. Through its 12+ global training academies, Meril empowers over 10,000 healthcare professionals annually.

Sanjeev Bhatt, Senior Vice President  Strategy, Meril said: This investment by ADIA reinforces confidence in Merils long term vision and global ambitions. This investment will enable us to accelerate growth, attract world-class talent, and further strengthen our RCD and clinical research efforts as we work towards improving the quality of human life through advanced healthcare solutions.
The 2019 suicide of disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a New York jail cell generated conspiracy theories, fuelled by US president Donald Trump's conservative MAGA movement, that he was killed by one of his famous connections.

Here are some facts about Epstein and the current controversy:

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Who is Jeffrey Epstein?

The Brooklyn-born Epstein, a former high school math teacher who later founded consulting and financial management firms, cultivated the rich and famous.

He was known for socializing with politicians and royalty, including Mr Trump, Democratic president Bill Clinton, Microsoft MSFT.O co-founder Bill Gates and Britain's Prince Andrew. Some friends and clients flew on his private plane and visited his Caribbean islands.

Mr Trump knew Epstein socially in the 1990s and early 2000s. During the 2021 trial of Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, the financier's longtime pilot, Lawrence Visoski, testified that Mr Trump flew on Epstein's private plane multiple times. Mr Trump has denied being on the plane.

What was Epstein charged with?

In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to a Florida state felony prostitution charge, after federal prosecutors agreed not to charge him with sex trafficking of minors. He served 13 months in jail and was required to register as a sex offender. That punishment is now widely regarded as too lenient.

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In July 2019, the US Justice Department charged Epstein with sex trafficking minors, including sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of girls, in New York and Florida between 2002 and 2005. He pleaded not guilty.

Epstein died on August 10th, 2019, at age 66 by hanging himself in a Manhattan jail cell, an autopsy concluded. He was never tried on the 2019 charges.

What is the current controversy over Epstein?

Though the New York City chief medical examiner determined that Epstein's death was a suicide by hanging, Epstein's ties to wealthy and powerful people prompted speculation that one or more of them wanted him silenced.

In several interviews, Mr Trump left open the possibility that Epstein may not have died by suicide. During the 2024 presidential campaign, when asked on Fox News if he would declassify the Epstein files, Mr Trump said: "Yeah, yeah I would."

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In February, Fox News asked attorney general Pam Bondi whether the Justice Department would be releasing Epstein's client list, and she said: "It's sitting on my desk right now to review."

The 2019 suicide of disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a New York jail cell generated conspiracy theories. Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Some of Mr Trump's most loyal followers became furious after his administration reversed course on its promise. A Justice Department memo released on July 7th concluded that Epstein killed himself and said there was "no incriminating client list" or evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent people.

The demands by Trump supporters for more Epstein-related documents have caused a rare fracture within the president's base.

Supporters, inspired by conservative talk show hosts and podcasters, have said the federal government is concealing records to protect wealthy and influential people with ties to Epstein.

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Trying to contain the fallout, Mr Trump defended Ms Bondi and accused his supporters in a Truth Social post of falling for a hoax, calling them "weaklings" who were helping Democrats.

With backlash from his base not abating, Mr Trump on July 17th requested that Ms Bondi ask a federal judge to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Epstein's 2019 indictment. The government on Friday filed a motion in Manhattan federal court to unseal the transcripts.

What happens next?

Ultimately, a judge will decide whether to release the transcripts.

Transcripts of grand jury proceedings are generally kept secret under federal criminal procedure rules, with limited exceptions.

If a judge agrees to release the transcripts, it is likely that some material would be redacted, or blacked out because of privacy or security concerns.
A 35-year-old man has been arrested after police said he threw a liquid which scalded an officer in east Belfast.

It came after the PSNI received a report from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service about a man armed with a knife inside an apartment at around 2.15am on Sunday.

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Police said firefighters were responding to a report of a deliberate fire inside the property in the Coates Row area when the occupant threatened them with a knife at the door.

Officers, including members of the armed response unit, attended the scene a short time later in an attempt to detain the suspect.

Detective Inspector Harvey said: While doing so, the man threw a liquid substance over one officer  causing scald injuries to his chest and chin region.

Another officer was also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

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Both officers required hospital treatment and are being appropriately supported at this time.

The PSNI said the suspect was subsequently detained and arrested at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, arson to endanger life, and other related offences.

He remained in custody on Sunday evening.

DI Harvey said: Our officers responded swiftly to this report to protect both the public and our emergency service partners.

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Threatening and violent behaviour towards emergency workers is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Our enquiries are ongoing today  and we would appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist us, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 187 20/07/25.
Increased spending on defence is envisaged within billions of additional funding on infrastructure under a revised National Development Plan (NDP).

The revised NDP, which will be announced on Tuesday, will include up to 30 billion in additional capital expenditure for infrastructure projects over 2026-2030.

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Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers, who is responsible for the delivery of the NDP, said Government would be setting out a trajectory of 200 billion in spending over the next 10 years to help bridge the infrastructure deficit we have in the Irish economy.

That deficit is acting as a key constraint on the delivery of critical areas to the economy like housing.

Mr Chambers had previously said 20 billion was available to allocate across critical areas in the economy, with the Government identifying housing, energy, transport and water infrastructure as priority areas.

Asked on Sunday where the additional 10 billion for the short-term plan to 2030 had arisen, he said the Government is prioritising capital investment in its medium-term economic planning.

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Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien (Brian Lawless/PA)

He explained the 10 billion had been ringfenced for specific strategic investment, such as the electricity grid, water infrastructure and the Dublin metro project.

Pressed on the timeline for the metro project, the deputy leader of Fianna Fail said it would be dependent on the planning system.

Meanwhile on transport, Mr Chambers said the Government is no longer governed by the 2:1 ratio of public transport to roads which was a feature of the previous coalition.

Speaking on RTE's This Week radio programme, he said the revised NDP would contain a major uplift in commitments to public transports, road projects and active travel.

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But we also need to ensure that in regions across our country  whether its in the west or the south-west or elsewhere  that roads projects which have been on the table for many years are progressed.

Tanaiste Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA)

Asked if this would include road projects in the constituencies of independents which supported the Programme for Government, Mr Chambers said it would not set out a list of particular projects and the focus was on driving delivery.

However, he said Transport Minister Darragh OBrien would have flexibility to ramp up funding for road infrastructure, as well as public transport projects.

Mr Chambers also said the profile of defence spending is set to increase, adding Tanaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris would provide further details on the specifics after Tuesdays announcements.

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Meanwhile, the Government is also set to outline its Summer Economic Statement, which sets out the expenditure package for the Budget.

The Public Expenditure Minister said: Were approaching budget 2026 with significant caution.

We have serious economic uncertainty surrounding our country, but we are coming at this from a position of real strength.

He said Government would be seeking to moderate the level of increases in current expenditure.
D-Day veteran Papa Jake Larson, who survived German gunfire in the June 1944 Normandy landings and went on to garner 1.2 million followers on TikTok late in life by sharing stories to commemorate the Second World War and his fallen comrades, has died at 102.

An animated speaker who charmed strangers young and old with his quick smile and generous hugs, the self-described country boy from Minnesota was cracking jokes till the end, his granddaughter wrote while announcing his death.

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Tributes to the veteran quickly filled his Story Time With Papa Jake TikTok account from across the US, where he had been living in Lafayette, California.



Papa Jake Larson shared stories to commemorate the Second World War (Thomas Padilla/AP)

Towns around Normandy, still grateful to Allied forces who helped defeat the occupying Nazis in the Second World War, paid homage to him too.

Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17 at 102 years young, granddaughter McKaela Larson posted on his social media accounts.

He went peacefully.

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As Papa would say, love you all the mostest, she wrote.





Born on December 20 1922 in Owatonna, Minnesota, Mr Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age as he was only 15 at the time.

In 1942, he was sent overseas and was stationed in Northern Ireland. He became operations sergeant and assembled the planning books for the invasion of Normandy.

Mr Larson was among the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the Normandy shore on D-Day, June 6 1944, surviving machine-gun fire when he landed on Omaha Beach.

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He made it unhurt to the cliffs that overlook the beach, then studded with German gun emplacements that mowed down American soldiers.

We are the lucky ones, Mr Larson told The Associated Press (AP) at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June.

We are their family. We have the responsibility to honour these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.



Mr Larsons service earned him a Bronze Star and a French Legion of Honour award (Eric Risberg/AP)

Mr Larson went on to fight through the Battle of the Bulge, a gruelling month-long fight in Belgium and Luxembourg that was one of the defining moments of the war and of Hitlers defeat. His service earned him a Bronze Star and a French Legion of Honour award.

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In recent years, Mr Larson made repeated trips to Normandy for D-Day commemorations  and at every stop, Papa Jake was greeted by people asking for a selfie. In return, he offered up big hugs.

One memorable encounter came in 2023, when he came across Bill Gladden, a then-99-year-old British veteran who survived a glider landing on D-Day and a bullet that tore through his ankle.

I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet, Mr Larson told Mr Gladden, their hands clasped tightly. Mr Gladden died the following year.

In his TikTok posts and interviews, Mr Larson combined humorous anecdotes with sombre reminders about the horrors of war.

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Reflecting to AP on the three years he was in Europe, Mr Larson said he was no hero. Speaking in 2024, he also had a message to world leaders: Make peace not war.



Mr Larson made repeated trips to Normandy for D-Day commemorations in recent years (Eric Risberg/AP)

He often called himself the luckiest man in the world, and expressed awe at all the attention he was getting. Im just a country boy. Now Im a star on TikTok, he told AP in 2023.

Im a legend! I didnt plan this, it came about.

Small-town museums and groups around Normandy that work to honour D-Days veterans and fallen shared tributes online to Mr Larson, one of their most loyal visitors.

He was an exceptional witness and bearer of memory, the Overlord Museum posted on Facebook.

He came every year to the museum, with his smile, his humility and his tales that touched all generations. His stories will continue to live. Rest in peace Papa Jake, it read. Thanks for everything.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Pushcarts, once seen as a harmless tool of livelihood for many struggling Zimbabweans, have become a growing source of frustration and danger for Harare residents. The city's central business district (CBD) has been overwhelmed by the reckless activities of pushcart operators, who are now being blamed for contributing to congestion, accidents, and public disorder.The operators, notorious for their aggressive and lawless conduct, obstruct traffic flow, block sidewalks, and force pedestrians into the path of moving vehicles. Their presence, especially along busy roads like Robert Mugabe Road, has become so pervasive that motorists now routinely find lanes blocked by handcart vendors, particularly in the evenings.Beyond the obvious traffic disruptions, pushcart operators have been accused of worsening the city's litter problem and engaging in illegal vending activities. Some vendors, it has been reported, even relieve themselves in alleys, further tarnishing the city's already struggling image. Their customers often leave behind a trail of litter, exacerbating Harare's mounting waste management woes.City workers and residents alike have voiced concern over the reckless behaviour of pushcart operators, many of whom are reportedly under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working. Malvern Chingoka, who works in the CBD, shared a disturbing account: "These guys are not only inconsiderate and reckless; they are also disrespectful and violent. I once saw a pedestrian being hit by a car after being forced off the pavement by a pushcart operator."Such incidents are not isolated. Pushcart operators, often hired to ferry goods from tuck shops to bus stations, have been linked to a string of minor accidents and injuries. They are commonly found in downtown Harare, at major trading hubs such as Mbare Musika and busy commuter termini like Copacabana, Market Square, and Simon Vengai Muzenda Street rank. Large supermarkets and shopping malls also attract pushcart activity, with operators rushing goods through chaotic traffic.The danger is compounded by the fact that most pushcarts are poorly maintained and often overloaded, making them difficult to control. Chingoka pointed out that many of these carts are not built to handle the weight they carry, leading to frequent tipping over and injuries.Psychologists have also weighed in on the issue, noting the psychological toll such urban chaos has on residents. Clinical psychologist Nomore Marecha said persistent congestion caused by pushcarts contributes to mental health challenges, fuelling stress, frustration, and road rage among drivers and pedestrians alike.Financially, victims of accidents involving pushcarts rarely receive compensation. Enforcement efforts are hampered by allegations of bribery, with municipal police officers reportedly accepting payments of between US$2 and US$10 to release detained operators and vendors. This has emboldened operators, many of whom continue to flout city by-laws with little fear of lasting consequences.Despite these challenges, the Harare Residents Trust's director, Precious Shumba, defended pushcart operators as individuals trying to earn a living in tough economic circumstances. "Pushcarts are being used by poor residents who are trying to make ends meet through the work of their hands. Some are sending their children to school, putting food on the table for their families and paying rent," Shumba said. He urged the city to focus on orderly integration of the informal sector rather than outright bans, suggesting the introduction of a nominal fee and formal operating zones.Some pushcart operators share this view, arguing that formalisation would help bring stability to their trade. Zakariya Moyo, who operates in downtown Harare, said: "The council must simply introduce a fee structure and formalise our operations. This pushcart is my only source of income, and I do not see myself abandoning it in the absence of an alternative source of income."Pushcarts, commonly manufactured in Mbare's Siyaso and Highfield's Gazaland, can cost as much as US$100. The City of Harare occasionally carries out operations to remove illegal handcart operators and confiscate their wares, but the carts themselves are seldom taken. However, Harare City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama said this state of disorder would soon be addressed through renewed operations targeting pushcart operators who refuse to comply with designated trading zones."We are going to have an operation whose goal is to restore sanity in the city. Pushcart operators are some of the major targets during the crackdown," Gama said. He lamented that many operators deliberately avoid designated zones despite the council having established areas where they can trade legally for a fee.Pushcarts fall under the Harare Cycle Licensing By-laws of 2016, which require operators to display a licence token on their carts. However, enforcement has been weak, and many operators work without the required documentation, exposing themselves to fines and potential imprisonment.Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed that operators arrested face vending charges, with fines ranging between US$10 and US$30, depending on the type of goods. Confiscated wares and carts, he said, are typically destroyed. Inspector Chakanza urged members of the public to report any instances of bribery involving police officers.Earlier this year, Bulawayo City Council took a more drastic step by banning pushcarts from its CBD entirely in response to similar complaints about congestion, littering and public health risks. That decision, aligned with a government directive to restore order in city centres, led to fines and impounding measures against violators.For now, the pushcart issue remains most pronounced in Harare and Bulawayo, with the debate continuing between the need for urban order and the reality of economic survival for thousands of informal workers.
The sales process for Healthscopes failed private hospital business kicks off in earnest on Monday with up to 30 potential suitors due to file their tentative offers for its 37 Australian hospitals, employing 19,000 staff nationally.

But the non-binding offers wont include a bid from Healthscopes current management, who are contemplating a scheme to convert the company into a not-for-profit entity.

Healthscope CEO Tino La Spina is planning a bid for the business to buy itself and become a not-for-profit operator. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

It would mirror the resurrection of Australias largest childcare provider Goodstart Early Learning from the ashes of the collapsed ABC Learning empire, as a not-for-profit provider.

Healthscope insiders have confirmed reports in The Australian Financial Review last week that its chief executive, Tino La Spina, is working on the plan as an alternative to a sale of the business to either commercial interests or other Australian not-for-profit operators such as St Vincents Health Australia.
More than two decades ago, actor Keeley Hawes and I met on the set of David Wolstencrofts television spy thriller Spooks. That series, about a group of intelligence officers working in Section D of the British spy agency MI5, was hailed for the way it upended the established espionage genre.

Since the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, was published in 1953, that franchise had defined the way stories about spies and assassins were told. But if Spooks gave the genre its light and shade, the new thriller series, The Assassin, flips the script again, in favour of something more resembling a rollercoaster.

Freddie Highmore and Keeley Hawes in The Assassin. Credit: Two Brothers/All3Media

The Assassin feels a bit like the opposite of Bond in every way, Hawes explains, when we reconnect to talk about the new series. Julie is a kind of anti-hero. Obviously when we meet her as a young woman shes obviously been very, very good at her job. But even then, shes this person whos a bit sort of worn down with it.

She is real in a way that James Bond is not, Hawes adds. And I think even though theyre so different, both of those shows would appeal to the same sort of person who loves a high-octane show.
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Eating outJust open Loulou Bistro opens at Martin Place with a steak frites sandwich and $2 happy hour A first look at the all-day restaurant, complete with a reflective silver ceiling and oyster counter. Its also open for breakfast, serving a sourdough crumpet with caviar. Scott Bolles July 20, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

1 / 10 Loulou Bistro, CBD. Steven Woodburn 2 / 10 Loulous lunch-special steak frites encased in a baguette. Steven Woodburn 3 / 10 Sourdough crumpet with avocado and optional caviar. Steven Woodburn 4 / 10 Three-egg omelette. Steven Woodburn 5 / 10 Escargots a la Bourguignonne. Steven Woodburn 6 / 10 Oysters natural and Rockefeller. Steven Woodburn 7 / 10 Loulou Bistro at Martin Place. Steven Woodburn 8 / 10 Loulou Bistro at Martin Place. Steven Woodburn 9 / 10 Loulou Bistro CBD chef Ned Parker. Steven Woodburn 10 / 10 Steak and many frites. Jason Loucas Previous Slide Next Slide Loulou Martin Place might have just missed last weeks Bastille Day celebrations, but its launch on Tuesday, July 22, is the latest instalment in a resurgence of French restaurants in the Sydney CBD. The reflective silver ceiling sparkles at the 150-seat new bistro, which sits at one of the entrances to Sydneys shiny new Metro. There are plenty of the design accoutrements you might find in a Paris bistro, including a large marble bar and patterned flooring. The new Loulou even has its own oyster and wine counter. The Martin Place restaurant is an offshoot of the northside Loulou original that opened in Milsons Point in 2021. The blue design hues of its older sister have been transplanted across the bridge, as have signature dishes such as John Dory with a champagne sauce. Loulous lunch-special steak frites encased in a baguette. Steven Woodburn

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It joins a wave of CBD French arrivals over the past few years, including the rebooted Monopole and Manon Brasserie, and others that married French with other influences  Bistro Nido and The Charles among them. Loulou head chef Ned Parker says French food has a resonance with Sydneysiders, Its comfort food to people, even that potato bake [everyone cooks at home] comes back to French. Parker worked in restaurants in Europe, including Londons three-Michelin-starred Ledbury, before joining Loulou at Milsons Point. While Loulou aims to be an approachable bistro, the chef doesnt cut corners. The pepper sauce, for example, requires a two-day process to make the base stock. Sourdough crumpet with avocado and optional caviar. Steven Woodburn Petit Loulou, which opened downstairs in February, will supply baked goods to the new bistro for its breakfast menu. Parker says commuters will be able to start the day with a caramelised brioche, sourdough crumpet with avocado (caviar is an optional extra) or a classic omelette.

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During weekday happy hour (4-7pm) there will be $2 escargots and oysters, while the lunch and dinner carte lists Toulouse sausage with pomme puree, a mushroom and truffle vol-au-vent, seafood platters and French onion soup. Steak frites are having a bigger moment than usual in the CBD, with 24 York opening on July 23 and taking inspiration from Le Relais de lEntrecote in France, which has successfully leant on the dish for more than half a century. Bouillon lEntrecote at Circular Quay is another go-to venue for French-style steak and chips. Steak and many frites. Jason Loucas Our focus wont be on steak, says Parker of the opening menu at Loulou Martin Place. However, with steak frites one of the bestsellers at the Milsons Point restaurant, its still a feature dish, along with a version encased in a baguette (listed on the menu as Sandwich Americain with sauce andalouse). We want to bring that feeling of a neighbourhood restaurant across to the city, Parker says.

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Plans are under way for the brands further expansion, too. Later this year, a fast version of Loulou will open at the Qantas Domestic Terminal at Sydney Airport. Breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday; dinner Monday-Saturday 1 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, loulou.sydney
The locations of metal detection scans carried out by Queensland Police can be revealed for the first time, with dozens of weapons found in shopping centres as well as crime hotspots, including nightclub districts.

Documents obtained by Brisbane Times show that from January to March this year, police wanded more than 12,400 people but charged fewer than 3 per cent with weapons offences.

The data shows officers conducted scanning operations in major hubs around south-east Queensland, such as nightclub areas in Brisbane and the Gold Coast and shopping complexes, including Toowong Village, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, and Westfield Mount Gravatt.

Police wanding data reveals the south-east Queensland shops and transport hubs where most weapons are found. Credit: Brisbane Times

The highest number of weapons were recorded at Surfers Paradises safe night precinct (27 weapons), Broadbeach South light rail stop (13 weapons), and bus stop A outside the Logan Hyperdome Shopping Centre in Shailer Park (10 weapons).
When Alex White learnt that a man who worked for the same childcare company where he sent his son had been charged with child sexual abuse, he demanded answers.

However, finding out the specific centres and dates the man worked, and whether his child had crossed paths with the abuser, was an uphill battle.

Alex White learnt that an abuser attended his sons daycare through the media. Hes calling for greater transparency. Credit: Wolter Peeters

In Victoria, thousands of parents were told their children may have been exposed to sexually transmitted diseases while attending daycare centres where Victorian childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown worked.

Meanwhile, parents who sent their children to an early childcare centre in Sydney where a worker was last week charged with seven counts of using a child to make abusive material remain in the dark.
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Reviews & adviceTripologist Opinion More than basic details: What border officials know about you Michael Gebicki The Tripologist July 21, 2025  5:00am

July 21, 2025  5:00am Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 54 View all comments

Key points Immigration authorities see far more than just passport information

The PNR on your flight ticket links to a wealth of information about your travels

Social media posts and predictive profiling can influence border decisions

I have been wondering about what information is actually contained in your passport data, writes Traveller reader Judi LeVine of Manly, NSW. In the past it seems as though the immigration people have spent a rather long time staring at their screens after they have scanned my passport and I am wondering what they are looking at? Is all of your past travel history there to peruse or is there other information about your identity or some other history? Border security officers can see far more than your basic details when you are arriving in a country. Getty Images The answer is, all of the above, plus a whole lot more that you probably wouldnt expect. If you want a short answer, its not so much what immigration officers can see about you, but what they cant. What an immigration officer sees when they scan your passport In a typical case, the officer has access to the chip embedded in an e-passport, the Passenger Name Record (PNR) submitted by an airline and information from security databases. Passport details include the travellers full name, date and place of birth, nationality, passport number, issuing state, expiry date and a digitised copy of the passport holders photo. They can also see the travellers visa type, validity dates and any refusal-of-entry records or previous overstays.

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Meanwhile, the camera at the immigration booth compares the image of the passenger with the one stored in the chip and makes a match or no-match response. In some countries, including the US, European Union nations and Australia, the immigration officer can also see every recorded entry and exit to the country, and overstays, remarks and, in the case of the EU, days remaining under the Schengen areas 90-day rule. The security database is sourced from Interpol, national watch lists and terrorism and criminal databases. The secrets your PNR number holds Related Article Travel tips Welcome, $100 please: The countries with the weirdest entry requirements The PNR is the six-digit string of characters and numbers, also known as a booking reference number or record locator, that a passenger is assigned when they make an airline booking. Far more than just a record of a flight booking, the PNR links to a trough of information. Much of that information overlaps with what is available from the passport chip, but theres more data relating to the travellers movements including all flight segments on that booking with dates and times, connecting flights and seat numbers, fare class, how the passenger paid for their ticket, the number of checked bags, the source of the booking, travel agent contact information, meal preference, visa information, travel authorisations and names of other passengers travelling on the same reservation and email address. Most commercial airlines will send the PNR records of all passengers on a flight to the destination country some 48 to 72 hours before a flight departure. The PNR record also links to Advance Passenger Information System (API) data, which backs up some of the PNR data but may also include more granular details, such as a travellers destination address in some countries. API data is collected at the check-in desk or before boarding an international flight. Australia was an early adopter, requiring airlines to send API data as early as 2000.

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Following the attack on New Yorks World Trade Centre in 2001, the US government required international airlines to transmit PNR and API records in advance of arrival. Between 2014 and 2017, the United Nations Security Council passed multiple resolutions requiring the sharing of API and PNR data. A handful of countries such as the US, the UK and Australia require Interactive API for incoming passengers, which delivers a board/no board response at the check-in desk. Regardless of whether an incoming passenger fronts up to an immigration officer or passes through a passport reader, the same information is available, and checked. Related Article Tripologist Is the golden age of visa-free (and fee-free) travel over for Aussies? Other data sources that dig deeper As well as the information available on an e-passport chip and also from PNR and API, many countries work with tech companies that dig deeper to create profiles on individual passengers. By accessing the PNR data, these companies can monitor who is on the move. In real time they can delve into databases to sift for evidence of previous criminal activity such as drug dealing, terrorism or human trafficking, characteristics or, potentially, online activity that might raise a red flag, a process known as predictive data surveillance.

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One of the leaders in this field is SITA, which specialises in information technology for the aviation industry. In a SITA document titled Electronic Border Management for Africa, the company cites several benefits of its Advance Passenger Processing methodology, including advance risk assessment, evidence of denial of boarding, faster clearance of passengers and, striking a more sinister tone, Information  on what people are doing, not just who they are. Australia is one of about 75 countries that use SITAs border management technology. Australias Border Force (ABF) has been using SITAs services for screening as early as 2016, although the relationship between SITA and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection began in 2000, when Australia was preparing for a visitor influx for the Olympic Games. Related Article Analysis

Tourism Some tourists are avoiding Trumps America, but we arent How data scraped from social media posts can be used to deny entry Deep-level scanning can have unfortunate consequences for passengers. In June 2025, Alistair Kitchen departed Melbourne for a two-week stay in New York. When the aircraft landed in Los Angeles, he was detained and interrogated for 12 hours by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. Ultimately, he was refused entry and made to return to Australia. The reason? During the time when hed lived in New York as a masters student at Columbia University, Kitchen wrote about students protests in support of Gaza before returning to Australia in 2024. The comments were published on his personal blog, and even though hed deleted sensitive political blog posts before his aborted journey to the US, CBP had flagged him as a person of concern.

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During his interrogation by CBP officers, Kitchens phone was examined, a common occurrence for passengers who raise suspicions. Australias Border Force has the same powers. Under the Cybercrime Act 2001, the ABF can request and require you to unlock your phone. They can then remove it from your presence, inspect it and download anything you have stored on it. According to an ABF spokesperson, individuals can refuse to comply with a request for inspection of an electronic device, but they might be referred for further law enforcement action. Searching the contents of your phone would require a warrant, but not your permission. Kitchen doesnt know how CBP found out about his posts, but its possible that border control or an agency operating on its behalf has the task of scraping social media, looking for statements, sentiments or arguments that dont accord with those of the Trump administration, and thats a prairie-sized minefield.

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A new facility to provide funeral industry training classes has been proposed for Carlow.

Mortuary Science Ireland Ltd, who are based in Athy, have lodged a planning application for a single-storey building to provide funeral industry training classes at Burke McDermott Funeral Home on Railway Road at Rathnapish.

The proposed building will be ancillary to the existing funeral home and the proposed operating hours are 10.30 am to 7.30 pm, Monday to Friday A decision is due by Carlow planners by 6 September. Submissions can be made by 16 August.
Gordon Deegan

Three babies have been born to inmates at the Dochas Centre womens prison in Dublin and Limericks womens prison to date this year, new figures show.

According to the new figures provided by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim OCallaghan TD, four infants aged under 12 months, three at Dochas and one at Limerick - have been accommodated with their mothers at the female prisons to date this year.

This followed three infants being accommodated with their mothers at Dochas Centre only in 2024.

The three babies born to inmates across the Irish prison estate this year follow four babies born to inmates in 2024.

This followed no babies born to prison inmates in 2023 and 2022 and there was only baby born to a woman jailed at Dochas Centre prison at the time during 2021 and 2020.

In written Dail replies to Deputies Gary Gannon TD and Matt Carthy TD, Minister O'Callaghan confirmed that two babies have been born to inmates at Dochas Centre to date this year and one baby to an inmate at the 50-capacity Limericks womens prison.

In the replies, Minister OCallaghan also reveals that in 2025, 19 pregnant women have imprisoned at Irish prisons - 13 at Dochas and six at Limerick.

This followed 27 pregnant women being jailed last year - 22 at Dochas and five at Limerick and the 27 total was more than double the 12 total for 2023.

In his reply Minister OCallaghan told the two deputies: I can confirm that there are currently no pregnant women remanded to custody within the Irish Prison Estate.

He said: Pregnant woman in custody are provided with as much privacy as possible and are accommodated in single occupancy rooms.

He said that in accordance with prison rules a child may remain in the care of their mother in prison, until the child has reached twelve months of age

He added that, in the Dochas Centre, mothers and babies are accommodated in single occupancy double rooms.

These rooms are on a small landing which is shared with enhanced status prisoners. Work is commencing in relation to additional, bespoke rooms for mothers and babies in the Dochas Centre.

Limerick Women's Prison does not have a separate building for women with children, however the women and their babies are accommodated in independent style apartments.

Each has their own individual apartment. This overall area is not specifically for women with babies and may house other prisoners deemed suitable to live in these "independent style apartments.

OCallaghan said that, in relation to the health and safety of pregnant women in custody, the Irish Prison Service has developed and apply bespoke risk assessments to both pregnant women and to mothers and babies who are in their custody.

These risk assessments inform strategies which support managing the health and safety of pregnant women, and mothers who have given birth to babies whilst serving prison sentences, within the prison environment.

He said that the Irish Prison Service employs a National Family Connections Officer and Iin May 2025 this officer established a multi-agency working group to review Protocols and update the Irish Prison Service Mother and Baby Policy to ensure best practice for the care and support of mothers and babies in custody.

He said: This work is currently at scoping stage.

Minister OCallaghan said that the level of maternity care and supports provided to women in custody, is comparable to that available to women in the community.

"Primary care nursing is provided in female prisons on a 24/7 basis, 365 days a year. Doctor services are available Monday to Friday 9-5, with locum services available at the weekends.

"Due to the specific needs of a number of the women who are pregnant, specialist HSE services have a very close and responsive working relationship with both prison management and the prison healthcare team.

Most pregnant women receive all their antenatal care external to the prison, in routine antenatal clinics in the local HSE maternity hospital. When needed and in cases of emergency, specialist midwives will attend the prison; however, this is not a common occurrence.

He added that expectant mothers are always facilitated to have their children born in hospital.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Teachers assigned to examination classes have been barred from seeking transfers as part of measures by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to ensure learning continuity and safeguard pupils' academic performance. This was revealed by Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerayi Moyo, in response to growing concerns over the disruption caused by teacher movements, especially in rural schools.The decision comes amid a surge in transfer requests from teachers, with many seeking to relocate from rural to urban areas. Minister Moyo said while the Ministry acknowledges the rights of teachers, it is prioritising the stability of examination classes, which include Grade 7, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level learners.Responding to a question in the National Assembly from Chimanimani West legislator Wilson Maposa, who sought clarification on the protection of teachers handling exam classes, Minister Moyo said the Ministry had been overwhelmed by requests to transfer, particularly to urban centres like Harare and Bulawayo. He warned that such transfers often occur to the detriment of pupils."Indeed, the ministry has been inundated by requests from teachers who wish to transfer to some districts, with Harare, Bulawayo and other urban centres being the preferred destinations. At times, the transfers are effected at the detriment of the pupils, especially examination classes such as Grade 7, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level," said Minister Moyo.He stressed that examination classes are critical transition points in learners' academic journeys and require teaching continuity for pupils to succeed in both academics and career development. "To us, as a ministry, Grade 7, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level are exit points where we expect our pupils to acquire a certain degree of knowledge which is necessary for further development or career progression. For this reason, the ministry has, for long, given due attention to national examinations," he said.To mitigate the negative impact of teacher transfers during the academic year, the Ministry has introduced stricter control measures. Minister Moyo said provinces and districts have been instructed to exercise greater caution when handling transfer requests, particularly for teachers handling examination classes."We have, as a matter of fact, advised our provinces and districts to exercise due diligence in handling transfers, especially for examination classes because in the event of a transfer, it takes a long time for schools to get replacements and ultimately, our pupils go for long without teachers," he said. "As such, the ministry has come up with a policy to put on hold the transfer of teachers who will be taking examination classes. Such transfers are usually processed in the third term in preparation for the first term of the following year."However, Minister Moyo clarified that exceptions will be made for teachers seeking transfers on medical grounds, particularly those battling chronic illnesses. "Such teachers may be considered after providing proof, usually from a medical expert, that there is a need for them to move to a place where they can receive attention from a doctor. Any other reason for transfer request is never entertained for teachers taking examination classes," he said.In addition, to promote stability in rural and disadvantaged districts, the Ministry has adopted a bonding policy for newly recruited teachers. Under this policy, newly hired teachers are bonded for varying periods depending on the district, with some disadvantaged areas requiring up to five years of service before transfer applications can be considered."In order to safeguard the interest of learners, the ministry has put in place a bonding mechanism for teachers who are joining the ministry for the first time. The bonding period varies from district to district, with some disadvantaged districts bonding teachers for a period of five years before they start processing their transfers," Minister Moyo explained.The policy is intended to promote stability in rural and remote schools, where recruitment and replacement of qualified teachers often takes longer, ensuring that learners are not left without educators during critical phases of their education.
YOUNG people from Carlow travelled to Dublin recently to meet local politicians and discuss their priorities for Budget 2026 at the launch of youth support platform Spunouts pre-Budget submission.

Kate Sheehan and Ashai Fernandez, both members of Spunouts youth action panel and based in Carlow, joined young people from across the country at Buswells Hotel to lobby Peter Chap Cleere TD and senator Evanne Ni Chuilinn on issues affecting Irish youth.

The pre-Budget submission, created in collaboration with Spunouts youth action panel  a diverse group of over 200 young people from across Ireland  focuses on lived experiences and calls for significant investment in areas including mental health, youth work, housing, climate action, transport, apprenticeships and healthy relationships.

The submission includes several major funding requests, including 100 million for community-based and statutory youth mental health services, 70 million to train more mental health professionals and 4.1 billion in affordable and cost-rental housing targeted at young people.

Isobel Solan, a member of Spunouts youth action panel, emphasised the urgency of mental health investment: Young people across Ireland are facing a mental health crisis that demands urgent, compassionate action. Too many people are struggling in silence.

She described the proposed 100 million investment as a lifeline bringing care into communities and creating spaces where young people can feel seen, supported and heard.

Fellow youth action panel member Kacper Bogalecki, who travelled from Killarney for the event, highlighted housing as a major concern: For a lot of young people, moving out of home is currently an unaffordable dream. Many of the people I know who have managed to move out are paying high rents or living in unsuitable conditions.

Maria Towey, acting CEO at Spunout, said the organisation believes every young person in Ireland should be able to access the support they need, whether thats mental health care, affordable housing, reliable transport or inclusive spaces to connect.

She challenged the government to demonstrate that young people are a genuine priority: This October, the government has its first real chance to prove that young people are a genuine priority. Budget 2026 is where words from the Programme for Government must translate into measurable action.
IN a statement announcing Br Kevins death on 2 July at Mount Desert nursing home in Cork, the Capuchins said he was known throughout the country and beyond as a brother to the poor, particularly through his work in the Capuchin Day Centre for homeless people, which he founded on Bow Street, Dublin in 1969.

Through his ministry and life as a Capuchin friar, Br Kevin opened his heart and his hands to serve those most in need, the statement said.

The highlight of his work at the Capuchin Day Centre was the visit of Pope Francis on Saturday 25 August 2018, during the World Meeting of Families in Ireland. Tributes have been paid to the 90-year-old, who was the face of the Irish Churchs efforts to tackle the ongoing homeless crisis in the Irish capital.

Responding to news of his death, Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin said Br Kevin was an authentic follower of St Francis of Assisi. His was a love that reached out with no questions asked of those who sought assistance.

Archbishop Farrell said Br Kevins devotion to the service of the poor through his work at the Capuchin Day Centre transformed the lives of the poor and marginalised who availed of its services from misery and despair to hope and love.

He was always able to see Christ in the people he met, the archbishop said, and added that as people mourned, Br Kevin would want us to remember the poor we still have with us in ever greater numbers because of homelessness, wars, famine and the multiplicity of addictions that affect our county today.

President Michael D Higgins said that through his support and respect for those most in need Br Kevin made an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city. The president noted that the Capuchin Day Centre had provided essential services to the homeless population of Dublin for 60 years and said Br Kevin had left a wonderful legacy.

The hot meals, food parcels, clothing, showers, family services and medical and dental services have not just extended care of the most vulnerable but has been exemplary in showing a fundamental respect for the dignity of each person and allowed so many of those who have availed of the services to rebuild their lives.

Referring to his many meetings with Br Kevin over the years, he said the Capuchin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin described Br Kevin as a tireless and passionate advocate for justice who had dedicated his life to helping those in need.

His compassion, devotion and non-judgemental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering. He was an inspiring and humble man who I always enjoyed meeting. He was a proud Cork man who never lost touch with the home place that nurtured him in his early years.

Br Kevin was born at Kilcoleman, Enniskeane, Co Cork on 24 February 1935. Baptised William Crowley, he entered the Capuchin Postulancy in Kilkenny on Easter Monday, 7 April 1958. On 9 October 1958, he was admitted to the Capuchin Novitiate in Rochestown, Co Cork, where he received the name Kevin and made his temporary profession in November 1959 and his perpetual profession in November 1962.

Over his first five years, he served as cook in St Bonaventures, Church Street and Raheny in Dublin. His kitchen apostolate was interrupted between 1964 and 1967 when he was appointed Brother Master of Novices in Rochestown. He also served as Quester in Ards Friary, Co Donegal for some months in 1967/68.

In 1968, he was asked to take charge of the clothing guild in Church Street. He quickly realised that much more was required than a clothing distribution unit, so he set up the St Felix soup kitchen and day centre, which initially catered for up to 60 persons daily. Then, between 1988 and 2001, he served for three years as guardian in Holy Trinity Friary in Cork, followed by a further three years in the same role in Raheny, culminating with a stint of seven years as guardian in Ards Friary in Donegal.

At the Provincial Chapter of 1991, Br Kevin was elected to the Provincial Council and was transferred to Church Street, where he was appointed director of the Fr Mathew Hall. He continued in that role up to 1994, while also serving as vicar in Halston Street.

On 20 August 2001, he returned as director of the St Felix Day Centre and went to live in Church Street. Since he had last worked in the day centre in 1988, it had been ably managed by Brs Luke Hickey and Des McNaboe, but for Br Kevin it was his homecoming to The House of Bread.

In the same year that he visited the day centre, addressing the Capuchins from around the world gathered for their general chapter in Rome, Pope Francis spoke to them about his visit in Dublin. Recently in Ireland, I saw your work with the most discarded and I was moved. It is a beautiful thing that  the elderly founder told me, Here we do not ask where you come from, who you are: you are a child of God. This is one of your traits. To really understand the persons, by smell, unconditionally. Come in, then we will see. As Capuchins, closeness is your charisma. Preserve it, Pope Francis said.

In 2022, Br Kevin retired from the day centre and the needy whom he had served over a lifetime and returned to his native Cork. He died on 2 July 2025 at Mount Desert nursing home in Cork.

In many ways, Kevin Crowley, personified the Risen Christ to those on the periphery of our society. The periphery was where Jesus was most present in his short time as he walked among us. The thought recently struck me that the risen Christ, who remains present to every generation in a new and refreshing way, would have much to speak and challenge regarding inequality, injustice and prejudice in our present society. Jesus in 2022, I am sure, would not be found wanting in rolling up his sleeves and embracing the most wounded in our society. Br Kevin lived a very practical spirituality grounded in the Gospel and inspiration from the life of St Francis of Assisi.

A prophet is grounded and yet courageous in witnessing the good news.

Often in life we do not fully appreciate what we have until it is taken from us, be that our health, our job, a loved one. Gratitude is a very cheerful outlook and instils within us a sense of hopefulness. Br Kevin was a happy man in giving to so many, he received much love and affection from so many people. As a legacy to Br Kevin, we should remember the poor we still have with us, in ever greater numbers because of wars, famine, addiction and inequality.

A prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

where there is hatred, let me sow love.

where there is injury, pardon.

where there is discord, union.

where there is doubt, faith.

where there is despair, hope.

where there is darkness, light.

and where there is sadness, joy.
A COUPLE of years ago, I had reason to visit a hospital on the outskirts of Portimao, a small city on the Algarve in Portugal. A family relative was hospitalised, so this necessitated a daily visit during my time there.

Not once was I asked to pay a parking fee. This was not a backwater hospital; in fact, it was the main hospital for the region. I cannot comment on the level of care patients received, but I can say there was no suggestion of patients, their families or anyone else having to pay to park their cars.

There was no shortage of spaces  in fact, there was a security guard walking around the entire time, making sure no-one occupied two parking spaces when one would do or try to rob a car while people visited patients.

But can the same be said for this little country? No. In fact, figures released show that patients, their families and staff members were forced to pay a whopping 19 million in parking fees at Irish hospitals last year.

I know land is expensive and to provide adequate parking takes a lot of space which has to be paid for by someone, but surely with all the taxes we pay and the huge budget our health service has, the least they could do is provide adequate parking without putting a charge on it.

The new National Childrens Hospital is to have a little under 1,000 parking spaces, which sounds a lot, but anyone who knows where the hospital is located, in the middle of an already overcrowded part of the city, will agree that is totally inadequate  especially when you consider that 500 of those spaces are to be designated for staff use only.

Top of the list when it comes to revenue generated from parking fees at Irish hospitals is St Vincents University Hospital, which generated an income of 1.6 million.

The spending of that money is entirely at the discretion of the hospital and outside the remit of the HSE or Department of Health. For reasons I wont go into now, I had reason to visit that fine establishment  and I mean that in the most sincere way  at least every 21 days from the tail end of 2016 until April 2023.

I still make frequent visits there. Parking was always an issue, even though there was an underground car park as well as surface parking around the grounds of the hospital. Then a new multi-storey car park was constructed.

There are limited wheelchair-only spaces, which come free of charge, so all those visits, which usually took an entire day, cost approximately 12. Not a lot, especially if you take city centre parking fees into consideration, but over time I estimate I spent over 2,000 on parking fees alone at that hospital.

While whatever medical procedures were being conducted are free, nothing else is. Sandwiches, snacks, tea or coffee are all charged at the commercial rate, so a day at the hospital for anyone runs to money  a lot, if you are as frequent a visitor as I was.

But it is not just the patients who pay. Nurses and midwives are among others who have to put their hands in their pockets to cover the cost of parking. I know there are bus routes stopping off at practically every hospital in the country, but the timetable does not always suit  and anyway, after a long and arduous shift, does anyone really want to share a bus with others, when all they want is a little peace and quiet to gather their thoughts and wind down from what may have been a very stressful day?

Some hospitals will argue that while the spending of this money is discretionary, in reality it is used to shore up other areas where there is a shortfall in funding.

That may be true, but irrespective of whatever good use this money is put to, am I wrong in thinking that 19 million, while an awful lot of money to you or I, is really only a drop in the ocean considering the size of the health budget? Remember, this year the total allocation stands at 25.8 billion, an increase of 2.94 billion on last year.

Previously, the Irish Cancer Society sought a waiver of parking fees for all patients undergoing treatment, but it appears to have fallen on deaf ears. I agree that these people, who are already going through hell, should not have to worry about incurring additional expense or putting added pressure on the family budget, but I would go further and say most people attending any public hospital in Ireland are already feeling the strain before they get to park their cars or buy a cup of tea.

Yes, there is pressure on the government to deliver everything bar the kitchen sink in any budget and, yes, the minister for health, past and present, has introduced a lot of new services free of charge, but surely this is a budgetary problem that could be easily solved.
A fatal boating incident occurred on Norris Lake near Springs Dock on Saturday afternoon. The victim was identified as Christopher Scott Mount, 58, of Coal Grove, Ohio.Campbell County 911 received a call shortly before 4 p.m. reporting that a man had fallen into the water and was struck by the boat he had been on. According to the caller, the individual had not resurfaced.TWRA wildlife officers responded to the scene and located the vessel involved. Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was not wearing a life jacket and fell from the back of a wakeboard boat before being struck by the vessel.Following an extensive search, the victims body was located using a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV).Divers with the Knox County Rescue Squad recovered him around 8 p.m.
New Hope Independent Baptist Church at 301 Park City Road in Rossville is having Vacation Bible School.

It starts Wednesday (July 23) and last until Saturday.

On Wednesday through Friday it will be from 6-8 p.m.



Saturday will be noon to 3 p.m.



The theme is "Gods Hall of Fame.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Government has introduced sweeping new controls on foreign travel and allowances for councillors and local authority officials as part of measures aimed at curbing the misuse of public funds and restoring accountability within local authorities.Through a circular dated 17 July 2025, addressed to all local authorities, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe announced that councillors and council officials will now be restricted to a maximum of three foreign trips per year. The minister stressed that no councillor or official would be allowed to travel outside Zimbabwe without prior Cabinet approval.Garwe said all applications for foreign trips must be submitted in writing to the Permanent Secretary at least 14 days before the intended departure. The applications must include detailed justifications and full breakdowns of the associated costs. This development comes amid long-standing concerns from residents and ratepayers over what has been widely seen as unjustified foreign travel by councils, often at the expense of service delivery.The new measures also impose tight restrictions on workshops, seminars, training sessions and so-called "look-and-learn" visits. Urban councils are now required to hold these events within their municipal boundaries, while rural district councils are restricted to their own administrative districts unless they obtain written permission to go beyond these limits. Minister Garwe said councils wishing to hold functions outside these areas must apply for approval from the Permanent Secretary.The measures are part of a broader strategy to clamp down on unnecessary spending, particularly on activities seen as wasteful by residents. Councils have come under fire for organising workshops and training sessions in expensive locations such as resort towns, despite minimal impact on improving service delivery.To improve mobility and enhance efficiency, councils may now apply for permission to offer motorbike loans to councillors. These loans will be capped at US$2,000 per motorbike, and councils must provide a clear justification, including the type of equipment, cost, budget provision and the necessity of the purchase.Councillors' allowances have also been formalised through a structured package. Under the new framework, mayors and council chairpersons will receive US$265 per month, deputy mayors and vice-chairpersons US$243, committee chairpersons US$229, and ordinary councillors US$221. However, only 20 percent of these new allowances will be implemented starting in January 2026.Significantly, the Government has scrapped exit packages for councillors at the end of their terms. Minister Garwe made it clear that no councillor will receive an exit package upon completion of their term of office. This move is intended to put an end to the controversial practice of awarding so-called "golden handshakes," which in the past have included cash payouts, vehicles or property, and have been criticised for draining council resources without improving service delivery.Councillors will retain their entitlement to residential and commercial stands, free parking, and a burial site during their term of office. However, the minister clarified that the honorary title of "Alderman" carries no financial benefits.Minister Garwe also issued a stern warning against the implementation of any allowances or perks that have not been approved under the new framework. He ordered councils to recover any allowances or benefits awarded through previous circulars without ministerial approval. Furthermore, the Auditor-General has been instructed to audit all allowance payments and benefits to ensure compliance with the new guidelines.The minister emphasised that all previous circulars on councillors' allowances and benefits have been cancelled with immediate effect. He said the interpretation of the latest circular rests solely with the Secretary of Local Government and Public Works.These measures follow commitments made by Minister Garwe during the 2025 All-Councillors Indaba held in Bulawayo in June, where he pledged to formalise and rationalise councillors' allowances and benefits as part of a broader strategy to improve transparency, accountability and service delivery within local authorities.
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Saint Joe, Tex., may only have fewer than 900 citizens now, but it was a lively place when cattle drives made it one of their stops on the Chisholm Trail.

Many interesting brick buildings from the late 1800s still stand at Saint Joe, across from a broad area where the horses and the cowboys once roamed.

Joe Howell laid out the town and was considered its founder.

He was derisively called "Saint Joe" for his stance against drinking.

Saint Joe remained "dry" even decades past the end of Prohibition. Residents did not vote in favor of alcohol until May of 1909.

Dining options on the square including J.C.'s Chuckwagon, the Grazing Grove, the Windmill Grill and Red River Station.
Home News Mike Huckabee rebukes attackers of Christian church, village: Crime against humanity and God

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned recent attacks on a Christian village and its historic church in the West Bank, calling them a crime against humanity and God. His statement came after visiting the site of the arson and ongoing harassment.

Huckabee travelled Saturday to Taybeh, a Christian Palestinian town that residents say has endured a wave of assaults by Israeli settlers in recent weeks, according to The Times of Israel. The attacks include a fire set near the ruins of the Church of St. George, which church leaders described as among the most severe incidents to date.

Huckabee, a longtime Evangelical supporter of Israel, said during his visit that the desecration of religious sites represented an act of terror and that such actions should carry harsh consequences.

He posted later that day on X, saying he had met with residents in Taybeh to listen and learn and that any attack on a house of worship, whether a church, mosque or synagogue, was a crime not only against people but against God.

In remarks issued as part of a formal statement from the U.S. Embassy, Huckabee said, To commit an act of sacrilege by desecrating a place that is supposed to be a place of worship, it is an act of terror, and it is a crime. There should be consequences, and it should be harsh consequences because it is one of the last bastions of our civilization, the places where we worship.

He added that such violence is against the Holy and insisted that those responsible be found and be prosecuted, not merely reprimanded. Addressing the villages predominantly Christian residents, Huckabee said they deserved respect and the right to live their lives in peace.

The attacks in Taybeh form part of what local church leaders describe as a pattern of escalating settler violence, including harassment and property damage. Church officials who visited the town earlier in the week alleged that Israeli authorities have allowed the intimidation to continue unchecked.

Huckabee said he represents all American citizens living in Israel, including Christians, Muslims and Jews, adding that he would hold accountable those responsible when any are terrorized or victims of crime.

Last week, settlers allegedly beat to death two Palestinians near Sinjil, including Saif Musallet, a Palestinian-American. Israeli officials have made no public statement on the killings, and the government has yet to condemn the Taybeh attacks.

Separately, the U.S. government has expressed concern to Israel over delays in granting visas to Evangelical Christian tourists. Huckabee had recently warned that failure to issue those visas could lead him to publicly question whether Christian groups were still welcome in Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office issued a statement Thursday expressing regret for an Israeli tank strike that killed three civilians inside Gazas only Catholic church. The apology followed a phone call from President Trump, who reportedly demanded an explanation for the attack.
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.

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."

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 This week in Christian history: Bob Jones University exonerated, missionary nurse martyred

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, numerous events of lasting significance have occurred.

Each week marks anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths.

Some events, spanning over 2,000 years of history, might be familiar, while others may be unknown to many.

The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include Bob Jones University being found not guilty of violating reporting laws, a missionary nurse martyred for her faith in China, and Philip becomes Metropolitan of Moscow.
Home Opinion Dismantling Judeo-Christian values in America

Did the founders of America intend for God to be banished from the public arena?

The idea occurs so regularly in modern times that we tend to think its what the founders wanted. For example, recently, a law allowing the posting of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana schools has been blocked as unconstitutional (for the moment) by a court.

Yet one early American politician had the temerity to write and do the following:

1807. He wrote that the councils of the General Government in their decisions  [were drawn from] the  precepts of the Gospel.

1807. He wrote that liberty to worship our creator  [is] deemed in other countries incompatible with good government, and yet proved by our experience to be its best support.

1808. He signed an Act Appointing a Chaplain to Each Brigade of the Army.

1817. He wrote: Our right to life, liberty  is not left to the feeble and sophistical investigations of reason, but is impressed on the sense of every man. We do not claim these under the charters of kings or legislators, but under the King of kings.

Of course, the King of kings refers to Jesus.

This is amazing. Didnt this political leader know that the founders intended for the public square in America? Actually, these are words and actions of Thomas Jefferson, from whom comes the phrase separation of church and state  words not found in our constitution.

Dr. Robert J. Pacienza, the CEO of Coral Ridge Ministries, recently observed, This is where secularism fails. It borrows the fruit of Christianity but rejects the root. And like a branch severed from the vine, it withers  You cannot have ordered liberty without moral law, and you cannot have moral law without God.

A great American would concur. In his First Inaugural Address in 1789, President George Washington said, the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.

Dr. Peter Lillback, founder of Providence Forum, for which I now serve as executive director, told me what he thought Washington might have had in mind when he referred to the eternal rules of order and right. According to Lillback, it was the Ten Commandments. Week after week, Washington worshiped in churches with the writing on the walls of the Ten Commandments (and the Lords Prayer and the Apostles Creed).

David Gibbs III, the founder and head of the National Center for Life and Liberty, once told me: The Ten Commandments serve as the foundational principles of American law, and that is why they are etched in the stone above the Supreme Court. Allowing school children to be exposed to these historical documents is imperative to preserve culture and law for future generations. Schools can teach history without violating the constitution, and nations that forsake their heritage are doomed to forget their foundational principles upon which their continued success depends.

Someone might say, You cant legislate morality. Certainly, we cant order people to bow down and worship the one true God, whose commands comprise the Decalogue.

But all legislation reflects someones morality. Why is the Judeo-Christian system that helped give birth to the freedoms we enjoy somehow declared unconstitutional?

Is any reference to Christianity in official acts unconstitutional? Well, how is the constitution itself signed? In the year of our Lord, 1787. That is a reference to Jesus in our nations governing document. Does that mean that the constitution is unconstitutional?

Someone might argue that the founders didnt mean anything by saying the year of our Lord. But todays secularists are so threatened by it that theyve changed the reference to years from AD (as in Anno Domini, Latin for the year of our Lord) to CE (as in Common Era).

Weve been robbed of our heritage. Children in schools are stealing, lying, and in some cases killing others. But woe to those who would post the Ten Commandments in schools, with its prohibitions against stealing, lying, and killing.

Someone might say its not those parts of the Decalogue that are supposedly unconstitutional, its the God parts. But then the question is: Where is there any sense of accountability if we remove God?

Can America last as a nation, when we have been so cut off, at least by the elites, from our Judeo-Christian foundation? Is the handwriting on the wall for America? Or will we return to the type of writing on the wall, the Ten Commandments, that Washington and other founders of America used to guide their lives?

As Thomas Jefferson once asked, Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?
Forum on China-Mexico civilization dialogue held in Mexico

Xinhua) 09:31, July 20, 2025

Guests attend the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

MEXICO CITY, July 19 (Xinhua) -- A forum on China-Mexico civilization exchanges and mutual learning was held here Friday, where participants agreed that China-Mexico civilization exchanges and mutual learning, as well as cultural and people-to-people ties are deepening.

At the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico," the participants emphasized the need to strengthen traditional friendship, enhance cultural connectivity and elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua said at the forum that China and Mexico share a long-standing tradition of friendship. He expressed the hope that both countries will carry forward the friendship, actively implement the China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative, and push for new achievements in China-Mexico cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He also wished that the two sides will enhance friendship and mutual trust through civilization exchanges, enrich the world's civilizations through mutual learning, and promote the common progress of human civilization through the blending of civilizations.

Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Chen Daojiang said both Chinese and Mexican civilizations are splendid treasures of humanity, have shown their beauty in the long river of history, and have been rejuvenated through exchanges and mutual learning.

The "benevolence and harmony" advocated by the Chinese nation echoes the wisdom and arts bred by Mayan and Aztec civilizations across time and space, Chen added.

Diego Prieto, head of the Unit of Living Cultures, Intangible Heritage and Interculturality, under the Secretariat of Culture of Mexico, said both Mexico and China originated from ancient civilizations, enjoying a long-standing and splendid cultural tradition.

The two countries have always upheld the concept of peace, advocated for properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation, and actively intensified international friendship and cooperation, the official said.

At present, the Mexican government is committed to advancing social transformation. In this process, Mexico and China can learn from each other's experience and share wisdom, injecting new vitality into deepening their friendship and cooperation, Prieto said.

Raymundo Vazquez, president of the Mexico-China Friendship Group of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico, said that Mexico and China understand their differences through mutual respect and cherish their commonalities through mutual appreciation, with their relationship becoming a model of international cooperation.

In face of global challenges, Mexico-China cooperation is not only of strategic significance, but also a necessary condition for achieving common prosperity and a fair future, said Vazquez, adding that such dialogue will further consolidate friendship, expand cooperation, and open up broader development prospects for the two peoples and future generations.

Enrique Dussel, head of the Centre for China-Mexico Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said that China has been Mexico's second-largest trading partner for many years.

In recent years, Mexico-China cooperation has gone far beyond economy, trade, investment and infrastructure construction, and gradually expanded to such fields as cultural exchanges, scientific and technological innovation, educational cooperation, academic exchanges and sports, etc., the scholar said.

It is expected that more people from all walks of life in Mexico and China will engage in efforts to further deepen bilateral ties and contribute to the development of relations in the years ahead, Dussel said.

A think tank report named Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization was released at the forum.

The report reviewed the long historical context and magnificent evolution of Chinese cultural subjectivity, and analyzed the key role of cultural subjectivity in the development of human civilization.

It also expounded the successful practices of Chinese modernization in upholding and activating the subjectivity of Chinese culture, offering fresh insights to help global audiences better grasp the essence of Chinese cultural identity.

The forum, jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attracted nearly 100 guests from the cultural, academic, media, industrial, commercial and political circles of China and Mexico.

Since 2022, the "Hongting Forum" global dialogue has been successfully held across Africa, Latin America and Europe, serving as a vital platform for exchanges between Chinese and international think tank experts and media professionals.

A guest addresses the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Guests attend the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

This photo shows a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization." The "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" was held in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on Friday. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Participants read a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

This photo shows copies of a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization." The "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" was held in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on Friday. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A participant reads a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
News / National

by Staff reporter

A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) member has been fined for assaulting his wife after accusing her of leaving him behind to go drinking at a bar.Arnold Nyoni (39) appeared before Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware, where he pleaded guilty to charges of assault and malicious damage to property.Magistrate Nembaware fined Nyoni US$350 for the assault, with an alternative of two months in prison if he fails to pay. He was also fined an additional US$150 for damaging household property.Prosecutor Sheilla Nyathi told the court that on June 27, Nyoni confronted his wife, Shawukwele Dube (44), at a local bar, where he accused her of disrespecting him by going out alone.The couple's quarrel escalated after they returned home, with Nyoni slapping Dube twice and damaging a decoder during the altercation.Police were alerted to the incident, leading to Nyoni's arrest.The magistrate warned Nyoni against resorting to violence to resolve domestic issues, urging him to seek peaceful solutions in the future.
Roughly 325 people gathered on Medina's Square July 17 for the Good Troubles Lives On rally. Photo courtesy of Medina County Indivisible

MEDINA, Ohio  Roughly 325 people gathered on Medina Square July 17 to make their voices heard and to celebrate the life of civil rights activist and U.S. Congressman John Lewis.

We had a pretty nice turnout, said Mosie Welch of Medina County Indivisible, the group that organized the event with the Medina Mavens. It was wonderful to see people of all ages and families with children attend.

Welch said this years Good Trouble Lives On rally, which was one of more than a thousand across the country, focused on continuing the legacy of Lewis with a focus on voting and civil rights and voter registration.

Kimberly Oliver of the Medina Diversity Project opened the formal program with the Langston Hughs poem, Let America Be America Again.

Jen Miller, executive director of Ohio League of Women Voters was the keynote speaker and shared her passion for encouraging citizens in civic engagement and the power of voting.

Also during the event, the Medina Mavens hosted activities including a voting rights timeline, story telling and crafts for kids.

The Mavens were proud to collaborate on the successful Good Trouble Lives On, Medina, says Karen Thorn, an organizer with the Medina Mavens, to honor the enduring legacy of Congressman John Lewis, whose life reminds us that standing up for justice, even when its hard, is always worth it.

Our goal with this event was to bring together a broader range of the community and help them find ways to use their voices for the things that concern them, Welch said.
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Independence High School sophomore Adriana Randjelovic spent her summer vacation at FBI headquarters after being chosen for a prestigious FBI Youth Leadership Program.

Adriana was the only teen chosen from Ohio. She joined an elite group of 64 students from around the globe to attend the highly competitive FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program, held at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va.

Im so thankful to have had such a wonderful opportunity to be able to learn at the FBI Academy from law enforcement professionals and build those strong connections that will last forever, she said.

Not only has this program helped enhance my leadership skills, but also my ambition to become a criminal behavioral analyst -- two things that I know will be with me throughout my life.

A school statement said, The nine-day program is designed for high-achieving students with an interest in law enforcement and leadership.

Participants take part in physical training, team-building exercises and classroom instruction focused on leadership, ethics and personal development.

Adriana trained alongside Marine personnel, completed the FBIs iconic Yellow Brick Road obstacle course, toured Hogans Alley -- a mock crime scene training town, participated in firearms simulations and even spent time at the U.S. Capitol.

Adriana wants to become a criminal behavioral analyst with the FBI. She independently researched what steps she could take in high school to pursue that goal and discovered the FBI program on her own.

After a competitive application process -- including interviews -- she earned the opportunity to represent the state of Ohio.

Adriana plans to attend college after high school graduation and hopes to dual major in criminology and psychology -- an academic path that aligns with her career goals.

Read more from the Parma Sun Post.
Police are investigating two shootings in Cleveland on Sunday morning. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland police are investigating two Sunday morning shootings.

Authorities said one shooting took place at the 16400 block of Highview Drive in Clevelands Lee-Seville neighborhood, while a separate shooting happened at a different location. A police representative did not provide the location of the second shooting.

Police also have not confirmed the victim(s) or their condition(s).

This is a developing story.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks to reporters on July 1, 2025 about the 67 items he vetoed in the state's operating budget. Anna Staver

Amid skyrocketing local property taxes, the GOP clique that runs Ohios House of Representatives will return to Columbus tomorrow to try overriding item vetoes by Gov. Mike DeWine, a fellow Republican, of parts of the states new 2025-27 budget (House Bill 96).

True, the House (65 Republicans, 34 Democrats) and state Senate (24 Republicans, nine Democrats) could have comprehensively addressed the property-tax mess before fleeing that Statehouse for their hometown hammocks. But thatd be asking too much of a well-paid legislature that, year by year, yaks more and works less, while taking potshots at fellow Republican DeWine -- often the only adult in any room full of GOP insiders.

DeWine can veto not just entire bills but also parts of one (items), if any part of a bill lets Ohio spend public money (an appropriation). Governors vetoes of an entire bill, or of an item in a spending bill, survive unless three-fifths of the Ohio Houses members (60 of 99) and three-fifths of the Senates (20 of 33) vote to override a veto.

Ohioans gave the governor veto power by a constitutional amendment okayed in 1903, then tweaked in 1912, to rein in a legislature that had repeatedly passed bills that picked the pockets of taxpayers and consumers. (Sound familiar?)

Some term-limited newbies in todays General Assembly shrieked that DeWines vetoes were an insult to the legislature. Those gripes provided more proof, were it needed, that a shocking number of todays General Assembly members are clueless about checks-and-balances.

In theory, all 67 of DeWines line-item-vetoes are in House Republicans crosshairs, but these three, which would make it harder for school boards to fund Ohios public schools, are said to be House Republicans targets:

* One House brainstorm would have let County Budget Commissions overrule voters  Ohios sovereigns  by unilaterally rolling back property tax millage. Thatd give county-seat publicity hounds endless openings to grandstand without taking any actual responsibility for school budgeting.

In 86 of Ohios 88 counties, the Budget Commissioners are the county auditor, the county treasurer and the prosecuting attorney. (In Cuyahoga and Summit, Ohios two so-called home-rule counties, the Budget Commissioners are the county executive, the county fiscal officer, and the prosecuting attorney.)

* Another DeWine-vetoed item, if Republican legislators save it, would hold down the total amount of tax money a school district might otherwise receive if it reaches Ohios so-called millage floor.

In plain English, heres what that gobbledygook means: When a district lands on that 20-mill floor, the state Taxation Department reports, so-called tax reduction factors no longer keep tax revenues from growing as property value increases. That is, this vetoed item would, if repassed, likely (perversely) require Ohio school boards to further irk taxpayers by proposing even more levies than now. Yet, as respected Ohio school-finance scholar Howard Fleeter told legislators last year, Ohio [already] relies on local levies more than any other state ... more than 18,500 school levies since 1976.

* A third contested DeWine veto would block a legislative bid to forbid school districts to seek so-called emergency levies. These levies serve as important tools for school districts as they seek to maintain their long-term financial stability, DeWine wrote.

Thomas Suddes

Yes, and Ohios public schools would also have greater stability if legislators would obey Ohio Supreme Court orders, reaching back to 1997, to fairly fund public schools. That might have been accomplished by now, but for this fact: The legislature is unconstitutionally spending mountains of state tax money helping pay the tuition that nonpublic schools in Ohio charge their pupils.

Tomorrows debate will flood the Statehouse with dreck from anti-public-school legislators, who are gambling dangerously with Ohios future.

The Committee to Abolish Ohios Property Taxes is asking voters to sign petitions proposing to place, on next years statewide ballot, a ban on all Ohio property taxes, current and future.

Should that make 2026s ballot, theres a chance that voters  fed up with legislators failure to genuinely reform property taxes without hurting schools  might repeal and ban property taxes. If so, a new picture, a thumbnail map of Ohio, will appear in Mr. Websters dictionary, alongside the definition of chaos.

Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens.

To reach Thomas Suddes: tsuddes@cleveland.com

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions, comments or corrections regarding this opinion article to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, pictured in a December 2023 file photo, acted in the public interest in vetoing a trio of misguided budget provisions pretending to be property-tax reforms. The legislature should recognize that and not try to override those well-considered vetoes this week, the editorial board writes today. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) AP

In what amounts to a publicity stunt, Ohios Republican-run House of Representatives will try tomorrow to override three item-vetoes by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine in Ohios new 2025-27 operating budget, House Bill 96.

The House should back off; grandstanding for headlines wont accomplish even a smidgen of what Republican leaders claim: That the three budget sections, if saved by veto overrides, would help hold down skyrocketing property taxes afflicting Ohio homeowners. Horsefeathers.

Rather than genuinely address the property tax crisis, which would require (a) hard work from Ohios La-Z-Boy legislature and (b) lots of Statehouse good will, House Republicans, paced by Speaker Matt Huffman, of Lima, want to revive the trio of school-related items DeWine spiked.

Stripped of legalese, the Houses anti-school-district triplex would all but require school boards to ask voters for more levies, more often  an increasingly tough sell  and let certain county officials, without any real responsibility for public education, monkey with the amount of millage a school district collects.

Overall, those items would handcuff school boards in their constitutionally required duty to offer young Ohioans thorough, efficient  and public  schooling.

Though mulish House GOP partisans wont admit it, DeWine did legislators a favor. If left in place, the three contested budget items would only have worsened Ohios property tax mess, making it even harder for constructive General Assembly members  they do exist  to straighten out school funding statewide.

Truly comprehensive, forward-looking property tax reforms require carrots, not sticks, at the Statehouse. In this instance, the governor, as hes had to do at other times during the last few years, saved the Houses majority  fellow Republicans  from itself.

DeWines vetoes, upheld, would help legislators avert policy mistakes that could make Ohios property tax mess even worse. That is, the governor is aiming to shore up the public interest in adequately educating public school pupils, and in lightening the tax burdens of their home-owning parents.

About our editorials: Editorials express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization.

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 to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
The Urakami Catholic cathedral in Nagasaki shortly after the Aug. 9, 1945, atomic bombing of the city. The bomb detonated almost directly over the church. (National Archives, College Park, Maryland) National Archives

This Aug. 6 will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. Nagasaki was bombed three days later. There were an estimated 150,000 to 246,000 people killed, half of them dying slow deaths from burns, radiation, malnutrition, and related injuries.

These two small nuclear bombs unleashed a nuclear arms race. At its peak in 1986, there were over 60,000 nuclear weapons, most of them held by the United States and the Soviet Union. Even a small nuclear war of 50 to 100 explosions could lead to nuclear winter, with catastrophic effects on climate and the Earths capacity to sustain life. During the Cold War, Armageddon was avoided by luck, plus some remarkable restraint by high-level and low-level decision-makers in the United States and Soviet Union.
When you support causes in your own community, youre helping to create real, tangible change close to home. Here, members of the National Council of Jewish Women-Cleveland's Acts of Kindness program create bouquets to brighten the days of those needing a little cheer.

Guest columnist Hannah Franzolino is director of development for the National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland (NCJW/CLE). A Cleveland native, she has spent much of her career in the Jewish nonprofit sector, including roles at Hillel International, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University. She holds a masters degree in nonprofit management and leadership from Cleveland State University and a bachelors degree from Ohio University. Hannah lives in Solon with her husband, son and their dog.

Some people hesitate to support causes they care about, believing that a small donation doesnt make a difference.

As the director of development for the National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland (NCJW/CLE), I can assure you that couldnt be further from the truth.

Every gift matters and collectively, those contributions drive meaningful, lasting change. Philanthropists come in all forms and meaningful support looks different for everyone.

Here are three things I wish more people knew about supporting causes they care about:

Philanthropy is more than money

The most meaningful giving often goes beyond dollars. It includes time, leadership and sharing valuable skills or resources.

A great example is NCJW/CLEs Share What You Wear (SWYW) project, which serves hundreds of children each year by providing personally shopped, size- and gender-specific clothing and toiletry bags to those in need or crisis.

Volunteers carefully select and assemble these bags, which are distributed through school and agency social workers.

The program not only meets basic needs, but also restores dignity and confidence to the children it supports.

Every contribution matters

Theres no one-size-fits-all approach to giving. Whether youre a young adult just starting out in your career, a busy parent with limited time or retired and considering a legacy gift, philanthropy can take many forms.

And they are all meaningful.

Monthly giving, volunteering, in-kind donations and one-time gifts all play a vital role in sustaining the work of a nonprofit. What matters most is the intention behind the support.

Every act of generosity helps move the mission forward and sends a powerful message.

Your support fuels local, hands-on impact

When you support causes in your own community, youre helping to create real, tangible change close to home.

Whether its supporting childrens literacy (like NCJW/Clevelands Building Bridges with books projects do), food security, the arts or neighborhood revitalization, local nonprofits depend on community members to fuel their missions.

Even modest support can help build stronger, more vibrant communities for everyone -- especially at a time when government support is being reduced.

So next time you hesitate because you think your gift is too small, remember this: Every act of giving is a vital step toward positive change.

When you support what matters to you, you become part of something bigger -- a community of philanthropists whose collective impact can transform lives and strengthen our shared future.

Readers are invited to submit Opinion page essays on topics of regional or general interest. Send your 500-word essay for consideration to Ann Norman at anorman@cleveland.com. Essays must include a brief bio and headshot of the writer. Essays rebutting todays topics are also welcome.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The State has formally withdrawn criminal charges in the high-profile land dispute involving popular cleric Tapiwa Freddy, founder of Goodness and Mercy Ministries, and property developer Kudakwashe Taruberekera, CEO of Craft Properties (Pvt) Ltd. The decision was made on Thursday by Kadoma magistrate Yeukai Dzuda, who cited insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.The case, which had attracted widespread public and media attention, stemmed from a 2016 donation of a 4,000-square-metre residential stand - Stand Number 7510 in Mandalay, Sabonabona, Kadoma - by Craft Properties to Freddy, who is widely known as Prophet Freddy. However, in 2021, Craft Properties revoked the donation, alleging that Freddy had failed to meet conditions tied to the agreement.Earlier this year, Freddy reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), accusing Taruberekera of corruption. In response, Taruberekera dismissed the allegations, accusing Freddy of abusing state institutions to settle what he insisted was a civil dispute, while tarnishing his personal and professional reputation in the process.The case initially began at the Chinhoyi Magistrates' Court on February 7, where Taruberekera was arrested and charged with fraud, though the charges were later amended to theft. Following a series of postponements and a transfer to the Kadoma Magistrates' Court, the matter appeared in court on several dates - March 20, April 4, April 23, April 30, May 19, June 17, and July 4 - before its withdrawal on July 17.Taruberekera raised concerns over Freddy's decision to bypass the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and approach ZACC directly, suggesting undue influence within the anti-graft body. He further alleged that Freddy had access to confidential information during the investigation, citing Freddy's detailed knowledge of his arrest and detention conditions in Chinhoyi in February."Freddy's knowledge of my arrest and detention conditions in Chinhoyi, including the filthy cells, shows he was being fed real-time information from someone in authority. This is highly irregular," said Taruberekera.Legal experts weighed in on the controversy, highlighting that Freddy's decision to lay a personal complaint against Taruberekera, rather than against Craft Properties as a corporate entity, was legally questionable."If Freddy truly believed there was wrongdoing, he should have pursued legal action against the company, not the individual director," one legal expert said. "Targeting Taruberekera personally seemed more intended to inflict reputational damage than to seek genuine legal redress."Freddy, who only appeared in court once reportedly to request a change of dates, has not commented publicly on the withdrawal of the charges.Speaking outside the Kadoma court last Thursday, Taruberekera welcomed the outcome."Finally, the State withdrew the case against me and Craft Properties after failing to find any evidence to support their claims," he said. "This matter dragged my name and the company's name through the mud. Our 17-year legacy has been severely tarnished."He further accused Freddy of using state institutions to intimidate and harass him."I don't know what his real motives were. He knew the donation had been revoked. It's clear now he wanted to damage our company's reputation," Taruberekera said. "I lost trust with clients and partners, and we incurred significant legal costs. I will consult my lawyers about recovering these losses."Taruberekera reiterated that Craft Properties has never faced any criminal conviction and remains proud of its clean international record. He also referenced past controversies involving Freddy, including the demolition of his Glen View church in 2020 and 2023 due to illegal construction."This company will not allow anyone to abuse public institutions for personal vendettas," he said. "We are considering legal options to ensure accountability for this abuse of process."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zanu-PF party benefactors are reportedly handing out luxury vehicles to critics of President Emmerson Mnangagwa as a means to buy their silence, with some leaders of war veterans allegedly receiving new cars as part of this strategy. This move is seen as an attempt by ruling party insiders to quell dissent, especially from factions calling for Mnangagwa's resignation amid accusations of corruption and misgovernance.Earlier this year, Zanu-PF expelled central committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza after he publicly demanded the president's resignation. The veteran community has been vocal in opposing efforts by certain Zanu-PF factions to extend Mnangagwa's presidential term to 2030 - a move widely viewed as a bid to derail Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's ambitions.Insiders say that distributing vehicles is part of a broader scheme by influential party benefactors to placate dissenting voices within the war veterans' ranks. According to sources within the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), one leader recently received a fleet of vehicles that included over a dozen light motor vehicles alongside four top-of-the-range Toyota GD6s and Acquas. The cars, reportedly operated under a taxi company, are said to be part of the incentives handed out.However, ZNLWVA faction leader Andreas Ethan Mathibela, a prominent Mnangagwa critic, denied receiving any cars or material inducements. Speaking to The Standard, Mathibela emphasized his unwavering stance against Mnangagwa's term extension push and rejected any suggestion that he could be bought off."I haven't received a car, or anything material, or even money," Mathibela said. "No one can buy me with anything. I work on behalf of the marginalized veterans and citizens. There is no amount of money or gifts that can sway me."Mathibela further revealed that state security agents have been monitoring him closely, instructing border officials at Plumtree, Maitengwe, and Mphoengs to prevent him from leaving the country due to his outspoken criticism.He insisted that the ZNLWVA faction he leads remains non-partisan and committed to the original liberation ideals. "I went to war to help Zimbabweans unlock themselves from colonisers. I'm still on that course," he stated.In response to the allegations of inducements, Zanu-PF Director of Information Farai Marapira dismissed the claims as unfounded. "Zanu-PF as a political party seeks to bring as many supporters as possible. We explain our ideologies, and many are converted to our cause. The party does not hold grudges. Our doors are always open," Marapira said.The ongoing distribution of vehicles echoes the controversial philanthropy of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who refers to himself as Mnangagwa's "son" and has been giving out cars to influencers for over two years. The president has publicly praised Chivayo's generosity.Factionalism within Zanu-PF has intensified as rival camps jockey for influence ahead of the party's provincial elections scheduled for later this year. This power struggle is closely linked to the question of Mnangagwa's succession, with no clear indication yet of his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 party elective congress.The situation recalls the late Robert Mugabe's presidency, during which he did not name a successor and was ultimately ousted in a 2017 coup, leaving a power vacuum that still echoes in the party today.As Zanu-PF faces internal divisions, the use of material incentives to sway critics highlights the growing tensions surrounding leadership succession and the future direction of Zimbabwe's ruling party.
Berkshire Hathaway 's underperformance in share price has continued since Warren Buffett's exit news, now falling behind the S & P 500 in 2025. The Omaha-based conglomerate's B shares have suffered six negative weeks in the past seven, on track for its third straight negative month. Since May 3, when the "Oracle of Omaha" announced his plans to hand over the reins, the stock of his conglomerate has fallen more than 12%, cutting year-to-date gains to 4.5%, trailing the S & P 500's 7% increase. BRK.B .SPX YTD mountain Berkshire Hathaway B shares year to date vs. the S & P 500 If the stock closes July in the red, that would be its longest streak of monthly losses since June 2022. The B shares recently closed below their 200-day moving average after an impressive 573-day streak, their longest run above that level since the B shares were created in 1996. Buffett himself has tempered expectations for continuous outperformance. He noted that it's very difficult for any investments to move the needle because of the sheer amount of cash Berkshire is working with. Buffett said Berkshire's group of diversified, quality businesses  from BNSF Railway to See's Candy should provide "slightly better" performance than the average U.S. company, but anything more than that is unlikely. 'With our present mix of businesses, Berkshire should do a bit better than the average American corporation and, more important, should also operate with materially less risk of permanent loss of capital," Buffett said in his 2023 annual letter. "Anything beyond 'slightly better,' though, is wishful thinking." Still, Buffett's long-term track record is unparalleled. Berkshire, which cuts across 40 industries and 60 companies, has doubled the average annual return of the S & P 500 since Buffett first took control in the 1960s, touting an overall gain from 1964 to 2024 of 5,502,284%.
The corporate earnings season heats up this week with some of the largest companies in the world set to report. More than 100 S & P 500 names are scheduled to post their latest quarterly figures, including Tesla, Alphabet and Coca-Cola. Those numbers come after a solid start to the reporting period. Of the roughly 59 S & P 500 names that have posted results, 86% have topped expectations, according to FactSet. Among those are Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan. Take a look at CNBC Pro's breakdown of what to expect in this week's key reports. All times are ET. Tuesday Coca-Cola is set to report earnings before the bell, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Last quarter: KO maintained its full-year outlook and said it expects tariff disruptions to be "manageable." This quarter: Analysts polled by LSEG expect roughly flat year-over-year earnings and revenue from the beverage giant. What to watch: Investors will look for updates on whether the company will move forward with a plan to switch to cane sugar from high fructose corn syrup for its drinks the U.S.  like President Donald Trump announced last week. "We appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand," the company said in a statement. "More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon." What history shows: Data from Bespoke Investment Group shows the company has beaten earnings expectations for five straight quarters. Wednesday Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to report earnings after the close, followed by a call at 4:30 p.m. Last quarter: CMG said it was seeing a "slowdown" in consumer spending . This quarter: Analysts see a slight decline in year-over-year earnings for the fast casual chain, LSEG data shows. What to watch: BMO upgraded Chipotle last week ahead of the company's earnings report, expecting strong results in the latter half of 2025. "We expect improving absolute performance and a widening gap to the industry to warrant a higher multiple," BMO said . What history shows: Chipotle has a strong track record around earnings. Bespoke data shows the company beats earnings estimates 78% of the time. The stock also averages a 1.6% advance on earnings days. Alphabet is set to report earnings after the closing bell, with a call slated for 4:30 p.m. Last quarter: GOOGL reported earnings and revenue that easily beat analyst expectations. This quarter: The Street sees double-digit earnings and revenue growth for Google's parent company, per LSEG. What to watch: BofA's Justin Post raised his estimates on Alphabet last week, calling for an earnings beat. "2Q positives could include: 1) Commentary suggesting ad spend has accel. since April, 2) Strong search results suggesting AI integration aiding monetization (lowering rev. reset risk), 3) YouTube beat on easy y/y comps, and 4) Cloud strength from added capacity & Workspace AI integration," he said in a note. What history shows: Alphabet earnings have beaten expectations for nine straight quarters, per Bespoke. Shares also average a 1.3% advance on earnings days. IBM is set to report earnings after after the close, followed by a conference call at 5 p.m. Last quarter: IBM maintained its full-year guidance and posted first-quarter earnings and revenue that beat expectations . This quarter: Analysts polled by LSEG expect year-over-year earnings to have grown by nearly 9%. What to watch: Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring raised his price target to $253 from $233, though he kept his rating at equal weight. "Our Software and Consulting trackers lean cautiously ahead of 2Q earnings, but a weak USD supports CY25 FCF upside vs. Street. At $283, we believe FCF upside is already priced in, thus we lean tactically cautious into 2Q EPS; though 2Q is unlikely to fully break stock momentum," he said. What history shows: IBM beats earnings expectations 84% of the time, according to Bespoke. However, the stock averages a 0.5% slide on earnings days. Tesla is set to report earnings after the bell. A call with analysts and management is set for 5:30 p.m. Last quarter: TSLA reported a 20% drop in auto revenue, driving a first-quarter miss . This quarter: LSEG data shows analysts expect the electric vehicle maker to report a 20% year-on-year earnings decline. What to watch: Investors might not know what to expect from Tesla's report. Barclays analyst Dan Levy, who has an equal weight rating on shares, said the setup into the Q2 print is "confusing." He pointed to weak fundamentals for the company, but added that Tesla could get a boost from its conference call, which presents an opportunity for the company's "robotaxi/AV narrative to shine." What history shows: Tesla shares have risen after the past two earnings releases despite the company missing analyst expectations.
Jaclyn Johnson has big plans for her business. She started hosting events for women entrepreneurs in 2011 and formally launched her company, Create & Cultivate, in 2015. In the last decade, the founder has scaled the business to host 2,000-attendee gatherings, sold the company for $22 million, bought it back, brought on a new CEO and built the "Coachella for career women"  a two-day festival with programming that includes Doechii, Ciara, Aeysha Curry and Paige DeSorbo. Johnson, 40, is now Create & Cultivate's chief creative officer. When she hires someone, she looks for someone who can move fast and work with big ideas for the startup. One of her favorite interview questions to ask a prospective hire is, "What's a time that you put a fire out?"

Jaclyn Johnson bought back her company, Create & Cultivate, in 2024 and has been gearing up to host the "Coachella for career women" ever since. Britt Perkins Photography

Her goal is to see how someone operates and solves problems when thing don't go exactly as planned. "People who are able to flex and move and adapt quickly are always great for a startup environment," Johnson says. Johnson also appreciates people who aren't afraid to discuss when things go wrong, or mistakes they've made and how they've since reflected on them. "My green flags are people who can come to an interview and also talk about the good, the bad, the ugly," she says.

Her job-interview red flagand how to avoid it
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The earnings season is on, and investors are paying attention to how the leading companies are faring. However, tariffs and other challenges remain on the minds of investors. While top Wall Street analysts also watch the quarterly results closely, they generally have a broader focus and assess the company's ability to navigate short-term difficulties and deliver attractive returns over the long term. Here are three stocks favored by the Street's top pros, according to TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance.

Uber Technologies

First on this week's list is ride-sharing and delivery platform Uber Technologies (UBER). The company is scheduled to announce its second-quarter results on Aug. 6. In a preview note on Uber's Q2 earnings, Evercore analyst Mark Mahaney stated that he expects the company to report a 17% year-over-year growth in gross bookings to $46.8 billion, slightly above the Street's estimate and within the company's guidance. The analyst expects revenue growth of 18%, modestly above the Street's expectations, and EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) of $2.09 billion, in line with the consensus estimate. Mahaney's estimates are based on favorable industry checks for consumer demand trends, third-party data checks, and Evercore's non-deal roadshows (NDR) with UBER management. The analyst's expectations are also backed by Evercore's 8th Annual U.S. Ridesharing Survey and insights from its NDR with DoorDash management. Despite the stellar year-to-date rally, Mahaney stated that UBER remains a top pick for Evercore. He attributed the stock's rise to multiple factors, including better-than-expected growth in Mobility and Delivery bookings over the past two quarters and positive key user metrics and the impressive rollout of Waymo in Austin on the Uber network. "Key to our Long Thesis  we believe there will be 'more Austins'  more successful robotaxi partner rollouts for Uber, and not just with Waymo, over the next 12-18 months," said Mahaney and reaffirmed a buy rating on UBER stock with a price forecast of $115. Meanwhile, TipRanks' AI analyst has an "outperform" rating on UBER stock with a price forecast of $108. Mahaney ranks No. 219 among more than 9,800 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 60% of the time, delivering an average return of 15.9%. See Uber Technologies Statistics on TipRanks.

Alphabet

We move to Alphabet (GOOGL), the parent company of search engine giant Google. In a Q2 earnings preview of the companies in the internet space, JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth reaffirmed a buy rating on GOOGL stock and increased the price forecast to $200 from $195. In comparison, TipRanks' AI analyst has a price target of $199 on GOOGL stock with an "outperform" rating. Anmuth explained that his higher estimates mainly reflect better channel checks and third-party data as well as more favorable forex changes. Anmuth added that his revised price target is based on a multiple of about 20-times his 2026 GAAP earnings per share (EPS) estimate of $9.89. The analyst believes that Alphabet deserves to trade at a premium to the S&P 500, given that it is one of the few companies in this index with a double-digit percent revenue and EPS growth on a very large base. He also highlighted the company's more than 30% GAAP operating income margin. "We believe Alphabet's fundamentals are solid and the company will remain both a driver of and primary beneficiary of an increasingly digital economy & advances in Generative AI," said Anmuth. He highlighted Alphabet's continued focus on innovation. Anmuth sees a healthy runway across Search and YouTube ads, with artificial intelligence (AI) fueling higher return on investment (ROI) and a shift in TV dollars to online channels. Furthermore, he said that Alphabet's non-ad businesses, like Cloud and YouTube subscription services, still have substantial scope to grow. Anmuth also said that the companies within Alphabet's Other Bets division, including Waymo and Verily, provide potential upside. Overall, Anmuth is bullish about Alphabet's ability to innovate around generative AI, control costs and deliver impressive revenue growth. Anmuth ranks No. 56 among more than 9,800 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 65% of the time, delivering an average return of 21.6%. See Alphabet Stock News and Insights on TipRanks.

Meta Platforms
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 18: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (L) during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi as he attends the G20 summit at the Museum of Modern Art on November 18, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Keir Starmer is attending his first G20 Summit since he was elected Prime Minister of the UK. He is expected to hold talks with President Xi Jinping of China, the first time a UK PM has done so for six years. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The United States aims to pare the Group of 20 major economies back to its financial roots next year when it takes over the rotating presidency from South Africa, sources familiar with the Trump administration's plans said.

Washington has scaled back its participation this year, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipping a G20 finance chiefs' meeting that started in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday, his second absence from an event this year.

Experts and administration sources say the absence of top U.S. officials reflects the Trump administration's skepticism about multilateral institutions such as the G20, which the U.S. helped found in 1999.

U.S. President Donald Trump has upended the global economy with a wide-ranging trade war that has targeted many developing countries, including G20 members, while slashing foreign development funds to pursue an "America First" agenda.

Three U.S. sources familiar with the matter say Washington still plans to assume the G20 presidency at the end of the year, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

But it will focus on two "tracks"  the leaders' summit and the financial track  eliminating other working groups and ministerial-level meetings, including those on energy, health, commerce and the environment, two of the sources said.

A more streamlined G20 process would be in-line with Bessent's call in April for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to focus on their core missions of financial stability and development instead of climate finance and gender issues. The White House and Treasury had no immediate comment.
India and the United Kingdom are expected to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Thursday, July 24, during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the UK. Sources earlier told CNBC-TV18 that legal scrubbing of the agreement was underway, and once signed, the deal will require approval from Indias Union Cabinet and the British Parliament before it comes into effect.The agreement is set to be finalised during PM Modi's official visit to the UK from July 23 to 24, at the invitation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.Sources told CNBC-TV18 that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will accompany PM Modi for the signing of India-UK FTA.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both countries will review all aspects of the India-UK relationship, including progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), which was launched in May 2021.At the time, both countries laid out a decade-long roadmap for cooperation across trade and investment, defence and security, science, technology, and innovation.During the visit, PM Modi and PM Starmer will discuss the CSP, with a special focus on trade and the economy, technology and innovation, and defence and security.According to UK government data, India was the UKs second-largest source of investments by number of projects in 202324, with over 950 Indian-owned companies operating in the country. PM Modi is also expected to meet King Charles during the visit. Following the UK trip, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives from July 25 to 26. It will be his first visit since a diplomatic row between the two countries in January 2024.Modi will attend the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. He is also scheduled to hold talks with President Mohamed Muizzu and review progress under the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted in October 2024."The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship," the MEA said. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have urged the Prime Minister to prioritise the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, which will be held from July 21 to August 12.
Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, also known as the country's "sleeping prince" who has been in a coma for 20 years after a tragic incident, passed away on Saturday, July 19.

His father, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, posted the news of his son's passing on the social media platform X and announced the funeral to be held for three days from Sunday (July 20) to Tuesday (July 22).

Islamic leader's organisation, The Global Imams Council, expressed sympathies and paid condolences to the parents. "As we share the grief of the Royal Family on this solemn occasion, we recall with deep respect the patience and steadfastness demonstrated by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, and his family a testament to their profound faith in the will and decree of Allah. We pray that the Almighty Allah envelops the late Prince with His vast mercy, grants him a place in His eternal Paradise, and bestows patience and solace upon his family and loved ones," the council wrote.

Also Read: Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigns after viral video with colleague at Coldplay concert

The 35-year-old was the eldest of five children -- three sons and two daughters -- and had a road accident while training as a military cadet in London in 2005.

He was 15 when the incident caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, and failed to gain complete consciousness since.
News / National

by Gideon Madzikatidze in Seke

War veterans in Mashonaland East province are protesting against former Zimbabwean ambassador Charles Kunzwa, who has reportedly seized the late decorated liberation hero George Charambarara's Tweespruit Farm using a fraudulent offer letter, a bogus eviction order, and threats involving a firearm.The Charambarara family, now living in hiding, claims to have received death threats from Kunzwa. Fellow war veterans have expressed grave concern over the lack of security for war veterans' estates after their passing.In a strongly worded letter, Mashonaland East Provincial War Veterans League Chairperson, Retired Major Daniel Matengo, condemned Kunzwa's actions and demanded that he vacate Tweespruit Farm - also referred to as Mtsike Farm - measuring 114.40 hectares. Matengo accused Kunzwa of using forged documents and intimidation tactics, including brandishing a firearm, to take control of the land and silence rightful beneficiaries of Zimbabwe's land reform program.When contacted for comment, Major Matengo confirmed the authenticity of the letter and expressed outrage at what he described as a "farm looting spree" by Kunzwa."Yes, we wrote that letter, and we stand by its contents," said Matengo. "We strongly condemn these land grabs. It is unacceptable that the family and farm workers now live in fear, essentially as refugees, after a former ambassador seized the farm inherited from their father. His motive appears to be selfish - to transfer it to his son Clyde, who is currently living in the United Kingdom."Matengo also criticized elements within the Ministry of Agriculture, accusing them of corruption and betraying the principles of the liberation struggle by redistributing land away from the families of war veterans."What we know is that Tweespruit Farm remains part of the late George Charambarara's estate and should continue to benefit his surviving children. Their livelihoods are now under threat because of someone using a gun to claim what is not rightfully theirs," Matengo added.In his letter, Matengo dismissed Kunzwa's offer letter - referenced as LLRR704 - as invalid."Please be advised that the so-called offer letter you claim to have is null and void. It violates constitutional provisions that reserve 20% of land for war veterans. Whoever issued that letter to you, over 20 years after the land reform program began, was either misinformed or corrupt," he wrote."As war veterans' league, we are custodians of the constitutional regulations safeguarding the welfare of war veterans and their families. We will not allow you to carry out unauthorised farming activities on that land. We reserve the right to defend that farm by any means necessary," Matengo warned."Please vacate the farm immediately," he added.The Zimbabwe Lands Commission's Mashonaland East office, through Assistant Manager Ms. A. Musingwini, acknowledged receipt of a complaint regarding Subdivision 3 of Tweespruit of Mtsike Farm, Seke District."We acknowledge receipt of an ownership dispute concerning the farm lodged by George Charambarara's estate against Clyde Kunzwa. Please be advised that the Zimbabwe Lands Commission is currently investigating the matter, and it remains unresolved," Musingwini stated.When contacted by Bulawayo24.com, Charles Kunzwa refused to directly confirm the takeover of the farm on behalf of his son Clyde, instead referring all queries to his lawyer Tapera Muzana. Both were evasive."Why would I threaten anyone? And who told you that I'm grabbing multiple farms? I don't even own a gun. For your information, that case is over. My lawyer will contact you for clarity," said Kunzwa.Muzana defended his client, claiming that the land was no longer under Charambarara's ownership."The farm no longer belonged to Charambarara. He had failed to produce, and the land was reallocated to another individual, from whom my client acquired it legally," said Muzana."At this point, we cannot discuss Charambarara or war veterans. What matters is that my client is the rightful owner," he added.In 2022, Charles Kunzwa allegedly assaulted the Charambarara family, pointing a firearm at them and threatening to kill them if they did not vacate the farm. He was reportedly accompanied by bodyguards, including his son Clyde. The incident was reported to police under case number RRB 5581247.After learning he was being sought by the police, Clyde Kunzwa reportedly fled to South Africa and later to the United Kingdom. There, he allegedly forged a power of attorney authorising his father to act on his behalf in matters concerning the disputed farm.Meanwhile, Charles Kunzwa has reportedly continued to harass the Charambarara family, destroying crops each season. The family's livestock now roam the property aimlessly, while Kunzwa has stationed a caretaker to monitor and report any visits to the farm.
Britain is lawless. Over the past 20 years, crime has become commonplace across Britain  something Labour and the Tories have accepted rather than challenged.

Labour's relentless focus on restricting free speech, raising taxes, and releasing hardened criminals early has come at the direct expense of policing and public safety.

We must hold the Conservatives equally accountable, they've been in power throughout this crisis.

They introduced the disastrous 200 shoplifting charter, effectively incentivising theft under that threshold and allowing criminals to face no real consequences. They eroded public trust and safety.

There's no question: Britain is lawless and it needs Reform.

That is why today I am laying out my party's plans for how we take back control of our streets from the criminals who currently plague them.

Over the last 20 years, witnessing and experiencing crime has become normalised, with Britons feeling helpless and an overworked police force struggling to keep up.

Government funding seems to be going to everything except keeping the people of this country safe on the streets and secure in their homes.

Nigel Farage argues it out with Laura Kuenssberg on her Sunday BBC politics show

Farage, pictured last month, says he is laying out 'party's plans for how we take back control of our streets from the criminals who currently plague them'

Moreover, the Government seems to be doing everything it can to increase the likelihood of crime by importing droves of unvetted men into our towns and cities.

Total crime is now 50 per cent higher than it was in the 1990s, and twice as high as in the 1980s.

The current figures today are four times greater than they were in the 1970s.

Something is fundamentally wrong with both our justice system and the approach towards criminal prosecutions.

Our prison system is broken and, in most cases, at full capacity.

Violent repeat offenders are being released early and in many cases people do not feel confident that reporting crimes to the police will lead to justice.

A recent study has revealed that 44 per cent of violent crimes go unreported and over 64 per cent of robberies and thefts.

One of the greatest measures of how a country is faring is the level of trust the public holds with government officials and their ability to keep us safe.

From successive Labour and Conservative governments, that trust has been completely lost.

By deporting 10,400 foreign prisoners, Reform will end the crisis of prison overcrowding.

There's no justification for taxpayers funding the lives of criminals who shouldn't be here in the first place.

Many break the law just by entering the UK, then commit further crimes once here  disrespecting our laws, culture, and civility. The only acceptable response is deportation. Reform will commit to the building of five new 'Nightingale' style prisons across the UK.

Similar to what Denmark has done, we will negotiate a deal with countries such as Kosovo to ensure prison overcrowding is not a problem that occurs in Britain.

For too long, Labour and the Tories have sent the message that crime in Britain carries little to no consequence.

Reform will change that. We will ensure that the punishment actually fits the crime  not our current system where people are jailed for tweets while violent criminals walk free after serving a two-year sentence.

Reform will build a justice system that properly investigates and prosecutes all crimes.

Britain will no longer send the message that robbery, theft, and antisocial behaviour are acceptable. I will ensure any crime, big or small, will be investigated and perpetrators will face justice.

Under a Reform government, we will have full-tariff sentences. Life will mean life if I am your prime minister.

There will be no early release and no suspended sentences for serious violent offenders, sexual offenders and knife possession.

We will end the 200 shoplifters' charter  all shoplifters will face arrest. We will also introduce mandatory life imprisonment for drug trafficking.

Reform UK will be the toughest party on law and order this country has ever seen. We will cut crime in half. We will take back control of our streets, we will take back control of our courts and prisons.

If you're a criminal, I am putting you on notice. In 2029 you have a choice to make: be a law-abiding citizen or face serious justice.
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to.

I simply do not care if this sounds vain, but I live my life by the saying, 'If you look good, you feel good'.

In this economy, though? It's proving a little bit harder to look 'as good' as I once did because unfortunately, I am an adult, and I have to also pay a lot of bills.

It does sadden me a bit that many of us are rethinking the little luxuries we used to take for granted, especially when it comes to our beauty treats.

But for me, and I know I'm not alone, there's one small indulgence I've always found hard to give up, and that's getting my nails done.

There's just something about a fresh mani that instantly makes you feel more polished, more put-together, and more like you've got your life in order even when everything else around you is chaos. It's self-care, sure, but it's also confidence in a bottle.

However, when I finally crunched the numbers, I realised my regular nail appointments were adding up to well over $1,600 a year.

That's basically a designer handbag or a return flight to Europe, sitting there on my fingertips, chipping away (literally and financially) every two to three weeks.

So instead of waving goodbye to the salon altogether, I got smarter.

It does sadden me a bit that many of us are rethinking the little luxuries we used to take for granted, especially when it comes to our beauty treats. However, I refused to give up my nice nails

I started looking into ways to stretch out the time between visits, reduce the cost of each appointment, and even DIY it when needed - without sacrificing the glossy, groomed look I love.

That's when I stumbled upon the term 'recession nails', and suddenly, it all made sense.

The idea behind recession nails is simple; it's any type of manicure or nail maintenance that's designed to either cost less up front or save you money over time.

It's the art of being a beauty budget queen by cutting back without feeling like you're missing out.

Whether it's choosing colours that grow out better, opting for techniques that last longer, or having clever tools and tricks at home to maintain the look yourself, it's all about getting more bang for your buck.

And in this financial climate, that's a beauty strategy I can get behind.

So if you, like me, still want to treat yourself but don't want to be caught out when your bank statement hits your inbox, please read on.

These are my tried-and-tested, money-saving mani hacks that'll keep your nails looking chic without sacrificing your savings.

That's when I stumbled upon the term 'recession nails'. The idea behind it is simple; it's any type of manicure or nail maintenance that's designed to either cost less up front or save you money over time. Pictured: Elsa Hosk sporting very on-trend, and recession-friendly, 'princess nails'



Get an updated Russian manicure

I used to be the girl who'd roll into the salon every two weeks like clockwork, shelling out around $65 a pop for a fresh mani.

But once I discovered the magic of the Russian manicure with BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), everything changed.

This technique involves a super-detailed e-file cuticle clean (which is cleaner, neater, and way more precise), and the BIAB base gives your nails a beautiful, strong overlay that lasts.

Yes, it's a little pricier upfront - mine costs $90 - but I only need to get it done once a month, instead of fortnightly. Do the maths, that's a saving of $610 a year.

Not to mention, I've reclaimed my time and I'm no longer glued to a nail table every other weekend. Because seriously, who has the time.

My Russian manicure with BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) costs around $90 per appointment - but I only need to get it done once a month, instead of fortnightly like I used to with a regular mani. Do the maths, that's a saving of $610 a year

The Russian technique involves a super-detailed e-file cuticle clean (which is cleaner, neater, and way more precise), and a BIAB base gives your nails a beautiful, strong overlay that lasts

Schedule fill-ins instead of full sets

If you're a fan of acrylics or gel extensions, you'll know how expensive those full sets can get. So, instead of starting from scratch each time, book in for fill-ins.

Most salons offer them for significantly less than a fresh set, and they take half the time.

Your nail tech will simply refill the regrowth area and reshape your nails. It's like a facelift for your fingertips without the big price tag.

For acrylics or gel extensions, book in for fill-ins instead of full-sets as it works out a lot cheaper over time. Pictured: Hailey Bieber with on-trend 'fruity' nail art and nude polish

For a quick fix, keep press-on nails handy

Gone are the days when press-on nails were flimsy bits of plastic from the $2 shop. Today's versions are gorgeous, and some even look identical to salon acrylics.

Before I was getting my BIAB, I'd always keep a pack in my drawer at home and at work for last-minute plans or when I didn't have time to get to the salon.

They take 10 minutes to apply (I even did mine on a one-hour flight to Byron Bay once), last up to a week when used with proper glue or sticky tabs, and come in every shape and colours imaginable.

It's the ultimate emergency mani, and no appointment necessary.

Gone are the days when press-on nails were flimsy bits of plastic from the $2 shop. Today's versions are gorgeous, and some even look identical to salon acrylics. Pictured: me applying some on my flight to Byron Bay once

They take 10 minutes to apply, last up to a week when used with proper glue or sticky tabs, and come in every shape and colours imaginable

Stick to nude-coloured polish

A classic nude manicure doesn't just look elegant, it's also a genius money-saving strategy.

When your natural nails start to grow out, it's way less obvious with a soft pink, beige or sheer taupe.

Bright colours and bold nail art might look cute at first, but they'll betray your budget efforts pretty quickly.

There's a reason why 'princess nails', 'soap nails', and the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic are all over TikTok and Instagram right now. This isn't just about beauty trends, it's a sign of the times.

As financial wellness expert Nicole Victoria put it in her recent viral clip: 'These trends don't just appear, they signal something deeper.'

Translation? People are tightening their belts but they still want to look polished doing it.

A classic nude manicure doesn't just look elegant, it's also a genius money-saving strategy. When your natural nails start to grow out, it's way less obvious with a soft pink, beige or sheer taupe

Take supplements to boost healthy nail growth

If you want your mani to last longer and your nails to grow stronger, start from the inside out. A good supplement routine can make all the difference.

Look for ingredients like silica, biotin, zinc and collagen, which are known to support nail strength and reduce breakage.

It's a small investment that pays off, especially if it means your nails won't peel, snap, or crack before your next fill.

Make your own cuticle oil  straight from your pantry

Save money by making your own cuticle oil from pantry staples like jojoba, almond, coconut or even olive oil

You know those tiny bottles of cuticle oil at the salon that cost as much as your actual manicure? Skip them.

You can make your own using pantry staples like jojoba, almond, coconut or even olive oil.

Just rub a drop into each cuticle every night before bed.

Trust me your nails will stay hydrated, your mani will last longer, and your bank account will thank you.

Use a high-quality top coat

If you're going full DIY, do not skimp on the top coat. A good one will make even the most amateur mani last twice as long and save you the frustration of chips within 24 hours.

My go-to is Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat ($18.95), it gives that ultra-glossy gel finish without the need for a UV lamp.

Just pair it with your favourite polish and you're good to go.

These little hacks have not only saved me hundreds of dollars a year, but they've also changed how I approach beauty in general.

It's not about doing less, it's about doing it better.

In the age of rising prices and economic uncertainty, 'recession nails' might just be the perfect combination of luxury and logic.

Because honestly? Life's too short for bad nails - and way too expensive for bad budgeting.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any brands or companies mentioned. This content is not sponsored or endorsed in any way.
Every summer, hoards of New York City dwellers take the three-hour (if you're lucky) trek out east to the farthest region of Long Island known as The Hamptons.

The ritzy destination has been a haven for the wealthy New York elite for over 30 years, with its private beaches, luxury restaurants and sprawling mansions.

But for locals who live in the Hamptons all year round, the annual summer ritual is typically accompanied by longer lines, jacked up prices, and hours of backed up traffic.

That's why Emma Ambrose, 20, took to TikTok earlier this month to profess that her beloved hometown is being 'ruined' by tourists.

'This is a PSA as somebody who grew up in the Hamptons,' she began her viral video on July 7, which has since been viewed on TikTok over 900,000 times.

'I grew up in Sag Harbor, I lived here full-time, I went to Sag Harbor high school,' she said.

However, Emma admitted that she's 'never seen anything like this summer in the Hamptons' in her entire life.

'The place is literally getting ruined,' she declared.

Emma Ambrose, 20, went viral on TikTok this month when she declared the Hamptons is 'getting ruined' by overtourism

Emma, a student at College of Charleston, was raised in the Hamptons and graduated from Pierson High School in Sag Harbor

Emma, a college student who makes lifestyle content for her 125,000 TikTok followers, explained that she's never been one to complain about the Hamptons' busy season because 'it's an absolute ghost town in the winter' and she's always felt like 'life came to the town' in the summer.

But this summer, the antics of tourists  specifically, influencers flocking to the Hamptons to create content for their massive followings  has caught the ire of locals.

This past Fourth of July weekend, photos and videos across social media documented the bumper-to-bumper traffic along Montauk Highway  one of the few main roads to traverse the southern shore of Long Island  as renters attempted to drive back to the city after the holiday.

Another clip posted on July 6 captured a swarm of out-of-towners waiting to board the Long Island Railroad in Amagansett, as one TikTok user in the comments section described the long lines as 'a nightmare.'

Round Swamp Farm  a gourmet market with locations in East Hampton, Bridgehampton, and Montauk  has gained an online cult following for its selection of grab-and-go products, as TikTokers shared their pricey 'hauls' filled with $16 chicken salad and $18 guacamole.

Meanwhile, content creator Maddie Richter shocked viewers when she shared her review of the purported $150 chicken tenders at The Surf Lodge, a trendy hotel and event space that has transformed Montauk from a sleepy surf town into an influencer hot spot.

According to locals themselves who spoke to the Daily Mail, the Hamptons wasn't always such a goldmine for viral influencer content.

Indeed, the Long Island destination has long served as a second home for the elite New York City socialite set  the type to profess that money talks but wealth whispers.

The Surf Lodge, a trendy hotel and event space, has transformed Montauk from a sleepy surf town into an influencer hot spot

Influencer Maddie Richter went viral this month when she shared her review of the $150 chicken tenders at Surf Lodge

'$150 for chicken tenders is criminal,' one TikTok user commented under the video

But these days, social media has completely transformed the once quiet and private Hamptons into a playground, with everyone clamoring to take the perfect beachside selfie.

'Influencers post anything out here and people believe them or trust them,' said Raya O'Neal, a 29-year-old marketing executive born and raised in East Hampton.

'It creates a super false sense of this community and, I think, of reality.'

A recent report from the Wall Street Journal revealed the jaw-dropping cost of a 'girl's weekend' in the Hamptons, as aspiring content creators attempt to rub shoulders with the influencers who singlehandedly inspired them to book a trip in the first place.

The outlet estimated that just three days in the Hamptons can cost one person up to $3,823.

But that's only if they choose to cash out at the priciest places beloved by their favorite New York City-based influencers, like a Tracy Anderson workout class or a $97 lobster cobb salad at Duryea's restaurant in Montauk.

A manager at a hotel in Sagaponack, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed to the Daily Mail that it's not only influencers looking to make viral content in the Hamptons.

She's noticed an uptick in regular 20-somethings booking rooms for a weekend visit to emulate the influencer lifestyle  because if you didn't post about it, were you really there?

'I realize that the busy season is what keeps our paychecks higher than the national average, so I am not bitter about it,' she added.

At Round Swamp Farm in the Hamptons, an eight-ounce serving of chicken salad costs $16 and guacamole costs $18

Duryea's restaurant in Montauk is known for its $97 lobster cobb salad

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Emma confessed that she doesn't necessarily believe it's the influencers who are ruining summers in the Hamptons.

As a content creator herself, she applauded the hustle of popular influencers like TikTok star Alix Earle  who, unsurprisingly, is also renting a house in Montauk for the summer.

Instead, she placed blame on their legions of followers who visit the same Hamptons hot spots made famous by said influencers, rather than exploring the island for themselves.

'Social media's not going anywhere. Influencers are not going anywhere. They've helped so many small businesses and they've had such a great impact,' she told the Daily Mail.

'I think it's rather the people that are being influenced and not respecting the place, not respecting the people, and coming here for the wrong reasons  simply to post it on social media.

'They're coming just for the name behind the Hamptons and what it represents,' Emma said.

As a result of this year's Fourth of July frenzy, some locals have begun to retaliate against the influx of tourism taking over their beloved towns.

It's Montalk, a lifestyle blog created by Montauk local Jayleen Schiappacasse, shared a public service announcement on July 8 calling out the 'disrespect' the fishing town has faced from tourists in recent weeks.

Pictured: Historic lighthouse at Montauk Point. A local lifestyle blogger recently called out the 'disrespect' that Montauk has been facing from tourists

Emma said that people are visiting the Hamptons 'for the wrong reasons' and 'simply to post it on social media'

The college student encouraged tourists to 'create a life of their own and not just follow in everybody else's footsteps'

'Walking in the middle of the road, crossing streets without looking, waving cards in bartenders' faces, shoving without saying excuse me, climbing over fences and dunes that say do not pass, not pulling over for ambulances and police, bringing drinks into the ocean, complaining how long food takes,' Schiappacasse wrote on social media.

'Most importantly, the audacity to think Montauk owes you a luxury experience. This place thrives in its simplicity: fresh air, hardworking people, nature untouched. If you don't understand that, you don't understand Montauk,' she said.

Emma confirmed that many of her fellow Sag Harbor residents have echoed a similar sentiment, with some going so far as to protest against city folk purchasing homes for the summer altogether.

But according to her, she believes there should be more of a give-and-take between both locals and tourists.

'The people coming here are the ones supporting the small businesses that they own,' she said.

If tourists are so inclined to visit the Hamptons for a weekend, she recommended choosing a path uncharted by their social media feeds. Instead, she hopes they'll discover some of the true hidden gems the island has to offer.

'Hopefully, people will realize that they don't need to follow the status of everyone else, go where all these influencers are, and go where it looks cool to post,' Emma said.

'But rather theyll create a life of their own and not just follow in everybody else's footsteps.'
The daughter of a man who claimed The Salt Path author Raynor Winn stole thousands of pounds from his business has broken down recalling the moment her late father realised he wouldn't be able to pay his employees after vast sums of his had money disappeared.

In a new interview with BBC News Waleshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c80p2pzgpmgo, Debbie Adams, 46, is seen putting her head in her hands and wiping away tears as she recounts how her father, an estate agent and property surveyor who died in 2012, told her Raynor Winn had 'been nicking money'.

Adams has been speaking out about the impact Winn, who became an overnight millionaire thanks to the success of her 2018 book - and just-released film starring Gillian Anderson - about tracing the South West Coastal Path, had on her late father Martin Hemmings.

She said he was 'absolutely shot' when he realised he wouldn't be able to pay the women who worked for him.

An investigation by The Observer earlier this month suggested Winn's story about her life in The Salt Path was misleading.

The publication claimed that Raynor and her husband Moth Winn, real names Sally and Tim Walker, lost their money after failing to pay money they had been accused of stealing from Hemmings.

In the emotional BBC News interview, Adams told the broadcaster she had been left with a 'feeling of sickness to the pit of your stomach' when her father revealed his hard-earned money was nowhere to be seen.

She explained: 'I had a phone call from Dad saying that he was worried about the business.

Debbie Adams, 46, the daughter of late estate agent and property surveyor Martin Hemmings, who claimed The Salt Path author Raynor Winn stole around 64,000 from his business, broke down in an interview when she discussed the moment her father realised his money had gone

Author Raynor Winn, real name Sally Walker with her husband Tim at a screening of The Salt Path film, realised earlier this year - Debbie Adams told BBC News she felt 'sick to the pit of my stomach' when her father told her money was missing

He told her: 'I just don't know what's gone wrong, I'm working every hour God gives me and there's no money.'

Adams, who was 29 at the time and about to get married, continued: 'About five days after that first call he rings up and goes, she [Winn] has been nicking money.

'I was like, "Dad, come on now, no. Surely there's something gone wrong?" He said "no, we've had a look and there's money missing"'.

The couple had become friends with the husband of Winn, Moth Winn, otherwise known as Tim Walker, when the pair worked together in the 1990s.

In 2001, Moth mentioned his wife had lost her job as a bookkeeper at a hotel and Martin Hemmings' wife Ros suggested to her husband they hire Raynor for their business.

However, a year later the couple noticed that they were no longer 'making any money'.

Hemming initially believed that between 6,000 and 9,000 had been taken and decided to contact both the police and a solicitor about the sums.

Adams says that when The Salt Path author realised an investigation might happen, she turned up 'crying' at the family home with a cheque for 9,000, claiming it was 'all the money I have' and saying she'd had to sell family possessions to raise it.

At one point during the interview, Debbie Adams broke down as she recounted how her father realised he couldn't pay his employees when he realised the money had gone

The Hemmings family with Ros (left) and daughter Debbie (right) with father Martin, who died in 2012

Debbie's mother Ros claims The Salt Path author Raynor Winn stole thousands of pounds from her family business - and says her husband struggled to trust anyone again

After accepting the cheque on police advice, Hemmings went back through his accounts more thoroughly and to his horror estimated his business was actually 64,000 down.

BBC News also interviewed Hemming's wife Ros, who said she was speaking out to give a voice to her late husband.

She revealed the couple recieved a letter from a solicitor in London offering to pay back the money and legal fees totalling around 90,000.

The offer included an agreement not to press criminal charges against Raynor Winn.

Mrs Hemmings said her husband signed the agreement, not wanting to put a mother through a criminal trial.

Mrs Hemmings said: 'The mistake was that we ever employed her, and the biggest mistake my husband made, because obviously I'd recommended her in a way, was that he trusted her.'

'I did not think there was any reason for this aside from the fact that Martin was rubbish at sending out bills.'

She added: 'I can't forgive her for sort of destroying my husband's confidence in people, because it did.

Raynor Winn rose to fame in 2018 after her book The Salt Path became a bestseller - but an investigation by The Observer this month has put some of her stories in doubt

Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs starred in a movie adaptation of Sally Walker's book

The Hemmings claim they agreed not to press charges against Raynor Winn, after agreeing she would pay back the money. The new film adaptation of Winn's book follows the story of a couple who lose their home and later discover the husband has been diagnosed with a terminal illness as they embark on a year long coastal trek

In a statement following The Observer investigation, Raynor Winn said: 'The dispute with Martin Hemmings, referred to in the Observer by his wife, is not the court case in The Salt Path.

'Nor did it result in us losing our home. Mr Hemmings is not Cooper. Mrs Hemmings is not in the book, nor is she a relative of someone who is.

'I worked for Martin Hemmings in the years before the economic crash of 2008. For me it was a pressured time.

'It was also a time when mistakes were being made in the business. Any mistakes I made during the years in that office, I deeply regret, and I am truly sorry.'

Mrs Hemmings said she had not read The Salt Path, which sold more than two million copies, because she felt it would not reflect her view on why the couple embarked on their walk.

Speaking to the MailOnline from her remote Welsh cottage last week, Debbie Adams said: 'He felt he was ripped off by her, which he was.

'My mum is still angry and frustrated by it as my dad was upset about it. He felt really let down by it all.

'But I don't feel angry any more as I have parked it. But I'm not sure my mum has.'

A close friend of her mother Ros Hemmings told MailOnline that she and her late husband were 'saddened and very frustrated' that Winn had escaped any punishment for her alleged theft.

On the other hand, at least they got the money back, said the friend.

'If things had gone differently, and Walker had not been able to come up with the money then she may have been prosecuted, probably would not have gone to jail and ended up doing community service.

'Then she'd have been repaying their money at some paltry rate such as 5 a week for the rest of her life.

'So although it wasn't a perfect solution, it was probably better than the alternative.'

Under scrutiny: A copy of The Salt Path on display in a book store, in London

Following The Observer investigation, angry readers began demanding refunds for The Salt Path after Winn was accused of lying about the 'true story'.

The writer has been accused of omitting key elements of her story in her account of losing her home before embarking on a mammoth trek of the 630-mile South West Coast Path.

More than two million people have read her popular 2018 memoir but the author is now facing claims the story may not be as 'unflinchingly honest' as initially billed.

Readers are now flooding the Amazon book page with one-star reviews, saying they are returning their books for refunds following a newspaper's investigation.

One said they felt 'completely conned' and 'seriously disappointed'. Another wrote: 'I want a refund of this and the two sequels... I don't want to read them anymore.'

And a third said: 'After reading the investigation in The Observer newspaper and learning the truth I am glad I was able to return it for a refund.'

Following an investigation into their backgrounds, the publication said that The Salt Path's protagonists, Winn and her husband, Moth, previously went by their less flamboyant legal names, Sally and Tim Walker.

And rather than being forced out of their home in rural Wales when an investment in a childhood friend's business went awry, as the book suggested, it is alleged that the property was repossessed after Winn stole tens of thousands of pounds from a former employer and was arrested.

Questions have also been raised about Moth's debilitating illness, corticobasal degeneration [CBD], a rare neurological condition in the same family as Parkinson's disease, which is central to the book.

Life expectancy after diagnosis is around six to eight years, according to the NHS  however Moth has been living with the condition for 18 years with no apparent visible symptoms.

As part of The Observer's investigation, a number of neurologists specialising in CBD were contacted, with one telling the newspaper that his history with the illness 'does not pass the sniff test'.

Released in 2018, The Salt Path details the Winns' decision to embark on the South West Coast Path when they lose their home after investing a 'substantial sum' into a friend's business which ultimately failed. In the book, Winn writes: 'We lost. Lost the case. Lost the house.'

The memoir then describes their subsequent 630-mile walk to salvation, wild camping en route and living on around 40 per week, and is described as a 'life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world'.

It prompted two sequels and the film adaptation, which was released in May, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, who was recently in HBO's The White Lotus.

The Winns posed for photographs alongside the actors on the red carpet in London at the film's premiere.
A Belgian man who drove almost 500 miles to meet his 'future wife' for the first time faced huge disappointment when he finally came face-to-face with the woman he'd fallen for online.

In an Instagram video translated by the New York Post, a man named Michel revealed he drove 472 miles across the border to France to meet model and former beauty pageant contestant Sophie Vouzelaud, 38.

The clip documented him arriving at Sophie's door - but instead of getting his fairytale ending, he was met by the model's actual husband, Fabien Boutamine.

The Miss France 2007 runner-up, who is currently pregnant, denied knowing the stranger, prompting her shocked husband to say to him: 'Well, Im the current one [her husband]. Theres going to be a confrontation'.

Michel claimed that he believed he was going to wed Sophie and that he had previously sent a whopping $35,000 (26,000) to a woman who he believed to be the model.

'I have to film because theres a guy who just rang my doorbell, and he says "Im the future husband of Sophie Vouzelaud"', said Fabian.

'Well, Im the current one. Theres going to be a confrontation' he continued.

It appears the reality of the situation then dawned on Michel - whose face was never revealed during the video - when he emotionally admitted that something wasn't quite right.

A Belgian man (not pictured) who drove almost 500 miles to meet his 'future wife' for the first time was instead met by the woman's husband (Pictured: A shocked Sophie Vouzelaud and her husband Fabien Boutamine receive the man at their home in France)

The Miss France 2007 runner-up and former Miss Limousin, who is currently pregnant, denied knowing the stranger

'I think she played a dirty trick on me' he added.

Fabian appeared resigned to the fact that another potential suitor had been scammed online.

'My wife, no, its the fake accounts, you have to be very careful' he warned the stranger.

'Im sorry, sir, but the problem is that Sophie puts a lot of videos on [social media] networks to say to be careful not to get hurt'.

The shock factor was ramped up a notch when Michel confessed he had wired $35,000 to the suspected imposter who alleged she was pregnant and had later lost her baby.

Michel also brought out his phone which purported to prove text message exchanges between himself and the fake Sophie.

The exchanges seemed to touch the expectant mother, who could be heard saying, 'this hurts my heart'.

'You must keep all the evidence and take it to the police' she added.

The clip documented the man - named Michel - arriving at Sophie's door, where instead of receiving his fairytale ending, he was met by the model's actual husband, Fabien Boutamine

Michel revealed he'd previously sent a whopping $35,000 to a woman who he believed to be the model (Pictured: the real Sophie Vouzelaud)

Sophie, who boasts 296,000 followers, shared the bizarre video on her Instagram page along with a caption detailing how 'sorry' she felt for Michel.

'I feel so sorry for this man' she wrote. 'Watch out for fake accounts, I'm sharing this video to show you it's real and to be vigilant! Take care of yourself'.

The digital era has made it easier than ever for scammers to take advantage of unwitting victims.

In May, a woman reached out for help after discovering her mother might be falling head over heels for a fake Owen Wilson.

The unnamed woman shared her concerns on US forum Reddit, along with an alleged video of the Hollywood star, 56, telling her mum she is an 'amazing woman'.

The poster said she tried to convince her mum that it was the workings of artificial intelligence after finding a 'plethora of red flags' such as the man mainly contacting her mother via WhatsApp voice calls.

Michel also brought out his phone which purported to prove text message exchanges between himself and the fake Sophie

Sophie pictured walking the runway during Salon Du Chocolat 2023 - Chocolate Fair in Paris in 2023

In the clip, the purported Wedding Crashers actor - who in real life was busy shooting his latest action thriller Runner in Australia - appeared to be the result of sophisticated computer graphics; most notably given away by static eye movements and a grainy facial complexion.

The woman said her and her sister had tried tirelessly to inform their mother it was a grand 'scam' but lamented that 'she's just not hearing us'.

After reading her plight, many users agreed that it was indeed a hoax, with one person shockingly advising the siblings to create their own AI Owen Wilson and siphon money from her to prove it.

According to her mother, the odd pairing came about after a chance meeting at Yahtzee with some friends.

Though the exact location was withheld, the poster said the man claimed to have mistaken her mother for someone he knew in 'real life' when he saw her at the dice game.

She then explained that the two only spoke by WhatsApp, voice calls and FaceTime, which installed doubts over the genuinity of their relations.

She concluded her post by asking fellow users for advice 'to definitively prove to her [mother] this is a scam'.

One viewer immediately noticed the actor's 'robotic' nature, writing: 'Wow thats scary, you can tell the tone is off and robotic. Face also looks slightly different than Owen but wow thats crazy for someone who wouldnt know any better.'

'His nose and eyes are also... not human lol,' chimed another.

'Tell her to watch his nose lol,' said one person.
The Prince and Princess of Monaco were pictured beaming alongside their two children during a ceremony to mark the Head of State's 20-year reign.

Prince Albert, 67, and his wife Charlene, 47, were accompanied by their 10-year-old twins, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, as the royal family celebrated the joyous occasion at the Palace Square in the principality.

The royal couple looked to be in good spirits despite ongoing speculation about the state of their marriage, including how the glamourous mother-of-two sought solace from the French president's wife, Brigitte Macron, following whispers of marital misery.

Yesterday the glowing couple appeared to put all controversy behind them as they posed lovingly in a series of sweet snaps to commemorate the day he was bestowed power following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III in July 2005.

In one image, the Prince could be seen leaning over to plant a sweet peck on his wife's face, while in another the doting father made the same gesture towards his young daughter.

Princess Charlene looked elegant in a baby pink dress and the stylish royal teamed the look with a pair of dazzling white pointed heels, while her make-up was pared back with only a touch of eye shadow and a rose pink lip.

Meanwhile her blonde hair was delicately coiffured with a middle parting and tucked behind her ears.

The Prince and Princess of Monaco were spotted beaming alongside their two children during a glorious ceremony to mark the monarch's 20-year reign

Albert, 67, and his wife Charlene, 47, were accompanied by their 10-year-old twins, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, as the royal family celebrated the joyous occasion at the Palace Square

In one image the Prince could be seen leaning over to plant a sweet peck on his wife's face

Equally impressing was her mini-me Prince Jacques who was the spitting image of his mother in a sharp navy blue suit and matching tie.

He perhaps took a style note from his powerful father, who also donned a full blue suit.

The prince looked exceedingly sharp in a royal blue blazer with matching trousers, a pressed white shirt, stripy red tie and polished black leather loafers.

Princess Gabriella looked as marvellous as her mother in a white dress and matching slippers.

Her hair was styled with a thick plait and a gorgeous white flower ornament which was pinned above the right side of her forehead.

The happy family were also accompanied by members of the Princiere family who joined them for a series of photos to mark the prestige occasion.

Prince Albert also addressed the people of Monegasque during a speech of thanks, of which the large crowd captured the memorable moment using camera phones.

In one picture the doting father affectionately kissed his young daughter

The glowing couple appeared to put all controversy behind them as they posed lovingly in a series of sweet snaps to commemorate the day he was bestowed power following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III in July 2005

The royal family celebrated the occasion with a grandiose red and white cake, which they offered to happy guests

In one image the family stood together to cut a grandiose red and white cake, which they offered to happy guests.

In another, the family of four could be seen walking around the square to greet the excited crowds.

Earlier this month, Prince Albert celebrated his 14th wedding anniversary - when he tied the knot with the then Charlene Wittstock in two lavish wedding ceremonies that cost a combined total 53million.

With a glittering 850-strong guest list that included Sir Roger Moore and Prince Edward, the religious ceremony on July 2 followed the civil nuptials a day earlier.

But even on their wedding day, the controversies that tend to follow the Monegasque Royal Family appeared.

The couple's uneasy kiss - and the fact that at one moment Charlene was in tears - perhaps betrayed the trouble that had already taken place and the further angst that was to come.

Days before the big day, rumours began to circulate that Charlene had tried to flee the country on three occasions with a one-way ticket to Johannesburg.

The royal couple looked to be in good spirits despite recent speculation about the state of their marriage

Princess Charlene looked ethereal in a stunning baby pink lace frock which displayed her trim figure and lean arms

A Parisian news magazine reported that Charlene had been stopped at Nice airport after allegedly learning a 'distressing' revelation about her future husband's private life.

A senior Monaco detective claimed at the time: 'Charlene had her passport confiscated so that the Prince's entourage could persuade her to stay.'

The rumour mill in France went into overdrive. Charlene had, it was suggested, heard talk of an illegitimate child, allegedly conceived when she was dating Prince Albert in 2005.

But the Princess would go on to dismiss the 'hilarious' rumours. She said: 'Why would he go through all this effort to have our dearest friends come join us, for us to be reluctant?'

The prince looked exceedingly sharp in a royal blue blazer with matching trousers, a pressed white shirt, stripy red tie and polished black leather loafers

Prince Albert also addressed the people of Monegasque during a speech of thanks, of which the large crowd captured the memorable moment using camera phones

And they spent the first night of their honeymoon in South Africa - the nation that Zimbabwe-born Charlene represented at the Olympics during her swimming career - in separate hotels.

Prince Albert has also fathered several love children - two of which the prince has acknowledged.

Meanwhile, Princess Charlene has been known to disappear from the public eye on multiple occasions, reportedly due to 'deep fatigue'.

The princess took a prolonged medical hiatus in South Africa which saw her spend most of 2021 away from her husband and children.

This meant she missed the seventh birthdays of her twins - Jacques and Gabriella - and her tenth wedding anniversary.

Charlene also travelled to a Swiss clinic that allegedly specialises in mental health and addiction issues.

In May, the royals joined other Catholic monarchs including the King and Queen of Spain and Belgium for an audience with Pope Leo XIV.

Princess Charlene along with Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are allowed to wear white in front of the Pope because of their faith.

They are each one of only seven women in the world who have 'the privilege of the white'.

Called 'le privilege du blanc' in French or 'il privilegio del bianco' in Italian, the special tradition is extended solely to designated Catholic queens and princesses and is reserved for important events at the Vatican, such as private audiences, canonisations, beatifications, and special masses.

Normal protocol for papal audiences requires that ladies wear a long black dress with a high collar and long sleeves and a black mantilla.
Nowhere in England is safe from a measles outbreak, experts warned today amid a 'very worrying' slump in MMR vaccination rates.

To stop the extremely contagious disease ripping through communities, 95 per cent of children need both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella jab.

Yet MailOnline can today reveal that not a single authority in the country exceeds this threshold, set by the World Health Organization.

Nationally, England has never met the target, which health bosses admit is needed to 'achieve and maintain measles elimination'.

Of the around 150 upper tier local authorities in England, Cumbria recorded the highest uptake  94.8 per cent of fiveyearolds living there have had both MMR doses.

In pockets of the country, fewer than twothirds of kids are fully protected against the trio of illnesses, latest NHS figures show.

Hackney (combined with the City of London) logged the lowest rate of uptake with 60.8 per cent in 2023/24, followed by Islington (63.8 per cent) and Westminster (64.3 per cent).

Nationally, the figure stands at 83.9 per cent  the lowest figure in a decade.

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This equates to around five children in every classroom.

Doctors blame the rise of antivaxx beliefs in the wake of Covid for fuelling the fall in rates.

Busy modern lifestyles and public complacency have also been cited for the crisis, with many adults forgetting that measles is a killer.

Dr David Elliman, a consultant community paediatrician and expert in vaccination at University College London, said: 'The drift downwards in uptake of the vaccine is very worrying.

He said: 'It is important that parents have an opportunity to speak to a well-informed health care professional who has the knowledge and time to answer any questions.

'Too often parents say they are rushed and don't get satisfactory answers to their questions.'

The MMR jab, which offers life-long protection, consists of two doses. In Britain, it's given when a child turns one and then again at three years and four months.

After both doses, 99 per cent of people are protected from measles.

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The illness, spread through coughs and sneezes, typically causes flulike symptoms followed by a rash.

However, measles can trigger fatal health complications if it spreads to the lungs or the brain.

If pregnant women get infected, the virus can cause stillbirth and miscarriage.

One child in a classroom can give the virus to up to nine other unvaccinated children within 15 minutes, making it one of the most infectious diseases worldwide and even more transmissible than Covid.

To achieve 'herd immunity', the WHO states 95 per cent of a population needs to be vaccinated against measles.

This would stop the illness from being able to spread, even among the unvaccinated.

It comes after the death of a child in Liverpool last week from measles.

According to the Sunday Times, which revealed the news, it is understood the child who died was severely ill with measles and other serious health problems.

Health officials in the region said that the number of measles infections being treated at Alder Hey Hospital meant there were likely more infections than officially reported.

Last week, public health officials wrote an open letter to parents in the region, urging them to get their children vaccinated.

How do the MMR vaccines work? The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine. It protects against three illnesses: measles, mumps and rubella. The highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people. The conditions can lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella. The NHS advises anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine to ask their GP for a vaccination appointment. Two doses of the jab protects around 99 per cent of people against measles and rubella, while around 88 per cent of people are protected against mumps. Source: NHS Advertisement

The MMR jab has been offered to children in Britain since the late 80s.

Uptake collapsed in the late 1990s and early 2000s in the wake of a 1998 discredited study by Andrew Wakefield, which falsely linked the vaccine with autism.

Tens of thousands of parents refused to let medics jab their children due to the bogus paper, published in medical journal The Lancet.

Donald Trump's Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr earlier this year vowed to 'look at vaccines', to determine what was behind spiralling autism rates.

Before his appointment, RFK Jr sparked outrage when he told Fox News in 2023: 'I do believe autism comes from vaccines.' Senator Bernie Sanders has even accused RFK Jr of praising Wakefield for his bogus research.

But in April RFK Jr pulled a major aboutface when he said the MMR vaccine was the 'most effective way' to stave off the potentially dangerous virus.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: 'The decline of the uptake of childhood vaccinations including MMR in England in the past decade means that many thousands of children are left unprotected with the risk of outbreaks linked to nurseries and schools.

'We are concerned that more measles outbreaks will occur on a larger scale this summer, as families travel to visit friends and family over the holidays, both at home and overseas.

'Two doses of the MMR vaccine offers the best protection against measles and importantly vaccination is also about not spreading the disease to others who may be more vulnerable, such as those who are immunosuppressed and young infants aged under one who have not yet had the vaccine.

'Speaking as a doctor and a mother, I strongly encourage all parents to ensure their children have the best possible protection but also to think about protecting other more vulnerable children.

'Please act now to ensure your children are fully protected. You can check their immunisation Red Book or speak with the GP surgery.'
Sitting up in the dentists chair, still numb from the anaesthetic, I gazed into the mirror and felt sick with dismay. Instead of the healthy white teeth Id walked in with, I now had a mouth full of tiny, mutilated stumps.

It felt, literally, like a nightmare. A horror movie. But not only was it real, it was all my own fault.

Seduced by images of celebrities with perfect Hollywood smiles, Id decided the only way to achieve the teeth of my dreams was by getting veneers. Delicate porcelain covers would be cemented on to my natural teeth, filling gaps while widening and brightening my smile. What could go wrong? Quite a lot, as it turned out.

Id always been unhappy with my teeth. In my childhood I had an overbite with prominent front teeth which stuck out so much I was called Bugs Bunny. This left me hugely self-conscious and anxious. I rarely smiled and often felt ugly.

In my early teens, I had hideous and painful NHS train track braces to straighten my teeth, but even after they came off my teeth still protruded a little. Unlike today, it wasnt normal to be offered a retainer (to prevent teeth from reverting to their old position), and as I hit my 30s, I realised my front teeth were moving forward, creating a gap on each side.

Looking back, I can see the gaps were tiny, and my teeth were fine but, to me, traumatised by bullying, they seemed immense.

In photographs, they were all I could focus on. I became practised at smiling with my lips closed. It was obviously a kind of dental dysmorphia.

Then, in 1999, my now-husband proposed and the thought of wedding pictures with what I thought of as my goofy teeth horrified me.

My current veneers have lasted well but at 61, writes Leah Hardy, I plan to be around for at least 20 years, and the chance of my veneers lasting this long is small

In my early teens, I had hideous and painful NHS train track braces to straighten my teeth, but even after they came off my teeth still protruded a little

I decided it was time to sort them out once and for all. I couldnt face returning to wearing the giant metal braces, and transparent Invisalign braces werent yet available in the UK.

So, I visited a smart London clinic and explained I wanted straight teeth for the rest of my life. Without even the slightest attempt to dissuade me, and after a brief consultation, the dentist told me Id need six veneers at a total cost of 4,000.

I was shocked Id need so many veneers as only my two front teeth bothered me, but he insisted it was essential and Id love the result.

Crucially, there wasnt much talk about what the process involved. I certainly wasnt told my teeth were fine, and there was no attempt to understand the psychological issues driving my decision. Instead, at my first appointment a few days later, the dentist cheerfully told me he would need to prep my teeth to enable the veneers to stick.

This sounded non-invasive, so I wasnt concerned when he numbed my mouth and started polishing away, even if it did seem to take quite a long time. But when I saw the ugly stumps I was left with, I wanted to cry.

Things didnt improve when the dentist covered them with a strip of plastic teeth known as temporaries to wear while my porcelain veneers were being made.

They looked like joke teeth from a Christmas cracker. All Id been told was that my enamel would be roughened, not that my teeth would be reduced to tiny pegs.

For two weeks I consoled myself that soon I would have my dream smile. Yet, once I got the permanent veneers, I realised they were too short, too square, too thick, unrealistically opaque, and nowhere near as white as the teeth that had been replaced. I asked the dentist why, and he said Id asked to look natural, so hed matched the colour to my bottom teeth, which were more yellow than my previous front teeth  without telling me!

Whats more, there was a gap in the middle instead of gaps at the side of my front teeth. I should have complained, but I was too ashamed of my poor decision.

But the nightmare wasnt only cosmetic. I wasnt warned my new lifetime teeth would last as little as a decade (the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry state that veneers typically last ten to 15 years).

I also had no idea my veneers could damage the remaining peg-like teeth so badly they could die, leaving me needing expensive implants or even dentures.

Im far from the only one seduced by the prospect of a dazzling new smile.

Analysts say cosmetic dentistry is worth around 23billion globally, and is estimated to grow to 48billion by 2034. The UK market alone was valued at 283million last year and by 2029 is forecast to hit almost 376million.

Whether its Love Island-style smile makeovers here or hopping on cheap flights to countries such as Turkey which offer cut-price treatment, Chris Dean, director at the Dental Law Partnership, believes many procedures are simply unnecessary.

The new normal for perfectly straight, brilliantly white teeth leads to many young people thinking there is something wrong with their teeth when they are perfectly fine and healthy.

So, why are veneers so problematic? The hard surface of teeth is enamel, up to 2.5mm deep; underneath is bony dentine, and the core is a soft pulp containing roots, blood vessels and nerves. Before applying veneers, the dentist needs to remove between 0.5mm and 1mm of the enamel.

Finally, the teeth are etched using an acid that roughens the surface, opening up tiny pores. Veneers are then attached with a dental cement that bonds into the pores and is hardened with a special light.

After this, even if you have good quality work and minimal destruction of the teeth, you can never take off your veneers and have your natural teeth, says Dr Jeremy Hill from Ware Centre of Dental Excellence in Hertfordshire. Youre locked into a lifetime of replacement and maintenance.

But why were my teeth reduced to rubble?

Veneers were invented to cover minor surface imperfections and small gaps, says Dr Hill. They werent intended to straighten uneven teeth. To do that, teeth are filed down too far. When you take off so much enamel, the softer dentine is exposed. You can stick veneers to dentine, but the bond isnt as strong.

Dr Hill says veneers applied like this are unlikely to last. They crack, break or fall off, he says.

The younger you start, the more likely you will get into trouble because youll need to replace them more often, putting your teeth at risk again.

The pain is financial too, with veneers ranging from 600 to 2,000 per tooth.

By 2013 mine were still hanging on but cracked because of my grinding habit and yellow due to the ageing of the cement that glued them to my tooth stumps.

Fortunately I found a dentist I trusted to replace them. Professor Milvia Di Gioia, a highly qualified dental surgeon, advocates for natural teeth and was shocked Id ever been given veneers.

Peering into my mouth, she described mine as looking almost green because of yellowing and completely opaque because they were too thick to allow light to pass through, as natural teeth do.

She was even more horrified by the ruins of my teeth once my old veneers were removed. Ive since learned thick veneers are easier for inexperienced dentists to work with but mean, as in my case, much more tooth is destroyed.

Professor Di Gioia ordered bespoke, hand-crafted veneers from Italy that would be more translucent, look more natural and rounded, and better suit my face. They were designed to enclose my teeth so they would be more likely to stay in place. None of this was cheap. Each tiny veneer costs more than 1,000.

Even though I was delighted with the result, I still feel sad I ever got veneers in the first place.

My current veneers have lasted well but at 61, I plan to be around for at least 20 years, and the chance of my veneers lasting this long is small. Spending 12,000 to replace them in my old age makes me feel sick.

I urge people not to follow my example and think about why they really want this done, and to realise that veneers are even more irrevocable than tattoos. If I could turn back time, Id leave well alone.
The axing of Stephen Colbert's Late Show has been received as a death knell for late-night television - but there's still time for one more rising star before the world of cable TV is eclipsed by TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram reels.

CBS and its parent company, Paramount, announced that Colbert's show would 'end its historic run' in May 2026, just over a decade after it first launched, as it hemorrhaged $40 million per year.

'We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire the Late Show franchise at that time,' the broadcast executives said.

'We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and his broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.'

In fact, Colbert, 61, had the best current ratings of all the traditional late-night 11.35pm show hosts before he got the chop.

The veteran presenter attracted 2.42 million viewers across 41 first-run episodes - easily outpacing ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! which had 1.77 million, and NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon which had 1.19 million, per LateNighter.

According to the TV specialist news site, the Late Show was the only one among nine mainstream programs tracked which drew more viewers in the second quarter of 2025 than the first, with a small audience growth of one percent.

So it's no wonder that Colbert's axing has got other left-leaning hosts shaking in their boots.

The axing of Stephen Colbert's Late Show has been received as a death knell for late night television - but there's still time for one more rising star before the world of cable TV is eclipsed by TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram reels. (Pictured: Colbert hosting the show in July)

Late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel (pictured) blasted CBS for axing Colbert's program

Reaction to the show's axing...

Kimmel, 57, blasted CBS via his Instagram stories. He reposted Colbert's announcement with the caption: 'Love you Stephen. F**k you and all your Sheldons CBS.'

Late night talk show host Andy Cohen, 57, also said he was 'stunned' by the news.

'I can't believe CBS is turning off the lights at 11:30 after the local news. Im stunned. Hes one of three late-night shows deemed worthy enough for an Emmy nomination. He produces a brilliant show,' he told Deadline.

'I think its a sad day for late-night television. I think its a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent. Hes going to have an incredible next chapter.'

The show's axing followed the cancelation of The Late Late Show with James Corden on CBS in April 2023, and Trevor Noah's The Daily Show the previous year.

While it's likely that Colbert's demise could spark a bonfire of late-night shows like Kimmel's and Cohen's as the younger generation turns to TikTok over TV, there's also an unlikely rising star still attracting viewers to the small screen.

Greg Gutfeld on Fox News has been disrupting the TV genre once monopolized by the likes of Colbert, and Seth Meyers, whose Late Night with Seth Meyers show on NBC reigns supreme for post-midnight ratings. Gutfeld! airs at 10pm and attracts the Fox's faithful viewers

An unlikely conservative star of late-night TV?

Greg Gutfeld on Fox News has been disrupting the TV genre once monopolized by the likes of Colbert, and Seth Meyers, whose Late Night with Seth Meyers show on NBC reigns supreme for post-midnight ratings.

Gutfeld! dominated late-night TV ratings in the second quarter of 2025 with an average of three million viewers.

This comes with a caveat that the show starts 95 minutes earlier than Colbert's, filling Fox News' 10pm slot, and attracts many of the right-wing network's faithful viewers who watch the network for several hours a day.

But it's not all down to timings and Fox's following - as Gutfeld attracted a key demographic among the smartphone generations who are being lost to podcasts and online media.

The show was watched by 365,000 people aged between 25 and 54 in the second quarter of 2025, according to MSN.

Gutfeld! has a similar structure to the other late shows, with a monologue, roundtable, recurring gags, and rotating co-hosts, but behind the scenes it's a very different story.

CBS and its parent company, Paramount, announced that Colbert's show would 'end its historic run' in May 2026, just over a decade after it first launched

Colbert attracted 2.42 million viewers across 41 first-run episodes - easily outpacing NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (pictured) which had 1.19 million, per LateNighter

The show reportedly runs off a creative team of around 20 people, according to Mediate, making it more authentic than its polished, liberal competitors.

As a result, it attracts viewers who wanted real talk over highly-scripted mainstream comedy.

Other shows which seem to be faring relatively well in the fragile TV industry also have slightly different formats - including the weekly Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

The Late Show was also beleaguered by Trump's threats to sue his network, while Fox News enjoyed a post-election boom.

The political context to Colbert's show being axed...

Colbert's program was cancelled just days after the host blasted the network's $16 million settlement with President Trump as a 'big fat bribe.'

Taking aim at CBS and Paramount Global, Trump's lawsuit accused producers of editing an October interview with Harris to sway public opinion in her favor.

The broadcast channel is also facing a probe by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) into whether the interview violated 'news distortion' rules.

Complainants said the station broke the law by cherry picking only a portion of Harris' answer to a question about Middle East policy to present her in a favorable light.

Gutfeld has been disrupting the TV genre once monopolized by the likes of Seth Meyers (pictured), whose Late Night with Seth Meyers show reigns supreme for post-midnight ratings

Taylor Tomlinson (pictured) made her debut as the only current female late night talk show host on Tuesday with the premiere of After Midnight on CBS in January 2024

Trump's lawsuit coincided with a planned $8.4 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance, which requires approval from the FCC.

Though the agency is prohibited from censorship or infringing the First Amendment rights of media, broadcasters cannot intentionally distort the news.

CBS previously said the complaint aims to turn 'the FCC into a full-time censor of content' which would result in an unconstitutional role and an impossible one for the agency.

In January, the FCC's chair Brendan Carr reinstated complaints about the 60 Minutes interview with Harris, as well as complaints about how Walt Disney's ABC News moderated the pre-election TV debate between then-President Joe Biden and Trump.

It also reinstated complaints against Comcast's NBC for allowing Harris to appear on 'Saturday Night Live' shortly before the election.
As chief executive of dedicated electric car website Electrifying.com and a long-time advocate of electric vehicles, you'd be forgiven for thinking I've been celebrating this week's news that Labour is bringing back grants for EVs.

The government press release that landed in my inbox on Monday proudly trumpeted discounts of up to 3,750 on electric cars - saying it was set to slash costs for thousands of UK drivers with an impressive 650million fund.

It boasted that the scheme would be up and running within days, with manufacturers handling the paperwork.

Taking the news at face value, I initially welcomed such a bold move.

But having delved into the detail, this is nothing short of an ill-conceived policy that raises more questions than answers.

Instead of encouraging electric car uptake, it will instead restrict consumer choice.

Labour really needs to go back to the drawing board on this one...

TV presenter, electric car website chief executive and all-round EV advocate: Ginny Buckley is the prime candidate you'd expect to be celebrating Labour's new Electric Car Grant announced this week. But she says it will be nothing short of an expensive mess...

Despite a new EV being registered every 60 seconds in June, private buyer sales have stalled.

They now make up just under 20 per cent of registrations, with the bulk going to company car drivers who enjoy generous tax breaks if they go electric.

In our November 2024 survey with the AA - responded to by over 11,000 UK drivers - 76 per cent told us that the upfront cost was the biggest barrier to switching.

I believed fresh incentives would reignite momentum and give more drivers the confidence to switch.

My calculations suggested almost half of all new electric models on sale would fall below the 37,000 price cap. Crucially, this support appeared to be aimed where it was needed most: from school-run staples to budget-friendly runarounds.

How wrong I was.

As they say, the devil is in the details - and as the week has unfolded, the details behind those upbeat headlines have painted a very different picture.

Instead of a straightforward grant on all EVs under 37,000 - designed to help hard-working people make a sustainable choice - the rigid rules and baffling conditions surrounding which cars qualify (and by how much) have left even the carmakers scratching their heads.

At the heart of this complexity is something called a Science Based Target (SBT), which requires manufacturers to commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with limiting global warming to 1.5C or below 2C, as set out in the Paris Agreement on climate change.

You'd assume the government would have a simple list of eligible manufacturers.

Apparently not.

Instead, car makers - with customers in dealerships already asking about discounts - are left wading through bureaucracy to figure it all out.

Even if a company has signed up to an SBT - like Renault or Ford - the scheme may still reject cars assembled in countries with poor overall sustainability records or high emissions.

And, surprise surprise, even that isn't as simple as it sounds.

Ginny pictured with the new Nissan Micra, which is due to hit showrooms before the end of 2026. Will it qualify for Labour's stringent subsidy scheme? Possibly not...

The emissions calculations are split between where the battery is made and where the car itself is built.

This means a car assembled in the UK or Europe may score well for manufacturing and earn the minimum 1,500 grant, but fail to reach the additional 70 per cent score needed for the full 3,750 if its battery is sourced from a country with a lower environmental score.

Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Wednesday: 'We don't expect any cars that are assembled in China to be eligible for this scheme.'

This rules out cars like the Volvo EX30, the Mini electric (which incidentally, is built in factories powered by renewable energy), the MG4 and the Dacia Spring - family favourites which it seems won't qualify for a penny.

Making matters worse, many manufacturers striving to make EVs cheaper have switched to LFP batteries, which are predominantly made in China.

So much for my celebrations that the grant was focused on more affordable models.

The reality is that car making is a global business.

Even if your car doesn't bear a Chinese badge, the chances are part of it was manufactured there.

And it's not just Chinese-made cars at risk of ending up with nothing - brands from other nations like Korea which make some of the UK's most popular cars could also end up with many models being excluded.

The government is effectively limiting consumer choice at the very moment they should be encouraging it.

Far from being the shot in the arm that private buyers need, this ill-conceived grant scheme has only created questions and confusion.

I'm now telling anyone in the market for a new EV to pause before making a decision - especially since, bizarrely, it appears that if the entry-level model of a car costs under 37,000, the more expensive versions and trims in the same range might still be eligible for discounts.

This scheme encapsulates everything that's wrong with government policymaking: good intentions, badly thought through and buried under layers of bureaucracy. It simply seems half-baked, with an announcement which was made too early.

If Labour truly wants to accelerate EV adoption, they need to go back to the drawing board and design something that actually works for the people it's supposed to help and gives everyone some clarity.

My advice? Start with the used market.
The number of London-listed companies warning of lower profits has soared this year after Labour's tax raid on business.

A damning report today shows that UK plc issued 59 alerts in the second quarter of the year  a 20 per cent jump compared to 49 a year earlier.

In a blow to Rachel Reeves, almost half said policy changes  such as Labour's National Insurance and minimum wage hikes  and geopolitical uncertainty would hit earnings.

That is compared to a level of just 4 per cent a year earlier, before Reeves announced 40billion of tax hikes in her Budget.

The report by EY-Parthenon said uncertainty fuelled by 'rapid and unpredictable policy shifts' has a 'paralysing effect' on 'confidence, decision-making and spending'.

'Governments are tightening their belts in response to rising post-pandemic debt levels,' the report said. 'Companies are feeling the impact of cuts and delays in public spending across the globe, alongside tax changes such as the rise in US tariffs and higher National Insurance Contributions and the national living wage.'

Under pressure: In a blow to Rachel Reeves, almost half of companies said policy changes and geopolitical uncertainty would hit earnings

Other challenges included regulatory delays and shifts in green targets.

Meanwhile, those citing contract and order cancellations or delays remained at a record high of 40 per cent between April and June, while one in three referred to Donald Trump's tariff war.

EY-Parthenon partner Jo Robinson said: 'The data reflects the scale of persistent uncertainty and how heavily it continues to weigh on UK businesses. While this uncertainty has been a recurring theme since mid-2024, it has intensified this year, driven largely by geopolitical tensions and policy shifts, compounding pressure on earnings and forecasts.'

Nearly a fifth of London-listed firms have warned on profits in the last year. In the second quarter, the sectors worst-hit were industrial support services, computer services and retailers. Listed retailers issued seven alerts, more than double the three recorded in the first three months of the year.

The sector employs 10 per cent of UK workers and 'is disproportionately exposed' to tax and wage increases.

'Many have adapted their cost base but we're seeing the warnings from those unable to absorb the impact,' the report said. 'Tariff implications, whilst not yet a major driver of distress, have also added to supply chain complexity and the cost base.'

Silvia Rindone, UK and Ireland retail lead at EY, said the retail profit warnings highlighted softening demand and 'structural headwinds'.

She said: 'Retailers tell us that falling sales are indicative of a longer-term shift, with consumers becoming more value-focused and less brand-loyal, which leaves cost-pressured retailers in a bind.'
Labour was today accused of 'taxing the high street into bankruptcy' through their punishing 'stealth' levy on small firms.

Since Rachel Reeves quietly reduced muchneeded reliefs last autumn, family-run pubs, bakeries and restaurants have been battered a rise in business rates.

Startling figures recorded by one council reveal an independent pub was stung by a 226 per cent hike in fees, costing them almost 17,000 for one year.

Meanwhile, supermarkets escaped with rises of as little as one per cent in business rates, which are similar to council tax for nondomestic properties.

Although MailOnline has only obtained business rate rises for Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC)  an area that covers Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable and Biggleswade, experts warn the situation will be mirrored up and down the country.

Councillor John Baker, who controls the pursestrings at CBC, said: 'The government seems totally incapable of controlling public spending, clobbering business to fund its profligate behaviour.

'If the Chancellor is serious about improving the poor economic climate, reversing those outrageous hikes in business rates and allowing businesses to hire more people would be a sensible first step.'

Department stores and supermarkets are also in the firing line in the Chancellor's next Budget. In hope of clawing back billions, Ms Reeves is expected to increase business rates for bigger firms  despite warnings it will only accelerate the decline of the high street and lead to price rises.

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Some of the firms seeing their rates more than double Eileen's By Steve Barringer, Ampthill: 300 to 1,080 (+260%) Thai Rice, Biggleswade: 300 to 1,080 (+260%) Dunstable United Services Club & Institute, Dunstable: 300 to 1,080 (+260%) Marshah Flooring, Dunstable: 300 to 1,080 (+260%) The Airman Hotel, Meppershall: 300 to 1,080 (+260%) Black Lion Pub, Leighton Buzzard: 7,448 to 24,309 (+226%) Foodie Cottage, Aspley Heath, 427 to 1,385 (+224%) Issac Innovative Hair, Leighton Buzzard: 427 to 1,385 (+224%) Lou-Lou's Hair & Beauty, Biggleswade: 427 to 1,385 (+224%) Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade: 13,613 to 33,300 (+145%) Advertisement

In last autumn's budget, Ms Reeves boasted that she was extending business rates reliefs for retail, hospitality, and leisure.

But she actually reduced the Covid-era discount from 75 to 40 per cent  capped at 110,000 across an entire business.

Smaller businesses are typically the biggest beneficiaries because they have fewer locations to spread this discount across.

During the same budget, branded a 'disaster' by critics, Ms Reeves hiked employer National Insurance contributions and cut the threshold at which firms become liable to pay them. The minimum wage also rose to 12.21 an hour.

The Federation of Small Businesses warned the triple whammy posed 'an existential threat to the future of the high street'.

Paul Wilson, the FSB's policy chief, told MailOnline the 40 per cent relief was 'scant consolation for a squeezed business owners trying to find thousands of pounds'.

He said businesses couldn't fight back by hiking their own prices because customers 'can only afford so much'.

Job cuts and shorter opening hours  caused by businesses trying to claw back cash  risked handing bigger players an even greater advantage, Mr Wilson claimed.

He said: 'The feedback were are hearing is that businesses are having to take those difficult decisions to scale back. High street businesses are questioning whether they can genuinely afford to keep competing with online.'

The FSB's latest survey showed a record 41 per cent of small businesses now believe the tax burden is a top three barrier to growth.

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In Bedfordshire, local pubs and restaurants have seen their rates more than double.

Data provided by Cllr Baker shows this costs businesses as much as 25,000 a year  more than a minimum wage fulltime workers' annual salary.

Awardwinning pub, the Black Lion, on Leighton Buzzard High Street, was hit with a 226 per cent rise (16,900) in its rates, from around 7,400 to 24,300.

By contrast, many big supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's saw their rates raise by less than two per cent.

Other firms have seen even bigger jump proportionally, including upmarket eatery Eileen's by Steve Barringer  a MasterChef: The Professionals finalist  where rates have shot up 260 per cent, from 300 to 1,080.

What are business rates and who has to pay? Business rates are charged on most non-domestic properties, including shops, offices, pubs, warehouses, factories and holiday rental homes or guest houses. Rates are calculated by the Valuation Office Agency, part of HM Revenues and Customs, based on the cost of renting the business premises for a year, currently from April 2021. A rates 'multiplier' is then used to come to the final amount. This number has risen from about 34p in the pound in 1990 to 54.6p today for premises with a rateable value more than 51,000 or 49.9p for if it is less. Certain properties are exempt from business rates, for example farm buildings or places used for the welfare of disabled people. Other firms are entitled to discounts based on the nature and size of their business, for example, independent pubs and shops are likely to be eligible for at least one relief. Advertisement

Our analysis suggested that, on average, independent food and drink venues saw a 120 per cent rise in business rates, compared to an average of just one per cent for bigger firms.

We have defined independent businesses as any which receives a relief designed to help what many would consider small or independent local firms.

This is wider than just the businesses that get 'small business rates relief', which only applies to property with a rateable value of less than 15,000 and if the business has only one premise.

Husband and wife Anthony and Anne Smith, who have owned and run two framing shops in Bedfordshire for the past 40 years, have been hit by a 150 per cent rise in their business rates.

It will cost them more than 5,500 extra a year.

Allframe, which employs half a dozen staff across the Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable sites, will likely have to raise their prices more than expected to cope, despite fears this could disrupt sales.

Mr Smith told MailOnline: 'The problem you've got in any business when you get price increases is that you have to absorb the increase or put prices up.

'We've tried not to put our prices up as we're a luxury business.

'People need to go to to Tesco and Aldi to put food on the table... but don't need to get their pictures framed professionally.'

The picture framer added that rates rises will 'ultimately go into it when we reevaluate prices'.

Mr Smith added: 'Five thousands pounds is a lot to come off your bottom line in one fell swoop, when it's something you weren't expecting.'

'It will mean our prices go up more than we would have liked them to. It's going to impact on our profitability.'

'I think there's a general feeling that it's always small and medium businesses that that get hit,' Steve Watkins, cabinet member for business at Central Bedfordshire Council told MailOnline.

'These businesses have struggled since the pandemic and have not been able to get back to where they were before.

'The Government should target the big players in the market, rather than smaller businesses. Where's the huge tax increases on Starbucks and Amazon?

'If they want to regenerate town centres they are going about it the wrong way by making it harder for small businesses to survive.'

He said the added costs are making it 'harder then ever' for small business owners, who are already facing skyrocketing rents, energy bills and wage bills, adding that they were at 'the end of their tether'.

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In Labour's manifesto, the PM pledged to replace business rates  which he said 'disincentivises investment, creates uncertainty and places an undue burden on our high streets'  with a new system.

Business rates are calculated based on multiplying the 'rateable value'  an estimate of the annual rent in April 2021 prices  by a multiplier of 49.9p for the smallest of businesses, and 55.5p for all others.

The Government announced last year it will permanently introduce a lower multiplier for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value of less than 500,000. The multiplier value is yet to be announced.

Cllr Watkins accused Sir Keir of 'not being upfront with people' over the reduction in the rates relief, saying the announcement was the 'politics of spin'.

He said the rates were a 'stealth tax' on business and were not as 'generous' as the Government claims, adding they 'absolutely have the possibility of taxing high streets and small businesses into bankruptcy'.

Cllr Watkins added that if the direction of travel continues, it was hard to see how local businesses will still be around in a few years time, leading to an 'increasingly soulless high street'.

'If this is the first step to reforming, I dread to see what the next steps will be, as these ones have gone down like a cup of cold sick,' he added.

'Technocratic governments are big on five to ten year plans, but these businesses need plans now.

'The proof will be in the pudding... but the fact that they've not been upfront so far suggests we need to dig beneath the surface before I start clapping my hands.'

A Government spokesman told MailOnline: 'Our reform to the business rates system will create a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and levels the playing field.

'A new, permanently lower business rates in 2026 will benefit over 280,000 retail, hospitality and leisure business properties and will be sustainably funded by a new, higher rate on the 1% of most valuable business properties.'
Elon Musk is embracing the role of troublemaker for Republicans in the 2026 midterms, threatening to form a third-party that could play spoiler to the GOP's effort of holding onto the Senate and House.

July polling conducted for the Daily Mail by J.L. Partners found that while a Musk-backed party would only garner 4 percent support, it allowed the Democrats to have a 9-point advantage over the GOP in a generic House of Representatives ballot.

The world's richest man clearly bears the resources to upend the traditional duopoly that's powered American politics for more than two centuries. What remains foggy is whether the tech titan holds the strategic focus, discipline and sheer will that such a daunting political undertaking will require.

Especially in an epic showdown against the singular political force of one Donald J. Trump.

If Musk's political drive matches the market capitalization of Tesla, he could create a movement that could easily kill the GOP majority.

'If Elon invests in half a dozen races, that could be the difference between the Republicans being in power and Hakeem Jeffries and AOC having the keys to power. And that is unacceptable,' said James Fishback, a former Department of Government Efficiency employee who's now funding an effort to stop Musk in his tracks.

If his commitment mirrors his uneven stewardship of X, formerly known as Twitter, his third party movement won't be known for more than a viral meme.

'Third parties are nothing new to politics on any level. We already have the Libertarians, we already have the Green Party, we already have the Rent is Too Damn High party,' pointed out Hogan Gidley, an adviser to House Speaker Mike Johnson and a veteran of the first Trump administration.

Elon Musk has pitched the creation of the America Party and has said he'll help fund fiscally conservative candidates like libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie, who broke with MAGA and voted against President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'

Elon Musk reposted an advertisement somebody created to promote his third party, the America Party, which he has yet to officially launch, despite saying he was doing so. Third parties are usually hobbled by states' differing and confusing ballot access rules

'The political reality is it is extremely difficult to mount third party runs that are victorious because you don't have a natural base of voters of which to pull,' Gidley observed. 'He doesn't have the juice.'

Musk also doesn't seem to yet have his ducks in a row.

Despite his announcement on July 7 that he was officially forming the American Party, Musk has filed no paperwork to do so.

An aide to Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie - who Musk signaled he would help defend from a Trump primary challenge - wasn't able to point the Daily Mail to any official outreach.

And then there's Musk's own waning political popularity. CNN released a survey Friday showing him as the least popular public figure the network polled, with Musk's favorability plummeting a staggering 66 percentage points in just four months.

Support for his third party registered at a paltry 25 percent.

The entity that appears most outwardly excited about Musk's third party play is a group that's been struggling to find relevance for decades: Libertarians.

'Our position is that Elon should join up with the Libertarians for the simple fact that we have the most ballot access of any third party,' Steven Nekhaila, chair of the Libertarian National Committee, told the Daily Mail.

It's extremely difficult to run winning candidates outside the two-party system due to differing and often confusing ballot access rules in every state. Many states require tens of thousands of signatures apportioned over specific geographic regions to qualify.

Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, a libertarian-leaning lawmaker who was one of two GOP House members to vote against President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' will likely get primaried by a MAGA movement candidate. Musk said he'll come to Massie's defense

President Donald Trump (right) hosted a goodbye event for Elon Musk (left) in the Oval Office in late May as the billionaire concluded his time at DOGE. Several days later they engaged in a public and very vicious spat over the Republicans' 'big, beautiful bill'

'I think Elon is going to be pleasantly displeased with just how difficult it is to actually get ballot access in a lot of states,' he continued.

Both Musk and Libertarians see value in an electoral strategy where a small group of candidates can gain leverage in Congress - Nekhaila noted that electing just a handful could wield significant influence, as major parties would need their votes to pass legislation.

Nekhaila also suggested Musk pursue a broad, anti-duopoly movement to attract centrist voters.

Musk appears to be interested in that type of thing as he's been in touch with Andrew Yang, who's been active in the third-party space since launching his Forward Party in 2021.

At the same time, nothing firm came out of the chatter.

'Yes, Andrew did speak with Elon and his team, but he has made no commitments or plans to collaborate on anything specific in the near or future term,' a source close to Yang told the Daily Mail.

'The line of communication remains open,' the source added.

A spokesperson for Musk did not respond to Daily Mail questions inquiring when Musk would form his America Party and if he's considering joining the Libertarians.

If Musk really wanted advice on the challenges in mounting a third-party, he could reach out to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's current Health and Human Services Secretary.

Elon Musk (right) endorsed President Donald Trump (left) in the aftermath of the July 13 assassination attempt. Musk joined Trump onstage when he returned to Butler, Pennsylvania in early October

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. changed his presidential campaign from one vying for the Democratic nomination to that of an independent, a lot of his campaign staff's time was sucked up seeking ballot access in every state

After Kennedy announced he was mounting an independent bid for the White House, much of his campaign's time was sucked up seeking ballot access.

For instance, the Kennedy campaign got a jump on collecting signatures in Nevada to get on the ballot, but because RFK Jr. hadn't announced a running mate yet they had to be tossed out.

In the end, Kennedy only made the ballot in 15 states before he ended his campaign.

Additionally, there are already Trump-aligned groups ready to combat any of Musk's efforts.

In late June, two of Trump's top political advisers, Chris LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio, launched MAGA Kentucky, a super PAC designed with one purpose - damage Massie.

One of MAGA Kentucky's first ads blasted Massie as an acolyte of uber-liberals Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and likening him to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for questioning Trump's bombing campaign of Iran.

Musk vowed to help the libertarian congressman but has made no moves to since.

Fishback, the CEO of the investment firm Azoria, poured a million dollars of his own money to a new super PAC that was named to troll Musk.

Elon Musk appears onstage at a rally in support of President Donald Trump in October 2024. While Musk has his vast wealth, he'll have to content with ballot access laws and several Trump-aligned PACs if he wants to start a third political party

The group is called FSD PAC as 'FSD' in Tesla parlance means 'full self-driving' cars. But in the political world, Fishback wanted the acronym to mean 'Full Support for Donald.'

The PAC will deploy a whack-a-mole type strategy, waiting for Musk to pop his head up.

If Musk funds a candidate, FSD PAC will finance the Trump-aligned alternative.

'It's a hedge,' Fishback explained to the Daily Mail. 'I hope, by the way, that this is simply an insurance policy,' he added.

Trump has his own insurance policy - a massive war chest, with Fox News reporting in late June totals about $1.4 billion.

'This will likely be a headache for Republicans,' Republican strategist Ron Bonjean said of Musk's involvement. 'But with Trump being the fundraiser-in-chief and an already massive billion dollar war chest, money isn't going to be an issue.'

However with Musk threatening to run primary challengers against MAGA-aligned Republicans Bonjean warned that 'candidate quality is going matter now more than ever in order to be successful.'

Democrats are enthusiastic that Musk and any Musk-aligned candidates could potentially shine more light on two issue areas where they could benefit - the 'big, beautiful bill' and Jeffrey Epstein.

'The 'Big, Beautiful' tax law is Republicans' top liability because it breaks their promises to lower costs and stand up for working people. Musk's attacks on the BBB compound that problem,' observed Andrew Bates, the principal at Wolfpack Strategies, and a veteran of President Joe Biden's press shop.

The White House's Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair shrugged off Musk's threats in a gaggle with reporters on Friday.

'I don't know where that's going or if he'll follow through with that and frankly I'm not focused on it,' Blair told the Daily Mail.
Australia is hurtling towards a population crisis, with birth rates plummeting so fast experts warn the country will soon be begging for migrants just to keep the economy afloat.

The nation's birth rate is at an all-time low, according the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), with the number of babies born not high enough to sustain the population.

Renowned Queensland-based evolutionary psychologist Dr Bill von Hippel has warned the global decline in babies 'raises alarms' that humanity could begin to shrink without urgent intervention.

In Australia, the trend is already well underway, with the birth rate plunging from 3.55 children per woman in 1960 to just 1.5 today - well below the level of 2.1 births per woman needed to sustain the nation's population of 27million.

Dr von Hippel said low birth rates would inevitably drive governments to 'fight to let migrants in, not keep them out' to support an ageing population, workforce needs, and public services.

'If you look at the current population of the globe, it's meant to peak somewhere between 2070 and 2090, probably around eight billion and some change,' he told the Diary of a CEO podcast.

'And then it starts to go down, and then it may continue to go down forever.'

Dr von Hippel said many Asian countries and half of western Europe had populations shrinking 'crazy fast' with Japan demolishing homes because there was nobody to buy them.

Australia's birth rate of 1.5 babies per woman is well below the level of 2.1 needed to sustain the nationa's population of 27million

As birth rates fall, a global talent war is brewing with skilled migrants the world's most coveted asset for countries like Australia

That declining birth rate trend across rich, industrialised nations will propel them to outbid each other to lure migrant workers to live there.

'In 50 years, that argument is going to be how can we convince people of country X to come into our country because we're going to shrink and disappear,' he said.

'There are a lot of countries that are going to be literally half their size by the year 2100 because they're shrinking so fast.'

Dr von Hippel said humans may start to have more children if robots take over some of the hard slog of parenting.

Futurologist Rocky Scopelliti said in the future, nations won't fight wars over oil, they'll compete over nurses, engineers, and coders.

'Australia's fertility rate has dropped to 1.5, well below the replacement level of 2.1,' he said.

'This means fewer taxpayers, fewer workers, and a growing burden on a shrinking younger population to support an ageing one.

'By 2060, there will be just 2.7 working-age Australians for every person over 65, down from 7.4 in the 1970s.

'That spells serious strain on our healthcare, pensions, housing, and productivity.'

Renowned evolutionary psychologist Dr Bill von Hippel (pictured) has warned the global decline in babies raises alarms that humanity could begin to shrink

Top 15 countries with the lowest fertility rates

Taiwan 1.11 South Korea 1.12 Singapore 1.17 Ukraine 1.22 Hong Kong 1.24 Macau 1.24 Italy 1.26 Puerto Rico 1.26 Moldova 1.26 Spain 1.3 Poland 1.32 Montserrat 1.33 Mauritius 1.36 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.38 British Virgin Islands 1.38 Source: World Bank 2024 Advertisement

Top 15 countries with highest fertility rates

Niger 6.64 Angola 5.7 DR Congo 5.49 Mali 5.35 Benin 5.34 Chad 5.24 Uganda 5.17 Somalia 5.12 South Sudan 5.09 Burundi 4.9 Guinea 4.78 Mozambique 4.66 Guinea-Bissau 4.62 Nigeria 4.52 Sudan 4.47 Source: World Bank 2024 Advertisement

Mr Scopelliti said as birth rates fell, a global talent war was brewing, with skilled migrants poised to become the world's most coveted asset.

'Australia can't assume it will stay on top,' he said.

'Canada has already outpaced us in attracting young, skilled migrants with streamlined visa processes and family-friendly resettlement policies.

'Australia must modernise its migration strategy, making it easier for workers, families, and students to stay long-term and integrate.

'If we hesitate, we'll lose out to more nimble nations.'

Mr Scopelliti said countries such as Japan and South Korea were examples of what happens when demographic inertia sets in with fewer births, lower economic growth, and a struggle to fund basic services.

'Australia is not immune,' he said.

'We're at a pivotal crossroads. While slower population growth may benefit the planet in environmental terms, without strategic foresight, it could also lead to economic stagnation and declining innovation.'

He said Australia has a unique opportunity with world-class education, political stability, lifestyle, and proximity to Asia.

'But we must improve liveability, housing affordability, and pathways to permanent residency,' he said.

'We need a bold migration brand strategy.

'If migrants are the gold of the 21st century, Australia must become the vault everyone wants to be in.'

Outspoken billionaire Elon Musk has warned the world about declining birth and fertility rates.

Musk, a father of 12, said the trend poses a significant risk to humanity.

'Population collapse due to low birth rates is a much bigger risk to civilisation than global warming,' he said in 2022.

Musk said: 'A lot of people are under the impression that the current number of humans is unsustainable on the planet.

'That is totally untrue. The population density is actually quite low.'

Emeritus Professor of Demography Peter McDonald from the Australian National University in Canberra stated that there are several reasons why young Australian women are delaying having children, or not at all.

'Establishing themselves in career, younger people have been putting off life and settling down, by staying in education longer, by travelling and all of those things lead to things occurring later,' he said.

The professor said governments could pull two policy levers to increase fertility rates.

'One is affordable housing, and the other is affordable childcare,' he said.

'It takes a long time to deal with affordable housing, but (the government) could deal with affordable childcare.'
Fed-up young Aussies are abandoning dating apps and jumping onto a new and unorthodox craze in the hopes of finding love.

Instead of getting lost in toxic online platforms, friends are using PowerPoint presentations to pitch their lovelorn mates as a romantic prospect to a pub full of singles.

The events are a refreshing departure from the grim world of dating apps that involve endless swiping, lacklustre conversations with matches, and disappointing meet-ups.

A Forbes study in 2024 found 75 per cent of Gen Z singles who used Tinder, Hinge or Bumble felt burnt out and didn't think they could make a genuine connection.

Matchmaking company Pitch Perfect Match hosts the new dating events, with co-founder Selani Adikari labelling it a game-changer.

'Friends are better matchmakers for two reasons, they know you best and they're not afraid to boast about you in ways that you might not feel comfortable with,' she said.

'A person's friendships are a direct reflection of themselves, so when your friends go up to pitch you, someone watching can get a vibe for who you are, through your friends, and that's very difficult on dating apps.

'Meeting people in person is such a different vibe to scrolling through 2D photos on an app.'

Pitch Perfect Match co-founder Selani Adikari (pictured) says singles are becoming increasingly disillusioned by dating apps

A man pitches his friend to a crowd of singles at a Pitch Perfect Match event in Sydney

The Sydney local said the 'aha moment' for the idea arrived after three years of singledom and a growing frustration with the limitations of dating apps.

The format is simple yet refreshing. Instead of self-promoting, singles get pitched by their friends in a three-to-four-minute PowerPoint-style presentation.

Ms Adikari said that the friend advantage hits different because best pals can boast with honest charm.

She said the novel approach challenges the superficial swiping culture and makes people feel more hopeful about love.

Forrester's in Surry Hills debuted the idea on Valentine's Day and declared it wildly successful, with the next event planned for September 25.

Events and reservations manager Sarah Cheney said they trialled the idea after witnessing the growing trend of 'Pitch Your Friend' nights popping up across the US.

Ms Cheney agreed friends made better matchmakers than dating apps and algorithms.

'A friend knows you; an app doesn't,' she said.

Selani Adikari said the best pitches were funny but thoughtful ones, where the friends slightly roast their single friend but focus on their amazing qualities and attributes

A woman pitches her single friend to a crowd of singles at Forrester's in Surry Hills

'Apps rely on hard data filters like age and height, while a friend sees the full picture  your personality, your values, your quirks.

'With dating apps and algorithms, people are trying to portray themselves as they see themselves, but what actually ends up happening is that they portray themselves as they aspire to be.

'This is why so many first dates are such flops  the person you fell in love with on the app isnt the same as the one you met for a coffee, for dinner, or at the park.'

Ms Cheney said events that bring strangers together in real life were becoming rarer.

'Younger generations that have grown up online with social media as a primary source of interpersonal connection are craving more than likes and DMs,' she said.

'I think this trend is also challenging the way we tend to judge a book by its cover when using dating apps.

'You cant swipe left on someone pitching their bestie in person  you have to watch and listen to the whole thing.

'By the end of the pitch, I think most people find that their initial judgment of that person was wrong and it opens them up to be more curious and less reactionary.'

Relationship expert Samantha Jayne (pictured) recommends leaving no stone unturned and trying everything when trying to find someone to date

While it's early days, Forresters has been offered as a free wedding venue for any couple that ties the knot after meeting at their inaugural event.

Scientist-turned-love-guru Samantha Jayne praised the concept because it revealed authentic multidimensional qualities missing from the swiping culture.

'When your friends promote you it is real, it shows the connections you have in your life and you are a great person important enough in someone's life that they have gone to the effort of creating a pitch for you,' she said.

'The energy of a friend who believes in you is contagious. It invites the audience and potential dates to feel something, connection, curiosity, empathy.

'That is rarely achieved in static app profiles.'

Ms Jayne said there had been a 'drastic' decline in singles using dating apps.

'At first when joining a dating app a person gets excited with the prospects of options it's a confidence boost but after no genuine connections or outcomes that occur as a result then that is when frustration kicks in,' she said.

'The technology itself is very useful and makes sense but the biggest problem is the people don't know how to use it.

'However, there are effective ways to make the apps work if you know how to use them.'
Country Road is fighting for its future largely thanks to a cost-cutting decision the company made more than 20 years ago, an expert says.

The once-beloved Aussie brand is in clear trouble, with Country Road Group reporting in March its earnings were down almost 72 per cent at $14.2million for the last half of 2024.

One of its longstanding flagship stores at Sydney CBD's Queen Victoria Building has shut up shop, as has sister brand Trenery in Mosman, on Sydney's affluent lower north shore. Another CBD store in Sydney's Pitt Street Mall is expected to close when its lease expires in three years' time.

Queensland University of Technology marketing expert Gary Mortimer said Country Road had lost its iconic Australian lifestyle brand status since Woolworths Holdings took a controlling stake in the late 90s.

A cost-cutting move to manufacture offshore gradually eroded its 'Made in Australia' appeal and weakened the brand's authenticity, Professor Mortimer said.

'Since its launch in the mid-1970s, Country Road clothing was primarily made in Australia, specifically, the iconic chambray shirt which I and nearly every other young man had during that time was made here using Australian cotton,' he said.

'The company emphasised its commitment to Australian manufacturing during that time.

'Much of that production has shifted to Bangladesh, China, India and Pakistan under new ownership, essentially losing the essence of what Country Road stood for.'

Country Road's famous chambray shirt

A cost-cutting move to manufacture offshore gradually eroded Country Road's 'Made in Australia' appeal and weakened the brand's authenticity, marketing expert Gary Mortimer said. A model from the brand's current collection (above)

Professor Mortimer (pictured) said Country Road has lost its market relevance

Professor Mortimer said a shift to lower prices in the early 2000s to boost sales had signalled to loyal shoppers that 'potentially the quality is no longer there'.

'Today, Country Road is a mainstream fashion retailer, medium pricing, mostly offshore manufacturing and now competing with other middle-market mainstream fashion retailers,' he said.

'They haven't brought their core customers along on a journey.

'Essentially those customers, like I, who were buying Country Road in the mid-1980s, are now aged in their 50s and are shopping different brands.

'Unlike RM Williams, who acknowledged an ageing core customer, and actively began targeting 25-35 year olds to fill that gap Country Road haven't revitalised their brand.'

Consumer behaviour analyst Barry Urquhart advised Country Road founder Stephen Bennett on the brand back in its heyday.

Founded by Bennett in Australia in 1974, the business began in Hawthorn, Victoria, with the first standalone store opening in nearby Armadale.

Bennett's vision was to create quality clothing designed for an Australian way of life, with the classic cotton chambray shirt released in 1984 an enduring wardrobe staple.

Country Road founder Stephen Bennett (pictured) started the label with the idea of wanting to create clothes he'd like to wear

Consumer behaviour analyst Barry Urquhart said the Country Road brand needs a lot of investment to survive

Mr Urquhart said this laid the foundation for the brand's success as a lifestyle brand, at times referred to as the Ralph Lauren of Australia.

The company expanded to the USA in the 1980s and by 1987 was listed on the ASX.

Last year it marked its 50th anniversary.

A year on from that milestone birthday, Country Road is on the brink of collapse, Mr Urquhart said.

'The brand has left itself exposed and vulnerable,' he said.

'It's lost its Australian accent, its identity and point of difference.'

Mr Urquhart said the brand could survive but it would need a lot of investment.

'The answer doesn't lie with loyalty programs,' he said.

'It is imperative that the Country Road brand articulates its values and defines its unique and differentiated market position.'

Mr Urquhart said the brand needed to formulate and project a compelling statement to stimulate relevance and demand.

'The brands, bricks 'n' mortar stores and product range need to promote the emotive and subjective attributes of touch, smell, colours and look,' he said.

'Fashion is a moving feast. Country Road needs to be dynamic, malleable and compelling.'

Professor Mortimer said to survive, Country Road should follow RM Williams' strategies to innovate ranges and target a younger market.

He said the company, which has blamed its poor sales results on a 'retail recession' it claims hasbeen running for two years, should also collaborate with iconic Australian and First Nations designers and commit resources to Australian manufacturing.

Since news broke of its flagship store closing in Sydney, the company assured customers that its retail footprint is being expanded in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.

'From time to time, we review our retail store portfolio to ensure we're continuing to meet the needs of our customers,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'We are committed to delivering great experiences throughout our networks and we are investing in our stores, with 10 new or refurbished stores opening by the end of the year.'

Country Road Group has been contacted for further comment.
As President Donald Trump has racked up a string of major policy wins in his six months, Democrats are stuck in a rut without a clear party leader, they admitted in interviews with the Daily Mail.

Though House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are technically the left's top lawmakers, Democrats on Capitol Hill shared that there is still no consensus on who is the party's head.

In the absence of a clear frontrunner to lead the party in 2028, Democrats are left to tout their current efforts resisting Trump.

'It's a group leadership at this point in time, obviously Hakeem, obviously Chuck Schumer, a lot of governors,' veteran Democrat Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland told the Daily Mail in an interview. 'I think there are a number of leaders.'

Hoyer twice served as House Majority Leader under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He has served on Capitol Hill for over 43 years since 1981 and is the longest tenured Democrat in the House of Representatives. It's safe to say he's been around a while to witness the party in and out of power.

'When you don't have the presidency...I can't remember a time when there was a leader,' he continued. 'So I think it's a collective leadership.'

Other Democrats flat-out admitted there is no clear head of the party.

Hoyer told the Daily Mail that there are a number of Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. But his colleague, Rep. Moskowitz, said the party doesn't really have a leader at the moment

A recent poll from Reuters/Ipsos found that 62 percent of Democratic voters want completely new leadership

Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez poses with Democratic Socialist New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The two are widely seen as up and coming leaders on the left

'We don't have a counterpart in our party at the moment, because ... we're coming out of the last presidency,' Florida Democrat Rep. Jared Moskowitz told the Daily Mail. 'But no, we don't have a counterbalance at the moment.'

The Floridian, known for his cool Air Jordan sneaker collection, noted that when Trump's term expires in 2028, both parties will be left searching for new leadership, ostensibly ignoring the platform JD Vance will have after serving as vice president.

'The Republicans, will be in the same boat, right?' Moskowitz said. Who will be the leader of the party? Because it won't be the president anymore.'

In addition to Jeffries and Schumer, there are a number of Democrats who have been floated as the next party boss.

On those lists are usually Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and occasionally, former VP Kamala Harris.

Popular prediction sites Kalshi and Polymarket list Newsom as the most likely Democratic nominee for the 2028 presidential contest, AOC is listed as close second while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg comes in third.

Democrats have indicated they want new faces steering the party.

Polls have shown AOC as the most popular Democrat in the party

Zohran Mamdani has also received lots of support amid his bid to become New York mayor

According to a June poll from Reuters/Ipsos, 62 percent of self-identified Democrats agreed that 'the leadership of the Democratic Party should be replaced with new people.'

That could be why Democratic candidate for New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-declared democratic socialist, has been surging in the polls and landing countless TV interviews.

'Zohran Mamdani, the new leader of the Democratic Party, supports 'the abolition of private property' and 'seizing the means of production,' Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana wrote this week.

'But Washington Democrats are still cozying up to him. There's no doubt about it: the loon wing is running the show.'

Mamdani, 33, embodies a political archetype akin to former presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, also a self-declared democratic socialist.

The young mayoral candidate has even caught the attention of the president.

'It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor. We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous,' Trump wrote recently on Truth Social.

Mamdani met personally with AOC, along with about 40 other Democratic lawmakers this week in D.C.

The meeting was an hour-long session on communicating and organizing hosted by AOC, the progressive leader of the 'Squad.'

The venue had to change because of high demand from lawmakers to sit in on the session, a Mamdani spokesperson said.

One longtime Democrat even likened Mamdani to Trump, saying they share a similar populist appeal.

'Donald Trump and he both get out and they talk to people and they listen to people and they understand how people feel. And he's using social media the way that Donald Trump has,' Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan said.
A savvy migrant couple who own 18 investment properties are advising Australians against buying a house or unit to live in if their goal is to live in an upmarket suburb.

Rasti Vaibhav, 48, and his wife Rupali Rastogi, 43, came to Australia in 2006 with a background in IT and banking.

They only had a 10 per cent mortgage deposit when they started their investment journey in 2011 by buying land and building a $440,000, four-bedroom house in the Newcastle suburb of Fletcher.

Now, they own an impressive portfolio of 18 properties around the country - in Sydney's outer west, Melbourne's north, on Brisbane's fringes and south of Perth.

The investment properties cost them $5.8million total - and they conservatively estimate they would now be worth $11.3million.

To Mr Vaibhav, the biggest mistake Australians can make is spending years saving up for a mortgage deposit to live in a nice suburb of Sydney, as an owner-occupier - only to find prices have increased and put their dream out of reach.

'It's very emotional - "I live in my own home and I can choose to change the decor as and when I like it" - but just be aware that's very costly,' Mr Vaibhav told Daily Mail Australia.

'The traditional way of what people have learnt about debt... is that "I need to have my own home and then when I am actually paid off, then I'll be looking at investments".'

Mr Vaibhav and his wife have turned this on its head - choosing to live a much cheaper life renting at Narraweena, near Dee Why, on Sydney's northern beaches, rather than buying their dream $3.5million home nearby.

An Indian-born couple who own 18 investment properties are urging Australians against buying a house or unit to live in

Rasti Vaibhav, 48, and his wife Rupali Rastogi, 43, started their investment journey in 2011 by buying land and building a $440,000 house in the Newcastle suburb of Fletcher with only a 10 per cent mortgage deposit (they are pictured far left and far right with their daughters Myra, 13 and Jia, 16)

Meanwhile, as house prices grow at a much faster pace than wages, the couple have set themselves up for life by nurturing an impressive portfolio.

Mr Vaibhav said his annual rent of $100,000 was much cheaper than repaying $230,000 a year to the bank for the same kind of house in the area a short walk to the sand.

'The price in Sydney has been going up and up and up,' Mr Vaibhav said.

Sydney's median house price is now approaching $1.5million, which means those saving up for a 20 per cent deposit and stamp duty end up being priced out.

'They have to keep saving, keep earning and if you look at the average rate of saving, that will take a few years for them to get to that point but by the time they get there, the price has already shot up further,' he said.

'It becomes unaffordable for a lot of people on average.

'We chose the path that's not so conventional.

'It's much easier to think about rent-vesting. Live where you want to live for the lifestyle, for the friends, for the school, for the workplace.'

They only had a 10 per cent mortgage deposit when they started their investment journey in 2011 by buying land and building a $440,000, four-bedroom house in the Newcastle suburb of Fletcher (pictured)

Their portfolio of 18 properties was bought for $5.84million which they estimate would now conservatively be worth $11.36million (pictured is house at Lakelands south of Perth)

Ms Rastogi said that after living at Epping in the city's north, they moved to the northern beaches and rented, first in North Curl Curl, then Narraweena, to be near a selective school - and the ocean.

'Our daughter always really wanted to live next to the beaches just for the lifestyle,' she said.

The family believed that was better than buying a house to be an owner-occupier in a far, outer suburb that was a long way from the beach and the city.

'When people can't afford to live in their desired suburb, what they do is they go a bit more further and when they're priced out, they go further out and all of a sudden, they realise they are so much (more west) to the CBD that they're spending about one-and-half hours one-way to their workplace,' Mr Vaibhav said.

'To us, saving that three hours per day is more important.

'It's also about the time and the peace that they're able to spend time with their loved ones in pursuing their hobbies that they want to do.'

Instead of saving up to buy a $4million house on Sydney's northern beaches, the parents with two teenage daughters are renting at Narraweena, near Dee Why

Mr Vaibhav argued renting in an upmarket suburb, despite the prospect of eviction, was a risk worth taking, to build a property portfolio and have a desirable lifestyle.

'We are actually at the whims of our landlord - there's a risk we are taking on our lifestyle that we're not sure 100 per cent that we will not be asked to leave the property,' he said.

'But we have always signed leases that gives us surety - currently, we're on a two-year lease; it's kind of a house for us for the next two years.'

The couple, with a background in IT, have lived in eight rental properties since moving to Australia from Singapore in 2006, two years after they married.

During the Global Financial Crisis, they leased a home at Kensington near the University of New South Wales as Mr Vaibhav studied for a Master of Business Administration, while his wife became the main breadwinner working as a Westpac insurance analyst.

Even on a combined income of $200,000, a little later, they realised saving up to live in a rich suburb of Sydney was beyond their reach - and saw an opportunity to build up a portfolio of houses in more affordable suburbs.

'I learnt that money is not enough here, even as professionals in a good industry,' Mr Vaibhav said.

'We realised the cost of living was so high and there's not much we can do about owning a home and paying it off as a loan.'

After buying in Newcastle, they bought investment properties at Campbelltown and Dharruk in western Sydney, the New South Wales Central Coast, Melbourne's north, Logan, Ipswich and Caboolture near Brisbane and Lakelands and Warnbro south of Perth.

'We really want to keep it very, very affordable,' he said.

A young person daunted about high prices in Sydney can look for a house selling for $600,000 in an outer suburb of another capital city, and capitalise on good rental yields and capital growth as an investor, he said.

'They can choose to start making that money work harder for them,' he said.

Rising prices also meant someone could borrow against that property to buy another one, having more leverage in getting a loan as population growth fed house price increases.

'When it goes up in value, you go extract equity out again and do it again, treating this as a business,' he said.

Investment properties incur a capital gains tax with a 50 per cent discount while owner-occupier homes are free of the capital gains tax.

'Rent-vesting isnt about choosing between a home or an investment; its about having both,' Mr Vaibhav said.

The couple have, since 2020, run buyers' agency Get RARE Properties or Get Rich and Retire Early.

Eventually, they want to live in their own home as owner-occupiers but are achieving this as investors first - planning to eventually sell several houses to ultimately buy their dream home.

'We have just delayed our buying a home - it doesn't mean that we'll never own our own home,' Mr Vaibhav said.

Rasti Vaibhav is the author of The Property Wealth Blueprint and the co-founder of Get RARE Properties with his wife Rupali Rastogi
The teenager allegedly behind a banking executive's underage sex charge - which triggered his suicide 48 hours later - bragged about making '$16,000 in two days'.

Mother-of-two Shauntelle Went, 18, is accused of bringing the young girls to the Brisbane hotel room of high-flying Commonwealth Bank boss Christopher James McCann, 50, in May.

When he opened the door, McCann changed his mind after a row over the price, and phoned the hotel's reception to demand the girls be removed.

NSW Police swooped on the married father-of-two, from Curl Curl on Sydney's northern beaches, as he arrived at Sydney Airport and extradited him to Queensland.

On Monday, he was charged with one count of using the internet to procure children under 16, before he was granted bail to live with a friend on the Gold Coast.

On Wednesday, he drove to a beauty spot at Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland, where he plunged to his death.

Queensland Police confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious, with a report being prepared for the Coroner.

On Monday, Brisbane Magistrates Court had heard McCann made arrangements with Went and agreed a price for her to bring her the two girls, aged 14 and 15.

Shauntelle Went is under investigation for allegedly recruiting underage girls to provide sexual services for former Commonwealth Bank executive Christopher James McCann

Christopher James McCann left Brisbane Watch House on Monday after being granted bail. He was found dead two days later

But the deal turned sour when she allegedly sent the young girls to the door of his room at the Sofitel Hotel in Brisbane's CBD while she remained in the lobby.

After McCann queried the price, he then asked hotel staff to escort all three off the premises, the court was told.

Went, who proudly promotes her sex services on social media, regularly posts teasing videos and encourages potential clients to 'ask for my prices'.

Shortly after the incident which led to the charges against McCann, Went boasted on TikTok in June: 'Made like $16,000 in, like, two days.'

She also shared a series of screenshots of instant bank transfers into her account to substantiate her income boasts.

In another clip, the teenager taunts trolls who attacked her looks in a series of videos filmed on her sofa.

'I love how it's all you broke f***s saying she is ugly when I post about my OnlyFans,' she blasted.

'Stay mad. Stay jealous.'

McCann allegedly engaged with Brisbane sex worker Shauntelle Elizabeth Went (pictured) to supply the services of two girls aged 14 or 15

On Wednesday, Christopher James McCann drove to a beauty spot at Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland, where he plunged to his death

The court heard on Monday that McCann was accused of committing a 'terribly serious offence' by engaging the Brisbane teen to allegedly supply the young teens.

'You travelled interstate frequently,' Magistrate Louise Shephard told McCann.

'You formed some kind of connection with (Went). On May 14, police intercepted messages between you and her.

'The allegation is you... queried her about whether she had younger friends that she worked with.'

McCann reportedly stood in the dock looking either down or straight ahead throughout the hearing.

'Later that evening, Went and the girls attended (the five-star Brisbane CBD hotel),' Magistrate Shephard continued.

'The two girls went to the room, and you contacted the front desk to ask them to leave. It is not alleged the girls entered the room.'

The matter was referred by NSW Police to Task Force Argos, Queensland's child exploitation unit, and on July 8, a search warrant was executed at McCann's Sydney home.

Teenager Shauntelle Went regularly taunts trolls who attack her looks in a series of videos filmed on her sofa

Christopher James McCann was also prohibited from having any contact with children, except for his own sons, and was required to stay with his friend in Queensland

The former Commonwealth Bank executive (pictured) was extradited from Sydney to Brisbane after being charged with using the internet to procure underage girls for sex

A prosecutor opposed bail, citing concerns McCann could reoffend and posed a risk to the community.

McCann's barrister David Jones said his client's assets would be frozen, and that he had no prior criminal record.

He told the court McCann was prepared to abide by strict conditions and remain in Queensland for the duration of proceedings.

Magistrate Shephard noted McCann had been sacked by Commonwealth Bank in the wake of the charges.

He was granted strict conditional bail, including an overnight curfew, a ban on encrypted messaging apps, and permission to use only one mobile phone.

He was also prohibited from having any contact with children, except for his own sons, and was required to stay with his friend in Queensland.

On Wednesday though, he drove from his friend's home to the beauty spot where he fell to his death.

Went was also granted bail on Monday and is scheduled to return to court on August 4.

If you or someone you know needs confidential support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
'Mummy, I love you very much'.

These were the devastating last words of 13-year-old Omayra Sanchez, who died a slow and agonising death while the world watched from their television screens.

For nearly three days, the school girl remained trapped in the wreckage of her family home after Colombia's Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted on November 13, 1985 - unleashing a wall of mud that wiped the entire town of Armero off the map.

The teen spent 60 hours trapped from the waist down under the cement-like lahar, while emergency services worked tirelessly to free her.

But her tragic plight quickly captivated the world, after Red Cross rescue workers were forced to give up their efforts to help her when it became apparent that they would not be able to give her life saving care.

Rescuers, photographers and journalists spent Omayra's final moments with her, taking it in turns to comfort her and keep her company, bringing her fizzy drinks and sweets.

The tragedy was heavily documented, with harrowing videos and images of Omayra reaching households across the world.

This photograph taken by Frank Fournier of Omayra Sanchez was taken shortly before she died after becoming trapped in lahar following a volcanic eruption in Armero, Colombia in 1985. The image later became the World Press Photo of the Year on 1986

Omayra Sanchez died on November 16, 1985 after being trapped in volcanic mud for over 60 hours after a volcanic eruption struck the Colombian town of Armero. Omayra is pictured in this image on the day she died

Omayra Sanchez floats in muddy water after being caught in a lahar as it flowed from the erupting Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia. The 1985 eruption completely destroyed the town of Armero, killing 23,000 of its inhabitants

Omayra appeared on Colombian television addressing her mother just hours before her death

Her last words are believed to have been caught on camera, after Colombian broadcaster RCN aired a video of Omayra showing her with bloodshot eyes as she remained submerged in the muddy water.

Addressing her mother, a nurse who had travelled to the capital Bogota for work before the disaster unfolded, Omayra said: 'Pray so that I can walk, and for these people to help me.

'Mummy, I love you very much, daddy I love you, my brother, I love you'.

After 60 hours, Omayra's hands went white and her eyes turned black, and not long after, she died.

On her third and final day, rescue workers say Omayra began to hallucinate, telling bystanders she was worried about being being late for her maths exam.

She also told those keeping her company to go home so that they could rest.

After her death, it was found that her aunt's arms were tangled around Omayra's legs.

But it was one particular image of Omayra, holding onto life as rescuers tried to free her body from the mud, that became emblematic of the tragedy and continued to capture the world's attention in the days after the disaster.

The Nevado del Ruiz volcano in eastern Colombia had been dormant for several years, meaning that authorities did not take the prospect of an eruption seriously, despite warnings from experts

Pictured: Emergency workers attempt to rescue Omayra after she was trapped in debris and lahar from the eruption

Omayra's last words are believed to have been caught on camera, after Colombian broadcaster RCN aired a video of her addressing her mother

The town of Armero was completely wiped off the map after it was destroyed by mudflow

A volunteer carries a child covered in mud after the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in 1985

French photo-journalist Frank Fournier captured her final moments in a heartbreaking photograph, which went on to win the World Press Photo of the year in 1986.

Fournier received backlash from public, with several questioning why he didn't help Omayra as she took her last breaths.

But in an interview with the BBC, the French photographer spoke about how it was impossible to save her and defended his decision to take pictures of her before her death.

'There was an outcry - debates on television on the nature of the photojournalist, how much he or she is a vulture. But I felt the story was important for me to report and I was happier that there was some reaction; it would have been worse if people had not cared about it.

'I am very clear about what I do and how I do it, and I try to do my job with as much honesty and integrity as possible. I believe the photo helped raise money from around the world in aid and helped highlight the irresponsibility and lack of courage of the country's leaders.'

'There was an obvious lack of leadership. There were no evacuation plans, yet scientists had foreseen the catastrophic extent of the volcano's eruption.

He also recalled her final moments, explaining how 'dawn was breaking and the poor girl was in pain and very confused.

'When I took the pictures I felt totally powerless in front of this little girl, who was facing death with courage and dignity. She could sense that her life was going.'

Rescue workers carry an injured person, caught in a lahar flowing from the erupting Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia, on a stretcher

When the Nevado del Ruiz erupted, it melted part of its snowcap, creating a 150-ft-high wall of mud that swept down the Lagunilla River

Another 2,000 people were killed or disappeared on the opposite side of the volcano

Red Cross rescue workers were forced to give up their efforts to save Omayra when it became apparent that they would not be able to give her life saving care. Picture shows destroyed homes in the town of Armero following the devastating Nevado del Ruiz eruption

Fournier added: 'People still find the picture disturbing. This highlights the lasting power of this little girl. I was lucky that I could act as a bridge to link people with her. It's the magic of the thing,'

Speaking about Omayra, Fournier recalled that the girl was 'an incredible personality'.

'She spoke to the people trying to save her with utmost respect, telling them to go home and rest and then come back'.

Omayra lived with her father, younger brother and aunt at the time of the tragedy, all of whom died instantly after being swallowed up by the deadly lahar.

Her mother Maria Aleida Sanchez had travelled to Bogota to work as a nurse, who helplessly watched on from the capital as her daughter's state declined.

Thirty years after her daughter's death, Maria spoke fondly of her daughter in a 2015 interview.

'Omayra loved studying. She was very special to me, and she adored her brother. She had her dolls, but she hung them on the wall. She didn't like playing with dolls and was dedicated to her studies'.

The volcano, that overlooks the town of Armero in eastern Colombia, had been dormant for 69 years, and so residents and authorities didn't fret much about the possibility of an eruption, nicknaming it the 'sleeping lion'.

The volcano, that overlooks the town of Armero in eastern Colombia, had been dormant for 69 years

Volunteers work to free Primo Gomez who is tapped by debris from the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz Volcano in Armero, Columbia on November 15, 1985

Two men look out over a field of mud, where a lahar from the erupting Nevado del Ruiz volcano flowed into a valley in Colombia

Image shows the Nevado del Ruiz volcano

Scientists had warned of a deadly eruption for months, but no response plan was put in place.

When the Nevado del Ruiz erupted, it melted part of its snowcap, creating a 150-ft-high wall of mud that swept down the Lagunilla River.

About 23,000 of Armero's estimated 28,000 residents died or went missing as the mudslide pulled trees from their roots and enveloped entire homes.

Another 2,000 people were killed or disappeared on the opposite side of the volcano.

It took relief workers 12 hours to reach Armero after the devastating eruption, which meant victims who had sustained serious injuries were already dead.

The town, once known as 'the white city' was littered with fallen trees, human bodies and piles of debris.

Armero has since remained a ghost town after its surviving inhabitants relocated to the nearing towns of Guayabal and Lerida.

What is left of Armero are destroyed buildings, vehicles and cemeteries to commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost.
Standing on the corner of Manhattan's 45th Street and Madison Avenue, The Roosevelt Hotel was once the pinnacle of New York City glitz and glamor.

However, in recent years, the onceposh and presidential establishment has seen struggles like never before, leading to the announcement of its permanent closure by NYC Mayor Eric Adams in February, 2025.

The iconic hotel's shutdown earlier this month came after it spent two years housing the hundreds of thousands of migrants flooding to the US during the peak of the country's immigration crisis.

In 2022 Manhattan's historic Roosevelt Hotel was transformed into a shelter to house the asylum seekers in May 2023 and, over the course of the last two years, 155,000 people from 160 countries walked in and out of the hotel's doors.

The situation was a far cry from the pomp and ceremony which marked the hotel's opening in 1924, in honor of President Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt.

Set over 1025 rooms, the opulent hotel boasted a luxury fitness center and an indoor swimming pool, and even sat atop a secret tunnel system.

Over the next 101 years, the establishment played host to Hollywood legends, towering literary figures such as F Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway and influential lawmakers.

However, in recent years, the onceposh and presidential establishment has seen struggles like never before, leading to the announcement of its permanent closure by NYC Mayor Eric Adams in February, 2025

In February of this year, in light of dwindling migrant numbers, Adams called time on the hotelturnedshelter and it closed its doors for the last time in July. Now, as the Roosevelt Hotel stands empty, Daily Mail has taken a deep dive into its rich history.

Grand opening and style

The Roosevelt Hotel first opened its doors on September 22, 1924, after overcoming setbacks due to the 1916 Zoning Resolution  the city's first citywide zoning code, enacted to prevent massive buildings from blocking light and fresh air.

The hotel cost $12 million to build, equivalent to around $226.4 million today.

Named after US President Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt, the hotel was originally operated by NewYork United Hotels Inc., but when the company went bankrupt in 1934, Roosevelt Hotels Inc. took over until 1943, when it was acquired by Hilton.

In December 1925, several members of the Roosevelt family dedicated a plaque in the lobby to the late president. The memorial featured a Ding Darling cartoon that appeared in the NewYork Tribune the day of the former president's death.

The hotel's style and architecture was designed in honor of the 26th president.

Architects George B. Post & Sons fashioned the hotel with an Italian Renaissance Revivalstyle facade.

The group aimed to reflect the ideals of Roosevelt through its structure and building. In a nod to the president's dedication to public service, the architects envisioned the building to provide premium comfort and hospitality to visitors.

Many of the architectural details were inspired by historic US buildings, according to Untapped New York.

The Roosevelt Hotel, located at 45 East 45th Street in Midtown Manhattan, first opened its doors on September 22, 1924

The group aimed to reflect the ideals of Roosevelt through its structure and building. In a nod to the president's dedication to public service, the architects envisioned the building to provide premium comfort and hospitality to visitors

Architects George B. Post & Sons fashioned the hotel with an Italian Renaissance Revivalstyle facade

The stunning paneled walls and fluted pilasters of the hotel's primary dining hall are inspired by those in New York's City Hall.

Elongated windows in the banquet hall are reminiscent of those in Annapolis's Chase House, a classic example of Georgian architecture.

Other architectural features are nods to Kenmore, a colonial Virginia Mansion, and the Octagon House in Washington DC.

The 19story structure's ground floor largely contained shops, while the first floor featured the hotel lobby, dining rooms and other public areas.

Hotel rooms, which there were 1,025 of, began on the third floor and spread up to the 18th floor.

Several novel features made the hotel stand out from others of its kind  including a kennel for guests' pets, a childcare service and an inhouse doctor.

Early Years

In the hotel's early years, it became known for hosting a multitude of events  from country musical recitals to car exhibits, athlete luncheons to coin displays, and even pet shows.

The Roosevelt was also home to award shows of all varieties throughout the years, including the Peabody Awards and the Annual Writers Guild of America Awards - which was attended by the likes of Salma Hayek and Brad Pitt in 1998.

Infamous band leader Guy Lombardo  who was responsible for making Auld Lang Syne the definitive song of New Years Eve  also began leading the house band of the Roosevelt Grill in 1929.

He held an annual New Year's Eve radio broadcast at the hotel with his band, the Royal Canadians.

Several Republican Party candidates and campaigns used the Roosevelt Hotel for offices and headquarters.

The National Republican Congressional Committee opened an office at the hotel in 1930, and Fiorello La Guardia operated a campaign office there during the 1941 New York City mayoral election.

In the hotel's early years, it became known for hosting a multitude of events (Pictured: Actress Tina Louise reigns as queen of the art students league's 82nd annual costume ball at the Roosevelt)

The hotel's events ranged from country musical recitals to car exhibits, athlete luncheons to coin displays, and even pet shows. Pictured: Bill Cosby at the Roosevelt Hotel for a 'Raquet Club Dinkins Fundraiser' in 1993

The Roosevelt was also home to award shows of all varieties throughout the years, including the Peabody Awards and the Annual Writers Guild of America Awards - which was attended by the likes of Salma Hayek and Brad Pitt in 1998.

Famous guests

The Midtown hotel was not only popular with politicians, it had its fair share of celebrity guests.

In fact, the latest star to stay the night at the historic hotel was Eva Mendes, who spent the night in the swanky Roosevelt Suite, according to the Gothamist.

The Roosevelt Suite was home to American hotelier and businessman Conrad Hilton - of Hilton Hotels - while he lived in the building in the 1940s.

Editor and magazine publisher Hugo Gernsback had his own room on the 18th floor where he created and recorded his very own radio station, WRNY.

Not only did celebrities stay in the glamorous suites at the Roosevelt, many also filmed iconic movies within the hotel's walls.

The hotel appeared in classics, such as 'The French Connection', 'Quiz Show' and 'Malcolm X'.

In 'Wall Street', Michael Douglass ruthless broker character Gordon Gekko delivered the infamous greed is good speech from the Roosevelt's grand ballroom.

The hotel was also used by Sacha Baron Cohen in his movie 'The Dictator' and by Martin Scorsese in his mob biopic 'The Irishman', which starred Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

Jennifer Lopez played the lead character Marisa Ventura in the 2002 RomCom 'Maid in Manhattan', which was filmed at the Roosevelt Hotel.

Jennifer Lopez played the lead character Marisa Ventura in the 2002 RomCom 'Maid in Manhattan', which was filmed at the Roosevelt Hotel

In 'Wall Street', Michael Douglass ruthless broker character Gordon Gekko delivered the infamous greed is good speech from the Roosevelt's grand ballroom

Quirks and features

The Roosevelt Hotel features all kinds of unusual qualities befitting its significance on the New York skyline.

Among them is a secret passageway three levels beneath the hotel, that once connected the premises to Grand Central Terminal.

The underground tunnel was created as part of Terminal City, a network of hotels and office buildings that linked to the city's train system that was designed in the early 20th century.

American architectural firm Reed & Stem along with engineer William W. Wilgus envisioned Terminal City developing into a commercial center that stretched across the entire length of Park Avenue, but the plan was abandoned when World War II began in 1939.

The tunnel is now closed off to the public, but Gothamist journalist Jen Carlson was shown to the secret passageway by a hotel guide in 2015.

She reported being taken into a tunnel located behind closed doors  just off to the side of the hotel's lobby  that, according to hotel staff, lead all the way to Grand Central Terminal.

Another quirk of the Roosevelt is its stateoftheart kitchen  which, unlike most other hotel kitchens that are tucked away and hidden in the basement, is showcased proudly on street floor level.

The kitchen is decked out with the most cuttingedge equipment for the time  including 26 gas ranges, 12 charcoal broilers, four sterilizing dishwashers, four brick ovens that each weigh 85 tons and an electric peeler.

Eight different refrigerators in the kitchen separated meat, smoked meat, cheese, fish, fruit, produce, butter and milk.

The stunning paneled walls and fluted pilasters of the hotel's primary dining hall are inspired by those in New York's City Hall

Hotel rooms, which there were 1,025 of, began on the third floor and spread up to the 18th floor



Closure and reopening as shelter

The Roosevelt Hotel closed on December 18, 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic that saw occupancy rates drop significantly, causing the hotel to lose millions of dollars.

Then, in May 2023, the city signed a $220 million, threeyear deal with the hotel's owners  Pakistan International Airlines  to pay a nightly rate of $202 per room in order to house migrant families.

A asylumseekers from across the world poured into the US, NYC was affected profoundly with around 237,000 migrants seeking help and resources from the city.

The hotel quickly became a hub of activity.

The lobby became an 'arrival center', where city officials worked with migrants to connect them with legal services to apply for asylum and work permits.

National Guard soldiers were scattered around the hotel, and health workers throughout the lobby screened families for diseases and offered them vaccines.

The luggage room became overstuffed with migrants' belongings, and the Roosevelts oncegrand ballroom was filled with cots to accommodate overflow.

The formerlyfancy hotel's transition to shelter became as divisive as the migrant crisis itself. The Roosevelt became known as 'Little Ellis Island' for its inclusivity and care of migrants from across the world. Meanwhile, Donald Trump slammed the use of the hotel as a waste of taxpayer money.

In Adams's statements regarding the Roosevelt's closure in February, the mayor seemed to echo the president's sentiment, saying the city will now be able to, 'help even more asylum seekers take the next steps in their journey's while simultaneously saving taxpayers millions of dollars.'

In May 2023, the city signed a $220 million, threeyear deal with the hotel's owners to pay a nightly rate of $202 per room in order to house migrant families

The hotel quickly became a hub of activity. The lobby became an 'arrival center', where city officials worked with migrants to connect them with legal services to apply for asylum and work permits

The luggage room became overstuffed with belongings and the Roosevelts oncegrand ballroom was filled with cots to accommodate overflow

On the hotel's final day as a shelter, Adams showed up late to greet a gathering of the press and municipal employees, according to Slate. The mayor then took to the podium for a farewell speech.

'Present day may not be kind, but history will be kind,' he said. 'We have closed 62 other locations,' he informed, adding that arrivals had dropped to just 100 a week, conveniently ignoring Trump's toughonimmigration policies.

The closure of the Roosevelt Hotel  and others of its kind in Chicago and Denver  have coincided with Trump's crackdown on immigration and their messaging surrounding immigration.

The administration previously characterized the Roosevelt Hotel as the headquarters of a Venezuelan gang, according to the New York Times.

As the Roosevelt shut its doors to migrants for good, all that remained inside the bare hotel were deflated balloons tangled around a chandelier that once shimmered among its illustrious guests.

Diapers remained stocked in the abandoned gift shop as a resource for new migrant mothers, and a map of the United States with arrows pointing to New York alongside a note handwritten in Spanish: 'You are here.'
Four Metropolitan Police officers have been served misconduct papers over the case of two women murdered by the same man they repeatedly complained to police about.

Carl Cooper is serving a life sentence for murdering ex-partners Naomi Hunte, 41, and Fiona Holm, 48, in two separate cases one year apart.

The 66-year-old has refused to tell officers where Fiona's body is hidden with a 20,000 for information leading to it being located still on offer from authorities.

Both women had been in a relationship with Cooper and had complained to police about his violence before their deaths.

Naomi was stabbed to death and found on her sofa in 2022 and Fiona vanished in June 2023 but her body has never been found.

In February 2022, Naomi was found stabbed to death at her flat in Greenwich, south east London.

She had made a number of calls to police over the previous two years, telling officers that Cooper was stalking and harassing her.

She told the police that Cooper had been 'obsessed' with her.

Carl Cooper was jailed for life in July for the murders of Naomi Hunte, 41, and Fiona Holm, 48. Both were previously in a relationship with him and had warned police about his violence

Naomi Hunte was discovered partially clothed with a single stab wound to the chest in February 2022

Fiona Holm (pictured) went missing from Hither Green, south east London and is believed to have died on June 20, 2023, two months after she reported Cooper attacking her to the Met Police

Pictured: The last known sighting of Fiona Holm in an off licence in Catford, south London, on June 20 2023 - her body has never been found

Cooper was arrested on suspicion of murder but was released on bail, under investigation.

He went on to murder Fiona, who went missing from Hither Green 16 months later. She is believed to have died on June 20, 2023, two months after she reported the GBH complaint to the Met.

The Met said four officers are under investigation for misconduct in connection with a GBH complaint made by Fiona in April 2023.

Now four cops have been served misconduct papers.

An IOPC spokesperson said: 'We can confirm, as part of our ongoing investigation into the prior contact Met Police officers had with Naomi Hunte and Fiona Holm before their murders, that we have served misconduct notices on two police constables, a detective sergeant and a detective inspector.

'This is in relation to Ms Holm's report to the Met, in April 2023, of an alleged assault by her partner Carl Cooper. In July 2024, he was convicted of the murder of both women.

'Our investigation began following receipt of referrals in October 2024 from the Met of complaints made by the families of both victims, alleging serious shortcomings in the force's investigations prior to their deaths.

'The serving of conduct notices does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow.'

The case sparked fury among the two families and the south east London communities they lived in.

A friend of Fiona told MailOnline: 'It's an absolutely harrowing situation.

'Fiona and Naomi were let down time and time again. It's awful.

'It's left us all feeling sick to the pits of our stomachs. How was this allowed to happen?

'How many warnings did The Met need?

'I have no confidence in them as a police force. All you hear and read is negative stories and bad experiences.

'Heads should roll. The officers who let them down should be sacked.'

Friends and family Naomi Hunte (pictured) and Fiona Holm have been incensed by the investigation

Ms Holm's daughter Savannah had posted a picture of her mother on Facebook on July 3 2023, urging anyone who has seen or heard anything to let her know

The woman - holding back tears - said she would remember Fiona 'forever'.

She added: 'She was an angel. She was a beautiful light in the world. I cannot imagine a more cruel way to be taken. It is devastating.'

A neighbour of Naomi said: 'I miss her a lot. It's terrible.

'How can that be allowed to happen?'

Retired Met police detective Peter Bleksley said it was a 'harrowing case' with 'appalling police failures'.

He added: 'How many times are we going to hear the words lessons learned?

'How many more cases like this will there be? It is monstrous what happened.'

Speaking outside the court after the hearing, the Met's Det Ch Insp Kate Blackburn, said: 'Despite Cooper cruelly denying Fiona's family the opportunity to bury her, we will remain committed to finding Fiona and returning her to her family.'

She added a 20,000 police reward was on offer for information leading to the recovery of Ms Holm's remains and appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

'Carl Cooper is a dangerous, violent domestic abuser who preys on women with vulnerabilities.

'He took the lives of two vibrant, sociable women who were so very loved by their families and friends.

'Naomi and Fiona are in my thoughts today.'
As a young debutante, Constance Marten cheerfully described her carefree life of society parties and summer holidays when she featured in an edition of Tatler magazine.

Then aged 21 and going by her nickname Toots, the aristocrat confidently posed in a 1920's-style flapper dress after being crowned 'Babe of the Month' by the high society publication.

Now Marten has been elevated to cover girl after her smiling image was emblazoned across the front page of an altogether less aspirational magazine called 'The View'.

For readers not in the know, the publication heralds itself as 'a grass-roots social enterprise and campaigning platform that gives voice to women in the justice system' with the support of 'leading barristers, jurists and human rights advocates'.

In reality, MailOnline can reveal, the bizarre, glossy magazine is a mouthpiece for its founder Farah Damji, one of Britain's most notorious con artists who is also a serial stalker and a fellow inmate of Marten.

Damji - who is the daughter of a multi-millionaire property tycoon and has left behind a trail of countless shattered lives in a criminal career spanning 30 years - once insisted that no woman should ever go to prison.

And it appears Marten is the latest recruit to her campaign.

The View, which was launched in 2020, describes itself as a radical publication for 'women with conviction', could now face contempt of court proceedings over the article, which could have derailed a prosecution which has cost taxpayers around 2.8million over two trials across the last two years.

Constance Marten had her smiling image emblazoned across the front page of a magazine called 'The View'

Marten was convicted on Monday of killing her baby, Victoria, with her lover Mark Gordon after the pair fled authorities in December 2022

Published quarterly in digital and print formats, it now boasts of having more than 15,000 paid subscribers including judges and officials working in government departments and think tanks.

It claims to produce up to four digital magazines each year and one 'bumper' annual print edition which can be purchased for 20 for subscribers. Individual digital editions can also be purchased for 5.

The magazine claims to have 25,000 readers with printed copies available in 130 stockists as well as all 12 women's prisons in England and Wales with 2,000 copies distributed in libraries at a cover cost of 5.

There have been 79 episodes of its Rebel Justice podcast since the first episode was released in November 2021.

Among its champions is former Labour peer Baroness Uddin who described The View as 'an incredible magazine' during a debate on women in the criminal justice system in the House of Lords in 2019.

In an exclusive interview with the magazine, Marten, 38, paints a very different picture of her life from that of the upbeat trust-fund heiress of her Tatler days in 2009.

It appears the publication - along with an accompanying podcast in which her 'unflinching testimony' is read by an actor - has given her the platform as a champion for the rights of vulnerable women who are 'survivors of trauma and state-endorsed violence'.

Shedding light on the 'ongoing injustices women face in the legal system', Marten outlines her 'harrowing experience' as she stood trial at the Old Bailey alongside her rapist partner Mark Gordon, 51, after they were accused of killing their newborn baby.

In a self-pitying rant about her 'inhumane conditions', Marten complained of the exhaustive process of having to sit through the hearing day after day while enduring the commute backwards and forwards from Bronzefield Prison in Ashford, Surrey where she was being detained.

Marten - who spent a number of days absent from the court - complained the regime left her falling asleep in the dock while she was forced to endure 'freezing' conditions as the Old Bailey heating system was not working and had to eat 'disgusting' court food.

In the article Marten, heiress worth 2.4million, took aim at Serco, the private firm which manages transport from prison to court while criticising the 'dehumanising' justice process.

She said: 'This entire system will continue preventing us from having a right to a fair trial as long as we allow this to continue.

'I feel as if I need to sue Serco for adversely affecting my trial, preventing me from accessing my lawyers, and for my mental health, which is in pieces.'

Prisoner A9624X also compared slammed prosecutors, claiming she was spoken to like a child. She also compared the lawyers to Dementors from Harry Potter, creatures referred to as 'soul sucking fiends.'

She said of her CPS prosecutors: 'Tom Little and Joel Smith remind me of Dementors from Harry Potter. There's no empathy.

I felt like I was being grilled as a serial killer.

'They all use this disgusting tone, like they're reprimanding a small child. I've heard them laugh and joke with others but with me, it's always condescending.'

There is no mention of the freezing and inhumane conditions in which her newborn daughter Victoria died whose body was found in a Lidl carrier bag after Marten and Gordon went on the run from the authorities in December 2022.

MailOnline can reveal The View magazine is a mouthpiece for its founder Farah Damji (above), one of Britain's most notorious con artists who is also a serial stalker and a fellow inmate of Marten

The View describes itself as a radical publication for 'women with conviction' and started as a prison magazine

Published quarterly in digital and print formats, The View boasts of having more than 15,000 paid subscribers including judges and officials working in government departments and think tanks

The couple - who had already had four children taken into care - took cars and taxis around the country to try to avoid detection, before setting up home in a flimsy tent on the South Downs in the middle of winter.

When police finally caught up with the pair in February the following year, baby Victoria, whose grandfather was a page of honour to Queen Elizabeth II, was found dumped in a disused shed in a Lidl shopping bag.

On top of her body was an empty beer can and the discarded packaging of an egg sandwich.

Prosecutors believe she died from hypothermia or smothering but by then the corpse was too badly decomposed to be certain.

Neither defendant was prepared to shed any light on the child's death and Gordon claimed Victoria would be alive today had police not pursued them.

Astonishingly, the article was published half way through the couple's lengthy and chaotic second trial at the Old Bailey which the judge accused the couple of trying to 'sabotage' and 'derail'.

They are now facing lengthy prison sentences after being found guilty of Victoria's manslaughter by gross negligence.

The article is now being looked at as a potential contempt of court as it featured an image of one of the couple's children - which is banned by a court order.

It appeared in the magazine alongside a piece focusing on another 'disturbing case' highlighting how women are being 'failed' by the criminal justice system - that of the paper's editor Damji, 58.

Ugandan-born Damj first came to public prominence after she admitted having an affair with Guardian columnist William Dalrymple who she was later accused of stalking.

Damji - once dubbed 'London's most dangerous woman' - is also said to have had a high profile affair with a senior executive on the paper.

Just days before Marten's conviction, Damji was jailed for six years after she set out to destroy the life of her latest victim, former British diplomat Dr Nigel Gould-Davies.

Dr Gould-Davies, a former British Ambassador to Belarus, was stalked, harassed and defrauded during an horrific campaign of 'lies and abuse'.

The pair met through the dating site Bumble in July 2023 - days after Damji had been released from prison for a previous offence.

The mother-of-two was using the fake name Noor Higham as they struck up a relationship, enjoying meals out, theatre trips, and spending time at his apartment.

Dr Gould-Davies supported Damji through a cancer diagnosis and also helped out with her magazine and podcast.

The forums would later be used to launch an attack on Dr Gould-Davies during Damji's trial.

One podcast released in April this year was entitled 'Nigel Davies: A forensic analysis of a serial predator.' It featured evidence which trial judge Joanna Greenberg KC had ruled to be inadmissible during the ongoing case.

Meanwhile, in court, the jury was told that within weeks of the start of their relationship, Damji had began sending 'hateful' emails and messages to Dr Gould-Davies' employers at the International Institute of Strategic Studies as well as work colleagues and his brother.

Defamatory false allegations were also sent to others associated with his professional life including his local MP Emily Thornberry, solicitors, a foreign ambassador and news organisations.

The jury at Wood Green Crown Court was told the messages were sent under false names including that of Clare Simms.

The messages, which the court heard were designed to undermine Dr Gould-Davies' character and professional credibility, made bogus allegations that he was involved in money laundering, committed violence against women and breaches of the Official Secrets Act.

Clare Simms is listed along with Noor Higham as directors of The View which was set up as a community interest company in 2020.

On its website Simms is described as the magazine's editor at large.

The court heard hateful messages were also sent by Holly Bright who is said to be The View's publishing director.

She is also a former director of the firm which has twice fought off compulsory strike-off actions and whose latest accounts published this week show it has no capital, assets or creditors and liabilities and is listed as dormant.

Damji has accused Dr Gould-Davies of mounting a campaign against the magazine and making a complaint about its officers to companies house.

During her campaign of abuse, Damji stole a sensitive document relating to Russia and threatened to hand it over to the Russians leading to Dr Gould-Davies fearing he was in danger.

She also stole his passport and bank card which she used on a spending spree making purchases at fashion outlet Paul Smith in a 13,621 fraud.

Dr Gould-Davies was so alarmed he quit London to work in Berlin in a bid to get away from his mystery stalker, and separately ended his relationship with Damji in February 2024 - still unaware that she was his tormentor.

In an exclusive interview with The View, Marten (above) painted a very different picture of her life from that of the upbeat trust-fund heiress of her Tatler days in 2009

It appears the publication gave Marten (above) the platform as a champion for the rights of vulnerable women who are 'survivors of trauma and state-endorsed violence'

Marten (above) said her trial at the Old Bailey was a 'harrowing experience' as she stood alongside her rapist partner Mark Gordon, 51, accused of killing their newborn baby

Marten (above) complained she was forced to endure 'freezing' conditions - yet there was no mention of the freezing and inhumane conditions in which her newborn daughter Victoria died after she and Gordon went on the run from the authorities

Marten (above) was pictured during a police interview in an image released earlier this week by Metropolitan Police

When police caught up with the pair (above) in February 2023, baby Victoria was found dumped in a disused shed in a Lidl shopping bag

While in Berlin, he investigated a website filled with slurs against his character which led him to discover Damji's true identity and prompting him to contact police.

Meanwhile Damji had mounted an operation to track Dr Gould-Davies down, attending his London flat with associates, visiting areas around his mother's home in Spain, and contacting his brother in the USA.

She identified his hotel through clues from a TV interview he conducted with CNN from his room and in March 2024 she sent him an email pretending to come from his ex-girlfriend, saying she knew where he was staying.

The following day Damji was arrested at Heathrow Airport as she made a bid to fly to Berlin and has been in custody since.

The court heard Damji's criminal convictions - which include fraud, theft, perverting the course of justice and three separate stalking charges - date back to 1993 when she ran an art gallery in New York.

In 1995 she was sentenced to six months in Rikers Island prison plus five years' probation following a fraud over an apartment she was renting and crimes related to the gallery.

During her time on probation, she allegedly committed further offences but she fled the country after a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Damji ended up in South Africa where she more crimes were reported before she was deported.

In the UK, Damji received cautions for theft and obtaining property by deception before she was jailed for three-and-a-half years for 17 offences including thefts and obtaining property by deception as well as perverting justice.

While awaiting trial for offences including stealing credit cards from a nanny and an assistant and going on spending sprees, she posed as an official from the Crown Prosecution Service to contact a witness saying she did not need to attend court in a bid to sabotage the case.

Weeks after being released from jail she began committing further deceptions and in 2010 was jailed for 15 months for a 17,500 housing benefit fraud.

In 2016, Damji was jailed for five years in 2016 for stalking a church warden after they met on an online dating site.

She attended the school of the victim's son and spoke with the deputy headmaster to 'make false allegations about the warden abusing vulnerable women'.

Damji then continued to stalk the man and sent emails to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner and an MP following her arrest.

In 2020 she was sentenced to 27 months in jail for two counts of breaching a restraining order in April 2018 and June 2018.

She was convicted in her absence after fleeing to Ireland during her trial.

During her time in Ireland she lived under the identity of an Icelandic woman before she was finally re-arrested in County Galway in August 2022 and returned to Britain to serve her sentence.

Jailing Damji over her latest offences, Judge Greenberg said: 'One can only speculate as to the reasons for your behaviour, but what you did to Dr Gould-Davies was callously and deliberately to set about destroying his life and reputation for no better reason than you were able to do so by employing methods with which, from your history, you are experienced.

'Given your history of committing criminal offences of harassment and dishonesty, one conclusion about your behaviour is that it may be explained by nothing more nor less than wickedness and greed.'

Before Damji was jailed, it was Judge Greenberg who her magazine would set their sights on raising 'serious concerns' about her handling of cases.

The View has mounted an ongoing campaign against the 'dangerous' judge.

It has launched a petition calling for her to be removed from the bench as she poses 'a clear and present risk to the rights of women and girls who appear before her'.

Asked why potentially prejudicial material was allowed to be published from inside prison walls by defendants during ongoing trials the Ministry of Justice declined to comment.

The prison service denied the magazine was available in jails and insisted that all prisoners were subject to strict rules.

A spokesperson said: 'This publication is produced independently, is not written or distributed within the prison estate, and HMPPS does not support its production.

'Any material written by prisoners must comply with strict rules governing security, public protection and contact with the media.'
The family of the 12-year-old girl who was banned from wearing a Union Jack dress to her school's 'Culture Day' are furious over her stepfather's decision to thrust her into the national spotlight.

Year Seven pupil Courtney Wright was prevented by Bilton School in Rugby in Warwickshire from wearing the flag dress and the resulting row dominated the national media conversation and was even discussed in Parliament.

Now, MailOnline can reveal the explosive nature of the row over Courtney's outfit has also had consequences within her wider family, with many bitterly upset at the decision to expose the child to such intense scrutiny.

Their anger is particularly aimed at Courtney's stepfather Stuart Field, 47, whose decision it appears to have been to escalate the dress row into the national media.

One close relative told us today that they believe Mr Field had been motivated by his right-wing political views.

They told us: 'Stuart is politically very angry about stuff like immigration and small boats and those things.

'He's a bit of a right-wing culture warrior type and I think he saw an opportunity to start a row here.

'I just don't think it was very good parenting to involve his step-daughter in it. Courtney is now in the eye of the storm and she shouldn't have been exposed to all of this attention.'

Year Seven pupil Courtney Wright (above) was prevented by Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire, from wearing a Union Jack dress and the resulting row was even discussed in Parliament

MailOnline can reveal the row over Courtney's outfit has exploded in Courtney's wider family with many furious her stepfather Stuart Field (above) whose decision it appears to have been to escalate the dress row into the national media

A poster advertising the school's Culture Day wanted students 'recognising and celebrating the rich cultural diversity within our school community'

Another source within the family told us: 'Stuart has upset a lot of people in his own family with his eagerness to put Courtney in front of the cameras.

'And it seems his motivation was about satisfying his own sense of anger against the school.

'Courtney is a level-headed and smart girl for her age but she's still very young and this must have been a crazy few days for her and it will surely be distressing by now.'

Indeed Courtney herself alluded to how disorienting her sudden fame has been during one of the media appearances earlier this week.

'Since it's happened, I've had a lot of people come up to me and say "Is that you on the news?" she explained. 'People have said to me I am on all the apps when they open them. I've had my friends say "Oh my God, Courtney".'

Another family member told us today: 'Stuart has his own grievances and I think they are what's motivated him this week.

'Our whole family has been subjected to intense scrutiny as we've been placed in the public eye - all our social media output has been scoured for any suggestion that we have far right opinions or that there is something more sinister than a row over a Geri Halliwell dress.

'It's been a horrible week for all of us and we are absolutely fed up of the attention so God knows how Courtney herself is feeling like by now.

One close relative told MailOnline that they believe Mr Field (pictured with Courtney) had been motivated by his right-wing political views

Another source within the family said: 'Courtney is a level-headed and smart girl for her age but she's still very young and this must have been a crazy few days for her and it will surely be distressing by now'

'Personally I wish he'd never piped up about this and none of this had ever happened.'

It seems that by today even Mr Field has begun to adopt a low key approach - associates say he has 'gone to ground' and is no longer responding to calls from most friends never mind those from the media.

Mr Field, a marine restoration worker, who has three other children aged 25, 20 and 14 with his ex-wife, took on the care of Courtney when he started a relationship with her mother Katie Wright, 36. He was married for 23 years before divorcing 18 months ago.

Another long time associate of the former fish and chip shop worker said: 'For anyone who knows him, the idea of Stuart as some sort of moral figure for justice is quite hilarious.'

They were speaking as it emerged that Bilton School too was reeling from the effects of its unexpected exposure to national attention - it announced it was closing early for the summer holidays after staff reportedly received threats and 'extremist abuse'.

The school in Rugby in Warwickshire said it was being closed today 'in the interests of student and staff safety'.

Bilton School told parents it was closing earlier than normal for the summer holidays in a letter sent on Thursday, citing 'extremist abuse online and via our telephone systems'.

'The nature and tone of this abuse has escalated in recent days, including personal threats to our staff,' the letter continued. Ranjit Samra, CEO of Stowe Valley Multi-Academy Trust and headteacher Jayne Delves said staff had been threatened.

Mr Field (left) who has three other children, took on the care of Courtney (right) when he started a relationship with her mother Katie Wright

Courtney had taken inspiration from Geri Halliwell (pictured in 1997) in her iconic Union Jack dress

'Straight A' student Courtney Wright, 12, wore the Spice Girls inspired dress to a 'Culture Celebration Day' last Friday.

Courtney, was stopped at the school gates by a member of staff and ordered to change after picking it out for the day.

Mr Field said he was 'gobsmacked' to learn his step-daughter had been segregated from her peers due to her choice of attire.

The row began when Mr Field, who has three other children from a previous relationship, publicised online how Courtney had been stopped at the gates and told to change.

Mr Field, who now works as a shipping engineer, said: 'Courtney was so embarrassed and couldn't understand what she'd done wrong.

'She should not be made to feel embarrassed about being British. And she shouldn't be punished for celebrating British culture and history; nobody else I've spoken to can quite get their heads around it.'

'Another with a St George's flag and another with a Welsh flag were not allowed in either. It was ridiculous. It just seemed anything that was remotely British wasn't allowed.

'The day was to celebrate everyone's cultures and Courtney chose this Union Flag dress so she could celebrate hers.

Courtney was stopped at the Bilton School (above) gates by a member of staff and ordered to change after picking it out for 'Culture Celebration Day' last Friday

Mr Field (pictured with Courtney) said he was 'gobsmacked' to learn his daughter had been segregated from her peers due to her choice of attire

'She also wrote this speech to go with it and was very proud of what she'd done.

'The next thing I get a call at work at around 9am to say she's not allowed in school dressed like that and that it was unacceptable.'

He added: 'I wasn't able to get away from work until about midday. They made her sit in reception all morning in front of the receptionists and kept her in isolation.

'She's a straight A student, one of the brightest in her year, and she's never been in trouble before so she was really upset.

'All the kids there are British in my eyes, I like to think I'm a tolerant person but this was just not right.

'I wanted an answer as to why they thought this was acceptable - and nobody could give me a straight answer, I wanted to know how they had justified it.

'I spoke to her head of year, and he said he wasn't the best person to talk to about it, so I can only assume he didn't really agree with it either.

'It obviously came from above him but I don't know for sure who made the decision.

Mr Field said: 'Courtney was so embarrassed and couldn't understand what she'd done wrong'

'I was fobbed off and told that I'd get a phone call and I took Courtney straight out for a nice meal to cheer her up.

'If anything I was extremely proud of what she chosen and what she had written in her speech.

A spokesman for Stowe Valley Trust later said: 'At Bilton School, we are proud of the diversity of our students and the rich heritage they bring to our community. We are committed to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued, and included.

'On Friday 11th July, an incident occurred during our Culture Celebration Day that caused considerable upset to one of our pupils, her family, and members of the wider community. We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies.

'We have since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better. We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage.

'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.'

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer appeared to support Courtney's choice of dress after his spokesperson said he had always been 'clear that being British is something to be celebrated'.
George Orwell, that great chronicler of British patriotism, wrote during the Second World War that the gentleness of English civilisation is its most marked characteristic. Eight decades later, it would be absurd to use such language about our country.

In todays Britain, restraint is being replaced by aggression, solidarity by conflict. In the face of rising crime and social disorder, fear and friction cast their shadows over too many of our neighbourhoods.

There are many reasons for this crisis, including the breakdown of the traditional family and the leniency of the justice system. But perhaps the most important factor has been the states unhinged, destructive addiction to mass immigration, with the net annual influx reaching over 900,000 in 2023.

In addition, there has been a dramatic recent surge in the number of illegal migrants crossing the English Channel. As a result, British taxpayers have to fork out 8 million a day on accommodation for

these opportunists, the vast majority of whom are young men of military age with enough money to buy a one-way ticket to England from the people smugglers.

The Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer came to power last year promising to smash the gangs, but the only thing he looks set to smash is the record for illegal entry, with the number of small-boat migrants this year (over 21,000) already 54 per cent higher than the same period in 2024.

This failure to take control has been a disaster for our social fabric. The images of asylum seekers inhabiting once-prestigious hotels  often in struggling seaside resorts  are potent symbols not only of our economic decline but also the mishandling of the fight against crime. In a spectacular act of self-harm, successive British governments decided we owed a living to millions from North Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. It is a stance that has led to the import of disaffected migrants, united by their masculinity and entitlement and, for a dangerous few, a hostility to British liberal values, especially on womens rights.

A brilliant investigation by The Mail on Sunday has exposed the damaging consequences of this policy, which has seen no fewer than 708 charges for criminal offences brought against 312 asylum seekers in 70 taxpayer-funded hotels across the country.

Included in this catalogue of crime are 18 charges of rape and 51 of theft. In one chilling case a Sudanese asylum seeker was jailed last year for trying to rape a woman in the female toilets of a nightclub in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, while he strangled her.

President Donald Trump is ploughing billions into building new immigration detention centres, the most infamous being a facility in Florida dubbed Alligator Alcatraz

Beds behind cages inside the detention centre in the Everglades, which is designed to house 3,000 migrants

The exterior of the Alligator Alcatraz site, which the President was shown around earlier this month

The MoSs analysis backs up other evidence highlighting the dangers of creating migrant enclaves in some of our most deprived towns. Official data shows that Afghans, for instance, are 20 times more likely to be convicted of sex offences than British citizens, a profoundly worrying point given last weeks revelations that 18,500 Afghans have been settled here after the MoD leaked sensitive information about them.

In fact, 66 nationalities here have higher conviction rates than Britons. The pro-immigration lobby, desperate to maintain their narrative of multi-cultural success, does not like to face such realities. But their retreat into a cocoon of delusion and concealment only feeds the anger of the British population, as happened over the cover-up of the activities of predatory gangs in the north of England, who targeted vulnerable working-class girls.

Only last week, in an echo of last summers anti-immigration riots triggered by the Southport killings, anger boiled over at The Bell Hotel in Epping, which is now being used as an asylum centre.

More than 40 protesters mounted a furious demonstration at the venue after an Ethiopian asylum seeker was accused of trying to kiss a schoolgirl as she ate pizza in the town centre, eight days after he arrived in the UK.

Despite the deluge of fashionable official propaganda about the hard-working, law-abiding nature of the newcomers, in truth migrants from outside the EU are far more likely to be unemployed, dependent on welfare, living in social housing or behind bars, than the native British population.

In one remarkable piece of research in 2023, Conservative MP Neil OBrien revealed that of the two million migrants who settled in Britain from outside Europe over the previous five years, just 15 per cent came to work  a figure that makes a nonsense of the claim by Left-wing campaigners that free movement is the key to prosperity.

In fact, it is the ultimate route to national bankruptcy, especially when 1.2 million migrants are claiming universal credit, as was revealed last week. At a time when the public finances are in dire straits, it is the economics of the madhouse to pay unemployed foreign nationals to live here at the expense of British workers.

Apart from the occasional spasm of bureaucratic tinkering, the PMs biggest effort in tackling the migrant crisis has been put into reaching bilateral deals with France and Germany. President Macrons arm was twisted into agreeing a one-in-one-out scheme, whereby a small-boat migrant landing in the UK would be swapped with another in France who had a stronger claim to settle here. And German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed to amend legislation to arrest people smugglers who stored dinghies in its warehouses.

Paris and Berlin have deigned to make these concessions only because Starmer has reset relations with the EU, which has required the UK to hitch her wagon to those of Brussels rule makers on everything from energy prices to food standards.

Had he not done so, Britains two allies would have continued to abet, or at least fail to stop, the migration crisis at our shores.

Why? Because France and Germany have been far more concerned with pulling Brexit Britain back into the EUs orbit, and if illegal migration was their principle leverage, then so be it. Its a ploy as cynical and morally bankrupt as Putins funnelling of migrants through Belarus to the Polish border to destabilise the EU.

Whether the measures agreed with Macron and Merz reduce the numbers arriving remains to be seen. What is clear is that Starmer has to find a better way of housing asylum seekers already here.

Labour has made a vague promise to end the hotel model by the end of the Parliament without specifying how. They should look to the US. President Donald Trump is ploughing billions into building new immigration detention centres, the most infamous being a facility in the Florida Everglades dubbed Alligator Alcatraz.

Were centres like these erected in the UK, they would not only remove new arrivals from deprived towns, reducing crime and community friction, but also deter other chancers seeking to come.

The Tories grasped this by housing asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm prison ship. Given that Starmer chose to close it down rather than improve conditions on board, its clear he hasnt the stomach to weather the inevitable controversy around creating more immigration centres.

In the meantime, small communities across Britain are left to fend for themselves as their towns become doss houses for bored young men with alien values honed in the far corners of the world. And their towns shopkeepers, homeowners and teenage girls remain prey to the inevitable crime that ensues.
Panic sweeps the small American town of Moscow and the campus of the University of Idaho in mid-November 2022 as word spreads that four students have been found dead in their beds, brutally and mercilessly stabbed in a rental house on King Road.

Everywhere, phones are pinging with a warning from the university authorities: Police investigating homicide. Suspect is not known at this time. Stay away from the area and shelter in place. Overhead, helicopters are hovering; sniffer dogs roam the campus.

The police, though, are responding differently, insisting there is no threat to the public. This is a deliberate decision by chief of police James Fry to prevent chaos. The police are going to need calm and order so they can get to witnesses and proceed with their investigation into this most terrible of crimes.

In his bones, Fry knows that people are just as safe now as they were 24 hours ago. Common sense, and years of training and experience, tell him that when someone comes for you in your bed with a knife in the middle of the night, its personal. Whoever did this had a specific reason and is not likely to strike again randomly.

Teams of his officers are urgently building detailed profiles of the four victims. At least one of them was a target. Which one? Why? As yet, there is no handle on a motive. But the police dont elaborate on this, instead they play things close to their chest, not making public what few clues they have for fear of alerting the killer and helping him cover his tracks.

They dont reveal that a knife sheath was found next to one of the bodies and that it has gone to a laboratory for analysis.

But the lack of any information only fuels the panic. The local locksmith is overwhelmed as people who never felt the need to lock their doors in this sleepy little town are suddenly bolting themselves in.

The fact that everyone in Moscow (population 25,000) knows everyone else has morphed overnight from a source of pride and comfort to something scary. Neighbour suddenly mistrusts neighbour. Friend mistrusts friend. Customer mistrusts vendor. People are hiding from one another, the very connectivity between them all now toxic. Who knows who among them is the murderer? People are sleeping with their rifles under the bed.

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

Everywhere, phones are pinging with a warning from the university authorities: Police investigating homicide. Suspect is not known at this time. Stay away from the area and shelter in place

Claire Qualls, a 21-year-old student who lives in a basement flat just two blocks from 1122 King Road, the murder house, has never wanted a gun, on principle. Now she plans to buy one and learn to shoot. Her dad is coming over to replace her cheap window that can easily be opened from the outside with a stronger one. Shes also going to get a personal safety alarm and keep it next to her at night. You simply pull it apart and it goes off. That way, she figures shell have a fighting chance if someone attacks her in her bed.

The rumour mill is now in overdrive, with stories that a Colombian drug cartel is involved in the murders. To settle things down, Art Bettge, Moscows mayor, pleads with the police to release more information. All they have said publicly is that there is no threat to the public, yet the place is swarming with cops. He wants a guy in uniform to say something into a microphone thats at least slightly reassuring.

But Chief Fry wont budge, so the mayor seizes the initiative. He gives an interview to the New York Times, a respectable outlet, but in this he is quoted as speculating that the murders were a crime of passion.

Far from soothing people, all this does is fan the rumour bonfire.

Social media is rife with gossip that Ethan, the one man in the murdered group, was part of a love triangle.

On TikTok, Reddit and the like, people are suggesting that drugs were involved and that the Idaho Four, as they have come to be known  Kaylee, Ethan, Xana and Maddie  deserved to be murdered. In the dark corners of the internet, conspiracy theories abound, including that the victims were gagged and bound. Murder-suicide is floated as a theory.

Accusations are hurled at the surviving housemates. Fingers point at the group of friends who sat weeping on the kerb outside 1122 King Road on the day the bodies were discovered, with commentators identifying which ones they think are the killers. Behind the chaos and confusion, the thought in every anxious head remains: what if this animal is still here?

Chief Fry finally decides to hold a press conference. He confirms that the four victims were stabbed and that the weapon hasnt been found. There also appeared to be no forced entry into the home. He adds: We believe this was an isolated targeted attack. We do not have a suspect at this time, and that individual is still out there.

We cannot say theres no threat to the community, so please stay vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Its too little, too late and far from reassuring. The gossip, the speculation, the fear continues. And spreads. Fascination with the Idaho Four case is now so extensive that a Facebook group page is launched and becomes the fastest-growing page about a true crime in the networks history. Overnight, 3,000 people request to join. In a few weeks, it will have 200,000 members.

Best friends Kaylee Goncalves (right) and Madison Mogen (left), both 21, were murdered on November 13, 2022

University of Idaho student victims Xana Kernodle (right) and Ethan Chapin

It is set up by friends Kristine Cameron and Alina Smith, who have founded true-crime Facebook pages before, ten in all, including one about the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Idaho, with its four victims, all of them bright, smart, attractive young people who were popular and on social media, is an obvious winner. And yet the speed at which the page takes off shocks even its founders. It seems to be filling the void left by the Moscow polices reticence.

Almost everyone has an opinion about Hoodie Guy, the mystery, masked character apparently spotted at the house at the time of the killings, and the roles of Bethany, Dylan, Jake, Jack, Emily and Hunter, the victims friends.

But one contributor stands out. He calls himself Pappa Rodger and he seems to have a remarkable inside knowledge of the case. He says, on the evidence so far released, the murder weapon was a large, fixed-blade knife and that its likely a sheath has been found. This is actually true, but there has been no public mention of a knife sheath.

When challenged on his theory, he is insistent to the point of aggression and rudeness, prompting a contributor hes been debating with to tell him you sound like a psycho. Other members of the Facebook page message Kristine and Alina asking who the heck Pappa Rodger is. Why is he so arrogant? And why is he focusing on the knife sheath?

He is now posting fairly regularly, sometimes multiple times a day. And his questions and opinions contain increasingly dark thoughts as well as a certain macabre insight. I believe the killer(s) came from the high side of the house. They were covered in blood after the attack... The kitchen was dripping blood but the police wont admit it.

Kristine googles Pappa Rodger but all that pops up is a reference to Elliot Rodger, the 22-year-old incel  an involuntary celibate, a reluctant virgin  in Santa Barbara who in 2014 murdered six people as revenge for all the women who wouldnt sleep with him.

Kristine clocks this, but the connection seems too vague for her to do anything dramatic like report him to the police.

His posts get wilder and wilder, needling other members of the group. This Facebook page is meant to be a place to discuss the murders, not rant. Hes snide about other contributors. He taunts the police. He suggests the killer has a sexual dysfunction. He speculates that the killer was inside the house for just 15 minutes.

On December 22 he posts: The killer is not in the victims immediate circle. And two days later that he thinks the assailant has probably left the area.

This catches the attention of police chief Fry, who has a team tracking all the social media discussions about the case, including the Facebook page. By now the police in Moscow, aided by the FBI, have a good idea of who their suspect is.

And Pappa Rodger is right. The suspect is not in the victims immediate circle. And, yes, he has left the area. The question for the investigator is: Why is Pappa Rodger right? Is it because he knows the suspect? Or because he is the suspect?

TEN MILES away from Moscow, at Washington State University in the town of Pullman, the behaviour of a certain PhD student is causing concern. When he was introduced to a class of freshers back in September as their new teaching assistant, Cassie Handziak, for one, found him off-putting.

A tall, thin guy with bulging eyes, he stared at her. Cassies neighbour whispered to her: This guy is weird. Hi, Im Bryan Kohberger, he told the class, informing them that he would be the person grading their papers. Cassie sees Kohberger, 27, twice a week, every time she has a class with Professor John Snyder. He doesnt say anything, just stares.

He is super-communicative, though, in his grading, clearly putting lot of thought into marking her papers. He gives her As, which puzzles her because she doesnt think shes that good. She wonders if he has an ulterior motive.

She then discovers that, with other women on the course, hes not so generous with their grades. He also writes pages and pages of comment, putting them in their place, putting them down.

They think he is tough on them simply because theyre women. And they are complaining to the professor about him.

Officers investigating theapartment complex south of the University of Idaho campus on November 13, 2022

In a revealing conversation with Ben Roberts, one of the men on the course, Kohberger makes no bones about his belief in traditional gender roles  men as bread-winners, women as home-makers. He maintains the women on the course are wasting everyones time pursuing masters degrees.

Then he says something that Ben finds utterly creepy. I can walk into any social gathering and

get any girl I want, Kohberger brags, which is an extraordinary thing to say, given his weird physical appearance.

What he doesnt reveal is that he has seen a girl he wants and cannot get: a beautiful girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes named Maddie. He knows where she lives, at 1122 King Road in Moscow.

There is now a faculty meeting at which Professor Snyder confronts Kohberger with the complaints that hes grading the female students unfairly and interrupting them in class with misogynistic comments. That he stares at them and positions himself by the door so they have to get uncomfortably close to him to exit the room. One claimed he followed her to her car.

Kohberger is having none of it. Hes angry and defiant, and goes bright red, clenching his fists so hard that his knuckles turn white.

They deserve what they get, he says, and suggests the women ought not to be in the classroom anyway because theyre just not clever enough and what theyre being taught is beyond them. Snyder acknowledges that Kohberger is smart, but he has a big ego and a high opinion of himself.

He is given a month to mend his ways but his behaviour is unchanged and he is confronted once again about it.

He is sacked as a teaching assistant, and his future as a PhD student is under review. He had come to Washington State from Pennsylvania, his home, hoping to reinvent himself. But his dream of a new life, a new persona, is imploding.

Back in Moscow, as the weeks go by since the slaughter at King Road, the police are making slow but solid progress in identifying the killer, though they wont say it publicly.

That knife sheath found at the scene is at last yielding results.

The DNA on it was run through the FBIs database of fingerprinted individuals but came up empty. It was then sent to a sequencing and genomics lab in Texas, using a new methodology to determine genetic genealogy and build a family tree around it.

Investigators have also sent off 103 pieces of evidence, including hair, fingernail clippings, and footprints, to local labs for testing.

Law enforcement teams have spoken to more than 100 people so far. A team monitoring CCTV cameras is homing in on a white car seen doing three passes around the King Road house between 3.29am and 4am on the day of the killings. At 4.04am, it made a three-point turn near the residence, went back and forth on King Road, then disappeared behind the house. It reappeared at 4.20am and left at high speed. FBI vehicle specialists identify it as a white Hyundai Elantra.

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

Local law enforcement agencies are alerted to be on the lookout for it. Over in Pullman, it is spotted in a student housing car park.

It is registered at the university as belonging to a student named Bryan Kohberger. And the same name surfaces when the results of the DNA check on the knife sheath finally come through, revealing a genetic connection to a Kohberger family from Pennsylania. Its not conclusive. The procedure is a new one and untested. But its a giant leap forward in finding their suspect. The investigation is closing in.

Kohbergers mobile phone records reveal that he was outside 1122 King Road at least 12 times between August 21 and November 13  almost always late at night, cloaked in darkness. The theory emerging is that he was watching and waiting for Maddie after he saw her in the restaurant where she was waitressing and asked her out but she rejected him.

The investigators now do a video trawl of Pullman  where Kohberger lives  for the night of the killings and they see that at 2.44am his car is headed south on Route 270, the road that connects Pullman to Moscow. A few minutes later, his phone stops reporting to the network (or any network) and doesnt come online again until 4:47am.

The police are coming to the conclusion that between those times, a masked intruder fitting Kohbergers description entered 1122 King Road and stabbed Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin to death.

By now Kohberger has left the North-West states. Hes driven across America back to his family home in Pennsylvania for Christmas, though theres doubt about whether hes going to return to Washington State where his career has hit the buffers.

Outside his parents home, an FBI surveillance team is hiding in the woods tracking his every move. To their astonishment, at 4am, he walks out carrying a garbage bag and wearing medical gloves. He dumps the bag in his neighbours dustbin, then scurries back home.

A few hours later hes depositing more garbage in neighbours bins. Back and forth. He carries out bags several times in the hours to come. Always wearing gloves. What is he trying to hide?

Surreptitiously, the FBI agents raid the bins and fish out the rubbish. This is flown to the state laboratory in Idaho to be checked for DNA. What comes back is disappointing. Kohbergers DNA is not in the trash. He has worked overtime to conceal it. But his dads DNA is.

And its a near match  99.9998 per cent  with the DNA on the knife sheath found at the scene of the crime. This is more than enough for a judge back in Idaho to put his signature to a probable-cause affidavit, which is then emailed to Pennsylvania where an arrest warrant is issued.

The Pennsylvania State Police SWAT team prepares for a night raid, readying the explosives, the flash-bangs, theyll use for dynamic entry. They throw one through the front door and a diversionary device through the back window. The loud bang and the bright light stun the occupants and give the team time to get inside.

They find Bryan Kohberger awake, dressed in shorts and a shirt. Hes standing in the kitchen wearing medical-type gloves and putting trash in zip-lock bags. They surround him at gunpoint, zip-tie his hands, and stuff him in a police car. Then they ransack the house and his car for anything and everything.

They take away an assortment of clothing, including black face masks, hats, gloves, boots. They take his phone, laptops, hard drives, computer, as well as three knives  including a large, sheathed Taylor Cutlery knife  a gun (a Glock 22), and three magazines.

Theres also a poster of a mans face in profile with a naked woman erotically arched backward, cleverly drawn into his frontal lobe. It points to the mind of a misogynistic incel who planned a murder as vengeance for all the women who would not sleep with him.

In custody at last, he is charged with four counts of first-degree murder. It is December 29  46 days since the killings  and the police have their man. For the next two and a half years he will maintain his innocence and defy the police to prove he killed the Idaho Four.

Until earlier this month when he pleaded guilty in a plea bargain to save him from the death penalty.

At his sentencing this week, it is expected he will be given four life terms in jail.
A small boat migrant who was helped across the Channel by the French authorities is documenting his 'best life' in Britain on TikTok.

Shocking footage filmed by the migrant and posted on the social media platform showed him on a small boat with around 20 other men being given bottles of water by the French coastguard.

The group of around 30 men cheer, wave and hold out their hands in thanks to the French boat which travels right next to them to hand over the water.

Despite crossings being against the law - and often deadly - the coastguard made no attempt to stop the boat or urge them to return.

It was posted on the TikTok of an account of a man, believed to be from Iraq, called Youssef Hassan. He has more than 5,000 followers.

The footage of the crossing was posted this week and clearly shows him holding his phone in a selfie position.

Another video sees him on the same small boat talking to the camera with people on the boat with him.

Young children can be seen in the centre of the boat.

A small boat migrant who was helped across the Channel by the French authorities is documenting his 'best life' in Britain on TikTok

The footage has been posted on the TikTok of an account of a man, believed to be from Iraq, called Youssef Hassan, who has more than 5,000 followers

Images from this week show the migrant enjoying life on the beach in Blackpool, Lancashire

His TikTok now shows him enjoying living in Blackpool, Lancashire.

The social media giant has been accused of being an 'online travel agent for illegal crossings'.

His profile has the phrase: 'I live in peace and I post videos that I shoot for myself and for my personal page. Greetings to everyone.'

He has posted numerous videos of him enjoying his time in the Lancashire town, including the iconic Blackpool Tower.

He is believed to have travelled through Germany for the boat crossing. He posted videos of him last month in the country.

Videos from Blackpool started this month, and include shots of him outside an amusement arcade.

One follower urged him to return to Iraq and wrote: 'Go back to your family, living abroad is hard. There is nothing better than Iraq, I swear.'

But others wished him well, writing: 'May God protect you, my dear Youssef. Congratulations on your arrival in Britain. God willing your dreams will come true. May God ease your mind and your future. You deserve all the best, my brother.'

Shocking footage filmed by the migrant showed him on a small boat with around 20 other men being given bottles of water by the French coastguard

Your browser does not support iframes.

The migrant was with a group of around 30 men seen cheering, waving and holding out their hands in thanks to the French boat which travels right next to them to hand over the water

He replied: 'You are my soul.'

Other clips show him outside the Coral Island children's amusement centre in Blackpool.

Each has thousands of views.

On the clip featuring him on the boat, some followers question how easy and safe it is to make it to Britain on a small boat.

One follower boasted how easy it is. He wrote: 'My brother, you will reach Britain, and Britain does not allow rejection and does not allow deportation.

'The English language and work are all Iraqis and it is the best country and trust.'

Another commented him to say: 'May God protect you, my dear Youssef. Congratulations on your arrival in Britain. God willing, your dreams will come true.

'May God ease your mind and your future. You deserve all the best, my brother.'

Your browser does not support iframes.

Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: 'TikTok is basically an online travel agent for illegal crossings. How on earth is this allowed?

'It's just an online advert to say come to Britain, it's easy and you'll have a great life. It's very worrying.'

One source said: 'It looks like this guy is living his best life here in Britain. It's sticking two fingers up to the authorities.

'Not only was he basically helped to get here, he's now living a very good life.'

According to the latest government figures at least 21,000 people have embarked on the perilous journey across the Channel since January, putting 2025 on course to be a record year for crossings.

Earlier this month, Keir Starmer announced a new pilot scheme that will see migrants arriving via small boat being detained and returned to France.

A one-in, one-out system will operate with migrants sent back to France in exchange for asylum seekers.

But the scheme could be canned if it is found to be ineffective.

According to the latest government figures at least 21,000 people have embarked on the perilous journey across the Channel since January. Pictured: Migrants scramble to board a small boat near Wimereux in France on Thursday

The new scheme has been condemned by campaigners, who said they would support court cases brought by small-boat arrivals chosen to be sent back to France. A border union boss said the legal challenges could take a year.

Brussels ominously warned that it was assessing whether the scheme complied with the 'spirit and the letter of the law', while governments including Italy were said to be harbouring 'huge doubts' about its legality.

Meanwhile Home Secretary Yvette Cooper refused to say how many of the thousands arriving by dinghy will be removed under the pilot scheme, amid fears it could be even fewer than the 50 a week suggested by French officials.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told the Mail: 'This pathetic arrangement may be sunk by legal challenges from activist lawyers and irresponsible charities who want to facilitate illegal immigration into the UK.

'With illegal immigration across the Channel so far this year hitting record levels, Keir Starmer must now be bitterly regretting his foolish decision to cancel the Rwanda deterrent scheme before it even started.

'After two years of legal challenges and legislation, the scheme was ready to go, but Starmer cancelled it just days before the first plane was due to take off last July.

'This would have enabled 100 per cent of the illegal immigrants to be immediately removed without judicial interference.

'The boats would soon have stopped. But Starmer is too weak and too mentally enslaved by his human rights lawyer friends to do what is needed to protect our country's borders.'

Downing Street insisted the controversial 'one in, one out' agreement was legally sound and that Brussels supported it.

But fearing that returned migrants could head to Italy, the country's interior minister told Sky News: 'We know the EU Commission is still evaluating the agreement, and EU countries, including us, have huge doubts about security and legal aspects of the deal.'

It has been a decade since a sporadic number of boats with migrants on board arriving off the Kent coast from France was reported in the media.

At the time, the focus was mainly on the thousands of attempts by migrants in northern France, who were attempting to stowaway on lorries and ferries to the UK.

In the nearby Calais Jungle thousands of people, including children, were living under canvass in a camp which was later cleared by the French authorities.

But as security was tightened around the ports and Eurotunnel, within three years, significant numbers were using small boats instead to make the dangerous crossing.

The cost for a single small boat journey can cost upwards of 1,500 for a single person with no guarantee that the journey will be a success.
A Canadian man who called himself the messiah of climate change allegedly hijacked a small plane at the Vancouver airport.

Shaheer Cassim, 39, has been charged with hijacking, constituting terrorism, over the Tuesday incident, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

He seized control of a Cessna at Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island by threatening a flight instructor and then flew the aircraft about 40 miles.

'We have an incident right above our airspace here  a hijacked 172,' an official said in a recording of air traffic control reported by the Vancouver Sun.

The hijacking caused the North American Aerospace Defense Command to scramble F-15 fighter jets before the plane safely landed.

Footage showed several police vehicles and armed officers surrounding the small white plane on the runway in Vancouver.

'Investigators have determined the suspect acted with an ideological motive to disrupt airspace,' said Sgt. Tammy Lobb.

A man with the same name and who resembles Cassim posted on social media that he was a 'messenger of Allah' and a 'Messiah' sent to save humanity from climate change.

Shaheer Cassim, 39, has been charged with hijacking, constituting terrorism, over the Tuesday incident

He seized control of a Cessna at Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island by threatening a flight instructor then flew about 40 miles

He said 'the Angel Gabriel appeared before me and gave me a message from Allah.'

Cassim's last post warned about 'abrupt runaway global warming' that will cause humans to go extinct within a few years.

Cassim also said in the post that he is 'Sam Carana,' who runs the 'Arctic News' blog that describes itself as a place where contributors 'all share a deep concern about the way climate change is unfolding in the Arctic and the threat that this poses for the world at large.'

His Facebook profile said he was employed from 2008 to 2010 by now-defunct KD Air, a small airline based on Vancouver Island.

The airline's former owners, Diana and Lars Banke, told the Associated Press that Cassim was one of the smartest and best pilots they ever worked with, calling him a fast learner who was highly intelligent.

Lars said Cassim left the airline after getting 'bored' and then went to medical school. He also said Cassim believed the world was coming to an end.

Diana said she was 'very surprised' to hear of Cassim's charges, saying he was quite young when he worked for them and was 'like a kid.'

Lars said he recalled that Cassim was somewhat interested in environmentalism, but he was unaware of any kind of religious beliefs.

A man with the same name and who resembles Cassim posted on social media that he was a 'messenger of Allah' and a 'Messiah' sent to save humanity from climate change

'He never spoke religion with us,' Diana said. 'I'm really surprised that he wouldve done something like this.'

In 2012, Cassim held a news conference before going on a cross-country bicycle ride to raise awareness for global warming.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said the hijacking was a 'bizarre moment,' and the fact that it ended without a more significant disruption at the airport is a 'testament' to the skill of responders who talked the suspect down.
A California man who initially helped authorities investigate the disappearance of a well-known realtor has now been arrested and charged with his murder.

Audrik Matevosian, 21, who had previously worked as an IT specialist for the slain realtor, Robert 'Bob' Boyajian, is facing charges of first-degree murder and grand theft in connection with the 75-year-old's death.

Boyajian, a respected figure in California's real estate industry for nearly 45 years, was reported missing on Monday after he failed to appear at a company meeting.

An employee, concerned for his welfare, called 911 asking for a check at the real estate boss' Bass Lake home.

When Madera County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived, they discovered Boyajian's truck, briefcase, and Apple Watch at the residence - but his phone, wallet, and bedding were missing.

Matevosian, who handled IT work at the property, assisted deputies in attempting to access Boyajian's home security footage, the Los Angeles Times reported.

However, after obtaining a warrant, investigators discovered a $1,000 ATM withdrawal made from Boyajian's account the night before the 911 call.

The transaction took place around 8:30 p.m. at a bank in Clovis - approximately 47 miles from Bass Lake.

Audrik Matevosian, 21, who had previously worked as an IT specialist for the slain realtor, Robert 'Bob' Boyajian, is facing charges of first-degree murder and grand theft in connection with the 75-year-old's death

Robert 'Bob' Boyajian, 75, a respected figure in California's real estate industry for nearly 45 years, was reported missing on Monday after he failed to appear at a company meeting

Madera County deputies now believe Matevosian murdered Boyajian while he slept, then transported the body to the Mojave Desert, where it was buried in a cave. Pictured: Cave where the body of Robert Boyajian was found

ATM surveillance footage showed a young man successfully making the withdrawal, followed by two failed attempts - that individual was later identified as Matevosian, the IT worker.

Deputies had previously contacted Matevosian to for the password and apps to access Boyajian's home security system.

'He showed them what apps to download, passwords, but deputies were still unable to access the footage,' Sheriff Tyson Pogue said during a Thursday news conference.

Although Matevosian initially helped deputies locate a missing DVR from the home's security system, suspicion intensified after the ATM footage confirmed he had accessed Boyajian's account just hours before the realtor was reported missing.

Investigators later learned that Matevosian had purchased a body bag on Amazon days before the murder.

He also allegedly rented a vehicle in Fresno on Monday and drove up to Boyajian's home the previous Saturday.

According to Pogue, Matevosian spent the night at Boyajian's home after completing an IT task, and is believed to have murdered Boyajian around midnight.

An employee, concerned for his welfare, called 911 asking for a check at the real estate boss' Bass Lake home (pictured)

After obtaining a warrant, investigators discovered a $1,000 ATM withdrawal made from Boyajian's account the night before the 911 call - surveillance footage showed Matevosian (pictured) successfully making the withdrawal, followed by two failed attempts

Investigators eventually recovered Boyajian's body along with his belongings, including his phone and wallet, which were found at various locations connected to Matevosian. Pictured: Mojave Desert cave where the body of Robert Boyajian was found

Authorities have not yet disclosed how the 75-year-old realtor was killed.

Madera County deputies believe Matevosian murdered Boyajian while he slept, then transported the body to the Mojave Desert, where it was buried in a cave.

Investigators eventually recovered Boyajian's body along with his belongings, including his phone and wallet, which were found at various locations connected to Matevosian.

Also during the investigation, two firearms were found in Matevosian's bedroom, including a 9mm handgun reported stolen in March and a 10mm handgun belonging to Boyajian.

Deputies also recovered the shovel used in the burial.

'This is a deeply disturbing case of betrayal and premeditated violence,' Sheriff Pogue said.

Also during the investigation, two firearms were found in Matevosian's bedroom, including a 9mm handgun reported stolen in March and a 10mm handgun belonging to Boyajian

Matevosian is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday

Pogue described the crime as 'calculated and callous,' noting that Matevosian had no prior criminal history.

'This was a calculated and callous act against a respected member of our community,' Pogue said. 'We are committed to bringing justice to Mr. Boyajian's family.'

Matevosian, who reportedly viewed Boyajian as a mentor, initially told investigators that Boyajian had died by suicide.

However, he later changed his story, claiming he had helped Boyajian end his life.

Ultimately, he confessed to the murder, stating that financial gain was a motive and alleging that Boyajian had spoken negatively about his family.

Matevosian is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges possible.
A producer of a Gaza documentary axed by the BBC over impartiality concerns - but later shown on Channel 4 - is accused of having called a terrorist who brutally gunned down seven Israelis as a 'martyr' and of previously having shared 'celebratory' footage of the October 7 attacks.

Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, was originally commissioned by the BBC more than a year ago.

However, the corporation paused its production in April following the launch of an investigation into another documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, which featured the son of a Hamas minister - a fact omitted by filmmakers.

Instead, Channel 4 aired the documentary, made by Basement Films, on July 2 after saying it had gone through 'rigorous fact-checking and extensive compliance processes'.

The broadcaster had concluded the film was 'duly impartial'.

But concerns have now arisen over social media posts shared by Osama Al Ashi, one of the two Gazan producers of the documentary, The Telegraph claims.

In one, the producer is said to have described Khairi Alqam as a 'martyr' on January 27, 2023, the same day the 21-year-old from East Jerusalem carried out a deadly mass shooting in the settlement of Neve Yaakov.

The settlement is considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes that view.

Concerns have arisen over social media posts shared by Osama Al Ashi, pictured, a producer of Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which was shown on Channel 4 this month

The film was originally commissioned by the BBC more than a year ago, but was axed over impartiality concerns

Ashi described Khairi Alqam, pictured, as a 'martyr' on the same day the 21-year-old from East Jerusalem carried out a deadly mass shooting in the Israeli settlement of Neve Yaakov

Seven people were killed, including a 14-year-old child, after Alqam opened fire on worshippers leaving a synagogue on Holocaust Memorial Day.

The terrorist was shot dead shortly afterwards by police as he fled from the scene.

It is also claimed that in a now-deleted post, Ashi shared a video montage of photographs showing Alqam alongside the caption: 'The martyr Khairi Alqam  may God have mercy on him and forgive him'.

Ashi is also said to have shared footage on October 7, 2023, showing Hamas terrorists flying into Israel by paraglider and described them as 'the resistance'.

A caption underneath his post reads: 'These are the videos that settlers are now circulating of the resistance storming and infiltrating the occupied territories in the Gaza Strip.'

Ashi was also said to have shared a video on October 7, 2023 to TikTok showing Hamas rockets being fired into Israel.

He is additionally said to have called a Hamas terrorist who shot three Israelis as a 'wounded hero' while sharing social media posts during rising violence between Israel and Hamas in 2016.

The victims of the mass shooting on 27 January 2023: (Top row) Irina Korolova, 59, Shaul Hai, 68 and Asher Natan, 14; (Bottom row) Rafael Ben Eliyahu, 56, Ilya Sosansky, 26 and Eli, 48, and Natali Mizrahi, 45

In response to the claims put to him, Ashi deleted several social media posts and told The Telegraph his posts 'have absolutely nothing to do with Hamas.'

The producer added he only wanted to share news and updates through reposts, and he did not have 'time to analyse' the material shared on October 7, 2023, due to the rapidly developing nature of events.

However the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (Camera UK), a media monitoring organisation, said the sharing of such posts has raised red flags.

A Camera UK spokesman told MailOnline: 'Al-Ashi's social media posts, in which he celebrates the murder of Israeli civilians, indicate he is unlikely to reliably differentiate between combatants and uninvolved bystanders in his own community as well. His journalism, therefore, is a priori compromised by bias and he should never have been allowed to be involved in producing a supposedly factual documentary about the war in Gaza for UK audiences.

'This online output ought to have rung alarm bells for UK TV executives but the most basic checks, once again, don't seem to have been done.

'Al-Ashi's contaminated record is combined with a series of glaring omissions. Even the partial body of evidence of Hamas's use of medical facilities for military purposes that the documentary does cite  falsely downplayed as mere 'Israeli claims' directly undermines the film's core premise. However, instead of being acknowledged as such, this evidence is misleadingly presented as little more than a series of anecdotes.

'All things considered, the result more closely resembles a propaganda piece than a genuine 'forensic investigation'. It is a stain on Channel 4's reputation.'

Basement Films defended Ashi and said claims put forward by The Telegraph posed a threat to his safety.

A spokesperson 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.'

Channel 4 previously said it had fact-checked Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, to ensure the documentary met editorial standards and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

Louisa Compton, Channel 4's head of news and current affairs and specialist factual and sport, issued a statement at the time saying: '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.

Channel 4 previously said it had fact-checked Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, to ensure the documentary met editorial standards and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code

'Channel 4 has a strong tradition of putting uncomfortable reporting in front of our audiences.

'In doing so, we know we will antagonise somebody somewhere sometime. But we do it because we believe it is our duty to tell important journalistic stories  especially those that aren't being told elsewhere.'

The BBC announced in June that it would not broadcast Gaza: Doctors Under Attack after concerns over impartiality.

'We wanted the doctors' voices to be heard,' the broadcaster said in a statement.

'Our aim was to find a way to air some of the material in our news programmes, in line with our impartiality standards, before the review was published.

'For some weeks, the BBC has been working with Basement Films to find a way to tell the stories of these doctors on our platforms.'

But, the corporation added it would no longer be possible to air the documentary.

'We have come to the conclusion that broadcasting this material risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC.

One of the child narrators in BBC documentary 'Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone' was 13-year-old Abdulla Eliyazouri (pictured), son of a Hamas minister

A BBC report published earlier this week concluded Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone had breached editorial guidelines on accuracy

'Impartiality is a core principle of BBC News. It is one of the reasons that we are the world's most trusted broadcaster.

'Therefore, we are transferring ownership of the film material to Basement Films.'

The debate arose just months after critics were enraged by the BBC's failure to disclose the narrator of Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone was the son of a senior member of Hamas.

It was originally broadcast on BBC Two on February 17 with the aim of showing a 'vivid and unflinching view of life' in the strip.

The documentary was made by two producers based in London who remotely directed two cameramen on the ground over nine months.

However, independent investigative journalist David Collier discovered one of the child narrators, Abdullah, was the son of a Hamas government minister and grandson of one of Hamas's founding members.

Using Facebook and publicly available data online, Mr Collier found the young narrator was the son of Gaza's deputy minister of agriculture, Dr Ayman Al-Yazouri.

This meant his grandfather is Hamas founder Ibrahim Al-Yazouri, previously jailed by Egypt and Israel for involvement in proscribed groups.

The BBC documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, was broadcast on BBC Two with the aim of showing a 'vivid and unflinching view of life' in the strip

The BBC subsequently apologised, with a spokesperson for the corporation saying at the time: 'Since the transmission of our documentary on Gaza, the BBC has become aware of the family connections of the film's narrator, a child called Abdullah.

'We've promised our audiences the highest standards of transparency, so it is only right that as a result of this new information, we add some more detail to the film before its retransmission.

'We apologise for the omission of that detail from the original film.'

A BBC report published earlier this week concluded the documentary, which was pulled from iPlayer in February, had breached editorial guidelines on accuracy.

The review also found three members of independent production company Hoyo Films knew about the family connections of the narrator, but the BBC did not.

BBC staff however were not 'sufficiently proactive' with their editorial checks.

Channel 4 spokesperson told MailOnline: '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.'
An Indiana mother of seven allegedly told a man she met on Snapchat that he could rape her infant daughter in exchange for money.

Morgan Stapp, 32, was charged with child sex trafficking after allegedly attempting to facilitate the assault between the man and her seven-month-old daughter.

In a probable cause affidavit, seen by PEOPLE, it is alleged that Stapp sent a message in November last year saying the unknown man could sexually assault her daughter.

'U can f*** her for $400. Half now, rest after. I'll send my address I do live alone and her dad is not in the picture', Stapp is alleged to have said to the man.

The message was flagged with authorities and FBI agents met with her shortly after, the affidavit said.

Stapp allegedly told agents she did not have access to her Snapchat after it was 'recently compromised' and had purchased a new phone.

Morgan Stapp, 32, was charged with child sex trafficking after allegedly attempting to facilitate the assault between the man and her seven-month-old daughter

'U can f*** her for $400. Half now, rest after. I'll send my address I do live alone and her dad is not in the picture', Stapp is alleged to have said to the man

It adds that she then admitted to a caseworker from the Indiana Department of Child Services that this was not true.

The affidavit alleges that agents found over 7,000 messages had been sent between October 29 and November 1 including 81 that offered sexual pictures of her daughters 'to pay for diapers'.

Appearing in court last week, Stapp said that she is a stay-at-home mom and receives government aid, and help from her parents.

She added that she is unemployed but does DoorDash and Instacart deliveries for additional income.

Stapp said she had her children taken from her in December by the Department of Child Services and got them back in June.

Her bond was set at $200,000 surety before it was then lowered to $100,000 She was handed a no-contact order for two of her children.

Stapp remains in jail, with a pretrial conference set for September 15.
READ MORE: Tonnes of rock dumped at Sydney beach after erosion from storms

A coastal town popular with tourists for its spectacular beaches and fishing is at risk of being wiped off the map by severe erosion.

Residents of Lancelin, about 125km north of Perth, have spent years pleading for emergency intervention after their town was identified as one of 55 erosion hotspots in Western Australia in 2019.

But their desperation reached a new high after poor weather conditions exacerbated the issue with 10metres of land lost to the sea since May.

As the sand continues to fall away, thousands of locals and business owners are facing the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

Lancelin Sands Hotel owner of three years Glen Trebilcock was warned his pub, overlooking the beach, would come roughly half a metre closer to the sea each year.

However, the recent uptick in erosion has seen his business come dangerously close to the shoreline - years ahead of schedule.

'Without immediate intervention, the safety of the foreshore and the integrity of essential coastal infrastructure remain at serious risk,' Mr Trebilcock told 7News on Saturday.

'We strongly believe that a retreat is not a viable solution.'

Lancelin is a coastal town that is popular among tourists

Lancelin (pictured) is in the midst of an erosion crisis with 10m of land lost to the sea since May

The recent erosion has seriously worried home and business owners (pictured, Lancelin's coastline in May and June)

A petition for the state government to provide emergency funding and specialist technical assistance has received 800 signatures.

Gingin Shire President Linda Balcombe wrote to WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti on behalf of her 6,000 ratepayers, but hasn't heard anything back.

'Were not asking for millions of dollars at the moment, were just asking for a little bit of financial assistance,' Ms Balcombe said.

Including the massive loss of land in the last few months, Lancelin has lost more than 25metres of coastline to erosion in the last year.

The loss includes the community-built lookout which has been ruled a safety risk.

It's set to be torn down next week after being a source of town pride for several decades.

The crisis is already affecting the town's tourist market.

'Six tour companies that used to come through every day, they've all disappeared. They bypass and they just go directly up to Jurien (Bay),' Mr Trebilcock said.

Lancelin Sands Hotel owner Glen Trebilcock (pictured) claimed locals don't want to leave the town, saying 'retreat is not a viable solution'

Community leaders are Lancelin (pictured) called for the government to send financial and specialist assistance

Former WA opposition leader Shane Love has repeatedly called for government intervention.

'North Lancelin erosion demands urgent action,' he said last week.

'I raised a grievance in Parliament on May 22, and followed up again in Budget Estimates a fortnight ago - and still no action from the Minister.

'I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the State Government must step up with emergency funding and a rapid response.'

The WA Government told 7News it is 'aware of the issues and is actively looking at options to assist'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the state government for further comment.
He claimed it occurred after taking supplement

A young Australian has claimed a B6 supplement has left him with pain and cognitive issues, as a law firm launches a class action investigation against Blackmores.

Melbourne man Dominic Noonan-O'Keeffe, 33, began taking two supplements partly on the advice of health podcasters in May 2023.

Over the course of several months of using the company's Blackmores Super Magnesium+ and Ashwagandha+, he developed a range of symptoms associated with overexposure to vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is a nutrient naturally found in meats and plants, but has been added to off-the-shelf supplement ranges for its properties aiding metabolism.

Overconsumption of vitamin B6 can be toxic, though there is no consensus on the threshold for safe usage.

Mr Noonan-O'Keeffe's symptoms began as fatigue, nerve pain, migraines, and visual disturbances.

Nine months later, his stepsister asked if he was taking B6 supplements, as a colleague of hers had recently suffered B6 toxicity.

'It was a lightbulb moment,' Mr Noonan-O'Keeffe told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Dominic Noonan-O'Keefe, 33, (above) said he began feeling numbness in his fingers, pain in his neck and slowed cognition after suffering vitamin B6 toxicity

'I stopped all of my supplements straight away, got a blood test, and within a week, I had a diagnosis of B6 toxicity.'

He later discovered the Magnesium+ he had been taking contained approximately 29 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6.

The Frankston man still suffers numbness in his fingers, nerve pain in his neck, and reduced cognitive ability.

'I'm hoping I'm at the tail end of a big flare-up, and this is the start of recovery, even though we know the recovery prospects are pretty unknown,' Mr Noonan-O'Keeffe said.

Injury law firm Polaris Lawyers has been pursuing a class action investigation against the wellness giant since May.

They are acting on behalf of anyone who has suffered injuries after taking their supplements.

Polaris principal Nick Mann said more than 300 people had enquired about joining the suit.

Their respondents claimed to have suffered after taking B6 supplements, exclusively and in combination with other supplements.

A lawsuit is investigating whether Blackmores customers were wronged by the company after hundreds reported suspected B6 poisoning

Elli Carew, 64, said she had been inadvertently taking the vitamin through other supplements for several years, with B6 toxicity now interfering with the treatment of her Parkinson's disease.

Penny Thompson, 61, said her B6 toxicity first presented as numbness in her hands and feet, before she suffered from paralysed vocal cords.

The vocal injury, affecting her ability to eat and speak, cost her her role as a TAFE teacher, before she developed other injuries like headaches, gut pain, and numbness.

Mr Mann said the reports were 'alarming'.

'It's alarming to walk down the vitamin aisle of any chemist in Australia and see vitamin supplements containing levels of B6 which are far above the recommended daily intake,' he said.

'Consumers of supplements have a right to be confident that the product they purchase will be safe for their use.

'The fact that potentially harmful supplements have been approved for sale by the regulator does not alter the legal obligations of manufacturers to ensure that the products are safe for consumers.'

In a decision posted in June, the TGA announced it would consider ordering supplements containing more than 50mg of vitamin B6 to be stored behind pharmacy counters.

Such a change would not come into effect until February 2027.

A Blackmores spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the company was committed to the 'highest standards of product quality and consumer safety'.

'All our products, including those containing vitamin B6, are developed in strict accordance with the regulatory requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA),' he said.

'This includes compliance with maximum permitted daily doses and the inclusion of mandated warning statements.

'We acknowledge the interim decision issued by the TGA and we will ensure full compliance with its final determination.'
The British sole survivor of the horrific Air India crash is haunted by nightmares where he sees 'everyone die', his family have said.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, who was sitting in seat 11A, walked away with only cuts to his face and some chest injuries.

He has been dubbed the 'miracle man', 'God's child', and a 'symbol of hope' by Indian media, and locals call him 'the man who cannot be killed'.

But he is wracked with guilt as he faces the reality of being the only person out of 242 passengers and crew to survive the crash after the jetliner slammed into the ground and burst into flames.

He struggles to sleep at night, according to a member of his extended family, Krunal Keshave, 24, from Leicester.

'He sleeps but doesn't sleep properly. When he sleeps, he dreams he is on the flight. He remembers seeing everyone die in front of his eyes.'

The miracle survivor previously said he feels 'terrible' he could not save his brother Ajay, 35, and feels tormented with guilt over his death.

The pair ran a fishing business in Diu, India and would live there during the fishing season - which begins in September and ends in May - then would return to Leicester for the off-season.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the British sole survivor of the horrific Air India crash, is haunted by nightmares where he sees 'everyone die', his family have said

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 gentleman'

He is wracked with guilt as he faces the reality of being the only person out of 242 passengers and crew to survive the crash as the jetliner slammed into the ground and burst into flames. Above, Indian Prime Minister Modi met the miracle survivor

'He sees him everywhere...He speaks but he doesn't speak about the crash. He is currently trying to have a normal life, but he is not going out too much. He is spending time at home with the family. He was living in the house in Diu with his brother before the crash,' Krunal told The Sunday Times.

Another relative said: 'He feels guilty that he is the only one to have lived when everybody else, including his brother, died. It's a lot to live with.'

The 40-year-old told The Sun: 'It's a miracle I survived. I am OK physically but I feel terrible that I could not save Ajay.'

Vishwash had tried to book two seats next to each other on flight AI171, which crashed into a densely populated part of the city of Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff.

But by the time he came to make the reservation, he was forced to pick two seats apart from each other in row 11.

Vishwash said: 'If we had been sat together we both might have survived.

'I tried to get two seats together but someone had already got one. Me and Ajay would have been sitting together.

'But I lost my brother in front of my eyes. So now I am constantly thinking 'Why can't I save my brother?'

Vishwash carried his brother's coffin at a ceremony in Gujarat last month

Vishwash was later seen crying in anguish, and had to be carried away

Vishwash carried his brother's coffin at a ceremony in Gujarat last month. He was later seen crying in anguish and had to be taken away.

He was sitting next to one of the plane's emergency exits, was able to crawl through a hole in the twisted fuselage of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Footage exclusively obtained by MailOnline showed Vishwash tried going back to the site of the inferno to save his brother.

Vishwash told the first emergency service worker on site: 'My family member is in there, my brother and he's burning to death. I have to save him.'

Emergency worker Satinder Singh Sandhu said: 'I walked nearer to Mr Ramesh, grabbed him by the arm and led him away to a waiting ambulance.

'I had no idea that he was a passenger on the plane and thought he was a resident of the hostel or a passer-by.

'He was very disoriented and shocked and was limping. There was also blood on his face, but he was able to speak.

'He told the paramedics that he was flying to London when the plane fell and that he wanted to go back to save his family.'

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

The aircraft struck a medical college hostel in a residential part of Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, 52 of whom were British

Shortly after the tragic crash he told Indian media: 'I thought I would die. Everything happened in front of my eyes,'

'I don't know how I came out of it alive. I saw people dying in front of my eyes.'

The crash was one of the deadliest plane accidents in terms of the number of British nationals killed.

The aircraft struck a medical college hostel in a residential part of Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, 52 of whom were British.

Investigations into the Air India plane crash are looking into the captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, who remained calm as the first officer Clive Kunder, 32, panicked about the fuel supply to the engines being cut off.

A black-box recording of their conversation suggests that it was Sabharwal who turned off the switches, according to sources close to the US side of the probe.

The Wall Street Journal reports that US pilots who have reviewed the Indian investigation believe first officer Clive Kunder, who was flying the aircraft, would probably have had his hands full trying to keep the Boeing Dreamliner steady.

Investigations into the Air India plane crash are looking into the captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, (pictured) who remained calm as the first officer Clive Kunder, 32, panicked about the fuel supply to the engines being cut off

That responsibility would have left the captain, who was acting as the monitoring pilot, free to oversee the operation and possibly make adjustments.

According to the official report, two crucial switches were flipped off one after the other, exactly a second apart. Ten seconds later, both switches were turned back on.

In a preliminary summary of the exchange between pilots one asked the other why he moved the switches, while the other denied doing so.

Air India said it 'stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI 171 accident'. A spokesman said: 'We continue to fully co-operate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses.'
A woman who was shot by the infamous 'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz was confronted by a friend of the killer earlier this week who delivered an eerie message.

Wendy Savino had been inside the Valley Cottage Library in Long Island, on Wednesday when she was approached by Frank DeGennaro.

The 88-year-old told The New York Post that DeGennaro approached her outside the building, claiming he told her 'David wants to talk to you'.

She said: 'So I try to walk around him and he says, "you're Wendy Savino, aren't you?".'

The man added: 'Well, I just want you to know David is very upset about what happened to you. David wants to talk to you. David wants you to know he didn't do it'.

Following the strange comment, she asked DeGennaro to write down his name, her and her son Jason then took it to Clarkstown Police Department to file a report.

She added: 'He had me backed into a corner. Hes just talking and talking about the same thing, "Davids a really good person".'

DeGennaro told the outlet that he was called by the police but not charged, adding that he never intended to scare Savino.

Wendy Savino had been inside the Valley Cottage Library in Valley Cottage, New York, on Wednesday when she was approached by Frank DeGennaro

Savino was shot several times by Berkowitz - who admitted to killing six people - in her car on April 9, 1976, he is seen here in his police mug shot

He said: 'I didnt corner her. I didnt stand in her way', adding that he became friends with Berkowitz after exchanging letters with the killer who remains behind bars.

'I realize now that it was probably the wrong thing to do, to even talk to her. This is getting blown out of proportion', he added.

Savino was shot several times by Berkowitz - who admitted to killing six people - in her car on April 9, 1976.

It was later determined that Savino was the first victim of Berkowitz in a series of violent murders that crippled the New York City.

For 13 months from July 1976 to July 1977, the 'Son of Sam' carried out a killing rampage that claimed the lives of six and left seven other victims wounded.

Armed with a Bulldog revolver, he hunted in the shadows, targeting mostly young couples in cars and on lovers' lanes across Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

When he earned the nickname the .44 caliber killer in the press, the notorious murderer coined his own chilling moniker - the Son of Sam - in a letter taunting the police captain on his tail.

The killer claimed that he was driven to kill by a 6,000-year-old demon named Sam which spoke to him through his neighbor's dog.

DeGennaro, seen here, told the outlet that he was called by the police but not charged, adding that he never intended to scare Savino

For 13 months the 'Son of Sam' carried out a killing rampage that claimed the lives of six and left seven other victims wounded, Berkowitz is seen here after his arrest

Speaking with the Daily Mail this week, Berkowitz said that he was 'thankful to be alive , and by the grace of God do good things today with my life today.'

The Son of Sam shootings took over the city's consciousness and filled pages and pages of the daily papers.

Young women - noting a pattern of brown-haired victims - began dying theirs blonde or wearing wigs. Other New Yorkers avoided going out altogether.

Then finally, on August 10, 1977, the Son of Sam - a 24-year-old postal worker from Yonkers by the name of David Berkowitz - was captured.

Berkowitz was sentenced in 1978 to the maximum prison term of 25 years to life for each of the six slayings. He first became eligible for parole in 2002.

He has since expressed remorse and said he is a born-again Christian. He is being held at Shawangunk Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in New York.

Speaking with the Daily Mail last month, Berkowitz said that he was 'thankful to be alive, and by the grace of God do good things today with my life today.'

'The past could never be undone. I wish it could, but it's not possible. So I just have to keep moving forward,' he said.

'I am also grateful for the friends I have in my life today. These are good law abiding individuals who love me for who I am today, not for who I was in the past when a [sic] let the devil rule my mind.'

But, despite the apparent regret for his crimes, the Berkowitz suggested that he was simply a passive pawn being 'used' to do the devil's bidding.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ousted another senior adviser amid a staffing shakeup at the Pentagon.

Justin Fulcher, who started at the Defense Department as a member of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency and was promoted to senior adviser in April, left the department on Saturday, reported CBS News.

His departure comes after Fulcher found himself at the center of two Pentagon controversies, according to the Washington Post.

Fulcher claimed that his departure is 'perfectly amicable' and he only planned to work in the government for six months.

'Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Department of Defense has been incredibly inspiring,' Fulcher said.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said it was 'not fair' to describe Fulcher's exit as a firing and called him a 'great guy.'

'The Department of Defense is grateful to Justin Fulcher for his work on behalf of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth,' Parnell said. 'We wish him well in his future endeavors.'

The Defense Department released a statement on behalf of Fulcher stating, 'As planned, I've completed six months of service in government to my country.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ousted another senior adviser amid a staffing shakeup

'Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Department of Defense has been incredibly inspiring.'

His departure comes just days after The Post published a report describing a tense meeting between Fulcher and the Pentagon's DOGE team lead, Yinon Weiss, before Fulcher's promotion.

Fulcher stormed out of the meeting and got Hegseth involved, according to the report.

Fulcher allegedly told Hegseth that he thought the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, an internal police and security organization, was looking for him.

That appeared to upset Hegseth and sources claimed he confronted Weiss about it, even raising his voice at times.

Weiss denied calling law enforcement and told Hegseth that he had reported Fulcher to a government official with the Defense Department transition office.

A few days later, Hegseth brought Fulcher onto his team and fired three other senior advisers.

In June, The Guardian reported that Fulcher allegedly told Hegseths personal attorney, Tim Parlatore, and Hegseths chief of staff at the time, Joe Kasper, that he had information that could identify people who leaked classified materials.

Joe Kasper former Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was placed on leave

Darin Selnick and Colin Carroll were also two advisors who were dismissed from the Pentagon

Dan Caldwell and John Ullyot, former top advisers for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who were fired

Fulcher allegedly claimed he knew of warrantless surveillance conducted by the National Security Agency that had identified the leakers, but would only share if he could help run the investigation.

However, sources told the outlet that Pentagon officials later determined that Fulcher exaggerated his claims and had no evidence of a wiretap.

Fulcher denied the report saying, 'I never approached Parlatore, Kasper or anyone else offering "surveillance evidence" and did not ask to join an investigation on that or any other basis.'

In April, Hegseth outset three Pentagon officials as part of his crackdown on leaks.

Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Hegseth, and Darin Selnick, the Pentagon's deputy chief of staff, were all removed from their roles.

Hegseth's controversial chief of staff Joe Kasper was placed on leave and former Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot resigned from his role.
Opponents of Angela Rayner's controversial new industrial laws will tomorrow celebrate 'Norman Tebbit Day' in honour of Margaret Thatcher's late union-bashing ally.

Tory peers will use a debate in the Lords to try to amend Ms Rayner's Employment Rights Bill, which critics say will make it harder to employ workers, leave businesses vulnerable to strikes and force firms to employ diversity officers to censor conversations they deem inappropriate.

The Bill also contains a raft of other measures. They include the end of zero-hours contracts, strengthened redundancy rights, more flexible working and the power for ministers to take companies to employment tribunals on behalf of employees  even if they do not want to sue.

The peers are planning to amend measures granting access rights for union officials, and new electronic balloting which would make it easier for union reps to persuade workers to back industrial action.

Lord Tebbit, who died aged 94 on July 7, led Mrs Thatcher's drive to restrict the unions' ability to bring industrial action.

He described Marxist totalitarians in unions as 'small in number, anti-democratic forces [which] have gained great power through the trades union movement'.

The peers are also expected to raise fears that hostile states such as Russia, Iran and North Korea could cyber-hack the e-ballots.

As The Mail on Sunday revealed earlier this month, under the Bill employers must protect their staff from harassment by third parties.

Opponents of Angela Rayner 's controversial new industrial laws will tomorrow celebrate 'Norman Tebbit Day' in honour of Margaret Thatcher's late union-bashing ally (Pictured: Mrs Thatcher and Lord Tebbit together in 1987)

Tory peers will use a debate in the Lords to try to amend Ms Rayner's Employment Rights Bill, which critics say will make it harder to employ workers, leave businesses vulnerable to strikes and force firms to employ diversity officers to censor conversations they deem inappropriate

Lord Tebbit (above), who died aged 94 on July 7, led Mrs Thatcher's drive to restrict the unions' ability to bring industrial action

It means, for example, that a worker could take an employer to a tribunal if they feel jokes or banter they overhear was offensive on grounds such as race, sex or religion if their bosses didn't do 'all they could' to prevent it.

That is likely to lead to firms taking on more diversity officers to monitor what people are saying to help them prove they had taken steps to protect their workers.

The Bill fails to stipulate any ring fence allowing the expression of opinions on political, moral, religious or social matters.

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said: 'Angela Rayner's extreme union charter will take us right back to the 1970s, a period Norman Tebbit fought tooth and nail to drag Britain out of.

'These laws will see the unions run rife, strangle private enterprise and grind the country to a halt.

'Most worryingly are measures which risk industrial sabotage. This goes against everything Tebbit fought for, and must be stopped at once'.

A Government spokesperson said: 'The old strike laws clearly didn't work, with the UK losing more days to industrial action than any year since the 1980s.

'Instead of confrontation, we are ushering in a new era of partnership that sees employers, unions and government work together in co-operation and through negotiation.

'Our measures already have strong support amongst business and we've consulted extensively with and will continue to work closely with them to ensure new laws, including the right to guaranteed hours, work for them while putting money back into the pockets of working people.'
The father of Stephen Lawrence has issued a heartfelt plea for one of his son's killers to reveal the names of all those responsible - as the convicted murderer is set to make a bid for his freedom.

David Norris, 48, had always denied being involved in the 1993 murder of the teenager. But in March, it was revealed that Norris had a change of heart and 'accepted he was present at the scene.'

He also admitted to punching the 18-year-old, but claimed he did not 'wield the knife' during the fatal stabbing incident at a bus stop in Eltham, south-east London, on April 22, 1993.

Only Norris and Gary Dobson, 49, two of the original five prime suspects, were convicted in connection with Stephen's killing.

Both were found guilty under the law of joint enterprise, which allows people to be convicted of murder even if they did not inflict the fatal blow.

It has never been proven who stabbed Stephen, who suffered two knife wounds, or whether more than one knife was used.

Now ahead of Norris' public parole hearing next week, Neville Lawrence, 83, is urging the killer to reveal exactly what happened on that fateful day.

Speaking to The Mirror, Mr Lawrence said: 'My message to him would be, "You have served so many years in prison, you've known what you did was wrong and you refused to give the information in the early days about all the other boys that were involved".

Neville Lawrence (pictured), the father of Stephen Lawrence, has issued a heartfelt plea for one of his son's killers, David Norris, to reveal the names of all those responsible

David Norris (pictured) had always denied his involvement in the 1993 murder until earlier this year. The convicted murderer is set to make a bid for his freedom at a public parole hearing

Stephen Lawrence (pictured) was murdered in Eltham, south-east London in a racist attack

'I need you to say exactly who was there with you that night because we now know that you were there'.

He added it felt 'unfair' if Norris succeeds in his parole, because he will be able to walk out of prison and live his 'everyday' life again.

Mr Lawrence said: 'My son will never be able to do that because he's dead and it's because of these people that robbed me of my son.'

In March, Parole Board vice chairman Peter Rook KC announced Norris had changed his stance on his involvement.

'Recent reports now suggest he has accepted he was present at the scene and punched the victim but claims that he did not wield the knife.

'He does not accept he holds racist views.'

In a major victory for the Mail and the Lawrence family, Norris' parole hearing will be heard in public.

Norris fought against such an application from this newspaper, arguing that having the hearing in the open to do so would increase the risk to his safety.

In 1998, David Norris, alongside four other youths who were charged but not convicted for Stephen's murder at the time, was pelted with eggs after leaving a Public Inquiry into police handling of the case

But Mr Rook ruled that his case should be made in public, and in his judgement quoted extensively from an application made by the Mail which argued that without press scrutiny it is unlikely that Stephen's killers would have faced justice.

Five men were initially arrested over the murder, in Eltham, southeast London, with Norris, 16 at the time, and Gary Dobson, 16 then but 49 now, only brought to justice after a belated forensic breakthrough.

Both were given life sentences in 2012.

It followed a lengthy campaign from the Mail to secure justice for Stephen, including a 1997 front page in which Norris was named as one of his killers.

The application to the Parole Board also quoted from a recent interview with Stephen's father, Neville, in which the 82-year-old said he would be willing to accept Norris's release from prison if he apologised and showed he was a changed man.

The Mail argued that a public hearing would provide the killer with the platform to properly express remorse for his actions.

The Lawrence family supported a public hearing but lawyers for Norris argued that the murderer, who has been diagnosed with PTSD, would suffer from 'emotional stress' should a hearing be held in public.

They also argued that it would increase the risk to his safety within the prison estate, given he has been attacked three times while incarcerated, and that he would be incapable of giving his 'best evidence' should his remarks be made public.

On the 30th anniversary of Stephen's death, Sir Keir Starmer joined Stuart Lawrence, former Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan at a memorial service

But Mr Rook found that the case remained of public importance because of its impact on policing, that it was accepted that not all those involved have been brought to justice and that the public will be interested to know whether Norris now accepts his responsibility for Stephen's murder.

The criminal justice system had clearly failed with regard to this case at earlier stages, he said, with the subsequent MacPherson report into the investigation making multiple recommendations still relevant today.

'There is a clear public interest in seeing the Parole Review conducted in a proper judicial manner with evidence-based decisions on risk,' Mr Rook said.

Norris's time in prison has not been without issues that will likely count against him when the panel makes its decision.

He was caught illegally using a smartphone in jail in 2022, which he used to take a sickening selfie from his cell on Dartmoor's E wing, which houses supposedly well-behaved inmates.

The phone was recovered from his body after he was X-rayed and a police investigation into how he obtained the device was launched.

A date is yet to be set for the hearing.

Stephen's father called on Norris to name his son's other killers and tell the truth about what happened on the night of his murder for the first time.

Neville Lawrence, with his wife Doreen, parents of Stephen Lawrence, pictured in 1995

During an interview from his home in Jamaica in March, Mr Lawrence thanked the Daily Mail for its fight to ensure his parole hearing would be heard in public.

'Thank you to the Daily Mail for doing this service for us,' he said.

'Without your appeal this would have stayed behind closed doors.'

Mr Lawrence added: 'If he's going to make a statement the public will hopefully finally hear everything that happened.

'He knows who was there with him.

'And he has been in prison for all this time so it's his chance to say it wasn't just him alone, there were others with him. And name them.

'I don't think he's going to do that but that's what I want him to do.

'This is his chance to come clean and confess to what happened that night.'

Mr Lawrence said he planned to attend the hearing and his solicitor would read a statement outlining the effect Stephen's murder has had on the family.

'He's going to be able to walk away and live the rest of his life if he behaves himself.

'Stephen can't do that,' he said.

'I feel if someone is lucky enough to have that chance for parole they should have to say I'm sorry, I'll never get into trouble again and they should have to admit what they did.

'If he admits it and said how sorry he was and he names the other people I could accept him coming out.

'No one who was there that night has ever told the truth about what happened or even admitted the fact that they were there.

'If he does do that it will be the first time.

'If he admits he was there and caused my son to lose his life I would accept what happened and it would make it seem to me he was a changed person but if he just says nothing I can't accept [his release].'
A New Mexico police officer laughed as he fatally injured a tiny baby rabbit by throwing it at his vehicle, after threatening his colleague with a Taser.

Grant County Sheriff's Deputy Alejandro Gomez, 27, was caught in cellphone video from August of last year horrifically injuring the animal.

In the clip, Gomez can be seen demanding that an unnamed deputy hand over the animal that was found outside the town of Hachita, near the Mexican border.

The deputy who found the small critter was holding the animal close, saying that he thought Gomez would kill it. Gomez swears on his kids he won't kill the animal.

He only hands it over after Gomez threatens him with a stun gun, telling him: 'Give it to me right now'.

Now holding the animal, Gomez then throws it against the side of their vehicle while smiling as fellow officers laugh.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, the other deputy later told New Mexico State Police that the animal was fatally injured and had to be killed so 'it would not suffer'.

Gomez has been placed on leave and is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon upon a peace officer and one count of extreme cruelty to animals.

Grant County Sheriff's Deputy Alejandro Gomez, 27, was caught in cellphone video from August of last year horrifically injuring the animal

The deputy who found the small critter was holding the animal close, saying that he thought Gomez would kill it. Gomez swears on his kids he won't kill the animal

The Grant County Sheriff's Office said that he would remain on leave until the case was resolved.

State Police, who are probing the incident, said the sergeant and corporal who witnessed the cruelty 'failed to intervene as required by New Mexico Statute'.

Neither of the two have been placed on leave and both are still employed at the office, the journal reported.

Gomez's attorney Gary Mitchell told the outlet: 'We don't think he did anything wrong, obviously.

'We're waiting to see what evidence the state has. But it sounds like an inner-office situation that should not have turned into a criminal case.'

An arrest affidavit says the group of officers stopped in the road after spotting the rabbit in the middle of the road.

The deputy seen reluctantly handing over the animal said that he 'believed that if he just set the animal loose, Deputy Gomez would be able to pick it up and hurt it'.

It added: 'Deputy Gomez threw the animal with such force that it fatally wounded the animal. A huge thud was heard as it struck the side of the patrol vehicle.'

Gomez, left, has been placed on leave and is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon upon a peace officer and one count of extreme cruelty to animals

State Police, who are probing the incident, said the sergeant and corporal who witnessed the cruelty 'failed to intervene as required by New Mexico Statute'

The deputy reported the incident and the Grant County Sheriff's Office conducted their own probe.

The affidavit said that the internal investigation resulted in 'little or no action being taken against the deputies or supervisors involved'.

It is also claimed that Gomez and the deputy had a run in days before the incident, after Gomez pointed his Taser at the deputy after having stole the deputy's phone.

A few hour after the rabbit incident it is alleged that Gomez pointed his gun at the deputy behind his back and said he was 'only testing his duty-mounted light', it adds.

The clip has surfaced on social media, sparking widespread outrage over Gomez's behavior.

One person said: 'That's so inhumane and these are the people that are supposed to be protecting our community.'

Another added: 'I hope they are punished for that. Every single one of them!', while one other commented: 'Horrid.'
An Australian and Swedish man who died in the same apartment complex in Thailand were both found in pools of blood next to overflowing bathtubs.

Perth roof painter Michael Shane Caola, 54, was found dead on July 17 on the seventh floor of the Grand Shivalay apartment in Pattaya, a beachside city famous for its sex-for-sale wild nightlife.

Pattaya City Police investigator Saijai Khamjulla said he received reports of the dead Australian about 4pm local time on Thursday.

Upon entering the room, officers found a broken glass and scattered pill bottles, but there were no signs of struggle.

Two hours earlier, Swedish national Mika Huotari, 38, was found dead in eerily similar circumstances after he was discovered naked near an overflowing bathtub with severe head wounds in his fifth-floor unit.

Police are probing CCTV footage which depicted a short-haired woman dressed in black entering the unit the night before his body was discovered.

Authorities currently do not believe the deaths are linked to each other.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Mr Caola had been alone while his Thai-born wife of almost 10 years Phatsaya Caola celebrated her birthday without him two days earlier.

Michael Caola, pictured here with his wife Phatsaya Caola, was found dead in a Thailand apartment

Mr Caola was found dead facedown in a pool of blood in this Pattaya apartment room

Phatsaya celebrated with a Facebook birthday post, but just days later paid tribute to Mr Caola by posting 'R.I.P Michael Shane' with sad face emojis.

The pair had regularly posted images of themselves at various resorts and exotic locations around Thailand, but their last social media post together was in January.

Apartment manager Thanchanok Prajit said she discovered Mr Caola after receiving a call from his relatives claiming they had been unable to contact him for two days.

Ms Prajit said the door had been locked from the inside and a foul odour was emanating from within, and she unlocked the door and contacting police.

He was a regular customer, often seen exercising, probably to take care of his health,' she said.

Mr Caola, who also earned money buying and selling used utes, married Phatsaya in December 2015, but it's understood the couple broke up after sometime after January.

The couple had been frequent travellers between Perth and Thailand.

Mr Huotari was found dead just two hours before Mr Caola's body was located.

Mr Caola was a roof painter in Perth but frequently travelled to Thailand with his wife

Michael and Phatsaya married in December 2015

The couple lived it up in Thailand but the relationship was on the rocks when Mr Caola died

Ms Thanchanok told local investigators Mr Huotari had lived alone since May and was due to move out the day after he was found dead.

Investigators are yet to identify the woman they allege remained inside Mr Huotari's apartment for about 20 minutes.

It's alleged the woman was seen leaving the apartment carrying a bag and police consider her a person of interest.

It's been reported Ms Thanchanok claimed Mr Huotari frequently brought different women to his apartment during his stay.

Police have not confirmed whether Mr Huotari's death is being treated as a murder, but investigators have yet to rule out 'foul play'.

Investigators probing Mr Caola's death identified no signs of struggle.

Pattaya City Police Station Lieutenant Colonel Saijai Khamjulla said the cause of Mr Caola's death was still unknown and they were waiting for results of an autopsy.

'The case is currently under investigation and further details cannot be disclosed at this time,' he said.

The apartment block where the two men were found dead in eerily similar circumstances

He acknowledged the coincidence of the two deaths, but said there was 'no established link' between them.

'Since they occurred in the same building within a short timeframe, we're not ruling out any possibilities and will continue to investigate,' he said.

Mr Caola's social media is littered with photos taken across Thailand, stretching back a decade, including at markets and eateries in Pattaya.

The mysterious deaths are the latest to blight the city on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast notoriously known as 'Sin City'.

Despite recent efforts to remediate the city's image, local crime continues to make international headlines.

Earlier this week, wheelchair-bound British tourist Chris John Glennon, 60, was robbed by a trio of sex workers at a local resort.

Mr Glennon, from Northampton in England's East Midlands region, reportedly engaged the sex workers before bringing them back to his hotel room.

There, he claimed, they stole his money and took off while he was showering. Investigations into the alleged robbery are ongoing.

Daily Mail contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Phatsaya Caola for comment.
Two bodies have been found on different beaches within 24 hours on the Gold Coast.

Both Tallebudgera Creek and Palm Beach, in the Gold Coast's south, were swarmed with police this weekend following the grim discoveries.

The first body, belonging to a man in his 60s, was found at Echo Beach in Tallebudgera Creek at about 6.45am on Saturday.

The second body, belonging to a woman in her 70s or 80s, was located at about 5.40am on Sunday near Palm Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on Jefferson Lane.

Neither death is being treated as suspicious.

Local man Wayne had headed down to Palm Beach at about 5.20am on Sunday for a Jeffo Boardriders outing.

He recalled the body being fully clothed and partially submerged in the water.

'Two ladies were standing by the body which was lapping in the water,' he told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Two bodies have been found on the Gold Coast in 24 hours (pictured, officers at the scene at Echo Beach)

'The paramedics arrived and tried to resuscitate the body.'

He believed eight police officers attended the scene.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Branch were spotted at the scene about 8.30am as the body was pulled from the water.

The remains were cleared at about 9am.

The first body that was found was discovered on the rocks of Echo Beach on Saturday.

Locals described the man's death as 'horribly sad'.

Queensland Police established two crime scenes and are continuing to investigate the deaths.
The Democratic party plans to dissect what exactly went wrong in the 2024 presidential election - with two glaring exceptions in the analysis.

The 'after-action review' commissioned by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) won't question the timing of President Biden's decision to stand down shortly before the election, people with knowledge of the findings told The New York Times.

The review will also steer clear of finding out whether Kamala Harris was the best pick to replace Biden following his disastrous debate performance against President Donald Trump, those briefed on its progress also told the outlet.

It won't look into her campaign or the decision by staffers to frame it as a choice between democracy and fascism.

Officials told the outlet that it will examine the election as a whole and not on the campaign, instead looking at actions taken by groups associated with the party, with a focus on super PACs that funded the campaigns of Biden and Harris.

The Times reported that blame would be thrown at Future Forward, the party's main super PAC.

Those briefed on its contents said that the group, who spent $560 million to support the two presidential hopefuls spent too much propping up Harris and not on attacking Trump.

The group's advertising approach is to be criticized as being too focused on television programs and not effective.

The 'after-action review' commissioned by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) won't probe the timing of Biden's decision to stand down last year

Six people briefed on the progress also told the outlet that it will steer clear of finding out whether Harris was the best pick to replace Biden

DNC spokesperson Rosemary Boeglin told the outlet: 'The DNCs post-election review is not a finger-pointing exercise, its about bringing together Democrats across the ecosystem to adopt an actionable playbook to win, not just for 2026 and 2028, but to dominate for cycles to come.

'Democrats are clear-eyed about the challenges facing the partymany of which are rooted well before the 2024 cycleand it requires all of us to make structural changes in how we run campaigns.'

The review was started in March and has not yet been finalized, it is expected to be released this fall.

After Trump won the election and made his return to the White House, Biden has continued to face questions over his mental decline while in office.

The 82-year-old is facing a Republican led investigation probing the extent of the Democratic president's decline was understood by his top staffers.

The investigation has focused on former staffers who would be privy to the most sensitive presidential discussions and his use of an autopen to sign documents.

Biden has denied the claims being pushed by Trump that he did not have the focus to make decision as president.

He told The Times: 'I understand why Trump would think that, because obviously, I guess, he doesnt focus much. Anyway, so - yes, I made every decision.'

After Trump won the election and made his return to the White House , Biden has continued to face questions over his mental decline while in office

While being questioned by lawmakers, Biden's personal physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, and Jill Biden's longtime aide Anthony Bernal, have all pleaded the fifth amendment protections in recent weeks.

Oversight Chairman James Comer noted that there's a pattern beginning to emerge after Biden's former deputy chief of staff and senior adviser Annie Tomasini also pleaded the fifth this week.

'There is now a pattern of key Biden confidants seeking to shield themselves from criminal liability for this potential conspiracy,' Comer wrote.

'Annie Tomasini, former Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations, pleaded the Fifth when asked if Joe Biden, a member of his family, or anyone at the White House instructed her to lie regarding his health at any time.'

She also pleaded the fifth when asked about classified documents being found in Biden's garage, if the former president instructed anyone to destroy or conceal classified documents at the Democrat's home or if she's conspired with anyone to hide information on the Biden family's business affairs, Comer shared. The Kentucky Republican said this is a 'historical scandal.'
Complete mayhem broke out when an anti-ICE protest devolved into violent clashes on an interstate bridge between Kentucky and Ohio.

Dozens of agitators were arrested and one cop was placed on administrative duty after a raucous protest against the immigration detention of former hospital chaplain Ayman Soliman.

The demonstrators blocked the Roebling Bridge that carries traffic between Ohio and Kentucky.

Approximately 100 people crossed the bridge from the Ohio side. But the protestors were met with force by nearly 50 officers from Covington, Kentucky, according to Cincinnati.com.

Shocking footage showed one officer walloping a protester with violent punches as police wrestled the man to the ground.

Covington Police Chief Brian Valenti claimed the protester, Brandon Hill, had tried to disarm an officer carrying a pepper ball gun.

However, Hill, who was left covered in scratches and bruises and with his arm in a sling, insisted he was just trying not to get shot.

'It's all very traumatic, and I'm still trying to recover from this, honestly,' Hill told WCPO. 'If anything like that happened, it's because a random gun was pointed in my face.'

Covington police placed the officer who arrested Hill on administrative duty with pay while the investigation is ongoing.

Shocking footage showed one officer punching a protester several times as police wrestled him to the ground

Protester Brandon Hill was left covered in scratches and bruises and with his arm in a sling after a police officer hit him

Dozens were arrested, and one cop was placed on administrative duty after violent clashes broke out during an anti-ICE protest on an interstate bridge

Body camera footage from the unidentified officer showed him chasing Hill as he ran along the sidewalk before the cop grabbed him near the ledge of the bridge.

Hill can be heard on other officers' body cams yelling 'ow' and 'stop' as he got hit in the head.

The officer's use-of-force report attempted to explain why the violent action was taken against the unarmed protester.

'[Hill] continued to physically resist, actively concealing his hands,' it reads.

'Fearing that [he] might be attempting to access a weapon, and that the surrounding crowd opposed a threat to my safety, I delivered additional closed fist strikes.'

Another video from the protest showed people wearing neon-colored vests pushing against a black SUV on the bridge.

Police arrested 15 people during the protest, including two journalists, after police said they had refused to comply with orders to disperse.

Covington police said in a statement that officers who initially attempted to talk with the protest's organizer were threatened and met with hostility.

'While the department supports the public's right to peaceful assembly and expression, threatening officers and blocking critical infrastructure, such as a major bridge, presents a danger to all involved,' the police said.

Among the charges filed against those arrested were rioting, failing to disperse, obstructing emergency responders, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Hill can be heard on other officers' body cams yelling 'ow' and 'stop' as he got hit in the head

Hill, who was left covered in scratches and bruises and with his arm in a sling, insisted he was just trying not to get shot

Reporter Madeline Fening and photo intern Lucas Griffith were charged with felony rioting and several other charges, said Ashley Moor, the editor in chief of CityBeat.

A judge on Friday set a $2,500 bond for each of those arrested.

The arrests happened during a protest in support of Ayman Soliman, 51, an Egyptian immigrant who worked as a chaplain at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

He was detained last week after he showed up for a routine check-in with ICE officials at their office near Cincinnati.

According to his lawyers, he was granted asylum in 2018 based on past persecution for his work as a journalist in Egypt during the Arab Spring uprising.

His lawyers say he was jailed and tortured for reporting on the intense political conflict.
The owner of a fencing company has vented his frustration after he was left $100,000 out of pocket when a builder suddenly collapsed.

AH Fencing director Adam Hall said he noticed the builder had previously been late with payments, but he kept taking on work because he needed the money.

He said the company then fell into liquidation in 2021 and its $300,000 in assets were sent to the Australian Taxation Office because it was owed about $3million.

Mr Hall's money simply 'vanished' with the business owner admitting it isn't the first time a builder hasn't paid him for his work.

'While I'd love to sit here and blame the system and the builder, and I am p***ed off at them, we didn't lose that $100,000 all in one hit,' he said in a TikTok video in June.

'We lost that $100,000 one red flag at a time.'

Mr Hall said the builder had been late with payments since the beginning of their contract, but he kept taking on work.

'They missed a payment and they promised us that we were going to get paid, so we continued to work, and then they missed that payment,' he said.

@the_adamhall One of our builders went bust and took $100K with them. Id love to sit here and play the victim. Blame them. Say it wasnt our fault. But the truth is  we lost that $100K one red flag at a time. They paid us late for months. Then they missed a few payments. And we kept showing up. Why? Because we didnt value ourselves. Because our pipeline was light. Because we ignored the signs. Looking back, it feels stupid  but it taught us a powerful lesson: Be proactive, not reactive. We dont work for builders who dont pay. We dont rely on one or two jobs to keep us afloat. Weve built systems. Weve built standards. Weve built a pipeline that lets us walk away when its not right. Another scar. Another win. Onwards.  original sound - Adam Hall

Adam Hall (above) says his fencing business lost $100,000 when a builder went bust in 2021

'We were a little bit low on work, and so we just kept doing it. Looking back, it's obviously so stupid.'

He said the missed payday was 'a kick in the teeth', as his own business was struggling.

Since then, a bunch of builders weve worked for have gone under. Fortunately, they havent owed us a lot of money, Mr Hall said.

These builders hold no assets and they have s***loads of ATO debt. So the chance the liquidators are ever going to give you any money is so close to nil.

He urged other trades and subcontractors to implement strong protections.

Mr Hall warned they should stop work as soon as payments are missed and look into options like trade credit insurance.

As much as Id love to sit here and be the victim and blame this builder for going under, ultimately, theres a lot of things that we could have done about it to avoid it, and thats what we do now, and thats why we have no late payers anymore,' he said.

Other builders who saw the video said they had also learned to be tougher after similar experiences.

The fencing boss urged other subcontractors to be careful with whom they do business with (stock image)

'Been here too mate. Got done for $75,000 last year by a builder that went under,' one said.

'I asked my insurer about some sort of insurance to protect us, but he hadnt heard of it. Now I know its called Trade credit insurance Ill definitely look at getting it.'

'The system needs to change. The person whos building the house pays every sector,' another suggested.

'Soon as they are late you stop work,' another advised.

'No work is better than lost materials and labour costs. Also needs better contracts - if they shy away from signing, walk away.'
Prince Andrew was personally asked to contribute a message to billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday album, an insider has claimed.

The Duke of York, 65, was allegedly approached by longtime friend Maxwell to write a personal message for Epstein's milestone birthday in 2003, a project the British socialite is said to have spent over a year orchestrating. He was convicted of sex crimes a few years later, in 2008.

Maxwell, now 63 and serving a 20-year sentence in a US prison for trafficking underage girls, is believed to have asked Epstein's circle of powerful and wealthy friends to submit written tributes.

According to US investigators, the album - described as 'gold-embossed' and bound in leather - was later recovered by the Department of Justice during a probe into Epstein's sordid network.

A US source told the Sunday People: 'Ghislaine was the driving force behind the birthday tributes.

'She wanted it to be a who's who of Epstein's inner circle, and she leaned on a lot of people to write something. It wasn't just casual greetings. Ghislaine wanted messages that were personal, meaningful.'

'Jeffrey always saw Andrew as the pinnacle of his pals, and Ghislaine made sure he was asked to contribute.

'She framed it as a celebration of Jeffrey's brilliance, his generosity, his supposed unique mind. She made it sound like an honour to be included.'

Prince Andrew was personally asked to contribute a message to billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein 's 50th birthday album, an insider has claimed. Pictured together in 2011

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

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

Melania Trump, Prince Andrew, Gwendolyn Beck and Jeffrey Epstein at a party at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida in 2000

It is not known whether Prince Andrew did ultimately send a message. However, his close relationship with Epstein, a friendship he has faced intense scrutiny over in recent years, was already well established at the time.

Andrew was first introduced to Epstein by Maxwell in 1999 and subsequently visited the disgraced financier at his homes in New York, Palm Beach, and the US Virgin Islands.

Epstein was also hosted by the Prince at royal residences including Balmoral, Windsor Castle, Sandringham, and Royal Ascot.

The Duke has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes, which became public in 2006.

In 2008, Epstein was convicted of procuring a minor for prostitution. He died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting federal sex trafficking charges.

Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked by Epstein as a teenager, alleged in a 2014 court filing that she had been forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions - allegations the Prince has 'vehemently' denied.

In 2022, he reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre reportedly worth 12million, while maintaining his innocence and stating he had no recollection of meeting her.

Giuffre died by suicide in Australia earlier this year, aged 41.

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

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

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

The existence of the birthday album first emerged after claims that Donald Trump had contributed a handwritten note to Epstein in 2003.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the letter included a crude drawing of a naked woman and a signature allegedly stylised to resemble pubic hair.

The message reportedly read: 'A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday - and may every day be another wonderful secret,' and added, 'We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.'

Trump has furiously denied the report and is now suing The Wall Street Journal for a staggering $10billion (7.46billion), branding the story 'fake'.

He told reporters: 'I don't draw pictures of women. It's not my language, it's not my words.'

The former US President's ties to Epstein have long been under the spotlight. In a 2002 interview, Trump remarked: 'He's a lot of fun to be with he liked beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.' Trump has since said he distanced himself from Epstein well before the financier's crimes became public.

Meanwhile, The Mail on Sunday has revealed that former US President Bill Clinton also contributed a 'warm and gushing' letter to the birthday book.

The message, embossed with 'From the desk of William Jefferson Clinton', was included among hundreds of tributes from elite figures Maxwell is said to have courted for over a year.

Buckingham Palace and Prince Andrew have been approached for comment.
A mother was saved from dying from sepsis during childbirth after her partner noticed that something was wrong when they locked lips.

Kerri-Louise Gilchrist gave birth to her daughter Layla, now 11 months, on August 3 last year, under terrifying and life-threatening circumstances.

The 33-year-old was induced after her boyfriend, Hugh Marshall, 35, noticed her cold temperature and blue lips while kissing her.

Sensing that something was gravely wrong, he immediately alerted doctors to the signs of sepsis and Ms Gilchrist was given an IV drip of antibiotics.

Layla was successfully delivered with an episiotomy and a ventouse.

But in the process, Ms Gilchrist lost 2885ml, more than five pints, of blood. Having sat with her feet in stilts for three hours as she waited for doctors to remove her placenta, she ultimately required two blood transfusions to save her life.

Ms Gilchrist, a carer from Great Malvern, Worcestershire, said that her partner instinctively 'knew there was something wrong' after the pair locked lips.

The mother-of-two, who described having 'such an easy' birth with her eight-year-old son Teddy, said that Mr Marshall had not given her a 'proper kiss', but instead a deliberately disguised 'temperature check'.

Kerri-Louise Gilchrist gave birth to her daughter Layla (both pictured), now 11 months, on August 3 last year. The 33-year-old was induced after her boyfriend, Hugh Marshall, 35, noticed her cold temperature and blue lips while kissing her

Ms Gilchrist, a carer from Great Malvern, Worcestershire, said that her partner Hugh Marshall (both pictured) instinctively 'knew there was something wrong' after the pair locked lips. The mother-of-two said that Mr Marshall had given her a kiss as a disguised 'temperature check'

Recalling the terrifying ordeal, she said: 'The nurses didn't notice anything until my partner said to them, you're not actually looking at your patient, her palms and lips are blue - that's a sign of sepsis.

'I'd been like that for a couple of hours at that point. Within two minutes of him saying that, I had 11 people in the room.

'You have somebody that's going to stand your ground for you. I was in no fit state to argue for myself, I couldn't care for myself. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Hugh.'

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body's extreme response to infection, results in up to 48,000 deaths in the UK each year, according to the UK Sepsis Trust.

A leading cause of death in the UK, its main symptoms include a fever, rapid heart rate and breathing, feelings of confusion and difficulty breathing.

Ms Gilchrist said she first noticed her waters breaking on July 28, 2024 when she was only 36 weeks and five days into pregnancy.

But despite ringing Worcestershire Royal Hospital with her concerns, she was told twice over three days that she'd 'probably just weed'.

After calling the hospital for a third time on August 1, having began to experience reduced mobility, she was eventually admitted.

Ms Gilchrist insists that medical professionals at Worcestershire Royal Hospital 'didn't pay any attention to me' and that she only survived her horrific ordeal due to Mr Marshall, a technology professional, noticing the signs. Pictured: Mr Marshall and the couple's daughter Layla

Ms Gilchrist lost 2885ml, more than five pints, of blood. Having sat with her feet in stilts for three hours as she waited doctors to remove her placenta, she ultimately required two blood transfusions to save her life (Pictured: Ms Gilchrist and Mr Marshall with their two children - Teddy, eight, and Layla, 11 months

Ms Gilchrist said: 'They did the swab, came back and said, your waters are going. I'd been telling them that since Monday.

'I was induced at 7am on Friday August 2 morning for what ended up being a 36-hour labour until 11pm on Saturday night.

'I was pumped with all sorts because I couldn't stand the pain, so I had an epidural. I'd give birth to my son again every day, it was so easy, but with Layla it was so, so painful.'

Adding that medical professionals 'didn't pay any attention to me' and that she only survived due to her partner, a technology professional, noticing the signs, Ms Gilchrist recalled: 'They started the IV drip of antibiotics at 8pm on Friday.

'My daughter was still inside me and they said they wouldn't give me a caesarean because there was somebody else waiting.

'The IV really hurt and I said that to them, it really hurts, it shouldn't hurt. They didn't pay any attention to me. The state of my arm, the vein exploded and caused a blood clot, and it caused tendon damage to two fingers.'

Ms Gilchrist was eventually given an episiotomy when Layla started to go into stress.

She said: 'After they pulled Layla out, they left me in the stilts for three hours because they hadn't got my placenta. They left me bleeding out.

'They weren't measuring the blood I was losing and told me it was normal.'

Adding that an anesthetist said Ms Gilchrist had been 'pounding on heaven's door', the mother-of-two said medical professionals were 'surprised I'm alive', adding: 'Doctors put it down as a pre-terminal event.' Pictured: Ms Gilchrist's arms following her blood transfusions

Describing her partner as 'the sweetest man ever', Ms Gilchrist said that the doctors eventually realised that 'they were killing me'.

Having lost five pints of blood and requiring two blood transfusions, she then spent four nights in hospital recovering.

Later suffering with arm pain due to the blood clot damage, she was unable to hold her daughter 'for a couple of months' and also could not breastfeed due to the trauma blocking her milk supply.

Adding that an anesthetist said Ms Gilchrist had been 'pounding on heaven's door', the mother-of-two said medical professionals were 'surprised I'm alive'.

She added: 'Doctors put it down as a pre-terminal event, which is the stage before death.

'I'm a stubborn bugger. At some point in there they said, how are you awake? Let alone talking to us right now. I said, I will shut my eyes when I know that I'm going to live. Until that point, I'm not going to shut my eyes.

'There was a point where I don't know if I died, but through the door I saw my mum who'd passed in April 2024. Staying awake was sheer willpower. Whenever I closed my eyes I saw my eight-year-old son, Teddy, and I'd force myself to open my eyes.'

Ms Gilchrist said she first noticed her waters breaking on July 28, 2024 when she was only 36 weeks and five days into pregnancy. But despite ringing Worcestershire Royal Hospital with her concerns, she was told twice over three days that she'd 'probably just weed'. (file image)

What are the key symptoms of sepsis? Sepsis, known as the silent killer, strikes when an infection such as blood poisoning sparks a violent immune response in which the body attacks its own organs.

In the UK, it affects 245,000 people each year, with 48,000 sepsis-related deaths, according to the UK Sepsis Trust.

If caught early enough, it's easily treated with intravenous antibiotics and fluids, but these must be given as soon as sepsis is suspected - it strikes with frightening speed and, for every hour of delay, a patient's chance of dying increases 8 per cent.

The six signs of something potentially deadly can be identified by the acronym 'SEPSIS':

Slurred speech or confusion.

Extreme shivering or muscle pain.

Passing no urine in a day.

Severe breathlessness.

Skin that's mottled or discoloured. Source: NHS UK. Advertisement

Lalya, who spent two additional days in hospital with an IV drip in case the sepsis had passed to her, is now doing 'really well', with Ms Gilchrist describing her as 'totally brilliant' and 'so funny'.

But she said that her life-threatening ordeal served as a terrifying reminder that birth can often come with its challenges, adding that 'sometimes it's life or death'.

Issuing a stark warning for others to 'trust your gut', Ms Gilchrist added: 'I know my body and I knew something was wrong.'

'Layla's fine, she's good - the one blessing in this. She had to stay in hospital for two days with an IV drip just in case sepsis had passed to her. But she's great. Developmentally, she's doing well. She's totally brilliant, so funny.

Justine Jeffery, Director of Midwifery for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said the trust were 'sorry if Ms Gilchrist is unhappy with the care she received from us.'

She added: 'We are committed to providing the highest quality care for all the families we look after.

'Ms Gilchrist was closely monitored by our team. It became clear that she would need to have her placenta safely removed under anaesthetic and in sterile conditions and she was transferred to an operating theatre as soon as one was available.

'Her blood loss was also closely monitored and she received a blood transfusion while in theatre and another one subsequently. She remained well and stable following this and was subsequently transferred to our postnatal ward before going home the following day.

'One of our senior midwives talked to Ms Gilchrist about the concerns she had around aspects of her care following the birth of her baby, and we would welcome the opportunity to meet with her again if there are any new or unresolved issues she wants to talk through with us.'
Cury Wurly bars have become the latest victims of shrinkflation as multipacks have shrunk from five to four - but the price has remained the same.

The newly-shrunk packs of the Cadbury's bar are being sold for 1.40, even though the bigger size cost the same only a few months ago.

The change has been blasted by sweet-toothed shoppers online, causing some to vow to never buy the chocolate again due to the sneaky corporate tactic.

Packs of Fudge and Freddo have previously gone down from five to four bars, and Dairy Milk Little Bars are reduced from six to four.

Mondelez International (previously called Kraft Foods), which has owned Cadbury since 2010, blamed the change on increases in cocoa and dairy prices, as well as rising transport and energy costs.

One angry customer wrote on Twitter/X: 'I'll try to enjoy this four pack as it will be my last.'

Another added: 'I defo won't be buying any. I saw it was a four-pack and was like hell no.'

Consumer champion Martyn James described the Curly Wurly - which first launched in 1970 - as the 'chocolate treat of my youth'.

Cury Wurly bars have become the latest victims of shrinkflation as multipacks have shrunk from five to four - but the price has remained the same

Cadbury's decision to make the change has been blasted by sweet-toothed shoppers online, causing some to vow to never buy the chocolate again due to the sneaky corporate tactic

He added: 'Chocolate is more than just an occasional sweet treat. It's evocative of our childhood and means a huge amount to us.

'Manufacturers need to realise that by doing this, they are destroying our faith in these cherished brands. And when we are unhappy, we vote with our feet. So cutting the chocolate will only drive away precious customers.'

Curly Wurly bar of chocolate-coated hard caramel has been a Cadbury staple ever since it was launched in the UK in 1970.

Mondelez International said: 'We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business.

'However, as a food producer, we are continuing to experience significantly higher input costs across our supply chain, with ingredients such as cocoa and dairy, which are widely used in our products, costing far more than they have done previously.

'Meanwhile, other costs like energy and transport, also remain high. This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges

'As a result of this difficult environment, we have had to make the decision to slightly reduce the weight of our Cadbury Curly Wurly multipacks so that we can continue to provide consumers with the brands they love, without compromising on the great taste and quality they expect.'

Meanwhile, bags of Crunchie Rocks, Bitsa Wispa and Oreo Bites have all shrunk from 110g to 100g. However, they are still being sold at major retailers for the same price - 1.75.

Curly Wurly bar of chocolate-coated hard caramel has been a Cadbury staple ever since it was launched in the UK in 1970

It is yet another blow for sweet-toothed Brits as Cadbury have quietly reduced the size of another multipack

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As well as Cadbury, other notable confectionary brands such as Nestle's KitKat and Terry's Chocolate Orange have suffered from shrinkflation.

It comes after Spin Genie UK analysed Britain's four main chocolate selection boxes over Christmas - Heroes, Celebrations, Roses and Quality Street - to reveal how they have decreased in size over the last 15 years.

Last year year, they were priced at approximately 6 across major UK supermarkets.

Back in 2009, the boxes came with a heftier price tag, costing around 10 each.

While today's tubs may seem more affordable, they offer less indulgence per pound than in the past.

In 2009, across all tubs combined, the average weight per pound was 101.25g, whereas, in 2024, this is 93.25g.

Consumer expert Kate Hardcastle previously told MailOnline shrinkflation is 'the exact opposite of what shoppers value  transparency and authenticity'.

She said: 'I understand why producers do it. The cost of everything from ingredients to labour has risen dramatically over the last few years and we don't like paying more. So the obvious solution is to shrink the product and hope shoppers don't notice.

'They call it "re-engineering" or "price management" and it happens most easily in products with a lot of packaging, making it easy to disguise the shrinkage.

Britain's four main chocolate selection boxes - Heroes, Celebrations, Roses and Quality Street - have all decreased in size over the last 15 years

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'But no one wants to be taken for a fool and that's what it feels like, and it's happening more and more.'

Which? magazine's senior editor, Ele Clark, wants the Government to urge retailers to make unit pricing clearer.

She said in August: 'Supermarkets and manufacturers must be more upfront with consumers about any changes in the size or ingredients of their products.

'They should also ensure that unit pricing is prominent, legible and consistent so that shoppers can easily compare prices across different brands and pack sizes.'

So far British politicians have been unwilling to act and legislate on the rising trend of shrinkflation.

In April, during a parliamentary inquiry into fairness in the food supply, leading UK retailers and brands denied the need for any further shrinkflation regulations and instead justified the practice.

But this is contrary to what's happening elsewhere.

For example, since July, French supermarkets have been obliged to display when food and consumer goods have been shrunk.

Information must stay in place for two months. The French finance minister declared shoppers deserve 'transparency' and slammed shrinkflation as a 'rip-off'.
Riot police smashed a shield into a protester's face and knocked his teeth out in a heated clash outside an Epping migrant hotel.

Footage of the encounter shows the man in a grey vest square up to an officer before he is hit with full force.

The injured man then looks down at his hand in disbelief as he clasps his teeth and shows them eagerly to fellow protesters including a lady with the Flag of St. George draped over her shoulders.

Hundreds of furious locals gathered outside the Bell Hotel on Thursday after a resident was charged with a sex attack on a schoolgirl.

Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 10, where he denied a number of offences.

In the aftermath of Thursday's protest incident the injured man spoke to camera where he relayed his account of events and explained the teeth were now in his 'pocket'.

He claimed: 'I was trying to talk to him (the riot officer) and he smashed me in the face with his shield.'

The protester can then be seen reaching into his pocket before he presents what resembles a yellow luminescent highlighter, a bottle top, and two teeth.

Riot police smashed a shield into a protester's face and knocked his teeth out in a heated clash outside an Epping migrant hotel

Footage of the encounter shows the man in a grey vest square up to an officer before he is hit with full force

The injured man then looks down at his hand in disbelief as he clasps his teeth and shows them eagerly to fellow protesters

Other footage shows the man furiously shouting at the riot police after his teeth have been knocked out as the man filming comments 'he's fuming mate'.

At the protest residents stood side-by-side to call for the hotel to stop operating as refugee accommodation.

Other footage from the event appeared to show the moment a demonstrator was driven into by a police vehicle.

The van could be seen knocking over the young man, who stood in Epping High Road, in what appeared 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 prevent police driving away from the scene.

But the first of four vehicles crashed through the barrier, leading 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 could then be seen getting up and brushing himself down as he shouted at the convoy.

Another man, who was standing by the side of the road, also fell to the ground during the chaotic clip.

Other footage shows the man furiously shouting at the riot police after his teeth have been knocked out as the man filming comments 'he's fuming mate'

In the aftermath of Thursday's protest incident the injured man spoke to camera where he relayed his account of events and explained the teeth were now in his 'pocket'

The injured man shows his teeth eagerly to fellow protesters including a lady with the Flag of St. George draped over her shoulders

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: 'The events in Epping on Thursday were shocking and have no place in our neighbourhoods'

Speaking of the incident, ACC Hooper said the video had been reported to the force, but the force had seen another video 'which maybe shows it from a different angle'.

Other footage showed protesters attacking the vans, kicking and launching missiles at them.

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.

'We police without fear or favour, remaining impartial at all times and have legal responsibilities to ensure peaceful protest is facilitated.

'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.

Also at the event, a police van leading the convoy was seen hurtling through a plastic barrier

A man was seen being struck by a police van following violent protests outside a migrant hotel in Essex

One of the protestors jumps up and down on a police van while wrapped in the St George's flag

'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.'

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.

A 33-year-old man from Loughton was arrested last tonight on suspicion of violent disorder and criminal damage.

He is currently in custody where he will be questioned.

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.

It comes after Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with a number of sexual offences

Above, a man dressed in all black stands on the bonnet of a police van with its windows smashed

A second person was arrested on Thursday night for failing to comply with orders given around dispersal and remained in custody.

Asylum seeker Kebatu was arrested by officers on July 8 after reports of a man acting inappropriately towards a number of people.

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.
The Astronomer CEO and his HR boss whose affair was exposed on a 'kiss camera' at a Coldplay concert both appeared to be living perfect family lives before the scandal plunged them into chaos, sources have claimed.

Tech tycoon Andy Byron, 50, yesterday resigned from his role after footage of him with his arms wrapped around Astronomer's HR chief Kristin Cabot, 52, spread like wildfire across the world.

The co-workers were caught red-faced at the Coldplay concert in Boston, Massachusetts on July 16, with the pair immediately ducking and turning around in a desperate bid to hide their faces from the big screen.

Coldplay front man Chris Martin then cracked a joke which stirred rumours over the pair's awkward reaction and sent the internet into a frenzy.

'Oh look at these two! Oh what? Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy,' Martin said to the crowd.

On Friday, after the video had gained millions of views on social media, New York-based Artificial Intelligence firm Astronomer addressed the viral moment and launched a 'formal investigation'.

The billion-dollar company then announced the CEO's resignation on Saturday, saying: 'Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.'

The scandal has torpedoed the lives of Mr Byron and Ms Cabot, but the real victims are their respective partners, Megan Kerrigan and Andrew Cabot, who appeared to be living the American dream in huge suburban homes.

Tech tycoon Andy Byron back, 50, yesterday resigned from his role after footage of him with his arms wrapped around Astronomer's HR chief Kristin Cabot front, 52, went viral

CEO Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot appeared to be living the American dream before the viral moment

Ms Kerrigan appears to have deleted joyful family photos with Mr Byron and their sons on Facebook.

Among the photos she had posted was one of the family smiling on a hiking trip and at a graduation for one of the boys.

In the hiking photo, the parents and their two children all have their arms around each other as they grin to the camera - all wearing caps - in front of a creek.

And in the graduation snap, Mr Byron and his two sons are dressed smartly in suits with Ms Kerrigan wearing a dress for the milestone moment. One of the sons is wearing his graduation gown and a mortarboard.

The photo was used as Ms Kerrigan's Facebook cover photo until she first removed 'Byron' from her name and then deleted her entire profile on Thursday, wiping all of the pictures she had posted, the New York Post reports.

The outlet reports that Ms Cabot, meanwhile, is married to the CEO of a booze firm - and bought a massive $2.2million home in the seaside town of Rye, New Hampshire, with him less than five months ago.

It is unclear exactly when the pair tied the knot, but documents confirm that Ms Cabot, whose maiden name is Stanek, was married at the time of selling a $1.8million property in Watertown, Mass, earlier this year.

Property records show that the husband and wife purchased the two-story, four bedroom house in February.

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

Another photo shows Andy Byron, his wife and their two children on a hike

Massachusetts property documents dated in January confirmed that Ms Cabot, left, is currently married to Andrew Cabot, centre, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based booze maker

Ms 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 Mr Byron

She has also shared a second home in the same town with her husband - the head of Privateer Rum - since at least 2023, according to the records.

The Massachusetts-based company described Mr Cabot as its CEO and COO, adding that his 'ancestor, the original Andrew Cabot (1750-1791), was a merchant, rum distiller and successful American privateer during the American Revolution.'

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.

Mr 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.

Ms Cabot's LinkedIn profile showed that she has been an 'advisory board member' for her husband's company since 2020, but she has now deleted her account.

Astronomer was also a booming company before the scandal hit. In May, the company secured $93million in Series D funding from backers including Bain Capital, Salesforce, Venrock and Meritech.

This was the moment the co-workers realised they were on camera and quickly ducked out the way

Astronomer announced the CEO's resignation on Saturday following an internal investigation that put Byron and Cabot on leave on Friday

Mr Byron's firm is valued at over $1billion, with the company experiencing rapid growth since he became CEO in 2023.

But the American dream quickly turned into a nightmare for both Astronomer and the families involved last week.

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.'

Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will stay on as interim CEO.

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 overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not. We're continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data and AI problems.'
The pilot and passenger died at the scene

A light plane has crashed in Queensland killing the two men on board.

Emergency crews were called near Oakey Airport, north of Toowoomba, where the plane went down in a farmer's paddock near the airstrip at 3.10pm on Sunday.

Paramedics attempted to treat both passengers at the scene but were unable to save them.

Three Queensland Fire crews also attended to extinguish the blaze caused by the crash.

Toowoomba District duty officer Senior Sergeant Matt Forbes confirmed the deaths.

'There was a very large fireball and Queensland Fire Department did attend and extinguished the fire,' Sergeant Forbes told the Courier Mail.

'The male occupant of the dwelling, the property owner (where the plane crashed) was home at the time and heard a loud explosion and was able to contact (emergency services).'

Sergeant Forbes said the twin turboprop Reims Cessna F406 that crashed was a commercial plane conducting a routine flight at the time of the incident.

A light plane crashed at Oakey Airport, north of Toowoomba in Queensland, at 3pm on Saturday

A crime scene has since been established in the area which is expected to last for a 'number of days', he added.

Police will remain at the site assisting other emergency services during this time.

'The Forensic Crash Unit will attend the incident and will assist partner agencies in investigating the circumstances of the incident,' a spokesperson told 7News.

The incident has triggered an investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

Investigators will soon be deployed to the area.

The plane is believed to have taken off from Warwick Airport and initial reports indicate that no mayday call was made prior to its crash.

The two people on board died, emergency services have confirmed

A spokesperson for the ATSB said its investigation will be thorough.

'Investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities, including site and wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB's technical facilities in Canberra,' they said.

'Investigators will also seek to interview involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.'

'The ATSB asks anyone with video footage of the aircraft at any phase of the flight, or in the immediate aftermath of the accident, to make contact via the witness form on our website: atsb.gov.au/witness at their earliest opportunity.'

More to follow.
Ryanair is paying staff bonuses to catch out passengers who try to sneak oversized cabin bags onto flights  and they can make up to 80 a month just from enforcing the strict rules.

A leaked payslip shows how one former employee earned a 'gate bag bonus' for flagging up bags that broke the airline's famously tight size restrictions.

The ex-worker claimed they pocketed around 1.50 (1.30) for every oversized bag they reported, according to the Sunday Times, although they said the monthly bonus was capped.

Ryanair, which made a staggering 13 billion in revenue last year, confirmed on Saturday that staff are financially rewarded for flagging bags that breach the rules  with passengers charged up to 75 for each oversized item caught at the gate.

But despite confirming the scheme, the airline refused to say exactly how much staff are paid as part of this 'gate bag bonus'.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: 'We do pay commission to our agents who identify and charge for oversized bags, but these fees are paid by less than 0.1 per cent of passengers who don't comply with our agreed bags rules.

'Our message to those 0.1 per cent of passengers is simple: please comply with our generous bag rules or you will be charged at check-in or at the gate.

Ryanair is paying staff bonuses to catch out passengers who try to sneak oversized cabin bags onto flights

A leaked payslip shows how one former employee earned a 'gate bag bonus' for flagging up bags that broke the airline's famously tight size restrictions (file photo)

'For the 99.9 per cent of our passengers who comply with our rules we say thank you and keep flying as you have nothing to worry about.'

Currently, Ryanair allows just one small bag measuring 40 x 20 x 25cm free of charge, as long as it fits under the seat. A second, larger cabin bag (up to 10kg) comes with a fee starting at 6.

But change is on the horizon. The airline said earlier this month that it will increase the size of free hand luggage to 40 x 30 x 20cm  in line with upcoming EU rules banning airlines from charging for small carry-ons. However, those regulations haven't yet come into effect.

The revelation of Ryanair's bonus scheme comes just months after the airline's chief marketing officer Dara Brady claimed no such commissions were being paid.

Speaking in April to Ireland's Virgin Media News, he insisted: 'We don't pay our staff commission for bags. [The policy] is about protecting the amount of bags we can bring on board.

'We can only take a limited amount of bags on board, so our staff have to be very conscious of the bag sizes that people are taking. I reiterate that there's been no change in the Ryanair bag policy and if people travel with the right size bags, well you'll have a great flight with Ryanair.'

Currently, Ryanair allows just one small bag measuring 40 x 20 x 25cm free of charge, as long as it fits under the seat (file photo)

But Ryanair isn't the only airline profiting from passengers' luggage slip-ups.

An internal email leaked earlier this year revealed that easyJet was also running a bonus scheme for staff who enforce its own baggage rules.

The message, sent to employees at Swissport, which manages gates for easyJet at several UK airports, confirmed agents would earn 1.20 per oversized bag caught at the gate  1 after tax.

The 'easyJet gate bag revenue incentive' is reportedly still running at airports including Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Jersey, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Swissport's Dean Martin, a station manager at Glasgow Airport, wrote that the payments were designed to 'reward agents doing the right thing'.

And it doesn't stop there. At airports like Gatwick, Bristol, and Manchester, DHL Supply Chain workers are also believed to be getting a 'nominal amount' per oversized bag detected.
Nigel Farage today accused ministers of 'defrauding' the taxpayer by pouring tens of billions of pounds into green energy.

The Reform UK leader used a BBC interview to question why money was being used to underwrite wind and solar schemes 'for literally zero effect' on global CO2 emissions.

Mr Farage distanced himself from Reform mayor and ex-Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who this week said she did not believe climate change existed.

But he said that even if humans were affecting the global weather system it did not justify the spending on green energy or axing high-pollution industries like steel making.

Last week Reform's Deputy leader Richard Tice wrote to firms giving them 'formal notice' that the party would axe deals aimed at offering sustainable generators protection against market volatility.

Speaking today on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Farage said: 'We have got ourselves stuck in this mindset: we believe man has an influence on changing the climate, I didn't deny that, I think that man does  it is impossible to think that seven or eight billion people can't have some effect.

'But whether that is a reason to transfer manufacturing to other parts of the world, whether that is a reason to have the most expensive energy prices for industry in the world and to make the poor poorer in society, for almost o benefit whatsoever, I doubt it.'

However he also faced accusations that Reform's plan to part-nationalise UK water firms would cost taxpayers as much as 50bn.

The Reform UK leader used a BBC interview to question why money was being poured into wing and solar schemes 'for literally zero effect' on CO2 emissions.

Last week Reform's Deputy leader Richard Tice wrote to firms giving them 'formal notice' that the party would axe deals aimed at offering sustainable generators protection against market volatility.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed again ruled out the possibility of nationalising the water industry, saying it would cost too much and take years during which pollution would get worse.

He insisted the proposal to put 50 per cent of firms into public ownership would cost 'a lot less' than the amount estimated by Defra and regulator Ofwat, saying they were 'part of the problem'.

But despite repeated questions he could not put a figure on how much Reform's plan would cost, saying it 'depends what deal you do with the private sector investors'.

He added: 'We don't know what negotiations we're going to have, but it doesn't need to be a big sum of money if you incentivise private capital to come in and do the job properly.'

It came after Environment Secretary Steve Reed again ruled out the possibility of nationalising the water industry, saying it would cost too much and take years during which pollution would get worse.

He told Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: '(Full) nationalisation would cost upwards of 100 billion that we'd have to take away from the National Health Service and schools to give to the owners of the companies that are polluted.'

He added: 'If we try to unpick the current model of ownership, it would take years, and during that period, pollution would get worse because the companies wouldn't invest knowing that they were going to be nationalised.

'So instead of me sitting here telling the public that we're going to halve sewage pollution over the next five years, I would instead be sitting here saying we're going to play around with ownership and pollution will get far worse.'

Mr Tice wrote to energy companies urging them not to invest in the latest round of green energy contracts, known as Allocation Round 7 (AR7).

Mr Tice said he had put the companies on 'formal notice' that their investments were 'politically and commercially unsafe' as a future Reform government would seek to 'strike down all contracts signed under AR7'.

But he later told the BBC that Reform would not renege on contracts, only oppose any 'variation'.

Reform has made opposition to net zero a major part of its platform since the last election.

Earlier in the year Mr Tice pledged to 'wage war' on the policy while Greater Lincolnshire mayor Dame Andrea told Times Radio on Thursday she did not believe climate change was real.

In a report published last week, the OBR estimated tackling climate change would cost the Government 30 billion a year, largely in lost income from taxes such as fuel duty.

But it also warned that failing to act presented a 'more significant fiscal cost' because of damage caused by climate change.
A daredevil influencer told his cousin that the black motorcycle he'd purchased was his 'escape from reality' in the days before he died in a high-speed police pursuit.

Bradley Wilder, 20, was killed on impact after losing control of his Honda CBR 500 in Newcastle on Saturday night.

Police initially tried to intercept Mr Wilder on King Street in Hamilton at 7.30pm as his motorbike did not appear to have number plates.

Instead of pulling over Mr Wilder sped off through a number of suburbs as police followed in close pursuit. Witnesses said they saw the motorbike travelling at a tremendous speed during the chase.

Mr Wilder led police south along the Pacific Highway at Charlestown before he hit a traffic pole five minutes into the chase and was declared dead at the scene.

His cousin, Monique, said he was usually a 'safe rider' and could not figure out what would have prompted him to flee.

'Bradley was such a soft spoken, well-behaved and respectful young man towards absolutely everyone he crossed paths with,' she said.

He told her that his work as a delivery driver, gym and riding his motorbike were his treasured escape from reality.

Bradley Wilder, 20, died after colliding with a traffic pole near Newcastle CBD just after 7.30pm on Saturday night

CCTV footage of his bike overtaking cars as an unmarked police car followed behind

She said her cousin bought his latest bike only two months ago.

'I have [sic] drove with him a few times he has ridden his bike since purchasing it.

'He has always been such a safe rider so for all this speculation and knowing him as the person he is it is definitely out of character for him.

'I'm so very heart broken, my baby cousin taken way too soon under such avoidable circumstances.

'One wrong mistake and it cost him his life, which he did not deserve at all.'

Mr Wilder was also the sole carer for his ill father, Craig, who is expected to undergo a lung transplant in Sydney, after which Mr Wilder was supposed to be around to provide care.

His family have since posted a number of tributes on social media remembering the 'soft spoken, well-behaved and respectful' man they knew.

Police declared a critical incident following Mr Wilder's death.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell could not confirm the speed but said Mr Wilder was 'definitely speeding'.

Police had tried to intercept Mr Wilder because his number plates were obscured but he instead rode away sparking a police pursuit

Mr Wilder's cousin, Monique, said he was usually a 'safe rider' and could not figure out what prompted him to run away from police

Although police initially believed Mr Wilder's bike did not have any plates Assistant Commissioner Waddell said they were simply obscured.

'This is a tragic set of circumstances,' he said.

The police officers who attended the scene were 'obviously traumatised', he added.

A crime scene has since been established and a critical incident team has begun its investigation.

The investigation will also be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Anyone who has dashcam footage or CCTV footage or the pursuit has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Southern Water's chief executive should refuse a pay rise that almost doubled his income to 1.4million, the Environment Secretary has said.

Steve Reed told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that Lawrence Gosden's 691,000 salary increase was 'outrageous' and implored the company to 'think about how this looks to their customers'.

It comes amid a furious row over the pay and bonuses enjoyed by executives at water utilities which oversaw huge spikes in sewage leaks last year.

The number of serious pollution incidents caused by water firms rose by 60 per cent in just 12 months, the Environment Agency revealed on Friday.

Asked whether Mr Gosden should turn down the pay rise, Mr Reed said: 'I think it would be right if he did .. I don't think Southern Water has performed well enough for that kind of pay increase to be merited.'

He added: 'Trust between the customers and the water companies is at the lowest point probably ever, and by paying their senior executives rises of that kind, what message are they sending to their customers?

'I really would urge them to think about this very, very, very carefully.'

Steve Reed told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that Lawrence Gosden's (pictured) 691,000 salary increase was 'outrageous' and implored the company to 'think about how this looks to their customers'.

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Asked whether Mr Gosden should turn down the pay rise, Mr Reed said: 'I think it would be right if he did .. I don't think Southern Water has performed well enough for that kind of pay increase to be merited.'

The Government is bracing for the release of a landmark review into the water industry, which could reportedly lead to the abolition of embattled water regulator Ofwat.

The Independent Water Commission, led by former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, will outline recommendations to turn around the floundering sector in its final report on Monday.

The review was commissioned by the UK and Welsh governments as part of their response to systemic industry failures, which include rising bills, record sewage spills and debt-ridden company finances, although ministers have ruled out nationalising companies.

The Government will respond to the recommendations in Parliament later on Monday.

The review reportedly includes proposals to establish a new system of regulation, which is currently split between Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Ministers will announce a consultation that could lead to axing Ofwat, which oversees how much water companies in England and Wales can charge for services, according to the Guardian.

Ofwat has faced intense criticism for overseeing water companies during the years that they paid shareholders and accrued large debts while ageing infrastructure crumbled and sewage spills skyrocketed.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Environment Secretary Steve Reed suggested he was in favour of a new model where regional boards managed water in their areas, including representatives from water companies, local authorities and other organisations.

He said: 'I think the catchment-based model has a lot to commend it. Because if you can manage what's going into the water better, you can clean up the water faster.'

But speaking to the BBC he again ruled out the possibility of nationalising the water industry, saying it would cost too much and take years during which pollution would get worse.

The Environment Secretary told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: Nationalisation would cost upwards of 100 billion that wed have to take away from the National Health Service and schools to give to the owners of the companies that are polluted.

He added: If we try to unpick the current model of ownership, it would take years, and during that period, pollution would get worse because the companies wouldnt invest knowing that they were going to be nationalised.

The EA report found there were 2,801 sewage leaks last year, up from 2,174 in 2023.

Just three firms were behind 81 per cent of the most serious - Thames, Southern and Yorkshire.

The agency revealed consistently poor performance from all nine water and sewerage firms in the country despite its expectations for pollution incidents to decrease.

Meanwhile, just two companies  Northumbrian Water and Wessex Water  had no serious incidents last year, meeting the Environment Agency's expectations to see a trend to zero serious pollution incidents by 2025.

It also follows a report released by the Public Accounts Committee earlier on Friday, in which the cross-bench group of MPs called the level of pollution 'woeful' and recommended an overhaul of the regulation system.

Under the Water (Special Measures) Act introduced by the Government last year, the watchdog will have greater powers to take swift action against polluting companies.

To boost funding for water regulation, the Environment Agency is also consulting on a new levy on the water sector to recover the cost of enforcement activities, while the Environment Department (Defra) last week confirmed a 64 per cent increase in its funding from 2023/24.

A Water UK spokesperson said: 'While there have been some improvements, it is clear that the performance of some companies is not good enough.

'This is finally being put right, with a record 104 billion investment over the next five years to secure our water supplies, support economic growth and end sewage entering our rivers and seas.

'However, fundamental change to regulation is also needed. We hope that the recommendations of the Independent Water Commission next week will ensure the sector continues to get the investment it needs to drive down pollution incidents.'
Former Coronation Street actress and social media influencer has ended her collaboration with the Home Office after the Government designated pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action a terrorist organisation.

Nicola Thorp, 36, who has been a vocal advocate for women's safety since surviving a horrific stalking ordeal, said she could no longer 'essentially promote and do PR for' the department.

She went on to accuse it of being 'complicit in the most abhorrent acts of violence against women and little girls in Gaza'.

The actress-turned-activist had previously worked with the Home Office to promote its strategy to combat violence against women and girls.

But in a strongly worded Instagram post, she revealed she had turned down a recent request to help publicise the initiative, which is being led by Labour MP Jess Phillips, now serving as a minister in the department.

'This request came shortly after Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, had announced that she would be proscribing Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation,' Ms Thorp explained.

'And it really got me thinking about how I feel about this particular Government.'

Nicola Thorp, 36, who has been a vocal advocate for women's safety since surviving a horrific stalking ordeal, said she could no longer 'essentially promote and do PR for' the department

Nikesh Patel (left) and Nicola Thorp (right) attend the Choose Love 2024 Regent Street pop-up shop for Help Refugees

The outspoken TV star, who played Nicola Rubinstein in the long-running ITV soap, added that while she supports domestic policies aimed at protecting women and girls, she could not in good conscience work with a Government she claims is 'an ally to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]' and continues to supply 'arms licences to Israel'.

'While I obviously support domestic efforts and policies put in place to reduce violence against women and girls in the UK, their continued supply of arms licences to Israel along with their position as an ally to the IDF is wildly hypocritical,' she said.

Ms Thorp, who made headlines last year as a campaigner for the new 'right to know' anti-stalking policy after her own stalker was jailed, said all her previous work with the Home Office had been done on a voluntary basis.

Her stalker, schizophrenic Ravinderjit Dhillon, was sentenced to 30 months in jail at Snaresbrook Crown Court in December 2023 after a disturbing two-year campaign of harassment in which he used 27 different online aliases to send her terrifying threats.

Including one chilling message that read: 'I'm your Grim Reaper. I'm never going to leave you.'

The traumatised actress has since dedicated much of her platform to women's safety but she has increasingly used it to criticise the Government's stance on Gaza and the policing of pro-Palestinian protests in the UK.

Sharing a video of an armed officer confronting a man holding a Palestinian flag, Ms Thorp wrote: 'This is Yvette Cooper's Britain.'

She called the scene 'unbelievable' and added: 'Where are all the free speech advocates now?'

The actress played Nicola Rubinstein in Coronation Street (pictured in character in 2017)

Nicola Thorp recalled the terrifying moment her stalker said he was 'close enough to smell her,' as she discussed her ordeal (pictured in 2023)

Ms Thorp has also refused an invitation to speak at the Labour Party conference this September on a panel about violence against women and girls hosted by the NSPCC.

In her response, she said: 'I have ceased my work with the current Labour Government and will no longer be promoting any of the work they're doing to tackle violence against women and girls.'

In the wake of her comments, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp launched a blistering attack on the former soap star, accusing her of 'virtue signalling' and defending the Government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action.

'Palestine Action is a violent group who want to achieve their political aims through coercion and criminal damage,' Mr Philp said.

'They have sabotaged an RAF aircraft, which our country relies on to defend us, they have smashed up property and they have even attacked a police officer with a sledgehammer. This is all totally unacceptable.

'In this country, we decide issues by debate and elections  not violence and intimidation. Palestine Action's methods should be condemned by anyone who believes in democracy and a peaceful political process. This influencer needs to stop virtue-signalling on Instagram and call out Palestine Action's violent tactics.'

The Home Office has declined to comment.

In recent years, the Government has increasingly turned to influencers - both paid and unpaid - to promote key policies to younger audiences on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

In 2020, Love Island stars were reportedly paid to promote the NHS Test and Trace scheme.
Support for the Coalition among Australian voters has dropped even further since the federal election to its lowest level in four decades.

The latest Newspoll figures, published by The Australian, showed that the primary vote for the Coalition has dropped to just 29 per cent, falling from its record poor performance at the voting booths just a few months ago.

The Liberal-National Party has never recorded such a low proportion of the primary vote since Newspoll was established in 1985.

The primary vote for Labor is at 36 per cent, with the Greens and Independents steady and One Nation seeing a small uptick in support.

With the flow of preference votes factored in, Labor is ahead on a two-party preferred basis 57-43 per cent.

This is almost 2 per cent higher for Labor than at the election, however, it is a drop of more than 5 per cent for the LNP.

The majority of those surveyed said they preferred Anthony Albanese as prime minister at 52 per cent, while 32 per cent said they preferred Sussan Ley and 16 per cent were undecided.

Voter satisfaction with Albanese's performance in the nation's top job has seen a small lift, but remains under the halfway mark at 47 per cent.

Coalition leader Sussan Ley, who took the helm from Peter Dutton after a poor performance at the federal election

Labor secured an increased majority at the election and holds 94 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives.

The prime minister has urged MPs not to take their stint in Canberra for granted, as they gather in the capital ahead of the resumption of federal parliament.

MPs and senators were welcomed by Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House on Sunday as part of formalities before the official opening of the 48th parliament on Tuesday.

Speaking to federal MPs, the prime minister said those elected to parliament should not forget their responsibility to voters.

'It is such a privilege to sit either in the House of Representatives or the Senate. And something that none of us should ever take for granted,' he said on Sunday.

'We need to take that responsibility seriously as well, as I know all of you will. And overwhelmingly, regardless of who you represent, people put themselves forward for public office overwhelmingly for all of the right reasons, because they want to make a difference to this country.'

Mr Albanese said the make up of the next parliament was vastly different to that when he was first elected almost 30 years ago.

'In 1996, a lot of blokes from similar backgrounds made up most of the House of Representatives and the Senate,' he said.

Anthony Albanese has returned from a China trip ahead of Parliament resuming on Tuesday and will oversee Labor with an increased majority

'As I look out here today, we are far more representative of the people that we represent and that is a very good thing.'

The governor-general said Sunday's event was a chance for many to relax before parliament ramps up.

She said the gathering was also one of the only times she got to partake in a popular Australian tradition.

'It's the only time I get to have a democracy sausage in my term, because I have chosen not to vote over the period of my term,' she said.

'My job is above politics and I felt it was important that I not choose anyone during this time, so I don't get democracy sausages other than (at Government House).'

While Tuesday's opening of parliament will largely be ceremonial, the federal government has flagged it would use the opening days of the new term to implement election commitments.

Among them are laws to reduce HECS debts for university students by 20 per cent, increase safety measures for children in childcare, as well as legally protect penalty rates for workers.

About 40 politicians will enter parliament for the first time and will give their maiden speeches.
Ukraine unleashed chaos at Moscow's four airports overnight with drone strikes on the city for the fourth successive day.

Hundreds of passenger planes had to be diverted as waves of unmanned flying bombs converged on the Russian capital.

Footage showed explosions as Russian air defences attacked incoming unmanned planes in Zelenograd, a district 23 miles northwest of the Kremlin.

Russia's defence ministry claimed to have downed 93 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 19 that were approaching Moscow.

But during the chaos, authorities were twice forced close airspace over Moscow.

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency diverted some 134 planes to alternate airports amid the mayhem, saying it was 'necessary to ensure the safety of civil aircraft flights'.

Frustrated passengers - including tourists on summer vacations - were hit by delays, diverted flights and numerous cancellations in an apparent new tactic by Ukraine to paralyse air travel in Vladimir Putin's capital.

Many bedded down at the airports amid the chaos as airports Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky were all affected.

Frustrated passengers - including tourists on summer vacations - were hit by delays, diverted flights and numerous cancellations due to the drone attacks on Moscow

Many bedded down at the airports amid the chaos as airports Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky were all affected

Cars were burning and a residential building hit after Russian air defences downed a kamikaze drone in Zelenograd, a district in northern Moscow

State airline Aeroflot announced it had been forced to adjust its flight schedule due to restrictions imposed at Sheremetyevo Airport, as travellers waited for information.

Regional airports at Nizhny Novgorod, Kaluga, and Yaroslavl were also disrupted.

Cars were burning and a residential building hit after Russian air defences downed a kamikaze drone in Zelenograd, a district in northern Moscow.

Debris sparked fires that damaged buildings and set vehicles alight, according to The Kyiv Post reported.

The chaos in Moscow's airports, the city where the vast majority of the nation's elite lives, will be seen as a strategic success by Ukraine.

The nation stepped up assaults inside Russia since Donald Trump reportedly told Ukrainian president Volodymr Zelensky it was time to make Russians feel 'the pain' of war.

And although Russian officials claimed success in intercepting the majority of drones, the repeated closures of Moscow's airspace suggest Ukraine is successfully placing pressure on the capital.

The targeting of not just military assets but the daily functioning of civilian infrastructure will put further pressure on Putin's regime.

Meanwhile more travel disruption was caused by anti-Putin partisan group Atesh setting fire to a relay cabinet responsible for a strategic rail link in Tula region.

Ukrainian drone barrage targets Moscow on the night of July 19 and early hours of July 20, 2025

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This caused 'serious disruptions in railway communication, critically impacting the timely delivery of ammunition, weapons, and dual-use components from Tula [defence] factories'.

Earlier, a video showed Ukraine striking the Russian-occupied Donetsk region, amid reports a military base was hit at or close to a regional clinical trauma hospital.

And one person died in a drone attack on Ukrainian-controlled Sloviansk in Donetsk region.

However, Putin's war machine, continues its indiscriminate campaign of terror against Ukrainian civilians.

It was seen pummelling Ukraine's Sumy border region with heavy bombs. One strike hit Shostka, 27 miles from the frontier between Ukraine and Russia.

A 78-year-old woman died in the region as Putin's forces continued to attack civilians with drones.

Russia also hit Zaporizhzhia region, wounding a woman aged 69.

Putin's forces released footage of the launch of a hypersonic aeroballistic missile from the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal complex from a MiG-31K warplane.

A Russian Shahed [Geran-2] drone was seen exploding close to a Yak-52 aircraft, which was performing the function of an interceptor.

Putin's war machine was pictured pummelling Ukraine's Sumy border region with heavy bombs on July 19

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his meeting with workers at the Marnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works MMK, July 16, 2025

President Donald Trump delivers remarks while meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office at the White House on July 14, 2025

This came as the Putin regime has announced it will defy demands from Donald Trump for a peace deal by intensifying strikes on Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky demanded face to face talks with Putin to end the war.

'The pace of negotiations must be increased. Everything must be done to achieve a ceasefire,' he said.

'And the Russian side must stop hiding from decisions.

'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. Ukraine is ready for such a meeting.'

But German general Christian Froding has warned Putin is preparing to swarm 2,000 drones at Ukraine, launching them simultaneously and aiming to overwhelm its air defences.

The Bundeswehr commander blamed China for surging key drone parts to Russia, while depriving Ukraine of them.

'The current situation is such that China is effectively exporting exclusively to Russia, while Ukraine is excluded from this market,' he said.
Virginias unemployment rate rose in June for the sixth 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 spokeswoman 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, 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 nonfederal 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, U.S. 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.

U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-7th, slammed the Trump administration for its proposal to eliminate 45,000 civilian jobs in the U.S. 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 U.S. 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 in the 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 it has only seen about 6,000 unconfirmed claims for unemployment benefits: 1,246 filed by laid-off federal employees and 4,024 by former workers at the 500 largest federal contractors operating in Virginia.

The administration noted that Virginias unemployment rate, at 3.5%, is still well below the 4% mark that 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 said Friday.
Rachel Reeves could use bitcoin worth more than 5billion confiscated from criminal gangs to help fund Labour's spending plans, it has been suggested.

The Home Office and police forces are said to be working on a major seven-figure sale of crypto-currency seized from organised crime figures, with the Treasury hoping to benefit.

There are also plans to develop a storage system that would allow the regular sale of confiscated crypto-currencies.

It comes as the Chancellor is facing pressure not to raise taxes in her autumn budget, after Labour backbenchers nixed efforts to cut the cost of the welfare bill and watered down plans to means-test the winter fuel payment.

The price of bitcoin hit an all-time high last week of 123,000 (92,0000), with the Telegraph reporting this would value a single stash of 61,000 taken from a Chinese Ponzi scheme by officials in 2018 at more than 5.4billion - far above its value at the time.

Aidan Larkin, the chief executive of Asset Reality, said: 'There is oil under our feet in terms of digital assets, from an illicit perspective, that could have hundreds of millions of pounds coming back into the UK each year.'

The Home Office and police forces are said to be working on a major seven-figure sale of crypto-currency seized from organised crime figures, with the Treasury hoping to benefit.

It comes as the Chancellor is facing pressure not to raise taxes in her autumn budget, after Labour backbenchers nixed efforts to cut the cost of the welfare bill and watered down plans to means-test the winter fuel payment.

Ministers are increasingly seeing crypto-currency as a possible income stream.

Earlier this month ministers revealed they plan to crack down on speculators who evade tax on their profits.

Under new rules, holders of currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum or Dogecoin will face fines of 300 if they fail to provide personal details to crypto service providers they use to make sure they are paying the right amounts to HMRC.

The Government expects the new rules, which are known as the Cryptoasset Reporting Framework and take effect from January, to raise up to 315 million by April 2030.

Any service provider which fails to provide accurate details about transactions and tax reference numbers will also face fines.

Reform UK has recently pledged to cut taxes on cryptocurrencies and set up a 'Bitcoin reserve' if elected.

Party chairman Zia Yusuf told reporters in may that a Reform government would reduce capital gains tax on assets such as Bitcoin to 10 per cent as part of a raft of reforms to how cryptocurrencies are governed.

Mr Yusuf, who does not own cryptocurrency, suggested the cut could generate up to 1 billion for the Treasury over a decade, saying it would encourage more use of such currency and encourage people to move their assets to the UK.

Cryptocurrencies currently incur capital gains tax of either 18 per cent or 24 per cent, depending on the rate of income tax paid by the person selling the assets.

Mr Yusuf also announced that Reform would allow people to pay tax in Bitcoin and establish a 'Bitcoin reserve fund' to 'diversify' the UK's reserve holdings.
A Delta Airlines plane caught fire mid-air and was forced to make an emergency landing.

Footage shows the moment orange flames start appearing on the Boeing 767-400 left engine shortly after take off.

Josh, who co-owns the YouTube channel LA Flights with Peter, can be heard shouting 'look at that!' and 'woah!' as he films the video.

The plane was heading to Atlanta when it had no choice but to circle around and land back on the runway.

Josh said on its descent: 'Thankfully, the hydraulics are functioning and we got the landing gear down for the 767.'

The avid plane spotter then zoomed into the left engine before commenting the plane had fortunately landed 'nice and safely'.

Emergency vehicles could then be seen approaching the aircraft.

An airline spokesman said: 'Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft's left engine.'

Footage shows the moment orange flames start to appear on the Boeing 767-400 left flight engine shortly after take off

A spectator can be heard shouting 'look at that!' and 'woah!' as he films the video and questions what is happening

The plane was heading to Atlanta when it had no choice but to circle around and land back on the runway

Earlier this week another Boeing engine caught fire - also in Los Angeles.

Video footage captured the terrifying moment the 737 jet began sparking and shooting flames into the night sky shortly after takeoff, with passengers describing what seemed like a mid-air 'explosion.'

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) launched an investigation after the right engine of a Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737 experienced issues mid-air, just moments following take-off off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday night.

The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing back to Los Angeles International Airport.

Flight 430 was en route to MinneapolisSt. Paul International Airport with 166 passengers onboard when it experienced 'an issue' with one engine.

The pilots declared an emergency and safely returned to LAX.

Fire trucks and emergency officials were waiting for the plane.
Asylum seekers entering the UK are attempting to claim benefit payments in both Ireland and Britain, it has emerged.

Afghanistan asylum seeker Zafar had travelled across mainland Europe to France before making the channel crossing to the UK, applying for asylum status on June 16.

But on July 19, he boarded a flight from Manchester to Belfast, despite UK immigration officials advising him avoid leaving the country prior to his case being processed, The Times has reported.

Irish police officers believed that Zafar had planned to lodge an additional benefits application in Ireland.

As a result, he failed to reach the International Protection Office (IPO) in Dublin. Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) officers stopped him at the border.

Having been escorted off a bus along the M1 motorway between Belfast and Dublin, Zafar revealed that he possessed a UK asylum application registration card.

He was returned back to the UK that day as part of the GNIB's 71st 'day of action' under 'Operation Sonnet', which seeks to clamp down on illegal immigrants seeking to cross the Irish border.

One of the nine officers who oversaw the return of Zafar that day told the Times that he believed Zafar was 'most likely going to claim asylum' in Dublin in a bid to collect benefits from both nations.

Asylum seekers entering the UK are attempting to claim benefit payments in both Ireland and Britain, it has emerged (Pictured: migrants cross the English Channel in March 2024)

Afghanistan asylum seeker Zafar applied for UK asylum status on June 16. But on July 19, he boarded a flight from Manchester to Belfast, The Times has reported. Irish police officers believed that Zafar had planned to lodge an additional benefits application in Ireland (file image)

Zafar was returned under the GNIB's 'Operation Sonnet', which seeks to clamp down on illegal immigrants seeking to cross the Irish border. In 2019, the UK and Ireland agreed to protect the Common Travel Area, permitting the immediate return of asylum seekers

Pictured: asylum seekers pitched up tents along Dublin's Grand Canal in May 2024 as part of a makeshift camp

Adding that the incident is something officers 'see all the time', he said that Zafar was just one of eight men detained by the Gardai during inspections of 12 buses that day.

Inquiries into another asylum seeker removed from a bus, named Hassan, revealed that he had applied for British refugee status and was working in the UK while visiting Ireland weekly to collect welfare funds.

Speaking to The Times, an officer assured that the Pakistani national, who had initially told Irish officers he was from Afghanistan, would now be 'cut off' and returned back to Britain.

In 2019, the UK and Ireland agreed to protect the Common Travel Area, permitting the immediate return of asylum seekers who arrive in Ireland after being in the UK, and vice versa.

Under Operation Gull, the UK seeks to target migrants that attempt to use Ireland as an entry route into Britain via Northern Ireland.

Last year, then Irish justice minister Helen McEntee told a scrutiny committee in the Irish Parliament that more than eight in ten asylum seekers in the Republic of Ireland have crossed the country from Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the Oireachtas committee on April 23, she claimed that more than 80 per cent of people seeking asylum here entered the country through the North.

'I'd say it's higher than 80 per cent,' Ms McEntee said, in response to questions from Fianna Fail senator Robbie Gallagher. 'That's particularly worrying,' he responded.

Last year, then Irish justice minister Helen McEntee (pictured) told a scrutiny committee in the Irish Parliament that more than eight in ten asylum seekers in the Republic of Ireland have crossed the country from Northern Ireland

During just three days, an estimated 200 migrants are believed to have crossed into the Republic of Ireland in the same week. Pictured: asylum seekers tents seen on the Grand Canal bank at Warrington Place in Dublin in May 2024

A makeshift camp where homeless asylum seekers sleep rough in tents along the Grand Canal in Dublin

During just three days, an estimated 200 migrants are believed to have crossed into the Republic of Ireland in the same week.

Meanwhile, up to 1,002 asylum applications were lodged at Dublin's IPO, with government officials estimating that up to 90 per cent would have travelled from Britain via Northern Ireland.

Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock, leader of GNIB, told The Times that many who cross the border have been lured in by online ads promising work that subsequently become exploited by criminal trafficking gangs that demand large sums of money.

The Home Office said: 'This government is committed to taking down the criminal gangs who exploit vulnerable people in order to make quick cash, and we work closely with Ireland to support them on border security.

'This includes a joint commitment to protect the Common Travel Area (CTA) from abuse, which is delivered through joint work to identify and tackle illegal migration trends as they emerge.'

GNIB said: 'There is extensive engagement, and cooperation at all levels between officials in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and Home Office counterparts, as well as significant operational cooperation between the Gardai, UK Border Force, UK policing services and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in relation to both immigration and criminal matters.

'This strong practical engagement and cooperation serves the mutual interests of both Ireland and the UK, and will continue.'

In May, more than 30 people were arrested and 17,000 of suspected criminal assets seized in a people-smuggling crackdown in Northern Ireland

The arrests of 33 illegal migrants and suspected people smugglers were part of a three-day operation to tackle criminals exploiting the CTA at ports and airports in Northern Ireland, north-west England and Wales

Inquiries into another asylum seeker removed from a bus, named Hassan, revealed that he had applied for British refugee status and was working in the UK while visiting Ireland weekly to collect welfare funds (file image)

The UK shares a Common Travel Area (CTA) with Ireland, which was first implemented in 1923, well before either country joined the EU which has its own freedom of movement rules.

In May, more than 30 people were arrested and 17,000 of suspected criminal assets seized in a people-smuggling crackdown in Northern Ireland.

A lorry related to an unpaid penalty notice over stowaways, worth 144,000, was also confiscated by officers.

The arrests of 33 illegal migrants and suspected people smugglers were part of a three-day operation to tackle criminals exploiting the CTA at ports and airports in Northern Ireland, north-west England and Wales.

It is the sixth operation of its kind, working between the Police Service of North Ireland, An Garda Siochana, the National Crime Agency, other UK police forces, Border Force and international partners.

The Home Office said 60 arrests had been made and more than 405,000 of criminal cash seized, over abuse of the CTA, since Labour took power in July last year.

Routes from the island of Ireland to the UK mainland have long been feared to be susceptible to people smuggling due to minimal border controls in the zone.

Last year, 14 Albanians were found hiding inside a livestock wagon that had travelled into the British mainland from Northern Ireland.

Officials confirmed the arrest was made at Loch Ryan ferry port in Dumfries and Galloway, 80 miles south of Glasgow.

Illegal migrants are also known to have exploited the lack of a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Pictured: in May, 3,000 people joined an anti-immigration rally organised by Ireland Says No - which attendees said signalled a feeling in the country that 'enough is enough'

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Routes from the island of Ireland to the UK mainland have long been feared to be susceptible to people smuggling due to minimal border controls in the common travel area

Home Office immigration enforcement deputy director Ben Thomas said: 'Criminal networks seek to bypass robust border checks through fraudulent means and trap vulnerable people into further illegal activities.

'The success of this operation marks a significant step up in enforcement activity, leading to the arrest of 33 criminals who attempted to abuse the common travel area and undermine the UK's border security.'

In May last year, a poll revealed that half of the Irish public would like migrant checkpoints at the border with Northern Ireland to slow the number of asylum seeker arrivals from Britain.

Fifty per cent of respondents told the Sunday Independent and Ireland Thinks they would support checkpoint measures to limit the number of asylum seekers arriving from Britain, with 82 per cent backing deportations back to the UK.

With tented communities continuing to grow in Dublin, as many as 40 per cent of poll respondents added that they would support Ireland having a policy similar to Britain's Rwanda scheme - with 42 per cent opposing the measures.

The Irish Garda were approached for comment.
Hawaii was thrown into chaos after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake rocked the state Saturday evening.

The massive tremor was sparked by an earthquake that occurred off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia.

The quake hit Hawaii - which shares the Pacific Ocean with Russia - around 8.49pm local time, followed by a tsunami watch at 9.03pm.

The tsunami watch was cancelled after the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center found there was no threat to the state.

'Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat to the state of Hawaii,' the agency said.

'This will be the final message issued for this event unless additional data are received.'

Scientists decided to call the watch off after looking at the earthquake's preliminary seismic information that helps determine if the tremor sparked a tsunami.

Several people took to social media to share their relief after hearing of the tsunami watch cancellation.

Hawaii was thrown into chaos after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake rocked the state Saturday evening

Several people took to social media to share their relief after hearing of the tsunami watch cancelation

'[Watch] has been canceled. Relax. Enjoy your Mai Tai,' Judy Kelley said in a local Facebook group.

'Thank God Amen,' wrote another.

'Cancelled..Hallelujah,' someone else commented.

Earlier, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Kamchatka, located on the east coast of Russia.

The tsunami threat was initially issued off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situation warned residents near the tremor that they should under 'no circumstances' go to shore to watch the anticipated tsunami.

The Ministry also informed locals that 'the height of the waves that may reach the coast is not high.'

Following the alert, several quakes hit over the course of an hour off the coast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, per USGS.

The massive tremor was sparked by an earthquake that occurred off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia. A tsunami watch was then issued

The first was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 6.7 then multiple others, measuring at 7.4, 6.7 and 6.6, according to USGS.

Several smaller quakes then followed in the same area.

A video captured the moment one of the tremors hit Russia, as the inside of a home was seen shaking as people screamed in the background.

A massive 9 magnitude earthquake rocked Kamchatka in November 1952, sparking a Pacific-wide tsunami that reached the shores of Hawaii.

The destructive waves ruined boats, demolished piers, and knocked down power lines as a result.

A small bridge that connected Cocoanut Island to Hilo Bay was also damaged by a monstrous 12ft wave at the time.

A massive 9 magnitude earthquake rocked Kamchatka in November 1952 (pictured), sparking a Pacific-wide tsunami that reached the shores of Hawaii

Although the tsunami watch was cancelled, social media users urged locals to remain vigilant because 'the surge still exists.'

'Just FYI,' one local said. 'I've been through a lot of watches and warnings. The surge still exists.

'Ive seen many pulled out to sea because of this. Stay vigilant. Dont be stupid and think youre invincible while picking 'opihi or diving during this time.'

'Opihi, also known as Limpets, are snails commonly found on the shores of Hawaii. The sea creatures are known to be eaten by locals.
Saudi Arabia's Sleeping Prince was just 15 when his life took its irreversible course following a horror London car crash in 2005.

For 20 years, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud was kept alive on a hospital ventilator - but his doting father refused to give up hope that one day his son might awaken, before the young man's tragic death yesterday afternoon.

That day seemed like it might finally come when the prince moved his hand five years ago in response to someone talking to him by his bedside. It was the first time such a hopeful signal had been given since 2015.

But tragically, the prince's father - the brother of billionaire Saudi business tycoon Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud - was forced to finally give up hope on Saturday, announcing his son's death at the age of 36.

Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud said on X: '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.'

Funeral prayers are taking place today in Saudi Arabia to mark the end of the 20 year battle - which first began when Prince Al-Waleed enrolled as a student at a military college in London.

For 20 years, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud was kept alive on a hospital ventilator

His doting father refused to give up hope that one day his son might awaken, before the young man's tragic death yesterday afternoon

Despite showing some signs he could be recovering, Prince Al-Waleed remained in a critical condition

Born on April 18, 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of a prominent member of the Saudi royal family and nephew of billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz - the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.

Tasked with the privileges and responsibilities of royals, the prince had been busy preparing for a future in military service.

But the same year that he enrolled at a college in London the then-teenager was involved a devastating car crash in the UK that left him with severe brain injuries and internal bleeding - leaving the royal in a complete coma.

Prince Al-Waleed was transported to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh where he was placed on a ventilator and feeding tube and seen by a number of medical specialists from around the world.

It was in 2015 that the prince's optimistic father was asked to consider ending life support - but he firmly refused and held tight to the hope of a possible recovery.

Clips shared on social media in 2020 showed Prince Al-Waleed lifting his fingers as a woman greeted him.

'Hi, Didi hello, hello let me see, hi,' she said as the prince wiggled his fingers in response.

The woman 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.

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

Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who announced his death in a heartbreaking post on X yesterday

However, despite the signs he could be recovering Prince Al-Waleed remained in a critical condition.

Heartbreaking images from across the past 20 years have shown the hopeful father stay put by the bedside of his son.

In one photo Prince Khaled can be seen with the palm of his hand placed across his son's chest while another shows him hugging the Sleeping Prince as he lies on his bed.

In other photos take over the years, the prince wears traditional Arab head gear - a sign he would always remain very much within the royal fold in spite of his critical condition.

Prince Khaled's post yesterday afternoon marked the end of an era as the father announced the passing of his son with a verse from the Quran and information on funeral prayers.

It is not yet clear why Prince Khaled decided it was time to switch of the life support.

But the steady photographs, hopeful words and refusals to give up hope formed the basis of national memory of the loss endured by Prince Al-Waleed and his family.

The hashtag Sleeping Prince has trended widely on social media following the announcement of the prince's passing, with thousands offering their condolences.

Funeral prayers for the prince will be held today at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh

Men and women have been told they will also be able to pay their respects at the Al-Fakhariya Palace from Sunday to Tuesday.

The Global Imams Council said in a statement: 'The Global Imams Council extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to... His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family, on the passing of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who passed away after a long struggle that lasted nearly twenty years following a tragic accident.'
Children will be taught that 'worrying and feeling down' are not mental-health conditions in an attempt to curb Britain's spiralling worklessness crisis.

Teachers have been told they must avoid encouraging pupils to self-diagnose 'normal feelings' as more serious problems such as anxiety and depression.

The radical change in policy will be issued in new guidance to schools 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.'

The Education Secretary said they are also making sure there is access to mental health support in every school and reducing child poverty with more free school meals.

The new strategy comes as 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.

A report warned last week that a sharp rise in teenagers and young adults on sickness benefits for mental health problems was behind the trend.

Teachers have been told they must avoid encouraging pupils to self-diagnose 'normal feelings' as more serious problems such as anxiety and depression

The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced a radical change in policy in which children will be taught that 'worrying and feeling down' are not mental-health conditions in an attempt to curb Britain's spiralling worklessness crisis

The new strategy comes as 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 (file photo)

It has caused concern that teaching children about mental health has led to the every day ups and downs of life becoming over-medicalised.

The new 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 a mental illness.

Schools are told they should teach youngsters the 'characteristics' of common types of mental ill health, including anxiety and depression.

The changes come in new instructions on how to teach RHSE, which were issued last week.

Some of the instructions surrounding 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 getting worse.

In particular she added in the requirement that schools must not teach about mental health in a way that leads to more pupils self-diagnosing with mental conditions.

Experts have been raising concerns that teaching children about mental health has led to the every day ups and downs of life becoming over-medicalised

The change to the guidance comes after she pledged that young people would be taught the value of 'grit' to help them deal with life's 'ups and downs'.

It comes after a report last year revealed 20-somethings are now more likely to be off work sick than adults in their 40s amid soaring rates of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Authors say the 'worrying' trend is harming the economy, with the equivalent of 5 per cent of young adults now signed off ill.

But one critic argued society is to blame for creating the 'mental health crisis', with doctors handing out diagnoses like 'candy'.

Ms Phillipson's changes to the schools guidance are the latest evidence of concern within Downing Street over the growing scale of mental-health claims.

This is despite Labour attacking the Tories when it was still in opposition for suggesting that too many people were being signed off with milder conditions

Liz Kendall branded their comments 'ignorant' and insisting: 'You are not written off long-term sick because you're feeling a bit bluesy.'

But since entering power Labour is now attempting to launch a crackdown on sickness benefits for mental health to get people back into work.

The figures come after Liz Kendall capitulated to a backbench rebellion and failed to secure reforms to sickness benefits that would have saved 5billion

No 10 has argued that there is a 'progressive and moral' case for restricting handouts for those who are diagnosed with more mild mental health conditions.

The figures come after Work and Pensions Liz Kendall and Keir Starmer capitulated to a backbench rebellion and failed to secure reforms to sickness benefits that would have saved 5billion.

Labour's climbdown leaves a bungling hole in the public finances which it is feared Chancellor Rachel Reeves will have to plug with a wealth tax.

Shortly after the climbdown, new analysis revealed that living on sickness benefits will soon pay 2,500 a year more than a minimum wage job.

Analysis by the Centre for Social Justice found that a UC claimant who is not working and takes the average housing benefit and Personal Independence Payment for ill health will receive 25,000 in 2026-27.
The widow of tech tycoon Mike Lynch could be dragged into multimillion-pound legal row as families of victims demand answers over the superyacht tragedy that killed seven, including her husband and daughter.

Angela Bacares, who survived the horrific sinking of the 25 million yacht Bayesian, is now at the centre of a spiralling legal storm, with families of the five other victims preparing a multimillion-pound compensation battle that could engulf what's left of Lynch's fortune.

Bacares, who is the sole shareholder of the corporate entity that owned the vessel, could find herself at the heart of the blame game, alongside the boat's management firm and insurance giant QBE.

Among the seven killed were Lynch, his teenage daughter, Hannah, the vessel's cook Recaldo Thomas, Lynch's high-profile American lawyer Chris Morvillo, his wife Neda, and British banking couple Jonathan and Judy Bloomer.

A further fifteen people, including Bacares, survived, rescued by the crew of a nearby yacht in a late-night operation off the Italian coast.

While Bacares is understood to have her own personal wealth shielded from the estate, she may not be entirely free from the financial fallout.

Bacares is listed as the sole shareholder of Revtom, the company that owned the doomed Bayesian, and that opens the door to potential legal claims from families of the victims.

Angela Bacares (left), who survived the horrific sinking of the 25 million yacht Bayesian, is now at the centre of a spiralling legal storm

Mike Lynch, 59, and his daughter Hannah, 18, were among seven people who died when the Bayesian sunk in August 2024

Autopsies carried out on Morgan Stanley boss Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy reveal they 'suffocated' in an air bubble and didn't drown, reports claim

The hull of the superyacht Bayesian, which sank near Palermo, Sicily, on August 19, 2024, is lifted by cranes during salvage operations off the village of Porticello last month

James Healy-Pratt, a prominent US aviation and maritime lawyer, is representing the family of 59-year-old cook Recaldo 'Rick' Thomas, the first victim recovered by divers.

He has said: 'The Thomas family are satisfied that they can establish liability for Rick's death against those entities based on the current evidence.'

He confirmed that Bayesian was insured for more than $150 million by British Marine, a subsidiary of QBE, and warned that the family would soon offer the insurer a chance to resolve the case behind closed doors or face high-profile legal proceedings in the US.

'The Thomas family will shortly be offering QBE the opportunity to mediate confidentially their significant claim in the US, or face very public US legal proceedings,' he added.

Meanwhile, the family of Chris and Neda Morvillo have also signalled their mounting frustration with the yacht's managers and insurers.

Chris's brother, New York lawyer Greg Morvillo, has been outspoken about his determination to fight for justice on behalf of his late brother's daughters.

He said: 'We had hoped that by now Camper & Nicholsons, who managed the vessel, and the insurance companies that manage the liability for the vessel, would have proactively contacted us to offer not only their condolences but also assurances that there would be no need for us to litigate the losses suffered by our nieces.

The bodies of Neda and Chris Morvillo, pictured in 2018, were also retrieved from the wreckage

Recaldo Thomas, chef on the Bayesian, was the first person to be recovered after the yacht sunk

'Sadly, no such outreach has happened and our patience is running out. We do not wish to engage in a litigation, and we had thought that Camper & Nicholsons and the insurance companies would feel the same way, but it is beginning to feel inevitable.

'Through all of this, we continue to express our deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones or who have been impacted by what we think was an avoidable tragedy.'

QBE confirmed it had insured Bayesian but refused to comment further. It is understood the firm has already instructed a major US law firm to handle potential litigation.

A legal insider close to the case said: 'What is an unspeakable tragedy for all is turning into a compensation fight.'

Last month, Italian authorities raised the sunken yacht from the seabed as part of an ongoing criminal investigation that may not conclude until 2027.

A separate British maritime inquiry is also under way and will feed into upcoming inquests.

Teenager Hannah was the last to be found, hidden behind a mattress below deck. She had won a place to do English Literature at Oxford and was due to start her studies when she returned from the trip

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The super yacht Bayesian is raised to the surface off the coast of Porticello, Sicily

In a separate long-running civil case, Lynch - the Autonomy founder once hailed as Britain's answer to Steve Jobs - was found in 2022 to have defrauded US tech firm Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in its $11.7 billion (8.6 billion) takeover of his software firm in 2011.

HPE accused Lynch and his finance chief of cooking the books to make Autonomy appear far more valuable than it was, launching a decade-long legal saga that only deepened after his extradition to the US and eventual death in 2024.

Though Mr Justice Hildyard ruled in favour of HPE, the final damages have yet to be determined.

The company is seeking a staggering $4 billion - far more than the $516 million Lynch is believed to have personally received. A final judgment is now expected within days, with speculation mounting that the figure could exceed the value of Lynch's estate.

HPE declined to comment.
Jeffry Epstein's rumored 'client list' will never be released to the public by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), according to a former agent.

John Kiriakou, an ex-CIA officer who was jailed in 2012 for leaking the agency's waterboarding interrogation techniques used at Guantanamo Bay, shared his views on the controversial pedophile - including his opinion on the alleged list of clients.

Kiriakou, who sat down for an episode of Patrick Bet-David's podcast, told the media personality that he believes the alleged list will not see the light of day because it holds incredibly valuable intelligence information that the CIA would never hand over simply because the public demanded to see it.

The CIA whistleblower, who works for Sputnik- a Russian government news outlet - specifically said he believes that Epstein, 66, was employed by Israel's intelligence service, Mossad - and that is why the list will not come out.

'I believe that he was a Mossad access agent. It makes perfect sense to me,' Kiriakou said. It has never been established that Epstein had ties to Mossad.

'Jeffrey Epstein, in my view, is a textbook case of an access agent. I've said this before, but I think it's important and it bears repeating,' he told Bet-David.

'If you are a foreign intelligence service and you want information from ... important people, you want secret information from themyoure not going to recruit them.

'They dont need anything from you. They dont have any financial vulnerabilities. So you do the next best thing: you recruit someone who has access to them, and you finance this person... he has a private island.'

John Kiriakou, an ex-CIA officer, said Jeffry Epstein's rumored 'client list' will never be released by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

Kiriakou said he believes the alleged list will not be revealed because it holds incredibly valuable intelligence information that the CIA would never hand over simply because the public demanded to see it. (Pictured: Epstein in 2005)

Epstein's convicted madame Ghislaine Maxwell's family also had alleged ties to Mossad. Her father, Robert Maxwell, was allegedly an Israeli spy.

He went on to mention Virginia Giuffre, who led the fight to bring Epstein to justice and claimed she was trafficked to have sex with Prince Andrew.

Giuffre died by suicide at the age of 41 in April.

In response to Bet-David's question on who Kiriakou thinks has seen the alleged list, the former agent replied: 'I think it's actually more than most people realize.'

'Virginia Giuffre and five other young women in their statements, in their lawsuit, told us there were rooms with banks of monitors... monitoring every room and every bathroom,' he continued.

'So if there were clientsand I believe there wereand they were having sex with minorsand I believe they wereevery single person who was hired to monitor those screens would have known.

'I believe there was a list, a client list. There had to have been. We know there was a black bookit sold at Sothebys for heavens sake. So where is it? Was it destroyed? And even if it was, why didnt Ghislaine Maxwell try to use it to save herself?'

In recent weeks, Donald Trump's administration has faced increasing scrutiny for their handling of the 'list' and the release of videos from inside New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center, where Epstein was housed until his death in 2019.

The scandal and alleged 'cover up', has prompted a rebellion in the MAGA world, as many of Trump's loyal supporters believe Attorney General Pam Bondi should be fired after promising to release all Epstein-related files.

He went on to mention Virginia Giuffre, who led the fight to bring Epstein to justice and claimed she was trafficked to have sex with Prince Andrew. She died by suicide in April

Bondi came under fire a couple weeks ago after the Department of Justice said Epstein's 'client list' never existed.

She also squashed speculation that Epstein's 2019 jail cell death was anything other than a suicide.

Following the memo from his DOJ, which sparked a MAGA civil war, Trump became irate and said during a cabinet meeting that everyone should move on.

He has now called his supporters 'weaklings' for believing a Democrat-run 'hoax.'

When asked about the president going back and forth on the issue, Kiriakou said he does not believe the rumor that the administration is holding the files back because the president is implicated in them.

'I don't believe that for a second,' he said.

Kiriakou isn't the only one who believes Epstein allegedly worked for Mossad, as Tucker Carlson made the same claim earlier this month.

When asked about the president going back and forth on the issue, Kiriakou said he does not believe the rumor that the administration is holding the files back because the president is implicated in them. (Pictured: Epstein and Trump in 1997)

The former Fox News host issued the conspiracy theory that Epstein was an Israeli agent who blackmailed US politicians.

'The real question is, why was he doing this, on whose behalf, and where did the money come from?' Tucker asked about Epstein's mysterious fortune while speaking to a crowd of young voters in Florida.

'And those are the questions that need to be answered. And I think its entirely fair to ask them.'

Carlson denounced the DOJ's findings, going on to share his own theory about Epstein's sinister scheme.

Carlson questioned where all of the billionaire's wealth came from, going from a math teacher to 'having multiple airplanes, a private island, and the largest residential house in Manhattan.'

'And no one has ever gotten to the bottom of that because no one has ever tried. And moreover, its extremely obvious to anyone who watches, that this guy had direct connections to a foreign government,' he claimed.

He said the reason Epstein's connection to the Middle Eastern nation is not discussed publicly was because 'we have been somehow cowed into thinking thats naughty.'

'There is nothing wrong with saying that. There is nothing hateful about saying that. Theres nothing anti-Semitic about saying that. Theres nothing even anti-Israel about saying that,' Tucker asserted.

'And the effect of making that off-limits has been to create a lot of resentment and Ill say it, hate online, where people feel like they cant just say, What the hell is this? You have the former Israeli prime minister living in your house?"'

Carlson was likely referring to Epstein's close ties with the former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.

Barak met with him dozens of times - and even allegedly stayed over at Epstein's place - starting in 2013.

'You have all this contact with a foreign government. Were you working on behalf of them? Were you running a blackmail operation on behalf of a foreign government?' he asked the stunned listeners.

Carlson also claimed that 'every single person in Washington DC' shares his sentiment, and none of them 'hate Israel.'
BBC director-general Tim Davie is on his 'last strike' after a series of scandals has plunged the BBC into chaos but the corporation is determined to save him, sources have claimed.

The corporation is facing serious questions after it came under attack on three fronts this week.

And while there is widespread feeling Davie is one scandal away from losing his high-profile role, a former executive told The Sunday Times that the BBC has deployed 'Operation Save Tim'.

On Monday, the BBC was forced to admit that its documentary about children in Gaza had breached editorial guidelines by failing to disclose that the narrator was the son of a senior Hamas official.

Hours later, a damning probe into Gregg Wallace's behaviour on MasterChef was published, with 45 out of 83 complaints, including one count of 'unwanted physical contact', upheld.

The report also upheld two out of ten complaints - relating to swearing and racist language - made into other individuals, who were not identified.

That was until the BBC was thrown into another crisis when Wallace's co-host John Torode publicly declared that he was the individual who had used racist language.

Torode, 59, was sacked on Tuesday in a move he claims the BBC had not made him aware of. He said he was 'seeing and reading' he had been dropped from the show and had 'no recollection' of making a racist comment.

In the following days, it was reported that he had used the N-word at a filming wrap party in 2019 while singing along to Gold Digger by Kanye West.

The corporation is facing series questions after it came under attack on three fronts this week. Pictured: Tim Davie

MasterChef hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode have both been sacked following a report into their behaviour

The BBC was forced on Monday to admit that its documentary about children in Gaza had breached editorial guidelines by failing to disclose that the narrator, Abdullah al-Yazouri, (pictured) was the son of a senior Hamas official

Bob Vylan performing during the Glastonbury Festival where he led chants of 'death, death to the IDF'

But the investigation is understood to have upheld a separate complaint made the year prior when he used the same racist word on the MasterChef set.

A BBC News report claims the racial slur was directed towards a MasterChef staff member.

The Gaza documentary and MasterChef scandals add to a tumultuous period for the BBC, who also came under fire for their handling of the live streaming of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set last month.

The band sparked a backlash after leading chants of 'death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] during a live broadcast on the BBC.

The BBC also said it will no longer broadcast live performances deemed 'high risk'  as Bob Vylan had been assessed  and its director of music, Lorna Clarke, also reportedly stepped back from her day-to-day duties.

The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: 'We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community.

'We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC.

After Glastonbury, which Davie attended, culture secretary Lisa Nandy told parliament there was a 'problem of leadership' at the BBC.

Samir Shah (pictured) has doubled down on his support for the director-general

But BBC chair Samir Shah has doubled down on his support for the director-general, insisting Davie 'has shown strength, confidence and decisive leadership in a very challenging environment'.

Another insider claimed his position with some board members was 'more precarious than people realise' after the Glastonbury scandal, but this was disputed by a source close to the board who insisted they were backing him.

While the scandals alone would not be enough to see Davie sacked, the revolving door of scandals has raised huge questions about the management of the BBC.

It also comes at a time when Davie's salary jumped 20,000 to 547,000, while Deborah Turness, the BBC News chief executive, saw hers rise 17,000 to 431,000.

Since Davie became director-general in September 2020, the BBC has shelled out almost 10million addressing scandals.

Almost half of that - 4.5million - comes from the fallout from the Martin Bashir 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana.

The BBC has a 4.5million from the fallout from the Martin Bashir 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana

The BBC also faced a 1.3million bill from the Huw Edwards scandal, although the report's findings have never been published

Although the original controversy came before Davie took on his role, the sum includes 539,000 of legal fees in fighting journalist Andy Webb's internal emails about the scandal.

Another 3.3million was spent on an external investigation into its handling of complaints about Radio 1 presenter Tim Westwood. Allegations against Westwood were first made public in 2022 when several women accused him of sexual misconduct. He has strongly denied all allegations.

A review, which was carried out by barrister Gemma White KC and included contributions from more than 120 people, found people were 'concerned that they would not be believed or might be blamed' for his alleged behaviour because he was so 'popular'.

The BBC also faced a 1.3million bill from the Huw Edwards scandal, although the report's findings have never been published. The review into the Gaza documentary, carried out by the director of editorial complaints Peter Johnston, cost 98,500.

The Sunday Times reports that there is widespread feeling at the BBC and the wider media that Davie cannot afford another crisis, but his allies remain supportive and warn 'nobody should underestimate his strong survival instincts'.
The tech CEO at the centre of the now infamous Coldplay kiss cam scandal was 'all over' his HR chief long before they were caught red-handed on the stadium jumbotron, newly released footage shows.

Andy Byron, 50, the recently resigned boss of billion-dollar AI firm Astronomer, was filmed getting cosy with his HR director Kristin Cabot, 52, during Coldplay's sold-out show at Gillette Stadium in Boston on Tuesday.

The new video, obtained by TMZ, shows the pair sharing an intimate moment as the band performed their hit song Yellow, swaying and embracing in front of thousands of fans as the stadium lit up with phone lights.

TMZ reported: 'They were all over each other even when they weren't on the kiss-cam.'

'This rear-view shows a much more intimate interaction,' the outlet added, suggesting the couple's closeness wasn't a fleeting moment  but something far more familiar.

Filmed from behind their seats, the footage shows Byron leaning in to kiss Cabot as the duo hug tightly.

Both appear relaxed and carefree, entirely unaware that moments later they'd be launched into viral fame  and scandal  when they appeared on the stadium's giant screen.

The new video, obtained by TMZ, shows the pair sharing an intimate moment as the band performed their hit song Yellow

They can be seen swaying and embracing in front of thousands of fans as the stadium lit up with phone lights

Filmed from behind their seats, the footage shows Byron leaning in to kiss Cabot as the duo hug tightly

When Coldplay frontman Chris Martin clocked the couple onscreen, he cheekily remarked: 'They're either having an affair or they're very shy.'

The crowd erupted in laughter as Byron dropped his arm, ducked behind a barrier, and looked at the ground.

Cabot quickly turned away, covering her face with both hands and retreating behind another woman.

She also appeared to mouth something to the other woman beside her before darting behind her in what looked like an attempt to shield herself.

The second woman was left red-faced, sparking online speculation that she may have known what was going on beside her and was another employee of Astronomer. However, Astronomer has since denied this.

Their awkward reaction, along with Martin's savage commentary, sent the moment viral online, with viewers claiming Cabot was the 'mistress' of the married tech exec.

The fallout was swift.

Byron, who had been placed on leave following the incident, officially resigned yesterday amid an internal investigation by Astronomer.

Tech tycoon Andy Byron back, 50, yesterday resigned from his role after footage of him with his arms wrapped around Astronomer's HR chief Kristin Cabot front, 52, went viral

CEO Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot appeared to be living the American dream before the viral moment

In a statement, the company said: '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 firm confirmed that Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will step in as interim CEO.

'While awareness of our company may have changed overnight,' the company added, 'our product and our work for our customers have not. We're continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data and AI problems.'

The scandal has clearly torpedoed the lives of Mr Byron and Ms Cabot, but the real victims are their respective partners, Megan Kerrigan and Andrew Cabot, who appeared to be living the American dream in huge suburban homes.

Ms Kerrigan appears to have deleted joyful family photos with Mr Byron and their sons on Facebook since the incident.

Among the photos she had posted was one of the family smiling on a hiking trip and at a graduation for one of the boys.

In the hiking photo, the parents and their two children all have their arms around each other as they grin to the camera - all wearing caps - in front of a creek.

And in the graduation snap, Mr Byron and his two sons are dressed smartly in suits with Ms Kerrigan wearing a dress for the milestone moment. One of the sons is wearing his graduation gown and a mortarboard.

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

Another photo shows Andy Byron, his wife and their two children on a hike

Massachusetts property documents dated in January confirmed that Ms Cabot, left, is currently married to Andrew Cabot, centre, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based booze maker

Astronomer announced the CEO's resignation on Saturday following an internal investigation that put Byron and Cabot on leave on Friday

Meanwhile Ms Cabot is married to the CEO of a booze firm - and bought a massive $2.2million home in the seaside town of Rye, New Hampshire, with him less than five months ago.

It is unclear exactly when the pair tied the knot, but documents confirm that Ms Cabot, whose maiden name is Stanek, was married at the time of selling a $1.8million property in Watertown, Mass, earlier this year.

Property records show that the husband and wife purchased the two-story, four bedroom house in February.

She has also shared a second home in the same town with her husband - the head of Privateer Rum - since at least 2023, according to the records.

The Massachusetts-based company described Mr Cabot as its CEO and COO, adding that his 'ancestor, the original Andrew Cabot (1750-1791), was a merchant, rum distiller and successful American privateer during the American Revolution.'

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.
Belt and Road Journalists Forum discusses empowering modernization with journalism

Xinhua) 10:09, July 20, 2025

NANCHANG, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum was held on Saturday with the theme of "Promoting Civilizations Dialogue and Global Modernization with Power of Journalists."

The forum, taking place in Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province, attracted nearly 100 representatives from journalist associations and media outlets from more than 50 countries and regions. During the event, the representatives participate in various activities, including keynote speeches and parallel dialogues.

He Ping, chairman of the All-China Journalists' Association, in his keynote speech, stated that media outlets from around the globe should build bridges for mutual understanding to promote prosperity across civilizations, and amplify the voice of peace to safeguard the continuity of civilizations.

Andrei Kryvasheyeu, rotating president of the Belt and Road Journalists Network, called on journalists from various countries to strengthen collaboration to reduce misunderstandings and biases through objective reporting.

Dialogues between foreign journalists and Chinese mayors, as well as parallel discussions focusing on civilization dialogues and artificial intelligence were held during the forum.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
Barack Obama has said all young boys should have a mixture of male role models and friends, including a gay person so that they don't grow up 'ignorant'.

The former president spoke with his wife Michelle Obama on the podcast she hosts with her brother, Craig Robinson, called IMO, which stands for 'in my opinion'.

Obama, 63, whose own father was absent in Kenya during his upbringing, said that even if boys have a 'great dad' they need more than one male role model.

'One of the most valuable things I learned as a guy was, I had a gay professor in college at a time when openly gay folks still weren't out,' the Harvard Law graduate-turned-Democrat politician said.

'He became one of my favorite professors and was a great guy. He would call me out when I started saying stuff that was ignorant.

'You need that to show empathy and kindness, and by the way, you need that person in your friend group so that if you then have a boy who is gay or non-binary or what have you, they have somebody that they can go: "okay, I'm not alone in this".

'Creating that community, I know it's corny but, that's what we need'.

Obama, who has two daughters, was born in Hawaii to an 18-year-old American mother and 27-year-old Kenyan father. They divorced in 1964 when he was three years old.

Barack Obama has said all young boys should have a mixture of male role models and friends including a gay person so that they don't grow up 'ignorant', while speaking on the podcast hosted by his wife Michelle and her brother Craig Robinson, called IMO (in my opinion)

Pictured: Obama at Harvard after he was elected president of the Harvard Law Review in 1990

His father, Barack Obama Snr., returned to Kenya where he worked for the government there. The diplomat visited his son in Hawaii only once before he was killed in a car crash in 1982.

Obama was brought up by his mother, Ann Dunham, and his stepfather Lolo Soetoro, in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Honolulu, Hawaii.

After graduating high school, he moved to the US mainland for college, studying at the Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, and Columbia University in New York City where he majored in political science.

Obama later studied at Harvard Law School and the University of Chicago Law School.

He told Newsweek in 2008 that his stepfather Soetoro was 'a good man who gave me some things that were very helpful'. 'One of the things that he gave me was a pretty hardheaded assessment of how the world works,' he added.

On his wife's podcast, he also addressed rumors that their marriage was on the rocks, assuring viewers that they are still happy together.

Obama has two daughters with his wife Michelle. (Pictured: the couple and their daughters Sasha and Malia at Chicago's Grant Park when they became the new first family in 2009)

The former President of the United States, 63, was a guest on his wife's podcast IMO

'What, you guys like each other?' his brother-in-law Robinson joked, before Michelle replied: 'Oh yeah, the rumor mill.'

'She took me back!' Obama light-heartedly chimed in, adding: 'It was touch and go for awhile.'

The former first lady added that it is nice to be in the same room as her husband, sassily telling her brother: 'When we aren't, folks think we're divorced.'

Michelle then made a heartfelt admission about her relationship with her husband of almost 33 years.

'There hasn't been one moment in our marriage where I thought about quitting my man,' she said passionately.

'And we've had some really hard times,' she added.

'So we had a lot of fun times, a lot of adventures, and I have become a better person because of the man I'm married to.'
Constance Marten and Mark Gordon used covert tactics 'consistent with an organised crime group' to stay ahead of a nationwide manhunt lasting 53 days, claim police officers involved in their case.

Their flight from justice began on a wet and freezing Thursday night in January 2023, when firefighters found what they believed was a body part inside a burning car on the M61 near Bolton.

Motorists had seen a man frantically pulling belongings from the blaze while a woman stood beside him, clutching a tiny baby.

They were quickly identified as Constance Marten, then 35, a former aristocrat with access to a large trust fund, and Mark Gordon, 48, a convicted sex offender who had served 20 years in a US prison.

The baby was Victoria - a child they had kept hidden from authorities.

Detective Inspector Dave Sinclair was called to the scene, he told the Sunday Times: 'With very scant detail we were able to build up quite an informed picture in a relatively short time. But they had the advantage of time.'

The couple's 53-day disappearance would end in tragedy with the discovery of baby Victoria's body in a plastic bag beneath a pile of clutter.

Last week, following a retrial, the pair were convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence, having already been found guilty of perverting the course of justice, child cruelty, and concealing the birth of a child.

Runaway aristocrat Constance Marten, 38, and her lover Mark Gordon, 50, were convicted of causing their baby's death

Marten, 38, and Gordon, 50, dumped their baby in a soiled nappy inside a Lidl bag for life

On January 5 2023 Greater Manchester Police launched a missing persons search after finding a placenta in the couple's burnt-out car on a motorway near Bolton

The 'body part' turned out to be a placenta wrapped in a bloodstained towel, it was discovered in the car alongside Marten's passport, 2,000 in cash, a live cat in a box, and 34 phones and Sim cards.

Wet paperwork recovered from the vehicle revealed the couple's names for the first time, despite the car being falsely registered.

Officers immediately set about combing the area with sniffer dogs, but the couple were already gone - hitching a lift into Bolton, then taking two taxis to confuse the authorities and get across the country.

They paid in cash for both, travelling first to Liverpool, then 270 miles southeast to Essex.

One driver later told police he saw Marten breastfeeding the baby under her coat.

Unable to deploy a helicopter due to high winds, Sinclair assembled every available detective in the force and began a round-the-clock operation.

However, thanks to Marten's privileged background, the pair were well prepared.

Detectives believe she withdrew more than 25,000 from her trust fund to support their plan to go off-grid and ultimately flee abroad.

By the time the investigation was handed over to Essex Police, the couple were already several days into their escape.

Marten and Gordon walking into Bolton bus interchange with their baby allegedly underneath Marten's coat - the couple were on the run for nearly two months

Marten was caught on CCTV while she was on the run with their baby in an attempt to stop social services from taking her away

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston immediately declared a critical incident as Harwich, where the couple had been sighted, is a port town so the police were concerned they would try to get on a boat to Europe.

'We knew that she'd recently given birth. It was [a case of] pulling out all the stops, really, so we could ensure that little child was all right,' he said.

Huddleston's team began searching every hotel and B&B in Harwich and nearby Colchester, before they soon figured out that the couple were moving between the two towns, in an attempt to mislead the police.

From Colchester, they took a taxi to East Ham in east London, then another cab took them to Whitechapel, where they bought camping gear, before continuing to north London. Then, in the early hours of their fourth day on the run, they travelled to the south coast.

They paid 470 in cash to reach Newhaven, East Sussex. During the journey, the taxi driver said he heard a sound 'like a cat meowing' from under Marten's coat - he hadn't realised it was a baby until four hours into the trip.

From here, the couple disappeared into the wilderness of the South Downs, camping in freezing, stormy conditions. Marten later described how they survived by collecting rainwater from a nearby farm and using baby wipes to clean themselves.

Victoria slept between the two of them in a 'thing made out of sleeping bags'.

Police released photographs of the flimsy tent the couple were staying in while on the run with their baby

A day after baby Victoria died in their flimsy freezing tent, Marten and Gordon dumped their baby in a soiled nappy inside a Lidl bag for life (pictured East Ham High Street, London)

In court Marten defended their actions saying: 'Jesus survived in a barn, didn't he? There are societies like Bedouins  They walk through cold deserts with children and they survive.'

But somewhere between January 8 and 9, baby Victoria died.

According to Marten's barrister Francis FitzGibbon KC, she 'fell asleep with her baby after breastfeeding' and the death was a 'tragic accident', while Gordon's lawyer, John Femi-Ola KC, argued that 'co-sleeping' was 'not a crime'.

Prosecutors argued the baby likely died from smothering or hypothermia and that the death was 'entirely avoidable'.

Despite this, the couple continued to hide - moving under the cover of night, avoiding phones and bank cards, and only using cash.

In one sighting at a Texaco garage on January 12, Marten was seen filling a bottle with petrol. She later told police it was intended to cremate the body, but she changed her mind.

For the next 40 nights, they were seen only by dog walkers - always in remote areas near the Seven Sisters cliffs.

The Metropolitan Police eventually took over the investigation: 'Most suspects can't live off-grid. They don't have the financial capability [or] the practical capacity,' said Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford.

'This couple were displaying the same level of covert tactics that we would expect from an organised crime group.'

The National Crime Agency joined the hunt, looking into possible smuggling routes, cash transactions, and known associates.

'All the skills and tactics that we would use for major crime, for terrorism, were considered and, where appropriate, employed,' said NCA adviser Noel McHugh.

Still, the couple stayed hidden.

Hooked on violent pornography, Gordon (pictured) was just 14 when he raped a woman at knifepoint in 1989 after breaking into her home in Florida armed with knives and hedge clippers

Five police forces joined the hunt, devoting 1,000 officer hours at a cost of 500,000 to find the child's body after the pair refused to cooperate when they were arrested near Brighton

On day 46, they were spotted in Stanmer Park, Brighton. One woman, who would later call the police, said Victoria's head was 'wobbling' and her skin 'very, very pale  I do think that baby died. It was dead.'

Finally, on February 27 - day 54 - Marten made three cash withdrawals at a Brighton shopping centre. Gordon, using a stick and with his foot wrapped in a plastic bag, accompanied her.

When police moved in, within six minutes of learning about the transaction, Gordon reportedly said: 'What's the big deal?'

Marten gave a false name and asked: 'Why am I under arrest anyway? For doing what?  You can't arrest someone for hiding a pregnancy.'

Despite repeated questioning, neither would reveal what had happened to the baby.

In freezing rain, more than 100 square miles of the South Downs were searched. Drones, helicopters, quad bikes and sniffer dogs were all deployed. While officers searched sheds, ditches and dense woodland.

'People were refusing to go home at the end of their shift,' said Chief Superintendent James Collis of Sussex Police.

On March 1, a breakthrough  a disused shed at Lower Roedale allotments. Inside, a Lidl carrier bag hidden under clutter was baby Victoria.

PC Allen Ralph said he first saw the infant's head - 'it looked like a 'doll' - and then her decomposed leg.

Victoria had been dead for weeks.

Despite attempts by Marten to blame others, including her family, the media, and even the police, the jury unanimously found that she and Gordon were responsible for their daughter's death.

'This was a self-absorbed relationship between two selfish and arrogant individuals,' said prosecutor Tom Little KC. 'Caught in the middle of that toxic relationship was a baby that was manifestly not being cared for properly.'

'In her very short life,' he added, 'baby Victoria did not stand a chance.'

Marten and Gordon, now 38 and 51, will be sentenced by Judge Mark Lucraft KC on September 15.
Less than a fifth of Italians would fight for their country, a survey suggests.

It showed almost a third of Italians believe the country will be directly involved in a war within five years, but only 16 per cent of those of fighting age would be willing to take up arms.

Italy has joined other NATO nations in pledging to ramp up national defence spending after years of escalating geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East.

But that has not translated to a fresh desire to join the military.

The survey by the Centre for Social Investment Studies (CENSIS) showed 39 per cent of Italians aged between 18 and 45 would declare themselves as pacifist conscientious objectors.

Another 19 per cent would try to evade conscription another way, and 26 per cent would prefer Italy to hire foreign mercenaries.

A separate poll of Brits in May found that just 35 per cent  roughly one in three  said they would be ready to fight.

Italy is one of NATO's lowest military spenders, targeting only 1.49 per cent of its gross domestic product for its military last year - well below the latest pledge of 5 per cent.

Less than a fifth of Italians would fight for their country, a survey suggests

The survey by the Centre for Social Investment Studies (CENSIS) showed 39 per cent of Italians aged between 18 and 45 would declare themselves as pacifist conscientious objectors

The increase in spending was agreed at the Nato summit in June.

Spanish premier Pedro Sanchez was the only leader to refuse to agree to a new target of spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035. All of Nato's 31 other leaders signed up to the target, a long-held demand of Mr Trump.

Mr Trump has previously suggested he could quit the alliance because of the vast sums America pours into it compared to other countries.

In February last year, before being elected President for a second time, he even suggested he would encourage Russia to attack any Nato member that fails to pay its way.

Italy has also refused to participate in Donald Trump's plan to send US-made weapons to bolster Ukraine's defences.

Governments across Europe are pondering whether to take part in the $10 billion initiative, which will involve the continent 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 transporting them to Ukraine, according to local media.

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However, most Italians remain sceptical of rearmament. Just 26 per cent believe that military deterrence is a good way to ensure peace, while only 25 per cent support increased military budgets even if it means cutting welfare.

A mere 11 per cent would like the country to have nuclear weapons.

Despite a 46 per cent rise in defence spending over the past decade, per capita expenditure in Italy remains comparatively low at 586 dollars, the survey said.

That compares with 686 dollars in Greece and over 2,000 dollars in countries such as the United States or Norway.

To ensure Italy's 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 NATO's 5 per cent of GDP military expenditure target.

The prime minister Giorgia Meloni 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 alliance's presence in the Mediterranean.

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said it would count a 11 billion cost of a bridge to Sicily as defence spending to meet NATO's 5 per cent of GDP military expenditure target

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By listing the crossing as a military asset, it can be counted towards the new NATO goal, which demands fresh expenditure for almost every nation on defence-related infrastructure.

The move mirrors efforts by Sir Keir Starmer to boost Britain's defence spending by reclassifying swathes of infrastructure projects as vital to national security.

The Prime Minister is planning to use government expenditure on rural broadband and the expansion of Heathrow airport to meet NATO's goal of spending 1.5 percent of GDP on defence-related infrastructure.

Another poll published last month by the European Council of Foreign Relations, showed that only 17 per cent of Italians support increasing defence spending, the lowest proportion among 12 European countries surveyed.
The attorney who will decide the fate of a mommy influencer's husband over the drowning death of their son has said that 'not every tragedy is a crime.'

Emilie Kiser, a 26-year-old popular mommy blogger, lost her three-year-old son Trigg on May 18 - nearly a week after he was found unresponsive in their pool in Chandler, Arizona.

She was not home at the time, but her husband and Trigg's father, Brady Kiser, 28, was there watching their toddler and newborn son Teddy.

After paying attention to Teddy, taking his eyes off Trigg for a mere three to five minutes, Brady found his first born lifeless in the water.

The Chandler Police Department said they are recommending a felony charge of child abuse be brought against Brady - but that decision is ultimately up to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.

On Thursday, Mitchell said it would take time before her office decides whether or not to prosecute - adding that there is often a lot of 'misunderstanding' in these types of cases.

'People need to understand that not every tragedy is a crime,' Mitchell said during a press conference, making it clear that she was not speaking to the specific case, but similar instances.

'I mean, it's heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the situation, but there's a difference between civil negligence - where you can sue somebody - and criminal negligence - where you can prosecute someone.

'Civil negligence means that someone's carelessness results in harm to another person,' she added.

Emilie Kiser, a 26-year-old popular mommy blogger, lost her three-year-old son Trigg on May 18 - nearly a week after he was found unresponsive in the pool in Chandler, Arizona. (Pictured: Emilie, Trigg and Brady Kiser)

On Thursday, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell (pictured) said it would take time before her office decides to prosecute Brady or not, adding that there is often a lot of 'misunderstanding' in these types of cases

'Criminal negligence is totally different, and that's what we're looking for, that's what we have to have to file charges in this case.'

Mitchell specified that her office would have to show that Brady failed to identify 'substantial and unjustifiable risk' that a 'reasonable person would observe.'

The attorney compared criminal negligence to someone who drives past flash flood warnings and ends up in a wash with a child in the car with them.

When asked what her 'threshold' is for charging 'a parent that loses a child,' Mitchell told a reporter: 'Well, the basic threshold, obviously, is what the law requires.'

She went on to speak of her taking into account that a possible jury might consider that the parent has already suffered enough.

'And my answer to that is yes and no. No in the sense that it doesn't factor into whether the person satisfies the requirements of the statue.

'But, yes, because the filing standard for this office is a reasonable likelihood of conviction.... If we feel like the jury is likely to find the person guilty because of that reason, then we have to take that into account,' Mitchell stated.

Brady told police he allowed Trigg to play in the backyard after eating lunch that day and saw his son near the pool - something police records noted was 'not uncommon' - and while the pool was usually covered for safety, this time it wasn't.

After paying attention to Teddy, taking his eyes off Trigg for a mere three to five minutes, Brady found his first born lifeless in the water

The couple first became parents in July 2021 when they welcomed their son Trigg

After taking his eyes off Trigg for a couple minutes, he turned his attention back to the little boy, and found him floating in the pool.

Brady immediately burst into action, jumping into the pool to retrieve their son before calling 911 to their home.

Officers performed CPR upon arrival before firefighters took over.

Trigg was transported to Chandler Regional Medical Center, then transferred to Phoenix Children's Hospital, where he died on May 18 after remaining in critical condition.

While processing the scene, investigators discovered two outdoor cameras in the backyard that may have captured the moments leading up to the little boy's death, AZ Central reported.

Authorities are now working to obtain the backyard surveillance footage to corroborate Brady's account of what happened, according to search warrants obtained by AZ Central. Emilie was reportedly out with friends at the time.

Since authorities opened an investigation into Trigg's death, the influencer has fought to keep the police reports redacted and the medical examiner reports sealed.

Once news broke that he was the boy who drowned, a 'media frenzy' unleashed as internet sleuths and fans of Kiser took it upon themselves to request records - including videos - in relation to his death.

Since authorities opened an investigation into Trigg's death, the influencer has fought to keep the police reports redacted and the medical examiner reports sealed

This then prompted Emilie to file a lawsuit just one week after his passing against several agencies in Maricopa County to block private information from getting out.

The Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County ruled in her favor, granting her temporary confidentiality, meaning evidence will not be released while the court makes its final ruling on the tragedy.

Her declaration 'reflects an intensely personal account of her grief and trauma' that was 'submitted to help the court understand her perspective - not for public consumption,' a source told DailyMail.com.

In her motion, Kiser has specifically urged the court to keep not just detailed records of Trigg's death private, but also footage as '100+ public records requests' for the video have come in, according to the source.

The intense amount of records requests 'only serves to satisfy morbid curiosity more than any type of justice,' they added.

Kiser 'should not be forced to relive the aftermath through viral footage,' the source stated.

'The motions behind the push for release are concerning. In many cases, requests appear to be driven by monetization and notoriety, not accountability,' they continued. 'That is not a valid justification for invading a familys grief.'

Since news of her legal filing came out, many online have speculated that Kiser chose to do so as a way to cover up information, but according to the source, that is completely false.

'Emilie has fully cooperated with investigators. The focus here is not on withholding information, but on safeguarding the dignity of a child and allowing a grieving family the space and privacy to heal.'

In March, the Kiser family officially grew by one with the arrival of their second son, Theodore

Emilie has four million followers on TikTok and 1.7 million on Instagram, but according to the source, her 'public profile does not negate her right to privacy, nor does it make her sons death a matter for public consumption.

'Being online should not strip someone of basic human decency.'

Emilie hasn't posted since the tragedy, but her followers have continued to flood her accounts with messages of support and condolences before she turned off her comment sections.

Meanwhile, her husband made his accounts private following his death.

Kiser or her legal representation haven't reviewed the police report, security camera footage, scene photos, 911 recording, or autopsy photos, per the lawsuit.

The couple first became parents in July 2021 when they welcomed their son Trigg.

In March, the Kiser family officially grew by one with the arrival of their second son, Theodore.

Daily Mail contacted Emilie's team and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for comment.
Anti-semitism is now rife across schools in the UK, with teachers warning of pupils chanting 'free Palestine' and 'f*** the Jews'.

A new survey undertaken by the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) revealed that more than half (51 per cent) of Jewish teachers have experienced some form of anti-semitism since May 2023.

Of the more than 300,000 members surveyed, 44 per cent also reported witnessing swastika graffiti at their schools, while 39 per cent have been subjected to Nazi-related comments.

One Jewish teacher even reported having students shout 'free Palestine' at them 'on multiple occasions', while, in another instance, someone shouted 'f*** the Jews'.

Meanwhile, members of teaching staff recalled instances where they had been told 'it's not racist to say Jews are rich - it's just a fact', while others said they had been assumed to be Israeli, rather than British.

Now, the NASUWT are making an urgent plea for education secretary Bridget Phillipson to help tackle these 'unacceptable trends' and 'stamp out discrimination'.

Matt Wrack, Acting General Secretary of NASUWT, said that members of the union believe the rise in anti-semitic abuse was due to 'misinformation on social media'.

He added that this 'dangerous rhetoric from far-right movements and stereotyping of Jewish people' is helping to 'fuel a rise in anti-semitic and racist abuse in schools'.

A new survey undertaken by the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) revealed that more than half (51 per cent) of Jewish teachers have experienced some form of anti-semitism since May 2023

Matt Wrack (pictured), Acting General Secretary of NASUWT, said that the more than 300,000 members of the union believe the rise in anti-semitic abuse was due to 'misinformation on social media'

Now, the NASUWT are making an urgent plea for education secretary Bridget Phillipson (pictured) to help tackle these 'unacceptable trends' and 'stamp out discrimination'

Mr Wrack, who said that several teachers were now 'fearful' of openly disclosing their religion while at work, said that 'this cannot be allowed to continue'.

'It is clear that schools need swift, strong support in tackling antisemitism so that Jewish teachers and pupils can feel safe', he said.

Adding that there is an urgent need for 'visible leadership from the government', he said: Antisemitism does not happen in isolation. We know that many forms of racist abuse are occurring in education settings and will be looking at this closely.'

It follows Hamas attacks on October 7 which saw around 1,200 people killed and over 250 being taken hostage.

In November last year, Jewish children were left cowering after teenage thugs pelted their London bus with rocks and rubbish, before storming onto the vehicle and yelling 'f*** Israel', as police confirmed they are investigating a 'potential hate crime'.

Students at Jews' Free School (JFS) in Kenton, north London, were travelling home on two buses, operated by Uno, when the incident occurred on Wednesday, November 25.

As the buses made a stop in High Street, Edgware, a large group of teenagers from another school began throwing 'big heavy rocks' at one of the vehicles, one witness told Jewish Chronicle.

Four teenagers then boarded one of the buses, swearing and making antisemitic remarks towards the Jewish students.

A witness revealed: 'They were also swearing at us, saying, 'F*** Israel, nobody likes you. F*** off you b*****s.'

In November last year, Jewish children were left cowering after teenage thugs pelted their London bus with rocks and rubbish, before storming onto the vehicle and yelling 'f*** Israel', as police confirmed they are investigating a 'potential hate crime' (file image)

A 16-year-old Jewish girl was pelted with bottles and suffered injuries to her head and face in a 'deliberate and violent' attack in Stamford Hill, north London on Monday, November 25

Another youngster who was involved in the incident said some of the children ran off the bus to escape the attack, while others cowered under their seats.

They were 'completely terrified', they said, adding that the thugs were seen filming the incident on their phones.

Meanwhile in May, a rise in anti-Jewish narratives in university classrooms was also said to be 'flourishing unchecked'.

Ongoing Israeli military action in Gaza since October 7 has reportedly led to a spike in 'disinformation' in lectures and seminars.

A study by the Henry Jackson Society, a British national security think tank, indicated that more than 70 per cent of those polled thought non-factual narratives had directly shaped their peers' understanding of the conflict.

Among the 'falsehoods' referenced were claims about the Israeli government and its stance on genocide.

The nature of anti-Jewish hate crimes reported often focused on people appearing to express support for Hamas - a proscribed terrorist organisation in Britain.

Hostility on campuses was also mentioned, amid reports students were afraid to walk around freely as they hid kippahs and Star of David necklaces.

A witness of the incident revealed: 'They were also swearing at us, saying, 'F*ck Israel, nobody likes you. F*** off you b*****s'

Pictured: A protester holds reading "Coexist" during a demonstration in central London, on November 26, 2023

Lord Leigh of Hurley, a Conservative life peer, said: 'Members of the National Education Union undertake activities such as clearing Israeli-made food from supermarkets and film themselves doing it and circulate those films.'

Baroness Deech, the former head of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, even claimed that the root of the 'behaviour' is the 'religious teaching that Jews are inferior'.

She described lecturers as the 'aggressors', adding: 'It demonstrates the failure of Holocaust education which focuses on dead Jews as a feature of the past and has nothing to say about the long history of antisemitism and the focus of antisemitism today, namely the state of Israel.'

Regarding concerns around a rise in anti-Jewish hate amongst students, the Office for Students said: 'Universities will need to have effective policies to protect students from harassment, robust procedures to address it if it occurs, and support for students who experience it.

'[We have] published a range of case studies and has shared resources to assist universities in their work to tackle antisemitism.

'This includes a guide to historical myths, persistent accusations and modern misconceptions about Jewish people and the truth behind them.'

Meanwhile, a report commissioned by the Board of Deputies of British Jews - the UK's largest Jewish community organisation - revealed that there had been an increase in anti-Jewish discrimination across the NHS, education, the arts and policing.

It follows Hamas attacks on October 7 in response to the ongoing occupation of Palestinian land, with the onslaught killing around 1,200 Israeli people and over 250 being taken hostage. Pictured: IDF soldiers in the Israeli town of Ofakim on October 8 2023

In 2024, there were 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, the second-highest total ever recorded, a shocking new report reveals today. Pictured: Palestinians stand atop of a Israeli military vehicle after breaking down a border fence in Gaza on October 7 2023

Lord John Mann, who co-authored the review, said he had heard 'shocking experiences' from several Jewish individuals, describing a public 'onslaught' of anti-semitism since October 7 as 'unacceptable'.

Speaking to the BBC's Today Programme, he added that several individuals have began to feel 'ostracised' in the workplace, with anti-semitism often failing to be adequately tackled in equality training.

NHS employees also reported feeling that anti-semitism had been 'swept under the carpet'.

In response, an NHS spokesperson told the BBC: 'It is completely unacceptable for anyone to experience racism, discrimination or prejudice in the health service, whether staff or patient, and the NHS takes any instance of antisemitism or discrimination extremely seriously.

Lord John Mann (pictured), who co-authored the review, said he had heard 'shocking experiences' from several Jewish individuals, describing a public 'onslaught' of anti-semitism since October 7 as 'unacceptable'

'The NHS provides care and treatment for everyone regardless of race, faith, or background and all NHS healthcare providers should have policies in place to address issues like this in the workplace.'

In 2024, there were 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, the second-highest total ever recorded, a shocking new report reveals today.

The year showed an 18 per cent fall on levels seen in 2023, which witnessed an orgy of vile anti-Semitism in the months after Hamas's October 7 assaults.

There were also 201 assaults, 157 incidents of damage or desecration, 250 threats and 2,892 reports of abusive behaviour.

The figures, compiled by charity the Community Security Trust (CST), said it showed the 'lasting impact' of the conflict in the Middle East/
Israeli fire has killed dozens of Palestinians waiting for aid trucks, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has claimed.

The ministry said several people were also wounded in the incident in northern Gaza, in one of the highest reported tolls among repeated recent cases in which aid seekers have been killed, including 36 on Saturday.

The development represents the deadliest day yet for people seeking aid in more than 21 months of war. At least 93 people were reported dead by Monday morning, while six other people were killed near another aid site in the south, the military claimed.

And there was new alarm as Israel's military issued evacuation orders for areas of central Gaza, one of the few areas where it has rarely operated with ground troops and where many international organisations attempting to distribute aid are located.

One aid group said several groups' offices were told to evacuate immediately.

The largest toll was in northern Gaza, where at least 79 Palestinians were killed while trying to reach aid entering through the Zikim crossing with Israel, according to the health ministry and local hospitals.

The UN World Food Programme said 25 trucks with aid had entered for 'starving communities' when it encountered massive crowds that came under gunfire.

A UN official said Israeli forces opened fire towards the crowds who tried to take food from the convoy. Footage taken by the UN showed Palestinian men running as the sound of automatic gunfire could be heard.

Pope Leo XIV has slammed the 'barbarity' of the war in Gaza on Sunday and urged against the 'indiscriminate use of force'

An injured Palestinian is being transported to hospital after the shooting near the aid trucks

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, dozens of people lost their lives and were injured after the shooting near the aid truck

'Suddenly, tanks surrounded us and trapped us as gunshots and strikes rained down. We were trapped for around two hours,' Ehab Al-Zei, who had been waiting for flour, said.

'I will never go back again. Let us die of hunger, it's better.'

The Israeli military said its troops had fired warning shots towards a crowd of thousands in northern Gaza on Sunday to remove what it said was 'an immediate threat'.

It said initial findings suggested reported casualty figures were inflated, and it 'certainly does not intentionally target humanitarian aid trucks'.

The latest tragedy comes as Pope Leo XIV slammed the 'barbarity' of the war in Gaza on Sunday and urged against the 'indiscriminate use of force'.

His intervention comes just days after a deadly strike by Israel's military on a Catholic church.

'I once again ask for an immediate end to the barbarity of the war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,' Leo said at the end of the Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence near Rome.

The pope, who spoke by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the morning after Thursday's strike, spoke of his 'deep sorrow' for the attack on the Holy Family Church.

The church was sheltering around 600 displaced people, the majority of them children, including dozens of people with special needs.

Israel expressed 'deep sorrow' over the damage and civilian casualties, adding that the military was investigating the strike.

'This act, unfortunately, adds to the ongoing military attacks against the civilian population and places of worship in Gaza,' Leo said on Sunday.

'I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians, as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of populations,' he added.

I once again ask for an immediate end to the barbarity of the war and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict,' Leo said at the end of the Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence near Rome

A young male Palestinian is transported to hospital to address his injuries after the shooting

Palestinians carry sacks of humanitarian aid unloaded from trucks convoy that had been heading to Gaza City on Sunday, July 20

The latest humanitarian disaster comes as Israel issued new evacuation orders for areas packed with displaced Gazans, some of whom began to leave.

The Israeli military on Sunday issued an evacuation order for Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip, warning of imminent action against Hamas militants.

Most of Gaza's population of more than two million people have been displaced at least once during the war, which is now in its 22nd month.

The pope also expressed his 'sympathy' for the plight of 'beloved Middle Eastern Christians' and their 'sense of being able to do little in the face of this dramatic situation'.

In total, health authorities in Gaza said 88 people had been killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across Gaza on Sunday.

After Israel's military dropped leaflets urging people to evacuate from neighbourhoods in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah, residents said Israeli planes struck three houses in the area.

Dozens of families began leaving their homes, carrying some of their belongings. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans have been sheltering in the Deir al-Balah area.

Israel's military said it had not entered the districts subject to the evacuation order during the current conflict and that it was continuing 'to operate with great force to destroy the enemy's capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area'.

The Israeli military said its troops had fired warning shots towards a crowd of thousands in northern Gaza on Sunday to remove what it said was 'an immediate threat'

Injured Palestinians are transported to hospitals after Israeli forces fired upon them

Israeli sources have said the reason the army has so far stayed out is because they suspect Hamas might be holding hostages there. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in captivity in Gaza are believed to still be alive.

Hostage families demanded an explanation from the army.

'Can anyone (promise) to us that this decision will not come at the cost of losing our loved ones?' the families said in a statement.

Much of Gaza has been reduced to a wasteland during more than 21 months of war and there are fears of accelerating starvation.

Palestinian health officials said hundreds of people could soon die as hospitals were inundated with patients suffering from dizziness and exhaustion due to the scarcity of food and a collapse in aid deliveries.

'We warn that hundreds of people whose bodies have wasted away are at risk of imminent death due to hunger,' the health ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, said.

The United Nations also said on Sunday that civilians were starving and needed an urgent influx of aid.

Residents said it was becoming impossible to find essential food such as flour. The Gaza health ministry said at least 71 children had died of malnutrition during the war, and 60,000 others were suffering from symptoms of malnutrition.

Later on Sunday, it said 18 people have died of hunger in the past 24 hours.

Food prices have increased well beyond what most of the population of more than two million can afford.

Several people who spoke to the Reuters news agency via chat apps said they either had one meal or no meal in the past 24 hours.

After Israel's military dropped leaflets urging people to evacuate from neighbourhoods in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah, residents said Israeli planes struck three houses in the area

Palestinians flee Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Sunday, July 20

'As a father, I wake up in the early morning to look for food, for even a loaf of bread for my five children, but all in vain,' said Ziad, a nurse.

'People who didn't die of bombs will die of hunger. We want an end to this war now, a truce, even for two months,' he told Reuters.

Others said they felt dizzy walking in the streets and that many fainted as they walked. Fathers leave tents to avoid questions by their children about what to eat.

UNRWA, the UN refugee agency dedicated to Palestinians, demanded Israel allow more aid trucks into Gaza, saying it had enough food for the entire population for over three months which was not allowed in.

Israel's military said that it 'views the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as a matter of utmost importance, and works to enable and facilitate its entry in coordination with the international community'.

Some Palestinians suggested the move on Deir al-Balah might be an attempt to put pressure on Hamas to make more concessions in long-running ceasefire negotiations.

Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.

The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 58,000 Palestinians according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.
A 33-year-old man has been charged with violent disorder and criminal damage following clashes outside an Essex migrant hotel.

Eight police officers were injured during what started as a peaceful protest at the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday evening.

Keith Silk, 33, of Torrington Drive, Loughton, was arrested on Saturday, Essex Police said.

The force said today the CPS had authorised police to charge Silk with one count of violent disorder and one count of criminal damage.

He was remanded into custody and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

Essex Police said: 'Our investigations into the incidents which followed a peaceful protest in Epping on Thursday evening are continuing at pace and we thank the public for sharing vital information.'

Thursday's demonstration was the latest in a series of protests outside the hotel after 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with sexual assault following an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

He denied the offences when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 10.

A 33-year-old man has been charged with violent disorder and criminal damage following clashes outside an Essex migrant hotel

Eight police officers were injured following what started as a peaceful protest at the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday evening

It comes after Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with a number of sexual offences

Kebatu 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.

Up to 100 police officers battled with anti-migrant protesters on Thursday who had confronted a counter an anti-racism demonstration.

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.

At the protest residents stood side-by-side 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.

Up to 100 police officers battled with anti-migrant protesters on Thursday who had confronted a counter an anti-racism demonstration

'We understand the concerns of the local community and support everyone's right to peaceful protest.

'We police without fear or favour, remaining impartial at all times and have legal responsibilities to ensure peaceful protest is facilitated.

'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.'
A fight over a Nantucket neighbor's tree cutting has ramped up as a property owner has been hit with criminal charges after he took drastic measures to improve the view from his property.

Jonathan Jacoby, 55, was charged Thursday in Nantucket District Court with felony vandalism, trespassing, and destroying trees on another's land - a set of charges that could land him up to three years in state prison.

The charges came after he allegedly removed over 16 trees belonging to longtime homeowners Patricia and Richard Belford, as reported by the Boston Globe.

The property feud erupted on the wealthy Massachusetts island after Jacoby allegedly chopped down 50-year-old trees to carve out an 'ocean view' for himself.

Patricia Belford, 80, accused the brazen neighbor of breaking onto her Nantucket property and cutting down 16 trees without her permission in February.

According to a $1.4 million lawsuit , Jacoby removed decades-old cherry, cedar and Leyland Cypress trees from the home 'with the specific purpose of improving the ocean view from his own property.'

When the trees were slashed, Matt Erisman, the property manager of Belford's $4.2 million home, notified the Nantucket Police Department (NPD), prompting an investigation.

'It was just a disgusting scene,' Erisman, 40, told the outlet. 'Even outside of my professional work, I've never seen a neighbor act like that and just deceive their neighbor like he did.'

Jonathan Jacoby allegedly removed decades-old trees from the home 'with the specific purpose of improving the ocean view from his own property' He charged Thursday in Nantucket District Court with felony vandalism, trespassing, and destroying trees on another's land. (pictured: court evidence showing cut down trees on Belford's land)

Hummock Pond, a salt-water pond on the southwestern part of Nantucket, and Cisco Beach (pictured) are just blocks away from Tautemo Way

Belford herself does not live at the property, located at 1 Tautemo Way, but in an assisted living facility, according to the Nantucket Current .

Jacoby's former landscaper, Krasimir Kirilov, voluntarily told investigators Jacoby was responsible.

Belford, who is suing on behalf of her family's trust, claimed losing the trees has caused emotional distress

Belford, who is suing on behalf of her family's trust, claimed losing the trees has caused emotional distress

In a police statement submitted as lawsuit evidence, Kirilov said Jacoby reached out to him for help cleaning up landscaping work he was going to do on his own.

Once he realized the work was not on Jacoby's property, Kirilov refused the offer.

'The NPD concluded that Jacoby entered the property knowingly and willfully and cut the trees for his own personal benefit,' the lawsuit reads about the ongoing investigation.

Nantucket Police Lieutenant Angus MacVicar told the Nantucket Current there are pending charges against Jacoby.

Belford argued the trees added not only privacy, but value to her home - with a nursey estimating they each could cost thousands of dollars.

Belford and Jacoby are next-door neighbors sharing a property line, but many of the trees taken down were far from it (pictured)

In its Zillow description, the contemporary home has 'sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean' and Hummock Pond (pictured)

'Based on the number of trees removed, the replacement cost alone exceeds $486,000,' the document, filed on June 23, states.

'This does not account for the historic value, loss of screening, increased noise, reduction in overall property value.

'Jacoby's actions were not only economically damaging but also emotionally devastating for Belford.'
Terror charges have been brought against three women after a van was driven into the fence of a defence factory in Edinburgh in a pro-Palestine protest.

The incident happened at the site run by global security company Leonardo in the Pilton area of the Scottish capital on Tuesday morning.

The facility, on Crewe Road North, was also defaced with white paint in the direct action by campaign group Shut Down Leonardo.

The women, aged 31, 34 and 42, who had earlier been arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 have now been charged.

They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

Police Scotland's counter-terrorism unit is leading the ongoing investigation - and has appealed for information about the vehicles involved.

The crashed large light blue Ford Transit van was seen on Gorgie Road, around a 15-minute drive away, on Monday and Tuesday before the incident.

A white Honda CR-Z, a sporty hybrid car, was recovered in a car park off the same A road after the incident.

Terror charges have been brought against three women (pictured) after a van was driven into the fence of a defence factory in Edinburgh in a pro-Palestine protest

The incident (pictured) happened at the site run by global security company Leonardo in the Pilton area of the Scottish capital on Tuesday morning

The facility, on Crewe Road North, was also defaced with white paint in the direct action by campaign group Shut Down Leonardo

Pictures show a Palestinian flag hanging off the crashed van, which was smashed into a tall metal fence topped with barbed wire.

The three women are seen sitting on top of the van, which they appear to be helped down from by emergency workers.

A shot of them atop the vehicle sees one of the women smile directly at the camera, while another displays her handcuffed wrists and the last wears a Palestine shirt.

Direct action campaign group Shut Down Leonardo has since said the protest was against the factory making laser targeting systems for Israel's F-35 fighter jets.

Leonardo has said it does not supply equipment directly to Israel and its main customer is the UK Armed Forces.

The firm said: 'Leonardo UK is subject to UK government export controls and does not supply equipment direct to Israel.

'The right to peaceful protest is an important principle in our society, however, aggressive and violent activity should have no place in protest.

'The intimidation of our people, who work hard to support the security and defence of the UK, is not acceptable.'

Images show a Palestinian flag hanging off the crashed van (pictured), which was crashed into a tall metal fence topped with barbed wire

The three women are seen sitting on top of the van, which they appear to be helped down from by emergency workers (pictured)

Leonardo's website describes it as one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the Ministry of Defence. Pictured: Its facility in Edinburgh

Police have previously said they are treating the incident as 'targeted' and do not think it poses a wider threat to the public.

Leonardo's website describes it as one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the Ministry of Defence.

It operates from nine sites across the UK, employing more than 8,500 people.

The force has also asked anyone with information to get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference number 0416 of July 15.
An off-duty Border Patrol agent was shot in the face by an illegal immigrant in a robbery gone wrong before the agent fired back, authorities said.

The dramatic scene unfolded on Saturday and was caught on video.

The federal agent, 42, was sitting in Fort Washington Park, Manhattan, when he was approached by two men on a moped attempting to rob him just before midnight.

One of the immigrants took out a gun after a brief commotion and fired at the agent, hitting him in the face and left forearm.

The victim, who was sitting on a rock with a female friend, quickly reacted and took out his own gun and shot at the two men.

The 42-year-old is expected to survive his injuries - but is currently in hospital.

His bullets hit suspect Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a previously deported Dominican national, who has been living illegally in the US since 2023, investigators said.

He has been taken into custody. The second suspect has not been found.

Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a previously deported Dominican national, who has been living illegally in the US since 2023, has been identified as a suspect involved in the shooting of an off duty Border Patrol agent in New York City

The federal agent, 42, was sitting in Fort Washington Park, Manhattan, when he was approached by two men on a moped attempting to rob him just before midnight. Pictured: A gun found at the scene

The 42-year-old victim is expected to survive his injuries - but is currently in hospital

The Department of Homeland Security told Fox Nunez has a current warrant out for an alleged kidnapping Massachusetts, as well as other felony arrests.

'This 21-year-old male has prior arrests for assault and violating an order protection,' New York Mayor Adams added at a press conference Sunday.

'At the time of this shooting, he had an active bench warrant from the Bronx, was wanted for a robbery from last December, and [a] stabbing from January.'

'He has inflicted violence in our city and once he is charged for last night's crimes, we will be able to add attempted murder to his rap sheet,' the mayor added.

President Trump addressed the incident in a post on Truth Social where he hailed the agent's actions.

'The CBP Officer bravely fought off his attacker, despite his wounds, demonstrating enormous Skill and Courage,' Trump wrote.

'The Democrats have flooded our Nation with Criminal Invaders, and now, they must all be thrown out or, in some cases, immediately prosecuted in that we cannot take a chance that they are able to come back. Thats how evil and dangerous they are!'

A crime scene was set up in the early hours of Sunday morning - and police with the NYPD were seen sweeping the park for shell casings and evidence.

Members of the NYPD use evidence markers to indicate where shell casings and other evidence are found at the scene where an off-duty border patrol agent is wounded in a shooting at Fort Washington Park in Manhattan

A backpack was also found. It is unclear who it belonged to

There is still a large police presence inside the park and underneath the George Washington Bridge.

A firearm was found at the scene - as well as a backpack, along with a wallet and jacket. It's unclear who they belonged to.

The frightening ordeal comes amid the White House's massive deportation push. Trump is continuing full steam ahead to try and remove the over 10 million migrants who illegally entered the country under President Joe Biden.

The Department of Homeland Security said the administration has carried out 239,000 deportations since Trump's inauguration in January.

New York City in particular felt the brunt of the immigration crisis over the last five years because it is a sanctuary city - with hundreds of thousands of migrants arriving in the Big Apple seeking shelter and asylum.

The Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown was set up as a makeshift registration center and shelter for immigrant families who had arrived in the US through the southern border and made their way to the Democratic city to start their new life.

As well as eating away at public facilities, New York City's migrant crisis cost taxpayers $10million every day - with Mayor Eric Adams giving migrant families prepaid debit cards worth a total of $18,500 each.
At lease five people, including a pregnant woman, have died after a ferry carrying hundreds of passengers burst into flames in Indonesia forcing terrified travellers to jump overboard into the sea.

More than 280 people were rescued and evacuation efforts were ongoing following the incident on Sunday.

The KM Barcelona 5 was headed to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, from Talaud, an island district in the province, when it caught fire in waters near Talise, Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command, said.

The senior officer said that three navy ships had been deployed, and 284 passengers and crew members had so far been evacuated.

But Manado SAR Office Public Relations Officer Nuriadin Gumeleng stated one tragic victim was a pregnant woman who had been referred from Talaud to Manado.

'Currently, only one person has been identified as having died, a pregnant woman. Her body is now on land,' Gumeleng told local news site Harian Jogja.

The rescue operation included assistance from local fishermen, who saved some survivors wearing life jackets as they were drifting to nearby islands in the choppy waters.

Striking footage shows the vessel entirely engulfed with bright orange flames as plumes of grey smoke tower above the wreckage

A number of passengers in orange life vests are forced to enter the sea as they sit on the edge of the vessel

Some passengers filmed the wreckage a distance away as they recounted the horrifying events

There were no immediate reports of injuries, and no exact figures of passengers and crew members onboard the ferry.

Striking footage of the incident shows the vessel entirely engulfed in bright orange flames as plumes of grey smoke tower above the wreckage.

A woman can be heard crying uncontrollably in a recording of the ruined ferry that shows a number of passengers in orange life vests forced to enter the sea as they sit on the edge of the vessel.

The camera then reveals several dozen people already in the water after swimming away from the boat.

Another video appears to show a toddler rescued from the sea by a man who relays his account of the horrifying events.

He is recorded filming the wreckage a distance away and clutching the young child in his arms who coughs as the man narrates.

In one chilling broadcast uploaded to Facebook a passenger named Abdul Rahmad Agu pleaded: 'We are burning at sea... we need help... fast...'.

Rescue operations are ongoing with emergency teams racing to account for all passengers.

A Manado KSOP officer named the three rescue ships dispatched to the scene as the KM Barcelona III, KM Venecian, and KM Cantika Lestari 9F.

The ferry was scheduled to dock at Manado Port when disaster struck, local outlet IDN Times reports.

Families of those onboard have been urged to stay calm and await official updates.

Just days earlier, at least 38 people died after tourist boat carrying 53 passengers capsized in Vietnam.

High winds struck Halong Bay, the Wonder Sea boat, and according to Vn Express, rescue crews recovered 37 bodies and saved 11 survivors - with five still unaccounted for.
Six people have been arrested after anti-migrant protestors gathered outside the same migrant hotel in Essex where a demonstration on Thursday descended into violent chaos.

Furious demonstrators flocked to The Bell Hotel in Epping, which has been operating on-and-off as a migrant hotel for the last five years, on Sunday after an asylum seeker was accused of committing three sexual assaults.

The man accused of trying to kiss a 14-year-old girl, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, had arrived in the UK by small boat eight days prior the alleged assaults.

He has since denied three charges of sexual assault against two girls aged 14 and 16, inciting a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence.

Three arrests were made in connection with Thursday's protests, which began peacefully before flaring into violence, with a police van seen driving into a protestor who appeared to be obstructing its path.

And Essex Police said a further six arrests were made on Sunday night for 'violent disorder' after the peaceful protests turned into 'mindless thuggery'.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: 'Disappointingly we have seen yet another protest, which had begun peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle.'

The force announced before the protest that it would order demonstrators to remove face coverings when requested under section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

A police officer was seen with blood running down his cheek outside The Bell Hotel last night

Protestors took to the streets for another day - with marchers seen holding red smoke flares aloft as demonstrators displayed signs behind them

Riot police followed a march into the town centre as protestors gathered in the area

People wrapped in St George's flag faced down riot police who lined up in a queue on Hemnall Street

Protestors marching in Epping chanted in opposition to The Bell Hotel housing migrants

Protestors waved flags and signs as chants of 'save our kids' and 'send them home' rang out

Protestors appeared to scuffle with police near the centre of Epping as protestors marched

The asylum seeker accused of sexual assaults, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu (above) had arrived in the UK by small boat eight days prior the alleged assaults - he has since denied charges

Bottles and smoke flares were thrown towards police vehicles stationed outside The Bell Hotel

A man was seen being put into the back of a police van at the Epping protests on Sunday night

Officers were seen near crowds who had descended near the hotel for another day of protesting

They said anyone who refused to remove a face mask when asked to do so was likely to be arrested and could be imprisoned if convicted.

Officers said: 'The right to peaceful protest is protected by law and allows everyone freedom of expression, but this must be done respectfully and if there is a risk to public order, we will act appropriately.'

Demonstrators gathering on Sunday displayed signs which opposed the hotel holding migrants as protestors let off red, white and blue smoke flares.

Bottles and flares were thrown towards police vehicles stationed outside the hotel by some protesters who led chants such as 'send them home' and 'save our kids'.

Police also surrounded a counter-protester, an elderly woman, who was escorted by police out of the area as a group of masked protesters followed her and shouted abuse.

More images from last night's gathering showed cars beeping their horns as they drove by, waving Union Jack flags out of the window as onlookers cheered.

Police surrounded a woman, who was escorted by police out of the area as a group of masked protesters followed her and shouted abuse

Blue and white smoke bombs were let off outside the hotel in Epping as protestors gathered

The hotel (above) has been operating as an asylum hotel on and off for the last five years

Further signs displayed by two women read: 'I'm not far right, I'm worried about my kids' and 'Make Epping Safe Again', while another read: 'We go home when they go back'.

A line of police vans and officers blocked off the entrance to the hotel with protesters facing them on the other side of the pavement.

UKIP politician Nick Tenconi led chants outside the hotel as he called on protestors to gather outside 'every week'.

Yesterday's gathering came after tempers flared on Thursday, when a group of hardcore agitators appeared to stop three Essex Police riot vans from driving past the hotel to support their colleagues in the centre of the town, before protestors took to the road to block and attack police vans.

Dramatic footage from that night showed a demonstrator being driven into by one of the police vehicles, which appeared to spark chaos outside the hotel.

UKIP politician Nick Tenconi led chants outside the hotel as he called on protestors to gather outside 'every week'

Crowds were seen facing police who lined up outside the hotel as smoke bombs were launched

A car, understood to be a police vehicle, was seen with a heavily damaged windscreen

Protestors gathered outside the migrant hotel where a demonstration on Thursday descended into violent chaos

One woman displayed a sign made of cardboard which read 'I'm not far right I'm worried about my kids'

A sign displayed outside the hotel in reads 'Protect our Kids' with England flags painted on either side

Another displayed a sign which called for Epping to be 'made great again'

'We go home when they go back' reads this sign held outside the hotel yesterday evening

Keith Silk, 33, from, Loughton, was arrested on Saturday and has been charged with violent disorder and criminal damage following clashes outside the hotel. He was remanded into custody and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today.

Dean Walters, 65, of Harlow, has also been charged and released on bail to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on September 24, with stringent conditions until then.

Another man arrested on Thursday for failing to comply with a dispersal order has been released on conditional bail.

Essex Police said: 'Our investigations into the incidents which followed a peaceful protest in Epping on Thursday evening are continuing at pace and we thank the public for sharing vital information.'

Local MP Neil Hudson condemned Thursday's 'violent scenes' in a post on X, after eight police officers were injured.

He said: 'This is completely unacceptable. Police put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe. People have the right to peacefully protest but these violent scenes are not us, not Epping, not what we stand for.

'I urge folk to listen to the advice of the police while we work to sort this.'

A man with a St George's flag mask rode past the protestors who lined the pavements holding flags and signs

'Evidence Gatherer' officers were present as protestors gathered near the hotel in Epping

A sign held up among the crowds read: 'You are paying billions to prop up a broken asylum system. Look after our own'

Another display called to 'Stop the Boats' with England flags between the O's and on either corner

Cars beeped their horns as they drove by, waving Union Jack flags as protestors cheered

In the footage captured on Thursday, an Essex Police van was seen knocking over a young man, who stood in Epping High Road, in what appears to be an attempt to stop the vehicle leaving.

In a comment addressing the video, a spokesperson for the Met said: 'Met officers attended Epping, Essex, on the evening of Thursday, 17 July, following a request by Essex Police to support with an ongoing protest and counter-protest.

'On arrival, officers were met with significant hostility from protesters, with police vehicles damaged and officers threatened with violence.

'During their attendance, officers attempted to leave the immediate area due to safety concerns and were subsequently blocked in by the group of protesters using barriers.

'During this, a police van made contact with one of the protesters.'

Protesters had erected a make-shift barrier made up of pallets and plastic fencing in the road to stop police leaving the scene on Thursday.

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 mowed down by the police van is then seen getting up and brushing himself down as he shouts at the convoy.

Dozens of officers were seen standing close to the protestors with riot helmets in their hands

Police gathered at The Bell Hotel last night after Thursday's violence

Another man, who was standing by the side of the road, also fell to the ground during the chaotic clip - which has been seen millions of times online. It is unclear whether either man needed medical attention.

Essex Police officers, dressed in full riot-gear, were seen sat in the vehicles - as thugs are seen attacking the vans, kicking and launching missiles at them.

They had been among up to 100 officers who battled with anti-migrant protesters who had confronted a counter anti-racism demonstration.

Speaking after Thursday's incidents, ACC Hooper said: 'If you were one of those individuals that was responsible for the damage - particularly to my officers or vehicle - you can expect a knock on your door.'

He added: 'Eight of my officers... were assaulted last night and that is absolutely, totally unaccepted. They have come here to do a role, to support their communities  they're a part of that community. And that's what we won't tolerate.'
A brave teenage girl got swept away by a current and drowned while trying to save her cousin's son in a West Virginia river.

Reese Hanshaw, 13, of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, tragically lost her life on June 30 when she, a group of children, and two adults, Ashley Shelton, 29 and Joshua Lockerbie, 34, took a trip to the Ohio River.

Shelton and Lockerbie, of Weirton, drove six children, aged four to 13-year-old, to the river in We to swim that day when a strong current took over Hanshaw around 7pm.

Hanshaw desperately tried to save the little boy near the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Heavy rainfall throughout the day made the water level higher than normal, sparking dangerous conditions, the Weirton Police Department said.

Officers rushed to the scene within minutes, as one cop swam out to save Hanshaw and performed life-saving measures on her. She was then taken to the hospital where she died, Weirton Police Chief Charlie Kush said.

Following her sudden death, the teen's aunt revealed her final heroic act just before she drowned.

'While enjoying a summer day with her cousins, Reese heroically gave her life saving her cousins little boy, who was swept away by a sudden rip current,' Becky Watlet, Hanshaw's mother's sister, said on Facebook.

Shelton and Lockerbie, who are in a relationship, were arrested Wednesday and charged with six felonies. It is unclear what their relationship was to Hanshaw or the other children.

Reese Hanshaw, 13, of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, got caught in a strong current and drowned on June 30 while swimming at the Ohio River in West Virginia

Ashley Shelton, 29 and Joshua Lockerbie, 34, took six children, aged four to 13-year-old, to the river (pictured) to swim that day

Police said they chose to bring several children to the river despite high water levels. Investigators also noted no flotation devices were present.

The couple were also aware that none of the children were strong swimmers, police said.

They are both charged with child neglect resulting in death and child neglect with risk of death or injury, according to arrest records obtained by Daily Mail.

Shelton and Lockerbie are being held at the Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville on a $150,000 bail each, per records.

Although boats are common in the river, people don't often swim or go fishing in the water, especially in hazardous conditions, Kush told CBS News.

'You have to be responsible, you have to know the limitations of the people that you're with if you are letting juveniles do these types of things,' he explained.

The police chief added that 'it was just unusual' for people to go down to that river to swim in the bad weather.

Hanshaw has been remembered as a 'bright and creative spirit' who had just finished the eighth grade, her obituary read.

Shelton and Lockerbie, who are in a relationship, were arrested and charged with six felonies after police found they brought several children to the river despite high water levels

Hanshaw has been remembered as a 'bright and creative spirit' who had just finished the eighth grade

The rising high school freshman was also 'a proud member of the Turtle Club' and was known for her 'deep love for animals.'

'A talented and imaginative soul, she enjoyed drawing, crafting, creating videos, and editing,' the page read.

Watlet called her late niece a 'shining light' who was also 'kind, courageous, and full of love.

'Her selflessness and bravery will forever be remembered by all who knew her,' she continued.

She went on to ask the public to help raise money for her sister and brother-in-law during this difficult time.

A GoFundMe page was created by her other aunt Heather Durbin to help raise money, and as of Sunday afternoon, more than $10,500 was collected.

'We are so grateful for any support, kindness, and love you can share as we honor Reeses memory,' Watlet wrote.

They are both charged with child neglect resulting in death and child neglect with risk of death or injury, according to arrest records obtained by Daily Mail

Several of Hanshaw's classmates posted heartfelt messages about her following her death.

'Reese, I always sat with you the few days we had left of school,' one wrote. 'We werent close but you were always kind and I remember you giving me candy all the time and starting conversations with me when I had nobody to talk to on the bus.'

Another said: 'The last remaining years of school wont be the same without. Not seeing you in the hallways will be a big change because you made everyone laugh in the hallways. Rest in peace Reese'

A funeral was held for Hanshaw on Tuesday in her hometown.

This is not Lockerbie's first run-in with the law, as he was previously arrested for speeding, driving under suspension, simple assault, and theft, among other offenses, according to public records.

Daily Mail contacted the Weirton Police Department for more information.
The world's oldest KFC worker who first started frying chicken in 1978 has died after more than four decades serving millions of drumsticks.

Pauline Richards has sadly passed away from cancer aged 74 after 47 years of dedicated service at the branch of the fast food chain in Taunton, Somerset.

Known as 'Miss KFC', the grandmother worked nearly every possible role - including a cleaner, cashier, supervisor, manager and team leader - in her time at the firm.

Ms Richards was famous in the town and has been hailed as 'one of its most loved residents' for her kindness, hard work, smiley conversation and dry humour.

Local children called her 'Mum' and 'Nan' - while adults have fondly said she watched them grow up, seeing them through many a night out safely.

She was even honoured with a Civic Award by the town's Mayor Councillor Vanessa Garside earlier this year for her 'outstanding long service' at the restaurant.

Tributes have poured in for the award-winning fast food worker, who residents have all agreed will be 'truly missed', 'till we meet in the big KFC in the sky'.

One customer wrote on Facebook: 'She was an absolute legend, simple as. A beautiful soul and will be sadly missed.'

The world's oldest KFC worker (pictured in 2019) who first started frying chicken in 1978 has died after more than four decades serving millions of drumsticks

Pauline Richards (pictured in 2019) has sadly passed away from cancer aged 74 after 47 years of dedicated service at the branch of the fast food chain in Taunton, Somerset

Known as 'Miss KFC', the grandmother (pictured in 2019) worked nearly every possible role - including a cleaner, cashier, supervisor, manager and team leader - in her 47 years at the firm

A KFC spokesperson said: 'We're deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pauline Richards. We are supporting Pauline's family, who have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.'

A spokesperson for Taunton Town Council said: 'All of us at Taunton Town Council are saddened to learn of the passing of one of Taunton's most loved residents, Pauline Richards, aka Miss KFC, the world's longest serving member of KFC staff and a friendly, well known face in our town.

'She was an excited and incredibly deserving recipient of one of our Civic Awards back in March this year.

'Our thoughts are with her family and all of those who knew and loved her.'

Taunton restaurant the Spud Shack posted a tribute online, saying: 'We, as many of the town are mourning Pauline from KFC.

'She was the world's longest-serving KFC employee. She will be very missed by everyone in Taunton.

'Pauline was very well known in the town for her dry sense of humour when dealing with people who were a tad intoxicated!'

Another customer commented: 'Sending massive condolences to her family, she was [a] one of a kind lady in there and those of us who grew up here were her kids and she saw most of our parents grow up and then us grow up and become parents ourselves, she will be truly missed.'

One added: 'Very sad to hear the news of Pauline's passing, what a lovely lady, I feel I've know [her] all my life, you fed me many a night on the town, during my teens, twenties, thirties, forties and fifties.

She was even honoured with a Civic Award by the town's Mayor Councillor Vanessa Garside (pictured together) earlier this year for her 'outstanding long service' at the restaurant

Tributes have poured in for the award-winning fast food worker, who residents have all agreed will be 'truly missed', 'till we meet in the big KFC in the sky'

'A lovely hard working lady, who will be sadly missed by many I'm sure, thank you Pauline, till we meet in the KFC in the sky.'

Residents have suggested putting up a bench or plaque in a 'sunny spot' in the town, in memory of 'a true star of Taunton Town' and a 'local legend'.

They said it would be a fitting tribute to the woman who 'brought a ray of sunshine' to everyone she met and 'made us all smile with her customer service banter'.

Ms Richards, whose daughter and grandson have also worked at the branch, previously told of her love of the job.

She said: 'When I go out for a break, children would shout over to me 'Hello Miss KFC' and call me 'Mum' and 'Nan'.

'Even on a Friday and Saturday night here, you get customers and some young boys start singing my name out and they are pleased to see me.

'When I'm not in, [the customers] are asking where I am. If I've been out, I get people asking why I'm not working tonight.'

Ms Richards began working for KFC in the seventies as a cleaner to support her friend who had just started working at the former branch on East Reach.

Local children call her 'Mum' and 'Nan' - while adults have fondly said she watched them grow up, seeing them through many a night out safely. Pictured: Ms Richards with her general manager Alice Yarde in 2019

She went on to become a cashier and took customer's orders before helping to cook the food.

The dedicated employee even worked her way up to becoming a manager for two-and-half years.

Ms Richards stuck with the firm when the branch on East Reach closed and the town's KFC relocated to East Street.

She said she always aims to 'help [customers] out to the best I can'.

'A lot of people say, 'Don't ever leave'', she said.

'They say, 'You know what you're talking about, you help me out, and you're always friendly'.

'I always make sure I get people's orders right. I think that is a good thing for the customers.'

She added: 'I love my job.

Ms Richards (pictured in 2019) was famous in the town and has been hailed as 'one of its most loved residents' for her kindness, hard work, smiley conversation and dry humour

'Customers I have always spoken to and I have been friendly with and I have always tried to help as best I can and this job has always suited my life.

'I do want to say thank you to my customers that I have been friends with and I really appreciate it.'

She explained her long service at the brand: 'KFC haven't done anything wrong for me and I think they are good to work for.

'I haven't had any complaints. If I ever had a problem about certain things, I spoke to my manager.

'I do like working with people here and I can't say I don't. We have a good little group here.'

Ms Richards recalled how things had changed over the years: 'We cooked the hot wings in the pots in those days and breaded them all up and put the BBQ sauce on.'

The beloved fast food worker also previously told The Sun: 'If you keep them happy, they are happy to come and see you.

'They come in and look for me and if I am on a break, they ask for me to come down and say hello.'

KFC has previously said Pauline was 'an important role model in her local community and created a legacy the Colonel would be proud of'.

Estimated to have served more than five million of the brand's famous chicken drumsticks, she has been its longest-serving worker for two years.

Ms Richards earned the title after surpassing American employee Lorena Neely, who worked for the chain between 1976 and 2023.
Police officers are being encouraged to mark Pansexual Visibility Day and a host of other dates related to the forces equality agenda as part of a woke inclusion calendar.

The list of key days - which also includes Asexuality Day and Lesbian Visibility Day - was shared with officers and staff allowing them to seek further information on them if they wish.

Last Wednesday saw International Drag Day and Monday last week was Non-Binary Peoples Day  while International Pronouns Day is on October 20.

Not all of the dates are marked nationally by the organisation - but officers and civilian staff can request more detail about them, potentially allowing them to request permission to mark specific dates in the workplace.

Last night Dr Kath Murray, of gender-critical think-tank Murray Blackburn Mackenzie, said: Police Scotlands inclusion calendar celebrates just one day for women, compared to two months for transgender causes.

The force also signposts days celebrating drag queens, pronouns, and fringe gender identities.

It has no formal representation for women, nor does it recognise the [gender-critical] Police SEEN network.

The calendar opens with LGBT History Month in February, with Purple Friday marked as the last Friday in February, a day when people can show their solidarity with LGBTIQ+ people by wearing the colour purple.

Glasgow Pride at the weekend saw no uniformed officers join the march but it has now emerged Police Scotland has a ' woke inclusion calendar' with some events marked nationally by the force

Uniformed police officers have been banned from taking part in Pride marches - but they have ways of marking the force's equality agenda

Transgender Day of Visibility is on March 31, with Asexuality Day on April 6 and Lesbian Visibility Day on April 26.

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is on May 17, while Pansexual Visibility Day is on May 24.

Pansexuality is defined as a sexual orientation characterised by attraction to people regardless of their gender identity.

Transgender Awareness Week runs from November 13-19, while Transgender Day of Remembrance is on November 20.

The row follows Police Scotlands decision not to allow officers in uniform to take part in a Pride march in Glasgow on Saturday.

It came after a High Court judgment south of the Border last week which found this was a breach of impartiality, following a judicial review.

Last month Police Scotland was accused of promoting trans ideology by putting up virtue-signalling gender posters in a station.

The placards explain the words and phrases by going through each letter of the alphabet - for example G is for gender identity.

Police Scotland has also been criticised over delays in implementing a separate Supreme Court judgment in April which stated that the words woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

Last year Chief Constable Jo Farrell said the public and MSPs should be assured that a man who commits rape or serious sexual assault will always be recorded as male.

In March, the Mail revealed that this stance, which campaigners said was a major policy U-turn, was not communicated to officers, sparking claims that police may have misled parliament.

And last week the Mail revealed that no one will face action over a deeply offensive police document which compared gender-critical feminists to Nazis.

Police Scotland was at the centre of a row in May after staff were told the concept of gender binary - the belief there are only two genders - was a key feature of the Nazis ideology.

The document was posted on the forces intranet by a serving constable who did not need authorisation to do so at the time.

Last night Scottish Tory equalities spokesman Tess White said: Hard-working Scots expect Police Scotland to be focused on tackling crime, not a woke inclusion calendar.

Its just common sense that keeping people safe should be the top priority for the force.

Commenting further on the calendar row, Dr Murray said: There are serious questions here as to whether Police Scotland would pass the impartiality test set out in the judgment against the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police issued this week, in relation to its participation in a Pride march.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: These dates are part of Police Scotlands inclusion calendar and, while not all are marked nationally by the organisation, listing them allows colleagues to seek further information on them if they wish.
Police are frantically searching for a nine-year-old girl they believe has been abducted from Lake George in New York by a suspect in a white van.

New York State Police (NYSP) has asked for the public's assistance in locating Melina Galanis Frattolin, warning that they believe she is in 'imminent danger'.

She was last seen in a white van on Saturday at 9.40pm EST, traveling southbound on Interstate 87 near exit 22, according to NYSP.

'The child was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm and/or death,' the department said.

NYSP issued an Amber Alert on Sunday after the girl still had not been found.

Warren County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is investigating the case as a child abduction.

The suspect's identity is not known, or their registration plate. Anyone with information should call WCSO at 518-743-2501 or to dial 911.

Galanis Frattolin is described as five feet tall, weighing 100 pounds and being of Indian descent with brown hair and brown eyes.

Police are frantically searching for a nine-year-old girl they believe was abducted from Lake George in New York by a suspect in a white van. Authorities have asked for the public's assistance in locating Melina Galanis Frattolin (pictured), who was last seen Saturday night

Lake George, where the girl was last seen, is a small waterside town in the Adirondack region of upstate New York around 60 miles north of Albany

She was last seen wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, shorts and white Adidas sneakers.

Police did not disclose what Galanis Frattolin was doing at the time of the abduction, where she was or who she was with.

The Daily Mail has contacted local officials for more information.

Amber Alerts are activated in 'the most serious child-abduction cases,' according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) website.

'The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of a missing child.

'These alerts are broadcast through radio, TV, road signs, cellphones, and other data-enabled devices.'

The nonprofit said that 1,268 children have been 'recovered' thanks to their assistance in 2025 alone.

Galanis Frattolin is described as five feet tall, weighing 100 pounds and being of Indian descent with brown hair and brown eyes. New York State Police has issued an Amber Alert for the child

Lake George, where the girl was last seen, is a small waterside town in the Adirondack region of upstate New York around 60 miles north of Albany.

This is a breaking news story with updates to follow.
A smirking thug who battered his friend, forced him to strip naked and then paraded him through the streets has been jailed.

Karl Griffiths, 42, of Penclawdd, Gower, staged his heinous attack after a day of group socialising at the friend's flat in the Welsh village on January 30 this year.

The distressing ordeal saw him march his naked friend through the centre of Penclawdd, down what is the main road through the whole north Gower area.

This was filmed by people in the village on their mobile phones, with the footage showing the poor man in clear distress.

Before this, Griffiths - who already has a 'substantial criminal history' - had hit his friend and his friend's girlfriend with her crutches and punched him repeatedly in the head and all over his body.

He also threw a lamp across the room, destroyed their TV, shouted abuse, took the couple's phones off them, locked everyone present in the flat - and told police on the phone: 'I'm going to kill someone'.

He was now been locked up for 31 months, with sentences for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, battery, kidnap and criminal damage to run concurrently.

The attacker received a one quarter discount for pleading guilty - and he will only serve up to half his sentence in custody, with the rest on licence in the community.

Karl Griffiths (pictured), 42, of Penclawdd, Gower, staged his heinous attack after a day of group socialising at the friend's flat in the Welsh village on January 30 this year

The distressing ordeal saw him march his naked friend through the centre of Penclawdd (pictured, file photo), down what is the main road through the whole north Gower area

It was a highly public area, near the village's large CK Foodstores supermarket (pictured, file photo)

Griffiths' previous offences include non-domestic burglaries, dishonesty matters, weapons offences and supplying Class A drugs.

His police headshot shows him looking right at the camera with a brazenly direct gaze and a smug expression.

Judge Huw Rees, at Swansea Crown Court, said Griffiths' behaviour was 'irrational' and probably done under the influence of drink and drugs.

But he also admitted that by the look of his references, other people thought well of Griffiths and saw him as a 'kindly man'.

The attacker hopes his friend can forgive him in time.

Meanwhile, the victim said in an impact statement read by Mr Jones he could not believe someone he considered a friend could have treated him so poorly.

He added it has had a massive effect on his mental health, leaving him feeling unsafe in his own home.

But in an astonishingly generous move, the victim said while what Griffiths did was 'not right', he did not want his friend to be prosecuted.

Judge Huw Rees, at Swansea Crown Court (pictured, file photo), said Griffiths' behaviour was 'irrational' and probably done under the influence of drink and drugs

His partner said in an impact statement the horrifying attack had made her anxiety and depression even worse.

She hoped everyone could 'put this behind them' and move on.

Prosecutor Craig Jones said everything started after a big group hangout had extended into the evening.

Griffiths received a phone call at one point in the night, briefly leaving the flat to answer.

But when he returned, he locked the door behind him and told those present no one was leaving.

After taking the phones of his friend and his friend's partner and refusing to return them, he accused the pair of stealing from him.

The prosecutor said it was not clear whether he was accusing them of stealing money or drugs.

It was then he assaulted the couple with the crutches and punched the friend, before hurling the abuse at them and throwing the lamp across the room, smashing it.

Griffiths 'demanded' his friend take his clothes off, telling him they were 'going for a walk' and forcing him outside. Pictured: File photo of Penclawdd

Griffiths 'demanded' his friend take his clothes off, telling him they were 'going for a walk' and forcing him outside, the prosecutor said - before he 'essentially paraded him naked around the streets'.

It was a highly public area, near the village's large CK Foodstores supermarket.

The barrister said he would not play the footage of the humiliating naked walk in open court out of respect for the dignity of the victim, unless the judge wanted it shown.

Griffiths then took his friend back to his flat where he smashed the TV and called the police.

It was then he made the terrifying threat: 'Someone better come and get me, I'm going to kill someone.'

He was arrested, saying in his police interview his arrival at his friend's flat had come after he had argued with his mother.

Griffiths accused his friend of stealing from him and admitted to giving him 'a clip' and hitting him with 'a few punches'.

He accepted making him march around outside the flat to humiliate him.

The barrister said he would not play the footage of the humiliating naked walk in open court out of respect for the dignity of the victim, unless the judge wanted it shown. Pictured: File photo of Penclawdd

Griffiths previously pleaded guilty to battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, criminal damage, and kidnapping when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

His lawyer James Hartson said whatever grievance his client may have had with his friend, it 'could not remotely justify the level of humiliation and violence' handed out.

But he added intoxication may go some way towards explaining it.

The attacker has now rid himself of his addiction to controlled drugs and has enhanced-prisoner status at HMP Swansea, the barrister continued.

Judge Rees pointed out Griffiths' victims had been his friends - and the 'parading' through the streets had occurred in a particularly public location.

Griffiths' concurrent custodial sentence comprises 31 months for kidnap, three months for battery, 18 months for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one month for criminal damage.
A British woman has died after a white water rafting accident in the French Alps, adding that a manslaughter probe had been opened.

The tragedy happened shortly after noon on Saturday on the Guisane river in the commune of Briancon, in the southeast of the country, said Gap prosecutor Marion Lozac'hmeur.

According to the firefighting service, the woman fell from her raft and was later found on the riverbank before she was raced to Briancon hospital.

Born in 1956 and of British nationality, the woman arrived at hospital in a 'very serious condition' and unfortunately died on Saturday evening, Lozac'hmeur added.

An autopsy will be conducted, the prosecutor said.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are in touch with local authorities following the death of a British woman in France'.

Last June, two 60-year-olds died in a rafting accident on the Guil River in the Hautes-Alpes region.

A group of ten Czech tourists, spread across two boats, required the intervention of the firefighters and the mountain rescue unit.

The tragedy happened shortly after noon on Saturday on the Guisane river in the commune of Briancon (pictured), in the southeast of the country, said Gap prosecutor Marion Lozac'hmeur

The first victim was declared dead at the scene, the second in hospital.

At the time, Thomas Pascal, president of the national union of professional canoe-kayak guides and associated disciplines, told France3 that white water accidents are caused due to the strong flow of water.

He explained that the difficulty comes mainly from the violence of the water movements which are not in the places where swimmers usually expect them.

'For example, a rock which usually comes out of the water and does not pose any problem, will be covered and behind, create a movement of water which can be violent and trap a kayaker', he said.

Before each river trip, it is recommended to check with local professionals and clubs about flow conditions and routes that may have changed with the river's dynamics.

A route that may normally be easy and accessible becomes very challenging with current flow rates.
The SNP squandered almost 20million on woke ideology while slashing public services, the Tories have claimed.

The Nationalist government is accused of years of waste on diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) officials and training courses across the public sector.

Scotlands crisis-hit NHS was the biggest spender on the personnel and programmes, despite struggling to recover since the Covid pandemic and record waiting lists.

Health boards have splashed 8.9million on DEI training since 2019, including 624,000 at NHS Fife, which was taken to a tribunal by nurse Sandie Peggie after she had to share a changing room with a trans doctor.

Councils, universities, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and Scottish Government departments spent a further 11million between them on DEI.

Total annual costs doubled from 2.1million to 4.3million over the period.

The SPSs DEI spend of 751,934 included 9,180 to the controversial LGBTQ rights group Stonewall and more than 725,000 on diversity staff wages.

An unidentified slice of the spending was for awareness/celebration sessions.

The Scottish Government is keen on equality, diversity and inclusion

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said it was 'outrageous' how much money SNP ministers have spent on 'woke' ideology while many services have been hit by budget constraints

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: This is yet another example of the SNP prioritising ideological projects over the issues that people actually care about. Its no wonder Scots are fed up with Left-wing politicians at Holyrood.

Official figures obtained by the Tories show a total spend of 19,987,747 on DEI between 2019-20 and 2024-25.

Of that, 2,480,032 was spent by Scotlands councils; 1,012,806 by the justice system; 8,902,193 by the NHS; 5,899,247 by universities; and 1,693,469 by central government.

The largest health board, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, spent 4.25million between 2019 and 2025, followed by NHS Ayrshire & Arrans 1.3million and NHS Grampians 1million.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran said 780,000 of its spending was on translation and interpretation.

But NHS Grampian said it only spent 27,500 on the same issue, while laying out 125,000 on professional fees - other.

The highest spending local authority was Aberdeen City Council at 620,640, followed by Angus on 432,000, then Dumfries & Galloway on 348,000 and North Ayrshire on 324,000.

Aberdeen said that around half its spending was on translation services, but Angus said all of its went on the salary for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Senior Practitioner.

Diversity and inclusion strategy for the Scottish Government

Health boards in Scotland have spent almost 9million on DEI training since 2019

Most of North Ayrshires spending was on an Equalities Inclusion Officer. Almost all of the 117,391 spent on DEI by Scotlands largest council, Glasgow City, was attributed to Purchase of services including training.

Edinburgh Napier University, which spent 2.97million, said all its staff were required to attend annual mandatory EDI training and additional role specific training.

The next biggest university DEI spender, Dundee, which recently suffered a financial crisis, spent 1.06million, most of it on pay and about 110,000 on training.

Robert Gordon University spent 2,535 on celebrating Black History Month and Pride.

The Scottish Police Authority, which controls Police Scotlands budget, spent more than 24,000 learning about neurodiversity in the workplace.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: Diversity, equality and inclusion roles exist to ensure fairness, tackle discrimination and help build a Scotland where everyone can thrive. This government is proud to stand up for a more equal society.
Nigel Farage will has set out a radical new crime package designed to tackle lawless Britain.

The Reform leader will take the fight to Labour on crime with a series of measures that will require the police to investigate all crimes  and see serious offenders spend years more behind bars.

Mr Farage will pledge a zero tolerance approach designed to halve Britains crime rate.

Writing in the Daily Mail today, Mr Farage says he is putting criminals on notice that Britains soft-touch justice system will come to an end if Reform win the next election.

Measures include the introduction of saturation stop and search in high crime areas, with as many as one in five people stopped to send out a message that crime will not be tolerated.

Thousands more prison places will be built on disused Ministry of Defence land. And the most serious offenders could be forced to serve their time in jails overseas, including in El Savadors notorious supermax prisons.

Mr Farage warns that law-abiding members of the public have been left felling helpless by the way crime has been normalised in recent years  and pledge to take back control of our streets from the criminals who currently plague them.

Reform UK will be the toughest party on law and order this country has ever seen, he writes.

Nigel Farage, pictured today, will has set out a radical new crime package designed to tackle lawless Britain'

The worst offenders could be sent to brutal jails in El Salvador

We will cut crime in half. We will take back control of our streets, we will take back control of our courts and prisons. If youre a criminal, I am putting you on notice. In 2029 you have a choice to make: be a law-abiding citizen or face serious justice.

Mr Farage will set out details of the package today as he begins a new campaign on fixing Britains broken criminal justice system.

He is likely to face tough questioning over how Reform would find the billions of pounds needed to recruit thousands more police officers and build a string of new prisons.

Reform sources said the bill would be dwarfed by the annual cost of crime in the UK, which is estimated at up to 250 billion.

The plan will begin with a zero tolerance approach to policing. Along with expanded use of stop and search, under-18s in high crime areas could face curfew orders.

Police forces will be ordered to investigate all reported crimes and arrest all those caught shoplifting to tackle the epidemic of thefts plaguing the retail sector.

Reform will also adopt a commit the crime, pay the price approach that will lead to some offenders facing dramatically longer sentences.

Sex offenders and those convicted of serious violence or carrying a knife will no longer be eligible for early release. Those handed life sentences will serve them in full.

Soham killer Ian Huntley could be sent to tough foreign jail under Reform plan

Donald Trump has deported alleged foreign gang members to El Salvador

By contrast, Labour is currently considering proposals that would make most offenders eligible for release after serving just a third of their sentence.

A new totting up system will mean that anyone convicted of a third serious offence could face life in jail.

Mr Farage will argue that Reform could free up more than 10,000 prison places by deporting most foreign criminals currently languishing in British jails.

A further 12,400 prison places will be created using pre-fabricated structures erected on MoD land  a process Reform sources said could take as little as 18 months.

The party will also look to do deals to create a dynamic system that would allow up to 10,000 convicts to serve part of their sentence in jails overseas.

The last Tory government looked at deals to send prisoners to the Netherlands to ease overcrowding, while Labour is reported to have held discussions with Estonia.

Reform will cast its net wider, with sources saying the worst offenders, such as Soham murderer Ian Huntley, could be sent to brutal jails in El Salvador, where Donald Trump has been deporting alleged foreign gang members.

Labour dismissed the proposals last night, saying Reform MPs had voted against recent measures to crack down on crime.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said: They should focus more on practical solutions to support our police, combat crime, deliver justice for victims of crime rather than chasing headlines , spouting slogans and trying to divide communities.
A smirking female 'predator' has avoided jail after she was caught attacking rich men with pepper-spray and stealing their luxury watches in Florida.

Esther Torres, 20, was let off with probation after being arrested on May 15 in Miami over two incidents where she stole a $22,000 Rolex watch off a man's wrist and a Hugo Boss watch off another after shooting the painful spray into their eyes.

On Wednesday, Torres was sentenced to five years probation after she accepted a plea agreement on charges of armed robbery, burglary, and grand theft in the third degree.

She was initially arrested on two counts of robbery in the first degree, the Miami Police Department said.

The first incident took place at the Breakwater Hotel in Miami Beach in March, when a male victim was pepper-sprayed then robbed of his Hugo Boss watch, more than $200 in cash and Euros and several of his credit cards, police said.

The second instance occurred at the Fontainebleau Hotel - about a 16 minute drive from the first. There, a male was pepper-sprayed before his $22,000 Rolex watch was snatched off his wrist, authorities detailed.

During that encounter, the man said he was left temporarily blind from the mace.

Torres was captured on camera leaving the hotels as she strolled out of the building nonchalantly.

Esther Torres, 20, was taken into custody on May 15 in Miami, Florida over two incidents in March where she stole a $22,000 Rolex watch off a man's wrist and a Hugo Boss watch off another

Torres is seen moving briskly through one of the hotels before exiting to the street following one of the incidents

Mitch Novick, the owner of the Sherbrooke Hotel - just a three minute walk from the first hotel - told WSVN: 'We have a predator, and she's preying on male victims,' of Torres.

Novick gladly handed over footage he had of the suspect, which helped lead her arrest.

Once officers pieced all of the footage together, they determined Torres went missing around Novick's hotel - prompting them to ask him for his assistance in locating her.

'Im investigating a case I believe was a prostitute related theft / robbery. I believe the subject goes westbound from the alley on Ninth and Ocean Court,' a cop messaged Novick about Torres.

'If you get a chance, can you review your cameras? I lose her around that area. Your help would be greatly appreciated.'

The first incident took place at the Breakwater Hotel (pictured) in Miami Beach when a male victim was pepper-sprayed then robbed of his Hugo Boss watch, more than $200 in cash and Euros and several of his credit cards

The second instance occurred at the Fontainebleau Hotel (pictured). There, a male was pepper-sprayed before his $22,000 Rolex watch was snatched off his wrist

Novick replied: 'Good morning: Is this your subject? If so, it looks like she made her way to Washington Avenue.'

Unfortunately, he soon realized she ended up making a turn onto another street instead.

In April, she was identified through surveillance footage taken during a traffic stop when police pulled a vehicle over that was tied to one of the robberies, WPLG reported.

The man was arrested while Torres showed up at the scene.

The serial thief was finally arrested in May after police positively confirmed her identity based on a photo of her on a 'need to identify' flyer.

Mitch Novick, the owner of the Sherbrooke Hotel - just a three minute walk from the first hotel - told WSVN: 'We have a predator, and she's preying on male victims,' of Torres

Bodycam footage captured the moment she was detained as cops asked if she had any weapons on her

Bodycam footage captured the moment she was detained as cops asked if she had any weapons on her.

'You have no weapons on you, none of that stuff, right?,' an officer asked her.

Torres, dressed in a strapless white top and hair bonnet, told officers: 'No, no.'

She was picked up with the child in the vehicle before she was taken to jail.

Torres was granted a recognizance bond in June and is no longer in the jail system.
Tragic errors by the pilots of South Korea airliner were the direct cause of the devastating crash that killed 179 people last December, according to a bombshell report by investigators.

The Jeju Air Boeing 737 was moments from landing at the coastal Muan Airport after a flight from Bangkok on December 29 when it struck a flock of birds - believed to be Baikal teal ducks - which sent one its engines into failure.

In a horrifying twist, investigators say the pilots then shut down the wrong engine, sealing the fate of those on board.

Instead of switching off the damaged engine, the crew mistakenly cut power the only one that was still functioning. 'A pilot may have mistakenly turned off the engine,' investigators said.

The aircraft, now critically compromised, continued its botched descent at dangerously high speed, with the landing gear still retracted.

Moments later, the plane careened off the runway, slammed into a reinforced embankment, and erupted into a fireball.

Only two of the cabin crew members seated at the rear survived the inferno.

In a chaotic press conference on Saturday, grieving members of the victims stormed the room, accusing officials of scapegoating the pilots. 'They've just blamed it all on the pilots' a man shouted.

The Jeju Air Boeing 737 was moments from landing at the coastal Muan Airport after a flight from Bangkok on December 29 when it struck a flock of birds

Instead of switching off the damaged engine, the crew mistakenly cut power the only one that was still functioning. 'A pilot may have mistakenly turned off the engine,' investigators said

Only two of the cabin crew members seated at the rear survived the inferno

Amid the uproar, investigators hastily retrieved copies of the interim findings from journalists, claiming the report was not yet officially released.

Despite the backlash, investigators stood by their conclusion - that there was no mechanical fault with the Boeing aircraft.

Instead, a catalogue of cockpit errors led to South Korea's worst aviation disaster in decades.

'The pilot should have turned off the right engine, which was severely damaged by the bird strike, but he turned off the left engine, which was spinning, and the black box and power went out,' an official told South Korea's MBN television news.

Disturbingly, the final moments of the flight remain particularly shrouded in mystery.

Power to the aircraft's flight data and voice recorders cut out for four minutes before the crash, severely hampering the investigation.

Experts also say the pilots violated safety protocol following the bird strike, climbing abruptly and executing a risky turnaround before attempting an unorthodox landing - on the same runway but from the opposite direction.

Aviation professionals have pointed out chilling similarities to the 1989 Kegworth crash in the UK, where a British Midland 737 went down after pilots also shut off the wrong engine.

That disaster claimed 47 lives.

The plane careened off the runway, slammed into a reinforced embankment, and erupted into a fireball

A catalogue of cockpit errors led to South Korea's worst aviation disaster in decades

South Korean rescue team members check near the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024 in Muan-gun, South Korea

The wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft that went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport lies near a concrete structure it crashed into, in Muan, South Korea, December 30, 2024

An unverified video grab reportedly of the Jeju Air plane shows a burst of fire coming out of the jet's right engine supposedly showing the moment the bird struck

Families of the Muan victims are now demanding accountability and transparency.

Kim Yu-Jin, head of the bereaved families group, deemed the report 'unconvincing' and warned that the way officials handle the findings could affect compensation for grieving loved ones.

'When investigators take a position, it should be accompanied by documents that support their position and convince the bereaved family that their conclusions are inevitable,' she said. 'We were only given their conclusions.

She added: 'We have repeatedly asked them to be careful about these disclosures because the way that the results of the investigation are communicated can have an impact on the compensation that families receive.'
A CNN host shocked social media as he sided with Donald Trump over the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein saga.

Michael Smerconish defended the president on his show after The Wall Street Journal published an alleged birthday letter that Trump sent to the pedophile financier.

Trump denies he wrote the letter and accompanying lewd drawing. He is suing the Journal, as well as the paper's owner media mogul Rupert Murdoch personally.

Smerconish shared excerpts of the letter on his show, which included an imaginary conversation between Trump and Epstein. The note allegedly concludes with Trump telling Epstein, 'May every day be a wonderful secret.'

The CNN host said on Saturday, 'It's hard to believe that the president would have written the imaginary conversation between himself and Epstein 22 years ago. I mean, listen to some of the back and forth.'

After reading a few excerpts, Smerconish stated, 'That doesn't sound like something Donald Trump would write.'

X user @MichaelFauchea2 wrote, 'Is this CNN????????? Wow!' in response to a clip of Smerconish's remarks.

Another user, who goes by the handle of @TyrannyStomper, wrote 'Man, thank you, CNN. As bad as CNN is they do get it right occasionally these days.'

CNN's Michael Smerconish casts doubt on WSJ Trump-Epstein letter

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.

The bombshell report by the Journal alleges that Trump drew Epstein a 'bawdy' doodle of a topless woman, which included his signature on her pubic area.

Donald Trump Jr., the president's son, declared on social media, 'In 47 years I've never seen him doodle once. Give me a break.'

Vice President JD Vance posted on X defending his boss, saying that the story is 'complete and utter bulls***.'

'The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it,' the 40-year-old VP continued. 'Where is this letter? Would you be shocked to learn they never showed it to us before publishing it? Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump?'

Democrats have put Republicans in a bind over the matter, seizing on the bizarre explanation that Trump doesn't draw, despite there being myriad examples of the president's sketches.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom hit back on Trump's claim he never drew with a picture by posting one that he donated to charity.

'Trump loves to draw,' former congressman Adam Kinzinger posted alongside a dozen of the president's drawings. 'Just saying.'

Progressive Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., wrote on X: 'I don't know what's in the Epstein files, but Trump being so desperate to make this story go away is making me wonder: what's he hiding?'

'Give the American people the transparency they deserve,' she added. 'Release the full files.'

Across Washington, the Epstein scandal is proving difficult to tamp down.

A rebel band of Republican lawmakers including some of MAGA's biggest stars - like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert - are joining forces with hundreds of Democrats to force a bombshell ballot on the Epstein files.

Despite the typical partisan battle lines being drawn on most issues in Washington, D.C. these days, this matter in particular has created an unlikely set of bedfellows.

Progressive Democrat Ro Khanna and libertarian-minded Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky teamed up last week to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would compel Attorney General Pam Bondi to publicly release all unclassified materials relating to Jeffrey Epstein.

The duo's resolution is receiving the the backing of a diverse set of members, including New York socialist darling Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan 'Squad' member Rashida Tlaib, as well as Boebert of Colorado, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Greene of Georgia.

Khanna noted during a Thursday media appearance that his resolution had the backing of all 212 of his Democratic colleagues in the House.

Even if only the 10 GOP co-sponsors of the resolution were to support it, it would easily pass the House, as just a simple majority is need, which is 218 votes out of 435.
A man in his 20s has died and two men have been arrested after a car ploughed into a pub in the early hours of this morning.

Police and medic crews rushed to the Albert Bow pub in Tower Hamlets, east London, at around 1.25am today after a car smashed into the building when it came off the nearby carriageway.

The driver of the car and another passenger, both of whom are in their 20s, did not suffer life-threatening or life-changing injuries.

They were both taken to hospital and have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after another passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Metropolitan Police said: 'At around 1.25am on Sunday, 20 July, police and London Ambulance Service attended to a report of a road traffic collision in Bow.

'A car left the carriageway and collided with a building at the junction of Roman Road and St Stephen's Road.

'One of the passengers in the car was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

'The driver of the car and another passenger - two men in their twenties - suffered injuries which have been confirmed as neither life-threatening nor life-changing.

A man in his 20s has died and two men have been arrested after a car ploughed into the Albert Bow pub (pictured) in the early hours of this morning

'They have both been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

'A crime scene remains in the area whilst specialist officers complete their enquires, which are ongoing.

'Please call police on 101 with the reference 615/20Jul if you were a witness or have any footage including dashcam.'

London Ambulance spokesperson added: 'We were called at 1:35am today (20 July) to reports of a road traffic collision on St Stephen's Road, Bow.

'We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer, members of our hazardous area response team (HART) and London's Air Ambulance.

'Our crews treated three people.

'Sadly, one person was declared dead at the scene. We took the other two patients to hospital.'
Benjamin Netanyahu has been hit with food poisoning and ordered by doctors to conduct state affairs from home for the next three days.

On Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister's office announced the 75-year-old is recovering at home after being diagnosed with intestinal inflammation caused by spoiled food.

Due to the sudden bout of sickness, Netanyahu's upcoming hearings in his corruption trial have now been postponed. The next court appearance will not come before September now, due to a summer recess in the court system.

Netanyahu was examined overnight by Professor Alon Hershko of Jerusalem's Hadassah-Ein Kerem Medical, after skipping a cabinet meeting on Saturday, and is now receiving intravenous fluid treatment for dehydration.

'In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will conduct state affairs from there,' says the Prime Minister's Office.

Netanyahu's condition was declared 'good' after further testing, his office added.

The leader had been scheduled to give testimony in court tomorrow and Tuesday but his lawyer Amit Hadad requested that the hearings be postponed and asked for a delay.

The request filed with the Jerusalem District Court on his behalf said that the premier will 'make an effort' to testify on Wednesday instead.

On Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister's office announced the 75-year-old is recovering at home after being diagnosed with intestinal inflammation caused by spoiled food

Due to the sudden bout of sickness, Netanyahu's upcoming hearings in his corruption trial have now been postponed

The leader had been scheduled to give testimony in court tomorrow and Tuesday but his lawyer Amit Hadad requested that the hearings be postponed and asked for a delay

The State Attorney's Office earlier agreed to postpone the two scheduled hearings after reviewing Netanyahu's medical records, but said that they must be made up by the end of the week.

'Under the circumstances, and considering what is written in the medical record, we cannot object,' it said in response. 'However, in light of the many hearings that have been canceled recently, we will request that the defendant testify on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.'

The court said, however, that it was canceling the hearings rather than postponing them, as they could not be held later in the week due to scheduling conflicts.

This means Netanyahu will not testify again until September at the earliest, as the courts head into summer recess this week until September 5.

During the recess, courts will operate in a reduced capacity.

Netanyahu's testimony has been repeatedly delayed since it started in December last year, due to the prime minister's medical issues, the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, the war with Iran, as well as diplomatic trips abroad and Netanyahu's general duties as prime minister.

Just last month, an Israeli court cancelled hearings in Netanyahu's long-running corruption trial, accepting a request made by the prime minister on classified diplomatic and security grounds.

'Following the explanations given  we partially accept the request and cancel at this stage Mr Netanyahu's hearings scheduled for this week', the Jerusalem district court said in its ruling, published online by Netanyahu's Likud party.

The ruling said that new reasons provided by Netanyahu, the head of Israel's spy agency the Mossad and the military intelligence chief justified cancelling the hearings.

Demonstrators protest against Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu outside the court in Tel Aviv, December 10, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears before the District Court in Tel Aviv to testify for the first time in his corruption trial in Tel Aviv, Israel on December 10, 2024

Supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold up signs outside Tel Aviv's court as Netanyahu testifies in a corruption trial on December 10, 2024

Also last month, US President Donald Trump called for Israel to 'pardon' Netanyahu, who is on trial for alleged corruption, or drop the case altogether.

The Israeli prime minister has denied charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, for which he has been on trial since 2020.

The recent food poisoning incident is not the first time the Israeli Prime Minister's health has made headlines, as he has suffered from several health issues in recent years.

He had his prostate removed in late December, and in March 2024, he was had hernia surgery. That same month, he missed several days of work after contracting the flu.

In 2023, he underwent surgery to have a pacemaker installed after suffering a transient heart block. A week earlier he he had been hospitalised for what he said at the time was dehydration.

Doctors subsequently revealed that the prime minister has had a heart conduction problem for years.

Netanyahu's most recent public medical report, issued in January 2023, described him as in a 'completely normal state of health,' with no signs of arrhythmia and the pacemaker functioning properly.

The document, however, was not an official government health report but rather a summary compiled by his personal medical team.

Despite government protocols urging prime ministers to release annual health summaries, Netanyahu issued no such report between 2016 and 2023, and none has been released this year.

Those protocols are not legally binding, and he cannot be compelled to disclose his medical history.
Elon Musk was in typically combative mood when he declared on his own social media platform, X: 'There is a large graveyard filled with my enemies. I do not wish to add to it, but will if given no choice. Those who challenge me do so at their own peril.'

That was in 2023, when Musk could still just about make such statements without triggering an avalanche of contempt. But we are now in 2025 and it's increasingly clear that Musk is going to need a bigger graveyard. The list of his enemies is growing exponentially.

Since making that statement, the workaholic Musk has entered into, and fallen spectacularly out of, a political alliance with Donald Trump. This has made him persona non grata for large chunks of the global population, Left and Right, not to mention the man in the White House.

Today, millions revel in his misfortune. And the bad news keeps flowing. This month, his artificial intelligence system, Grok, went rogue and started praising Hitler, just weeks after yet another of his spaceships blew up. Reports about his drug use and erratic behaviour proliferate. And various mothers of what he has called his 'legion' of children seem eager to condemn him.

Worse, perhaps, his most precious business baby, Tesla, is experiencing deep problems. At the start of this month, the car company, once widely hailed the greatest force for an eco-friendly and sustainable future, reported a sharp plunge in its second quarter sales.

Tesla stock has dropped by about 25 per cent this year, partly as result of Trump's international tariff agenda. Sales of the company's new flagship product, its Cybertruck, have tanked. And even Musk's own brother, Kimbal, has sold some $31million of Tesla shares.

To make matters more dire, last week a sensational new book containing a multitude of shocking allegations against both Tesla and Musk was published.

In The Tesla Files, Sonke Iwersen and Michael Verfurden, two reporters in Germany, have pulled together countless whistleblower testimonies, leaked internal company documents, as well as allegations of corporate malfeasance and terrifying claims of safety issues with Tesla vehicles.

Elon Musk's most precious business baby Tesla has recently reported a sharp plunge in second quarter sales

US firefights attend an abandoned Tesla burning on the side of a road

Tesla's salesmen like to boast about not spending too much on media messaging. Their amazingly futuristic products do the PR work for them, they say. But Iwersen and Verfurden's work might cause the company to rethink that approach.

The authors of The Tesla Files speak to the widows of men who have died in Tesla accidents and never had the cause of the crash adequately explained.

They reveal how Tesla's obsession with elegant design, including those sleek retractable handles on the doors of various models, can make it impossible for drivers to be pulled out of the wreckage of their much-loved cars.

The most alarming material concerns Tesla's 'autopilot' mode, which is supposed to make cars ever more safe by removing the scope for human error. Leaked documents show thousands of customer complaints, many suggesting that  similar to some genius invention gone horribly wrong in a sci-fi horror film  the technology can cause crashes instead of stopping them.

'Unintentional acceleration', where the computer elects to speed up for no good reason, is one concern. Another is 'phantom braking', when a Tesla dangerously slows down or stops unexpectedly. Given that Teslas can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 3.8 seconds, and decelerate just as quickly, these phenomena have inevitably led to some extremely dangerous situations.

'After dropping my son off in his school parking lot, as I go to make a right-hand exit it lurches forward suddenly,' said one complainant. 'My autopilot failed/malfunctioned this morning [car didn't brake] and I almost rear-ended somebody at 65mph,' said another. 'Today, while my wife was driving with our baby in the car, it suddenly accelerated out of nowhere,' added a third.

Following Musk's spectacular falling out with President Trump, his critics are revelling in Tesla's difficulties

Robots assemble Teslas at the firm's auto plant in Fremont, California

Other customers report in the book that their vehicles 'jumped lanes unexpectedly', shoving them into oncoming traffic or concrete road barriers. One 'driver', a physician from California, claims her vehicle steered her directly into a concrete post. '[The post] toppled over but the car didn't stop. I hit the next post. The airbag deployed and I was in shock,' she said.

The driverless revolution is well under way in America, and the UK isn't far behind. Here, autopiloted cars are required to have a human behind the wheel, but the Government has sanctioned trials of genuinely driverless cars, which taxi service Uber last month announced it will begin in London next spring.

But those stepping into an empty cab only months from now might want to heed the words of tech entrepreneur Vivek Wadhwa.

He called himself a 'Tesla fanboy' having bought one after meeting Musk in 2013, and recounts in The Tesla Files how he invited the news channel PBS to experience the wonders of his autopilot system in 2017. As the camera rolled, he found himself having to slam on the brakes as his car sped towards another. 'Elon keeps pushing a lie,' says Wadhwa. 'People are dying because of Tesla's faulty technology.'

It's a claim currently being investigated in court as the firm's lawyers defend the role its autopilot system played in a crash that killed a young woman.

In 2019, Tesla owner George McGee had the autopilot function of his Tesla Model S activated as he was driving in Key Largo, Florida. Documents filed with the Miami federal court state that he'd lost sight of the road as he bent down to pick up his phone.

In that moment, McGee's car allegedly shot through a T-junction at 60mph and crashed into the side of a parked truck.

Standing next to the truck was its owner Dillon Angulo, who was seriously injured, and his girlfriend Naibel Benavides Leon, 22, who was flung into nearby trees and died. McGee alleges this was due to a fault with the car's autopilot.

In its motion for a summary judgment last month, Tesla argued that the autopilot feature 'did not make the car 'self-driving' and that McGee was aware 'that it was still [his] responsibility to operate the vehicle safely even with autopilot activate'.

The publication of Iwersen and Verfurden's book could hardly have come at a worse time for the firm.

Tesla will no doubt point to steps it has taken to mitigate problems with unwanted acceration and braking impairing 'safe operation of the vehicle' that one of the car-maker's engineers listed in May 2018. Indeed, a fault-prone radar system was removed and now Tesla's camera-only technology appears to have decreased erroneous speeding episodes.

But Iwersen and Verfurden claim that 'phantom braking' incidents have continued to rise. A German automotive technician, Jurgen Zimmermann, suggests that Tesla's video software mistakes shadows or other harmless objects for obstacles, thus triggering the brakes unnecessarily.

Furthermore, earlier this year, a study from LendingTree insurance found that Tesla drivers are still involved in more accidents than drivers of any other brand. The rate of Tesla crashes has reportedly increased  to just under 27 accidents per 1,000 drivers, from almost 24 per 1,000 the year before.

All car manufacturers have struggled to make autonomous vehicles work perfectly. But no CEO has been more publicly adamant than Elon Musk in insisting that the age of driverless cars is already upon us.

'I really consider autonomous driving a solved problem,' he said in 2016. In 2019, he added that buying anything other than a Tesla would be 'like owning a horse in three years'. But Tesla's head of autopilot software was recently forced to admit in another court case that, in testing, a human driver had to intervene repeatedly to prevent accidents.

Since 2024, Tesla has felt compelled to label its autopilot system: 'Full self-driving (supervised)', which is something of a contradiction in terms. 'Do not become complacent,' the company now tells customers, which goes against Musk's vision that Tesla owners should be able to sleep while being whisked to their destination.

In the case of Naibel Benavides Leon, Tesla may well cite an October 2024 judgment, in which a California court dismissed a lawsuit accusing Tesla of misleading investors about its autopilot system.

'Justice prevails,' tweeted Musk in triumph. But his company had to rely on what lawyers call the 'puffery defence', the argument that customers should not take marketing claims too literally. As Iwersen and Verfurden put it: 'Like a conductor guiding an orchestra, [Musk] plays with the fantasies of his fans and shareholders. His career is built on making promises about the future... Musk's product is the promise.'

This is not to deny that Musk is a truly brilliant innovator or business creator. On the contrary, he is a true disruptor and in many ways a genius. Without him, great strides in electric transportation and space travel would not have been made.

It's also worth noting that many of the testimonies in The Tesla Files come from disgruntled ex-employees who clearly resent Musk's 'ultra hardcore' work ethic. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Iwersen and Verfurden work for Handelsblatt, the newspaper of the German business elite, and Musk's Tesla has always been a threat to the leading German manufacturers such as Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen.

But it's also the case that, in building a sort of cult of personality around himself, Musk has managed to distract from the failings of his businesses.

The manufacturer has declined to comment on Iwersen and Verfurden's research, and is yet to respond to the Mail's inquiry.

For his part, Musk appears to have a semi-messianic faith in himself. He believes that he is improving and protecting humanity for centuries to come, so any misery he may cause in the here and now will be worth the pain. According to this credo, Tesla deaths today can be justified by the future possibility of entirely safe human-error-free transportation.

Try telling that to the grieving families of the Tesla drivers who have lost their lives.

Freddy Gray is US editor of The Spectator.
A 'very drunk' Princess Margaret once played a Monty Python song at an aristocratic gathering in the Scottish Borders, a former BBC presenter has revealed.

The Queen's sister was described as being 'incredibly sloshed' as musicians danced around, according to Steve Blacknell.

The event was hosted by Colin Tennant, later 3rd Baron Glenconner, at his family's Glen House estate. His wife Lady Anne Coke was Princess Margaret's lady-in-waiting.

At the time Blacknell was living with Scottish psychedelic folk group The Incredible String Band who were invited to the dinner.

Speaking on the Time Capsule podcast, the 72-year-old said: 'So there I am living with my heroes, one day the door opens in my little cabin and the drummer Jack [Ingram] comes in and he says "we're off to have tea with some people so put your shoes on we're leaving in 10 minutes".

'The row where they lived was in a place called Innerleithen in Peeblesshire, beautiful rolling hills and stuff, so about three quarters of a mile away was a castle which was owned by Colin Tennant.

'Now Colin Tennant was the guy who bought Mustique, the island, and was just an incredibly rich guy and he had this huge mansion thing.

'So we all traipse up there, we walk in and I can't believe I'm doing this with these people I adore so much and we can hear a piano playing so we get nearer and nearer and there plinking away on the piano, cigarette hanging out of her gob, is a very, very, very drunk Princess Margaret.

Former BBC Radio DJ Steve Blacknell, pictured in 1985, has told of one of Princess Margaret's 'wild' nights

Blacknell revealed he saw the late Queen's sister (pictured) playing a Monty Python song at an aristocratic gathering in the Scottish Borders

Princess Margaret, Colin Tennant, Lord Glenconner and Anne Tennant, Lady Glenconner wait on the jetty for Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip's arrival to Mustique in 1977

The Glenn House estate which Blacknell described as 'a castle' owned by Colin Tennant

'So there she is with Roddy Llewellyn and they're all completely drunk... you're thinking what the hell is going on, I was only 21 or something.

'She starts playing on the piano, rather badly, "I've got a ferret sticking up my nose" which is the Monty Python song and she said "well come on then dance".

'So just like dancing around a maypole me and these heroes of mine are dancing around an incredibly sloshed Princess Margret, to this day I still can't believe it.'

Blacknell is best known for being an MTV Video Jockey as well as working in PR for several record labels, he is currently the CEO of the Central London School of TV and Media Training.
A nine-year-old girl has been found dead less than 24 hours after her father claimed she had been abducted in a white van.

New York State Police (NYSP) issued an 'amber alert' on Saturday for Melina Frattolin after Luciano Frattolin, 45, told them he thought his daughter had been kidnapped.

He called the Warren County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) reporting the 'possible abduction' in the area of Exit 22 in Lake George, upstate New York.

However, on Sunday afternoon police issued a heartbreaking update saying 'there is no indication that an abduction occurred' and the little girl had been found dead.

'The Warren County Sheriffs Office initially led the investigation,' NYSP said.

'As the case progressed, law enforcement identified inconsistencies in the fathers account of events and the timeline he provided.'

NYSP said Melina was found dead in Ticonderoga, New York, around 45 miles south of where her father said she had last been seen.

They added that 'there is no indication that an abduction occurred' and 'there is no threat to the public'.

New York State Police (NYSP) issued an 'amber alert' on Saturday for Melina Frattolin (pictured) after Luciano Frattolin, 45, told them he thought his daughter had been kidnapped

Luciano Frattolin (pictured), 45, told police he thought his daughter had been kidnapped, but they identified 'inconsistencies' in his story and she was later found dead

Frattolin was described as five feet tall, weighing 100 pounds and being of Indian descent with brown hair and brown eyes.

Police said that both she and her father are Canadian residents.

Lake George, where her father claimed she was last seen, is a small waterside town in the Adirondack region of upstate New York around 60 miles north of Albany.

No charges have yet been made. NYSP said they will be holding a conference to give more information about the tragedy on Monday.

Frattolin is the founder of an organic coffee brand called Gambella, according to the product's website.

On Sunday afternoon police issued an update saying 'there is no indication that an abduction occurred' and the little girl had been found dead. (Pictured: Melina with her father)

A nine-year-old girl has been found dead less than 24 hours after her father claimed she had been abducted in a white van. (Pictured: Melina Frattolin with her father Luciano, 45)

Police said both Melina Frattolin and her father Luciano are Canadian residents

Lake George, where the girl was last seen, is a small waterside town in the Adirondack region of upstate New York around 60 miles north of Albany

'Luciano Frattolin is an experienced entrepreneur with a proven track record of building diverse, high-performance businesses,' the website reads.

'With a background in the humanities and social sciences, his formal education, together with his pragmatic understanding about the complexities of life, motivates him to maintain an understanding of the world grounded in a distinct cross-cultural ethos.

'The son of an Ethiopian mother and an Italian father, Luciano was born in the small, remote village of Gambella.

'With a childhood spent running between rows of crimson coffee buds on the Ethiopian family plantation, and the neoclassical architecture of his fathers Milano, his vision of the world and his pursuits within, reflect these hyphenated cultures.'

Galanis Frattolin is described as five feet tall, weighing 100 pounds and being of Indian descent with brown hair and brown eyes. New York State Police had issued an Amber Alert for the child

Police issued an amber alert at the time of Melina's alleged abduction, warning that they believed the child was in 'imminent danger'.

Amber alerts are activated in 'the most serious child-abduction cases,' according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) website.

'The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of a missing child.

'These alerts are broadcast through radio, TV, road signs, cellphones, and other data-enabled devices.'

The nonprofit said that 1,268 children have been 'recovered' thanks to their assistance in 2025 alone.
A 12-year-old boy has been assaulted and threatened with a gun during a terrifying armed home invasion in south-west Sydney.

Police were called to an Ardennes Avenue home in Edmondson Park at about 1.45am on Monday.

Three balaclava-clad intruders armed with a gun stormed into the home, where they threatened and assaulted a 48-year-old man and a 12-year-old boy.

The man suffered facial injuries during the incident. The boy was not injured.

A second boy, 11, was also at home at the time but was unharmed.

The thieves raided the home and stole multiple items, including jewellery, before fleeing in an unknown getaway vehicle.

Fortunately, the father sustained only minor injuries, and the children are being supported by family and authorities.

A boy was assaulted and threatened with a gun in Edmondson Park early Monday morning

Police have launched an investigation into the violent break-in

A manhunt is underway to locate the three suspects.

A major crime scene has been set up at the home as detectives launched an investigation.

Forensic officers remain at the home scouring for evidence.

Police urge anyone with information or CCTV to come forward.
Migrant hotels are being kept a secret from communities to maintain their residents' privacy, it has emerged.

It comes after The Mail on Sunday revealed that of occupants at 70 hotels  just a third of those used  a remarkable 312 asylum seekers had been charged with 708 criminal offences, including rape.

A former manager at one of the hotels said he had caught one migrant in his room with a lingerie-clad woman as they filmed a pornographic video to earn money on the OnlyFans website.

Last year saw mobs surrounding asylum seekers' accommodation, and even threatening to burn them down, in the wake of the murder of three girls in Southport.

Last night more than 100 demonstrators resumed their protest outside a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex.

The Home Office says there are 32,345 asylum seekers being put up at taxpayer expense in hotels, with another 66,683 in houses and flats.

But it has now become evident that the location of many of the 220 hotels involved  typically turned over entirely to migrants, with normal custom turned away  is being kept quiet on 'data protection' and privacy grounds.

According to the Sunday Telegraph, Newcastle City Council suggested last week that it and the Home Office were legally barred from informing locals of the presence of a hotel occupied by migrants, saying: 'We would not share a resident's personal information with other residents, unless we had specific legal reasons to do so.'

Migrant hotels are being kept a secret from communities to maintain their residents' privacy, it has emerged. Pictured: Protestors at The Bell Hotel in Epping last Sunday

Last night more than 100 demonstrators (pictured) resumed their protest outside the Essex migrant hotel

The Home Office says there are 32,345 asylum seekers being put up at taxpayer expense in hotels, with another 66,683 in houses and flats. Pictured: File photo

And a spokesman for Tower Hamlets council in London said: 'We do not announce when asylum seeker hotels are set up in the borough.'

There is similarly a lack of public statistics about crimes committed by migrants nationwide  but Mail on Sunday analysis of court records gives weight to claims that the hotels are sources of a disproportionate amount of crime.

A single hotel in central London  the Thistle City Barbican  saw 41 residents charged with a total of 90 offences in three years.

The migrant 'porn film' was reported by The Sun on Sunday following an interview with a former hotel manager in the North West.

He said the incident took place last summer at the 18th-century Metropole in Blackpool and involved a Syrian man and a female migrant.

'The guy had a whole set-up, a camera on a tripod at the end of the bed, sex toys everywhere.

'The couple were running an illegal porn business from the hotel. He told us he was filming it to put on OnlyFans.'

He said the man was simply moved to another hotel as a sanction.

A single hotel in central London  the Thistle City Barbican (pictured, file photo)  saw 41 residents charged with a total of 90 offences in three years

The Government says the three big firms it pays billions to house migrants  Serco, Clearsprings, and Mears  have made profits of almost 383 million from the business since 2019 alone.

The Home Office said: '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.'

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'These hotels full of illegal immigrants are dens of illegal working, criminality and now we learn depravity as well.'

He added: 'This is all being overseen by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper  using billions of pounds of our hard-earned money.'
Taliban assassins have murdered at least ten Afghans who helped the West in the days since the Government revealed data of thousands who worked for the UK had been leaked.

Four were killed in one execution this weekend, their bodies dumped in a ditch in a field, while another four have been killed separately after being forced out of Iran where they had been hiding.

It is unclear if any of the dead were among the 100,000 'at risk of death' impacted by the data breach but the executions mark a dramatic increase in killings.

Campaigners were checking reports the four killed in Badakhshan, some 200-miles north of the capital Kabul, were ex-Afghan Special Forces who had fought beside the UK and its allies in the 20-years of war with the Taliban.

If correct, they say, one or more may have applied for relocation under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP)  meaning their details could have been among those leaked.

Meanwhile, concerned British lawyers for Afghans hiding in Iran while their cases go through the courts in London or awaiting a decision from ARAP were urgently trying to verify if their clients are among those killed after being sent back to Afghanistan.

Among the harrowing stories coming out on Sunday was the shooting on a crowded street in Kandahar.

A bleeding man was filmed making a phone call naming his Taliban killer. He died soon afterwards.

Taliban assassins have murdered at least ten Afghans who helped the West in the days since the Government revealed data of thousands who worked for the UK had been leaked. Pictured: Former interpreter Faiz, whose data is in the leak

Among the harrowing stories coming out on Sunday was the shooting on a crowded street in Kandahar (pictured)

It is not known if the Taliban actually has the database (pictured), which contains the details of those who worked for the UK

Hours later, a former military commander, who served beside US forces, was also shot dead taking the known total of killings in recent days to ten.

On Saturday, the Mail revealed how vengeful warlords have embarked on a killing spree.

One of the victims was the brother of a former Afghan soldier, who fled to Britain and is said to be on the dataset.

His family believe the killing was linked directly to the soldier's work for the UK.

It is not known if the Taliban actually has the database, which contains the details of those who worked for the UK.

Defence sources say it also exposes members of the British intelligence community and Special Forces.

The Taliban has been quoted as claiming to have obtained it, since the data leak was revealed last Tuesday when the High Court lifted a super-injunction which had placed a two-year news blackout on the scandal.

Former interpreter Faiz, 39, who spent five years on the frontlines beside UK forces, said: 'Everyone is terrified.

The Taliban has been quoted as claiming to have obtained it, since the data leak was revealed last Tuesday when the High Court lifted a super-injunction which had placed a two-year news blackout on the scandal. Pictured: Afghan passengers arriving at Stansted Airport under a government scheme also concealed by the super-injunction

'Arrests and killings have increased, it is as if the Taliban is taunting us... surely, the escalation in executions is linked to what has emerged in the UK.'

Faiz, who is in hiding with his wife and children, said he had narrowly escaped arrest on Saturday when four heavily armed Taliban fighters came to search the house where he is hiding.

He has confirmed his details are on the leaked database and said: 'I am a marked man and will be killed if I am found.

'If the Taliban have the dataset, it will help them find me because of the specific details contained.

'In 2017, I was the translator for British Forces when they questioned a commander.

'He is now free and has posted my details on Facebook demanding I be handed over for "punishment".

'I hope the UK will rescue me before it is too late.'

Former translator Rafi Hottak, who was blown-up on the frontlines and now campaigns for those left behind, said: 'The increased killings are linked to the admission by Britain it has lost the dataset.

'We do not know for sure if the Taliban has the data from the leak but we do know some of those named have been executed.'
The veterans minister has met Afghan troops whose personal details were leaked ahead of an expected compensation deal.

Al Carns staged talks with former Special Forces soldiers on Saturday before formal negotiations around payouts begin.

The meetings with the 'Triples'  a name derived from the code numbers of their units  took place at an Afghan community festival in Birmingham.

According to legal sources, defence chiefs intend to make an offer to the Triples to settle out of court, in a bid to cut out law firms.

Direct payments from the UK Government to the Afghans of around 20,000 have been mentioned.

Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines officer who served with some of the Triples in Afghanistan, said it was 'great to sit down with some of my Afghan friends'.

He added: 'We talked about how they're finding life in the UK, mental health and importantly how many would be interested in serving again in one form or another.'

Ministers have pledged to play hardball in a bid to reduce the costs of the leak.

The veterans minister has met Afghan troops whose personal details were leaked ahead of an expected compensation deal. Pictured: File photo of Afghan special forces

Al Carns (pictured in October last year) staged talks with former Special Forces soldiers on Saturday before formal negotiations around payouts begin

Mr Carns (pictured speaking with British Army personnel in October last year), a former Royal Marines officer who served with some of the Triples in Afghanistan, said it was 'great to sit down with some of my Afghan friends'

At one point ministers signed off an estimate of 7billion, which they say includes all the Government's Afghan schemes.

Law firms such as Manchester-based Barings Law are confident they can obtain much more than 20,000 on their clients' behalf.

The firm's Adnan Malik said: 'The Government claims they will not be paying compensation but are trying to make a secret agreement. '

The Ministry of Defence said: 'Throughout our relocations scheme, we are honouring the commitment to those brave Afghans that supported the UK mission.

'While we are not able to commit to a timeline, the Triples review absolutely remains a priority.'
Dozens of US government agencies and businesses are under attack following an unprecedented global hack on Microsoft servers.

Authorities are investigating after tens of thousands of SharePoint servers were compromised in the last few days, The Washington Post reports.

The platform is used to share and manage documents. They remain at risk as Microsoft is yet to fix the flaw, per the outlet.

Users are being urged to take the servers offline or make changes to the SharePoint programs to protect themselves.

'Microsoft has provided security updates and encourages customers to install them,' a spokesman said. 'Weve been coordinating closely with CISA, DOD Cyber Defense Command, and key cybersecurity partners around the world throughout our response. '

The cyber attack does not target cloud-based services, such as Microsoft 365, and only impacts those housed within an organization.

At least two federal agencies have been breached, researchers told the Washington Post although no further details were given.

The breach is classed as a 'zero day' attack as it targets a previously unknown vulnerability.

Dozens of US government agencies and businesses are under attack following an unprecedented global hack on Microsoft servers

Authorities are investigating after tens of thousands of SharePoint servers were compromised in the last few days. Pictured: Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella

'We are seeing attempts to exploit thousands of SharePoint servers globally before a patch is available,' Pete Renals, a senior manager with Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 told the Washington Post.

'We have identified dozens of compromised organizations spanning both commercial and government sectors.'

The hack is being investigated by the US government in partnership with officials in Australia and Canada. It is not yet clear who is responsible.

The compromised servers frequently connect to vital services such as Outlook email and Teams, sparking fears sensitive data and passwords have been obtained.

Microsoft said the hackers struck after it fixed a similar breach earlier this month by using a similar vulnerability.

'Microsoft is aware of active attacks targeting on-premises SharePoint Server customers exploiting a variant of CVE-2025-49706 which was addressed in Julys Update Tuesday,' an alert to users on Saturday read.

'This vulnerability has been assigned CVE-2025-53770. This vulnerability applies to on-premises SharePoint Servers only. SharePoint Online in Microsoft 365 is not impacted.

'A patch has been made available to mitigate CVE-2025-53770 in SharePoint Subscription Edition which customers should apply immediately.'

The cyber attack is currently not affecting servers housed on the cloud, such as Microsoft 365 and only impacts those housed within an organization

Eye Security, a Netherlands-based company, told the Washington Post that the hackers may have gained access to keys which will allow them to hack again even after a fix, known as a patch, is issued.

'Pushing out a patch on Monday or Tuesday doesnt help anybody whos been compromised in the past 72 hours,' one researcher told the Washington Post.

thE Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it is working with Microsoft. 'CISA was made aware of the exploitation by a trusted partner and we reached out to Microsoft immediately to take action,' acting executive assistant director for cybersecurity Chris Butera said.

'Microsoft is responding quickly, and we are working with the company to help notify potentially impacted entities about recommended mitigations. CISA encourages all organizations with on-premise Microsoft Sharepoint servers to take immediate recommended action.'

The incident is the latest security breach for Microsoft, which was admonished for lapses in 2023 which allowed a Chinese hack of government emails, including those of former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimond.

Last year a cyberattack on SharePoint data also led to millions of Americans' personal information being stolen by hackers who targeted a heath company.

A total of 4.3m users' names, addresses, health history and social security numbers to dangerous actors were obtained after the attack on HealthEquity.

Daily Mail has contacted Microsoft for comment.

This is a breaking news story, check back for updates.
More than 1million has been spent on work from home equipment by government departments that report to Attorney General Lord Hermer.

The Government Legal Department, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office have spent more than 1.24million in the last three years on computers, desks and other equipment to enable remote work.

Overall, agencies in eight departments have spent nearly 3million on similar equipment, despite ministers saying they want to see more people working in the office.

The figures were revealed in response to parliamentary questions from a Tory MP. TaxPayers Alliance spokesman Shimeon Lee urged ministers to get a grip and put the public back at the heart of public service.

He told The Sunday 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.

Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the spending reflected an increased headcount to deliver additional remit for government priorities and steps to reduce its London office footprint to save money.

Other work-from-home highrollers included the Health and Safety Executive, a public body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, which spent 955,099, and Ofgem, energy regulator in Labours Net Zero department, at 396,486.

Lord Hermer is a former barrister and a friend of Sir Keir Starmer. He was handed a peerage and was parachuted in to the high-profile role after the election.

Former barrister Lord Hermer was parachuted in to his position as Attorney General after the election

Lord Hermer is a friend of the Prime Minister Keir Starmer and was given a peerage after his election

But some Downing Street aides are reported to be pressing for his removal as part of an autumn relaunch.

He is said to be a key figure in the controversial deal to surrender the Chagos Islands, the decision to repeal laws protecting British veterans of the Northern Ireland Troubles from prosecution and the Governments refusal to help defend Israel during the conflict with Iran.

Last month Lord Hermer rubbished claims of a two-tier justice system in Britain as disgusting and wrong. Such accusations arose following last summers riots after the Southport murders were policed more strongly and the early release of prisoners to tackle overcrowding.

Lord Hermer said: What some people were seeking to do, bringing up two-tier, was to make a comparison with the way people were being treated for trying to kill police officers  and I want to reiterate that, kill police officers  with the response to protests on the streets of London. We dont have a two-tiered justice system.
He has always been a vocal campaigner on mental health, having grown up under the scrutiny of the media and the Royal Family.

But Prince Harry has done even more work on the issue since stepping down as a working royal and relocating to California.

Just last year, Harry called for the term 'mental health' to be replaced with 'mental fitness' at a conference in New York - where he also said mental health was a 'very, very important subject that affects every single one of us from top to bottom, from the youngest to the oldest'.

In 2022, he chided the reluctance of Britons to seek counselling and praised what he called the 'I'll get my therapist to call your therapist' mentality he's found since moving to America with Meghan Markle.

Indeed, the Prince has become remarkably candid about his own mental health struggles in recent years, which he claims has been aided by Meghan - who identified his need to see a therapist as early as 2016.

However, while the so-called 'peace summit' that took place last week have raised hopes of the rifts between the Palace and the Sussexes being healed, his discussions have in the past caused further divisions in the family.

Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast in 2021, the Prince alleged that many of his issues stemmed from the pain his own father had experienced due to bad parenting.

Discussing Prince Charles, Harry claimed that the way Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip raised their children meant that 'he is treating me in the way he was treated'.

By moving his family to America with Meghan, Harry said he was hoping to raise his own children differently.

Since stepping down as a working royal, Prince Harry has been remarkably candid about his own mental health struggles

A young Prince Harry with his brother Prince William and father King Charles at Balmoral. In a 2021 interview, Harry alleged that many of his issues stemmed from the pain his own father had experienced due to bad parenting

'Sometimes you have got to make decisions and put your family first and your mental health first,' he said.

When the late Queen was alive she took a much more traditional view of how to look after her mental health.

Writing in her royal biography, My Mother And I, Ingrid Seward said: 'The Queen could have been the one who needed to put her mental health first, but instead she did what she always did - compartmentalised things.

'There was no point in worrying about Harry as he was not going to take notice of anyone except Meghan.'

Seward claimed the Queen thought Charles had done well raising William and Harry following the breakdown of his marriage to Princess Diana.

'The Queen felt her son had pulled himself together and done well with both William and Harry since the separation and divorce from their mother,' she wrote.

The Duchess of Sussex, has also been candid about her mental health battles.

During a bombshell interview with US talkshow host Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan revealed the stress of royal life made her suicidal when she was five months pregnant.

When the late Queen was alive she took a much more traditional view of how to look after her mental health

Harry and Meghan in 2018. It was allegedly Meghan who told he Harry he needed to see a therapist in 2016

Prince Harry with his mother Princess Diana and his brother and father in 1994. Royal author Ingrid Seward claims the Queen thought Charles had done well raising William and Harry following the breakdown of his marriage to Princess Diana

Royal author Ms Seward said the Queen 'compartmentalised things' to deal with her own mental health

She said she 'couldn't be left alone' and told her husband she 'didn't want to be alive anymore' before claiming Buckingham Palace staff ignored her plea for help because she wasn't a 'paid employee'.

Describing how she considered ending her life, believing it 'was better for everyone', Meghan said: 'I knew that if I didn't say it, that I would do it. I just didn't want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear, real and frightening constant thought.

'I remember how he just cradled me. I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that "I've never felt this way before, and I need to go somewhere". And I was told that I couldn't, that it wouldn't be good for the institution.'

She said that, after confiding in her husband, she was forced to go to the Royal Albert Hall for a charity event in January 2019 - claiming photos from that night 'haunt' her.

Before Harry met his future wife, he had a previous girlfriend that had encouraged him to see a therapist.

Writing in her best-selling book The Palace Papers, royal biographer Tina Brown claims the Duke of Sussex's then-girlfriend Cressida Bonas encouraged him to visit a mental health professional after she witnessed Harry's 'explosive temperament'.

Ms Brown wrote: 'Cressida began to have serious worries about his mental health. It is not widely known that it was she who first persuaded Harry to see a therapist.'

A family friend told Ms Brown that Cressida forced the Prince to 'accept he has problems and see a psychoanalyst'.

Writing in her royal biography, My Mother And I, Ms Seward said: 'The Queen could have been the one who needed to put her mental health first, but instead she did what she always did - compartmentalised things'

During a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan revealed the stress of royal life made her suicidal when she was five-months pregnant

According to royal biographer Tina Brown, Harry was convinced to seek help by his then-girlfriend Cressida Bonas, pictured in 2014

Harry then turned to Julia Samuel for support - a therapist who was Princess Diana's friend and worked as an NHS bereavement counsellor.

But the reason Julia was so helpful to Harry was her connection to MI6, where she advised secret service staff - meaning she was capable of being 'discreet'.

Ms Brown claims a person close to Harry said: 'There was a need for someone who could be incredibly discreet and who understood what it's like to have a public version of your life and a private version.

'Therapists at MI6, that's what they do.'

It was through therapy that Harry finally unpicked the trauma caused by Diana's death, which happened when he was just 12 years old.

'He at last understood his own evasion of sorrow in tactics that ranged from champagne hooliganism to "sticking my head in the sand, refusing to ever think about my mum, because why would that help?",' Ms Brown wrote.

Cressida encouraged Harry to seek help after seeing this behaviour on several occasions, documented by Ms Brown.

This included a pub lunch on New Year's Day in Kidlington near Oxford, when Harry lashed out an elderly man who asked him for a picture.

Ms Brown was told by someone 'privy to the incident' that Harry told the gentleman to 'get out of my way' before he went 'bright red in the face and stormed off in a huff'.
When He Jiankui stood before a court in 2019, he did so accused of a crime no one in history had ever committed.

The year prior, Mr He had triumphantly announced the birth of the world's first gene-edited babies - a pair of twins named Lulu and Nana.

For that crime, Mr He got three years in jail, a fine of three million Chinese Yuan (310,000), and instant worldwide infamy.

However, out of prison and back in the lab, Mr He has told MailOnline he would do it all again if he had the chance.

Speaking from his home in Beijing, where he has remained since Chinese authorities confiscated his passport, he explained his plans to start a new research lab in the US.

Totally unapologetic and unrepentant, his ambition seems to have only grown following his years of incarceration.

Mr He said: 'When I think about the long term, I would like embryo gene editing to be as popular as the iPhone.

'It's going to be affordable to most families. So we will see the majority of babies born having gene editing, because doing so will make them healthy.'

Jiankui He went to jail for three years for creating the world's first gene-edited babies in 2018, now he says he's ready to open a new research lab in the US

Throughout 2018, Mr He and his colleagues took sperm and eggs from eight couples who had tested positive for HIV and used these to create embryos with IVF.

In each of these embryos, he edited a gene to make the children resistant to HIV.

He then took those gene-edited embryos and inserted them into women's wombs, where they matured into healthy, living foetuses.

In two cases, this resulted in a pregnancy - one leading to the twins Lulu and Nana, who were born in November 2018, and another leading to a third child born later.

In doing so, Mr He not only violated China's criminal law prohibiting human genetic engineering, but went well beyond the limits of ethical research.

While Mr He had, and still has, his supporters, he was also criticised by researchers around the world who deemed the work premature, irresponsible, and unjustified.

Scientists from around the world pointed out that Mr He had made no attempts to ensure that these methods were safe or effective.

With our current level of understanding of these techniques, we simply do not know whether what Mr He did will cause lifelong health issues.

In 2018, Mr He announced to the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong that he had altered the genes of two embryos produced by IVF before placing them in their mothers. Resulting in the birth of three gene-edited babies

Who is He Jiankui? He Jiankui is a disgraced Chinese scientist who was jailed for three years in 2019 after announcing he had genetically engineered human babies. Although this was initially met by some as a major scientific breakthrough, criticism followed as the details of his experiments emerged. Mr He had forged ethical review documents, falsified blood tests, hidden from government scrutiny by personally funding the research, and misled doctors into unknowingly implanting gene-edited embryos. Following his release from jail, his application to work in Hong Kong was rejected after it emerged that he lied on his application form. Advertisement

Although Mr He told MailOnline he is in regular contact with the parents of all three children, there is no way to confirm that they really are as healthy as he claims.

Likewise, experts in HIV argued that there was 'zero risk' of the children being infected with HIV in the first place, provided the mother took widely available and provenly safe antiretroviral therapy.

Dr Kathy Niakan, embryo research group leader at the Francis Crick, said at the time: 'This would be a highly irresponsible, unethical and dangerous use of genome editing technology.

'Given the significant doubts about safety, including the potential for unintended harmful side-effects, it is simply far too premature to attempt this.'

Even among researchers who support research into embryo editing, Mr He was slammed for potentially undermining years of work spent convincing the public that these methods could be done ethically.

Professor Darren Griffin, a geneticist from the University of Kent, said at the time that Mr He had taken trust in science 'back to the Stone Age'.

As the trial took place, it also emerged that Mr He had taken a number of highly unethical and often illegal steps to hide his research from prying eyes.

Mr He and his colleagues were accused of forging ethical review documents, misleading doctors into unknowingly implanting gene-edited embryos.

He Jiankui said the gene edits were made so that the babies would not inherit their parents' HIV positive status. He now claims that all three babies are healthy, happy, and that the parents have thanked him for what he did (stock image)

How did He Jiankui genetically edit babies? Throughout 2017 and 2018, Mr He recruited eight couples in which the male was HIV positive. He took sperm and eggs from these couples and created fertilised embryos. Using CRISPR gene editing technology, Mr He altered a gene that would give the baby protection against the HIV virus. He then took these embryos and implanted them into their mothers' wombs. Two women then became pregnant and gave birth to three babies, including a pair of twins. Advertisement

Since HIV positive parents are not allowed to receive assisted reproduction, he asked others to take the volunteers' blood tests on their behalf to avoid regulations.

It was also revealed that he had used private funds from his two biotech companies to finance the research personally to avoid scrutiny.

Despite all that, Mr He, who requested he be introduced as a 'pioneer of gene editing', appeared confused by the criticism.

'I have three babies born now, and the two families thanked me. They thanked me for what I did for them, for their family. They have a healthy baby and a happy life now,' said Mr He.

'The three babies are normal, healthy, free of HIV. They are living a happy life. That's the proof that what I've done is ethical.

'People don't want to get involved with me because I have a bad name. But actually, nothing happened. There's no bad result, I'm not breaking the law.

'I do everything legally, I do everything ethically. So nothing bad has happened yet.'

Although Mr He said he is 'actively' petitioning the Chinese government to legalise embryo gene editing, he doesn't want this to be totally unregulated.

In 2018, He Jiankui announced that he had used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the genes of human babies in an attempt to make them HIV resistant. This was a violation of China's prohibition on human genome editing

In fact, he is staunchly opposed to any editing which tries to enhance intelligence, appearance, or create 'super-soldiers' - adding that these should be 'permanently banned'.

In Mr He's view, genetically editing embryos is simply the obvious solution to the health problems affecting the world.

'10 years ago, my dream was to be a physicist - to be Einstein the second,' said Mr He.

'But then, when I went to the US, my grandfather died of some disease. It would not be a big problem today, but 15 or 20 years ago in China, the medical conditions were not so good.

'I gradually realised that all the problems of physics have mostly been solved, but there are lots of things we could do in human biology and human health.'

Mr He describes this as a 'transition moment' in his life, after which he became unflinchingly dedicated to his goal of bringing embryo gene editing to the masses.

Gene therapy works by fixing or replacing faulty genes to prevent the body from getting sick or make it able to fight off a disease.

This treatment has a lot of promise for tackling conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, haemophilia and AIDS.

Although Mr He insists that the patient's welfare comes first, he says that he is mainly motivated by personal fame and a mission to 'make it so the Chinese feel proud of me'

Why is editing human embryos controversial? He Jiankui's gene editing experiments were roundly criticised by the scientific community, even by those who support embryo research. There is not enough evidence to show that these methods are safe or effective, nor are the potential side effects understood. Mr He made little effort to ensure that the procedure would be safe, and his published results were not peer-reviewed. The procedure was also entirely unnecessary to prevent HIV infection, since a regular course of antiretroviral medication would have the same effect. Advertisement

The drawback is that a single course of gene therapy can be prohibitively expensive, with treatments sometimes costing upwards of 3 million per dose.

However, making those same genetic changes on a single-cell embryo before someone is born requires only tiny amounts of medicine.

In the future, Mr He said he wants these kinds of preventative treatments to become the norm for the vast majority of children.

'I see this happening very soon, maybe in 10 years,' said Mr He.

'The reason is that it's affordable. The current gene therapy is super expensive. No one can afford it. Its a ridiculous price, and it's not benefiting people at all.

'But embryo gene editing, it only costs a few thousand dollars, so most families can afford it.

'Embryo gene editing is the future. It will get cheap, maybe not as cheap as an iPhone, but maybe as cheap as 10 iPhones.'

In service of that goal, Mr He said he is opening a new research lab in Houston, Texas, where he will pursue embryo gene therapies.

Gene therapy can be used to treat deadly conditions such as MLD, and has already saved the life of two-year-old Teddi Shaw (pictured). However, Teddi's treatment cost 2.8 million. Mr He says he could make the therapy cheaper by treating conditions before the children are born

Mr He said he already has two American researchers lined up to start the lab in early August this year.

He insists that there will be 'no pregnancies' and no gene-edited babies born in Austin.

However, the same secrecy that plagued his earlier research once again threatens to cast a shadow over this latest project.

Mr He refused to disclose any details about the lab, including the names of the researchers or the two Chinese 'colleagues' from his earlier projects that are overseeing the lab on his behalf.

Mr He would not even name the disease that the lab is supposed to be investigating, other than to say it was a rare muscular disease.

This time around, his sources of funding are also even more obscure.

Mr He said he has received private donations from an American family suffering from the unnamed disease, as well as from some 'Southeast Asian families'.

He also released a 'meme coin' cryptocurrency called GENE, which supposedly provides direct funding for the research.

Using CRISPR to treat an adult's cancer is expensive and time-consuming, treating them before they are born could cost as little as a few thousand pounds, according to Mr He

He claims that these measures are necessary to preserve his employees' safety, fearing attacks on the laboratory if the location were revealed.

This comes after a supposed attack by a group of rivals last September, which supposedly led to Mr He needing hospital treatment.

However, physical assaults are only the beginning of Mr He's troubles.

In addition to the three million Chinese Yuan he was fined, he now says that the local government of Shenzhen is demanding the repayment of a further five million Chinese Yuan (500,000) lent to Mr He to start a research lab.

Mainstream funding bodies have also shunned his research, leading to his application for funding being rejected by the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 2024.

Mr He said that researchers have declined to work with him, university professors won't answer his emails, and potential collaborators have refused to be associated with him.

Although Mr He said these challenges make him 'angry', he remains characteristically undaunted.

'I think it's totally fair. It's fair, because every pioneer, every prophet, has to serve those difficulties and until one day they have been fully recognised by society,' said Mr He.

Mr He has faced significant personal difficulties due to his research. In May, he announced he would be leaving China for the US, before his passport was promptly confiscated. He wrote in a post on X: 'Xi Jinping, give me back my passport!' (translated)

'People only believe what they want to believe. So, only when those old people die, the young people will accept it. It's natural.'

As for why he is so willing to endure these hardships, Mr He appears to be caught between two conflicting motivations.

At times, he seems genuinely concerned for those he sees as needlessly suffering from curable conditions, and outraged that gene therapy is only affordable for the super-rich.

But at others, his underlying drive seems to be nothing more than a simple desire for fame.

Mr He is obsessed with social media, in particular X, where he has amassed 135,000 followers.

He claimed to be the 'most influential biologist on X' and boasted that he had 'more followers than Nobel Prize winners' while bitterly complaining that he had been banned from social media in China.

He candidly told MailOnline: 'One side, I am always looking for fame. I want my name to be put into history.

'Second, I want to bring glory to my country, China. I want to make it so the Chinese people feel proud of me.'

Mr He is unabashedly focused on fame and glory, telling MailOnline his eventual goal is to receive a Nobel Prize for his work

Although he claims that he only wants fame 'on the condition that it's better for the patient', his focus always seems to be on proving to the world that he was right.

Asked whether going to jail, facing millions in fines, and becoming an outcast from the world of science was worth it, Mr He replied without hesitation: 'Of course. That's worth a Nobel Prize.'

And despite his criminal record and lax attitude towards medical ethics, Mr He doesn't see this as an unreasonable goal at all.

Comparing himself to the inventor of IVF, Sir Robert Geoffrey Edwards, Mr He said: 'When Edwards was given the Nobel Prize in 2010, there were already five million IVF babies born all over the world.

'So when we have five million babies born with gene editing, they will give me the Nobel Prize.'

'One day, when China has changed its law, I will have a Nobel Prize.'
Sofia Vergara was spotted cutting loose at a nightclub in Ibiza, Spain, in a TikTok video shot by a fan earlier this month.

The 53-year-old was spotted shimmying 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 that the actress 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.'

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 recently single star shared video of her own, dancing with the same hunky guy at what appeared to be a different club on social media.

Island heat: 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

She captioned the clip: 'When in Ibiza.'

Since then, Sofia 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.
With Brad Pitt's F1 movie thrilling fans, talk of his youthful looks have taken pole position.

One person boldly to social media to declare: 'Brad Pitt got a facelift,' while a second added: 'The surgeon who did [his] facelift should be the richest person on Earth.'

DailyMail.com has spoken to three plastic surgeons to uncover the procedures the actor may have received.

Comparison: Brad Pitt is pictured above in December 2022 and at the launch for F1 last month. Some people have suggested he has had work done to enhance his youthful looks

Despite the suggestions, each said he likely did not receive a facelift, saying they couldn't see the typical giveaway signs of taut skin, squinting eyes, and scars around the ear.

Instead, they suggested it was much more likely that he had received fat transfers or fillers into the mid-face to boost volume and make him appear younger.

Dr Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, a facial plastic surgeon in New York City, said: 'This is a subtle touch-up procedure that tends to be more desirable, especially if you are in the public eye.

'This is because it means... a less drastic change in your appearance, which is important, especially for someone who is in movies and whose face is their identity and their brand.'

Youthful: Brad has been looking incredibly youthful amid viral rumors that he got a facelift

Brad first debuted his incredibly youthful new looks in September last year, which again sparked speculation from fans about a potential facelift.

Sources close to the star denied rumors that he had had a facelift, or received any other procedures to DailyMail.com.

The plastic surgeons did not treat or get the chance to examine Brad in person, and instead based their comments on photos and videos of the star online.

Dr Barry Weintraub, a top facelift surgeon in New York City who examined two pictures of the star, said: 'Looking straight at these images, it is clear that he is handsome as hell.

'But I do also notice that in the later photo his face is fuller, and that would either be from fat transfers or a variety of fillers that were used.

'It could also be simply because he gained weight, because that can also lead to more fullness appearing in the face.'

He added: 'As you get older, you start to lose volume in your own face... so placing volume back into it is a great way to add youth, and I think that is what was done here.'

Surgeons said he'd likely received the filler or fat transfers into the cheeks and jawline to add volume to these areas.

They said that overall it was more likely this was fat, typically taken from the abdomen or thighs, because this is longer lasting and can trigger a more natural result.

Gone under the knife? Compared to his look in past years, including at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 (shown above), some fans speculated that he went under the knife as his chin and jaw look different

Many celebrities also opt for blepharoplasties, a procedure to remove skin above the eyes to make someone appear more youthful.

But all three surgeons said Brad had avoided this.

Dr Gary Linkov, a plastic surgeon also in New York City, said: 'I still don't see great proof that he's had a facelift. His hairline area looks ok to me, and I don't see any clear evidence for me.

'But it is possible that he might have had a fat transfer or filler to the mid-face.

'I mentioned a few years ago that he may have had that procedure, so it's definitely possible that he did something like that again.'

Dr Adam Scheiner, a cosmetic surgeon in Florida and author of 2017 book The True Definition Of Beauty, said Brad may appear so youthful because of how someone views a person's face.

'When we look at a person's face, our brains focus on the eye and mouth region first and the skin and facial contours area second.

'So it tends to be much more dramatic when someone has the eyes or mouth worked on, whereas if it's on other areas it tends to be much more subtle - like the work we see here.'

Brad has not commented on any recent work he may have, but he has repeatedly spoken about aging - saying after he turned 60 years old that he was starting to feel his own mortality.

Surgeons have previously suggested that Brad has been receiving fillers and Botox during the years to maintain his youthful appearance but this has never been confirmed.

Surgeons suggested too that Brad may be maintaining his skin using moisturizers, micro-needling, and other procedures.
Ghislaine Maxwell's life behind bars has been laid bare by one of her former cellmates.

Jessica Watkins - who was imprisoned for her part in the 2020 Capitol riots - said Maxwell, 63, has rebranded herself as a teacher to other inmates.

The 42-year-old transgender Army veteran said Jeffrey Epstein's former pal mostly keeps to herself as she serves her 20-year stretch for child sex-trafficking charges.

Life inside: 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

Aerial view: Maxwell is incarcerated at FCI Tallahassee in Florida

Watkins, a former Oath Keeper, was imprisoned alongside the 63-year-old inside FCI Tallahassee.

Maxwell notoriously helped 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 DailyMail.com this week, Watkins said Maxwell mostly kept to herself inside the prison, a low-security facility in the Florida capital where she has modeled herself as a mentor to other jailbirds.

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 registered the disgraced socialite, 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?"

'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 she and Maxwell would go 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.

'[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.'

Insights: 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

Riots: Watkins, a former member of the Oath Keepers militia group, is seen here outside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2020

Toxic pals: Epstein, seen with Maxwell, 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.'

In the U.S., 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 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 wellbeing 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.'

Aloof: Maxwell is said to have kept to herself, and had one close friend whom Watkins identified only as Lisa

Suicide: Epstein's victims alleged they were procured by Maxwell and passed around his billionaire friends and associates

Legal studies: 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 - with 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 among inmates, particularly the prescription opioid Suboxone and crystal meth.

Due to this, she said she 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.'

Stretching her legs: 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, but the former socialite only mentioned the president once, Watkins noted.

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 insisted Maxwell was not suicidal, suggesting she was unlikely to 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 against him.

His suicide fueled speculation he was assassinated as part of a cover-up to protect other high-profile individuals who were potentially complicit in his crimes.

It was later suggested the well-connected financier maintained a list of clients to whom underage girls were trafficked.
Tourist flights going into Portofino will rise dramatically again this year - despite British visitors this week reporting that it's already 'too crowded' this summer and the Italian resort's mayor recently introducing tough new rules on tourist behaviour.

Like much of the Med this summer, the resort, which sits on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, has also been the subject of anti-tourism protests - but figures exclusively gained by MailOnline suggest that this year far more tourists descending than in previous years.

The pretty coastal village announced on July 15th it was taking a hard line on tourists deemed to be misbehaving - introducing fines of up to 500 euros for those caught drinking alcohol in the street, wearing swimwear in its historic piazza and picnic-ing outdoors.

The temporary rules, which expire on September 30th, are part of a bid to ensure the elegant Italian resort remains civilised this summer, says its mayor, Matteo Viacava.

One tourist in the glamorous destination this week shared images of holidaymakers jostling for space on a crowded beach, saying: 'You travelled to a "secret beach" in Portofino, except it definitely isn't secret anymore.'

The caption read: 'Expectation vs Reality in Portofino! Literally took one look at the crowds and left.'

Another TikToker posted a clip of a busy street in Portofino and simply wrote, 'Watching Portofino get flooded with tourists'.

According to data collected by aviation analysts Cirium, the gateway airport to Portofino, Genoa, will see nearly 142,000 more visitors jet in to the region this year than last.

Italian idyll Portofino has long been a popular destination for Brits - but tourist numbers are rising, and recent visitors have reported overcrowding in the village's historic streets

Elbows at dawn: One tourist disappointed with the vast crowds in Portofino posted on TikTok footage showing hundreds of people gathered around the Italian resort's picturesque port

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The figures revealed that in 2024, there were 5,038 flights and 800,100 seats arriving into Genoa from global airports.

For 2025, however, the predicted number of global flights arriving into the Italian hub is 5,650 - with 941,600 seats.

From the UK, there's also been a significant bump in the number of Brits booking flights that will land them close to Portofino - the airport of Genoa is less than an hour west by car.

Last year saw 350 flights from the UK, with the vast majority leaving from London Stansted, with around 50 flights departing out of Manchester, with a total number of around 66,300 seats.

This year, that figure is scheduled to rise to 367 flights, equivalent to 69,600 seats.

It's just days since the village announced it was introducing tough new rules to protect itself from the perils of overtourism.

Consuming alcohol on public streets in Portofino has been prohibited, with drinkers confined to restaurants, bars, and designated areas.

Begging, sitting, or lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and parks has also been banned along with having picnics.

The elegant Italian resort village of Portofino as it looks from afar - but tourist numbers are rising, with around 140,000 more tourists visiting this year than last according to aviation data

Genoa is the nearest hub to Portofino - less than an hour away by car, with some 941,000 flight seats coming into the airport in 2025

Anyone who is caught violating the regulations before then will be subject to a fine of between 22 and 433.

The goal of the latest crackdown is to protect the 'peace and quiet of residents and tourists' in the exclusive coastal resort which brings in up to 100,000 tourists during peak season - despite the town only having a population of 400.

When it comes to madding summer crowds, much of Europe's most popular tourist destinations paint a similar picture.

In the Italian village of Varenna - famed for its tiny streets and colourful facades of houses - Brits have complained of crowds so dense they were barely able to reach down to take their phones out of their pockets.

Meanwhile, footage from the Greek island of Santorini - adored by influencers for its breathtaking sunsets and views across the Mediterranean - show thousands of people inching along narrow streets with barely enough room to pass each other.

Disappointed sunseekers have taken to social media to share how their dream holiday didn't quite match reality.

A holidaymaker in Lake Como, Italy, posted a video warning others what to expect, showing packed coastal pathways and an hour long line for the ferry.

The clip is captioned: 'Lake Como in June is so amazing, the views are stunning, but so many people and waiting times.'

Europe is groaning under a tourism surge. Shocking footage reveal the extent of the crisis, with some streets so crowded that tourists are forced to shuffle shoulder-to-shoulder just to move. Pictured: A street in Positano, Italy

A holidaymaker in Lake Como, Italy posted a video warning others what to expect while visiting in the summer, showing packed coastal pathways and an hour long line for the ferry

Another Lake Como visitor likened the long queues to 'the tourist hunger games' and posted a picture of an endless line of people

This image shows tourists walking beside Lake Como in 2023, before it was overcrowded with tourists

Another visitor likened the experience to 'the tourist hunger games' alongside a seemingly endless line of people.

A woman visiting Positano, on Italy's Amalfi Coast, was also left disappointed by her experience.

She said: 'Social media lied. I've been dreaming of going to Positano on Italy's Amalfi Coast for years.

'And while it is definitely a very beautiful town, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting.

'I was expecting all of the stairs, but I wasn't expecting the magnitude of the crowds and the lineups.

'Positano has become a travel destination where you need to have every moment of your itinerary planned out in advance, and book reservations for pretty much everything.

'Otherwise, it will all be booked up before you even touch down in Italy.'

Meanwhile, in Greece, overcrowding is also frustrating sunseekers.

A tourist in Portofino, a small coastal town on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, revealed how even areas which are meant to be quiet have been swarmed by holidaymakers. She wrote 'you travelled to a 'secret beach' in Portofino, except it definitely isn't secret anymore'

Pictured: What tourists expect when visiting Portofino

One woman revealed how much the island of Santorini has changed since her last visit two years ago, before the tourism surge became so severe.

She posted a picture of a packed street, writing, 'Santorini! When we stayed here in 2022, we scoffed at the people who came off the cruise ships.

'This time, we were those people! Santorini in summer is no joke. The heat, the crowds, the lines. No magic this time. Just sweat, nausea and swollen feet.

'Don't be deceived by the smiling faces.'

Some areas have introduced special measures in an attempt to crack down on overcrowding.

Portofino has banned walking barefoot, picnics and drinking booze on the streets among a swathe of other prohibitions.

Tourists risk being fined for carrying out a variety of actions typically enjoyed abroad.

From July 15, travellers in Portofino will no longer be able to walk through the town barefoot, in swimwear, or topless - or sit in the piazza in such attire.

A tourist in Portofino, a small coastal town on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, revealed how even areas which are meant to be quiet have been swarmed by holiday makers. Pictured: A crowd in Positano, Italy

Consuming alcohol on public streets has also been prohibited, with only restaurants, bars and designated areas left to booze in.

Begging, sitting, or lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and parks has also been banned along with having picnics.

The new ordinance, signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, will take effect during the summer season and temporarily expire on September 30.

Anyone who is caught violating the regulations before then will be subject to a fine of between 22 and 433.

The goal of the latest crackdown is to protect the 'peace and quiet of residents and tourists' in the exclusive coastal resort which brings in up to 100,000 tourists during peak season - despite the town only having a population of 400.

The municipality had already attempted to combat troublesome tourists in 2023.

During that period, stopping at particularly popular viewpoints across the picturesque town was prohibited.

These include a tourist tax, restrictions on access and parking, and a proposed 'saturation law' limiting daily visitor numbers.

Another person visiting Positano, on Italy's Amalfi Coast, expressed her disappointment at the experience in a TikTok clip. She said: 'Social media lied. I've been dreaming of going to Positano on Italy's Amalfi Coast for years.' Pictured: The quiet beach the woman expected

She wrote: 'I was expecting all of the stairs, but I wasn't expecting the magnitude of the crowds and the lineups.' Pictured: The crowds in Positano

This image shows a quiet street in Positano, before the town suffered from overcrowding

@vickirutwind Social media lied   Ive been dreaming of going to Positano on Italys Amalfi Coast for years. And while it is definitely a very very very beautiful town, it wasnt exactly what I was expecting.  I was expecting all of the stairs, but I wasnt expecting the magnitude of the crowds and the lineups.  Positano has become a travel destination where you need to have every moment of your itinerary planned out in advance, and book reservations for pretty much everything. Otherwise, it will all be booked up before you even touch down in Italy. And while that might be your travel style, I really like having an opportunity to explore and be spontaneous.  I also think if you want some of the magical experiences you are seeing on social media, you have to pay a major premium to stay at the super luxury hotels, and dine at the most expensive restaurants with reservations booked way in advance.  In the end, I did still have a nice time in Positano because its a beautiful town, the main beach has a nice beach club, and we had some nice meals. But for now, its not one of my favorite travel destinations. Im on the fence about whether Ill return. Have you been to Positano? And if you have, what did you think about it? #positano #positanoitaly #amalficoast #travelitaly #instagramvsreality #italytravel  original sound - william springfield

One woman revealed how much the island of Santorini has changed since her last visit two years ago, before the tourism surge became so severe

She posted a picture of a packed street writing, 'Santorini! When we stayed here in 2022 we scoffed at the people who came off the cruise ships. This time, we were those people! Santorini in summer is no joke'

Pictured: A coastal path in Santorini before the tourism surge

Meanwhile, Spain's Balearic Islands have stopped using influencers to promote holiday hotspots and warned that 'selfie tourism' is ruining the region's most beautiful beaches.

The move comes a year after jeering Mallorcan protestors descended on an Instagram-famous beach and blocked visitors from entering in a bid to combat mass tourism.

Local authorities had originally hoped social media stars would help relieve the strain on some locations frequented by tourists by encouraging visitors to explore less popular sites.

But the strategy has seemingly backfired, as some of these remote locations have now become flooded with selfie-snapping visitors, causing even more overcrowding and sparking further fury from locals contesting 'over tourism.'

'It has had the complete opposite effect to what was intended and runs contrary to government policy on containing tourism,' a spokesman for the Balearic tourism department admitted over the weekend.
It's the one thing most flight passengers want but can't have - the chance to turn left on a plane and make their trip at 38,000ft a whole lot more comfortable.

With business and first class tickets often priced at thousands above the cost of a seat at the back of the plane, they remain accessible only to the wealthy, or business travellers whose companies will foot the bill.

However, several flight experts have shared their wisdom on tips and tricks to get a spot at the front of the plane without coughing up the full price.

Speaking to The Independent, Gilbert Ott, founder of travel site godsavethepoints.com, said that buying a ticket in premium economy, often just a few hundred pounds more than an economy seat, can often secure you a place at the front of the queue for upgrades.

Ott told the publication that the smallest cabin on the plane often gets the most oversold: 'They love to oversell this cabin with upgrades, effectively selling a seat on the plane twice to someone.

'And since it's such a small cabin, here you're most likely to receive a complimentary bump to business or first class.'

And if you're travelling with a more budget operator, such as easyJet or Ryanair?

Another expert, Zach Griff, senior reporter at travel brand The Points Guy, says a last-minute check-in is often the key to a better seat.

Dreaming of some luxe at 30,000ft? Upgrades are rare but do happen, say experts (stock image)

He explained that often the most expensive seats on low-cost airlines are still sold right until the last moment - and when it's time to fly, you might bag an eleventh hour move to a more comfortable, better appointed seat.

The travel sage said: 'If they end up going unsold, it's possible they might assign them to the last people checking in.'

Earlier this year, Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK, shared how to 'position yourself as a prime candidate for the cabin crew to move you up to business  or even first class  absolutely free of charge.

The first tip from Dawn is simply just to ask.

She told the Express: When you check in, smile warmly and simply ask, Are there any upgrade opportunities available today?

This phrasing is important - it's polite, direct, and shows you understand upgrades aren't guaranteed.

But the timing of this question is also just as important, says Dawn.

She explains: Check in early, when more premium seats are likely available, but not during peak busy periods when staff are rushed.

Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away UK, also advises on how to grab a seat in an elevated cabin, saying it's possible if you play your cards right (stock image)

'And always ask discreetly - never demand an upgrade in front of other passengers.

Even your clothes could also make all the difference, so Dawn recommends choosing your airport outfit very wisely  and making a bit of an effort with your appearance.

She says: Smart-casual clothing sends a signal that you'll fit in with the premium cabin environment.

Think neat jeans or trousers, a collared shirt or nice top, and clean, decent shoes.

Telling the staff youre celebrating something like a honeymoon or big birthday could also lead to cabin crew giving you special treatment.

Dawn adds: I've seen couples get upgraded because they mentioned their anniversary. One pair even received complimentary champagne in business class.

Dawn also recommends being flexible with your travel plans and keeping an eye out for oversold flights - often during school holidays or weekends  as these flights offer better upgrade opportunities.

But there are some big, simple mistakes Dawn says many people make that instantly ruin their chances of an upgrade.

Turning left on planes to enjoy business-class cabins - for free, or via purchasing a premium economy ticket - is much more likely if you play your cards right

She says: Asking loudly in front of other passengers, arriving at the gate just before boarding, or being rude to staff are all guaranteed ways to stay in economy.

Remember that upgrades are at the discretion of airline staff  they're more likely to reward polite, appreciative customers who've shown loyalty to their airline.

Even if you're nervous or excited, stay calm and friendly.

A little genuine courtesy goes a long way when upgrade decisions are being made.
An Antiques Roadshow guest takes an expert's breath away with an 'absolutely superb' item never seen on the show before - which turned out to be worth a life-changing sum.

A rediscovered episode of the BBC show from 2016 sees presenter Fiona Bruce, 61, and the experts head to Scarborough Grand Spa Hall on the North Yorkshire coast.

The specialist appraisers met with guests to value their family heirlooms and heritage items - with expert Ronnie Archer Morgan, 75, taken aback by one in particular.

He spoke to a woman who had brought in a Polynesian, club-like tribal weapon for evaluation - which was unlike anything he had seen on the programme before.

Ronnie, an expert in tribal art and weaponry, opened by asking: 'What's a feminine person like you doing with a big, heavy, aggressive thing like this?'

She explained: 'Well, it belongs to my dad actually, it's not mine, and it was passed down to him by his dad who acquired it through some elderly spinster ladies who gave it to him.

An Antiques Roadshow guest (pictured) 'takes the expert's breath away' with an 'absolutely superb' item never seen on the show before - which is worth a life-changing sum

The specialist appraisers met with guests to value their family heirlooms and heritage items - with expert Ronnie Archer Morgan (left), 75, taken aback by one in particular

He spoke to a woman who had brought in a Polynesian, club-like tribal weapon (pictured) for evaluation - which was unlike anything he had seen on the programme before

'He was a solicitor in Scarborough town so that's how but I dont know anything more.'

The slightly unclear origins of the item did not matter to Ronnie - who was just floored by its quality.

He exclaimed: 'Amazing. I can't actually believe what I'm looking at. This is absolutely superb.

'It's a Fijian Bulibuli and this is a thing of rare beauty. It is really what us collectors look for. This is the best I've ever seen.'

This type of weapon from the South Pacific island nation typically has a straight, long handle with a rounded head and protruding decorative circles on it.

The guest's item was completely textbook, with raised carved studs. She responded, incredulous, to Ronnie's praise for it: 'Really? Wow!'

The expert explained the grisly way such weapons have been used over the years: 'It is for caving in skulls, of course, and it would do that with some ferocity.

'And actually, they've often found people's skulls on these islands in Fiji and Tonga and places like that and the skulls are caved in and it's not surprising, is it?'

He exclaimed: 'Amazing. I can't actually believe what I'm looking at. This is absolutely superb'

Ronnie continued: 'It's a Fijian Bulibuli and this is a thing of rare beauty. It is really what us collectors look for. This is the best I've ever seen'

He predicted the handle, in particular, was likely from the 18th or early 19th century - and boasted unique features compared other clubs of this kind.

It was made from chip-carved iron wood, which describes a kind of hand cutting technique of very hard, dense wood.

'The chip carving goes all the way down the shaft. I've only ever seen them with plain shafts so this one is as good as it gets', Ronnie said.

'The colour is superb and the colour would have been as important to the owner as, say, the colour of someone's tie today.

'It said who the tribesman was. It's a prestige object as well as a weapon.

'The man who owned this would have carried it with a swagger. It said who he was.'

It was much bigger than the typical club, Ronnie explained: 'I've never seen one this long either.

'Normally, they are a good six, seven, eight inches shorter than this.'

He predicted the handle (pictured), in particular, was likely from the 18th or early 19th century - and boasted unique features compared other clubs of this kind

Ronnie had massively built up the anticipation ahead of the all-important valuation - and it did not disappoint

All of these amazing features had the expert absolutely awestruck and speaking in the strongest terms: 'It just takes my breath away.

'I'm really beside myself with excitement. I just want to throw my collection away, that's the truth of the matter.

'I know some dealers that had one and they thought it was the best thing they ever had and it was half as good as this and I'm not joking.

'Did you have any idea what a rare thing this - how did it find its way from the middle of the Pacific to Scarborough? It's just unbelievable.'

Ronnie had massively built up the anticipation ahead of the all-important valuation - and it did not disappoint.

'And with an unbelievable object comes an unbelievable price', he said.

'I'm thinking about this. The market for this sort of thing is more in Paris or in Brussels and in New York.

'But they get very excited and they've got galleries that deal in this sort of stuff and a nice one of these would probably be 8,000 to 10,000.'

The guest, eyes wide, was astonished by the first sum Ronnie mentioned - but he was not done yet

The woman was blown away by the prospect of such a life-changing sum: 'Wow! That's amazing!'

The guest, eyes wide, was astonished by this - but Ronnie was not done yet.

'This, I would stick my neck out and say if you had to buy this from the Sablon [antiques market] in Brussels, I think it would cost you between 30,000 and maybe 35,000.

'I really think it could make that.'

The woman was blown away by the prospect of such a life-changing sum: 'Wow! That's amazing!'

Ronnie could not help but continue to be effusive about the historic object: 'It is the best I've ever seen and I really mean that. I can only dream.'

The owner responded: 'Oh, I'm so happy. My dad's going to be absolutely thrilled. That's fantastic. Thank you so much.'

It comes after another guest, on a more recent episode of the show, learnt from Ronnie their items were also worth a huge sum - after they had nearly been thrown away.

The man, speaking from Clissold Park in London's Stoke Newington area, explained he found them five years ago when he came across some builders throwing things away.

It comes after another guest (pictured), on a more recent episode of the show, learnt from Ronnie their items were also worth a huge sum - after they had nearly been thrown away

The man, speaking from Clissold Park in London's Stoke Newington area (pictured), explained he found them five years ago when he came across some builders throwing things away

He said: 'I was a cheeky chappie, asked them if I could have a look, buy some bits and bobs, done a deal'. Pictured: Expert Ronnie

He said: 'I was a cheeky chappie, asked them if I could have a look, buy some bits and bobs, done a deal.'

It was then he acquired an archive collection of vibrant fabrics made by pioneer artist Althea McNish.

Althea immigrated to the UK from Trinidad and Tobago in 1951, soon calling London her new home.

After graduating university in 1957, the designer received her first commission from fashion brand Dior, setting her up on a path to success.

She worked for a number of famous clients over the years, even designing Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe for her royal visit to Trinidad.

Althea passed away in 2020 at the age of 95.

Speaking about the renowned artist, Ronnie said: 'She was probably the most influential post-war textile designer that Britain has seen.

'She brought the colour and the vibrancy of Trinidad to the shores of post-war Britain and at a time when we really needed colour here.'

It was then he acquired an archive collection of vibrant fabrics made by pioneer artist Althea McNish (pictured)

Althea immigrated to the UK from Trinidad and Tobago in 1951, soon calling London her new home

The guest also had pages of her designs, still boasting their bright colours despite being five decades old

He added Althea worked variously for iconic department store Liberty as well as fabric company Danasco.

The guest also had pages of her designs, still boasting their bright colours despite being five decades old.

When it came to the all important valuation, Ronnie started by saying some of her designs could fetch 2,500 per square meter.

Cautioning it would all need to be calculated, he then said: 'I think this archive and what you've brought to us here is worth in excess of 250,000.'

The contributor, clearly blown away by the figure, remarked: 'That's blown me away.

'It's just been an incredible journey of learning and knowledge, I've loved every minute.'

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch and to stream on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
'Lovely jubbly', 'plonker' and an ever increasingly bizarre use of the French language - it could only be one programme.

Only Fools And Horses, the BBC sitcom about two south-east London market trader brothers, won its away into the nation's hearts as soon as it hit our screens in 1981.

Created by the inimitable late John Sullivan, it starred Sir David Jason as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his little brother Rodney.

And the pair were joined in Peckham by a host of beloved supporting characters, including Grandad (Lennard Pearce) and Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield).

As one of the most iconic British sitcoms of all time, running for seven series until 2003, its stars were bound to become the stuff of acting legend.

It means when a fan recently revealed online what David, 85, was really like in person, keen Only Fools viewers jumped at the chance to find out.

Only Fools And Horses (pictured), the BBC sitcom about south-east London market traders, won its away into the nation's hearts as soon as it hit our screens in 1981

Created by the inimitable late John Sullivan, it starred Sir David Jason as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his little brother Rodney (pictured)

When a fan recently revealed online what David (pictured on Lorraine in May), 85, was really like in person, keen Only Fools viewers jumped at the chance to find out

They posted on discussion site Reddit: 'My mate's dad was good friends with David and used to run a B&B in Weston-super-Mare.

'Over the years, "Uncle David" would pop by now and then and my mate would also see him at family gatherings and events.'

David has had an illustrious career outside Only Fools too.

He has starred variously in detective series A Touch Of Frost, grocery shop sitcom Open All Hours and fifties-set family life comedy The Darling Buds of May.

But it is ambitious Cockney Del Boy, known for his catchphrase, 'This time next year, we'll be millionaires!', who seemed to capture the user's family the most.

They continued: 'As you can imagine, whenever he showed up, people couldn't resist asking him to "do a bit of Del Boy".

'He always politely declined, until one unforgettable occasion. After a bit of friendly badgering, David finally gave in.

'My mate said he took a deep breath and in that moment, everything about him changed - his posture, his expression, even the way he stood.

They posted on discussion site Reddit: 'My mate's dad was good friends with David and used to run a B&B in Weston-super-Mare'

They continued: 'As you can imagine, whenever he showed up, people couldn't resist asking him to "do a bit of Del Boy"'. Pictured: David and Nicholas as Del Boy and Rodney

The heartwarming anecdote shows the funny, nice man David (pictured, at the premiere of the Only Fools And Horses musical last year) is off as well as on screen - perhaps putting paid to the idea you should never meet your heroes

'It was like Del Boy had walked into the room. For the next 20 minutes, Del Boy was the life of the party, giving everyone a performance they'd never forget.'

The heartwarming anecdote shows the funny, nice man David is off as well as on screen - perhaps putting paid to the idea you should never meet your heroes.

But fans might have to cough up a hefty sum to do so at an upcoming fan event.

David is set to appear at the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society Convention in Milton Keynes in October.

It has been revealed, though, that the price for tickets for a professional photo opportunity with the actor in the Trotter flat set starts at an eye-watering 350.

Any fans who want a signed photo mount and dinner as well as the image will have to find an astonishing 550 for the so-called 'platinum' tickets.

Despite the premium price tag, no selfies or autographs will be allowed.

The event's website reads: 'Due to time constraints, Sir David will not be signing any items across the convention weekend.

But fans might have to cough up a hefty sum to do so at an upcoming fan event. Pictured: David, Nicholas and Buster as Del Boy, Rodney and Uncle Albert on Only Fools And Horses

David (pictured on This Morning in 2018) is set to appear at the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society Convention in Milton Keynes in October

'We kindly ask you do not bring anything to attempt Sir David to sign as it will not be permitted. We will have staff on call to ensure this in fairness to everyone.

'There will be NO "selfies" with Sir David Jason.

'Selfies are left to the discretion of the other guest actors, although most are very happy to pose for a photograph if asked politely.'

It comes after Only Fools fans recently had another amazing revelation about David.

Even the staunchest observers have only just realised the TV legend, born David John White in 1941, has an older brother who is also a famous actor.

Arthur White, 91, starred next to his brother in several episodes of A Touch of Frost where he played PC Ernie Trigg in the police crime drama.

He also appeared briefly along with his brother in two episodes of The Darling Buds of May back in 1991.

In 2008, he worked with David again on the comic fantasy The Colour of Magic where he played a character called Rerpf.

It comes after even the staunchest observers only just realised the TV legend (pictured on This Morning last year), born David John White in 1941, has an older brother who is also a famous actor

Arthur White, 91, starred next to his brother in several episodes of A Touch of Frost where he played PC Ernie Trigg in the police crime drama. Pictured: Arthur and David on A Touch Of Frost

He also appeared briefly along with his brother in two episodes of The Darling Buds of May back in 1991. Pictured: The brothers on A Touch Of Frost

In other work, Arthur appeared in time travel sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart in 1996.

The series also starred his brother's Only Fools co-star Nicholas, who played Del Boy's brother Rodney, in the lead role of Gary Sparrow.

From 1995 to 2001, Arthur starred in the ITV fire service workplace drama London's Burning, before appearing in police procedural Heartbeat.

He has also been seen on a episode of Holby City in 2016, in which he played the part of Sidney Bickton.

His other television credits include include Doctors, Family Affairs, Grange Hill, The Professionals and many more roles dating back to the 1950s.

More recently, Arthur featured in 13 Hours That Saved Britain, a documentary which delves into the events of the Battle of Britain.

In the film, he shared his personal experiences of living in London through World War Two and residing in the capital during the Blitz.
A woman raged 'this is disgusting!' after a nightmare home makeover so terrible she 'almost wets herself on camera' in dismay.

Trading Spaces, an American home renovation show which aired on TLC from 2000 to 2008, sees two neighbours redo a room in each other's homes on a budget.

The series, hosted by American TV personality Paige Davis, was famous for its expert carpenters and designers making wacky transformation suggestions to guests.

One old episode saw a particularly awful moment, where a woman grew incredibly angry her one request had not been considered in her home's renovation.

Terri and Cornell Butler agreed to let their neighbours, with the help of notoriously outlandish designer Hildi Santo-Thomas, redo their basement for $1,000.

They had asked the design to include a nod to the late American musician Prince, who they loved - but this was nowhere to be seen in the big reveal.

A woman raged 'this is disgusting!' after a nightmare home makeover so terrible she 'almost wets herself on camera' in dismay

Trading Spaces, an American home renovation show which aired on TLC from 2000 to 2008, sees two neighbours redo a room in each other's homes on a budget

Terri and Cornell Butler agreed to let their neighbours, with the help of notoriously outlandish designer Hildi Santo-Thomas, redo their basement for $1,000

The large room had been zoned into several areas, including a dining area, sitting room, bar and a spot for the pool table - where wooden cues covered the wall.

In a slightly bizarre combination, grey stone wainscoting lined the bottom half of the walls while a pale pink tropical leaf wallpaper covered the top.

Despite this, the makeover was quite smart overall - but Terri, who had her heart set on a Prince room, was incredibly disappointed not to see this executed.

As host Paige told her to open her eyes to see the new room, she immediately opened by exclaiming: 'What the f***? What? Hell to the no, I'm sorry.'

Her husband Cornell could only laugh, absolutely speechless at both the room and his wife's reaction. She soon asked: 'Where is the pool table?'

Paige and Cornell pointed it out, concealed under a detachable ping-pong table cover.

The presenter said: 'The pool table is right there, this is just a topper, it comes right off.

'So, its great for your grandson and its, you know, multi-purpose.'

As host Paige told Terri to open her eyes to see the new room, she immediately opened by exclaiming: 'What the f***? What? Hell to the no, I'm sorry'

Paige was making a valiant effort to reassure the couple as Terri simply stood in stunned silence, her eyes flicking around the transformed room

Paige was making a valiant effort to reassure the couple as Terri simply stood in stunned silence, her eyes flicking around the transformed room.

She could only speak to say: 'I'm about to pee myself, literally.'

The host did not quite know how to respond to this, saying incredulously, 'You're about to what?', before Terri stuck to her guns: 'Pee myself.'

The presenter quickly changed the subject: 'OK, something else I really want you to see is they did do a really cool bar over here.

'Your old cabinets and shelving things that they've retrofitted and recreated out to make a whole bar area.'

The Butlers both said about the area, 'I love this' - but Terri could not help but add: 'All I asked for was a Prince room.'

It got even more strongly worded when she said: 'Hmm, the walls gotta go. This is disgusting. We've got a lot of work to do.'

Referring to one of the neighbours who had redone the room, Paige said: 'Crystal was concerned you wouldn't like it.'

It got even more strongly worded when she said: 'Hmm, the walls gotta go. This is disgusting. We've got a lot of work to do'

The large room had been zoned into several areas, including a dining area, sitting room, bar and a spot for the pool table - where wooden cues covered the wall (pictured)

Commenters on social media have since rediscovered the dramatic clip - and expressed their own opinions on the shocking makeover

And in an ice cold response, Terri said: 'She should be. Hmm.'

Commenters on social media have since rediscovered the dramatic clip - and expressed their own opinions on the shocking makeover.

One said on discussion site Reddit: 'I would be mad too. I hope they paid for a fix.

'The bar area really is cool then you look to the right and it's like I'm in an old couple's Florida home from the early nineties. I don't think she's trying to be there lol.'

Another added: 'In her defence, it does look ugly as f***.'

Someone else said, 'Every inch of that room is hideous', while another chimed in: 'This actually hurt to watch.'

One person wrote, 'It looks like an aged care facility from hell', while another penned: 'Lol the host was like, "Please don't hate the bar, I don't know what to do".'

The couple took part in a reunion episode in 2019, telling all about their experience on Trading Spaces.

The couple took part in a reunion episode in 2019 (pictured), telling all about their experience on Trading Spaces

Terri explained her extreme response to the transformation: 'Some people agreed that my reaction was open and honest'. Pictured: The couple in the basement during the reunion episode

Terri explained her extreme response to the transformation: 'Some people agreed that my reaction was open and honest.

'Some of the fans were like, "No, she's being nasty". I guess people would just have to be in our shoes to understand.

'After three days, having to work almost 24 hours, lack of sleep. We drive over in the pouring rain and I'm like, "Alright, we're going to walk in and it's going to be a nice basement and finally, we're going to get what we want".

'And I open my eyes and I see what looks like a million leaves on the wall.

'All I was thinking was how much paint am I going to have to buy to get these leaves off the wall?

'I wasn't looking for a Prince statue or even a purple wall or a purple room, just something that resembled Prince would have been fine and I was really disappointed that was not something that she even considered.'

She said they actually ended up liking how designer Hildi had switched up the layout of the room - and they even kept the wall decorated with wooden pool cues.

Terri said: 'They kind of grew on me a little bit, I wish there was a little bit more purple but it's fine.'

As well as keeping the wooden blinds that were put in to cover the door to the room, the couple did also actually stick with one wall of the leafy wallpaper. Cornell joked: 'Got to have a conversation piece'. Pictured: The couple during the reunion episode

Since the show, the couple have bought a new sofa, pillows and coffee table for the lounge area - as well as an all-important purple blanket (pictured, in the reunion episode), in a nod to Prince's hit song Purple Rain

Her husband Cornell admitted what might have been the real reason for keeping them: 'It would have been more work to take them down.'

The couple have changed various parts of the basement, adding a fireplace and some bar furniture.

They also bought a new sofa, pillows and coffee table for the lounge area - as well as an all-important purple blanket, in a nod to Prince's hit song Purple Rain.

But they kept the carpet and one of the lamps chosen for them.

Terri has really grown to love the lounge area: 'This is my favourite spot in the entire basement...

'Since we replaced the furniture, it's really cosy, really comfortable, I like to come down here with my laptop, watch TV and just be in my own space.

'We entertain a lot down here at the bar area now, it's one of our favourite places.'

As well as keeping the wooden blinds that were put in to cover the door to the room, the couple did also actually stick with one wall of the leafy wallpaper.

Terri said: 'We entertain a lot down here at the bar area now, it's one of our favourite places'. Pictured: The bar in the original episode

They were able to have a laugh about the makeover, with Cornell quipping, when asked what his favourite part of the basement is: 'Well, upstairs, for me'. Pictured: The original episode

Cornell joked: 'Got to have a conversation piece.'

His wife responded: 'OK, well, Im still not happy with that but I have to give him something.'

They were able to have a laugh about the makeover, with Cornell quipping, when asked what his favourite part of the basement is: 'Well, upstairs, for me.'

Terri summarised their time on Trading Spaces: 'Overall, the show, it was a great experience, again, the cast, the producers, the directors, they were all great.

'I just wish the design was just a little more what we were looking for.

'For right now, we'll probably keep everything the way it is.

'There might be some changes in the future as far as colouring like changing the walls or changing the pillows but we're really comfortable with how the basement looks right now.'

It comes after Trading Spaces fans rediscovered another old episode which saw a woman storm out of her property in tears after a home makeover from hell.

It comes after Trading Spaces fans rediscovered another old episode (pictured) which saw a woman storm out of her property in tears after a home makeover from hell

Pam and John Herrick agreed to let their neighbours, with the help of designer Doug Wilson, redo their family room on the set budget of $1,000. Pictured: Presenter Paige with designer Doug Wilson

Pam and John Herrick agreed to let their neighbours, with the help of designer Doug Wilson, redo their family room on the set budget of $1,000.

Their one condition was that they did not touch the fireplace - but this was exactly what they found had happened when the final result was unveiled.

The characterful feature had been covered by wood to make it a plain, smooth white, with contemporary slate grey and metal finishes.

The rest of the room was similarly monochrome, with dark wall panels, denim furniture and a rug, with both the floor and wainscot made completely plain white.

Modern geometric art, an enormous number of candles and artfully placed stacks of books completed the spare, stripped back look.

Host Paige gripped the couple's hands and arms tightly and somewhat nervously as she led them into the room with their eyes closed.

John said, 'Wow', as an excruciating pause unfolded before Pam reacted, as Paige looked at her expectantly with a cautious smile.

She started by saying, 'Well', with a short laugh, trying to find something positive: 'I really like the wainscoting.'

Their one condition was that they did not touch the fireplace - but this was exactly what they found had happened when the result was unveiled (pictured)

The characterful feature had been covered by wood to make it a plain, smooth white

The presenter seemed momentarily relieved, asking, 'You do?', before Pam confirmed: 'I really do.'

In a damning comment, John said: 'It's different', as his wife clutched for something else good to say too: 'And the furniture needed slip covers.'

But everything began to deteriorate as John shook his head disapprovingly, while Paige asked: 'The big question is what do you think about the fireplace?'

The couple gave a calm but shockingly telling response, with Pam opening: 'You guys are going to be fixing that in a little bit. So'

John followed up: 'Yeah, I just see a lot of firewood.'

As Paige looked crestfallen at their disappointment, Pam became overcome with emotion, saying twice quietly: 'I'm going to have to leave the room.'

She was then heard off camera sobbing, as her husband remarked to Paige: 'Boy, she's not happy, she's really not happy.'

The presenter tried to be positive: 'Is there anything you can see in the room to fix certain elements of it to make it better for the two of you?'

The couple gave a calm but shockingly telling response, with Pam opening: 'You guys are going to be fixing that in a little bit. So'

She was then heard off camera sobbing, as her husband remarked to Paige: 'Boy, she's not happy, she's really not happy'

But John struggled to answer her question: 'I don't even know where to start.

'I mean, I see one piece of furniture that looks remotely like the way I left it. And the rest of it is just so not us.'

Despite the extremely disheartening transformation, he found a positive way to end the chat as the presenter asked if he had enjoyed the filming experience.

'It was wonderful', he said: 'I loved it.

'These two minutes I would go through again just for the experience, yeah, but it's really too bad.'

Paige concluded: 'Let's go comfort Pam, shall we?'
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Something of a tradition, the two-hour crime drama on a Sunday night. It stretches from Vera and Grace, all the way back to Inspector Morse in the 1980s.

But its a dangerous format. If the characters are weak, if the story sags, if the dialogue drags, viewers will really start to feel it around the 60-minute mark. Then an ad break will come around, theyll wander off to put the kettle on... and not bother coming back.

The cosy detective show McDonald And Dodds, starring Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia, ought to have thrived as a series of well-paced one-hour episodes, for instance. But it simply didnt have the complexity or the characters to last double the length. Viewing figures slumped, and earlier this year it was quietly cancelled.

Karen Pirie is different. Based on the superb books by Val McDermid, this returning drama has plots as deep and dark as a coal mine shaft. The characters arent merely well drawn  theyre alive, constantly seeking to understand and learn more about each other.

This three-part adaptation of the novel A Darker Domain opened in a Fife fish shop during the miners strike in 1984. A young mother was sharing a chip supper with her best mate and cooing over her one-year-old.

A thread of tension ran through the scene, vibrating with a hidden threat. But nothing hinted at the explosive violence to come, as a masked gunman seized the mum, taking her and the baby hostage.

DI Pirie (Lauren Lyle) wasnt even born when the kidnap happened. But the young woman was the daughter of Scotlands wealthiest oil baron, Sir Brodie Grant, and it was all too plausible that the unsolved case was one every copper would know.

Based on the superb books by Val McDermid, Karen Pirie has plots as deep and dark as a coal mine shaft

This three-part adaptation of the novel A Darker Domain opened in a Fife fish shop during the miners strike in 1984

The characters arent merely well drawn  theyre alive, constantly seeking to understand and learn more about each other

Its parallels with the John Paul Getty kidnap are hard to miss, and acknowledged in a brief aside by Pirie to her slightly dim sidekick, DC Jason Mint Murray (Chris Jenks). Hes none the wiser: John Paul? he asks. As in the pope? Mint gets all the best jokes. When Pirie asks if hes media trained, he replies, No, but Ive watched a lot of Arnold Schwarzenegger speeches on YouTube.

The two timeframes are expertly intercut, with some flashbacks lasting just a few seconds, helping us to grasp what people are talking or thinking about. This technique removes the need for long passages of explanation.

Grant in 1984 is played by Jamie Michie, as a bullying, demanding tycoon who expects the police to work as his own private army. James Cosmo is the same man 40 years later, emotionally broken but as controlling as ever, employing an investigator to look into Piries past.

The private eye will surely have discovered that shes in a relationship with another colleague, DS Phil Parhatka (Zach Wyatt)  one she hasnt disclosed to her bosses. That deep, dark mine shaft is going to take more twists.
It is 26 years since John F Kennedy Jr and his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy died in a catastrophic plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.

They were killed, along with Carolyn's older sister Lauren, when John Jr became disoriented as he piloted his single-engine plane over the Atlantic ocean through thick fog.

But the passage of time has done little to diminish the public's fascination with the couple.

Right now, they are back in the headlines thanks to writer and director Ryan Murphy's portrayal of them in his upcoming FX series, 'American Love Story.'

What's more, a new biography of Carolyn suggests that our fixation with her in death is driven by a desire to compensate for how appallingly we treated her in life.

In Once Upon A Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Elizabeth Beller writes: 'Those who contributed to the frenzy and obsession surrounding John and Carolyn - and I speculate that most of the American public alive at the time were guilty of playing a role; myself included - perhaps feel a deep sense of remorse for pinning Carolyn beneath a microscope, especially considering the way it all ended.

'So instead, we have collectively enshrined her in the halls of American fashion icons because doing so has allowed us to rewrite her story as one of quiet luxury and stealth-wealth style, of capsule wardrobes and intentional sustainability, not one of relentless stalking and public scrutiny.'

The bride of John F Kennedy Jr personified stealth wealth and quiet luxury long before they became buzz phrases in fashion magazines

Carolyn was more at home with messy, unwashed hair than wearing couture on the red carpet

Few could dispute Carolyn's ongoing influence on the world of fashion.

Her go-to designers were gods to minimalist chic - her favorite, simple brown Prada boots, for instance, her edgy 'everyday armor' of Yohji Yamamoto, and that exquisite white silk wedding gown by Narciso Rodriguez.

Yet, early pictures from the set of Murphy's forthcoming drama show actress Sarah Pidgeon, who is playing Carolyn, styled in the kind of tacky knock-offs tourists pick up for a few dollars on New York's Canal Street.

Earlier this month, as Murphy excitedly posted a few first looks from the series, which stars Paul Anthony Kelly as John Jr, the critics responded with horror. What could have possessed Murphy to put his Carolyn into such poorly made fast fashion?

Observers called out everything from an anachronistic 'satin slip skirt from 2017' to the 'wrong' Hermes Birkin bag.

Also, Pidgeon's hair was terrible, they said - one solid, unnatural-looking blonde color instead of her trademark buttery, sun-bleached chunks.

Carolyn's onetime colorist, Brad Johns opined: 'No one would believe that Carolyn in the 90s would ever have that color from me. Its too 2024.'

Even John Jr's nephew, Jack Schlossberg, got in on the act, calling out the writer and director for not consulting with the Kennedy family and damning him for profiting from his uncle's death 'in a grotesque way.'

Carolyn pictured at Calvin Klein in 1994. Few could dispute Carolyn's ongoing influence on the world of fashion

We have collectively enshrined Carolyn in the halls of American fashion icons because perhaps doing so has allowed us to rewrite her story

For his part, Murphy has defended his choices, claiming the looks had simply been thrown together for lighting and color tests and that they would be replaced later with more authentic options.

Ironically, Beller suggests in her book, Carolyn would probably have found the whole thing hugely entertaining. Her personal style was more bare feet and messy, unwashed hair than red-carpet looks and couture.

'Once Upon a Time' quotes a former supervisor at Calvin Klein - where Carolyn worked as a publicist before taking the reins as a producer of the designer's fashion shows - as saying: Sometimes she would be wearing a fishermans sweater, track pants, and sneakers, her hair wild.

The book goes on to say: They had contests to see who could show up with the dirtiest head of hair. One time she turned to a friend and asked: "Is this too Stevie Nicks?"'

Fashion commentators agree that it was only once she and 'John John' became official that her signature look evolved into the slick minimalism we now remember her for.

Written with the co-operation of some of Carolyn's closest friends and confidantes, the biography suggests that her dramatic makeover may have been a desperate, hopeful, attempt to become what she thought Mrs John F Kennedy Jr should be: 'A woman Jackie would have approved of.'

Carolyn never had a chance to meet her mother-in-law - JFK Jr once unceremoniously rushed her out of a restaurant side door when his mother unexpectedly walked in to avoid the pair bumping into each other - but it's believed that she never stopped seeking her blessing.

'Carolyn broke up with him a couple of times for not introducing her to his mother - it really bothered her,' a close friend told Beller in the book.

Carolyn's personal style was more bare feet and messy, unwashed hair than red carpet looks and couture

Carolyn never had a chance to meet her mother-in-law, but it's believed that she never stopped seeking her blessing

Carolyn broke up with John Jr a couple of times for not introducing her to his mother

'Carolyn was very bohemian, a downtown girl, which John loved... but its possible John was worried how that would go over with Jackie.'

So Carolyn became obsessed with not giving the press or the public anything they could criticize. She tamed her wild hair under headbands from local apothecary C.O. Bigelow. She dressed almost exclusively in black and beige, with only the occasional smattering of color, as seen in a favorite red plaid Prada coat.

But none of it made any difference. She was called icy and vapid; there were even accusations of drug taking and affairs with other men. The couple's well-publicized, violent bust-up in Battery Park only confirmed, in the public's eye, that she was an undeserving harpy.

Carolyn couldn't win.

Had she lived, Beller argues in her conclusion, the public would have got to know the true Carolyn. And her legacy would have been less about her fashion and more about the causes that really mattered to her - working with children and young people, and giving a voice to the underprivileged.

'What is sad,' Beller concludes, 'is that she never had the opportunity to be one of a thousand different women she could have been.'

Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy by Elizabeth Beller is published by Gallery Books
Where has she been?

After months of endless exposure  largely thanks to her protracted legal battle with Justin Baldoni  Blake Lively has been noticeably absent from the public eye in recent weeks.

Back in June, the 37-year-old actress was dealt a blow when a judge dismissed her claims of 'emotional distress' which she had leveled against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Baldoni, 41, in a sprawling sexual harassment suit, filed in December.

Just days later came a victory: the same New York judge dismissed Baldoni's $400million defamation countersuit, brought in January against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds. All parties have denied the allegations against them.

But then there was the personal turmoil.

Looming large in the Baldoni debacle was one Taylor Swift  Lively's 'bestie' of over ten years, and the godmother to her three daughters.

After months of endless exposure - largely thanks to her protracted legal battle with Justin Baldoni - Blake Lively has been noticeably absent from the public eye in recent weeks

Looming large in the Baldoni debacle was one Taylor Swift - Lively's 'bestie' of over ten years, and the godmother to her three daughters

But when Swift, 35, was named in Baldoni's countersuit  including in excerpted text messages in which Lively had allegedly 'leveraged' her famous friend's name  the pop superstar all but deserted her onetime pal.

The fallout became ugly, with allegations from Swift's camp that Lively had 'used' and 'exploited' her.

And then the mortal blow: the wild claim, from Baldoni's lawyers, that Lively's team had sought to blackmail Swift with the threat of leaking of her private texts, unless she agreed to publicly support Lively against Baldoni.

Lively's counsel vehemently denied the allegation  but the damage was done.

'[Blake] has been reaching out to [Taylor] with texts, voicemails and even emails begging to mend what they once had... Taylor hasn't responded to any of Blake's pleas,' a source told the Daily Mail last month.

Other big names followed, including Gigi Hadid (a source close to the model declared: 'Gigi's loyalty is to Taylor').

So it's perhaps understandable that Lively slunk off to lick her wounds.

The fallout became ugly, with allegations from Swift's camp that Lively had 'used' and 'exploited' her. So it's perhaps understandable that Lively slunk off to lick her wounds

That period of quietude had been expected to break this week: Lively was due to be deposed in New York on Thursday. But after a judge dismissed her claims against social media PR expert Jed Wallace (accused by Lively of assisting Baldoni in an alleged 'smear campaign' against her), both sides requested more time.

Her deposition has been rescheduled for July 31.

And Lively, an insider tells the Daily Mail, has welcomed the 'change of pace'.

'Blake is happy that the clock is ticking a little longer before her deposition takes place,' the insider side. 'She is going to take this extra time and make sure she is ready for anything thrown at her... She's confident she'll be able to handle [the deposition] and she won't be bullied because she is ready to tell the truth, her truth.'

Nonetheless, the insider acknowledged that Lively's life has found a decidedly less starry tempo.

She's been avoiding public appearances, the source said, because 'she doesn't want to be seen out at restaurants or parties or anything to belittle the process [of her lawsuit].'

However, the source added, 'she is not scared'.

Throughout this period, Blake has been leaning on two people in particular: her husband Reynolds, 48, and her sister, fellow actress Robyn Lively, 53.

'Ryan and her family, especially her sister Robyn, have been a rock for Blake through all this,' the insider said, adding that they avoid 'always talking about this ongoing saga', which means Blake can 'still have a normal life... and doesn't always have to be bombarded with worry with all the legal stuff.'

Throughout this period, Blake has been leaning on two people in particular: her husband Reynolds, 48, and her sister (pictured), fellow actress Robyn Lively, 53

'Ryan and her family, especially her sister Robyn, have been a rock for Blake through all this,' the insider said

Looking ahead to July 31, the source added: 'Once the deposition is over, she'll breathe a sigh of relief.

'She knows she has to go through a few things to get to the other side, but she isn't looking at it as a bump in the road - it's a moment for her to tell it like it is, and show that she is serious.'

Lively is tentatively slated to take the stand next year, with a trial scheduled in New York City for March 2026.

The Daily Mail has contacted Lively's representatives for comment.
Ah, Bali.

For generations, it has been the go-to holiday destination for Australians - and, thanks to Instagram hype, is now a hotspot for Europeans and Americans, too.

(Even if some whingeing Poms end up leaving after two days and going to Dubai instead - because the Indonesian island 'looked better on social media'.)

But there's more to Bali than just sunburnt tourists.

There is no shortage of Aussies who live there (or claim to), many doing so under the guise of being 'digital nomads' - a term for an influencer or business owner who travels frequently, often to glamorous destinations, and works their own hours.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Wannabe Bali influencer Luke Hemsworth - not to be confused with the actor of the same name - is routinely trashed in his own comments section for his tone-deaf 'inspirational' speeches

If you scroll through the social media feeds of these 'nomads', it's easy to assume they live a charmed life. But, as we will demonstrate, they aren't always the big shots they claim to be.

Also, there's an amusing little subcategory of failed fashion designers who jet off to Bali after their labels go kaput. We're looking at you, Alice McCall.

Without further ado, meet the cast of our favourite real-life reality show: Reject Island.

Luke Hemsworth

Not to be confused with the actor of the same name, this Luke Hemsworth is a wannabe influencer who left his two children behind in Australia so he could move to Bali to 'find his own truth'.

He describes himself as a 'conscious leader' online, and frequently posts videos of himself sharing self-help advice.

But his attempts at being inspirational often fall on deaf ears, as his comments are filled with people slamming him for not living in the same country as his daughters.

The tatted-up Aussie recently shared a video of himself walking along a beach in Bali, telling his followers the island is 'where the heart is at'.

Until recently, sunburnt Luke's Instagram account was a horrorshow of bizarre life advice and posts trying to justify living apart from his children

His followers frequently slam him in the comments of his self-help videos

Almost all the comments on Luke's videos - including this bizarre clip in which he preached the benefits of 'semen retention' - are negative

'In all honesty, Bali is where the heart is at. Just got back from Sydney. It's good to go back and be with my kids,' he said.

'But now I'm back here... it makes me remember why I moved here in the first place. It's the freedom that comes with it all.'

The comments were brutal.

'Did you just openly admit you chose to leave your kids behind with their mother because you get more freedom in Bali and basically escape the reality of being a reliable parent?' one follower asked.

'Yess queen, step into your power as a deadbeat dad,' another wrote.

'"I saw my kids but now I'm back doing what I love." Jesus, mate, you should delete this video before they see it,' added a third.

There were many more. In fact, almost all the comments on Luke's videos - including a bizarre clip in which he preached the benefits of 'semen retention' - are negative.

Read the room, buddy. Time to give it up.

(Update: He may have done so already. As we prepared this article for publication, Luke nuked his Instagram account and now only has one post about 'being real'.)

Jessica White

Jessica White is a failed fashion designer who sought refuge in Bali after her label Shakuhachi went under with $1million in debts.

Her once-popular clothing line - worn by the likes of Lana Del Rey and Rihanna - crashed and burned a decade ago. Creditors included manufacturers, modelling agencies and Woollahra Municipal Council in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Jessica White is a failed fashion designer who sought refuge in Bali after her label Shakuhachi went under with $1million in debts. She recently got in strife after an argument at the vets

After the company went into voluntary administration in May 2015, Jessica, 50, looked to be living a glamorous life in the resort village of Seminyak.

In 2017, A Current Affair reporter Chris Allen tracked down a carefree Jessica and found her relaxing at Bali beach clubs and socialising with friends.

When Allen approached her at a cafe to ask about the demise of Shakuhachi, she initially smiled for the camera then left the table and hid in the men's toilet upstairs.

Originally from the Melbourne bayside suburb of Sandringham, White is the step-sister of The Cat Empire keyboard player Ollie McGill.

After lying low for a while, she reactivated her Instagram in 2023, where she could be found flaunting designer clothes at beach clubs and bars across Bali.

Then, earlier this year, she made headlines again when she begged a panel of judges not to jail her following a meltdown at a Balinese veterinary hospital.

She got into a dispute with two vets at Bali Veterinary Clinic after she was unable to pay for treatment for her cat Rocket after it was attacked by a dog.

The clinic claimed White accepted that Rocket needed to be checked into the clinic and agreed to pay for the stay, but then tried to pick up the cat without settling the bill.

'F*** you,' she allegedly told clinic owner Ni Made Restiati and a colleague when told she could not bring Rocket home.

'You give him away. You steal my cat. F***ing b***h.'

According to the prosecution, those words were 'said loudly in a public area' and made both vets feel embarrassed.

When White faced a panel of judges in Denpasar District Court in January, her lawyer Samuel Hanok read a statement on behalf of the single mother-of-two.

Mr Hanok said his client admitted committing the acts alleged by the prosecution in its indictment but described a demand she serve three months in jail as 'burdensome'.

Instead, Mr Hanok asked that White be placed on probation because she was 'the backbone of the family' and her children would have no one to look after them if she was detained.

White was found guilty of trespassing on February 6.

A panel of judges sentenced Jessica to two months' jail but she was not taken into custody after immediately launching an appeal to the High Court.

Teddy Briggs

Teddy Briggs is a cautionary tale of what not to do with your 15 minutes of fame.

The 31-year-old beefcake shot to minor stardom in 2018 on the first season of Love Island Australia, and later tried to milk his notoriety for all it was worth.

He earned thousands by doing club appearances and brand deals, before delving into the world of e-commerce with his company EcomConnect, which he launched in 2020.

Daily Mail Australia understands he was earning $75,000 to $80,000 a month selling beauty products, timepieces and clothing online and was set to pass $1million by 2021.

Teddy Briggs, 31, lost all his money and had his e-commerce business fall into debt around the time he was flitting between Australia and Bali. Now he's living it up in Dubai, naturally

However, Briggs' financial missteps ultimately left him worse off than he had been prior to his reality TV breakthrough.

His e-commerce business went into liquidation in 2023 after several customers complained it had 'over-promised and under-delivered'.

EcomConnect promised to set up online stores for its clients, sourcing wholesale products that would be shipped directly to customers.

However, per The Australian, multiple unhappy clients took aim at the business, alleging they weren't making the money they had been promised by Briggs.

These days, he's living in Dubai and has rebranded himself as the 'Remote Closer' - promising his followers he can help them make $10,000 a month by closing deals over the phone

Oracle Insolvency Services said at the time that EcomConnect owed customers, suppliers and the Australian Taxation Office 'several hundred thousand dollars'.

Briggs was so embarrassed by his financial struggles that he worked at a clothing store because he was too ashamed to go back to his day job in finance.

He even attempted a return to reality TV, appearing on season seven of The Amazing Race Australia alongside his best mate Harry Jowsey of Too Hot to Handle fame.

Briggs spent much of these years splitting his time between Australia and - you guessed it - Bali.

These days, he's living in Dubai (naturally) and has rebranded himself as the 'Remote Closer' - promising his social media followers he can help them make $10,000 a month by closing deals over the phone.

Good luck with that.

Kristen Gray

Kristen Gray was a self-described 'digital nomad' who sold her e-book, Our Bali Life Is Yours, promoting the idea of enjoying a luxury lifestyle at minimal cost.

During the Covid pandemic, the American encouraged her followers to move to Bali because it was a cheap and supposedly LGBT-friendly alternative for foreigners.

She and her girlfriend received swift backlash online for their lack of cultural awareness as they promoted their 'elevated lifestyle' in conservative Indonesia.

Balinese immigration quickly caught on to her social media posts and Kristen was deported in 2021 after only a year of living there.

American self-described 'digital nomad' Kristen Gray annoyed Balinese immigration officials when she promoted the island as an LGBT haven during Covid

Authorities accused her of spreading information that could 'unsettle' the public and of working without a business visa.

Local residents of Bali are mostly Hindu; however, Indonesia is considered the world's largest Muslim-majority nation and the LGBT community faces discrimination.

For her part, Kristen insisted she had not broken any immigration laws and was being deported because of her sexuality.

Julian Petroulas

High-school dropout Julian Petroulas founded a talent agency in Sydney at the age of 24 and soon began living a jet-setting lifestyle.

Known for flaunting his fleet of Rolls-Royces and Ferraris and his boasts of earning tens of millions through real estate, Petroulas was humbled last year when he was scammed out of $6.2million in a Bali land deal gone wrong.

The investor, 33, bragged about the deal in June last year, telling his social media followers he had made 'millions' through his Balinese business empire.

In addition to his multi-storey mansion and popular restaurant, Petroulas took particular pride in a 1.1-hectare plot of land he had bought in Canggu.

High-school-dropout-turned-entrepreneur Julian Petroulas was humbled last year when he was scammed out of $6.2million in a Bali land deal gone wrong

'It's f**king nuts how big this is,' the entrepreneur said at the time.

He even claimed investors and developers were begging him to let them build on the land - but the deal soon proved too good to be true.

In a follow-up YouTube video posted in December, Petroulas alleged he had been duped by the seller, a European national.

'Soon after this purchase, I started receiving calls and messages from Balinese and the community telling me the man I purchased the land from had not paid them, broke promises, disappeared and was not replying,' he said.

'Imagine spending millions on a deal only to discover that other people had been wronged, leaving you to clean up the mess.'

Petroulas then had his visa cancelled and he was banned from re-entering Indonesia because he claimed he had 'bought' the land.

In reality, foreigners are prohibited from buying land in Indonesia. They are only allowed to lease land or own shares in a foreign-owned company that can buy land.

Petroulas was subsequently slammed in the Indonesian press, but continued to insist he was being set-up by the seller and an allegedly corrupt military official.

In the end, Petroulas's lawyers were able to appeal his Bali ban - but it seems unlikely he will recover the millions he lost.

Alice McCall

Alice McCall is another fashion designer whose company ran up debts it couldn't pay, with her eponymous brand going under in February 2023, owing $1million.

She now lives between Sydney and Bali, spending six months on the Indonesian island with her husband Nicholas Morley and their daughters, Wilde, 17, and Hopi, 12.

Alice McCall is another fashion designer whose company ran up debts it couldn't pay, with her eponymous brand going under in February 2023, owing $1million

She founded her label in 2004, with her pieces regularly featuring on the red carpet and in high-fashion editorials for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Elle.

But McCall struggled to keep the business afloat during Covid, and it went into liquidation. More than half of the money owed was to the Australian Taxation Office.

McCall attempted a comeback in the world of fashion later that year - but her return fell flat with fans stunned she'd chosen to collaborate with fast-fashion brand Shein.

The once high-end designer explained she had decided to partner with the Chinese company to help make her range more accessible.

But the decision left her loyal customers feeling 'embarrassed' and 'devastated', with many saying the collab went against everything her former company once stood for.

Kiki Morris

Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris rose to fame on The Bachelor in 2016, vying for the affections of Richie Strahan - who ultimately sent her packing.

She returned to the franchise for Bachelor in Paradise in 2020, and would later win $100,000 on The Challenge Australia in 2022.

But now the reality TV gravy train has ground to a halt, 37-year-old Morris is earning her coin as an influencer in Bali - where rent is a hell of a lot cheaper than back home.

She has some, er, history with the island. Back in 2016, fresh off The Bachelor, she jetted to Bali - and seemingly brought a paparazzo with her.

Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris was an also-ran on The Bachelor almost a decade ago and is now living it up in Bali spruiking the benefits of 'lymphatic massages'. In her defence, she is very hot

Back in 2016, fresh off The Bachelor, Kiki jetted to Bali for a series of obviously staged pap pics - and then had the gall to suggest they were candid. We'll let you decide...

A spate of very flattering - and obviously staged - pap sets of her in a bikini at the beach and working out at the gym followed.

At the time, she claimed a friend had 'leaked' information about a magazine shoot she had planned to the photo agency Diimex, hence why she was snapped throughout her trip.

But the photos told a different story. Far from being candid, they showed her wearing full make-up and in flattering poses, sometimes even looking at the camera.

It was all quite embarrassing. These days, she isn't getting papped in Bali because there isn't much of a market for her photos. Still, she's always got her own Instagram - where she is currently spruiking the benefits of 'lymphatic massages'.

Reece Hawkins

It's not ideal being famous just for who you used to date - but that's the reality for Reece Hawkins, the ex-fiance and 2 x baby daddy of fitness queen Tammy Hembrow.

The former couple share son Wolf, 10, and daughter Saskia, eight, with Tammy also sharing a two-year-old daughter, Posy, with another ex, Matt Poole.

While it's unclear if he lives there, Reece often spends his free time living it up in Bali and was there as recently as last week, spruiking his streetwear brand Molten.

It's not ideal being famous just for who you used to date - but that's the reality for Reece Hawkins, the ex-fiance and 2 x baby daddy of fitness queen Tammy Hembrow

Bailey Scarlett

Bailey Scarlett is basically Bali expat royalty, but makes our list after being dragged into one of the more unseemly 'GoFundMe' controversies that happen every couple of months over there.

A semi-celebrity back home after claiming in 2015 that her drink had been spiked at a party hosted by Justin Bieber - Bieber was not accused of any wrongdoing - the New Zealand-born model went on to have several more brushes with fame.

Firstly, she was linked to a 26-year-old Bachelorette star when she was just 19 - they both later said their Facebook announcement they were 'in a relationship' was a joke.

Then, two years later in 2018, she welcomed her first child, a boy named Riley Arlo.

The child's father is allegedly Olympia Valance's ex-boyfriend Greg Cannell, but Scarlett and Cannell apparently split up before Riley was born.

Bailey Scarlett is basically Bali expat royalty, but makes our list after being dragged into one of the more unseemly 'GoFundMe' controversies that happen every couple of months over there

Now living in Bali, Scarlett is known for helping Aussies in trouble promote their GoFundMe campaigns. And she has quite the reach with 177,000 Instagram followers.

However, her generous spirit landed her in hot water in 2023 when she was caught up in the 'baby Lucky' brouhaha.

Lucky captured the nation's hearts when her parents launched a bid to charter a medical evacuation for their then-seven-week-old daughter to Australia for life-saving care that was not available in Indonesia.

Honey Ahimsa, a wellness influencer and mum-of-two originally from Melbourne, said doctors in Bali had given her daughter a 50 per cent chance of survival.

Almost $200,000 was raised in a matter of days by kind-hearted souls who rallied behind the stranded family as Lucky battled sepsis, severe pneumonia, lung failure and RSV-bronchiolitis.

She was flown to Brisbane on a medevac flight and doctors treated her successfully.

Scarlett played a significant role in helping Honey and her partner raise the money via GoFundMe. But she later distanced herself from the family following revelations they had moved back to Bali to renovate a house just months later.

She released a statement at the time saying she had acted in 'good faith' when promoting the family's fundraiser for their daughter's medical care.

'I was never associated with these people prior - I simply rushed down to the hospital to help complete strangers as I felt for them as a mother myself,' she wrote.

Honey, whose birth name is Rachael Eti, later clarified the family was just renting the Bali property and that no money from the GoFundMe had been misappropriated - and we do not suggest otherwise.

Following that controversy, Scarlett has flown under the radar, living a quiet - yet luxurious - life in Bali. In January, she welcomed another child, a daughter named Gia Scarlett Armstrong, with her partner George Armstrong.
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers' divorce took a disturbing turn this week when the Hollywood icon shared in a court filing a shocking photo of her black eye, alleging that her estranged husband was physically abusive throughout the entire span of their relationship.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, 54, requested a temporary restraining order from Phypers, 52, after detailing graphic instances of alleged abuse in a court-ordered protection filed Thursday and granted the same day.

Her estranged husband has since denied all allegations of abuse, while a source close to Phypers told the Daily Mail that her black eye was actually the result of a drunken fall.

However, it seems the former couple's marriage was plagued with red flags years before Phypers filed for divorce.

According to insiders who worked on Richards' reality TV series, Phypers had a 'manipulative' tendency to act supportive of his wife on camera, only to turn against her once filming wrapped.

During their short-lived Bravo reality series Denise Richards & Her Wild Things  which also starred her daughters Sami, 21, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13  the couple would act 'intense' and 'passive aggressive' towards each other, so much so they'd even go on their phones in separate rooms when cameras were down.

Denise Richards was granted a court-ordered protection from estranged husband Aaron Phypers on Thursday following a string of disturbing allegations (photo from Richards' Request for Domestic Violence Retraining Order)

Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail revealed that Richards accused Phypers of horrific abuse that allegedly spanned their entire relationship

'You could cut tension with a knife sometimes,' one source told the Daily Mail.

Filming the show was made especially difficult the morning after one of their fights, as Richards and Phypers 'wouldn't speak to each other off camera' and if they did, there was always an edge.

The insider recalled one moment in which Richards had flubbed a scene, and Phypers responded by shaking his head and muttering 'menopause' under his breath.

It was Phypers' belittling comments towards his wife that made crew members particularly uncomfortable, the source said.

Although the businessman had 'decided that his character was going to be very supportive of Denise' on camera, they explained that his demeanor off camera was anything but.

In fact, they said he appeared to be 'very threatened' by her success and stardom, as if he was 'trying to prove that he was superior' to his wife.

After all, it was Richards who was the Hollywood icon, and she had already served two seasons on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

'Aaron walked around as if he was the biggest star on the planet when we were filming,' a second source told the Daily Mail.

Richards and Phypers appeared together on the Bravo spin-off 'Denise Richards & Her Wild Things'. The series premiered in March 2025 and was canceled after one season

An insider told the Daily Mail that Phypers had a 'manipulative' tendency to act supportive of his wife on camera but belittle her off camera

The source said Phypers was 'very threatened' by Richards' success and stardom, as if he was 'trying to prove that he was superior' to his wife

Their intense dynamic was on display in a chilling clip from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills that has resurfaced in the wake of Richards' abuse allegations.

During the unsettling incident from season 10, which was filmed in 2020, Phypers was caught threatening Richards following a confrontation with her co-stars Kyle Richards and Teddi Mellencamp.

The hot mic moment caught Richards telling her partner not to 'say a f*****g word' as they walked off hand-in-hand following the dispute, to which Phypers responded: 'Don't tell me what to say. I'm going to crush your f*****g hand. Stop it.'

Richards departed from the series following season ten, though she made several cameos in later seasons. Her spin-off show, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, premiered on Bravo in March this year but ended after one season.

In her court filing obtained by the Daily Mail, Richards claimed that her estranged husband's father had joined in on the alleged abuse during a July 4 confrontation at her temporary residence.

She claimed that Phypers had showed up at her studio townhouse, where she was staying after moving out of their shared home in late 2023, and demanded her phone.

'He called me a 'c*** w****' multiple times and violently hit the bill of my hat with the back of his hand, causing it to fly off my head,' Richards said.

She said his father, Steven Phypers, joined in  yelling that he would tell the media she was a 'w****' and expose the contents of her phone.

In her court filing, Richards said her estranged husband's father had joined in on the alleged abuse during a July 4 confrontation at her temporary residence

Phypers has denied all allegations of abuse, telling the Daily Mail: 'These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful'

Richards added in the court document that she was 'scared, terrified and fearful for my life.'

Among the allegations in her request for a retraining order included claims that Phypers regularly threatened to choke her, squeeze her head and arms with both arms, 'violently slap me in my face and head' and allegedly 'threaten to kill' her.

The most recent instances allegedly occurred between July 4 and July 14.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Phypers addressed Richards' allegations of abuse, calling them 'completely false and deeply hurtful'.

'I want to address recent rumors and speculation that have surfaced regarding my relationship with my wife, Denise Richards,' he said.

'Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise  or anyone.

'These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful. Denise and I, like many couples, have faced our share of challenges, but any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue.

'I have always tried to approach our marriage with love, patience, and respect. I ask for privacy as we navigate personal matters, and I hope that the public and media will refrain from spreading harmful and baseless claims.'

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Richards and Phypers for comment.
Jason Momoa was a proud papa on the red carpet at the premiere of his new Apple TV+ series Chief of War on Friday on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

The event was a family affair for the A-list actor, 45, who was joined by his actor son Nakoa-Wolf, 16, and daughter Lola, who will turn 18 on Monday.

He shares both of his teen children with ex-wife Lisa Bonet, 57, who he officially divorced in 2024.

For Friday's premiere, Momoa showcased his Hawaiian heritage wearing a black, red and yellow feathered cape over his tight black T-shirt and dark pants.

The action hero  who recently witnessed a horrific car crash  wore tan boots, a matching belt and dark sunglasses.

Both of his children donned similar garments for their rare red carpet appearances.

Jason Momoa was a proud papa on the red carpet at the premiere of his new Apple TV+ series Chief of War on Friday on the island of Oahu, Hawaii

The event was a family affair for the A-list actor, 45, who was joined by his actor son Nakoa-Wolf, 16 , and daughter Lola, who will turn 18 on Monday

Lola wore a smaller cape over a brown maxi-dress with asymmetrical cut-outs.

Her dark hair was styled in natural curls and she wore natural looking makeup.

Nakoa-Wolf wore a black tank top and pants with dark boots, in addition to the cape, which he draped over one arm. The teen accessorized with what appeared to be a traditional whale tooth necklace.

Also joining Momoa on the red carpet was girlfriend Adria Arjona, 33.

The Andor star dazzled in apricot tone halter dress. Her dak hair was styled in natural waves and she wore natural looking making up with a soft pink lip.

In Chief of War, Momoa stars as Ka'iana, a war chief who joins a bloody campaign to unite warring islands against the colonizers who will eventually take over their homes.

Momoa co-created, stars in and served as an executive producer on the Apple TV+ series.

The nine episodes were shot in Hawaii and in New Zealand.

Also joining him on the red carpet was girlfriend Adria Arjona, 33

He shares both of his teen children with ex-wife Lisa Bonet, 57, who he officially divorced in 2024; the exes seen in 2020

In Chief of War, Momoa stars as Ka'iana, a war chief who joins a bloody campaign to unite warring islands against the colonizers who will eventually take over their homes

It's hoped the production will not only result in more film and TV production in the state, but celebrate Hawaii's history.

'This is how we're going to pass it down, because a lot of things have been lost,' he told KHON.

'To me, this kicks down the door and I feel like the next generation's going to make it better than us... you can tell those stories, and these are just the first, not the last... we have so many things to tell.'

Chief of War debuts on Apple TV+ on August 1.
Pedro Pascal sent fans into a frenzy after he was seen dumping out a mystery liquid following a gym session in L.A. on Friday.

The Last Of Us star, 50 - who has been busy promoting his upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps - poured out what was left inside a paper cup next to nearby plants.

While it appeared to be black coffee, some social media users debated the topic over on X underneath photos of the moment.

One penned, 'It looks like a black coffee, I don't blame him for tossing it onto the plants. Black coffee has a rather bitter taste if it's not made from high quality coffee beans. I drink A LOT of coffee'.

Another typed, 'Also yes idk if it's coffee or a protein shake cause I haven't ever had either so forgive me if I'm wrong. Either way it's funny'.

'Maybe he's pouring the grounds into the planter to compost,' a fan suggested, while one replied with, 'It's a lot of liquid he pours out'.

Pedro Pascal, 50, sent fans into a frenzy after he was seen dumping out a mystery liquid following a gym session in L.A. on Friday; seen in Sydney on Tuesday

The Last Of Us star poured out what was left inside a paper cup next to nearby plants

An X user shared, 'Pedro P: Life is too short to drink bad coffee,' and another added, 'Is it a mocha or a shake? I don't trust either.'

'How do you know it's not a cup of gravy?' one humorously questioned, while a fan also wrote, 'My only question to that barista. Baby what did he order cause the coffee look wrong.'

Another said, 'Maybe a bug fell into it,' while others imagined how they would feel if they had been the barista that made a drink Pascal dumped out.

'I'd hang up my apron for good,' one commented, and another replied with, 'I'd give up on making or drinking it.'

A social media user wrote, 'I'd have ptsd everytime I'd see a coffee again,' and the individual who posted the snaps added, 'Imagine being the person who made the Pedro Pascal's coffee at work today to come online after your shift to see this.'

In the photos, the actor could be seen keeping it casual wearing a short-sleeved white shirt as well as a pair of black trousers.

He completed the ensemble by sporting a pair of glasses and was listening to tunes with earbuds.

Pascal is preparing for the release of his upcoming superhero movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps - which hits theaters later this month on July 25.

While it appeared to be black coffee, some social media users debated the topic over on X underneath photos of the moment

One penned, 'It looks like a black coffee, I don't blame him for tossing it onto the plants. Black coffee has a rather bitter taste if it's not made from high quality coffee beans. I drink A LOT of coffee'

Another typed, 'Also yes idk if it's coffee or a protein shake cause I haven't ever had either so forgive me if I'm wrong. Either way it's funny'

Along with Pedro, the cast also includes Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Julia Garner.

The premise of the Marvel movie is: 'Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer,' per IMDB.

The Materialists actor has been keeping busy while promoting the film - and recently attended the premiere in Sydney earlier this week on Tuesday.

Pascal took on the role of Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in the project that was directed by Matt Shakman.

During a recent interview with Empire, the star admitted that he initially wasn't sure if he would be able to properly portray the character.

'I wasn't skeptical at all of this as a piece But I was skeptical over [Shakman's] choice to cast me,' he revealed to the outlet.

'I was questioning if I would serve it as best as it was meant to be served - to convincing as an astrophysicist, as a father, a husband.'

However, while deciding on the part, Pedro recalled crossing paths with the director in NYC and stated, 'I definitely think it was destiny.'

'I wasn't skeptical at all of this as a piece But I was skeptical over [Shakman's] choice to cast me,' he revealed to the outlet

He further reflected on stepping into the MCU and dealing with the pressure to play Mister Fantastic in the superhero movie, per Collider.

'Each time you step into one, and you feel like this can't be scarier, you find out, oh this is scarier.'

Pedro added, 'Going into Games Of Thrones, going into DC, going into Star Wars, and then the entire gaming world that introduced itself like an atom bomb to me.

'And in the best way, because I learned very, very quickly the incredible medium of storytelling that's happening within gaming.'

Pascal and co-star Vanessa Kirby also gave a little insight into what filming the movie had been like, with the actress sharing that she had scolded Pedro over his 'snappy' behavior.

During a joint appearance on The Spill podcast, the pair were asked what they learned about each other during the production.

Kirby laughed which prompted the interviewer expressing, 'Oh, I feel like you need to say something.'

Pedro then jumped in to admit, 'Look, I'm a grump. I'm a grump. It doesn't make me a bad person.'

The Crown actress agreed that the actor was not a bad person but explained if filming went into overtime, Pascal would get 'a little bit snappy and a bit cranky.'

He further reflected on stepping into the MCU and dealing with the pressure to play Mister Fantastic in the superhero movie, per Collider; seen in May in Mexico City

Pascal and co-star Vanessa Kirby also gave a little insight into what filming the movie had been like, with the actress sharing that she had scolded Pedro over his 'snappy' behavior

He explained that it was due to him going into protective mode when his co-stars would be honest about their exhaustion on set. However, when he wanted to quickly get scenes done, his castmates would suggest changes to scenes.

'And then the two of them are like "Well why don't we try it like this?", "Oh why don't we try it like that?", "Can we have another go?", "Let's talk about this a little bit longer,"' he jokingly teased.

Vanessa playfully added that the actor would become 'a snappy turtle' and that she would end up giving him a little scolding.

However, the pair appeared to have put those tense moments behind them by sharing a friendly embrace during the interview.
Nick Knowles has shown his support for his new wife Katie as she managed to leave the house for the first time after undergoing a hysterectomy.

The lingerie business owner, 35 - who recently married television presenter Nick, 62 - revealed last week that she had the op after 'surviving' years of 'pain'.

She has been at home recovering since the major surgery and took to Instagram on Friday to share an update with fans.

Katie revealed she had been experiencing menopause symptoms including hot flushes, and that a self-care day was in order.

On Saturday she managed to take it a step further, as she made it out of the house for a lunch date with her supportive husband.

Taking to his Story, Nick shared a selfie that was posted by Katie, adding a heartfelt message to his wife.

Nick Knowles, 62, has shown his support for his new wife Katie, 35, as she managed to leave the house for the first time after undergoing a hysterectomy

She told her fans that she had managed to change into some comfies, calling herself a 'slob kabob'

The original photo showed the couple cosying up inside a shop, with Katie writing: 'Well look who made it out the house today' with a heart emoji.

The DIY SOS star shared it on his Story, expressing how proud he was of Katie.

'You are doing so well,' he began. 'It's such a huge thing to deal with in so many ways, not just physically.

'I'll be right by your side every step of the way. Proud of you.'

After their successful lunch date, Katie shared a video when they got home as she told her fans that she had managed to change into some comfies, calling herself a 'slob kabob'.

'I'm glad I've been out, even though I'm feeling exhausted,' she added.

Yesterday, Katie displayed her abdomen bloating from the surgery in one clip, as well as showing where her scar was in the candid video.

Katie went on to share in the caption that she had also been suffering from brain fog so 'can't string a sentence together', and revealing she is getting breathless if she does too much.

On Saturday she managed to take it a step further, as she made it out of the house for a lunch date with her supportive husband

Katie revealed she had been experiencing menopause symptoms including hot flushes

She also displayed her abdomen bloating from the surgery in one clip, as well as showing where her scar was in the candid video

In the caption of the video, Katie continued: ' A little day-in-the-life post-hysterectomy. Tried to wear leggings today to feel like a person'

In a voiceover on the clip, Katie said: 'So today I decided to have a shower. Umm... obviously not the first time I've done this but because I was just a pile of sweat.

'And it's kind of due in part to menopausal symptoms with hot flushes and sweaty ti****s, sweaty upper lips, sweaty back, just sweaty everything. Um and I also have an infection from a fever that I have developed now. Er yeah I have been disgusting.

'So I thought I would push the boat out wash my hair and then it was curly and my daughter brushed the curls out so it was a bit Hermione Granger. So I treated myself to straightening it which wasn't the most comfortable thing to do in all reality because of the stretching but felt so much better knowing that I can leave it a few days now - and theoretically it should be fine.'

She added: 'I did try to put normal people clothes on today but as it turns out it wasn't happening because the bloating's still kind of there. We're still there and also putting clothes on that end up going too close to my scars.'

In the caption of the video, Katie continued: 'A little day-in-the-life post-hysterectomy. Tried to wear leggings today to feel like a person lasted 7 minutes before getting back into Nicks boxers and a T-shirt.

'Still bloated, still sore, still spending 90% of the day horizontal. BUT, I got to take off those god-awful surgical stockings!!! Another fun addition to my sans uterus era: brain fog. I can barely string a sentence together or type properly, which is great when you rely on typing for work.

'They didnt remove my ovaries, but they did warn me that with the effects of hormones and even some just post surgery malarkey, that I could experience symptoms. Also now walking with a slight elderly lean and getting breathless after literally anything. Im such a catch its lucky that I married him before choosing to do this.

'I've been working from bed, trying to distract myself from the absolute boredom (and the emotional ambush when babies appear on TV). I miss doing things for myself. I miss feeling like me. And the body stuff is rough. Ive got another four scars on my stomach, and I just dont really want to look at myself at the moment.

'But today I did my hair and a bit of makeup, just to feel a little more human. And I honestly think it did a lot for my self-confidence, even if it was just for being in the house. I just keep looking to a pain-free future to try and pull myself out of it.

'The love Ive had on here has blown me away. Women supporting women. Sharing stories. Saying thank you.

'It's a double edge sword, because on the one hand its awful to see so many women with such sad and painful stories, but on the other, it has been so wonderful to make what I have gone through and Im going through feel more normal and understood.'
Morgan Wallen took a cheeky dig at audience members with 'side chicks' during his latest show - days after a CEO was infamously caught cozying up to his female colleague on a Coldplay concert kiss cam.

Andrew Byron, the head of the billion-dollar AI startup Astronomer, was broadcast on the big screen at Boston's Gillette Stadium with his arm around the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot during Coldplay's gig there Tuesday night.

They rapidly covered their faces, with Byron diving out of view and Cabot turning her back to the camera, but their reaction caught the attention of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who joked: 'Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy.'

The clip went instantly viral and Byron was placed on leave this Friday before the company announced his resignation on Saturday.

Public records suggest both Byron, 50, and Cabot, 56, are married - but that they live at different addresses to each of their spouses' registered abodes.

As the awkward moment exploded across the internet, Wallen, 32, appeared to make a sly reference to it at his own Friday night show in Glendale, Arizona.

Morgan Wallen took a cheeky dig at audience members with 'side chicks' during his latest show in Arizona on Friday; pictured onstage in Nashville last month

'Anybody in here with their side chick or whatever, I think youre safe here,' he said in fan footage posted to TikTok, before quipping: 'I dont condone cheatinganymore.'

The next morning, Astronomer issued a statement announcing that Byron had resigned from the billion-dollar company.

'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.

The pair immediately ducked and turned from the cameras after realizing their faces were on the big screen.

CEO Andy Byron, 50, who was caught on camera at a Coldplay 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

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 beloved MasterChef Australia star has made a major career announcement.

Savindri 'Sav' Perera placed third in season 16 of the beloved cooking show before featuring in the Back To Win series this year.

Now, Sav has revealed her next move, taking her place as a judge on the inaugural season of MasterChef Sri Lanka.

The former participant took to Instagram to share the big news of her new role and her excitement for the next chapter in her cooking journey.

'Never in a million years did I think this is where the little courageous step I took to apply for @masterchefau would take me,' she wrote.

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Beloved MasterChef Australia star Savindri 'Sav' Perera (pictured) has made a major career announcement

Savindri 'Sav' Perera placed third in season 16 of the beloved cooking show before featuring in the Back To Win series this year. Pictured: judges Sofia Levin, Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow and Jean-Christophe Novelli

'Never did I once think that choosing to be so staunchly representative of my culture and native country would lead to this immense opportunity.'

The sweet caption accompanied pictures of Sav in her new judge position surrounded by her fellow judges who she described as 'the best of the best in Sri Lanka'.

'From Peter who put Sri Lanka on the map in many ways and is the face most non-Sri Lankans recognise all over the world, to veteran chef Rohan who is the head of the Bocuse dOr committee for Sri Lanka (amongst his many many other accolades) to Kapila who is one of the most decorated chefs in Sri Lanka.

'I am a baby in my culinary journey amongst these stupendous names.'

She went on to confess that while she was over the moon about the opportunity, she initially felt 'not good enough' to take on the big role.

'In many ways when I first was approached, I felt underqualified. The imposter syndrome kicked in so hard and I felt completely not good enough. I spent a lot of time wondering what value I could add.'

However, the past few weeks have made her realise that her experience as a contestant was, in fact, her greatest strength on the judging panel.

'I know so intimately what it is like to be a contestant in the high stakes MasterChef kitchen. I know how it feels when you fail, the joy of a win and the despair of an elimination.'

Now, Sav (secon from right) has revealed her next move, taking her place as a judge on the inaugural season of MasterChef Sri Lanka. Pictured L-R: Kapila Jayasinghe, Peter Kuruvita and Rohan Fernandopulle

'In many ways when I first was approached, I felt under qualified. The imposter syndrome kicked in so hard and I felt completely not good enough. I spent a lot of time wondering what value I could add,' she said

She finished off the post: 'I am grateful, I am humbled and truly so excited for this chapter.

'MasterChef changed my life - how special it is that I get to have a hand in changing someone elses.'

Last year, Sav tugged at MasterChef fans' heartstrings after revealing her behind-the-scenes battle with a crippling mental illness.

In a moving Instagram post, Sav opened up about her body dysmorphia - a psychological disorder in which an individual obsesses over a perceived flaw in their appearance.

'The amount of absolute hatred I have for myself after a lifetime of being made to feel ugly for being fat was immense,' Sav revealed in the raw post.

'Yet every morning I put my make-up on and show up because my desire to compete is bigger than my hatred for my appearance.'
Denham Hitchcock has hit back at viewers criticising his new program 10News+.

The reporter, who was announced as the face of the show alongside Amelia Brace in June, responded to two followers who left brutal comments on his Instagram page.

One social media user accused the presenter of sharing 'fake news' via the fresh news platform.

However, the 48-year-old didn't hold back, asking: 'Which stories have you seen on this program that have been fake?'

Another troll slammed Denham for his vaccine stance, writing: 'How are we supposed to believe you @denhamhitchcock?

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Denham Hitchcock (pictured) has hit back at viewers criticising his new program 10News+

The reporter, who was announced as the face of the show alongside Amelia Brace in June, responded to two followers who left brutal comments on his Instagram page

'You were vaccine injured and decided to take a payout over the truth! At a time when millions of people needed popular voices to tell the truth  you tried  then took off on your yacht,' the person wrote.

Denham, who was hospitalised in 2021 after experiencing a rare side effect called pericarditis following his initial two Pfizer jabs, took aim at the accusation in a fiery response.

'What payout you tool? I quit my job and went sailing to spend time with my family.'

He went on: 'I am still looking into all this  I just don't believe everything I read like you do. It takes time to prove this stuff. Not just rant. Grow up.'

Earlier this month, it was reported that 10 News+ had been savaged in the ratings following its premiere.

The current affairs program, slotted in to replace The Project after it was sensationally axed following 16 years on air, was watched by a paltry 291,000 people, according to ratings released by OzTAM.

Channel Nine and Channel Seven dominated the time slot, with 7News attracting 1.5million viewers, and 9News following closely with 1.45million viewers.

10News+'s figures only got worse, dropping to 244,000 by the following Tuesday and sliding further still to 205,000 by midweek.

Earlier this month, it was reported that 10 News+ had been savaged in the ratings following its premiere

Later in the week, ratings kept skidding into oblivion, with just 159,000 national viewers tuning in.

By Friday, the situation was decidedly grim, with only 152,000 viewers switching on the in-depth news program.

The first night figures shocked industry insiders, after the show heavily promoted its investigation into Australian mother Debbie Voulgaris, who has been jailed for 16 years after smuggling 7kg of drugs into Taiwan.

The show's hosts opened the episode by telling the audience what they can expect from the hard-hitting program.
Chris Hemsworth has shared a sweet post dedicated to his wife Elsa Pataky on her 49th birthday.

The Aussie star, 41, took to Instagram on Saturday to wish the Spanish actress a happy birthday as they celebrated her special day together.

'Happy birthday @elsapataky! Thank you for being an incredible human and each year continuing to allow me to eat the vast majority of the cake,' he captioned the post, which has received over one million likes.

One snap showed the actress wearing a giant smile on her face as she sat alongside her husband with a giant chocolate cake in front of them.

Another featured Chris leaning in as Elsa excitedly blew out her candles, surrounded by pastries, cakes and her loved ones.

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Chris Hemsworth has shared a sweet post dedicated to his wife Elsa Pataky after spending weeks apart

The Aussie star took to Instagram on Saturday to wish the Spanish actress a happy birthday as they celebrated her special day together after spending weeks apart

Rumours have recently circulated about the couple after they spent several weeks apart due to work commitments.

Elsa had been in her native Spain, filming her new TV series Matices, while Chris had been travelling, even attending the final day of Wimbledon without his wife.

However, on Thursday, they reunited in London at the premiere of Chris' new National Geographic series, Limitless: Live Better Now, with their twin sons, Tristan and Sasha, 11.

Sporting summer tans, the genetically-blessed duo glowed as they cuddled up, clearly happy to be back in each other's arms.

The event was a family affair, with all of Chris' family in attendance.

His father Craig and mother Leonie were present, as well as his brother Liam and his girlfriend Gabriella Brooks.

For the glitzy evening, Chris, who stars in the show exploring how humans 'can live better for longer', looked handsome in a navy two-piece suit.

He layered his tailored two-piece over a crisp white T-shirt and an unbuttoned dark blue shirt.

'Happy birthday @elsapataky! Thank you for being an incredible human and each year continuing to allow me to eat the vast majority of the cake,' he captioned the post

On Thursday, the couple (centre) reunited in London at the premiere of Chris' new National Geographic series, Limitless: Live Better Now, with twin sons, Tristan and Sasha, 11 (pictured front)

Meanwhile, Elsa put on a leggy display as she slipped into a sparkly sheer dress which was layered over a strappy white dress.

She added inches to her toned physique as she wore a pair of strappy silver heels and slicked her blonde tresses back into an up-do.

Chris and Elsa tied the knot during the Christmas holidays in 2010.

The Hemsworths have made Byron Bay their home in recent years, after relocating from Los Angeles to Australia nine years ago.
A shocking twist has taken place amid Scott Wolf's ugly divorce battle with his estranged wife Kelley.

Last month on June 10, it was revealed that the Party Of Five actor, 57, had filed for divorce from his wife after 21 years of marriage and welcoming three children together.

However only days later, Kelley was detained by police, which had been accidentally caught on camera, and taken to a Utah hospital for a mental health evaluation. She later claimed that she was placed under an involuntary mental health hold 'again' by police earlier this month.

On June 25, Wolf requested for a temporary restraining order against the mom-of-three which he was granted.

But in a major turn of events, the TRO was dropped after it was dissolved by a Utah judge on Saturday due to an agreement Scott and Kelley reached, according to court documents obtained by People.

The agreement was made earlier this week on Tuesday - and contains a number of terms revolving around visitation, communication as well as finances.

A shocking twist has taken place amid Scott Wolf's ugly divorce battle with his estranged wife Kelley - weeks after her wild arrest; seen in 2018 in NYC

But in a major turn of events, the TRO was dropped after it was dissolved by a Utah judge on Saturday due to an agreement Scott and Kelley reached, according to court documents obtained by People

Wolf has also been granted sole custody of their three kids: Jackson, 16, Miller, 12, and Lucy, 11.

Per the agreement that had been reached, Kelley will be allowed to have 'liberal' supervised time with her children.

This includes supervised time with her kids in person that has been worked out ahead of time by counsel. She is also allowed to have either three phone or video calls with her children - also supervised.

If any of her kids reach out to her first, Kelley has been given permission to also respond.

Both Scott and Kelley cannot discuss certain topics in front of their children, including adult issues, divorce and their kids' relationship with either parent.

The estranged couple also are not permitted to ask their kids what goes on at the other parent's place of residence.

A gag order has also been put in place for both parties which prohibits either Scott or Kelley from posting and commenting about each other on social media.

They also cannot talk about their children, divorce or marriage, and any third party is further prohibited from making posts/comments regarding the above topics.

Per the agreement that had been reached, Kelley will be allowed to have 'liberal' supervised time with her children

A gag order has also been put in place for both parties which prohibits either Scott or Kelley from posting and commenting about each other on social media

The end goal over a certain period time would be for Kelley to return to having unsupervised time with her three children.

On June 25, Wolf requested for a TRO which was granted.

At the time, Judge Richard Mrazi said that Kelley, 'has been engaged in an escalating pattern of behavior that poses a substantial threat of immediate and irreparable harm to the party's minor children,' per Today.

The judge also said that Scott's estranged wife has made 'threats to remove the party's minor children from the country.'

While the TRO has officially been dropped, a hearing that had been set for July 21 is also no longer taking place.

The actor will remain at their Park City, Utah residence with their children - while Kelley will be allowed to only enter the property during supervised time with her kids.

Scott will also have full control of marital funds, with Kelley receiving $10,000 each month to cover living costs. The star will also cover her other monthly bills such as car and credit card payments, as well as some attorney fees.

The new twist in the estranged couple's divorce comes shortly after Kelley claimed she was placed under an involuntary mental health hold 'again' by police - who she alleges abused her in custody.

The actor will remain at their Park City, Utah residence with their children - while Kelley will be allowed to only enter the property during supervised time with her kids

Scott will also have full control of marital funds, with Kelley receiving $10,000 each month to cover living costs; seen in 2023 in L.A.

Kelley took to Instagram over the past weekend to level curious claims against the Summit County Police Department - alleging she had been 'thrown down the stairs' by cops while on a seven day 'involuntary hold' - after being 'taken' from Sundance.

However, Summit County Police Department confirmed to Dailymail.com they were not involved in any response to Sundance Resort on July 6 - as Sundance is not located in Summit County.

Sharing a photo of her bruised arm, Kelley alleged: 'I was held for 7 days and they tried to keep me for 90. I will not be quiet anymore. I cannot be quiet anymore.'

She claimed of her injuries: 'This is from the police. I will get myself safe but I'm asking for help. Thrown down stairs. Broke my wrist, Contusions on my head. I'm bruised everywhere and I literally was released last night. This is the SECOND time.

'Summit county police took me from Sundance on July 6. I was in a hot tub. Placed me on an involuntary hold at Summit county Behavioral health. The truth must be told.'

A further post saw Kelley say: 'I love my kids. I'm not crazy. I need help. And I want my kids back. Thats all for now.'

A Summit County Police Department spokesman said in a statement they are 'aware of several photographs and social media posts circulating that inaccurately claim "Summit County Police" responded to an incident at Sundance (Resort) on July 6, including allegations of a confrontation involving Summit County law enforcement.

'Sundance Resort is not located within Summit County, and therefore, no law enforcement agency from Summit County, including the Summit County Sheriffs Office , would be involved in incidents occurring there.

'I can confirm that the Summit County Sheriffs Office was not involved in any response to Sundance on July 6.'

Kelley took to Instagram over the past weekend to level curious claims against the Summit County Police Department - alleging she had been 'thrown down the stairs' by cops while on a seven day 'involuntary hold' - after being 'taken' from Sundance

A further post saw Kelley say: 'I love my kids. I'm not crazy. I need help. And I want my kids back. Thats all for now'

DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Utah County Sheriff's Office, Summit County Behavioral Health, Sundance Mountain Resort and Scott Wolf for comment but has yet to hear back.

The Boston-born actor's brother Michael Wolf also entered a declaration in the matter, Us Weekly reported after reviewing court docs.

'It's so sad for the kids, but Kelley is ready to fight like hell for her children,' an insider close to Kelley, a mental health professional, told the outlet.

The source added: 'It is not warranted, it's cruel. And it's incorrect.'

On June 9, Wolf submitted to the court documents indicating his desire to divorce Kelley, who he exchanged vows with in May of 2004.

Before Scott had his restraining order in place and had temporary custody of their three kids, Kelley was detained by police after strange comments she made to her father and others.

On June 13, Kelley shared footage of police arriving to take her to the hospital while she was on an Instagram Live stream.

On June 9, Wolf submitted to the court documents indicating his desire to divorce Kelley, who he exchanged vows with in May of 2004; seen in 2018 in Universal City

Deputies responded to the Sundance Resort for a report of a female that needed some help,' read a statement from law enforcement obtained by People.

'Upon speaking with the female, our Deputies learned that she had made concerning comments to a family member, and she also made similar comments to our Deputies,' the statement continued.

'For that reason, our Deputies transported the female to a local hospital.'

Kelley later confirmed she was placed under an 'involuntary 5150,' which is '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,' per the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The 65th TV Week Logie Awards have finally revealed their headline act for this year's ceremony.

Beloved rocker Jimmy Barnes is set to take the stage at The Star Sydney on August 3, bringing four decades of fan-favourite hits to Aussie ears.

Jimmy, who has 21 number-one albums under his belt as well as a place in the ARIA Hall of Fame, revealed he couldn't wait to 'get the party jumping' at the annual awards ceremony.

'I am excited about playing at the Logies, television's big night of nights,' the 69-year-old said.

'It will be great to celebrate all the fantastic talent we have in Australian television, and to play some rock'n'roll music to get the party jumping.'

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The 65th TV Week Logie Awards have finally revealed their headline act for this year's ceremony (Pictured: Jimmy Barnes)

Beloved rocker Jimmy Barnes (pictured) is set to take the stage at The Star Sydney on August 3, bringing four decades of hits to Aussie ears

The Aussie icon will be joined by the likes of Kitty Flanagan, Hamish Blake and Leigh Sales, who are just a few of the presenters expected to wow the crowd.

It has also been revealed that Sam Pang will host the event for the third time.

Sam's cheeky and irreverent comedy as host last year and in 2023 proved to be a big hit with audiences and TV's A-list, as well as a major ratings winner for Seven.

'It's been an honour to host the last two years and I'm looking forward to again celebrating the talented people and amazing shows that combine to make the Australian television industry something everyone can be proud of,' Sam told The Herald Sun.

'I am very excited to return for another Logies and would like to thank Seven for asking me back.'

The Logie nominations were officially announced in June at the Sydney Opera House and Aussies were relieved to see a certain TV icon up for the most coveted category.

Lynne McGranger, who played Irene Roberts on the soap opera Home and Away for over 33 years, has finally scored a Gold Logie nomination for her hard work.

Taking to Instagram, the 72-year-old Aussie star gushed about the milestone moment in her career and urged fans to vote.

It has also been revealed that Sam Pang (pictured) will host the event for the third time

Lynne McGranger (pictured), who played Irene Roberts on the soap opera Home and Away for over 33 years, has finally scored a Gold Logie nomination for her hard work

'Well this is some fabulous news to get while I'm away!!' she penned.

'I am so thrilled to be nominated for a Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Drama and the coveted GOLD LOGIE!'

Also nominated for the number one gong is A Current Affair's Ally Langdon, 46, who won Best News or Public Affairs Presenter last year.

Not his first rodeo, two-time winner Hamish Blake, 43, is in the draw again for the Gold Logie, having won it back in 2022 for Lego Masters and in 2012 for Hamish and Andy's Gap Year.

Former ABC News Breakfast presenter Lisa Millar, 56, is also in the running for the top prize for her work on Backroads and Muster Dogs.

Also in the running is MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, 51, who was recently plagued with speculation that she may be stepping back from the beloved cooking show before revealing she had signed on to return in 2026.

Julia Morris, 57, is set to battle it out for the Gold Logie too, after hosting Network 10's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in South Africa alongside conservationist Robert Irwin.

And last but not least, Dancing With The Stars' Sonia Kruger, 59, is up for the number one gong again after nabbing a Gold Logie back in 2023.

Voting is now open and will remain so until 7pm on Friday August 1.

The ceremony will be available to watch on Seven and 7Plus.
As the World Turns star Eileen Fulton, who acted on the legendary soap opera on and off for half a century, has died at the age of 91.

She won the hearts of fans as the scenery-chewing 'bad girl' Lisa Grimaldi, a role she originated in 1960 and played for the last time on the show's final episode in 2010.

Fulton has revealed that although Lisa was conceived as a 'sweet girl next door,' she felt the character was insufficiently interesting that way and so she delivered her lines in a 'conniving' fashion that prompted the writers to change course.

Over the decades her character grew from a young 'vixen' - whom Time magazine once branded a 'superb****' - into a gentler grande dame.

At one point during the show, Fulton famously had a 'grandma clause' installed in her contract that would prevent Lisa from having grandchildren, for fear that she would be written off the show if her character were seen as old and irrelevant.

She died July 14 in her hometown of Ashville, North Carolina 'after a period of declining health,' according to an obituary from the local Groce Funeral Home.

As the World Turns star Eileen Fulton, who acted on the legendary soap opera on and off for half a century, has died at the age of 91; pictured in 2011

She won the hearts of fans as the scenery-chewing 'bad girl' Lisa Grimaldi, who is pictured with her first husband Bob Hughes (Don Hastings) in 1962

Born Margaret McClarty in Asheville in 1933, she had a peripatetic childhood as a result of her father's vocation as a Methodist minister.

She had the performing bug from the age of two, when she cut into one of her father's services by singing the old folk song Shortnin' Bread and braved the spanking she got as a result, she told the Washington Post.

Fulton majored in music at Greensboro College and her father got her a job in a church choir, but she was determined to move to New York City, harboring dreams 'of being the greatest actress on Broadway.'

After studying under the seminal acting teachers Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg, as well as modern dance pioneer Martha Graham, she embarked on a showbiz career that finally took off in 1960 when she was cast on As the World Turns.

Over the next 50 years, she repeatedly left the show - 'I've quit forever three times,' she once drily remarked - but always wound up coming back.

In the early years of the show, Fulton worked tirelessly to juggle the soap and the stage, filming by day and acting in such shows as The Fantasticks and the original Broadway production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by night.

But her most enduring role, the one that cemented her position in showbiz history, was as the stylish and ruthlessly conniving Lisa on As the World Turns.

Lisa cycled through a dizzying succession of what eventually turned out to be eight husbands, remaining herself a consistently tantalizing presence on the show.

Fulton is pictured in character as LIsa, standing behind the central sofa, in a cast photo for the long-running CBS soap opera taken in 1962

Fulton is pictured in 1995 - during her As the World Turns years - attending the Broadway opening of the musical Victor/Victoria, starring Julie Andrews

Fulton was the one who changed the character from the 'sweet girl' she was originally written as into the scene-stealing villainess she became.

Since the show was filmed live, she felt she could not 'change her lines' but she could 'change my intentions once we were on the air,' she told the Television Academy.

During the live broadcasts, she said her dialogue as written but added 'little conniving things' she could do to her character's first husband Bob Hughes (Don Hastings).

Producer and head writer Irna Phillips was impressed with Fulton's agility, saying: 'Why, look at that - that little rascal can play a b****!'

Lisa became the character fans loved to hate, so much so that she briefly got a spin-off called Our Private World for a few months of 1965.

During her on-and-off run on As the World Turns, Fulton also achieved a certain notoriety over the 'grandma clause' she had added to her contract in the 1970s.

Her co-star Barbara Berjer had recently gotten killed off the show after the producers realized her character had become a great-grandmother.

Fulton resolved: 'That's not gonna happen to me,' and so when her own character's son was aged up and given romantic storylines, she had her contract amended to include the stipulation that Lisa would not be made a grandmother.

Over the decades her character grew from a young 'vixen' - whom Time magazine once branded a 'superb****' - into a gentler grande dame

During the 1980s and 1990s she wrote a string of novels, including six murder mysteries and a roman a clef called Soap Opera; pictured at home in New York in 1990

News of the 'grandma clause' made its way into the media, and at one point became a major source of controversy for Fulton when her character's daughter-in-law had a miscarriage on the show in the 1980s.

By that point the 'grandma clause' was no longer in Fulton's contract - but viewers were unaware of the change and thought the miscarriage plot point was her fault.

'In fact,' she recalled later: 'I got such threatening mail saying: "It's because of you and your conceit, that you should have a 'grandma clause.' You are a baby-killer, and we're coming to get you." I had letters like that from all over the country.'

Fulton's 'very cute driver,' who was moonlighting as a bodyguard, suggested that she needed a bit of extra protection and so he assumed responsibility for her security too.

In spite of the ups and downs, and her occasional stints off of the program, she kept coming back to the show and was on its final episode in 2010.

She left As the World Turns in 2010, the year she is pictured, 2019 she withdrew from showbiz altogether, moving back to her home state, where she spent the rest of her life

Alongside her soap work, she performed a touring cabaret act, saying: 'I love to sing. I love to make the audience cry. Of course, then I have to cheer them up.

During the 1980s and 1990s she wrote a string of novels, including six murder mysteries and a roman a clef called Soap Opera.

Her work on As the World Turns earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1988, and in 2004, she and Don Hastings - who played her first husband on the series - were given Lifetime Achievement honors at the Daytime Emmys.

Fulton's final screen role was a straight-to-DVD anti-abortion movie called The Life Zone in 2011, and in 2019 she withdrew from showbiz altogether, moving back to her home state, where she lived for the rest of her life.

Although she was married and divorced three times - the last one for just three months - Fulton never had any children.

Her survivors include one of her two brothers, both of her sisters-in-law and her niece, as well as a grandnephew and grandniece.
Controversial former ABC freelancer Antoinette Lattouf has announced she has signed with the Stage Addiction talent agency - the same agency as Abbie Chatfield.

Lattouf, 45, who made headlines earlier last year after her highly-publicised wrongful dismissal case against the public broadcaster, went online last month to revealed her dramatic career move.

In a post shared with her new agency, Lattouf posed for a professional photo in a stylish all-blue slacks and short outfit and included a cheeky caption.

'Who's this human headline hottie now being repped by Stage Addiction?' the Instagram post began.

She added, 'Get your people to call my people etc etc.'

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Controversial former ABC freelancer Antoinette Lattouf (pictured) has announced she has signed with the Stage Addiction talent agency

The Stage Addiction talent agency is the same agency as Abbie Chatfield (pictured)

Ben Grand of Stage Addiction is set to manage the broadcaster and writer, reported Sky News last month.

Also included on the Stage Addiction talent roster is Cheek Media founder and TV commentator and author Hannah Ferguson and Bachelor star Matt Agnew.

Lattouf, who has 118K followers, received an enthusiastic response from her fans, who filled sent messages of congratulations.

'You're such a talent. Beauty, brains, heart and comedic genius,' said one follower while Matt Agnew simply wrote 'Welcome'.

'Fearless Warrior Journalist Presenter I presume! And my absolute Hero!' said another user.

Lattouf won her case for unlawful termination against the ABC, with the public broadcaster ordered to pay her $70,000 in compensation last month.

The casual radio host and Palestine advocate was hired for a week-long stint on ABC Radio Sydney's Mornings program in December 2023.

She was let go after just three shifts for sharing a Human Rights Watch post that said Israel was using starvation as a 'weapon of war' in Gaza.

Lattouf won her case for unlawful termination against the ABC, with the public broadcaster ordered to pay her $70,000 in compensation last month. Pictured: Lattouf outside the Federal Court of Australia in February

The ABC claimed it took Lattouf off the air because she failed to follow a direction not to post about Israel or the war in Gaza during her five-day shift.

But Justice Darryl Rangiah, who delivered his judgement in Sydney's Federal Court In June, disagreed, finding pro-Israel lobbyists formed an 'orchestrated campaign' to pressure then-ABC chair Ita Buttrose to take Lattouf off air.

He found the ABC contravened the Fair Work Act by terminating Lattouf's employment 'for reasons including that she held a political opinion opposing the Israeli military campaign in Gaza'.

Justice Rangiah ordered the ABC to pay Lattouf compensation of $70,000, with the public broadcaster also potentially on the hook for 'pecuniary penalties' for breaking the law.

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Lattouf boasted about her 'landmark' win.
This nepo baby is the daughter of a famous British DJ and TV personality who left the UK to raise her family in swanky Beverly Hills.

The 23-year-old features regularly on her mum's social media including one recent snap where she stunned in a leggy gold mini dress.

Her mother found fame presenting iconic 90s show The Word with Terry Christian and Dani Behr, before going on to present MTV and BBC Radio 1's Breakfast show.

She famously fell foul of BBC bosses and reportedly was given her 'final warning' in 1998 while hosting from Ibiza after a night of partying at the notorious Manumission club made her miss her early morning show.

She left the station by 'amicable agreement' six months later and would go on to appear in 2005's Celebrity Big Brother before jumping the pond.

But can you guess who this nepo baby is?

This nepo baby is the daughter of a famous British DJ and TV personality who left the UK to raise her family in swanky Beverly Hills

The 23-year-old features regularly on her mum's social media - but can you guess who she is?

It's Deia Pizzey, the daughter of Lisa I'Anson, 60, who shares the youngster with record producer husband Amos Pizzey, who has worked with the likes of Culture Club and Kanye West.

Together the couple are also parents to son Dylan and Lisa regularly posts updates of family life to her Instagram grid.

Celebrating daughter Deia's birthday last year she gushed: 'Happy birthday sweet girl .. 22 ! Already ?! '

During her stint in CBB Lisa clashed with late racing pundit John McCririck, after he suggested housemate Brigitte Nielsen grow her 'awful' hair over her wrinkles.

'Why don't you just grow your hair over it? You've got awful hair! One of the best things about women is their hair and you've got boy's hair!'

Lisa quipped: 'Should we really be taking fashion advice from YOU?'

While Caprice added: 'We're not telling you how you look. You want us to go there?'

John refused to apologise for his remarks and was chased around the bedroom by Brigitte who wanted to administer a punishment of light-hearted spanking.

It's Deia Pizzey, the daughter of Lisa I'Anson, 60, who shares the youngster and son Dylan with record producer husband Amos Pizzey

Lisa shares the the youngster with record producer husband Amos Pizzey, who has worked with the likes of Culture Club and Kanye West

Lisa pictured with son Dylan in a recent sweet post

Lisa found fame presenting iconic 90s show The Word with Terry Christian and Dani Behr, before going on to present MTV and BBC Radio 1's Breakfast show (pictured 1998)

She famously fell foul of BBC bosses and reportedly given her 'final warning' in 1998 while hosting from Ibiza after a night of partying made her miss her early morning show

Another star to recently miss his radio show was Olly Murs on Saturday after he partied too hard celebrating the release of his new song Save Me.

The former X Factor star, 41, left his co-star Mark Wright in the lurch as he seemingly couldn't make it in for the Heart Breakfast show.

He normally wakes up the capital alongside ex-TOWIE star Mark from 9am-12pm on Saturday mornings.

But Olly admitted to his fans that Saturday's show was a write off after he woke up with a sore head after a 'mad' night of partying.

Taking to Instagram, Olly penned: 'Last night was mad! Might've gone a bit too hard while celebrating the new single coming out with the boys...

'Also seem to have lost my wallet if anyone finds it.'

Meanwhile, Mark was left to host the show solo as Heart shared a post of the presenter ark looking lost as he tried to find Olly, only for his partying antics to have been recorded on CCTV.

Showing the clip of Olly having a great time, Mark began: 'So if you've been listening to Heart this morning, you'll know that my co-host Mr Olly Murs isn't in.

Another star to recently miss his radio show was Olly Murs on Saturday after he partied too hard celebrating the release of his new song Save Me

The former X Factor star, 41, left his co-star Mark Wright in the lurch as he seemingly couldn't make it in for the Heart Breakfast show

'No one can find him. Didn't know where he was. And someone has just sent this into the studio. Him out last night, caught on CCTV in a bar or a pub.

So he's obviously out, had a late night and not turned up to the studio. Very professional Olly Murs, I like it. Yeah, very good.'

Resharing the Instagram clip from Heart Breakfast Olly added: 'can't believe I missed the show today. Man does my head hurt!'

Olly's new single will be released on 25 July - and it's his first since 2022.
Eva Longoria looked nothing short of sensational as she attended the Global Gift charity gala in Marbella on Saturday evening.

The Desperate Housewives actress , 50, went braless as she slipped into a daringly plunging yellow silk gown that hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure.

Her gorgeous dress boasted a racy keyhole detail which she accessorised with a simple gold necklace and diamond earrings.

Eva added extra height to her frame with a pair of perspex heels and slicked back her long brunette locks into a ponytail.

In May the actress, who shares son Santiago, seven, with husband Jose Antonio, said she always thought she'd become a success in Hollywood.

Eva has enjoyed a hugely successful career, starring in shows such as Only Murders in the Building, and Eva has now revealed that she never doubted her own talent.

Eva Longoria, 50, looked nothing short of sensational as she attended the Global Gift charity gala in Marbella on Saturday evening

The Desperate Housewives actress went braless as she slipped into a daringly plunging yellow silk gown that hugged every inch of her jaw-dropping figure

Her gorgeous dress boasted a racy keyhole detail which she accessorised with a simple gold necklace and diamond earrings

The actress told Byrdie: 'When I look at the longevity I've had in this industry, it makes sense to me'.

'Of course, I'm going to work as hard as I can at whatever I do, and it just happens to be in this industry. I knew I'd be successful because I was surrounded by successful women - my mother, sisters, and aunts were independent, strong, smart, and charitable.

'They were everything I wanted to be.'

Eva's self-belief has helped her to navigate the pitfalls of Hollywood. She explained: 'I remember the first time I was on a billboard and somebody said to me, "Oh my god, who would have thought?"

'And I said, "Me. I thought it. I dreamt it." If you don't champion yourself, who else is going to? That unwavering belief in yourself will take you so far.'

Despite this, Eva admits that her priorities have changed in recent years.

The brunette beauty shared: 'When you're young, you should say yes to every opportunity, so you can decide what you want to do in life.

'Now that I'm 50, I'm prioritizing differently,' explained the close friend of ER star George Clooney.

Eva added extra height to her frame with a pair of perspex heels and slicked back her long brunette locks into a ponytail

She was joined at the bash by pal and French businessman Nicolas Escamez

She posed up a storm alongside other guests on the red carpet

Eva shares seven-year-old son Santiago with husband Jose Antonio Baston (pictured 2022)

'I'm curating my life to be very specific to what I want the next 50 years to look like. I'm spending more time with my family, working less, and doing more of what I love.

'Being financially secure helps with those decisions, but I feel I've worked hard enough to say 'no' now.' Eva has also confessed to becoming more health-conscious in recent years.

The actress said: 'I don't mind ageing. I just want to age well. I'm grateful to be able to move my body and work out, hike up a mountain, and play with my son. I'm trying to be as mobile as possible for as long as possible.'
Carrie Bickmore and Lee Elliott have sparked rumours they are enjoying a romance after his shock split with Georgia Love.

According to Woman's Day, the radio host and the former Bachelorette star have been spending a lot of time together at Carrie's home in recent weeks.

The publication claims the pair were introduced by mutual friends and the relationship is 'heating up quickly'.

'They've been trying hard to keep things under wraps. But there's definitely something romantic going on. They're a beautiful couple!' a source allegedly told the magazine.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Carrie Bickmore and Lee Elliott for comment.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Carrie Bickmore (left) and Lee Elliott (right) have sparked rumours they are enjoying a romance after his split from Georgia Love

Lee is newly single after splitting from his wife, Georgia, earlier this year.

He and Georgia, who first met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their separation with identical posts to Instagram in May.

'After nine wonderful years together, including four as husband and wife, [we] have made the incredibly difficult decision to lovingly part ways,' they wrote.

'Our relationship has been so special and we will always cherish the memories, love, and laughter we've shared.

'There is no drama, no bad blood. Just two people who have grown in different directions while still holding deep respect and care for each other.

'We remain friends and we'd really appreciate our privacy as we navigate this next stage. Thank you.'

Georgia and Lee had fuelled rumours they had split for some time, after having not been seen together for four months and ditching their wedding rings.

Carrie, meanwhile, has long been linked to her Carrie & Tommy radio show co-star, Tommy Little.

Lee is newly single after splitting from his wife, Georgia Love (left), earlier this year

Carrie, meanwhile, has long been linked to her Carrie & Tommy radio show co-star, Tommy Little (left)

The pair, who share undeniable chemistry on their Hit Network radio show, have been at the centre of dating rumours for years.

While they have never confirmed that they are a couple, fans continue to speculate about the true nature of their relationship.

Romance rumours between the pair arose after Carrie's very public split from longtime partner Chris Walker in 2023.

Just two weeks ago, Carrie and Tommy took a holiday to Hayman Island together, along with a group of their colleagues.

Meanwhile, Tommy recently made a relationship confession which continued to fan the flames of romance rumours.

The comedian confessed to Stellar he is very keen to start a family and settle down - even if he's not entirely ready to grow up yet.
Rylan Clark has shared a sweet birthday tribute to his mum Linda as she turned 73 and updated fans on her health.

The beloved presenter, 36, informed his followers on Friday night that he wouldn't be hosting his BBC Radio 2 show the day after Linda was rushed to hospital.

But taking to Instagram on Sunday, Rylan shared an array of snaps of his mum to mark her birthday and revealed she had been discharged from hospital.

'Happy Birthday to the best mum. So glad ur home for it. Love you x,' he wrote.

Among the snaps included a picture of Rylan and his mum dressed to the nines for a glamorous day out together, whereas others showed the pair on lavish holidays.

Rylan's celebrity pals were quick to send their birthday tributes, with the former X Factor star's co-presenter Rob Rinder commenting: 'Happy birthday Linda xxx.'

Rylan Clark has shared a sweet birthday tribute to his mum Linda as she turned 73 and updated fans on her health on Instagram on Sunday

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Rylan shared an array of snaps of his mum to mark her birthday and revealed she had been discharged from hospital

Ruth Langsford said: 'Happy Birthday @lindaclark. So pleased you made it home. Have a wonderful day.'

'Massive happy birthday Linda ,' said Scarlett Moffatt, while Ella Henderson added: 'Love you mummy Linda!! Happy birthday beautiful angel!! .'

Cat Deeley, Holly Willoughby and Alexandra Burke also wished Linda a happy birthday.

It comes one day after Rylan gave an update on Linda's condition after she was rushed to hospital, after revealing he wouldn't be hosting his show.

'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.'

'Happy Birthday to the best mum. So glad ur home for it. Love you x,' he wrote

The beloved presenter, 36, informed his followers on Friday night that he wouldn't be hosting his BBC Radio 2 show the day after Linda was rushed to hospital

Among the snaps included a picture of Rylan and his mum dressed to the nines for a glamorous day out together, whereas others showed the pair on lavish holidays

It comes one day after Rylan gave an update on Linda's condition after she was rushed to hospital, after revealing he wouldn't be hosting his show

'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

Rylan's celebrity pals were quick to send their birthday tributes, with the former X Factor star's co-presenter Rob Rinder commenting: 'Happy birthday Linda xxx'

Ruth Langsford said: 'Happy Birthday @lindaclark. So pleased you made it home. Have a wonderful day'

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.

'Massive happy birthday Linda ,' said Scarlett Moffatt , while Ella Henderson added: 'Love you mummy Linda!! Happy birthday beautiful angel!! '

Cat Deeley, Holly Willoughby and Alexandra Burke also wished Linda a happy birthday'

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'

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

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.
Janet Jackson made a surprise onstage appearance while supporting elder brothers Jackie and Marlon as they performed as The Jacksons at Heritage Live Festivals in Reading on Saturday.

The songstress, 59, and rarely seen son Eissa, seven, watched from the wings as the family band, which also once featured late brother Michael, sung the group's biggest hits for the crowd.

Jackie, 74, and Marlon, 68, then introduced their sister who made her way on stage looking effortlessly stylish in an oversized plaid jacket and flared jeans.

Later taking to her Instagram Stories Janet posted clips of the show as she gushed over her sibling's performance.

She said: 'Words can't express how much your nephew and I enjoyed tonight. It was good seeing both of you as usual'.

Before adding: 'God bless you on your journey. We love you so much'.

Janet Jackson made a surprise appearance as she supported brothers Jackie (R) and Marlon (L) as they performed as The Jacksons at Heritage Live Festivals in Reading on Saturday

The songstress and rarely seen son Eissa, seven, watched from the wings as the family band, which also once featured late brother Michael, sung the group's biggest hits for the crowd.

Formed in 1964, the founding members of the band were elder brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine; younger brothers Marlon and Michael joined soon after.

Janet became a mother at age 51 with her ex-husband Wissam Al Mana. The couple separated soon after the birth of her son.

Speaking about Eissa last year she told The Guardian: 'The most important thing I've done, the biggest thing I've done, is become a mother, and it's had a beautiful impact on my life,'

She continued: 'I wanted to have three children, but thought, "I should stop there, that's probably all I can handle." Because you have to give all of yourself,' she explained.

'Obviously, you have to work, but you dont come first anymore. Your life completely changes. And I wouldnt trade it for anything,' she said.

In another interview, the Rhythm Nation hitmaker echoed the same statement, calling motherhood 'the most amazing thing she's ever done.'

She also revealed the strict rules she has given her son, saying she is determined to make sure he has a normal childhood after she and her famous brothers were thrust into the spotlight at a young age.

Janet amassed huge success since starting out as a child star in the 1970s and while she is 'so thankful,' she has insisted she will not be putting Eissa on the same path.

Jackie, 74, and Marlon, 68, then introduced their sister who made her way on stage looking effortlessly stylish in an oversized plaid jacket and flared jeans

Later taking to her Instagram Stories Janet posted clips of the show as she gushed over her sibling's performance

Janet shared a slew of clips as her brother's entertained the festival crowd

Janet became a mother at age 51 with her ex-husband Wissam Al Mana. The couple separated soon after the birth of her son (Eissa pictured as a baby)

'I'm so thankful that God allowed me to experience motherhood, because it didn't have to be, she told host Judi Love on a recent episode of Loose Women.

'I do a lot of reflection, it's amazing because kids don't realize what you go through as a parent or what you have going on the back burner,' she said.

'It's about him. If that's what he wants, but I would say that he has to wait until he's of age and still make sure that's what he wants to do.

'Whatever you do is very difficult. The industry is very tough, but he would have to wait until he is 18,' she explained.

The candid confessions about motherhood and her son in The Guardian come from the same interview in which the Good Times star revealed she believed Kamala Harris has a white father, which is the type of disinformation parroted on far right wing news channels like NewsMax.

'Well, you know what they supposedly said? Shes not black. Thats what I heard. That shes Indian,' Janet said.

'Her fathers white. Thats what I was told. I mean, I havent watched the news in a few days. I was told that they discovered her father was white.'

This is a talking point frequently referenced by now president Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election.

Former VP Harris was born in 1964 to Dr Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian-born cancer researcher, and Donald J. Harris, a black Jamaican economics professor.

The Jacksons next perform at Audley End, Essex on 31 July.
Forget health class, Gwyneth Paltrow got an unforgettable lesson in the birds and the bees from the future wife of a Hollywood heartthrob, according to a juicy new biography.

In the tell-all Gwyneth: A Biography by Amy Odell, its alleged that the now 52-year-old actress and wellness mogul got an unexpected education in sex during a visit to one of her moms TV sets.

Odell claims that while the Oscar winner was in 10th grade, she tagged along to Florida, where her mother Blythe Danner was filming the 1990 movie Judgment.

There, young Gwyneth reportedly struck up a friendship with a then up-and-coming makeup artist  Sheryl Berkoff  who would later go on to marry none other than Rob Lowe.

Paltrow admitted as much on Lowe's Literally! podcast in July 2020.

'First of all, she was dating Keanu Reeves, who was my celebrity crush. And she was so cool,' the Shakespeare in Love actress said.

'She knew that I was sneaking cigarettes, and she would come smoke with me behind the trailer. And, she taught me how to give a blow job, and you know, all the classic Sheryl stuff,' she told the actor.

Gwyneth Paltrow, 52, received some interesting tutelage in the birds and the bees when she was a teen, including lessons in how to give a blow-job from Hollywood makeup artist Sheryl Berkoff

'And I just worshipped her. I thought she was literally the coolest chick of all time. And she was so awesome to me!' Paltrow gushed. The actress would later live with Lowe and Berkoff when she first moved to Los Angeles after dropping out of college to pursue acting.

The teen's own charisma drew many of her fellow classmates to her at the Spence, the private girls school she attended.

An excerpt of the book given to US Weekly, claims 'She established herself as an interesting person  someone people wanted to hang out with, recalled the head of the middle school at the time, Kate Turley. 'It was easy for her to make her way. But other students seemed to feel threatened.'

Odell said, 'One classmate recalled, Not one person had a doubt that she was going to be famous. After all, she might spend a weekend with someone like [her godfather] Steven Spielberg. But she was also polarizing.'

One of those polarizing incidents was apparently when Paltrow, who had inherited her father Bruce Paltrow's bawdy sense of humor, allegedly drew some X-rated art in the school library.

'One day, Spences rather humorless librarian approached [head of school and Gwyneths advisor James] Dawson, outraged that a student had drawn, on the partition of a study cubicle, an erect penis. She sent all four girls  Gwyneth among them  who had been in the library at the time to Dawson,' Odell wrote.

'Dawson made an ominous threat: All right, folks, this is completely uncalled for and obnoxious, so Im going to suspend you all and put it on your college record. I didnt do it, said one girl, who left. The second girl said she didnt have anything to do with it either.'

'Down to the third girl and Gwyneth, Dawson doubled down on his ultimatum, prompting the other girl to insist she wasnt responsible and leave.'

Berkoff, 64, is the wife of Hollywood A-lister Rob Lowe, 61; Pictured in Santa Monica, CA in April

The future Oscar winner met Berkoff when visiting her mother on the Florida set the 1990 TV movie Judgement; Pictured in Los Angeles in December 1991

'I just worshipped her. I thought she was literally the coolest chick of all time. And she was so awesome to me!' Paltrow told Lowe on his Literally! podcast in July 2020; Pictured in Los Angeles in March 2002

Paltrow lived with Lowe and Berkoff for a while when she first moved to Los Angeles and has remained close to the couple; Pictured in Los Angeles in December 2015

Gwyneth: The Biography will be release on July 29

'Dawson now faced just Gwyneth. Gwyneth, you drew the erect penis in the library, he said. Im not really sure what youre talking about, she said. He presented a picture the library had given him of the masterpiece. Oh, that penis, Gwyneth said. I wasnt sure what we were talking about.'

'Dawson pointed out that the other students had had to suffer through the confrontation with her. Come on, wheres your sense of humor? He often found her amusing, but replied, In the library, are you kidding me? Gwyneth became annoyed when she had to clean it up.'

Daily Mail has reached out to Paltrow's representatives for comment.

Gwyneth: The Biography will be release on July 29.
It's the controversial moment that has launched thousands of memes.

And now Lisa Wilkinson has been busted in her own 'Coldplay concert kiss cam' moment - though it's all in good fun.

The television host attended American comedian Nikki Glaser's comedy gig on Saturday night when she took part in a staged gag that poked fun at Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, who was caught cuddling the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay gig last week.

Glaser had her own kiss cam at the show, panning around the audience as part of some amusing crowd work.

'Let's see if we have one more we can find. Can we zoom in?' she said as the camera panned to Lisa, who was being cuddled from behind by comedian Hamish Blake.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

It's the controversial moment that has launched thousands of memes. And now Lisa Wilkinson (pictured) has been busted in her own 'Coldplay concert kiss cam' moment - though it's all in good fun

Lisa was busted cuddling comedian Hamish Blake at American comedian Nikki Glaser's comedy gig on Saturday night (pictured) - but it was part of the show

'Is that ... is that ... is that Hamish and Lisa!? Oooooh, busted!' Nikki joked.

'Someone call Zoe right now. What the f***?' she added, referring to Hamish's wife, Zoe Foster Blake.

Lisa and Hamish were clearly having a laugh, with Lisa later sharing the footage on Instagram.

'Bloody cameras are everywhere!' she joked in her caption alongside the clip.

It comes after news that Andy Byron has resigned in disgrace amid an investigation into the scandal.

Byron, 50, who was spotted on camera at the concert with his arms wrapped around 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,' the statement read.

'Is that ... is that ... is that Hamish and Lisa!? Oooooh, busted!' Nikki joked

The staged gag poked fun at Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, who was caught cuddling the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay gig last week (pictured)

'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.'

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 around his subordinate on Tuesday.

The pair immediately ducked and turned from the cameras after realising their faces were on the big screen.
Amber Heard is stepping back into the spotlight  and this time, onto the stage.

Just two months after quietly welcoming twins, Agnes and Ocean, the actress, 39, made her return to acting with Spirit of the People at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts.

The star's role as Genevieve in Jeremy O. Harris' new play marks her first role since the birth of her two youngest kids in May.

It also continues her gradual reemergence in the public eye following the widely publicized defamation trial with ex-husband Johnny Depp.

That legal battle concluded with a settlement in December 2022, after a six-week courtroom spectacle that drew global attention.

Heard later appeared in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023, but has otherwise remained largely private since relocating to Spain.

Amber Heard is stepping back into the spotlight  and this time, onto the stage

In April 2021, she announced the birth of her first child, Oonagh Paige, who was born via surrogate. Heard has not publicly identified the father of her children and previously said she choose to become a mother on her 'own terms.'

On Saturday, The Rum Diary star shared a photo of herself from behind the stage, with the caption: 'What an opening weekend!'

Over the weekend, Heard made a rare public appearance in a Vogue photo shoot promoting the Williamstown Theatre Festival, photographed by Hunter Abrams and Sam Lee.

The shoot showed Heard outdoors, smiling in the woods alongside her castmates.

Spirit of the People is part of the festival's highly anticipated 2025 season and boasts a powerhouse ensemble, including Brandon Flynn, Lio Mehiel, Ato Blankson-Wood, Zachary Booth, James Cusati-Moyer, Amandla Jahava, Emma Ramos, Julian Sanchez, and Tonatiuh. The production is directed by Katina Medina Mora.

'In an interview with Jason Grissom, [Williams] once said, 'There's magic in those woods,' in regard to the verdant woods around Williamstown I've found myself in this summer,' said Harris, 36. 'He was right: There is a magic to the madness of making theater out here that has infected all of us this summer.'

'Perhaps it's the giddy 'theatre camp for adults' energy, or just the ways in which so many new theater artists  Katina [Medina Mora], Nicholas [Alexander Chavez], Whitney [Peak], Amber [Heard], and many more  have thrown themselves headfirst into this world and aren't just keeping up but pacing some of their peers,' he continued.

'I'm in awe of each of the people assembled this summer, and I hope the experience of meeting these gorgeous works of raw, ambitious art will give you something to chew on as we all dive headlong into this precarious moment in American history,' Harris concluded.

Just two months after quietly welcoming twins, Agnes and Ocean, the actress, 39, is making her return to acting with Spirit of the People, a new play by Jeremy O. Harris premiering this summer at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts

Last month, she shared a selfie with Harris, which depicted her beaming with pride as she embraced the magic of the theater and her new role

Heard had hinted at her involvement in the production on Instagram in recent weeks, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses from rehearsals.

Last month, she shared a selfie with Harris, which depicted her beaming with pride as she embraced the magic of the theater and her new role.

'In my theatre era x,' the mother-of-three captioned the post.

On July 3, the performer also uploaded a sweet snap of herself sitting cross legged on a stage flipping through a script.

'Work in progress,' she wrote beneath the photo, which received more than 92,576 likes.

This marks Heard's first role since the birth of her two youngest kids in May, and her first time on stage in years

The actress revealed she welcomed her twins, Agnes and Ocean, in an Instagram post shared on Mother's Day

Her fans expressed their excitement about her comeback in her comments section.

'So many support you and it is well-deserved. Keep on shining,' one wrote.

Another gushed: 'Amber you look so refreshed and happy, I am proud to support you <3.'

'Your smile is priceless and wonderful to see. You deserve the best!' a third commented.

Heard was elated and grateful backstage as she found several bouquets of flowers waiting for her in her dressing room

'I just want to thank my Open Letter fans, I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you,' she said holding one of those gorgeous groupings in her arms

More raved that they were thrilled to see her 'thriving' and comfortable enough to turn back on her comments.

Heard was elated and grateful backstage as she found several bouquets of flowers waiting for her in her dressing room.

'I just want to thank my Open Letter fans, I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you,' she said holding one of those gorgeous groupings in her arms.

'It has really made my day. Thank you so much.'
BBC radio legend Charlie Partridge has died, sparking an out pour of condolences from fans and colleagues.

The broadcaster ran BBC Radio Lincolnshire for over 20 years and has been praised for his incredible work.

Tributes flooded in for the radio veteran including his former BBC News Foreign Correspondent and colleague Jonathan Charles sharing a heartfelt message on X.

He said: 'I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Charlie Partridge.

'More than 45 years ago, he taught me a lot about broadcasting at BBC Nottingham.

'He was a great guy and we stayed in touch, occasionally swapping messages in the years since.

BBC radio legend Charlie Partridge has died sparking an out pour of condolence messages from fans and colleagues

The broadcaster ran BBC Radio Lincolnshire for over 20 years and has been praised for his incredible work

'Sometimes discussing Springsteen. My thoughts are with his family.'

Another responded: 'Sad to hear Jonathan, John. Charlie was a lovely man, who believed in truly local radio.

'He was also very kind and supportive. Thoughts with his family.'

John Hess also shared a message for the late broadcaster, writing: 'As others have posted online, I'm deeply saddened to have learnt yesterday of the death of Charlie Partridge.'

John Gelson wrote on Facebook: 'I'm sharing Lip Dub Lincoln again tonight in tribute to the man who was the creative genius behind it, former BBC Radio Lincolnshire Editor Charlie Partridge, who has sadly passed away.

'When I returned to the BBC as a freelance journalist at BBC Radio York in 2016, Charlie was acting Editor there- we got on well from my first day, as we swapped tales of local radio over the years.

'Thoughts are with Charlie's family and many friends in broadcasting. RIP.'

Katrina Bunker, Head of the BBC in Lincolnshire said: Charlie Partridge was a trailblazer, a passionate advocate for the power of BBC local radio and an inspirational, creative editor.

Tributes flooded in for the radio veteran including his former BBC News Foreign Correspondent and colleague Jonathan Charles sharing a heartfelt message on X

'He was also a tremendous friend and colleague to many people across the BBC where his big ideas have left a lasting mark particularly in Lincolnshire. He will be really missed and our hearts go out to all of his family and friends.'

It comes after last month radio presenter Simon Marlow, who had worked for the British Forces Broadcasting Service since 2007, sadly died in London on June 27.

The presenter, who made his first break on radio as a freelance voice in 1987, had several stints at UK stations like Radio City, 2-TEN, Chiltern Radio and Classic FM.

He later became a familiar star at BFBS both on the radio and helping behind the scenes with production.

During his time with BFBS, Simon was posted across the globe including Afghanistan, Cyprus, Brunei, Germany, the Falklands and Northern Ireland.

Known for his deep love of music and his passion for bringing the armed forces community together, Simon's voice was a constant companion to troops stationed around the world.

He was described as a 'force of nature' by colleagues.

During the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, Simon was based in Gibraltar and shortly after planned to retire just across the border in Spain.

The broadcaster was most recently based in Northern Ireland working as a station manager for BFBS.

It comes after last month radio presenter Simon Marlow, who had worked for the British Forces Broadcasting Service since 2007, sadly died in London on June 27

Tributes have poured in for the star including from BFBS CEO, Ben Chapman who described Simon has 'making a difference'.

He said: 'Wherever Simon was, whoever he was with, there was always laughter. He made a difference.'

The BFBS official X account also shared the news, writing: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our much-loved colleague, Simon Marlow.

Simon worked for BFBS worldwide as a radio presenter and producer, most recently as Station Manager at BFBS Northern Ireland.'
Christie Brinkley revealed she was nearly brought to tears while recording the audiobook of her memoir, Uptown Girl, which recounts her tumultuous childhood, four marriages, and multiple near-death experiences.

As she reflected on the emotional process of reading her story aloud, the iconic model, 71, admitted that sharing such personal chapters of her life was profoundly moving.

'There were parts where I thought, "Please dont cry,"' the mother-of-three told Social Life Magazine.

She continued: 'I tried to keep [my voice] level, but [the publisher] let me be. Let my voice crack. Let it show.'

Among the most painful to reflect on was recalling the moment she learned that her then-husband, Peter Cook, was having an affair.

In her book, the actress recalled the shocking way she discovered the architect's infidelity, which she confessed 'nearly broke' her.

Christie Brinkley revealed she was almost driven to tears while recording the audio version of her memoir, Uptown Girl; seen in April 2025

The Vogue cover girl revealed that a man, who she did not know, approached her to share the bombshell revelation right before she was set to deliver a commencement address at Southampton High School.

She went on to describe how the man softly told her: 'Excuse me. I need to tell you that arrogant husband of yours has been having an affair with my teenage daughter.'

'I knew from Peters face that he was guilty, and in that moment, I thought I was going to pass out onstage, in front of hundreds of people,' Brinkley remembered.

After she stood back up and asked the man for his card, the Michigan native said he 'didnt have one' but that he was a 'police officer' so all she had to do was come down to the station for the full story.

'I was so stunned that I froze,' Brinkley wrote. 'When your whole world falls apart and you realize in a heartbeat youve suddenly become the cliche middle-aged woman whose husband is having an affair with a much (much) younger woman, what do you do?'

Ultimately, she shared that she did get the 'full story' and told Cook to pack his bags.

He, ultimately, admitted to the affair allegations during a 2008 interview with ABC News.

Meanwhile, she avoided talking about her ex at all costs, except when 'ambushed' about the story on the Today Show, despite insisting she 'wasnt interested in airing dirty laundry.'

While reflecting on reading her story out loud, the legendary model, 71, admitted that sharing her experience was deeply emotional, particularly the end of her fourth marriage; pictured in 2000 with ex Peter Cook

As she navigated the devastating news of his cheating, Brinkley leaned on her female friends, two of whom convinced her to search their family computer for more proof.

With her pals by her side, the trio unearthed a 'labyrinth' of files and evidence.

'A panoply of incriminating photos and porn accounts populated the screen like fireworks, and before I knew it, my printer was shooting [beaver shots] out into the room,' she detailed in her book.

She continued: 'It was so insane that it was almost funny and soon enough, the three of us were doubled over in laughter, as printouts of girls in X-rated poses began piling up on the floor faster than trash outside a greasy takeaway.'

'There were parts where I thought, "Please dont cry,"' the mother-of-three told Social Life Magazine. 'I tried to keep [my voice] level, but [the publisher] let me be. Let my voice crack. Let it show'

Among the most painful to reflect on was recalling the moment she learned that her then-husband, Peter Cook, was having an affair (seen in 1999)

Later, she wrote about their explosive, six-year court battle, which left her questioning the worth of getting a prenup.

'It was exhausting and scary because I always lived in fear of them taking my kids because that was the constant threat and a terrifying thing to live with,' she explained. 'I got a prenup so I didnt have to go through all this but still did. It was mind boggling and it was hard to write about.'

In order to protect herself, Brinkley admitted that she 'didnt say anything to anybody' about Cook, until declaring people should 'google a narcissist' while leaving court one day.

The remark prompted letters from other women to pour in, with many saying: 'Thank you. I realize other women are going through it. Im not alone.'

In her book, the actress recalled the shocking way she discovered the architect's infidelity, which she confessed 'nearly broke' her; seen in 1998

'There were many times when I wondered if I would ever recover,' she said of her heartbreak. 'Whenever I felt this, I stopped, looked inward and counted my blessings, which was a long list that always started with Alexa Ray, Jack, and Sailor.'

As for how her kids feel about her sharing her experience, the author insists her children are very supportive.

'They said its your story to tell, so tell it,' she said of how Alexa Ray, 39, Jack, 29, and Sailor, 26, feel about it.

Brinkley and Cook married in September 1996, not long after her divorce from Richard Taubman in 1995.

During their marriage, he adopted her son, Jack, whom she shared with Taubman, and they welcomed their daughter Sailor Brinkley Cook in 1998.

She shares her daughter, Alexa Ray, with second husband, musician Billy Joel.

The Vogue cover girl revealed that a man, who she did not know, approached her to share the bombshell revelation right before she was set to deliver a commencement address (pictured in 2025)

In 2009, Brinkley told reporters during her divorce trial that she forgave her ex's lover, who was just a teenager, at the time of their affair.

'I can't help but think of Diana Bianchi,' the model said as she left the courtroom. 'I want her and her family to know that I feel for her. I forgive her -- she was manipulated.'

During her court testimony, she recalled 'driving away' from her 'perfect life' to get answers about her then-husband's affair.

'It was beyond your wildest nightmare one could ever imagine,' she said. 'He's cheating on me with a teenager. He's trolling the Internet [for porn].'

Brinkley continued: 'I felt like the man who I was living with, I just didn't know who he was... anymore. Who is he? Who is this man who comes down and sits at the dining room table and acts like he's been at work?'

Brinkley, 70, pictured with her daughter Sailor Cook

Last year, Brinkley stated she was open to romance, but is okay without it.

In an interview with People, ahead of her 70th birthday, the beauty said when it comes to finding love, 'there just doesn't seem to be anybody out there.'

'At the same time,' she continued. 'I am pretty comfortable with my life the way it is, so, que sera, sera!'

'I always said my whole life that I think that you have to be happy alone so that you get with a man for the right reasons and you're not clinging to him because you need to, you know?' Brinkley added.

Meanwhile, Cook, 66, tied the knot with his wife Alba Jancou, 24, in September 2023.

Cook, 66, has since moved on with his wife Alba Jancou, who was 19 when they first met

The couple met when Alba was 19 at a swanky New York restaurant, but did not allegedly start dating until a year later.

When asked by Social Life Magazine about how it felt to see Uptown Girl land on the best-seller list, Brinkley gushed that she 'cried.'

'I had thought this book might just sit on shelves,' she says. 'I worried it would embarrass my kids. But people bought it. They loved it.'

In addition to her split from Cook, she reflected on her divorce from Billy Joel and her 1994 helicopter accident, which almost killed her and five others in Telluride, Colorado.
Katie Piper looked incredible as she shared some stunning snaps from her recent exotic getaway.

The Loose Women panellist, 41, flaunted her physique as she posed in a strapless blue bikini while on the beach.

Katie looked like she was having the time of her life in Gibraltar as she stood on top of a paddle board showcasing her toned legs and washboard abs.

The tiny two-piece stood out amongst her sun kissed skin, being careful to cover up from the rays, she made sure to wear a bucket hat and oversized sunglasses.

In another image, the TV personality looked the picture of health and happiness as she lay down on the paddle board, displaying her make-up free complexion and defined arms in the snapshot.

In another shot, as she hung out with her children, Belle, 11 and Penelope, 7 who she shares with her husband Richard, Katie proudly showing off her taut stomach.

Katie Piper has shared some stunning snaps from her recent exotic getaway as she admitted she and her family had a 'fantastic time'

The Loose Women panellist, 41, flaunted her incredible physique as she posed for some sizzling snaps in a strapless blue bikini while on the beach (pictured with her husband Richard)

And it looked as if Katie may have taken a dip in the sea as one image highlighted her salt-kissed locks and the sand stuck to her tanned body.

Katie, who celebrates her tenth wedding anniversary with Richard in November, also shared some pictures of the two of them looking loved-up together.

The pair beamed for the cameras as they larked about on the beach getting some much needed rest and recovery.

As she ventured back home, Katie took to her stories to let her followers know that she would be back on the Loose Woman panel on Monday morning, where they have some 'incredible guests lined up'.

It comes after Katie revealed a date once left her with a 740 restaurant tab after running off due to her facial disfigurement.

The British author, who was the victim of a horrific acid attack set up by her ex-boyfriend when she was 24 - leaving her with severe scarring to her face, neck, chest, arms and hands, spoke at the Hay Festival in June.

She recalled the shocking moment a man she had met in a bar invited her to the famously expensive Japanese restaurant Nobu in central London, before doing a runner.

'We'd met on a night out. I'd had pioneering treatment with incredible results, so when I would go out somewhere with dark lighting, where people were very drunk, often they weren't able to see what I fully looked like,' she said.

In another image, the TV personality looked the picture of health and happiness as she lay down on the paddle board, displaying her make-up free complexion and defined arms in the snapshot

Katie looked like she was having the time of her life as she as she hung out with her children, Belle, 11 and Penelope, 7 and made sure to cover up from the rays, in a bucket hat and oversized sunglasses

In another image, Katie cosied up to her husband of nine years and showcased her toned legs and washboard abs

The tiny two-piece stood out amongst her sun kissed skin as she beamed for the camera while getting some much needed R&R in Gibralatar

It comes after Katie revealed at the Hay Festival last month that a date once left her with a 740 restaurant tab after running off due to her facial disfigurement

'So I met this guy and we messaged for quite a long time. He suggested we go out for dinner. I hated going out for dinner because I had a lot of oesophageal damage and often I'd choke when I ate, so the whole idea of eating in front of someone on a first date was nerve-wracking, but I agreed.'

The date took place in summer so it was daylight, the star said, and she realised straight away the man had not realised she had a facial disfigurement when first meeting her in the bar.

The date had chosen the dinner location and ordered a three-course meal, Katie added.

'He said, ''I've seen some people I know over there, I'm going to go and say hi to them and I'll be back''. He didn't come back.'
Emily Ratajkowski seemed to dangerously close to a wardrobe malfunction as she posted some skimpy photos on social media on Sunday.

The actress, who only last week was promoting her new Netflix show, Too Much, in New York City appeared to be enjoying a working vacation on the 'adriaticc.'

The model, 34, wasn't shy about showing her body in a black one-piece thong swimsuit with a plunging neckline and while staying at a luxury villa.

In one image, she bared her nearly-bare bottom as she walked toward a pool.

Her fans went wild over the images as well as fellow model Irina Shayk, who responded with fire and heart emojis to the pictorial.

Influencer Cindy Kimberly told the icon she 'invented being hot on Instagram.'

Emily Ratajkowski seemed to dangerously close to a wardrobe malfunction as she posted some skimpy photos on social media on Sunday

The divorced mom of one, shares her son Sylvester, four, with ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard.

She is reportedly on good terms with ex Pete Davidson, 31, who recently revealed he and girlfriend Elsie Hewitt were expecting their first child together.

After being turned down for a role in the dark comedy Triangle of Sadness, Ratajkowski fired her team and swore off acting for good.

However, she was persuaded to change her mind when the offer to work with Girls creator and star Lena Dunham on the new series Too Much.

She plays an influencer who is being 'followed' by her boyfriend's ex, played by star Megan Stalter.

In an interview on Today, she revealed her longtime friend Dunham had written the part of Wendy with her in mind, and welcomed her input about how to introduce her to the audience.

'If you live in New York and you know downtown New York or you know Brooklyn, you probably know somebody a little bit like Wendy Jones,' she explained to Jenna Bush Hager and Willie Geist.

'She's a knitwear influencer... she's making little mini-skirts and stuff, 'she said. 'I also like the idea that maybe she was easy to hate, but then, of course, there's a payoff at the end... no spoilers.'

The model, 34, wasn't shy about showing her body in a black one-piece thong swimsuit with a plunging neckline and while staying at a luxury villa

The model, 34, wasn't shy about showing her body in a black one-piece thong swimsuit with a plunging neckline and while staying at a luxury villa

The cover model did not reveal her exact location, but wrote she was staying on the '

And even though she makes her living attracting the male gaze, the runway regular said she is working to 'decenter' men from her personal life.

'I think as I've gotten older, I've started really valuing community with other women particularly and that's definitely a priority for me.' she said.

'I think it's one of the best parts about living in New York, I get to meet so many amazing women and queer people. Yeah, I really value community these days.'

Too Much debuted on Netflix July 10.
Walmart was once praised by consumers for being one of the few retailers that did not lock up its merchandise, but it is now increasingly being forced to do so in the face of out-of-control shoplifting.

Alarming pictures of a Walmart store in Happy Valley, a suburb of Portland, Oregon, have shocked customers who claim shopping in person is now a dreadful experience.

Portland, known for its liberal politics, has seen areas of the city suffer terrible decline after a failed attempt at drug decriminalization.

The city has been overrun by theft - 10,000 cases were reported to police last year, triple the number from three years ago - forcing retailers including Walmart to close stores that cannot sustain the losses.

A series of viral images posted to Reddit show row after row of Walmart stock, from children's toys and gadgets to frozen food and batteries, behind locked glass cases.

Retailers including CVS and Walgreens have resorted to such extremes in areas where shoplifting is so rampant, such as in downtown New York and San Francisco, that it damages stores' bottom lines.

The system - which forces customers to call an attendant to open the case every time they wish to add something to their basket - is loathed by consumers.

Businesses have also admitted that it does not actually help, as stores which employ the tactic often see sales plummet.

Viral images show Walmart merchandise locked up in an Oregon store

'What is even the point of shopping in-person anymore?' one Walmart customer seethed about the Happy Valley store on Reddit.

'If theft is that bad they're willing to lock up everything they might as well make it a pickup center,' another agreed.

Another shopper argued that Walmart is deliberately making it difficult to shop there as they are more keen on boosting their online business.

'They dont want you in the store. They want you to order it online instead,' the Walmart customer alleged.

'Stores don't want you in there, it costs them money. Walmart would rather be Amazon.'

Retail experts have suggested the scale of theft must be significant for Walmart to even consider locking its products behind glass.

'Walmart has run the numbers. If they're willing to sacrifice convenience - their second biggest competitive advantage after price - the theft losses must be substantial,' retail analyst Carol Spieckerman told DailyMail.com.

Spieckerman argued that the inconvenience for consumers will undoubtedly have an impact on the store's bottom line.

Portland, known for its liberal politics, has seen areas of the city suffer terrible decline after a failed attempt at drug decriminalization

Rows of children's toys were among the goods pictured locked up in the Happy Valley location

More expensive items such as cameras and computer devices were also locked up

Everyday essentials such as toothpaste were also placed behind the Perspex glass

Batteries are locked up in a store in Happy Valley, Oregon

'Price alone isn't enough if shopping becomes a hassle,' Spieckerman explained.

'The problematic locations must drive enough business to warrant keeping the doors open despite the friction.'

Like San Francisco, Portland's 'doom loop' accelerated in the years following the pandemic.

Big firms cutting back on office space hurt local businesses who rely on workers' footfall. As they too pulled back, the homeless population expanded with theft and rampant drug use proliferating.

Last year, Oregon was forced to end the state's decriminalized drug laws after overdose rates soared.

Portland's new mayor Keith Wilson is also considered to be more pro-business and his district attorney, Nathan Vasquez, tougher on crime.

Walmart has also resorted to permanently closing stores in Portland because of the scale of theft.

It is not the only chain that has been forced to do so, with beloved outdoor store Next Adventure recently closing all of its Oregon locations amid historic crime rates.
Gen Z Americans are skipping insurance claims and performing critical home repairs themselves as costs soar.

One in three young homeowners - those born between 1997 and 2012 - say they are skipping insurance claims out of fear their homes will not pass inspection, according to new data from insurance agency Guardian Service.

Instead two in three are opting to take on major home repairs themselves to save money.

'Many homeowners are living on borrowed time and borrowed trust, we're seeing financial strain and home safety come head-to-head,' home insurance expert Kara Credle from Guardian Service told DailyMail.com.

Credle says a dangerous 'knowledge gap' is fueling the trend.

Many homeowners don't realize that avoiding vital repair work such as roof work could make their home insurance premiums more expensive and even cancel their coverage, Credle warned.

'Homeownership is no longer the financial safe haven it used to be.'

Some 71 percent of homeowners are unaware that making home upgrades can lower insurance premiums, the data revealed.

Gen Z are taking on major home repairs themselves to save money

With many Gen Z homeowners one emergency away from financial disaster, these findings point to systemic risks for the housing and insurance markets.

Millions are living in under-maintained homes, quietly hiding what's behind the walls while hoping nothing goes wrong.

Gen Z currently make up just 3 percent of all homebuyers in the US, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Gen Z are burdened by large student loans as well as sky high rents, leaving little income left over to save towards the costs of homeownership.

'Two-thirds of homeowners had their renovation budgets wiped out in 2025,' Credle added. 'This is a sign that we've moved beyond belt-tightening into financial survival.'

At the same time house prices have rocketed to new highs, rising roughly 50 percent since 2020.

Mortgage rates, which remain stubbornly high at around 7 percent, also make monthly payments too much for many younger workers.

The median home price in the US is also more than $403,000, making a 20 percent deposit a tough ask for many too.

Kara Credle, Communications Manager at Guardian Service, said misunderstandings were fueling the trend

71 percent of homeowners are unaware making home upgrades can lower premiums

'The cost of homes is substantially higher than it was for previous generations, and you may not see as many starter homes being built or becoming available,' Nikki Beauchamp, from Sotheby's Realty, told Fortune.

'Add to that the student loan debt, and in general, it has been my observation that as a result they have much higher debt than my generation [Gen X] did at that age.'

To add insult to injury, baby boomers are further pricing Gen Z out of home ownership by swooping in with all-cash offers and bigger down payments.

With decades of savings from low mortgage rates, boomers have overtaken Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z in home purchases.

For young families who still want to make a go of home ownership, help from the bank of mom and dad is a popular solution.

For others the option is to move to a more affordable area, such as Wichita, Kansas, which was recently named the most affordable US city.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a four-day visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from Wednesday to shore up overall bilateral ties and ink the landmark India-UK Free Trade Deal (FTA).

Modi will first travel to the UK on a two-day trip and then will visit the Maldives to grace the island nations Independence Day celebrations as guest of honour, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday.

The prime ministers visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26 is seen as significant as it marks a reset of bilateral ties that had come under severe strain after Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, came to power in November 2023.

In the first leg of his trip, Modi will visit the UK from July 23 to 24 to hold wide-ranging talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the MEA said on Sunday.

India and the UK are expected to formally sign the free trade deal during Modis visit to London, sources said.

In May, India and the UK sealed the free trade agreement that is expected to benefit 99 per cent Indian exports from tariff and will make it easier for British firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India besides boosting the overall trade basket.

The trade deal, firmed up after three years of negotiations, is expected to ensure comprehensive market access for Indian goods across all sectors and India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99 per cent of tariff lines (product categories) covering almost 100 per cent of the trade values, according to officials.

A British readout had said Indian tariffs will be slashed, locking in reductions on 90 per cent of tariff lines, with 85 per cent of these becoming fully tariff-free within a decade.

Prime Minister Modi will hold wide ranging discussions with Prime Minister Starmer on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations besides exchanging views on issues of regional and global importance, the MEA said on Sunday, announcing the two-nation trip.

It will be PM Modis fourth visit to the UK. The MEA said he is also expected to call on King Charles III.

During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties, the MEA said in a statement.

From London, Modi will travel to the Maldives primarily to grace the island nations 60th anniversary of its Independence on July 26.

It will be Modis third visit to the Maldives, and the first visit by an Indian head of state or government since President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.

Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu will hold discussions on issues of mutual interest and take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives joint vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

The joint vision was adopted during Muizzus visit to India in October last year.

The visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in Indias Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the MEA said.

It said the visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship.
The Centre on Sunday indicated its willingness to discuss on Operation Sindoor in Parliament, a key Opposition demand at an all-party meeting on eve of the Monsoon Session, even as the INDIA bloc insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should respond on the matter as well as on the US Presidents ceasefire claims and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.

Sources, however, said the PM is unlikely to respond in Parliament on these issues. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that the Government will reply appropriately whenever a discussion takes place on US President Donald Trumps ceasefire claims on the India-Pakistan conflict.

The session is likely to see a detailed statement on Operation Sindoor by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who held two key meetings on Friday evening with his ministerial colleagues and another with top military brass.

Several leaders, including those from the NDA, also want a discussion to highlight the achievements of the Governments foreign outreach through various Parliamentary delegations on Operation Sindoor. After the customary all-party meeting ahead of the session beginning Monday, Rijiju said that the Government has sought the oppositions cooperation in the smooth running of Parliament during the month-long session.

There should be Government-opposition coordination in running Parliament smoothly, Rijiju told reporters after the meeting chaired by Union Minister JP Nadda. He said they heard the opposition and ruling NDA alliance members patiently and hoped the upcoming session would be very productive. As many as 54 leaders of different parties and Independent MPs participated in todays all-party meeting.

We are very open to a discussion on important issues like Operation Sindoor. These are issues of great national importance. The Government is not shying away and will never shy away, but is open to discussions within rules, conventions, Rijiju asserted. Noting that the Government accords importance to niyam (rules) and parampara (conventions), he said the matters raised at the meeting would be taken up at the Business Advisory Committee of both houses, where a final decision would be taken.

We have noted all the points. We have requested all parties (to ensure) the Parliament functions properly. Have to ensure coordination. It is the responsibility of all to help Parliament function, he said. Rijiju also said that the government has noted the demand for allocation of more time to parties with fewer MPs to speak in Parliament.

We will try and provide adequate time to all, including smaller parties, he said. On the oppositions demand for PM Modi to make a statement on the Pahalgam attack, Rijiju said, I want to make it clear that the prime minister remains in Parliament except during foreign travel. The PM always remains in Parliament, but the prime minister does not remain in the House all the time. Whenever Parliament functions, cabinet ministers are present to respond to issues concerning their departments. Rijiju said the Government is bringing 17 key bills, details of which would be provided soon.

After the meeting, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi told reporters that his party sought Prime Minister statement on Trumps claims, lapses which led to the Pahalgam attack and SIR of poll rolls in Bihar.

He said it was incumbent and moral responsibility of PM Modi to give a statement in Parliament on key issues raised by his party. Gogoi said questions have been raised on SIR and EC, and not giving answers will put a shadow of doubt on the fairness of the poll process and future elections. It is the prime ministers duty to clarify the governments stand in Parliament, he said.

He also referred to several armed forces officers raising the issue of a two-pronged attack by China and Pakistan and sought a discussion. Gogoi also sought a discussion on the Manipur situation, where violence has not ended even after 2.5 years.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said he raised the alleged poll scam of SIR in Bihar. He also raised Trumps claim that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Responding to a question, he said the INDIA bloc was only for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, and the AAP is contesting assembly polls on its own ever since. AAP had stayed away from the online meeting of the opposition bloc on Saturday.

Samajwadi Partys Ram Gopal Yadav said that Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governors admission of intelligence failure in Pahalgam is a serious issue. He said India has never allowed third-party mediation on Pakistan and claims by Trump need to be clarified by the government.

CPI(M)s John Brittas and Supriya Sule of NCP-Sharad Pawar demanded that the prime minister respond in Parliament on the issues of Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor and Bihars SIR. BJDs Sasmit Patra said the Centre cant escape responsibility for the failing law and order in states and demanded a discussion in Parliament during the upcoming session.

National Conference MP Altaaf Hussain said he raised issues of Jammu and Kashmir. Gogoi, Jairam Ramesh, Pramod Tiwari of Congress, Supriya Sule of NCP-Sharad Pawar, DMKs T R Baalu and Tiruchi Siva, AIADMKs M Thambidurai, SADs Harsimrat Badal, SPs Ram Gopal Yadav, RPI (A) leader and Union minister Ramdas Athawale were among those who attended the meeting.

100 MPs sign notice to bring motion against Justice Varma

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said over 100 MPs have already signed a notice to bring a motion in Parliament for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, crossing the threshold of support required for tabling the impeachment exercise in the LS.

The signature (exercise) is underway and it has crossed 100 already, Rijiju told reporters after the all-party meeting, while adding that it is for the Business Advisory Committee, a group of parties which finalises the agenda in their respective Houses, to decide when the motion will be moved. A motion for the removal of a judge has to be signed by not less than 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 50 in the Rajya Sabha. The motion is likely to be brought in the Lower House.

With Parliaments Monsoon Session beginning from Monday, the Government has made it clear that it will bring the motion during this sitting of Parliament and has been receiving support from different parties, including the opposition, in this move against corruption in the judiciary.

I cannot comment on any business in terms of priority because until the matter is passed by the BAC with the Chairs approval, it is difficult for me to make an announcement outside, Rijiju said when asked if the motion may be brought in the first week of the session. He had earlier said all the political parties are on board with the move to remove Varma.

Corruption in the judiciary is an extremely sensitive and serious matter because the judiciary is where people get justice. If there is corruption in the judiciary, it is a serious concern for everybody. That is why the motion for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma is to be signed by all the political parties, he had said. A big haul of burnt wads of currency was discovered at the outhouse of then-Delhi High Court Justice Varma by emergency service providers following a fire incident on his premises in March. A committee of three high court judges appointed by then Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna had indicted him. Khanna referred the matter to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recommending Varmas removal after he refused to resign. Varma, who was subsequently repatriated to the Allahabad High Court and has been kept off judicial work, has protested his innocence and has moved the apex court against the committees findings.
ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE:SFBS  Get Free Report) is expected to post its Q2 2025 quarterly earnings results after the market closes on Monday, July 21st. Analysts expect ServisFirst Bancshares to post earnings of $1.21 per share and revenue of $140.26 million for the quarter.

ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE:SFBS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.18 by ($0.02). ServisFirst Bancshares had a net margin of 24.16% and a return on equity of 15.11%. The firm had revenue of $131.83 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $134.13 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.94 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect ServisFirst Bancshares to post $5 EPS for the current fiscal year and $6 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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ServisFirst Bancshares Stock Up 0.0%

SFBS stock opened at $82.99 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.96. ServisFirst Bancshares has a 52-week low of $66.48 and a 52-week high of $101.37. The company has a 50-day moving average of $77.03 and a two-hundred day moving average of $80.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.86 and a beta of 0.84.

ServisFirst Bancshares Announces Dividend

Hedge Funds Weigh In On ServisFirst Bancshares

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 1st were given a dividend of $0.335 per share. This represents a $1.34 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 1st. ServisFirst Bancsharess dividend payout ratio is currently 30.45%.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of SFBS. Caxton Associates LLP acquired a new stake in ServisFirst Bancshares in the first quarter worth $204,000. United Services Automobile Association acquired a new stake in ServisFirst Bancshares in the 1st quarter valued at $260,000. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its stake in ServisFirst Bancshares by 70.9% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 8,989 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $742,000 after buying an additional 3,730 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in ServisFirst Bancshares by 17.2% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 16,815 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,390,000 after buying an additional 2,465 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its stake in ServisFirst Bancshares by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 30,194 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,494,000 after buying an additional 1,308 shares during the last quarter. 67.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Piper Sandler dropped their price target on shares of ServisFirst Bancshares from $96.00 to $84.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ServisFirst Bancshares

ServisFirst Bancshares Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc operates as the bank holding company for ServisFirst Bank that provides various banking services to individual and corporate customers. It accepts demand, time, savings, and other deposits; checking, money market, and IRA accounts; and certificates of deposit. The company's loan products include commercial lending products, including seasonal, bridge, and term loans for working capital, expansion of the business, acquisition of property, and plant and equipment, as well as commercial lines of credit; commercial real estate loans, construction and development loans, and residential real estate loans; and consumer loans, such as home equity loans, vehicle financing, loans secured by deposits, and secured and unsecured personal loans.

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Eagle Bay Advisors LLC grew its position in Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF  Free Report) by 21.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,358 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 241 shares during the period. Eagle Bay Advisors LLCs holdings in Capital One Financial were worth $243,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in COF. Brighton Jones LLC grew its holdings in shares of Capital One Financial by 330.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 13,587 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,423,000 after buying an additional 10,428 shares during the period. Proficio Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in Capital One Financial by 27.0% in the 4th quarter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC now owns 2,556 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $456,000 after purchasing an additional 544 shares during the period. Intech Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Capital One Financial by 274.6% in the 4th quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 6,215 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,108,000 after purchasing an additional 4,556 shares during the period. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. boosted its stake in Capital One Financial by 5.0% in the 4th quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 160,514 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,623,000 after purchasing an additional 7,581 shares during the period. Finally, iA Global Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in Capital One Financial in the 4th quarter worth $814,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.84% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

COF has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $190.00 target price on shares of Capital One Financial and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, April 14th. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $223.00 to $233.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 21st. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $245.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, March 24th. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $253.00 target price (up from $212.00) on shares of Capital One Financial in a research note on Monday, June 23rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Capital One Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $222.07.

Capital One Financial Trading Up 0.1%

Shares of NYSE:COF opened at $218.26 on Friday. Capital One Financial Corporation has a 52-week low of $128.23 and a 52-week high of $221.95. The company has a market capitalization of $83.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $202.98 and a 200 day simple moving average of $190.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 0.98.

Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 22nd. The financial services provider reported $4.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.75 by $0.31. Capital One Financial had a net margin of 9.65% and a return on equity of 9.63%. The business had revenue of $10 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.07 billion. Sell-side analysts forecast that Capital One Financial Corporation will post 15.65 earnings per share for the current year.

Capital One Financial Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 23rd were issued a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 23rd. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.10%. Capital One Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 20.15%.

Insider Activity

In other Capital One Financial news, insider Michael Zamsky sold 9,560 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $199.40, for a total value of $1,906,264.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 20,089 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,005,746.60. This represents a 32.24% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Ann F. Hackett sold 1,658 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $198.70, for a total transaction of $329,444.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 56,244 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,175,682.80. This represents a 2.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.26% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Capital One Financial Company Profile

(Free Report)

Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One, National Association, which engages in the provision of various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking.

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Wealth Alliance LLC lowered its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IVLU  Free Report) by 55.5% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 61,625 shares of the companys stock after selling 76,993 shares during the quarter. Wealth Alliance LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF were worth $1,868,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC grew its stake in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 126.6% during the 1st quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 1,296 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 724 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 342.7% during the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,629 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 1,261 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its stake in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 248,000.0% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 2,481 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after acquiring an additional 2,480 shares in the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. raised its stake in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF by 145.4% during the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 2,950 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,000 after acquiring an additional 1,748 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lee Danner & Bass Inc. bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $117,000.

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iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF Stock Down 0.5%

iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF stock opened at $32.56 on Friday. iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF has a 12 month low of $25.97 and a 12 month high of $33.45. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $32.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.52. The stock has a market cap of $2.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.99 and a beta of 0.82.

iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF Company Profile

The iShares Edge MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (IVLU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI World ex USA Enhanced Value index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap developed ex-US equities, selected using fundamental metrics, and weighted by these metrics and market-cap. IVLU was launched on Jun 16, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVLU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IVLU  Free Report).

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Montag A & Associates Inc. lessened its stake in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) by 3.2% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 94,860 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,130 shares during the quarter. Montag A & Associates Inc.s holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $15,732,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. IFP Advisors Inc grew its position in Johnson & Johnson by 3.3% in the first quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 33,331 shares of the companys stock worth $5,528,000 after acquiring an additional 1,079 shares in the last quarter. OneAscent Financial Services LLC grew its position in Johnson & Johnson by 122.2% in the first quarter. OneAscent Financial Services LLC now owns 27,034 shares of the companys stock worth $4,332,000 after acquiring an additional 14,865 shares in the last quarter. Elyxium Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Johnson & Johnson in the first quarter worth approximately $899,000. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC grew its position in Johnson & Johnson by 2.8% in the first quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 6,906 shares of the companys stock worth $1,145,000 after acquiring an additional 187 shares in the last quarter. Finally, South Dakota Investment Council grew its position in Johnson & Johnson by 0.3% in the first quarter. South Dakota Investment Council now owns 230,416 shares of the companys stock worth $38,212,000 after acquiring an additional 769 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.55% of the companys stock.

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Johnson & Johnson Stock Performance

Shares of JNJ stock opened at $163.65 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $393.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $154.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $155.05. Johnson & Johnson has a one year low of $140.68 and a one year high of $169.99.

Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement

Johnson & Johnson ( NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 16th. The company reported $2.77 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.68 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $23.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.85 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 25.00% and a return on equity of 33.07%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.82 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 26th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.18%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 26th. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio is 55.61%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have weighed in on JNJ. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $165.00 to $176.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday. Guggenheim increased their price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $164.00 to $167.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Wednesday, April 16th. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Johnson & Johnson from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $172.87.

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About Johnson & Johnson

(Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson is a holding company, which engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of products in the healthcare field. It operates through the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments. The Innovative Medicine segment focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular and metabolism, and pulmonary hypertension.

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A herd of elephants is seen on the Sengwa floodplain on Lake Kariba. This area had seen a significant decline in game due to poaching, but slowly herds of elephants are growing, and other game are reappearing, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict

Joramu Dipuka gets nervous every time he hears an elephants trumpet. Dipuka, who lives in Batonga, a medium density suburb in Kariba town in Zimbabwe, a city 356 kilometers (221 miles) from the capital, Harare, is frightened by the sound because it reminds him of his encounter with one of these giant animals in 2013, an event that nearly cost him his life.

I was returning from accompanying a friend when I ran into him by chance, says Dipuka, a 54-year-old father of six. He trumpeted right in my face, and suddenly I was on the ground, while the elephant hooked its tusks around my lower back, trying to throw me against a tree. Dipuka feels lucky because he says the elephant didnt headbutt him, but instead threw him into a crocodile-infested ditch. As soon as the elephant disappeared, I gathered the strength to get out and headed toward a bridge, he explains to EL PAIS.

In the first quarter of this year, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority recorded 18 deaths from conflicts between humans and wild animals such as elephants, lions, and hyenas, adding to the 300 lives lost in the past five years. This is a pressing ecological and conservation issue, the ramifications of which can be far-reaching for both people and animals. In the case of elephants, deaths result from injuries caused by tusks, crushing, or headbutting. In May, three people died in Kariba alone from elephant attacks, while four others were injured while escaping. Zimbabwe has already announced its intention to cull 50 elephants to reduce its population, the second-largest in the world after Botswana.

One of those killed in an encounter with an elephant was the husband of Mai Nyemba, another resident of Batonga. In May, Jonathan Nyemba went to the forest with a friend to collect firewood. According to the friend, the elephant appeared where they were resting and started trumpeting; and they panicked and ran in different directions until my husband disappeared. They found his body two hours later, says this mother of five.

Councillor Brian Ncube of Nyaminyami Rural Ward 5 in Kariba told this newspaper that cases of conflict between humans and wild animals are very common, with at least three reported in a single week.

Animal sacrifice

According to community conservationist Amos Gwema, The main cause of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe, especially in Kariba, is human population growth and encroachment into wilderness areas. As the human population increases, wilderness areas shrink, leading to increased conflict. Climate change exacerbates these problems because both humans and elephants encroach on each others lands in search of food and water. Kariba is particularly characterized by erratic rainfall patterns and high temperatures; the result is a difficult environment for humans and wildlife to coexist.

Akashinga Rangers assist local villagers from Sinamwenda in chasing away nuisance elephants who had raided their crops Davina Jogi/Akashinga

Added to this are limited resources, poaching, and a lack of enforcement measures, which make it difficult to implement effective methods to strike a balance between conservation and protection. Furthermore, the growth of wildlife, especially elephants, exacerbates the situation, Gwema emphasizes. Zimbabwe is estimated to have around 100,000 elephants.

This overpopulation has led the country to take action. In early June, Zimbabwes National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) announced its intention to cull at least 50 elephants in the Save Valley Reserve, located in the south of the country. According to a statement from ZimParks, the area currently houses around 2,550 elephants, despite its ecological capacity of 800. This represents three times more elephants than the habitat can support.

Killing elephants could increase conflicts with humans, as these animals are highly intelligent and are likely to seek revenge if a member of the herd is killed Farai Maguwu, director of the Center for Natural Resources and Governance

This effort to reduce elephant numbers has been met with a strong backlash from organizations such as the Center for Natural Resources and Governance (CNRG). Culling is a violent, short-term fix that fails to account for the complex social structures of elephant herds, threatens to traumatize surviving animals, and ultimately fails to address the root causes of habitat stress and human-elephant conflict, the natural resources research and advocacy organization explained in a press release.

This isnt the first time Zimbabwe has resorted to culling elephants. In 2024, the country announced the culling of 200 elephants amid the ongoing drought. However, some experts argue that the government should implement sustainable measures that benefit Zimbabwe and reduce the elephant population. Instead of culling animals, the government could consider selling elephants to countries that dont have elephants or increasing hunting quotas, suggests Gwema. This strategy would not only contain the number of animals but would also generate revenue for conservation efforts.

For Farai Maguwu, director of the CNRG, Randomly killing elephants is ridiculous, as violent elephants are a small minority, and unless one has attacked someone, theres no way to know which ones are aggressive and which ones arent [...] They could end up killing the most peaceful ones and leaving those most likely to attack humans alive. In fact, killing elephants could increase conflicts with humans, as these animals are highly intelligent and are likely to seek revenge if a member of the herd is killed, he adds.

Another option, Gwema explains, would be to relocate elephants from highly concentrated areas to less populated ones, which could be, in his opinion, an effective solution. Furthermore, some innovative projects, such as chili guns and beehive fences, can deter elephants from invading human settlements, he adds.

Scarcity of resources

Henry Varandeni, a former forest ranger who is now responsible for the environment in the rural district of Nyaminyami, supports the culling of elephants because its a strategy used in wildlife management. If theres a large amount of something, its obvious that the population should benefit from the wildlife resources, so culling elephants at this time is a welcome idea, he says.

However, Varandeni also points to other problems. The number of rangers is far below the 20-square-kilometer limit per ranger recommended by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), he explains to EL PAIS. Furthermore, radio communications lack coverage in the Rural Council areas, which makes communication difficult.

In an attempt to address the problem, the Nyaminyami Rural District Council is collaborating with the Matusadona Conservation Trust (MCT) and Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA). These organizations are reaching out to the community with support in awareness campaigns, the installation of protective pens, and even measures to help keep animals away from residential areas. For example, using chili repellents to scare away elephants, explains Councilor Ncube.

But the victims believe these donations are intended for rural residents, while they continue to struggle to support their families, as they receive no assistance. I havent received any help from any wildlife protection organization or the government. I didnt even see anyone from ZimParks attend the funeral to officially offer their condolences, Nyemba told EL PAIS.

Dipuka, who used to repair televisions and radios and travel long distances to work, now finds it very difficult to walk. I have a large scar that runs from my lower back to my left thigh, so walking long distances makes my leg hurt. I cant do all the things I used to do for my family, he says.

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Lindbrook Capital LLC cut its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWD  Free Report) by 1.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 80,129 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,589 shares during the period. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF makes up approximately 1.4% of Lindbrook Capital LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest position. Lindbrook Capital LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF were worth $15,077,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 9.5% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 54,061,592 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $10,008,423,000 after purchasing an additional 4,699,792 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 19,297.5% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,586,071 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $486,595,000 after acquiring an additional 2,572,739 shares during the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN grew its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 36.6% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 6,284,015 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,163,360,000 after acquiring an additional 1,683,297 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF by 21.6% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,877,198 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,458,306,000 after acquiring an additional 1,400,086 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Pacific Life Fund Advisors LLC bought a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $232,664,000. 84.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Price Performance

IWD opened at $195.88 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $191.59 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $188.37. iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF has a fifty-two week low of $163.19 and a fifty-two week high of $200.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $62.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.83 and a beta of 0.95.

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF Profile

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Value Index 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 large capitalization value sector of the U.S. equity market, as represented by the Russell 1000 Value Index (the Index).

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OneAscent Family Office LLC bought a new stake in Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 1,965 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $218,000.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Golden State Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Aflac by 121.9% during the 1st quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 304 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares during the period. Garde Capital Inc. purchased a new position in Aflac during the 1st quarter worth $36,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Aflac in the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. NBC Securities Inc. purchased a new position in Aflac during the 1st quarter valued at about $44,000. Finally, JCIC Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Aflac during the 1st quarter valued at about $44,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.44% of the companys stock.

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Aflac Trading Up 0.4%

Shares of AFL stock opened at $101.78 on Friday. Aflac Incorporated has a 12 month low of $93.00 and a 12 month high of $115.50. The company has a quick ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 0.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The company has a market cap of $55.03 billion, a PE ratio of 15.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 0.81. The businesss 50 day moving average is $103.33 and its two-hundred day moving average is $105.18.

Aflac Dividend Announcement

Aflac ( NYSE:AFL Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 30th. The financial services provider reported $1.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.67 by ($0.01). Aflac had a return on equity of 15.55% and a net margin of 21.27%. The company had revenue of $3.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.66 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 37.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.88 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 2nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 21st were given a $0.58 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 21st. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.28%. Aflacs payout ratio is 36.25%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on shares of Aflac from $104.00 to $106.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Aflac from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, May 5th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Aflac from $109.00 to $114.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company set a $105.00 price target on shares of Aflac and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Finally, Raymond James Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Aflac from $115.00 to $110.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Aflac presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $107.07.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Aflac

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Aflac news, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.79, for a total transaction of $106,790.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 26,096 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,786,791.84. This trade represents a 3.69% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Arthur Reginald Collins sold 2,750 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.70, for a total value of $290,675.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 6,728 shares in the company, valued at approximately $711,149.60. This trade represents a 29.01% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 40,750 shares of company stock worth $4,304,295 over the last three months. 0.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Aflac Company Profile

(Free Report)

Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. The company operates through Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. segments. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan.

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Sargent Investment Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 19.8% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 14,806 shares of the credit services providers stock after purchasing an additional 2,443 shares during the period. Mastercard comprises about 1.3% of Sargent Investment Group LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th largest holding. Sargent Investment Group LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $8,115,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of MA. Measured Risk Portfolios Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. 10Elms LLP purchased a new position in Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Hughes Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in Mastercard in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Navigoe LLC purchased a new position in Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Mpwm Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new position in Mastercard in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Linda Pistecchia Kirkpatrick sold 959 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $572.86, for a total transaction of $549,372.74. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 25,540 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,630,844.40. This represents a 3.62% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Craig Vosburg sold 14,051 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $585.05, for a total value of $8,220,537.55. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 58,451 shares of the companys stock, valued at $34,196,757.55. This trade represents a 19.38% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 38,753 shares of company stock worth $20,351,084 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Mastercard Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MA opened at $552.52 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $567.30 and a two-hundred day moving average of $548.59. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.81. The company has a market capitalization of $503.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.75, a PEG ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 1.02. Mastercard Incorporated has a twelve month low of $428.86 and a twelve month high of $594.71.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The credit services provider reported $3.73 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.57 by $0.16. Mastercard had a return on equity of 196.87% and a net margin of 45.21%. The business had revenue of $7.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.12 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.31 earnings per share. Mastercards revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Mastercard Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 9th will be given a $0.76 dividend. This represents a $3.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.55%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 9th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is presently 21.32%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MA has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group increased their price objective on Mastercard from $660.00 to $670.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 3rd. Wall Street Zen upgraded Mastercard from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Thursday. They set a buy rating and a $650.00 price objective for the company. KeyCorp upped their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $630.00 to $635.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, Macquarie lowered their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $645.00 to $610.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-five have given a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $612.90.

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About Mastercard

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions.

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Coastwise Capital Group LLC cut its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 19.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 419 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 104 shares during the period. Coastwise Capital Group LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $229,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. American Capital Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Godsey & Gibb Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 170.0% during the 1st quarter. Godsey & Gibb Inc. now owns 54 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. Transce3nd LLC acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Mascagni Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Lowe Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 326.7% during the 1st quarter. Lowe Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 64 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance

NYSE GS opened at $708.31 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.26, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 0.68. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $437.37 and a 1 year high of $726.00. The company has a market capitalization of $217.34 billion, a PE ratio of 15.61, a P/E/G ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a fifty day moving average of $647.01 and a two-hundred day moving average of $601.08.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 16th. The investment management company reported $10.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.82 by $1.09. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 12.37% and a return on equity of 13.84%. The firm had revenue of $14.58 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.53 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $8.62 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 29th will be paid a dividend of $4.00 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 29th. This represents a $16.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.26%. This is an increase from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $3.00. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 35.26%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $625.00 to $614.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 3rd. Evercore ISI set a $715.00 price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Citigroup cut their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $585.00 to $550.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 24th. JMP Securities reissued a market perform rating and issued a $600.00 target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $649.29.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on The Goldman Sachs Group

The Goldman Sachs Group Profile

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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In secret, from phone booths, at the age of 58, screenwriter Hector German Oesterheld  one of Latin Americas most famous creators thanks to (among other comics) El eternauta (The Eternaut)  dictated the installments of El eternauta II, so that cartoonist Francisco Solano Lopez could progress with the work. This was before the writer was devoured by the repressive apparatus of the Argentine military dictatorship on April 27, 1977.

Hector was allowed to say goodbye to his eldest grandson, Martin Mortola Oesterheld. Just three years old, he became the last person in his family to see the comics legend. I dont remember my parents faces, but I do remember being with my grandfather, his physical contact, Oesterheld explains to EL PAIS in Madrid.

The military dictatorship had already murdered the screenwriters four daughters  aged between 19 and 25, two of them pregnant  and three of his sons-in-law. All were militants in the Montoneros resistance group.

Only Elsa Sanchez, the writers ex-wife, who took care of Martin, and another grandson, one-year-old Fernando  who was raised by his paternal grandparents  survived. The legacy of El eternauta was left in their hands. Since Sanchezs death in 2015, Martin Oesterheld, 51, has cared for the work, while fighting for the comics reissue. After finding the original pages, he managed to bring an audiovisual adaptation to fruition in the form of a Netflix series. A second season has already been confirmed.

Martin Oesterheld, photographed in Madrid on June 25. INMA FLORES

How does one handle such a legacy? How do you preserve a masterpiece, which is considered to be one of the great graphic novels of the 20th century, as well as the most influential comic in the Spanish language?

By honoring it and understanding that it has very different interpretations, Martin Oesterheld replies. It was published in installments from 1957 to 1959 in the magazine Hora Cero Semanal (translated as Zero Hour Weekly) and it talked about what was happening at that time in Argentina. But it [also managed to touch on] other perspectives, because it talks about dictatorships and that trauma even affected our own families two decades later. Or [it talks about] how the protagonists want to find their loved ones, with this transporting us to the disappeared you can see it as a story of an alien invasion, [while also immersing] yourself in a more complex world.

In addition to being a work of adventure and science fiction, he continues, [the graphic novel] approaches these genres from a peripheral perspective  our own  which breaks with the preconceived idea that dystopias can only exist in New York or London.

With the premiere of the series, he notes, you have no idea how many kids are reading it. Its a classic, to the extent that you can continue to reinterpret its meaning; its a transgenerational classic.

In Buenos Aires, posters with photographs of the missing members of the Oesterheld family can be seen placed over the advertising for the series 'The Eternaut,' at the beginning of May 2025. H.I.J.O.S. Capital

And, at the same time, El eternauta is pure Oesterheld. My grandfather didnt just decide that the protagonists would be Argentinians in Greater Buenos Aires; the house that belongs to the main character, Juan Salvo, was his own house in Beccar, his grandson recalls, describing a town thats north of the capital.

The word eternauta is a fusion of the Spanish words eternal and astronauta (astronaut). Thats why some English-speaking critics dont understand the reason behind [Juan Salvos nickname], Martin smiles. Luckily, with the recovery of the original pages from an Italian collector, we were finally able to properly publish [the comic] in the English-speaking market in 2015. That opened many doors for us.

The original graphic novel  black-and-white, 350 pages long  underwent numerous changes and deletions in a 1961 reissue. Those tweaks have been reproduced ever since. In 2011, a new edition was printed, using the original material from the Italian collector. The comic was restored to its original splendor except for 34 pages that remain missing.

Two more have surfaced since the Netflix series premiere: they were kept by the widow of a cartoonist who was waiting to return them to an Oesterheld.

Hector German Oesterheld poses with his wife Elsa Sanchez and their four daughters at their home in Beccar.

After a bomb attack on the garage at the house in Beccar, Elsa Sanchez took all of her ex-partners material home with her.

There wasnt a specific day when I decided to read El eternauta Martin notes. It was a continuum. I [leafed through] the books and notes that my grandmother had been able to rescue. And, when I grew up, my playground was that room at the back of the house, where my grandfathers memory was kept. It was my point of contact with the past.

Oesterheld recalls how a bookshelf collapsed from the sheer weight of the paper. I began reading that pile of books. And, little by little, I became closer to my grandfathers inner life: his knowledge of English literature, his relationship with [Jorge Luis] Borges

My story intertwines the intimate, the private and the public. Those fallen books are private, while the public [part] is the echo of this carefully curated reissue and [the release of] the series. And the intimate: every March 24 (the National Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice in Argentina) many people [go out onto the streets] with photos of their missing loved ones. I feel thats more intimate.

Obviously, hes also seen the publicity for the series, which has been plastered with photos of his grandfather, his aunts, and his mother. My grandmother was part of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo: she searched for those [missing] grandchildren, [trying to find out] if they existed, if they were born... I dont want to get into it too much, but my grandmother was an essential force [in my life]. She endured all that pain and also cared for me with love. Of the missing members of his family, only the body of the youngest, Beatriz, was ever recovered.

The first five panels from 'The Eternaut' (1957-1959), by Hector German Oesterheld and Francisco Solano Lopez.

The journey to the big screen has also been long, fraught with troubles that Oesterheld  an audiovisual producer, who appears in the series as executive producer  and his wife, Laura Bruno, have overcome. Hes grateful to his colleagues on this journey, recalling Adan Aliaga  a Spaniard who made a documentary about his grandmother titled La mujer del eternauta (The Eternauts Wife, 2011)  and Lucrecia Martel, an Argentine director. Somone else who approached me was Jeremy Renner. He was a huge fan, but he wanted to move the action [of the comic] to the U.S. and shoot it in English. There, we couldnt compromise. On the other hand, Netflix understood.

Ricardo Darin, in the Netflix series 'The Eternaut.' NETFLIX (via REUTERS)

Martin Oesterheld takes responsibility for one of the main changes: bringing the story up to date. He explains: I liked the concept of Juan Salvo as a survivor, driven by the logic of a second chance. And theres the [Falklands War] generation, which has largely been ignored. When Salvos age was increased  and when Ricardo Darin came on board, [he being the] choice proposed by producer Matias Mosteirin and director Bruno Stagnaro  the whole puzzle fell into place.

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An Iranian asylum seeker has put his incredible artistic talents to good use by helping brighten up a church in Portrush.

In his previous life Alborz Nobakht ran an art school for children and adults in the west Iranian city of Lali. But he was forced to flee following a surge in religious persecution against Christians.

Alborz and his 15-year-old son Mohammed arrived in Northern Ireland in May. After making an asylum claim, they were placed in a hotel in Portrush.

Shortly after moving to the north coast town Alborz found support in Ballywillan Presbyterian Church.

Ballywillan has been a haven for countless individuals and families who have sought refuge here in recent years.

Stunned by his artistic abilities, church officials soon matched the Iranian with a project to suit his skills.

Church Elder Christine Dunlop explained, Our church provides a safe space for asylum seekers living locally where they can meet with social workers, counsellors, healthcare professionals and staff from the education sector as well as the local borough council and a range of charities.

I show all the asylum seekers around our church and invite those who are from a Christian background to come to our activities.

Alborz came to church with a number of other Christian Iranians and I discovered he was an artist when he produced the most amazing pencil sketch.

At his request and that of another artist, Mrs Dunlop purchased paints and other supplies.

Alborz completed some fabulous pieces of work. He told me he was a muralist and calligrapher by profession, showing me his work for big companies. But it was his pencil drawings that fascinated me.

A north coast beach landscape drawn by Alborz. Before leaving Iran, Alborz ran an art school for children and adults in his native city of Lali.

Completely self-taught, Alborz Nobakhts subjects range from landscapes to famous faces to ordinary men and women caught up in the conflict back home.

His arrival, along with another group of Iranian asylum seekers, was perfect timing for Ballywillan as the church childrens room needed a fresh coat of paint.

Keen to repay the kindness shown to them, Alborz and his friends got to work.

They designed, prepared and painted the room in a child-friendly manner, said Christine Dunlop.

I spent time in the church buildings while they worked and it was wonderful to hear the camaraderie as they painted. This amazing group of people who never knew each other before coming to Northern Ireland formed extremely close friendships.

The room was completed on a Friday. The following Sunday was Ballywillans Childrens Service when everyone was invited to an indoor picnic.

During the church service our minister, Rev Gordon McCracken, publicly thanked each of our wonderful Iranian friends for their brilliant artwork.

Everyone spent time looking at the room and then personally thanking our new friends. It was a difficult day for them as Israel had just bombed their home country and they were so concerned for family and friends back home.

Alborz Nobakht with Ballywillan Presbyterian Church Elder Christine Dunlop and Rev Gordon McCracken. For his willingness to participate in church life, Alborz has been given a letter of support which the people of Ballywillan hope will assist him in his bid for refugee status.

Because of his willingness and commitment to participate in church life, Alborz has been given a letter of support which the people of Ballywillan hope will assist him in his bid for refugee status.

We have an amazing range of very gifted people coming to Northern Ireland, Mrs Dunlop added.

I have had folks tell me they are here to take our jobs. I ask them if they are an industrial pharmacist, graphic designer, banker, dentist, muralist, interpreter or perhaps a musician. These lovely human beings will add to the diversity and complexity of our society and we will be all the better for them."

Alborz and his son have now been relocated to Derry. But he said he is indebted to Ballywillan church for the kindness shown to him.

I enjoyed the painting very much and I wish to thank everyone who helped us during our time in Portrush.

The dream now is to open my own art school here in Northern Ireland and carry on the work I was doing before I had to leave Lali.
A Derry resident has been congratulated for receiving his Doctorate from the Ulster University.

Dr Kingsley Kalu Agoha was awarded his doctorate in Rural Tourism Development from the university's Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Events at the its recent graduation ceremony in Belfast.

The management from Derry restaurant Sandys African Food Hub extended their warmest congratulations to Dr Agoha on his fine achievement.

They said: It is with great honour that we celebrate younot only as a newly minted scholar of the highest academic standing, but as a visionary community leader, cultural ambassador, and devoted family man.

Your academic journey, which has spanned continents and disciplinesfrom Accounting to IT, from Business to Rural Tourismtells a remarkable story of resilience, sacrifice, and excellence. You have turned every challenge into a stepping stone and proven that determination, supported by purpose, leads to greatness.

Dr Kingsley Kalu Agoha with his wife Sandra.

Your PhD. research in rural tourism development in Northern Ireland, focused on the role of entrepreneurial networks in rural tourism development, is both timely and transformative. It adds value not only to academia but to grassroots communities and rural tourism entrepreneurs across the region. Your commitment to empowering rural voices and fostering collaboration through entrepreneurial networks is truly commendable.

Beyond your academic brilliance, we at Sandys African Food Hub are especially proud of your deep investment in cultural preservation and community engagement. Your leadership as founding member/ chairman of the Igbo Community in Northwest Ireland and co-founder of the African-Caribbean Community Network - ACCN in Derry-Londonderry is a testament to your vision for an inclusive, united, and empowered African diaspora in Northern, Ireland.

We also celebrate you as a husband to the ever-supportive Sandra Agoha and a proud father of our wonderful children. Your life is a living proof that excellence in academia can coexist with leadership in community and love in family.

As you enter this new chapter, we are confident that your research contributions will continue to shape policies, uplift people, and inspire future generations. We look forward to seeing you risenot just as a scholar, but as a future leader, representing the voices of those often unheard.

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Congratulations, Dr. Agoha. Your journey inspires us all.
As Tipperary prepares to battle Cork in today's All-Ireland hurling final, Gardai in neighbouring Kilkenny have posted a cheeky message to their Premier County counterparts.

In a tongue-in-cheek Facebook post, An Garda Siochana Kilkenny addressed what they jokingly called "The Elephant in the Room" - namely, their proximity to Tipp and suspicions about their team loyalties.

"As the huge clash of Tipperary and Cork approaches, we feel it necessary to point out that as neutrals in Kilkenny we have no favourites," they wrote, before adding with a wink: "Some though have scurrilously suggested that our colour scheme on newer vehicles has vague similarities to that of the Premier County's colours!! We of course refute this."

READ MORE | WATCH: Special moment Irish grandad left speechless by surprise All-Ireland final tickets

They didn't stop there.

"A second point is that while chanting 'TIPP, TIPP, TIPP' might be acceptable in Thurles, Cashel and Clonmel, it might not go down as well in the Marble City," the post continued.

Despite the playful digs, they rounded out their message with a good luck wish for Sunday's showdown, and a sly request if Tipperary do manage to bring Liam MacCarthy home.

"Good luck tomorrow and if you do win, mind Liam for us for next year."

READ MORE | LIVE STREAM: How to watch Tipperary versus Cork in the All-Ireland final
798 Art Zone in Beijing records 12.57 million visits in 2024

Xinhua) 10:14, July 20, 2025

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)

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
Its as if the smell of burnt plastic from a dollar store has permeated the world. Things are worse: chipboard furniture, T-shirts unrecognizable after a second wash, packaged foods with more preservatives than ingredients. Airplane seats turned into backrests. Automatic restroom lights that turn off at a whim. But also newspaper articles shamelessly written with ChatGPT and its algorithmic prose. Nothing is made to be loved. Only to be bought.

In a study titled The Concept and Measurement of Product Quality (1976), researcher E. Scott Maynes observed that quality is an inherently subjective concept, as it depends on the preferences of each consumer. Following his reasoning, it cannot be stated in absolute terms that an iPhone 15 is of better quality than a 2003 Nokia. For some consumers  although we know there wont be many  the Nokias extreme durability may be more valuable than the iPhones technological innovations. Things arent worse, they just seem worse to us. But why?

There is a pessimism that permeates a large part of the population, making everything seem inferior to us, explains Javier Carbonell, deputy director of Future Policy Lab, a think tank focused on designing public policies to combat economic inequalities, over the phone. This climate affects the judgments we make about the policies implemented and also the products and goods we consume. According to the expert, the main factor driving this criticism is that the great promise of capitalism  if you work, you can have a decent life, buy a house, and go on vacation  is no longer being fulfilled; the social elevator has broken down. Added to this is the impact of social media, which shows lives unattainable for most people, he adds.

According to Carbonell, coordinator of the book La desigualdad en Espana (Inequality in Spain) (2024), the culture of austerity that emerged after the Great Recession (20082014) has been replaced by a culture of efficiency, embodied by Elon Musk, who champions a model aimed at minimizing costs. He first applied it at X (formerly Twitter)  where he laid off more than 75% of the workforce  and later, in the U.S. government.

Hes not alone: Mark Zuckerberg dubbed 2023 the Year of Efficiency and carried out massive layoffs at Meta. Amazon, like many other companies, has been gradually replacing human workers with robots and automated systems  to the point that in some of its warehouses, theres no need to even turn on the lights.

When it comes to public services, the situation is different. Neither the pessimistic climate nor the supposed culture of efficiency alone explain why, between 2017 and 2022, the number of people with private insurance grew by 4% per year. According to the report The Healthcare System: Current Situation and Future Prospects, published in 2024, the main reason why Spaniards are turning away from the public healthcare system is the endless waiting lists.

Carbonell argues that, in absolute terms, healthcare services may not be worse than they were a few years ago. The big problem is that they havent adapted to the pace of social change. They havent evolved enough to serve the entire elderly population, whose demographic size is increasing every year, he argues.

Packages of clothing from fast-fashion brand Shein await shipment at a factory in Guangzhou, China, on February 12. GILLES SABRIE (The New York Times / Contacto)

Theres one conclusion that comes up repeatedly throughout this report: the perception that everything is of lower quality is more pronounced among older people. The reasons are varied. One is that attributes like durability  which used to be a major factor in how people judged a products quality  have lost relevance.

Psychologist Albert Vinyals, author of El consumidor tarado (The Disordered Consumer) (2019), recalls that years ago, the first thing car ads highlighted was their longevity. Now we dont even consider it, he notes over the phone. My grandmother, when she went to buy clothes, looked at the type of fabric they were made of. Now, no one knows what their pants are made of. Why would they? In a year, well stop wearing them because theyll no longer be fashionable.

The textile industry perfectly illustrates this transformation in consumption patterns. As Marta D. Riezu, author of La moda justa (Fair Fashion) (2021), points out: We consume clothing as if it were a disposable item. In the last 20 years, textile production has doubled. In Spain, it is estimated that each citizen discards around 21 kilograms of clothing per year, according to the European Environment Agency.

Riezu explains via email that consumers growing preference for novelty over durability has created a generational divide in how quality is understood. Its a change in mentality that our grandparents (and some of our parents) dont conceive or understand: buying to discard after a short time. According to Riezu, the fast fashion industry encourages impulse and material reward. He warns: There is no attachment, respect, or emotional journey with a garment you spend less than 20 years with.

The dissonance between who we are now and who we used to be is reinforced by an even more powerful tension: the gap between who we are and who we want to be. While its only natural to blame multinational corporations for maximizing profit margins at the expense of consumers, and governments whose budget cuts have strangled already depleted public services, market logic is hard to dispute: things arent necessarily worse  theyre, to a large extent, exactly what we want them to be, or what weve been made to want. Put another way: its not the quality of things thats declined  its us.

Numerous household appliances are stacked in the Rothenburgsort district of Hamburg, April 11, 2023. Daniel Bockwoldt (Picture alliance / Getty Images)

Theres a YouTube documentary about planned obsolescence with over a million views. It explains how some companies design certain products  especially household appliances  stop working after a certain period of time. This isnt a conspiracy theory, but a proven fact. However, theres another, lesser-known but even more effective method: convincing consumers that a product is outdated for aesthetic or symbolic reasons, even if it still works. This phenomenon is called perceived obsolescence. For example, Vinyals mentions young people who refuse to rent an apartment because it has old furniture, even though the material its made of is more durable and sturdier than the IKEA furniture theyll ultimately end up investing in.

Advertising and subliminal messages have turned human beings into zombies with no other goal than consumption, says Juan Villoro in No soy un robot (I Am Not a Robot) (2024). A zombie who, moreover, has no time to waste. Rushing around and shopping for convenience are, according to Vinyals, another of the pathologies of the modern consumer. He questions why, instead of going to the market or the fruit stand, we prefer to buy tasteless tomatoes at the 24-hour supermarket next door. Why we spend $3 on a carton of juice instead of squeezing oranges, when we know the industrial version is made from concentrate. Perhaps the best-known example of buying for convenience is paying around 75 per kilo for coffee just because it comes in capsules, says Vinyals.

When did we stop having standards? Thats the question historian Wendy A. Woloson explores in Crap: A History of Cheap Stuff in America (2022). It all began in the mid-19th century. Before that, very few people owned many things. Objects were typically multifunctional: a table might serve as a work surface by day and a dinner table by night. Things were cared for and repaired  an old housecoat might become a childs pair of pants. But as markets expanded and mass production took hold, cheaper and more accessible goods began to appear. People were enchanted by the mix of variety and low price, as if theyd stumbled upon a secret treasure at minimal cost, Woloson explains via email.

Over time, fashion trends fused with cheap products, and buying something new became almost mandatory. There was no longer any excuse not to have the latest thing, because it was within reach of almost everyone. As Woloson explains: We have embraced this degraded material world, sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously. The things we need to live our lives  to do our work, to express ourselves, to understand who we are, and to forge relationships with others  are fundamentally cheap and alienating. Paradoxically, this overabundance of things makes us poorer: Like our objects, interactions and ways of thinking have become mediocre: superficial, ephemeral, and degraded.

Technology can improve product quality, but it can also increase mediocrity and flaws. Artificial intelligence is a clear example of this. In just a few years, companies have handed over much of their customer service to algorithms and robots. According to a 2024 report by the software company Salesforce, 62% of these services in Spain are already automated. Today, its easier to converse with a machine than with a real person. The problem is that no one likes these systems: according to a study by the Cetelem Observatory published last October, five out of 10 consumers openly reject virtual assistants. The conclusion is clear: society isnt adapting to the pace of technological advancement.

Jose Francisco Rodriguez, president of the Spanish Association of Customer Relations Experts, admits that a lack of digital skills can be particularly frustrating for older adults, who perceive that the quality of customer service has deteriorated due to automation. However, Rodriguez argues that, generally speaking, automation does improve customer service. Furthermore, he strongly rejects the idea that companies are seeking to cut costs with this technology: Artificial intelligence does not save money or personnel, he states. The initial investment in technology is extremely high, and the benefits remain practically the same. We have not detected any job losses in the sector either.

There are other harms caused by artificial intelligence that are rarely discussed. For example, a key tool gained from the internet  real opinions from other users  has been rendered useless. A 2020 analysis by Fakespot of 720 million Amazon reviews revealed that approximately 42% were unreliable or fake. This means that almost half of the reviews we consult before purchasing a product online may have been generated by robots, whose purpose is to either encourage or discourage purchases, depending on who programmed them.

Artificial intelligence itself could deteriorate if no action is taken. In 2024, bot activity accounted for almost half of internet traffic. This poses a serious problem: language models are trained with data pulled from the web. When these models begin to be fed with information they themselves have generated, it leads to a so-called model collapse.

Its difficult to prove that todays products are worse than those of 20 years ago. Many products are hard to compare due to the enormous price difference. According to Flyersrights, in recent decades, the space between airplane seats has decreased by up to 15 centimeters. But at the same time, flying in the United States now costs more than $200 less than it did three decades ago.

The real problem isnt buying pants that dont last or traveling in an uncomfortable plane. The real problem is that, with each purchase, we support two of the most polluting industries on the planet. The production and purchase of low-quality products is not sustainable. For Marta D. Riezu, a truly good product contributes something useful to society. Its linked to ethics, effort, and commitment.
A ringfort overlooking Galway Bay has been confirmed as a settlement for rulers and nobles in Irelands Early Medieval period, according to archaeologists.

Rathgurreen Ringfort, in the Maree area of Co Galway, has been described as an impressive high-status settlement that could date anywhere from the 5th to 12th century AD.

An eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway, has also revealed exciting new layers to the story of the panoramic site with views south to the Burren, west to the Atlantic, and north across Galway.

The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement  home to a local ruler such as a king or lord  by Professor Michael Duignan, then chairman of archaeology at the university, in the late 1940s.

Excavations now suggest that parts of the site are potentially 1,000 years older than previously thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia, possibly including the trade of valuable purple dye made at Rathgurreen.

A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort.

Dr Comber, lecturer in archaeology at the university, said: What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory.

Our research confirms that Rathgurreen was the home of a noble family  hence the description as high-status.

But the story is much deeper and richer. We have evidence of continuity and change at this site  a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort.

A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to Early Medieval nobility.

The archaeology team found a number of glass beads, some coloured blue and another turquoise and red.

These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age  the era that immediately precedes the Early Medieval period.

The dig has also confirmed the presence of Early Medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings.

Evidence of the manufacture of purple dye at Rathgurreen comprises the remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare and valuable colouring.

Dr Comber added: We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard.

In no sense, though, would it have been viewed as wild or isolated  on the contrary it was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe.

The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present.

The excavation marks the launch of a research project exploring land use through time on the Maree peninsula in Galway, with the university team hoping to continue digs at the site in 2026 and to pursue other locations in the area in future years.

Community volunteers, University of Galway archaeology students, and international students from Uppsala University in Sweden came together to investigate the site and put into practice skills vital to careers in the archaeological profession.

The wider project involves work with local, national and international communities as well as the development of a conservation management plan for Rathgurreen in conjunction with landowners and experts, through a community monuments fund with Galway County Council.
Even the high seas aren't neutral when it comes to today's All-Ireland hurling final, and the Irish Naval Service is having a bit of craic with it.

Ahead of the sold-out showdown between Cork and Tipperary in Croke Park, the Naval Service shared a brilliant post showing that rivalry runs deeper than just county lines - it's on deck too.

"While every crew aboard our Naval vessels is tight-knit and united in service  come All-Ireland Hurling Final time, especially when it's Cork vs Tipperary, things get a bit more spirited," they wrote, alongside a series of photos.

The post shows sailors proudly donning their county colours at sea. From Tipperary jerseys on the bridge to Cork flags waving on deck, the post even includes a staged photo of a Cork and Tipperary man playfully squaring up in their gear.

READ MORE | 'Mind Liam for us' - Gardai deliver cheeky message to neighbours ahead of All-Ireland final

"Good-natured rivalry runs deep among shipmates from both counties, with pride (and maybe a few laughs over lunch) at stake," the Naval Service added.

"But win or lose, we're always one crew under one flag."

With throw-in set for 3.30pm at GAA HQ, it's clear the build-up to the All-Ireland final is reaching every corner of the country, and beyond.

READ MORE | ALERT: Urgent recall issued for popular ready meals sold in SuperValu and Centra
Some very fast greyhounds have been rounding the bends and covering the straights at Dundalk Stadium of late. Many of them have already enjoyed a high profile  another might soon be among them.

Rolo Tokyo had only three races before taking his place in the Eamon & Paddy Carroll Memorial Stake, and though the London-owned blue-brindle had won none of them, his times in filling minor places were above average.

READ NEXT: Inside Track: The hunt is on for prized All-Ireland tickets

They were sprints; for the Carroll, Rolo would be moving up to the 525. As it transpired, the extra yardage had no risk attached. After winning his first round heat, the 27-month-old proceeded to rout his opponents, getting to within a length of the track record in the semi-final.

Trained in Downpatrick by Damien Maginn, Rolo went even faster in the final, once again giving the record a right shaking. His aggregate winning margin in his four races was upwards on 26 lengths.

The opposition will be stiffer from now on, and it will be interesting to see how the 79-pounder handles it. Shelbourne Park could be his next port of call.

This years Dundalk International had a reminder of the 1983 renewal of the big race. Back then, five of the runners cross the line together, and it was only after a long delay, the Judge giving the photo a hard look, that Quick Suzy was declared the winner, a short-head clear of Dads Bank, running for Peter Burkes Clogherherad kennel.

Under a length covered three of the other finishers, with a dog by the name of Game Ball failing to get his photo taken.

It was nearly as close last Saturday night, and this time all six runners were in the picture, about two lengths covering the entire field.

Victory went to the favourite, Cheap Sandwiches, with the English raider, Wicky Ned, taking the runner-up spot. There was a half-length between them, with Ballinaboola Joe finishing in third, a short-head back.

The Kerry-owned winner  It surely was the Kingdoms weekend  ran-up last years Irish Derby and was a finalist in this years English equivalent, while Wicky Ned was Englands greyhound of-the-year in 2024, and going into this race had a smashing record of 13 wins from fourteen outings.

For a time it looked as if the raider was going to enhance his record. He was fast away from one, and led around the first bend. After that the field began to bunch, but turning in Wicky Ned was still in the vanguard.

Cheap Sandwiches got a run on the wide outside in the home straight, and it was close to the line that the Graham Holland-trained hit the front. The highly-fancied Callaway Knegare never really recovered from a very tardy start.

The probability is that many of the runners will contest the upcoming Irish Derby, and there could be one or two of them in the line-up for Dundalks next major event, the Irish Sprint.
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Glorious sunshine, thrilling racing, and fabulous fashion made for an unforgettable occasion at Dundalk Stadiums flagship event  Ladies Day 2025. Basking under blue skies, racegoers descended on the Co. Louth venue from across Ireland and beyond, with every corner of the All-Weather Stadium buzzing with atmosphere and activity.

From early afternoon through to the late evening, Dundalk played host to an exceptional dual racecard  with eight exhilarating horse races during the day and a full greyhound racing programme under the lights. The highlight of the evening was the prestigious Time Dundalk International, one of Irelands top greyhound events, which saw Cheap Sandwiches emerge victorious in front of a packed grandstand. The winning greyhound was trained by Graham Holland and owned by Bark Wahlberg Syndicate.

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Off the track, the fashion stakes were equally high. The Ladies Day Style Competition, generously sponsored by Fairways Hotel and Border Boutique Hire, drew a huge number of elegant entrants. After fierce competition, it was Megan Cunniss from Galway who was crowned Best Dressed Lady.

A clerical officer based at Galway City University Hospital, Megan wowed the judges on her very first visit to Dundalk Stadium.

Her standout look featured a stunning green two-piece ensemble from Pia Margot Boutique, perfectly complemented by a bespoke headpiece from Marc Millinery. Judges Suzanne Ryan of Suzanne Ryan Millinery and Grainne McCoy  Apprentice finalist, beauty entrepreneur, radio host and influencer  praised her timeless elegance and impeccable presentation.

Throughout the day, the Stadium was alive with live music, great food, and a vibrant social scene that matched the racing excitement stride for stride. The team at Dundalk Stadium said they wish to extend a warm thank you to all who attended and helped make Ladies Day 2025 such a spectacular success.

Dundalk Stadium continues to host racing every Friday and Saturday, offering exceptional value this summer with their 29 Restaurant Offer, which includes a delicious main course and panoramic views of all the racing action.

Looking ahead, the next major event at the venue is the Bar One Racing Dual Race Day & Family Fun Day on Friday 15th August.

Another thrilling day of horse and greyhound racing awaits, with live music and a host of childrens activities making it the perfect outing for all ages. The feature race of the day will be the Bar One Racing Sprint Cup Final. Heats begin this Saturday 19 July, continuing weekly in the lead-up to the big finale  another great reason to visit this modern, vibrant venue.

For photos and highlights from the day, see on Instagram @DundalkStadium, or visit www.dundalkstadium.com.
Hoteliers from Louth and across the country recently met with TDs and Senators, to discuss the key challenges facing Irish tourism, and the necessary measures the Irish Hotels Federation is calling for to ensure the successful long-term development of Irelands largest indigenous industry, supporting over 270,000 livelihoods  including 3,000 in Louth.

In the run up to Budget 2026, a key concern for hotels and guesthouses across Louth is the exceptionally high operating costs that tourism and hospitality businesses are grappling with, a situation that is particularly challenging for regional businesses that are heavily reliant on food services.

James Mckenna, IHF Mourne, Boyne & Lakes Branch Rep and Louth hotelier said: Tourism businesses are struggling to deal with ever-increasing operating costs and tighter margins. It is now essential that the Government tackles this head on and delivers targeted measures to enhance cost competitiveness and support business viability.

This is at a time when Irish tourism is experiencing difficult headwinds on a number of fronts, including reduced tourism expenditure, economic challenges across our key source markets and increased political uncertainty internationally  all of which pose a serious risk to our industry.

Mr. McKenna notes that recent research by Failte Ireland shows that 51% of tourism businesses have seen a decrease in revenues to date in 2025 compared with last year. Results indicate that overseas visitor spend, which typically accounts for 70% of tourism revenue, is a significant concern. This is particularly challenging for Food & Drink businesses, with 75% reporting a drop in overseas revenue so far this year.

Outlining the key policy priorities for the industry, Mr. Mckenna stressed the importance of decisive action in the upcoming Budget. Key policy priorities for Budget 2026:

A permanent restoration of the 9% VAT rate on hospitality food services. This is key to supporting the viability of our tourism food offering.

A meaningful reduction in Employers PRSI for labour-intensive indigenous industries such as tourism and hospitality.

Measures to tackle excessive business costs, which are amongst the highest in Europe, including insurance premiums and energy pass through charges.

Increased investment in training, skills and development, leveraging the enormous un-tapped surpluses in the National Training Fund.

Measures to support enhanced air access for Dublin and our regional airports.

Increased funding for Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to support sectoral growth, marketing and development.

More targeted measures to support sustainability initiatives within our sector in line with Irelands national climate action goals.

The Irish Hotels Federation says that having these measures in place would go a long way towards ensuring the long-term success of Irelands tourism and hospitality industry.
Bellingham Farms Unlimited in Louth has been fined a total of 8,000 at Drogheda District Court for health and safety breaches following a fatal workplace incident in 2023.

At a sitting on Tuesday 15 July at Drogheda District Court, Judge Nicola Jane Andrews imposed the fines following guilty pleas by the company to two charges under occupational safety and health legislation.

The court heard that on 14th August 2023, an employee of Solar Power Ireland BK Limited tragically died after falling through a skylight on the roof of an agricultural building at Bellingham Farms, Milestown, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) found that Bellingham Farms Unlimited Company failed to make the legally required written appointments of a Project Supervisor for the Design Process and a Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage, as set out under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.

Commenting on the case, Mark Cullen, HSA Interim Chief Executive Officer, said, This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of ensuring all necessary safety roles are in place before construction work begins. Appointing competent project supervisors is not just a legal requirement, it is a vital step in protecting workers lives.

Read also: Plans for new hotel, apartments and retail in mid-Louth

"The onus is on the client to ensure that each supervisor appointed has adequate training, knowledge, experience and resources for the work to be performed. I urge all employers and duty holders to fulfil their responsibilities under health and safety legislation to prevent such incidents.

Bellingham Farms Unlimited pleaded guilty to:

Regulation 6(1)(a) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 contrary to Section 77(2)(c), in that it failed to appoint in writing a competent project supervisor for the design process for construction work carried out at Milestown, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth.

Regulation 6(1)(b) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 contrary to Section 77(2)(c), in that it failed to appoint in writing a competent project supervisor for the construction stage for construction work carried out at Milestown, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth.

Solar Power Ireland BK Limited and its Director, Brian Kelly, had previously pleaded guilty at Dundalk Circuit Court to four offences each under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in relation to the same incident.
In a staggering revelation, figures released by the HSE through request by the Freedom of Information Act 2014 show that over 7,975,216 was spent by Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Louth County Hospital on the services of recruitment firms and agency staff last year, not including the month of December.

The records released by the HSE list the amount spent by all hospital groups across the country on recruitment firms and agency staff. Although these costs are very high, Louth as a county was on the lower end when it came to the overall amount spent according to these records.

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital spent a total of 6,924,005. Of that total amount spent, 648,776 went towards nursing, 548,391 on paramedical services, 1,689,295 on support services, and 11,281 on maintenance and technical support. The highest proportion was allocated for medical and dental services, amounting to 4,026,262.

Louth County Hospital's total spend came in at 1,051,211. The majority of this money went towards support services, totalling 509,740. Medical and dental services cost 286,768, nursing 101,225, and paramedical services 153,478.

Mullingar General Hospital had the highest bill for recruitment firms and agency staff last year, totalling 23,762,844. The Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise came second with 19,776,670. Then came University Hospital Limerick with 18,616,681. The Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore followed closely behind UHL at 18,344,880.



The total cost across all hospital groups listed in the records amounted to over 276,165,412.

Although investment in public healthcare has never been higher, these figures convey a stark overreliance on agency staff within Irish hospitals. In response to a request for a comment on these numbers, a spokesperson for the Minister of Health

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: "The Minister for Health supports the ongoing efforts to control and reduce agency spend in the Health Service Executive (HSE).

"Following talks at the Workplace Relations Commission in March between health sector management and unions, a commitment was made by the HSE to reduce reliance on agency workers and to ensure that all vacancies are filled by direct recruitment in the first instance. The Minister welcomes this commitment."

Indeed, the HSE's 2025 National Service Plan has an allocated budget of 26.9 billion which is a 1.6 billion increase compared to the 2024 budget. However, healthcare within Ireland is still plagued with major issues and staffing is significant area of concern.

Speaking in January at the time of the publication of the National Service Plan, HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said the organisation's priority in 2025 "must be a relentless focus on productivity and changed ways of working". This included expanding the workforce.

The plan specifically states: "Prioritise the training and development of our staff, including leadership and management skills, team and individual development. The HSE will select senior leaders to participate in executive leadership programmes aimed at addressing critical leadership challenges and developing longer term healthcare leadership capacity in the health sector."

However, many people working in healthcare would argue that the problem is that there is a top heavy administration staff and that there is too much emphasis placed on management rather than frontline staff.

Even with so much money being spent on recruitment firms and agency staff to plug the gaps for the HSE, staffing numbers and dissatisfaction among healthcare workers is critically low. In March of this year, thousands of healthcare staff threatened industrial action due to staffing to such dismal numbers.

Unions cited recruitment restrictions and the suppression of vacant posts as factors in creating unsafe conditions for patients and staff. The work-to-rule action was eventually suspended to allow for a ballot.

However, the problems within the HSE's staffing have not disappeared. Forsa published new research last month which showed that 68% of respondents described staff morale as either low (43%) or terrible (25%). The trade union commissioned the research by the independent think-tank TASC and surveyed 3,800 healthcare staff.

The study also reported that almost half of those surveyed (48%) said the situation had deteriorated with the last two years. Over 53% said low morale is negatively affecting the quality of care.

The survey demonstrates the impact staff shortages is having on healthcare workers. So, to what extent is the money being spent on recruitment firms and agency staff alleviating the pressure on the healthcare system? Or is it simply a costly short-term solution to plug the many gaps in the floundering system?

One former agency worker based in the Midlands agreed that they were indeed simply plugging gaps for the HSE. The former employee, who chose to remain anonymous, worked for an agency in an administrative capacity from April 2022 to November 2023.

During her time there, she said that training was not up to standard and that it was "limited and inconsistent." She added that from her experience, managers and trainers were often "lacking in knowledge" when it came to training staff. Because of this, people were forced to learn as they worked.

She also expressed a major disconnection between agency staff and HSE workers and added that if any jobs arose within the HSE, agency staff would not have any advantage despite their experience.

The former agency worker wholeheartedly agreed that there is an overreliance on agency workers within the HSE, sentiment which has long been echoed by healthcare workers across the country.
A tip off from a member of the Blackpool Historical Society led Cork city Green Party councillor Oliver Moran to research the name of the bridge over Dublin Street on the north side to ascertain its name, research which led to an event on Friday which will ensure its name will remain in place for coming generations.

And his discovery of an obscure statutory instrument marking the route of the N20 which was signed in 2012 by the then Transport Minister, Leo Varadkar, was the final clue which led the Cork City North East representative to discover that the bridge was named after Maire MacSwiney, the sister of former Cork lord mayor Terence MacSwiney.

On Friday, the question of for whom was the bridge named was marked in steel naming it in Irish and English as Droichead Maire Nic Suibhne/Maire MacSwiney Bridge, was installed on the Eastern side of Dublin Street, which is the boundary between Cork City North East and Cork City North West.

Mr Moran, who was elected in Cork City North East, said there had been some confusion over the name of the bridge as even though it had been ratified by the City Council, they needed to find an official Government record of it.

"The overbridge was named some time in the mid-noughties but the name was never marked and looked set to fall out of memory. If it wasn't for an obscure statutory instrument describing the route of the N20, it might have been forgotten about altogether. That was the only confirming document we could find.

MacSwiney was a controversial figure but significant in her role as a suffragette, one of the first women TDs, and the first vice-president of Sinn Fein after the split with Fianna Fail, he said.

At the launch on Friday of 'Mary MacSwiney', the latest book from Cork author and historian Dr Leeann Lane, the author confirmed to me that the bridge was named after her and she commonly went by Maire in person, which would explain the name."

Confusion arose because the daughter of Terence MacSwiney and his wife Muriel was also called Maire. She went on to marry the son of Cathal Brugha, Ruairi Brugha, and published a book, Historys Daughter: A Memoir from the Only Child of Terence MacSwiney.

Mr Moran explained that the Maire MacSwiney Bridge was one of three pieces of public infrastructure in Cork city named after women. He named the other two as the Nano Nagle Bridge which was opened in 1985 and the Mary Elmes Bridge (2019).
Her house is so small that one short stride from the front door is enough to land you at the next home  identical to hers, but in a different color. Peeking through the frame of that door is Alejandra Galvez, 45, with her iron cane: foul-mouthed, cheerful, and generous  a force of nature. Life is tough, but Im tougher, she says with her presence.

Alejandra is from Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, and crossed half the country before ending up in Huehuetoca, in the densely populated State of Mexico. For 10 years, shes been living in a house she occupied after renting another one where the landlady would walk in whenever she pleased, without warning.

Id see the house, and no one ever came, and one day I said: Screw it, Im moving in. The rogue way, she laughs.

At the time, it was just the bare shell, as theyve come to call the homes that were first abandoned and then stripped: a space three by 10 meters, with a handful of walls and a roof. No doors, no electricity, no water  nothing that might suggest a home. But bit by bit, she turned it into one. Friends pitched in along the way:

 Ill do the wiring for 200 pesos ($10.60), but where do you live?

 All the way out in El Dorado, Huehuetoca.

 And where the hell is that?

 Just around the corner from hell, dumbass.

Alejandra, whos been living on a disability pension of 3,200 pesos ($170) every two months since a motorcycle accident, recalls the work, the money, and the sweat poured into every small fix in a house that isnt hers  but might one day be. The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum has made it a priority to tackle Mexicos monumental housing crisis, and part of that broader plan  which began modestly under the previous administration  involves granting legal ownership to people like Alejandra who are occupying homes that technically belong to Mexicos national worker housing fund institute Infonavit, after going unpaid for years.

There are at least 842,000 such properties across the country in irregular situations. All the agency knows is that the original mortgage was never paid off. Whether the homes are currently inhabited, and if so, whether by the original owners or by someone else  or whether theyve been abandoned, stripped, or taken over by organized crime  remains unknown. The Ministry of Welfare has started a door-to-door survey to find out whos living in each one and under what conditions.

In reality, behind that dramatic figure lies an even larger one: Mexicos national statistics agency INEGI estimates that there are more than six million unoccupied homes throughout the country, regardless of whether they were financed by Infonavit or the reasons that led their owners to leave them empty. That amounts to roughly 20% of all the homes built in Mexico  in other words, one in every five. This is in a country with a housing deficit of nine million homes, either because they need to be built or rehabilitated, according to the 2024 housing report from the Secretariat of Territorial Development.

This paradoxical tangle of numbers stems from a disconnect between housing policies and land-use planning. We are building houses, not cities, and that is one of the causes of the housing problem we face today, says Fernanda Lonardoni, representative of U.N.-Habitat in Mexico, Cuba, and Central America. In Mexico, this separation occurred mainly between the 1990s and the first decade of the 2000s. Large construction companies built thousands of homes on cheap land far from jobs, public services, and transportation  perfect ground for organized crime, which has taken control of many of these areas.

So much so that in some residential developments, census teams from the Ministry of Welfare have not even been able to enter, according to their own accounts, because the administrator, who has effectively taken control of the buildings, has denied them access. Some authority will have to come in order to finish the job, admits one of the census takers from Huehuetoca. There are hundreds of homes left unregistered. Of those they managed to visit, they say: Most are being tricked into paying someone who claims to be the owner but actually isnt.

Urban growth unchecked by government planning has led to a grim reality on the ground. The neighborhood where Alejandra Galvez lives reflects the decades of social decay resulting from bad urban planning, speculative real estate practices, and institutional neglect. The result is vast fields of tiny, uniform houses located closer to hell than anywhere else. Traveling to Indios Verdes, north of Mexico City, costs about 50 pesos ($2.70) from these areas  thats 100 pesos ($5.30) a day for someone who commutes daily to work, while public transportation in the capital costs 10 times less.

Between Huehuetoca and Zumpango, near the Felipe Angeles Airport (AIFA), lies a large concentration of irregular housing in the State of Mexico, one of the regions where the problem is most acute: 10,600 units in the first municipality and almost 19,000 in the second. El Dorado, Alejandras neighborhood, is classified as a red zone due to insecurity and the large number of problematic housing units.

When the census workers arrived to tell Alejandra about the regularization plan, it felt like the sky opened up for her. Honestly, I didnt know whether to believe it, laugh, or cry. Ive been through so much, and I never thought the day would come when I could actually own this house, said the Veracruz native, who lost her husband and her son  one murdered, the other killed in an accident  and now lives with two rescued dogs, Catalina and Pulguita.

Alejandra has fought her way through life with resilience and patience. Now, besides collecting her disability pension, she works as a car watcher early in the morning in downtown Huehuetoca for tips. Before, when I could, I made and sold lollies or coffee. Thats how I survived, she explains. With that money, she gradually invested in the house and now dreams of building a second floor to let the air flow through everything, and so her nephews can come visit. She also wants to pay off her bills. I prefer to make my payments. If its little by little, thats fine, but to keep paying, because in the end I live in the house, and its me who benefits, she reasons.

The government project that will allow her to carry out these plans has a similar precedent in the previous administration. We focused on the northern border to recover urban areas. We ran programs in Mexicali, Ciudad Juarez, Reynosa, and also in the State of Mexico, explains Carlos Martinez, former director of Infonavit. In total, they managed to recover around 25,000 homes, he says, 67% of which were resold to their original buyers who had lost them due to inability to pay the mortgage. Sheinbaums ambitious goal is to recover 600,000 homes.

Joaquin Santiago: A legal loan and no one to hold accountable for basic services

In the residential development where Joaquin Santiago lives, in Zumpango, 12 miles from the National Institute of Agricultural Development (AIFA), there are no shortage of unanswered questions. They told us there would be jobs, what kind of jobs? If you have money, you go to the hospital, and if not? There were going to be lots of childrens areas, bike paths, a pool... Where are they? Joaquin, 35, arrived with his mother at the Santa Isabel campus after stumbling across the advertisements displayed by large construction companies in Ecatepec, the most populated municipality in the State of Mexico, where he had moved to work from the Mixteca region of Oaxaca. I decided on Homex because it offered us many advantages, but none of them came true, he says.

It was 2013 when he secured his loan through Infonavit, and 2020 when he lost hope that the construction company would ever finish the work. Now, the inhabited houses  like his  stand in the same row as those that have become little more than garbage dumps. Alongside them are all the homes the company left unfinished: uniform concrete shells filled with nothing but air. The infamous husks.

The consequences of abandoning the job halfway are monumental: no local authority recognizes the housing development as part of its municipality, so no one provides public services like water  and theres no one to hold accountable either. Residents buy water from private tankers: 150 pesos per tank, and its not always clean. And what if you cant afford it that month? More unanswered questions.

The existence of unincorporated housing developments is a particularly widespread problem in this state, explains the former director of Infonavit. Unlike other countries, where the land is urbanized first and then the companies come in and build the houses, in Mexico during those years it was the construction companies that did everything, because the municipalities didnt have the resources, he explains. The problem was that the mayors terms were shorter than the construction timelines, so the person receiving the project wasnt the one who had approved it  and many times, the developments were never formally accepted, either because the construction company had left the work unfinished, or because the municipality couldnt commit to maintaining the services, he concludes. It became a source of major social frustration, because residents would complain, and each party would pass the blame to the other.

Joaquin knows this all too well. No one supports us here  not the municipality, not Homex, which doesnt even exist anymore. We were just left behind, he says, defeated. Everyone, that is, except the criminals: by 10 p.m., everyone is inside their homes, and by 11 p.m., they start hearing gunshots. But not a single patrol car is seen on the streets.

Those who, like Joaquin, paid off their loans misled by deceptive advertising now live wall-to-wall with people who occupied their homes, like Alejandra. Two realities that not only intersect in daily life, but also in the impact of the regularization plan. For me, it would be excellent, says Joaquin. It would greatly improve the environment, because wed all take on more responsibility.

Those who arent legal owners of their homes tend to be more reluctant to chip in when money is needed for repairs  but they benefit from them all the same. Getting them to feel part of the community, he says, would be the best way to get them involved: For us, it would be the best thing that could happen.

50 years of flawed housing policies

The enormous problem now facing the government  which has also committed to building one million new homes and expanding access to social rental options, not just home ownership  has been building gradually over the past few decades. In the 1970s, Mexico focused on becoming a nation of homeowners, to the point that more than 80% of the population came to own their homes, says Carla Escoffie, a lawyer specializing in housing rights.

But that figure masked serious issues, such as lack of access to basic services and transportation. Even so, she adds, they kept betting on public loans, which also exclude people working in the informal economy  who make up the majority of the country.

The result of that approach, explains Alejandro Suarez Pareyon, an architect at UNAM, is the long record of a major number of administrative errors, a deeply flawed financial system, and the exploitation by housing developers who built those residential complexes. In short, adds Fernanda Lonardoni of U.N.-Habitat, housing has gradually become one of the pillars of our financial systems: Theres nothing that ties us more to a bank than a home.

That model collapsed in Mexico: housing developers went bankrupt, leaving behind a trail of abandoned homes  some due to their remote locations, others due to poor conditions  and borrowers who could no longer afford to pay off their loans. When the government first attempted to address the issue in 2014, under president Enrique Pena Nieto, it did so through what became known as Infonavits mass trials legal proceedings involving thousands of cases at once, in which the institute sued borrowers and eventually took ownership of unpaid homes.

What happened, explains Carlos Martinez, was that Infonavit was fighting in a court in Nayarit over a house that had stopped being paid for in Cancun, and the person living in Cancun never even knew the case existed. It was a very perverse strategy. The current administration estimates that 373,000 people were affected by these mass proceedings.

Although the government has pushed to overturn these highly irregular proceedings, no court has taken this action so far. Many of the homes that became Infonavit property through these means are now part of a plan to return them  through flexible resale options or social rent schemes  to their original borrowers or to others who could make use of them.

The condition of each property varies, and not all will be easy to recover. Homes abandoned 15 years ago due to lack of transportation access, for example, may be easier to rehabilitate if infrastructure has improved since then. Recovering homes left empty due to structural issues will be harder, as they will require greater investment.

In any case, says Fernanda Lonardoni, theres also a cost to inaction. She adds: In countries where efforts were made to move toward regularization, it didnt lead to more informality  on the contrary.

Credits: Visual editing: Gladys Serrano Design and layout: Monica Juarez Martin and Angel Hernandez

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The introduction of a 90 minute Leap Card flat fare for passengers on Cork city buses which will be operational from next month has been described as a real win for the city by Green Party councillor, Honore Kamegni.

The new fare is part of the first phase of a wider overhaul of Corks public transport and pricing structure and, in future phases, fares will be integrated across bus and rail services in the commuter zone. This is expected to be in place later this year and a new commuter-zone pricing model  which will extend up to 30km from the city  is expected to be operational by 2026.

A new commuter zone pricing model  which will extend up to 30km from the city  is expected to be in place from by 2026. A tap-on/tap-off system has experienced some delay but National Transport Authority officials have reaffirmed the bodys commitment to rolling it out as soon as possible. Once its live, the system is expected to improve service flow and speed up boarding.

According to Cork City South East Green Party councillor, the introduction of the 90-minute fare to Cork will accelerate our shift towards cleaner, more efficient transport.

Its a real win for the city and I look forward to working with all partners to maintain this positive moment, said the councillor.

This announcement follows my March 2025 motion in Cork City Council, which called on the Government and the NTA to make the new Cork bus network a national priority and to bring the 90minute fare to our city.

Im grateful to my council colleagues, NTA officials, and the many residents who supported this proposal and kept up the pressure.
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On December 5, 2017, cameras at Bastia Airport, on the French island of Corsica, captured a man wearing a latex mask walking behind two other men. One of them had just landed on Air France flight 4462 from Paris. The other one was waiting to drive him home. They were Tony The Butcher Quilichini, recently released from prison, and his friend Jean-Luc Codaccioni, who was returning from a prison furlough in the capital. The man following them pulled an AK-47 with a retractable stock from his bag and opened fire. Quilichini was hit 21 times in the back and the assailant finished him off with a 9mm shot to the head. He died on the spot. Codaccioni, who was hit five times, died in hospital on December 12, 2017. The two had actually been dead for 10 years.

The blood of the fathers will stain their children, the old Corsican proverb goes, explaining an endless cycle of violence. When someone decides to kill on this great mountain in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the place with the highest homicide rate in France (3.7 per 100,000 inhabitants) and one of the most heavily armed stretches of land in Europe (350 weapons per 1,000 inhabitants), they are certain that sooner or later their children will seek revenge. It is an inexorable logic that will operate in a loop until the extinction of the human race. Or at least, of the families who fought for centuries over this territory of 351,000 inhabitants.

The airport killer was Christophe Guazzelli, 32. Tall, handsome, with captivating blue eyes. Raised in bourgeois comfort, his family sent him off the island for years to keep him away from the poison. But in 2009, the men at the airport had murdered Francis Guazzelli, his father and one of the founders of the Brise de Mer (named for the bar in the old port of Bastia where they met), Corsicas first modern mafia. His son had no choice. He waited 10 years to ruin his life, guided only by two goals: revenge and restoring his fathers organization by eliminating the rival clan.

The murder was a turning point in the history of the Corsican mafia, which is now immersed in a process of fibrillation almost unseen to date. Some 20 clans are dividing up the territory horizontally, without a supreme boss, according to a disturbing report by the intelligence services of the criminal investigation force published by Le Monde this week. It comes just as French civil society, politics, and the judicial system are beginning to call the mafia by its name. There were cultural reasons why the state didnt want to recognize it. France is the land of human rights. How could that exist here? There have been passive and active accomplices, many public officials who didnt want to call the disease by its name. But we won the semantic battle. Theres a mafia system that we didnt invent, we only described it, says Leo Battesti, a former nationalist activist and current founder of the association Maffia No, a vitta ie (No to the Mafia, Yes to Life).

Leo Bettesti, founder of the 'Maffia No, a vitta ie' (No to the Mafia, Yes to Life) movement, photographed on July 3 in Porticcio. Raphael Poletti

The clans  the Mattei, the Pantalacci, the Mocchi, the Africans  are part of island life. Most of them have penetrated all sectors  political, social, and economic  on the island and seek to dominate the legal activities they find most profitable, writes Sirasco (the Criminal Intelligence Service of the Judicial Police). They have interests in construction, catering, hospitality, shipping, and even real estate. The balance between these groups remains fragile and can, at any moment, be shattered by open and violent conflicts where mutual hatred has simmered for decades. And then, the dead return, businesses explode. If my son tells me hes going to open a bar here, Ill say no. If he asks me about a tourist business, a nightclub, a construction company, Ill answer the same. Even if he wants to deal in public works. So whats left for him? Join them, play by their rules, or leave Corsica, says a magistrate.

Two criminal powers  the Brise de Mer gang in the north and the clan of Jean-Jerome Colonna, alias Jean-Je, in the south  structured organized crime on the island for about 20 years and imposed a social control that still endures. Jean-Jes accidental death in 2006 and the fratricidal war within the Brise de Mer gang between 2008 and 2009 ushered in a first phase of transition that culminated in the murder at Bastia airport in 2017. In the south, the Petit Bar gang took up Jean-Jes legacy. According to Sirasco, the situation is once again particularly unstable. The document notes that for several months now, a broad reshuffling has been taking place, shaking local balances and raising fears of an escalation of tensions.

Prosecutor Jean-Philippe Navarre, with a shaved head, a boxers build, and an unwavering determination in his gaze, welcomes EL PAIS in his office at the Bastia Palace of Justice. A veteran of organized crime counter-defense departments in places like Marseille, Lille and the Antilles, the prosecutor has a photo of graffiti on one of Bastias streets on his bookshelf. Next to his name are two drawings: a suitcase and a coffin. One thing or the other, the threat implies. Affectionate messages, he jokes. Its important to understand that a criminal from the continent, a drug dealer who has become a millionaire through drug deals, dreams of taking his money to Dubai, owning a hotel, a villa, girls... The Corsican criminal will have that too, with connections and resources. But his real dream is to return every summer and have people lower their gaze when he sits on the bar terrace, he notes. When they are disrespected, when they are rejected, we will have gained something: that is the work of the justice system, the state, national education, and collectives. Everyone must mobilize to change things, he says, pointing to education in schools as the first link in the chain of change.

Prosecutor Jean-Philippe Navarre, pictured on July 1 in his office at the Bastia court. Raphael Poletti

Corsica, with its strong independence urges, rooted in the islands Genoese origins, has always been a foreign object in one of Europes most centralized countries. Movements like the Corsican National Liberation Front (FLNC) terrorized the population with bombs and murders for years to assert territorial sovereignty. The 1960s and 1970s were filled with blood and lead. And the role of the prefect (government delegate) is never easy in places where the state is seen as a colonizer, an oppressor.

In the waiting room of the prefecture, there is a poster for a concert by the Avignon Orchestra, which performed on February 6, 1998, in Ajaccio. That day, Claude Erignac, then a representative of the French state in Corsica and a great music lover, dropped his wife off at the theater door, went to find a parking space, and then walked back to the theater. Before he could make it, a nationalist terrorist, Yvann Colonna, shot him three times in the back and killed him. The face of his killer, now a national hero, is plastered everywhere in Bastia and Ajaccio even today.

 Hello, come in, says Jerome Filippini, prefect of South Corsica since 2024.

Filippini is direct, transparent. He doesnt use euphemisms. There is a mafia, yes. Its in politics, in the streets, in society. A few months ago, when the first demonstration against this phenomenon passed in front of the prefecture, he took to the streets and climbed onto a truck with a megaphone to encourage the population to fight, to break their silence. Im not a fatalist; I dont believe that societies are condemned by history. Nor that individuals are condemned by the society to which they belong. If everyone wants it, we can get rid of these people, he points out. Its difficult. On the island, no one speaks. When a crime occurs, its almost impossible not to know one of the parties, directly or indirectly. Witnesses fall silent when the police arrive, and on trial day, not a single juror shows up. The first thing is trust in the state and the police. For reasons inherited from the past, there has been a distrust between Corsica and the Republic. And if its not restored, crime will win. We must embrace reporting crimes, speaking out. But doing so with confidence. And that will take time. But it will also require tools that allow for the confiscation of organizations assets, he says.

The prefect of South Corsica, Jerome Filippini, speaks at the anti-mafia march on March 8. Raphael Poletti

France has passed tough new laws against drug trafficking: high-security prisons, solitary confinement, streamlined prosecutions and the creation of a new Prosecutor Generals Office dedicated to organized crime. But Corsica remains a difficult ecosystem to pigeonhole. Its a theater of shadows. We have a hard time seeing things. The mafia has always existed. There has always been a porosity between bandits and political and economic power. Its a tradition dating back to the 19th century: domination by force, violence, murder. Whats new is the anti-mafia groups, who have won a semantic battle, analyzes Leo Battesti.

His years of nationalist activism, also through violence, made him understand the absurdity of that armed struggle, whose leaders, in many cases, ended up sitting at the same table as organizations like Brise de Mer to divide up the island. It was a mistake. We gave them an almost political character. But today the situation is chaotic. All the actions being carried out today against businesses, ships, real estate businesses are part of that tradition of pressure on economic sectors. The entire island is under pressure. Even those who say they arent: those, the most.

Graffiti in Bastia commemorates Massimu Susini, a victim of the mafia. Raphael Poletti Graffiti in Bastia dedicated to Massimu Susini. Raphael Poletti Graffiti in Bastia that reads: "Mafia out, the FLNC (Corsican Liberation Front) will win." Raphael Poletti Graffiti in Bastia dedicated to Massimu Susini. Raphael Poletti

The wave of attacks on certain economic sectors has been particularly virulent this year. The Corsican Chamber of Commerce called for an end to the violence two weeks ago in a statement. It was the second time. They were concerned, of course, about the economy, in a region with an unemployment rate (6.4%) lower than the French average (7.4%) and enormous tourism potential. That is also the problem. It is a fact that, far from fading or receding, this wave of crime continues to grow and spread. No economy, no human society will be built from ashes or misfortune, the statement reads.

In 2024, there were 364 acts of violence (arson or explosives) against Corsican companies that refused to pay or accept clan members as business partners. One per day. It was also the year of murders: 18. Six boats burned in the ports of Calvi, Ajaccio, and Saint-Florent. But its difficult to know how many there really are. These are gray figures because there are very few complaints. Today, its no longer a question of asking for an envelope at the end of the month, but of becoming a partner in the company under threat, sometimes simply by their presence, without even verbalizing this violence. This makes it more difficult to detect, notes Colonel Charles-Guillaume Lacoste at the Ajaccio Gendarmerie headquarters.

French Gendarmerie Colonel Charles-Guillaume Lacoste, pictured in his office in Ajaccio. Raphael Poletti

The struggle of the forces of law and order  the Gendarmerie and the National Police  is like the myth of Sisyphus. No one dares to say whether its possible to win. Everything is too intertwined. Its difficult to define the mafia sphere. Its integrated into society, thats the difference. Its not a group of drug traffickers who have nothing to do with the landscape. The mafia here acts on political power, on economic power, and is part of it. Theres pressure on those sectors, as well as on society. Its very unique. Corsica is a small island. Everyone knows each other. In the same family, there can be a politician, a mafioso, a businessman... Its difficult to know if its just a family tie or infiltration, Lacoste analyzes.

The fight against the mafia also requires heroes and martyrs capable of silencing the guns with their lives. In Sicilys toughest years against Cosa Nostra, they were Peppino Impastato, Giovanni Falcone, and Paolo Borsellino. Corsica is now plastered with the face of Massimu Susini, murdered on September 12, 2019. The man, then 36 years old, confronted the clans that were beginning to threaten Cargese, his hometown and a crossroads between nationalist movements  to which he belonged  and organized crime. One morning, just after 8:00 a.m., as he was opening his beach bar, a man stood in some bushes with a rifle with a telescopic sight and shot him four times with bullets that could have brought down a bear. One of them pierced his collarbone and severed his airway.

Jean-Toussaint Plasenzotti, portrayed in Cargese. Raphael Poletti

The killer fled. As is often the case, the culprit was never found, recalls Jean-Toussaint Plasenzotti, Susinis uncle and founder of the association that bears his name. They thought that by killing Massimo they would terrorize the town and be able to continue their drug business. But the opposite happened, he notes next to the small monument commemorating his nephew, a few meters from the spot where he was murdered. Since that day, about five years ago, many things have changed.

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A hard-hitting anti-dairy cinema advert has been pulled after watchdogs ruled it misleading and offensiveprompting celebrations from farming leaders.

A ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned the controversial cinema advert, which was produced by the vegan charity Viva!.

The 50-second ad, titled Scary Dairy, aired in cinemas earlier this year and featured a dark, emotive scene in which a man ominously removes a baby from its crying mother, telling her: You can't keep your baby because we want your milk.

The ASA upheld a series of complaints, concluding that the advert was likely to cause serious or widespread offence and unjustified distress to viewers.

As a result, it must not be shown again in its current form, the advertisement watchdog ruled.

The advert prompted a flood of complaints from the farming community and industry representatives, including formal submissions from the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI).

Both organisations said the decision sets a vital precedent, reinforcing the importance of accuracy and accountability in advertising, particularly when it involves sensitive sectors such as agriculture and animal welfare.

UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said the Viva! cinema advert sparked a flood of complaints from members, who felt it unfairly vilified the dairy sector.

The adverts message was not only misleading and inaccurate, but also harmful to the dairy sector we represent," he said.

He emphasised the high animal welfare standards farmers uphold and the deep concern the ad caused. It was extremely distressing for our members to witness this advert.

"They worried excessively about the false narrative it was portraying to members of the public and how it would be interpreted," he said.

"Therefore, we are pleased that the ASA has acted decisively, recognising the validity of the complaints.

Echoing these concerns, Ian Stevenson, chief executive of the Dairy Council NI, said the campaign struck a nerve with farmers who felt it grossly misrepresented their work.

Farmers were rightly annoyed and indeed angered by this campaign which conveniently overlooked the deep commitment that local farmers and their family members have to all the animals in their herds each and every day," he said.

He stressed that local dairy producers consistently uphold strong welfare standards: The standards consistently achieved by farmers along with the care they show, ensures every calf born on a Northern Ireland dairy farm is highly valued and reared accordingly.

This advert from Viva! did nothing to tell the real story of what really happens on dairy farms here. Therefore, we join UFU in welcoming the ASAs ruling.
US President Donald Trump yesterday reiterated his threat of levying a 10-per cent tariff on imports from BRICS group members, saying the group of developing nations would end very quickly if they ever formed in a meaningful way.

Trump announced the new tariff on July 6, saying it would apply to any countries aligning themselves with what he termed the anti-American policies of the BRICS group. However, BRICS leaders have rejected that allegation.

President Donald Trump yesterday reiterated his threat of levying a 10-per cent tariff on imports from BRICS members. "When I heard about this group from BRICS, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly," Trump said. He said he is committed to preserving the US dollar's global status as a reserve currency.

"When I heard about this group from BRICS, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly," Trump said without naming the countries. "We can never let anyone play games with us," he was quoted as saying by global newswires.

He is committed to preserving the US dollar's global status as a reserve currency and pledged to never allow the creation of a central bank digital currency in America, Trump said.

Despite Brazil nixing BRICS plans to push for a common currency in February this year, the group is mulling over a cross-border payment system called BRICS Pay that would facilitate trade and financial transactions in local currencies.

The BRICS group expanded last year beyond its core members, i.e., Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, to include other countries like Iran and Indonesia. Leaders at the group's summit in Brazil indirectly criticised US military and trade policies.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Fitch Ratings recently updated the US effective tariff rate (ETR) monitor, its interactive tariff tool. The US ETR will jump to 19.4 per cent from 14.1 per cent based on the fact that higher reciprocal tariffs and copper duties come into force on August 1, in line with the rates specified in recent letters and announced deals.

President Donald Trump extended the pause on country-specific reciprocal tariffs announced in April and sent letters to countries setting forth new tariff rates, which range from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.

Fitch Ratings recently updated the US effective tariff rate (ETR) monitor, its interactive tariff tool. The US ETR will jump to 19.4 per cent from 14.1 per cent based on the fact that higher reciprocal tariffs and copper duties come into force on August 1. Bangladesh would have the highest ETR under the August 1 tariff regime at around 50 per cent. The ETR for China is unchanged at 41.4 per cent.

For now, the United States maintains a 10-per cent baseline tariff for most countries that have not received letters, although Trump stated he may set a blanket tariff of 10 per cent to 15 per cent for around 150 countries.

This presents additional upside risk to current ETR levels, Fitch Ratings noted in a release.

New trade deals have also been announced in the last week for Vietnam and Indonesia that establish reciprocal tariff rates of 20 per cent and 19 per cent respectively.

The threatened tariff increases represent a significant increase from existing tariffs.

Reciprocal tariffs on European Union goods would increase to 30 per cent from 20 per cent, resulting in ETRs for individual EU countries that range from around 12 per cent to over 30 per cent. The ETR represents total duties as a percent of total imports and changes with shifts in import share by country of origin and product mix.

Bangladesh would have the highest ETR under the August 1 tariff regime at around 50 per cent. This incorporates the 35-per cent rate announced in the tariff letters and the 15-per cent rate that was already in place heading into 2025. The ETR approximates the announced tariff rate as Bangladesh does not benefit from tariff carveouts.

There are no changes to the reciprocal tariff rate for China, and the ETR for China is unchanged at 41.4 per cent.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Aircraft Will Support Airline's Fleet Expansion and Modernization Strategy

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. ("CDB Leasing"), announced the execution of new lease agreements for six Airbus A321neo aircraft with its Chinese airline customer, Zhejiang Loong Airlines Co., Ltd. ("Loong Air").

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250718403953/en/

The lease agreements were executed during a signing ceremony held on July 17, 2025, at the airline's headquarters in Hangzhou, China, in the presence of Loong Air's Chairman Qihong Liu and Vice Chairman and Executive President Jin Wang, and CDB Aviation's Chief Executive Officer Jie Chen and Head of Commercial, Greater China Michelle Wu.

The Hangzhou-headquartered carrier is expected to take delivery of the aircraft in 2027 from the lessor's orderbook. Renowned for its fuel efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and extended range capabilities, the A321neo, the largest member of Airbus' A320neo family, is well suited to enhance Loong Air's operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

"We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Loong Air through this transaction, which underscores our commitment to supporting the growth of China's aviation sector," said Jie Chen, Chief Executive Officer of CDB Aviation. "The A321neo's superior economics and passenger comfort align perfectly with Loong Air's vision of expanding its domestic, international and regional network."

Established in 2011, Loong Air operates a fleet of over 70 Airbus A320-family aircraft, serving major Chinese cities and select international routes. The addition of the A321neos will enable the airline to boost capacity on high-demand routes while maintaining its focus on cost efficiency and environmental responsibility.

"This agreement marks another milestone in Loong Air and CDB Aviation's strategic partnership of more than 10 years," commented Qihong Liu, Chairman of Loong Air. "We also hope to continue to explore new opportunities of cooperation with CDB Aviation and jointly promote innovative development in the future. The A321neo's enhanced performance and cabin flexibility will allow us to offer an elevated travel experience to our passengers, while supporting our long-term sustainability objectives."

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions, including with respect to CDB Aviation's business, financial condition, results of operations or plans. CDB Aviation cautions readers that no forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance and that actual results or other financial condition or performance measures could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements sometimes use words such as "may," "will," "seek," "continue," "aim," "anticipate," "target," "projected," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "believe," "achieve" or other terminology or words of similar meaning. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of CDB Aviation's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Loong Air

Zhejiang Loong Airlines Co., Ltd. ("Loong Air") was established on April 19, 2011, with its first cargo flight launched on August 9, 2012, and its first passenger flight on December 29, 2013, Based on Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The company serves as Zhejiang Province's leading home-based airline and one of the key players in the aviation industry. Loong Air has established three branches in Northwest, Southwest, and Central-South of China. To date, its fleet size reach to 73, operating domestic and international passenger and cargo routes covering Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and extending to Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia, transporting over 10 million passengers annually. The company is committed to four major development visions: high-quality, group operations, intelligence and international, to establish itself as a world-class aviation group. www.loongair.cn

About CDB Aviation

CDB Aviation is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. ("CDB Leasing") a 40-year-old Chinese leasing company that is backed mainly by the China Development Bank. CDB Aviation is rated Investment Grade by Moody's (A2), S&P Global (A), and Fitch (A+). China Development Bank is under the direct jurisdiction of the State Council of China and is one of the world's largest development finance institution. It is also the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation, long-term lending and bond issuance, enjoying Chinese sovereign credit rating.

CDB Leasing is the only leasing arm of the China Development Bank and a leading company in China's leasing industry that has been engaged in aircraft, infrastructure, ship, commercial vehicle and construction machinery leasing and enjoys a Chinese sovereign credit rating. It took an important step in July 2016 to globalize and marketize its business listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX STOCK CODE: 1606). www.CDBAviation.aero

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250718403953/en/

Contacts:

Media contact: Paul Thibeau

Paul.THIBEAU@CDBAviation.aero; +1 612 594 9844
NEW YORK, July 20, 2025has been recognized by global research firm Frost & Sullivan as the No.?1 camera-accessories brand worldwide by sales volume in?2024, marking a significant milestone in the company's nearly decade-long global journey.





*Ulanzi specializes in photography accessories, including tripods, stabilizers, lights, audio gear, and bags.

Brand Overview: Built for the Modern Creator

Founded in 2015 in Shenzhen, Ulanzi has built its reputation on designing and manufacturing high-quality, user-friendly accessories tailored for creators in the digital age. From tripods and lighting to audio and carry solutions, the brand now offers over 3,400 SKUs across more than 190 countries and regions. It holds more than 600 global patents and has received multiple prestigious design awards, including iF, Red Dot, and IDEA.

Innovation-Driven Growth

The company's success stems from its strong focus on product innovation and deep integration with real-world user needs. William Zou, Founder & Chief Product Officer of Ulanzi, has driven a development model that tightly combines direct user feedback with agile R&D. His hands-on leadership - collaborating closely with teams from companies like Apple and Zebao - has helped ensure that the brand stays closely attuned to the evolving demands of both amateur and professional creators.

A Digital-First Global Expansion

Beyond its robust product lineup, Ulanzi has also built a strong international presence through digital engagement. By collaborating with creators on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, and by building a direct-to-consumer ecosystem that includes Amazon, AliExpress, and its own webstore, Ulanzi has successfully created a content-driven marketing model that resonates with modern users. The brand's official TikTok account, @Ulanzi_Official , has surpassed 860,000 followers and achieved over 44 million likes.

Recognized as a global leader in camera accessories, Ulanzi credits its success to a user-first philosophy and commitment to accessible, high-quality tools that empower creators worldwide. To expand globally, Ulanzi has built a strong localized presence by entering platforms like Shopee and Noon, forming a regional hero product matrix, and collaborating with local influencers to create culturally relevant content. On-ground teams in Nigeria, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Brazil further support agile operations and deep market integration-ensuring Ulanzi stays closely attuned to local needs while setting a blueprint for Chinese brands going global.

Press Contact:

Ulanzi PR Team

Email: pr@ulanzi.cn

Website: https://www.ulanzi.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f974590-4fc0-4dff-a7e5-187dfa2fbf91
SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE LOAN RECEIVED AND FINAL PROPOSAL FROM THE PROXY GROUP

VANCOUVER, BC, July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

RevoluGROUP CanadaInc. (TSX-V: REVO ), (Frankfurt: IJA2 ), (Munich: A2PU92 )

The Proxy Shareholder Group of RevoluGROUP Canada Inc., representing over 10% of the company's share capital, expresses its gravest concerns regarding the financing agreement reportedly signed with Brinks Resources Ltd, and its sole director.

Based on publicly accessible information from official UK company registers and basic online research, Brinks Resources Ltd appears to:

Be a recently created entity with a capital of only 100 (approximately 170 CAD).

Have no known operational activity and no published accounts.

Have been registered in October 2024.

It is important to mention that Brinks Resources Ltd has no relation whatsoever with the internationally known and reputable The Brink's Company.

Despite these red flags, current management, specifically Mr. Gavin McMillan, claims that a due diligence process (KYC/KYB) was properly conducted - something we find utterly incomprehensible. A simple search using public search engines and AI tools such as ChatGPT immediately revealed extensive and concerning information regarding both Brinks Resources Ltd and its sole director. This raises serious questions as to the depth and sincerity of any alleged due diligence process.

We also understand that RevoluPAY Spain submitted a formal compliance report to the Board, warning of significant risks tied to this agreement, highlighting the connections between Brinks Resources Ltd and companies involved with Bandenia in Spain. This report was neither acknowledged nor answered by management.

Moreover, the loan granted by Brinks Resources Ltd reportedly:

Could be convertible into shares under undisclosed conditions, potentially leading to shareholder dilution.

Might include clauses affecting the governance of RevoluGROUP.

Was granted by a director who held relevant positions in Bandenia companies in Spain and Cyprus.

To this day, no official disclosure has been made to shareholders regarding this loan, despite the obligations of the TSX Venture Exchange and the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC), which require disclosure of all material agreements.

We further remind the Board that continuing to execute this agreement could result in RevoluGROUP losing its Spanish, Canadian, and US licenses.

OUR FINAL PROPOSAL

In the interest of transparency and to avoid legal escalation, the Proxy Shareholder Group hereby makes its final offer:

Immediate cancellation of the loan agreement signed with Brinks Resources Ltd. Substitution of the Proxy Shareholder Group (or any shareholder wishing to participate) in said financing, under equal or superior terms. Confirmation of our additional loan proposal of CAD 350,000, aimed at repaying debts and restoring compliance for TSX relisting.

In parallel, we formally address RevoluGROUP's legal counsel:

Even if a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prevents the publication of the Brinks Resources Ltd loan agreement, we believe this does not prevent you from answering the following basic compliance and regulatory questions:

Does the loan agreement signed with Brinks Resources Ltd comply fully with TSX and BCSC regulations? Is the Brinks Resources Ltd loan convertible into shares, and if so, under what conditions? Does the Brinks Resources Ltd loan include any clauses affecting the company's governance, Board composition, or shareholder rights? Have the funds received been used exclusively in the interest of RevoluGROUP shareholders, excluding director compensation? Given the warnings received from RevoluPAY Spain, does this loan expose RevoluGROUP to regulatory risks that could threaten its licenses?

We request clear, written answers to these questions within five (5) calendar days.

This proposal represents our final amicable attempt to protect the company and its shareholders. Continued delays and opacity serve only those receiving remuneration while RevoluGROUP deteriorates further.

We call upon all shareholders - whether they join the Proxy Group or not - to demand transparency and protect their investments by directly requesting explanations from the Board of Directors, the TSX Venture Exchange, and the BCSC.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/revolugroup-proxy-shareholder-group--official-statement-302509196.html
The Epstein files continue to haunt Donald Trump. Under pressure, he has asked for the release of more documents related to the accused sex offender. This, after the Wall Street Journal published a report about a birthday letter sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 with Trumps name. We talk about the Trump-Epstein drama as he sues the newspaper and more in our weekly wrap

A person takes a photo as a message calling on President Donald Trump to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein is projected onto the US Chamber of Commerce building across from the White House in Washington, DC, on July 18. Trump's administration said it would seek the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein, as the US president sought to dispel lingering political fallout over his team's handling of the late financier's sex trafficking case. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department will ask a court to unseal the grand jury transcripts, as Trump's relationship with Epstein came under the spotlight again over an alleged off-colour letter published by the Wall Street Journal. AFP

Its been yet another week of flip-flops courtesy of Donald Trump. The US President is frustrated with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. So much so that he announced a deal to send US weapons to Ukraine through Nato. Thats not all. Trump threatened 100 per cent tariffs on Russia and secondary sanctions on its trading partners if there was no deal to end the war by early September.

Potus reportedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if Kyiv could strike the Russian capital if he provided long-range weaponry. But he seemed to have changed in mind, later saying that Ukraine should not target the Russian capital.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

West Asia was on the boil yet again. In Syria, clashes broke out between government forces and members of the Druze community, a minority sect, in the Suweida province. As the fighting escalated, Israel intervened, attacking its northern neighbour, even bombing the capital Damascus. The Jewish nation said it was defending the Druze.

The country remains on edge. Sectarian clashes continue in southern Syria despite a ceasefire announcement. Druze fighters reportedly pushed out Bedouin gunmen from the city of Suweida on Saturday.

Trump has been on a war path with Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. There was speculation that he might fire Powell after a meeting on Tuesday (July 15) at which he polled lawmakers about what he should do. Turns out, Potus decided against it.

The president is not having the best week. The Epstein files continue to haunt him. He has ordered the US justice department to produce additional documents related to the sex offender amid an explosive Wall Street Journal report that he sent Jeffrey Epstein bawdy letters for a 50th birthday. Following through on his Libel threat, Trump has also sued Rupert Murdoch and two reporters over the article.

As the controversy refuses to die down, Trumps Maga base is losing patience  they are not happy that the Epstein list has been kept secret, and they are not happy about the support to Ukraine either.

In Asia, Pakistan is battling the same old problem  intense floods that have claimed hundreds of lives. Bangladesh once again was gripped by violence, this time in ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas hometown, Gopalganj. And Thailand was rocked by a sex scandal involving monks.

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In our weekly wrap, we take a deep dive into some of these stories.

1. US President Donald Trump has changed his tune on the Russia-Ukraine war. At one time, he appeared to be courting his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. But this past week has been about tough talk  Potus has set a 50-day deadline for Putin to end the conflict and has threatened Moscow and its trading partners with tariffs. He has a new weapons plan for Ukraine. But why this big U-turn? This explainer analyses.

Ukrainian service members walk next to a launcher of a Patriot air defence system, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location. US President Donald Trump has said to have discussed providing Patriot missiles to Kyiv. File photo/Reuters

2. The Donald Trump-Jeffrey Epstein saga is far from over. The US president has ordered the Justice Department to produce some additional documents related to the sex offender. Amid growing pressure over the Epstein files from the Maga base, an explosive report by the Wall Street Journal revealed that the disgraced financier received a note on his 50th birthday, which bore the presidents name and the drawing of a naked woman. Were Trump and Epstein close?

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People walk out of the West Wing of the White House with The Epstein Files: Phase 1 binders, in Washington, DC, on, February 27 Trump said on Thursday (July 17) that he had directed his attorney general, Pam Bondi, to seek the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epsteins sex-trafficking case. Reuters

3. Theres a new chapter to the Donald Trump vs Jerome Powell story. The president has been going after the Federal Reserve chair for a while. Earlier in the week, he almost fired him. Hours after asking lawmakers whether he should sack the central banker, the president said it was highly unlikely that he would do so. But does Potus have this power?

Donald Trump on Tuesday asked a group of House Republicans if he should fire Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. File photo/Reuters

5. Donald Trump wants to make Coca-Cola great again. He says the beverage giant has agreed to use real cane sugar in its drinks sold in the US. The cola currently has corn syrup in American products. So what changes? Well, to put it simply, the American Coke will now taste like the Indian one.

6. West Asia continues to be gripped by instability. In Syria, clashes erupted between Bedouin gunmen and militias linked with the Druze minority. Government forces were blamed for joining in attacks on the Druze. Then Israel decided to step in. It launched strikes against the Syrian forces and bombed military infrastructure in Damascus. The fighting stopped after a truce was announced on Wednesday (July 15). But why did the Jewish nation attack Syria? Why does it want to protect the Druze? We explain.

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Bedouin fighters stand in front of a burned shop at Mazraa village on the outskirts of Sweida city, during clashes between the Bedouin clans and Druze militias, southern Syria, on July 18. AP

7. Next, we talk about a shocker from Thailand. A sex scandal involving hundreds of monks is unravelling in the Asian nation. A woman has been arrested for allegedly seducing Thai monks and then extorting millions by blackmailing them with intimate videos and photos. Several high-profile monks have been cast out of the monkhood. Heres what we know.

Thailands Buddhist monks are under scrutiny after the arrest of a woman, who allegedly had sexual relations with monks and used photos and videos to blackmail them. Representational pic/AFP

8. Our last story is about the paranormal. Dan Rivera, the handler of the haunted Annabelle doll, died suddenly while touring in the US. His death comes days after rumours circulated that the toy had gone missing. This is the story of the paranormal investigator and the doll.

Thats our reading list for you this Sunday, dear readers. If you are hooked, you can find more such stories here.
The fear of expulsion and family separation is leaving undocumented female victims of domestic violence facing an impossible choice: report the abuse and risk deportation, or remain in an abusive relationship. They can either endure gender-based violence at home  which can even lead to death  or face the relentless Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Trump administrations anti-immigration policies and its determination to achieve the largest deportation rate in U.S. history exacerbate the risk that these women have to contend with when approaching the authorities. ICE is eager to fill the governments quota of 3,000 deportations per day, and when an undocumented immigrant files a report denouncing abuse, the victim is essentially handing themselves over.

Fear among migrants who suffer from domestic violence has increased dramatically under this administration. When you see people literally detained in the street while taking their children to school or the supermarket, the fear increases enormously, and for good reason, explains Christian F. Nunes, president of the National Organization for Women (NOW), a feminist advocacy organization.

Even in sanctuary cities  such as Albuquerque, New Mexico  women are afraid to report the plight they experience in their homes. ICE has invaded the countrys streets, searching for people to deport. Bonnie Escobar  who directs Enlace Comunitario (Community Link)  confirms that fear has taken hold among migrants who suffer from abuse. Her organization has been helping victims of gender-based violence for 25 years, providing them with access to therapy, shelters, counseling and legal defense. They serve around 700 survivors each year, and theyve already felt the effects of Trumps second term. About a month ago, ICE raided a local Walmart  twice  and detained several undocumented workers, spreading fear among the migrant community.

The weekly support group meeting  where participants learn how to apply for a restraining order and how to write a police report, among other things  is usually attended by 20 survivors of violence. Last week, however, only five attended. And the five who came told us that they were afraid to leave the house, because they didnt know if theyd run into ICE, Escobar sighs. Weve seen the chilling effects from just two raids.

Gender-based violence is defined as abusive behavior, which is intended to control a partner or another family member. The abuse can be physical, emotional, economic or sexual. Escobar explains that, in more macho cultures  as is the case with much of the Latino community  its more common for women to view abuse as something that they simply must endure in a relationship. Add to that the fear of falling into the clutches of ICE. and theyre even more likely to avoid reporting it.

The Houston Chronicle recently published the case of a Salvadoran woman whose information ended up in the hands of immigration agents after she dialed 911 for help. She was being abused by her ex-husband.

The woman arrived in the United States with her husband and two children in 2018, fleeing gang violence. The couple had a third child in Houston, but separated shortly afterward. In 2024, she obtained a restraining order against him due to repeated abuse. However, the harassment continued. At work and in public, he harassed her, armed with a gun and knives. He threatened to kill her.

This past April, after being approached by him while shopping, she called the police, who provided her with a helpline. The officer who answered the phone warned her that the police had forwarded her report to ICE and advised her not to file a report in person, or she would risk being detained.

If he were to hurt me again, I dont think I could report it, because thats where my story would end, the woman told The Houston Chronicle.

Her case isnt unique. Many undocumented women prefer to suffer in silence rather than reveal their identity and end up in the hands of ICE. A recent survey conducted by Advocates for Immigrant Survivors (AIS) shows that 76% of attorneys admit that undocumented victims are afraid to report abuse. The added risk of deportation prevents them from applying for restraining orders, calling the police, or going through the court system.

This survey shows us the serious chilling effect that recent changes in immigration policy are having on immigrant survivors of violence, says Cristina Velez. Shes the policy director of ASISTA, an organization that provides assistance to advocates for migrant victims of domestic violence. This is the message theyre receiving: either stay with their abuser, or risk deportation.

The Trump administrations collaboration with state and local law enforcement agencies has exacerbated the situation that these women are trapped in. Immigration agents raids on courthouses also discourage them from suing their abusers.

Undocumented women have fled violence, poverty and persecution of some kind in their countries of origin. Their vulnerability is greater than that of other women, meaning that theyre more exposed to gender-based violence and sexual abuse. A 2017 NOW report  conducted during the first Trump administration  already showed that abuse rates among immigrant women reached 49.8%, almost three times the national average.

The abusers  who are often the only ties that these women have to the United States  take advantage of this dependency. They can blackmail their victims with various threats. These include reporting them to the authorities, halting or not starting their regularization processes, separating them from their children, or withdrawing financial support. In many cases, victims also dont speak English, further complicating their situation and increasing their isolation.

The NOW report showed that, among abusive spouses who could have filed legal immigration documents for their victims, 72.3% never filed them. And the 27.7% who filed did so with an average delay of 3.97 years.

Youre my wife. I warned you.

The vulnerability of undocumented women led the U.S. Congress to pass the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA). This legislation allows foreign nationals  who have been abused by a relative who is either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident  to independently apply (self-petition) for permanent residence without the abusers knowledge, consent, or involvement in the immigration process.

According to data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 35,917 VAWA petitions were filed in 2024. The number of applications has increased by 350% in the last decade.

A 31-year-old woman who left her husband after several incidents of physical and verbal assault showed CBS News some of the messages she received from her abuser. One message read: 1. You are my wife. 2. I am your petitioner. Lawfully you cannot just leave, as an American you are my responsibility. Im sorry but I warned you. He also sent a warning to the victims sister: I will contact immigration soon and ICE can show up any day and deport, the text messages read.

Nunes explains that the raids ICE is carrying out in places that were previously considered safe  such as churches, schools and hospitals  are causing undocumented women to feel more unsafe than ever. Theres real cruelty and inhumanity in whats happening with the current immigration policy. Theres extreme fear, she says.

ICE agents now also have access to shelters that house women who are victims of gender-based violence. Trump ended the protection that these facilities had during the Biden administration, which prevented immigration agents from entering the shelters. The director of one shelter  which primarily serves Hispanic women in El Paso, Texas  told USA Today that she had observed a 25% decrease in the number of people seeking help. The director requested anonymity for fear of retaliation from ICE.

The hostile environment that the Trump administration has created for migrants also influences the domestic sphere. If there was already violence taking place, its now been exacerbated by the governments policies. If theres ever been a strangulation incident [in the past]  or if theres a gun in the home  these women are more likely to die now, says Escobar.

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As India steps into the era of AI-driven diagnostics, the question is no longer whether AI will be part of healthcare but how quickly, safely and fairly it can be integrated. The launch of the Excel 3T MRI is a promising start, but experts believe that the road ahead will require not just smarter machines but smarter policies, wider access and deeper human-AI collaboration.

With artificial intelligence reshaping industries globally, healthcare in India is now seeing its own AI-driven turning pointthis time in the radiology room as Delhis Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated Indias first ultra-fast AI-powered MRI scanner, the Excel 3T at Mahajan Imagings new diagnostic centre in Dwarka that will not only offers high-end MRI but integrates advanced laboratory testing and genetic diagnostics.

The Excel 3T MRI system, integrated with artificial intelligence to optimise speed, clarity and patient experience is capable of slashing scan times by nearly half and delivering sharper imaging using AI-based reconstruction and real-time correction algorithms. With specialisation in cardiac, neuro and musculoskeletal imaging, it is positioned to meet growing demand for precision-led diagnostics in urban India, particularly for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

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The newly installed Excel 3T MRI scanner is powered by artificial intelligence systems that significantly improve imaging resolution while reducing scan time. Cardiac MRI scans, which traditionally took over an hour can now be completed in 3040 minutes, thanks to real-time motion correction, compressed sensing algorithms and AI-guided image reconstruction. These features not only improve efficiency but also enhance the patient experience, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with claustrophobia.

AI is no longer a futuristic conceptits now a practical clinical tool, said Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chairman of Mahajan Imaging & Labs. Our goal is to introduce a new model for diagnostics, where cutting-edge AI supports better diagnosis while the patient remains at the centre of care.

Beyond comfort, the AI-integrated system enhances diagnostic confidence, he said, adding that by reducing artefacts and improving signal-to-noise ratios by up to 50%, the system delivers crisper, more accurate images. This is particularly crucial in cardiac MRI, where early detection of subtle functional or structural abnormalities can alter treatment outcomes dramatically.

Meeting Indias growing diagnostic burden

Indias health system is under increasing pressure from a rising tide of NCDs. According to the World Health Organisation, 63% of all deaths in India are caused by non-communicable diseases, with 27% due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) alone. Alarmingly, CVD accounts for 45% of deaths among those aged 40 to 69, and Indians experience heart disease nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts.

Despite this, access to high-quality diagnostic tools remains unequal. Thats where AI-enhanced systems hold promise. In high-burden countries like India, where clinical manpower is limited and diagnostic delays are common, AI can support faster image interpretation, automate repetitive tasks and reduce error rates, said a Delhi-based preventive cardiology expert.

Moreover, AIs potential to triage large volumes of data, flag anomalies and assist radiologists in identifying patterns offers a practical solution to Indias stretched healthcare workforce.

A model for the future?

The Delhi government is keen to encourage more public-private partnerships in advanced healthcare. Speaking at the event, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said:

The rise of NCDs, especially cardiac disease, is alarming. We are ensuring that all residents of Delhi have access to affordable diagnostics. I urge more providers to come forward and contribute to this transformation.

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Currently, most AI tools in Indian diagnostics are developed by private vendors and deployed in premium urban centres, leaving public hospitals and rural clinics far behind. For AIs benefits to be equitably distributed, experts say India needs robust regulatory frameworks, interoperability standards and capacity building among healthcare workers.

Technology with empathy

The Dwarka centre reflects more than just technological advancement. Its patient-centric design includes natural light, calming interiors, and sustainable infrastructure like energy-efficient systems and water reuse mechanisms. Dr. Mahajan emphasised that the goal was to deliver not just clinical precision but emotional comforta departure from the cold, clinical atmosphere often associated with diagnostic centres.

We want to continue to be at the forefront of quality focused Integrated Diagnostics in Delhi NCR and North India. We hope to play a bigger role in preventive health for Non-Communicable Diseases, and will introduce dedicated facilities that marry Genomics, Lab medicine and high- end Radiology, said Kabir Mahajan, Chief Operating Officer, Mahajan Imaging & Labs.
The Gopalganj violence, the failure to conduct autopsies, and the move to demolish Satyajit Rays ancestral home are not mere missteps but a profound betrayal of the Bangladeshi peoples trust and their shared history with India

It is absolutely essential that the Yunus-led interim government take immediate steps to restore Bangladeshs democratic character while safeguarding the rich Bengali heritage that defines the nation and its deep ties with India. Image: AP

The bloodbath in Gopalganj on July 16, 2025, is a gut-wrenching testament to the catastrophic failure of Muhammad Yunuss interim government, a regime that has plunged Bangladesh into a vortex of violence and cultural betrayal. This wasnt just a clash; it was a massacre, with at least five confirmed deadthough Bangladesh Human Rights Watch (BHRW) suggests a staggering 21 fatalities, a number the government refuses to verify. The Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), widely seen as Yunuss puppet, sparked the chaos by confronting Awami League supporters in Gopalganj, the symbolic heartland of Sheikh Hasina and the birthplace of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

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The states response was not justice but repression: a suffocating curfew, over 160 arrests, and a chilling refusal to conduct autopsies on the victims, as confirmed by Jibitesh Biswas, superintendent of Gopalganj General Hospital. No death certificates were issued, and Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallicks vague promise of legal procedures is a hollow insult to the grieving. As someone who holds Bangladeshs storied resilience close, Im enraged by this desecration of Gopalganj, a place that embodies the nations fight for freedom, now stained by a government that seems to revel in tearing it apart.

This isnt an isolated tragedy but a symptom of a broader collapse under Yunuss watch since August 2024. The interim government has presided over a relentless wave of violencemurders, mob lynchings, rapes, and attacks on minoritiesthat has left Bangladeshs social fabric in tatters. The brutal killing of Lal Chand Sohag in Dhaka and the gang rape in Cumilla are not anomalies but glaring evidence of a nation spiralling into lawlessness. Yunus, with breathtaking arrogance, claims crime statistics show stabilisation, a lie so blatant it mocks the fear gripping ordinary citizens. The move to demolish the ancestral home of Harikishore Ray Chowdhury, Satyajit Rays forebear, in Mymensinghonce the Mymensingh Shishu Academyis a deliberate act of cultural vandalism.

Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) requested for its preservation, offering to fund its transformation into a museum celebrating the shared Bengali heritage of both the nations. West Bengals Mamata Banerjee echoed this plea, but Yunuss regime responded by saying that the said house has no connection to Satyajit Ray whatsoever, hell-bent on erasing a piece of history that binds India and Bangladesh. Belayat Hossain Mamun, general secretary of the Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh, warns this is a trial run for further destruction, potentially targeting Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhurys birthplace in Moshua, Kishoreganj. The contrast with Sheikh Hasinas government, which restored the Kishoreganj site, is starkYunus seems intent on obliterating the very soul of Bengal.

Sheikh Hasinas blistering statement cuts through the fog of this crisis with razor-sharp clarity. She brands Yunus a murderer-fascist, accusing him of orchestrating a conspiracy to dismantle Bangladeshs identity through his NCP proxies. Her words are not mere passion but a righteous cry against a regime that has desecrated sacred symbols: Bangabandhus residence, the Liberation War Museum, the national flag, the anthem, and the Constitution. She points to the NCPs March to Gopalganj as a calculated assault on Bangabandhus mausoleum in Tungipara, a site she rightly calls the heart of Bengali identity.

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Hasinas assertion that Bangabandhu and Bangladesh are one and inseparable resonates deeply, as does her praise for the people of Gopalganj, who, despite facing tear gas and bullets, stood as guardians of their heritage. The states responseindiscriminate gunfire on civilianssurpasses, as she puts it, medieval barbarity. The refusal to conduct autopsies or inquests, as admitted by hospital and police officials, reeks of a cover-up, a desperate bid to bury the truth of this bloodshed. Hasinas call for resistance is a rallying cry for a nation under siege by its own government.

The international community is sounding the alarm, and rightly so. BHRW, in a scathing letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, accuses the Bangladesh Army of complicity in the Gopalganj crackdown, a charge echoed by a UK-based human rights group. BHRWs claim of 21 deaths underscores the scale of this tragedy, far beyond the governments sanitised narrative. The NCP, derisively (and accurately) called the kings party, stands accused of unleashing a reign of terrorvandalising and burning Hindu temples, statues of national heroes, businesses, and public properties.

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This isnt just violence; its a systematic campaign to erase Bangladeshs pluralistic identity. BHRWs demand for an independent UN investigation and the deployment of human rights observers is a damning verdict on Yunuss inability to govern. The silence from his administration, refusing to acknowledge the true death toll or address these accusations, only deepens the perception of a regime complicit in chaos. The world is watching, and Yunuss failure to act is a betrayal of the Bangladeshi people and their global allies.

What stings most is the betrayal of the shared heritage between India and Bangladesh. Since Bangladeshs birth in 1971, India has been the unwavering friend of its people, standing shoulder-to-shoulder through the Liberation War and beyond, championing the dreams of a free, vibrant nation. The MEAs offer to rebuild Satyajit Rays ancestral home was a gesture of brotherhood, a plea to preserve a legacy that transcends borders. Yunuss rejection of this olive branch is not just an insult to India but a slap in the face to the Bangladeshi people, who cherish their cultural roots. The destruction of such sites, coupled with the violence in Gopalganj, signals a regime that cares nothing for the shared history that has long united our nations. Its a gut-punch to those of us who see Bengali cultureits art, its heroes, its spiritas a bridge between two peoples.

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It is absolutely essential that the Yunus-led interim government take immediate steps to restore Bangladeshs democratic character while safeguarding the rich Bengali heritage that defines the nation and its deep ties with India. The Gopalganj violence, the failure to conduct autopsies, and the move towards demolition of Satyajit Rays ancestral home are not mere missteps but a profound betrayal of the Bangladeshi peoples trust and their shared history with India, a steadfast ally since 1971.

The interim regime must heed the international outcry from groups like Bangladesh Human Rights Watch and honour Indias plea to preserve cultural landmarks, such as transforming the Mymensingh site into a museum, as a symbol of unity. By prioritising transparent investigations into the Gopalganj deaths, curbing the NCPs violent excesses, and protecting sites like Bangabandhus mausoleum and Upendrakishores Kishoreganj home, the Yunus government can begin to rebuild public faith. Only through genuine democratic reforms and a commitment to preserving the pluralistic, cultural soul of Bangladesh can this government redeem itself and honour the aspirations of a people yearning for justice, stability, and preservation of their very identity.

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The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Given the manner in which Indian History is interpreted and taught, the period of Maratha domination of the northern region  including of who sat on the Mughal throne  has been systematically played down. Only in recent years has the truth been told about the 18th century period which can be termed The Maratha Century, if I may borrow a title of noted Maratha historian Uday Kulkarni.

In this context, it is nothing short of stunning that a set of Maratha forts, so key to Shivajis military strategy, have achieved Unesco World Heritage status. And while it is predictable that forts such as Shivneri, Raigad, Sindhudurg and others in Maharashtra would have been part of the list, what makes it truly impactful is the inclusion of Gingee among those acknowledged. For Gingee, in Tamil Nadu, is far from the Maratha home territory or its extensions in Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh.

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Gingees Rajagiri or Raja fort stands on a huge rock overlooking other structures

Located just two hours south of the much-visited temple town of Kanchipuram, Gingee is one of Indias most unusual forts and not merely because it has the reputation of being impregnable. The fort at Gingee, sometimes called Senji, is simplistically described as a hillfort. The fort straddles three separate hills and encompasses all the land on top and between these hills. Each hill could function as a self-contained fortress and when combined, a formidable triangular defence network was created. Imagine the plight of an invading force that attempted to assault one hill only to be fired upon from another. But that didnt deter adventurous commanders from attempting an assault. The forts history is the story of such attempts.

Horse stables at Gingee fort, with the Krishnagiri hill, or Rani fort, looming in the background

While some accounts hold that a small fortification here was done by the Chola dynasty as early as the 9th century, the widely accepted claim is that the first fort of significance was raised at Gingee in the 1190s. This was done by Ananda Kon, who came from a humble shepherd caste and had managed to subdue local chieftains. While he built a fort on Rajagiri hill  now called Raja hill  it became the nucleus for layer after layer of construction by dynasties across centuries. And with each came temples, mosques, water bodies, palaces, pavilions and to protect all this, longer and thicker walls.

A mosque in Gingee fort, possibly from the time the Nawabs of Arcot controlled the fort

After the Kons came another dynasty that rose from shepherd stock, the Kurumbars. And then the fort became part of the mighty Vijaynagara kingdom. Its eclipse in 1565 meant that the Nayakas, who until then had been feudatories of Vijaynagara, became independent rulers. It is they who built much of what is seen today at Gingee.

And in the 17th century came the Marathas. They gained the fort after a tug of war with the kingdom of Bijapur. And when the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb unleashed his full force against the Marathas in the north Deccan region, Shivajis second son Rajaram took refuge at Gingee, arriving here in November 1689. Aurangzebs forces followed him and laid siege to the fort.

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A painted icon on a rock while going up Raja hill

While Rajaram escaped the invading forces, the Mughal army was in no mood to allow such a powerful fort to remain out of control. The siege was an epic struggle, ranging from use of military force to inducements being offered to Maratha chiefs. And the harrowing struggle for Gingee continued till 1698, when the fort finally fell. Musical chairs continued later at Gingee, with the fort passing through the hands of the Carnatic Nawabs to the French, from them to the British and then to Hyder Ali of Mysore and then back to the British.

Two other interregnums are noteworthy. During the time that the fort was with the Kingdom of Bijapur, Elihu Yale  the man after whom the Yale academic institution in the US is named  came to Gingee. He was then an official of the East India Company in what became Madras (now Chennai) and came to Gingee seeking trading rights for the British in the region. He went back unsuccessful.

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View of the countryside from Rani fort

The second case was when Gingee lay under Mughal control. Gingee was part of a jagir  land grant  given to a Bundela Rajput chief. His son De Singh inherited the jagir but was forced into a conflict with the Nawab of Arcot. De Singh died in battle and his young wife committed Sati. They left behind legends and folk ballads about love and heroism that are still remembered. Astounding to think of a folk ballad about a Bundela Rajput in the heart of the Tamil countryside. The British did not stay in Gingee for long though. The area around was considered malaria-prone and they shifted their base in the region to Arcot. Gingees days of glory in history were over. But now, the World Heritage Status has put it once more in the spotlight.

Today, when a visitor enters the fort, they see an assortment of buildings in the area between the hills. There is a mosque, a seven-storey high palace called Kalyana Mahal (in the lead picture), an open-air museum with various sculpted remains that could have come from temples long lost, various gateways and pavilions. Powerful walls of the fort, punctuated by bastions, encircle the place. Towering in the background is the hill on which Raja fort stands.

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It takes an effort to climb up, and carrying a stout stick to discourage enthusiastic monkeys is a good idea. On the way up, a small shrine appears on the right. This is dedicated to a Goddess who eliminated a demon with a hundred heads. As one keeps ascending the fort, one crosses various landmarks  a Hanuman icon carved on rock, various buildings, cannons and fortified walls, not to forget panoramic views of the fort spreading out below.

To reach the inner citadel atop the hill, one needs to cross a small drawbridge. Crossing that while looking at the fort spreading itself out below gives a true sense of what the word impregnable means. And for a moment, you feel sorry for those Mughal troops laying siege for seven long years! At the top of the fort are the Ranganathar Temple, a bell tower and a watch tower. Visible below is the Venkatramana Temple, and at a distance on another hill, the Rani Fort. This fort, which was originally called Krishnagiri, is the second of the three hill citadels that make up Gingees mighty bastion and has some pavilions and shrines on top. The third is the Chandrayandurg, completing the triangle.

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Divine icons inside Venkatramana temple, where worship continues

The Venkatramana Temple, when viewed from the Raja fort hill

The Ranganathar temple atop Raja fort hill

In the space between the three hills lies the Venkatramana Temple. When a visitor enters its high gopuram, the structure reminds him of the shrines of Hampi, capital of Vijaynagara. When this author visited the place, the shrine seemed empty and abandoned. And just when I stepped back to leave, a priest carrying a ceremonial lamp emerged from inside, continuing a puja tradition that dates back centuries. It was a moment when time stood still!

The author is a heritage explorer with a penchant for seeking obscure sites. A brand consultant by profession, he tweets @HiddenHeritage. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Growing interest in RIC among Indians is not about rejecting the US or embracing Chinaits about building leverage through diversified partnerships, given todays fragmented global order further disrupted by Trump-era unpredictability

Recently, there has been a noticeable resurgence of interest in the Russia-India-China (RIC) grouping among Indians. This renewed attention stems in large part from a growing sense of uneaseif not disillusionmentwith the United States, particularly during the Trump presidency, where abrupt policy shifts and erratic rhetoric left New Delhi confused, concerned, and confounded.

Once regarded as a staunch ally of New Delhi, Donald Trumps sudden, unpredictable tilt toward Islamabadhis public praise for Pakistans military and even his offer to mediate on Kashmir, a diplomatic red line for Indiawas seen as either dangerously naive or strategically duplicitous. For a country that had embraced Trump as a potential ally and viewed the US as a strategic partner in countering growing Chinese hegemony, this U-turn was jarring.

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This perceived betrayal has triggered growing introspection within New Delhis strategic circles. Has India placed too many eggs in the American basket? Is the time ripe for recalibrating and revisiting older platforms like RICnot out of ideological affinity, but as a pragmatic counterbalance in a turbulent world?

RIC: Rhetoric vs Reality

The RIC grouping, first conceptualised in the 1990s, was designed as a forum for three major Eurasian powers to coordinate on global and regional affairs. Though often overshadowed by broader groupings such as Brics and the SCO, RIC still offers potential as a platform for strategic dialogueespecially as global power dynamics shift toward multipolarity.

Russia remains a steadfast partner for India, despite its increasing dependence on China in the wake of Western sanctions over the ongoing Ukraine war. The Indo-Russian partnership has stood the test of time, rooted in mutual trust and decades of cooperation.

China, by contrast, presents a complex duality: it is both a vital economic partner and a strategic adversary. Border tensionsincluding the standoffs in Doklam and Galwanand broader concerns about Chinas activities in the Indian Ocean and South Asia underscore the trust deficit. Chinas growing alliance with Pakistan, vividly manifested during Operation Sindoor, further deepens Indias apprehensions.

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While RIC presents an opportunity to engage China in structured dialogue, India must approach such forums with realism. New Delhi cannot afford to fall for the Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai narrativeeven when American perfidy becomes too obvious to ignore.

Playing Both Sides, Committing to None

Given todays fragmented global orderfurther disrupted by Trump-era unpredictabilityIndia must resist aligning fully with any single bloc. This isnt about returning to Nehruvian non-alignment, but about pursuing interest-based alignment rooted in realism.

India must engage all major powersbut on its own terms. From the West, India can leverage defence technology, economic investment, and support on global platforms. And from Russia and China, it can secure energy cooperation, regional stability dialogues, and support for a multipolar global order.

This two-track diplomacy should not be viewed as indecision but as pragmatic statecraft. In this scheme of things, no one is a pariah. What matters is Indias supreme national interesta fact that the Ministry of External Affairs reminded Natos secretary-general of this week when he threatened New Delhi with secondary sanctions over its ties with Moscow.

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The goal is not to choose sides but to make choices that serve Indias long-term interests and aspirations.

Significance of Strategic Autonomy

Since Independence, strategic autonomy has been the cornerstone of Indias foreign policy. Since 2014, this policy has been reoriented from non-alignment to all-alignment, with the countrys strategic autonomy intact. Whether it is forging closer ties with the US, buying arms and oil from Russia, or even standing by Israel without abandoning the Palestinian causeIndia has consistently asserted its right to act independently.

That tradition must continue. Groupings like the Quad or RIC should be treated as platforms for engagement, not as binding alliances. India must adopt a model of issue-based alignmentcollaborating where interests converge, disengaging where they dont.

New Delhis rising global profile brings both opportunities and challenges. India must recognise that while partnerships are helpful, its rise will largely depend on its own internal strengtheconomic resilience, military modernisation, and political stability.

The truth is that neither Washington nor Beijing truly wants New Delhi to emerge as a rival power. Both offer engagementbut often attach strategic strings. Recognising this reality is essential.

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In todays volatile global order, which is akin to a 3D chessboard of overlapping alliances and competing interests, India must therefore act like a fox rather than a hedgehog. The fox, as the old saying goes, knows many things, while the hedgehog knows one big thing. India cannot afford to get locked into any singular worldview or alliance structure. It must embrace complexity and prepare for multiple contingencies.

In this scenario, Indias best bet is to stay pragmatic and relentlessly focused on its own interests. The growing interest of Indians in RIC must be viewed through this lens. It is not about rejecting the US or embracing Chinaits about building leverage through diversified partnerships.

A Lonely but Glorious Rise

This stand comes with a price. India often finds itself alone in a bloc-oriented world order. Both sides see it as suspect. Recently, following the Brics summit in Brazil, some geopolitical analysts went so far as to call India an outlieror worse, a Trojan horse in the grouping. Conversely, the US-led West finds Indias engagement with countries like Russia and Iran, as well as its presence in Brics and the SCO, problematic.

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What both sides dont realise is that it is the presence of a country like India that helps keep the volatility of the world in checkwhether political or economic. It helps maintain some degree of balance in a bloc-based global order.

Indias journey toward great-power status may be lonelybut it can also be glorious, provided it is navigated with strategic wisdom and restraint. The world respects strength and consistencynot dependence or ideological rigidity. New Delhi must continue to walk its own path: open to all, beholden to none.

In the global power game, there are no permanent friends or enemiesonly permanent interests. This, however, does not mean that Indias foreign policy should become unethically Nixonian in nature. For India, a civilisational state steeped in dharmic consciousness, foreign policy must be more than transactionaldictated largely through the wider lens of dharma. It is this timeless principle that must guide Indias foreign policy. And in this worldview, theres always spaceand scopefor both Quad and RIC.

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The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Microsoft, a key contractor for the US government, has previously experienced high-profile breaches by Chinese and Russian hackers. It said that it had disclosed its arrangements with China-based personnel to the government

Microsoft said it will no longer allow engineers based in China to provide technical assistance for US military cloud computing systems, following a report that raised concerns over potential cybersecurity threats and prompted a high-level review by the Pentagon.

The move comes after investigative outlet ProPublica published a report detailing how Chinese engineers had been involved in supporting the Pentagons cloud infrastructure, under the supervision of American digital escorts. These escorts, employed via subcontractors and holding security clearances, were reportedly often not equipped with the technical expertise to detect cybersecurity risks posed by the Chinese engineers work.

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Microsoft, a key contractor for the US government, has previously experienced high-profile breaches by Chinese and Russian hackers. It told ProPublica that it had disclosed its arrangements with China-based personnel during the governments authorisation process.

Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw said on the social media platform X that the company had modified its procedures in response to concerns raised earlier this week  to assure that no China-based engineering teams are providing technical assistance for services supporting the Pentagon.

Review launched, senator raises alarm

Earlier on Friday, Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas and chair of the Senate intelligence committee, sent a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding clarification on Microsofts reported practices. Cotton, who also serves on the armed services committee, requested a list of contractors using Chinese personnel and more detail on how digital escorts are trained to identify suspicious activities.

The US government recognises that Chinas cyber capabilities pose one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to the United States, as evidenced by infiltration of our critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and supply chains, Cotton wrote. He added that the military must guard against all potential threats within its supply chain, including those from subcontractors.

In a video statement posted on X, Hegseth said he had ordered a two-week review to ensure that no China-based engineers were involved in other Department of Defence cloud contracts.

Im announcing that China will no longer have any involvement whatsoever in our cloud services, effective immediately, Hegseth said. We will continue to monitor and counter all threats to our military infrastructure and online networks.
Although Mike Huckabee is known for his close ties to settler leaders and opposition to Palestinian statehood, his recent comments signal growing unease in Washington over escalating violence in the West Bank

People carry the body of Palestinian Christian Saad Salama, who was killed in an Israeli strike on the Church of the Holy Family, according to medics, at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, in Gaza City July 17, 2025. (Photo: Reuters/Dawoud Abu Alkas)

The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has condemned an arson attack on a historic church in the occupied West Bank, calling it an act of terror and urging Israel to prosecute those responsible.

Huckabee, a vocal supporter of Israeli settlements, visited the Christian town of Taybeh on Saturday (July 20), where clerics said Israeli settlers had set fire near a cemetery and a 5th-century church on July 8. The attack damaged part of the grounds near the Church of St George and came amid a surge in settler violence across the West Bank.

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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.

The Israeli government has not commented on the incident. It has previously denounced acts of settler violence but has been accused by rights groups of failing to hold perpetrators accountable.

Rare rebuke from Trump envoy

Huckabees remarks are one of the clearest public rebukes of settler violence by a Trump administration official. They follow his earlier call on Tuesday for Israel to aggressively investigate the killing of a Palestinian American who was reportedly beaten to death by settlers in the West Bank. That incident, too, was described by Huckabee as a criminal and terrorist act.

Although Huckabee is known for his close ties to settler leaders and opposition to Palestinian statehood, his recent comments signal growing unease in Washington over escalating violence in the West Bank, which has surged since the start of Israels war in Gaza in October 2023.

The Trump administration has taken a starkly different line from its predecessor. In January, President Trump lifted sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on Israeli settler groups and individuals accused of attacking Palestinians.

Tensions rise amid legal dispute

The West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, has long been a flashpoint between settlers and Palestinians. Violence by both sides has intensified over the past nine months.

The United Nations top court has ruled that Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal under international law, a position Israel rejects. Israeli leaders argue the territory is vital for national security and assert historical and biblical claims to the land.
The Indian Army is set to induct three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in the next two days, likely on July 22. The helicopters are expected to arrive in Jodhpur by today or tomorrow, where they will undergo inspection before official deployment.

(File) A Greek Apache helicopter flies as Nato holds training exercise 'Immediate Response' drills with host nations at Krivolak army base, North Macedonia, June 2, 2025. Reuters

Three AH-64E Apache helicopters are set to be formally inducted into the Indian Army in the next two days, with sources indicating July 22 as the likely induction date, news18 reported citing sources.

The helicopters are expected to arrive in Jodhpur by today or tomorrow (July 21), where they will undergo a Joint Receipt Inspection (JRI) before being officially handed over.

These are the first three of six Apache helicopters being procured for the Indian Armys Aviation Corps. A dedicated squadron has already been raised in Jodhpur for their deployment along the western border.

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Why the Apache matters

The AH-64E Apache is among the most advanced multi-role attack helicopters in the world, capable of executing high-impact strikes in hostile terrain. Built by US defence firm Boeing, the Apache is already in service with the United States, UK, Israel, Egypt, and now India.

India initially purchased 22 Apaches for the Indian Air Force under a 2015 deal. In February 2020, the Defence Ministry approved a $600 million contract for six more Apachesthis time specifically for the Indian Army. With this, the Army gains direct control of advanced air support capabilities, improving coordination with ground troops in high-threat combat zones.

Boeing had earlier stated: This order will expand the Indian Armys capability to provide integrated combat aviation support to land forces.

What makes the AH-64E powerful

The Apache is packed with cutting-edge tech, including modern communications and navigation systems, upgraded sensors, and advanced weapons. Its standout features include:

Targeting system: The Modernised Target Acquisition Designation System helps pilots lock onto and destroy targets in both day and night, even in low-visibility conditions.

Weaponry: A 30mm chain gun, precision Hellfire missiles (laser- and radar-guided), and rocket pods capable of engaging multiple ground targets.

Longbow radar: Mounted above the rotor, this radar allows the helicopter to detect and prioritise threats without exposing itself directly.

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Built for intense battlefield operations, the Apache combines speed, agility, and survivability. Its robust engines, reinforced rotors, and advanced protection systems enable it to fly low, strike hard, and safely returnmaking it a critical asset for the Indian Armys future combat readiness.
Astronmer CEO Andy Byron resigned from the company after he was caught cheating with his HR head, Kristin Cabot, at a Coldplay concert in the US. Andy was appointed as CEO in 2023

Andy Byron, who is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, was spotted with Cabot on the jumbotron. Image: X

The CEO of tech-startup company Astronomer, Andy Byron, resigned after he was caught cheating on his wife with his companys HR head at a Coldplay concert in the United States. The video of the tech CEO with his arms around his HR chief went viral, drawing backlash for the two individuals involved, as well as the company.

In a post on LinkedIn, the software startup confirmed the news of his resignation. Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted," the statement released on Saturday reads. 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," it added.

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The news of Byrons resignation followed Axios report that the CEO and HR head, Kristin Cabot, had been placed on leave in the wake of the scandal. The two were caught canoodling on the Jumbotron camera at the Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which is south-west of Boston. The incident eventually took the internet by storm.

The dramatic fallout

According to his LinkedIn page, Byron was appointed as CEO of the company in 2023 and has been leading the company since then. Meanwhile, Cabot joined Astronomer as its head of HR in 2024.

While announcing , 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 companys Saturday message indicated that it is now trying to move on from the backlash over the video. 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 reads.

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," it furthered.
The largest number of fatalities was reported in the north, where 67 people were killed as truckloads of food arrived near Gaza City. Six others were shot dead near Rafah in the south, where dozens more had been killed the previous day

Palestinians carry humanitarian aid packages near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution center operated by the U.S.-backed organization in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. AP

At least 85 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded after Israeli forces opened fire on crowds of people attempting to collect humanitarian aid on Sunday, Gazas civil defence agency said, as deaths during aid distribution continue to mount in the besieged enclave.

The largest number of fatalities was reported in the north, where 67 people were killed as truckloads of food arrived near Gaza City. Six others were shot dead near Rafah in the south, where dozens more had been killed the previous day, according to the agency.

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The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said its 25-truck convoy carrying food supplies encountered massive crowds of hungry civilians which came under gunfire shortly after crossing from Israel into northern Gaza.

Israels military disputed the death toll and claimed soldiers had fired warning shots to remove an immediate threat posed to them as thousands gathered near Gaza City. The army also said it would be reviewing the incident.

Like hunting animals in a forest

In Gaza City, Qasem Abu Khater said he had gone to find flour but instead found deadly overcrowding and pushing.

The tanks were firing shells randomly at us and Israeli sniper soldiers were shooting as if they were hunting animals in a forest, the 36-year-old told AFP. Dozens of people were martyred right before my eyes and no one could save anyone.

Civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said the death toll was expected to rise and attributed the southern killings to Israeli forces gunfire.

The WFP condemned the violence as completely unacceptable. Media restrictions and access difficulties in Gaza have made it impossible for AFP and other organisations to independently verify the reported tolls.

The Israeli army said this month that it had issued new instructions to its ground troops following lessons learned from earlier deadly incidents involving aid-seekers.

According to the UN, nearly 800 people have been killed while seeking aid in Gaza since late May.

Mounting pressure over civilian casualties

The ongoing war was sparked by Hamass 7 October 2023 assault on Israel, in which 1,219 people were killed, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Militants also took 251 hostages into Gaza.

In response, Israel launched a relentless military campaign that has killed at least 58,895 Palestinians, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

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Most of Gazas more than 2 million residents have been displaced at least once. On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered people in Deir el-Balah to move south, warning of an expanded operation in an area it has rarely entered.

Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X that forces were expanding its activities against Hamas in the central Gaza region.

With inputs from AFP
The crash, which occurred on 25 December 2023 as the AZAL flight travelled from Baku to Grozny, killed all 38 people on board. Three days later, Aliyev publicly stated, we can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia

Thirty-eight people died when the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed on 25 December in Kazakhstan. Western experts said the jet was probably shot at from Russia. Reuters File

Azerbaijan is preparing to file lawsuits against Russia in international courts over the downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 near the Kazakh city of Aktau in December last year, President Ilham Aliyev said on Saturday, accusing Moscow of stalling the investigation and failing to respond meaningfully to Bakus demands.

The crash, which occurred on 25 December 2023 as the AZAL flight travelled from Baku to Grozny, killed all 38 people on board. Three days later, Aliyev publicly stated, we can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia () We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done.

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Seven months on, no answers

Aliyev said that despite the clear as day circumstances of the incident, Azerbaijan has received no substantial reply from Russia. He noted that Bakus prosecutor general had contacted the head of Russias Investigative Committee, only to be told that the investigation is ongoing.

Calling this position counterproductive, Aliyev said Azerbaijan had informed Russia of its plans to prepare a legal dossier for international proceedings. Drawing a comparison with the protracted probe into Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, he said, We are ready to wait ten years, but justice must win.

The situation, which is currently in limbo, does not contribute to the development of bilateral relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, Aliyev warned, according to a report by Euronews.

Baku demands admission, prosecution, and compensation

The Azerbaijani leader reiterated that both Baku and Moscow had a clear understanding of what happened to Flight 8243, and questioned why Russia had not responded as any neighbour would do in a similar situation.

Aliyev laid out four demands: a guilty plea from Russia, prosecution of those responsible for firing the missile, compensation to the victims families, and damages to be paid to the national carrier AZAL.

On 4 February, a preliminary Azerbaijani government report confirmed that a Russian Pantsir-S air defence system shot down the aircraft. According to Azerbaijani officials speaking to Euronews shortly after the crash, a Russian surface-to-air missile was responsible for the incident.
Calm returned to southern Syrias Sweida province on Sunday after a week of sectarian violence between Druze fighters and rival groups that killed more than 1,100 people.

Bodies of people killed during sectarian violence the previous week lie in a street in the predominantly Druze city of Sweida in southern Syria on July 20, 2025.- AFP

Calm prevailed in southern Syrias Sweida province on Sunday following a week of intense sectarian fighting that left more than 1,100 people dead, according to a war monitor and AFP correspondents.

A ceasefire announced Saturday appeared to be holding after previous attempts to end hostilities between Druze fighters and rival Bedouin groups collapsed. The violence had escalated to involve Islamist-led government forces, the Israeli military, and tribal militias from across Syria.

Humanitarian access resumed with the arrival of the first aid convoy, Red Crescent official Omar al-Malki confirmed, noting that more deliveries were expected. The convoys entry was coordinated with local Druze-controlled authorities and government agencies, he said.

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However, Syrias government reported that a Druze faction blocked one of its own convoys from reaching the city.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the province experienced cautious calm from midnight, and that government forces had sealed off roads to prevent more tribal fighters from entering.

The UK-based monitor updated the death toll late Sunday to 1,120, including 427 Druze fighters, 298 Druze civilians, 354 government security personnel, and 21 Sunni Bedouin.

Witnesses, Druze groups, and the Observatory have accused government forces of siding with the Bedouin and carrying out abuses, including summary executions, when they entered the city earlier in the week.

Totally calm

Hanadi Obeid, a 39-year-old doctor, told AFP that the city hasnt seen calm like this in a week.

The interior ministry said overnight that Sweida city was evacuated of all tribal fighters, and clashes within the citys neighbourhoods were halted.

The Observatory had said Druze fighters retook control of the city on Saturday evening.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa had on Saturday announced a ceasefire in Sweida and renewed a pledge to protect Syrias ethnic and religious minorities in the face of the latest sectarian violence since Islamists overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

A spokesman for Syrias tribal and clan council told Al Jazeera late Saturday that fighters had left the city in response to the call of the presidency and the terms of the agreement.

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A medic inside Sweida told AFP by telephone on Sunday that the situation is totally calm We arent hearing clashes.

Residents of Sweida city, who number at about 150,000, have been holed up in their homes without electricity and water, and food supplies have also been scarce.

An AFP photographer said the morgue at Sweidas main hospital was full and bodies were lying on the ground outside the building.

The United Nations migration agency said more than 128,000 people in Sweida province have been displaced by the violence.

Brutal acts

US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said Sunday that the country stood at a critical juncture, adding that peace and dialogue must prevail  and prevail now.

All factions must immediately lay down their arms, cease hostilities, and abandon cycles of tribal vengeance, he wrote on X, saying brutal acts by warring factions on the ground undermine the governments authority and disrupt any semblance of order.

Sharaas announcement Saturday came hours after the United States said it had negotiated a ceasefire between Syrias government and Israel, which had bombed government forces in both Sweida and Damascus earlier in the week.

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Israel, which has its own Druze community, has said it was acting in defence of the group, as well as to enforce its demands for the total demilitarisation of Syrias south.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday urged the Syrian governments security forces to prevent jihadists from entering and carrying out massacres in the south, and called on Damascus to bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities including those in their own ranks.

With inputs from agencies
Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will be testifying at the US House panel next week at a hearing about countering Chinas economic coercion against Democracies

The former Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, will be testifying at the US House panel next week at a hearing about countering Chinas economic coercion against Democracies. The committee confirmed the news on Friday and mentioned that Rahm Emanuel, the former US ambassador to Japan, will also testify before the committee on China.

Relations between China and Australia have been rocky after Canberra banned Huawei from its 5G broadband network in 2018. However, things went further downhill in 2020 after the Morrison government called for an independent investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 virus.

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In response to this, China imposed high tariffs on Australian commodities, including wine and barley. They also imposed heavy duties on limited imports of Australian beef, coal and grapes, moves described by the United States as economic coercion.

Things changed after Morrison exited the office

Eventually, the former Australian premier lost the re-election bid in 2022, paving the way for the countrys current Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. After the Labour government came to power in the country, there have been signs of warming ties between the two nations.

It is pertinent to note that Albanese spent this week touring China with stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. The Australian premiers visit is also coming amid a period of geopolitical instability and escalating trade hostilities between the US and its trading partners.

While responding to his critics, who questioned Albaneses six-day visit to China, the Australian PM pointed out that the former coalition government failed to hold a single phone call with the countrys largest trading partner for years.

This week, Reuters reported that Canberra is closing in on an agreement with Beijing that would allow Australian suppliers to ship five trial canola cargoes to China. Sources close to the matter said that the deal would end a year-long freeze in the trade, given how China has imposed 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian canola meal and oil this year amid strained diplomatic ties.

American envoy Emanuel, who told a Chicago news outlet last month he is considering a run for president in 2028, has been a harsh critic of China. Last year, he said that Beijing has been constantly using coercion and pressure on other nations like Japan and the Philippines.

Economic coercion by China is their most persistent and pernicious tool in their toolbox, Emanuel said in a separate speech in 2023. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Washington is yet to comment on the matter.

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With inputs from Reuters.
A violent overnight attack in the French city of Limoges saw dozens of masked individuals armed with weapons clash with police and target vehicles on a major highway. Authorities suspect the incident, which left nine officers injured, was linked to a gang turf war.

Police stand at the front of the Richmond Road Baptist Church as other officers maintain a perimeter following a shooting at the church in Lexington, Ky. AP

Dozens of masked attackers armed with metal rods, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails clashed with police and targeted vehicles on a highway in central Frances Limoges early Saturday, officials said.

The violent overnight incident left nine police officers injured and is believed to be linked to a turf war between gangs, according to authorities.

The attackers attempted to block the RN141 highway, disrupting traffic and confronting police with weapons ranging from stones and iron bars to petrol bombs. Officers responded with tear gas and crowd-control measures.

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There were between 100 and 150 masked individuals, armed and prepared, said local police union leader Laurent Nadeau.

Limoges Mayor Emile Roger Lombertie described the group as an urban guerrilla unit. This wasnt a protest or demonstration. There was no message, no causejust destruction and a show of force, he said.

Prosecutors confirmed that several vehicles, including those carrying families with children, were attacked. While no motorists were physically harmed, many were left deeply shaken.

The violence comes in the middle of Frances busy summer tourism season. Just days earlier, unrest had broken out in the nearby Val de lAurence area on Bastille Day, July 14. The mayor described the neighborhoodhome to many immigrants and known for povertyas a lawless zone.

Limoges prosecutor Emilie Abrantes acknowledged the areas reputation for drug activity but said there was no clear link between the attack and recent anti-drug operations.

Frances interior ministry has announced that a special security force will be deployed to Limoges to restore order.
Indian rice millers and exporters are upbeat about Bangladeshs plan to import 9 lakh tonnes of rice, anticipating a boost in demand and better prices for the cereal, stakeholders said on Sunday.

Indian rice exporters and millers are optimistic about a rise in demand and better prices following Bangladeshs plan to import nine lakh tonnes of rice, industry stakeholders said on Sunday.

India, which accounts for 46% of global rice exports, is likely to be the biggest beneficiary of the move due to its proximity, consistent supply, and competitive pricing.

According to exporters, Bangladesh will import four lakh tonnes through government tenders and another five lakh tonnes via private traders. The early import plan comes amid concerns over crop losses from heavy rainfall affecting the Amon paddy season.

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Of the total import plan, 4 lakh tonnes will be procured directly by the Bangladesh government through international tenders, while another 5 lakh tonnes will be imported by private traders of the neighbouring country. The decision comes earlier than usual, amid fear of crop loss due to heavy rain that could impact Bangladeshs Amon paddy currently being sown, Ricevilla Foods CEO Suraj Agarwal told PTI.

Jai Baba Bakreswar Rice Mill Director Rahul Agarwal said the rice industry in the country, especially in Bengal, is well-positioned to benefit from the proposed plan by the Bangladesh authorities, and he did not foresee any diplomatic hurdle amid Indias curbs on the import of garments and jute through the Petrapole border.

At least 30-40 per cent of the private imports will likely be sourced from Bengal mills and traders. Bengal mills will also participate in the government tenders for 4 lakh tonnes. States like Bengal, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar will benefit the most, he said.

Popular Indian rice varieties such as Swarna, Ratna, Miniket, and Sona Masoori are expected to see price gains in both West Bengal and southern India amid the anticipated demand surge, he said.

Prices of Swarna Mansoori parboiled rice, now at Rs 29 per kg (ex-mill), may rise to Rs 31-32, while Miniket variety currently being sold at Rs 41-42, could touch Rs 45 per kg in the coming weeks, Suraj Agarwal said.

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Bangladeshs early import plan reflects precautionary steps ahead of possible floods during the Amon season, the stakeholders said.

Bangladesh has already procured 3.76 lakh tonnes of Boro paddy and 9.5 lakh tonnes of rice out of a 14 lakh tonne target, with procurement expected to conclude by mid-August. From next month, the country plans to expand its food-friendly programme to cover 55 lakh families, offering 30 kg of rice per month at Tk 15 per kg.

Exporters believe the development will further strengthen Indias position as Bangladeshs key rice supplier while firming up prices for low-to-medium rice varieties in the domestic market.

Visakhapatnam and Paradip ports are major ones for rice exports.

With inputs from agencies
An Indian origin doctor in New Jersey has been charged with distributing drugs without a legitimate medical purpose to his patients in exchange for sexual favours, according to a press release issued by the US Attorneys Office.

An Indian-origin physician in New Jersey has been charged with unlawfully prescribing drugs to patients in return for sexual favours, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Ritesh Kalra, 51, a resident of Secaucus, allegedly ran a pill mill out of his medical practice, regularly dispensing high doses of opioids such as oxycodone and promethazine with codeine without valid medical reasons, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey said on Friday.

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Physicians have a serious responsibilitybut as alleged, Dr Kalra abused that trust by fuelling addiction, exploiting vulnerable patients for sex, and defrauding New Jerseys public health insurance programme, said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba in the statement.

Kalra, who practised internal medicine in Fair Lawn, is accused of issuing over 31,000 oxycodone prescriptions between January 2019 and February 2025, including some days where he wrote more than 50 prescriptions.

Authorities also allege that Kalra submitted fraudulent claims for in-person consultations and counselling sessions that never took place.

He appeared in federal court in Newark on Thursday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on home confinement and a $100,000 unsecured bond. He has been ordered to close his medical practice while legal proceedings are ongoing.

Kalras lawyer, Michael Baldassar, denied the allegations and criticised the governments statement, telling the New York Daily News that it read like a supermarket tabloid.

With inputs from agencies
The evacuation order affects the area between the city of Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, further restricting access through the already devastated and densely populated coastal strip

Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border. File image/ Reuters

Israels military issued fresh evacuation warnings on Sunday for parts of central Gaza, marking a shift in ground operations into an area where troops have rarely been deployed during the 21-month war. The announcement came as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas appeared to stall once again, despite the latest round of talks in Qatar.

The evacuation order affects the area between the city of Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, further restricting access through the already devastated and densely populated coastal strip.

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The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said the warnings were part of preparations for a renewed assault on what it described as militant positions. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said forces would act with intensity and urged civilians, including those sheltering in tents, to relocate to the Muwasi area  a barren coastal zone designated by Israel as a humanitarian zone.

No immediate response came from international aid organisations operating in the region, though the evacuation zone includes several of their distribution points. The move could severely disrupt aid deliveries in a territory already facing acute shortages of food, medicine and clean water.

Gazas population of more than 2 million people is enduring a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with most families displaced multiple times since the war began. Tensions are mounting both inside Gaza and in Israel, where weekly protests demanding a hostage deal and ceasefire continue to grow.

War plan questioned

The Hostages Family Forum, which represents families of those still held captive in Gaza, criticised the latest evacuation order and demanded clarity from the government. Enough! The Israeli people overwhelmingly want an end to the fighting and a comprehensive agreement that will return all of the hostages, the forum said. It also accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government of operating without a clear war plan.

Tens of thousands took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night for the groups regular weekend protest, calling for an end to the war and a deal to bring back the remaining hostages.

The war was triggered by Hamass surprise attack on 7 October 2023, when militants stormed southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and seizing 251 hostages. Of those, 50 remain in captivity. Israeli officials believe fewer than half are still alive.

In the aftermath, Israel launched a military campaign that has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry. While the ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, the United Nations and international aid agencies regard its casualty figures as the most reliable available. The ministry says more than half of those killed have been women and children.

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Israel says its continued military pressure will push Hamas into a ceasefire agreement. But with talks in Qatar yielding no major progress, and domestic and international pressure mounting, the prospects for a breakthrough remain uncertain.
Japans ruling coalition is likely to lose its majority in the upper house, exit polls showed after Sundays election, potentially heralding political turmoil as a tariff deadline with the United States looms.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks to the media following upper house elections, at Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in Tokyo on July 20, 2025. Image- AFP

Japans ruling coalition is poised to lose its majority in the upper house, exit polls showed on Sunday, dealing a fresh blow to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishibas already weakened leadership.

Ishibas Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner Komeito were projected to win around 41 of the 125 seats contested in the upper house election, falling short of the 50 required to maintain a majority, according to projections by Nippon TV and TBS.

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National broadcaster NHK projected the LDP could secure between 27 and 41 seats, with Komeito likely to win five to 12, suggesting that holding onto their majority would be difficult.

The setback follows a poor showing in Octobers lower house elections, when Ishiba, who had just taken office and called a snap vote, saw his coalition lose its majority and was forced to govern as a minority.

Meanwhile, the right-wing populist party Sanseito was projected to make significant gains, winning between 10 and 22 seats, up from the two it currently holds in the 248-member upper house.

Ishiba, 68, known for his policy expertise and low-key style, did not comment on his political future as the projections came in on Sunday night.

Its a difficult situation, and we have to take it very humbly and seriously, Ishiba told broadcaster NHK. Asked about his future, he said only that he cannot speak lightly of it.

We cant do anything until we see the final results, but we want to be very aware of our responsibility, Ishiba added.

"Ishiba may be replaced by someone else, but its not clear who will be the successor," Hidehiro Yamamoto, politics and sociology professor at the University of Tsukuba, told AFP.

Ishibas centre-right LDP has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955, albeit with frequent changes of leader.

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Ishiba took over in September on his fifth attempt and immediately called elections.

But this backfired and the vote left the LDP and its small coalition partner Komeito needing support from opposition parties, stymying its legislative agenda.

With inputs from agencies
While Russia may gain labour and weapons, the benefits to North Korea are not purely economic, as access to Russian funding and technology would likely accelerate the Norths weapons programme

North Korean apples have begun to appear on supermarket shelves in Russia as growing commercial and military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang take on new significance.

One year after Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership at a ceremony in Pyongyang, the two authoritarian states are rapidly expanding co-operation that goes well beyond the battlefield in Ukraine.

Trade and business links have proliferated over the past twelve months. North Korean fishing vessels have surged into waters off Russias far east coast, and companies from the reclusive regime are registering trademarks for products as varied as jam, beer, accordions and sausages.

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North Koreas presence is growing in the Russian marketplace, and a raft of new infrastructure projects and workforce deployments suggests the partnership is being built to endure.

A $100mn bridge is under construction over the Tumen river to improve cross-border road access. A dormant 10,000km rail link between Moscow and Pyongyang may also be revived. Russian theatre groups have performed in the North Korean capital, while athletes and university officials have travelled between the two countries in growing numbers.

Last week, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov met Kim on his yacht near the beach resort of Wonsan. Kim pledged unconditionally support for Russias aims in Ukraine. Lavrov responded by saying Russia respects and understands North Koreas pursuit of a nuclear weapons programme.

Financial Times quoted Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Kookmin University in Seoul, as saying that the two sides have become more open about their collaboration. Having previously downplayed the extent of their military co-operation, the two countries now want the world to know that their relationship is being built to last.

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Soldiers for roubles

As well as economic integration, the most significant support from Pyongyang to Moscow has come in the form of weapons and soldiers. South Korean intelligence reported that since October, North Korea has sent 12 million artillery shells to Russia and deployed an estimated 13,000 troops to the Kursk region.

The deployments are thought to have suffered heavy losses, but Russian officials have publicly praised the contribution. Sergei Shoigu, head of Russias Security Council, lauded the North Koreans for defending Russia as if it was their own motherland.

Shoigu has since announced that a further 6,000 North Koreans will be sent to Russia, including 5,000 military construction workers. Lankov believes this could be a trial run to assess North Koreas potential to meet Russias labour needs and allow more domestic troops to be redirected to the war in Ukraine.

Peter Ward, a research fellow at the Sejong Institute, said the cash and in-kind payments from Moscow could significantly revive North Koreas stagnating mining and agricultural sectors. Even modest investments in rural infrastructure could bring real benefits for swaths of the North Korean population, he said.

But Ward added a note of caution. While some of it will be spent on improving conditions for some of its own people, in reality a lot of it is likely to be wasted on prestige projects like skyscrapers in Pyongyang and other privileges for the elite.

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Growing mutual leverage

While Russia may gain labour and weapons, the benefits to North Korea are not purely economic. Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said that access to Russian funding and technology would likely accelerate the Norths weapons programme. Ward noted that even after the war in Ukraine ends, the alliance would give both countries greater capacity to resist western diplomatic pressure.

Trump-era diplomacy may be ill-suited to this new alignment. In March, Donald Trump signalled a desire to re-engage with Kim, calling North Korea a big nuclear nation and the North Korean leader a very smart guy. But Cha believes the calculus has changed.

Trump should not imagine that his bonhomie will somehow sour Kim on a lucrative relationship with Russia, or convince the North Korean leader to cede the tremendous leverage he now enjoys."
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a surprise meeting with Ali Larijani, top adviser to Irans supreme leader on nuclear issues, to discuss Tehrans nuclear programme in the Kremlin on Sunday.

In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) attends a meeting with Vladimir Region Governor Alexander Avdeyev (L) in Moscow on July 18, 2025. Image- AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin held an unannounced meeting with Ali Larijani, top adviser to Irans supreme leader on nuclear matters, at the Kremlin on Sunday to discuss Tehrans nuclear programme, the Kremlin said.

Larijani shared assessments of the escalating situation in the Middle East and around the Iranian nuclear programme, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. Putin, in turn, reiterated Russias well-known positions on how to stabilise the situation in the region and on the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear programme, Peskov added.

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Russia maintains strong ties with Irans leadership and has provided crucial backing in recent years, though it has not taken a forceful stance in support of Tehran since the United States joined Israels bombing campaign on Iran in June.

Putin had expressed Russias well-known positions on how to stabilize the situation in the region and on the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear programme, he added.

Separately, a German diplomatic source told AFP on Sunday that Britain, France and Germany are planning to hold fresh talks with Iran on its nuclear programme in the coming days.

Irans Tasnim news agency also reported that Tehran had agreed to hold talks with the three European countries, citing an unnamed source.

Last week, Russia had slammed a story by US news outlet Axios citing anonymous sources that said Putin had encouraged Iran to accept a deal with the United States that would prevent the Islamic republic from enriching uranium.

Iran has consistently denied seeking a nuclear weapon, while defending its legitimate rights to the peaceful use of atomic energy.

With inputs from agencies
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he has ordered the revocation of American visas of eight Brazilian Supreme Court judges in a show of support to the countrys former President Jair Bolsonaro

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly stripped American visas of Brazils eight Supreme Court judges in a show of support for the countrys former President Jair Bolsonaro. The far-right Brazilian leader with strong ties with US President Donald Trump is on trial for allegedly masterminding a murderous plot to cling to power after losing the 2022 election to Brazils current president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro is expected to be convicted by the Brazilian Supreme Court in the coming weeks and might face a jail sentence of up to 43 years. As the day of sentencing nears, Trump has been increasing pressure on Brazil to help out his friend.

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In light of this, Trump announced on July 9 that he would impose 50% tariffs on all Brazilian imports as of August 1. The threat triggered nationalist sentiments in Brazil, with Lula threatening reciprocal tariffs. The Brazilian president went on to describe Trumps move as unacceptable blackmail.

Who got their visa stripped?

On Friday, Brazils federal police raided Bolsonaros house and ordered him to wear an ankle tag in a bid to stop him from absconding. Soon after that, Rubio announced further moves in support of the former Brazilian president, who claimed that the case against him is a political witch hunt.

Rubio announced the move in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. He said that he had ordered visa revocations for the judge leading the investigation into Bolsonaro, Alexandre de Moraes, as well as his allies on the court and their family members.

.@POTUS made clear that his administration will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States. Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes's political witch hunt against Jair Bolsonaro created a  Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 18, 2025

While the secretary of state did not mention the names of other judges, Brazilian newspaper Globo identified them as Luis Roberto Barroso, Jose Antonio Dias Toffoli, Cristiano Zanin, Flavio Dino, Carmen Lucia Antunes Rocha, Luiz Edson Fachin and Gilmar Ferreira Mendes.

Interestingly, two other judges who were nominated to the court during Bolsonaros 2019-23 presidency, Andre Mendonca and Kassio Nunes Marques, reportedly avoided the sanction along with a third judge, Luiz Fux.

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Lula hits back

Meanwhile, the Brazilian president denounced what he described as another arbitrary and completely groundless measure from the US government.

Interference in another countrys justice system is unacceptable and offends the basic principles of national sovereignty and respect between nations, the president said on Saturday, adding: Im certain that no kind of intimidation or threat  from whoever it may be  will compromise the most important mission of our nations powers and institutions, which is to act permanently to defend and safeguard the democratic rule of law.

Meanwhile, Trumps Alex Bruesewitz welcomed Rubios announcement, describing Bolsonaros treatment in the country as sick and wrong.

Bolsonaros son, Eduardo, went on to thank Rubio for his decision. Thank you very much for this fight in favour of free speech, we do believe in the same values, tweeted Eduardo, who has been living in the US since February and has reportedly been lobbying officials there over his fathers plight," Eduardo said in the post.
Liu Sijia, a member of the 35th Chinese medical team to Mauritania, performs acupuncture treatment on a patient at the Friendship Hospital in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Jan. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

NOUAKCHOTT, July 19 (Xinhua) -- "We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne."

In early July, the familiar tune of Auld Lang Syne in Chinese echoed through a classroom at the Confucius Institute in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. Leading the chorus in Chinese was Li Mo, a teacher from China, guiding his students in a tribute to a friendship that transcends language and borders.

"Everyone here knows this song and its meaning," Li said. "It perfectly symbolizes the enduring friendship between China and Mauritania."

China and Mauritania established diplomatic ties on July 19, 1965. Over the past six decades, "friendship" has been a defining theme of their partnership. Signature projects such as the Friendship Port, the Friendship Hospital, and the recently completed China-Mauritania Friendship Overpass stand as lasting symbols of this relationship.

Located on the Atlantic coast, the Autonomous Port of Nouakchott, also known as the Friendship Port, is considered the "economic lung" of Mauritania. Built by a Chinese company, the port began operations in 1986.

Before its construction, Mauritania lacked natural harbors and struggled with severe shortages of essential materials. European experts once deemed a deep-water port unfeasible. Its completion marked a milestone in the country's pursuit of economic independence.

"Without the port, many national development plans would not have been possible," said Fayssal Beyrouk, adviser to the Director General of the Port Authority, who once studied port management in China. "The deep-water port enabled the import of industrial equipment and essential goods, laying the foundation for our economic progress."

Thanks to continued Chinese support, the port has undergone several expansions. In 2024, its annual throughput reached 6.12 million tonnes, handling 230,000 twenty-foot containers, about 80 percent of the country's external trade.

"Today, the port not only serves Mauritania but is also emerging as a logistics hub for landlocked neighbors like Mali," said Ahmedou Mokhtar El Gayed, the port's commercial manager. "A special economic zone is being planned within the port to support the oil and gas industry. None of this would be possible without strong Chinese support."

Another major infrastructure project, the China-Mauritania Friendship Overpass, was inaugurated in May this year. Built by a Chinese firm along National Road N2 in Nouakchott, the overpass has eased traffic congestion and become a popular local landmark.

Beyond improving transport, the project created jobs. At its peak, 320 Mauritanian workers were employed. Chinese engineers trained local staff in key technical skills, including rebar work, surveying, and materials testing.

"Many of the local staff we trained were later recruited by other projects, a real recognition of their skills," said Zhang Huijie, head of the project's technical team.

Cooperation in healthcare has also yielded significant results. Built with Chinese assistance in 2010, the Friendship Hospital is one of Nouakchott's largest public hospitals. Located in the Arafat district, it serves nearly 60 percent of the city's low- and middle-income residents.

"Our Chinese friends have given us tremendous support," said hospital director Mustafa Abdallahi. "Beyond building the hospital, they continue to provide medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and technical assistance."

Since 1968, China has sent 35 medical teams to Mauritania. More than 800 Chinese doctors and specialists have offered long-term services. The current team runs a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic at the hospital, where acupuncture treatments for back, neck and joint pain have become increasingly popular.

"People line up for TCM consultations every time we open," said Liu Sijia, a member of the team. "We also train local doctors to help spread this valuable knowledge."

Speaking to Xinhua, Chinese Ambassador to Mauritania Tang Zhongdong said that Mauritania has proposed branding more development projects as "Friendship" initiatives, an expression of mutual trust and deep-rooted goodwill.

"More 'Friendship' projects are on the way," Tang said. "They will continue to elevate China-Mauritania relations to new heights." 

Fayssal Beyrouk, adviser to the Director General of the Port Authority, introduces the facilities of the Friendship Port in Nouakchott, Mauritania, May 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

Ahmedou Mokhtar El Gayed, the Friendship Port's commercial manager, looks at ships in the port in Nouakchott, Mauritania, June 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 21, 2025 shows the China-Mauritania Friendship Overpass in Nouakchott, Mauritania. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin still wanted a peaceful resolution to the war but reiterated that Russias conditions for a deal had not changed

Putin is insistent on achieving the goals Russia laid out before ending the Ukraine war. Representational Image - FP

Russia is open to a peace settlement with Ukraine but achieving its military and political objectives remains a top priority, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday (July 20), days after US President Donald Trump warned Moscow to agree to a ceasefire within 50 days or face stiffer sanctions.

Speaking to state TV journalist Pavel Zarubin, Peskov said President Vladimir Putin still wanted a peaceful resolution to the war but reiterated that Russias conditions for a deal had not changed.

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President Putin has repeatedly spoken of his desire to bring the Ukrainian settlement to a peaceful conclusion as soon as possible. This is a long process, it requires effort, and it is not easy, Peskov said.

The main thing for us is to achieve our goals. Our goals are clear, he added.

Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw from the four regions Moscow annexed in September 2022 but does not fully control. It also wants Ukraine to abandon its bid to join Nato and to accept strict limits on the size and capabilities of its armed forces conditions that Kyiv and its Western allies have rejected.

Peskov and other Russian officials have denied stalling negotiations, though Moscow continues to escalate its long-range strikes on Ukrainian cities. Analysts say drone attacks in particular are becoming more frequent, with Russia recently launching more drones in a single night than during some full months in 2024.

Trumps warning to Moscow

On July 14, Trump hardened his stance towards Moscow, announcing a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face severe tariffs. The US president, who had previously expressed frustration over failed negotiations, also said the new measures would target Russias trading partners in an effort to further isolate the Kremlin economically.

Trump also unveiled plans to accelerate US military support for Ukraine, stating that European allies would purchase billions and billions of dollars worth of American defence equipment to transfer to Kyiv. The package is expected to include Patriot air defence systems, which Ukraine has identified as a key priority to counter Russian missile and drone attacks.

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The Pentagon had paused some military shipments earlier this year due to concerns over diminishing US stockpiles, prompting doubts over Washingtons ability to maintain steady support for Ukraine.

With inputs from AP
About 10 gunmen raided the tavern in Olievenhoutbosch, around 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of Pretoria, and started shooting randomly without saying a word, police said

Gunmen kills five in a bar shooting in South Africa. Representative Image

South African police said Saturday they were hunting for attackers who burst into a bar in a township outside the capital and killed five customers and wounded three others.

The attack at approximately 10:30 pm (2030 GMT) on Friday is the latest mass shooting in the crime-ridden country, where murders average over 75 a day.

About 10 gunmen raided the tavern in Olievenhoutbosch, around 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of Pretoria, and started shooting randomly without saying a word, police said.

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Three men and two women were killed.

The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage, police said in a statement.

Shootings are common in South Africa, often fuelled by gang violence and alcohol.

Many people own licenced fire arms for personal protection, yet there are many more illegal guns in circulation.

A national security strategy published this week warned that crime syndicates may evolve to use more dangerous and sophisticated weapons.

If the problem of gangsterism is not addressed, gangs will continue to occupy social spaces and create no-go areas and in turn fuel vigilantism as (communities) attempt to reclaim spaces and protect themselves from crimes perpetrated by gangs, the redacted report said.

There were more than 27,600 murders in South Africa in the 2023-2024 financial year, according to police statistics, with most of the victims being young, black men in urban areas.
Touring Khartoums 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

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. AFP

Sudans 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 Khartoums 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 Sudans state news agency.

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Sudans army chief and de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who appointed Idris, landed Saturday at Khartoums 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.

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 Sudans 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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All but three cabinet posts are now filled, and armed groups currently fighting alongside the army have retained their representation in Idriss 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.

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 countrys north and east, war still rages in Sudans west and south, where the RSF is accused of killing hundreds of civilians in recent days.

Sudan is suffering the worlds largest hunger and displacement crises, with nearly 25 million people in dire food insecurity and over 10 million internally displaced across the country.

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A further four million people have fled across borders.
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.

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

Fighting in Syrias 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 citys neighbourhoods were halted, Syrias 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.

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.

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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.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later called on the Syrian governments 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.

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.

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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 allys recent air strikes on Syria and had sought a way out for Sharaas 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 Syrias 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.

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 countrys stability.

But Israel expressed deep scepticism about Sharaas 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.

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In Sharaas 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 -

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.

Syrias 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.

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Despite these claims, Trumps six-month approval rating remains negative, with Decision Desk HQ reporting 52.7 per cent of US adults disapproving and 44.6 per cent approving

US President Donald Trump celebrated six months into his second term, claiming the United States is now the hottest and most respected country anywhere in the world.

Wow, time flies! he posted on Truth Social Sunday morning (July 21).

Today is that Sixth Month Anniversary of my Second Term. Importantly, its being hailed as one of the most consequential periods of any President.

He noted that six months was not a long time to have totally revived a major Country, asserting that a year ago, our Country was DEAD, with almost no hope of revival.

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Today the USA is the hottest and most respected Country anywhere in the World, he continued. Happy Anniversary!!!

Trumps approval ratings remain negative

Despite these claims, Trumps six-month approval rating remains negative, with Decision Desk HQ reporting 52.7 per cent of US adults disapproving and 44.6 per cent approving.

The latest Economist/YouGov poll shows his disapproval at its highest since his second term began.

Trump, however, claimed his GOP support has risen significantly, since the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax was exposed by the Radical Left Democrats and, just plain troublemakers.

They have hit 90 per cent, 92 per cent, 93 per cent, and 95 per cent, in various polls, and are all Republican Party records, he stated on Truth Social.

The General Election numbers are my highest, EVER! People like Strong Borders, and all of the many other things I have done. GOD BLESS AMERICA. MAGA!

These remarks follow his to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday to release grand jury files related to Jeffrey Epsteins case, amid public demand for transparency. Trump remains doubtful that releasing the files will satisfy calls for more information.

Trump on Saturday stated that even if the courts approve their release, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics.

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

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

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.
This month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met face-to-face, a step toward a potential leaders summit.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in South Korea, set for October 30 to November 1, offers a key opportunity for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump to meet, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing sources.

Trump might visit China beforehand or meet Xi on the sidelines of the Apec event in Gyeongju, where Xi plans to attend, though Trumps participation is unconfirmed, the Hong Kong based outlet reported.

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This month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met face-to-face, a step toward a potential leaders summit.

Last month, Xi invited Trump and his wife to China, an invitation Trump reciprocated. Rubio noted a strong desire on both sides for a presidents meeting.

US-China relations have been rocky since Trumps January return to the White House, as the US leader issued threats of imposing 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods.

Both sides have since worked on stabilising ties, reaching a preliminary trade deal easing Chinas rare-earth export restrictions and US technology trade barriers.

Analysts suggest a pre-Apec meeting in China, possibly in Shanghai, is likely to differentiate from Trumps 2017 Beijing visit.

Diao Daming of Renmin University was quoted by SCMP as saying: Under favourable conditions and an appropriate atmosphere, any form of interaction between the two leaders will aid in the stabilisation and development of US-China relations.

Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund noted that China sees a summit as stabilising.

They maintain that a leaders meeting could create greater stability in the relationship, she said, adding it could allow Xi to push for eased technology restrictions and the US reaffirmation against Taiwan independence.

Beijing views Taiwan as its territory, to be reunited if necessary by force. The US, while not recognising Taiwans independence, opposes forceful takeover and is obligated to arm Taiwan.

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Sun Chenghao of Tsinghua University said a summit could break deadlocks on issues like fentanyl and tariffs: If certain issues can be clarified directly through a summit between the two leaders, I believe we could see relatively swift breakthroughs in specific areas of US-China relations.

Chen Qi of Tsinghua added: Both sides are indeed working to create a conducive atmosphere for a meeting.

Cooperation on trade and export controls could foster positive interactions.

Observers note that Trumps greater eagerness gives Beijing leverage.

Its up to China. Trump would be on a plane to Beijing tomorrow if he could, said Jeremy Chan of Eurasia Group.

China is very protocol driven and wants all agreements lined up well in advance while Trump would be happy to hash it all out over a Big Mac.

However, Taiwan or hawkish US actions could derail plans. The summit will be well telegraphed in advance, Chan said. But all it would take would be one slip up along the way to derail the whole thing.

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Senior US Congressman Gregory Meeks has refuted Donald Trumps claim that $21 million in US aid was given to boost voter turnout in India, calling it completely false and saying such a grant never existed.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, on, February 13. Reuters

Senior US Congressman Gregory Meeks on Saturday dismissed President Donald Trumps claim that the American government had provided $21 million through USAID to boost voter turnout in India, saying that it never existed.'

The President claimed there was a wasteful $21 million grant to India. That grant never existed, said Meeks, a Democrat and the top-ranking opposition member on the influential House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Earlier this year, Trump repeatedly alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to support voter turnout in India. Were giving $21 million for voter turnout in India What about us? I want voter turnout too, Trump said, implying the funds were meant to influence Indias elections.

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The claim triggered a political storm in India, prompting a response from the Ministry of External Affairs. We have seen media reports regarding the alleged allocation of US funds for election-related activities in India. This is deeply troubling, and all relevant government agencies are examining the matter. India takes its sovereignty and electoral integrity very seriously, said ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also voiced concern, saying, Its worrisome. If theres something to it, the country should know. Indias elections are for Indianswe have zero tolerance for any foreign interference.

However, even at the time, there was no clear evidence that such a grant had been given to any Indian organisation. US media later reported that the $21 million was actually designated for Bangladesh, which was also preparing for national electionsnot for India.
Many have called for the restaurant to file a police complaint against the Black man, while others criticised him for deliberately provoking the staff.

The man pulled out a KFC fried chicken basket, placed it on the counter, and helped himself to a chicken leg. Source: X

A major controversy erupted online as a UK man walked into an Iskcon restaurant in London, filming himself eating KFC chicken after challenging the staff about it being a vegan restaurant.

In the video, a Black man can be seen entering Govindas restaurant, holding a food packet.

He then approaches the food counter and asks the two women behind it if it is a vegan restaurant.

No meat, no onion, no garlic, one replies.

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Are you sure there is no meat? he presses.

The women reaffirm and gesture to a sign outside clearly indicating its a vegetarian restaurant.

The man then reveals a KFC fried chicken basket, sets it on the counter, and begins eating a chicken leg.

One of the women inquires about it, quickly realising its meat.

She asks him to leave, while the other employee seeks assistance.

Unfazed, the man continues eating the chicken leg. You want some? he offers, holding out the half-eaten piece to the shocked staff member.

He then approaches another employee, who repeats that they dont serve meat, as he dangles the chicken from his mouth, offering it again.

A customer intervenes, saying, Excuse me, you are violating someones religious practices. Thats not fair, prompting the man to shout, Free the chicken! before leaving the restaurant.

An African boy entered ISKCONs Govinda restaurant and confirmed if it is a vegetarian restaurant.



He then took out his KFC Chicken and started eating it and offered them to other people to mock them.



Totally expecting more of this from Sadiq Khan's London. Hate for Hindus in pic.twitter.com/TD9mMGZcSV  Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) July 20, 2025

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The video triggered widespread anger among Indians online. Total nightmare for the people inside. What should we call this? Racism or pure Hindu Hate? read the caption.

Many called for the restaurant to file a police complaint, while others criticised the man for deliberately provoking the staff.

The intentional violation of a cultural and religious norm in this manner is a clear demonstration of intolerance, one user commented.

Another questioned, Apart from horrendous, what is he trying to do and why? Is he offended that people can be vegetarian? Or are people waiting to use or misuse someone who doesnt know what theyre doing?

A third user condemned his filthy and sick mindset, stating, He achieved nothing by harassing people! Zero achievement but created nuisance.
This photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

MEXICO CITY, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Xinhua News Agency released a think tank report here on Friday, expounding on the historical lineage and evolution of China's cultural subjectivity and its far-reaching global significance.

Cultural subjectivity refers to the unique values and spiritual characteristics that a country or its people demonstrate through cultural inheritance, innovation and development.

The report, titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization," emphasizes the importance of upholding cultural subjectivity.

Moving from a world where "each appreciates its own beauty" to one where "all share in the beauty of others," cultural subjectivity strengthens the spiritual cornerstone for engagement, exchange and integration among diverse cultures, collectively creating a bright future of peaceful development for human civilization, according to the report.

AWAKENING OF CHINESE CULTURAL SUBJECTIVITY

The cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation is deeply rooted in an extensive historical lineage. From its roots in ancient agrarian traditions to the rich intermingling of diverse ethnic cultures and the vast influence of foreign exchanges, Chinese cultural subjectivity has evolved continually, making enduring contributions to human civilization.

The report highlights that, despite historical changes, external pressures and the impact of modernization, China has consistently maintained its cultural subjectivity, forging a path of cultural confidence, self-strengthening and an inclusive worldview.

Chinese civilization is the only great, uninterrupted civilization that continues to this day in the form of a state. This unequivocally affirms the cultural identity and robust vitality of Chinese civilization as it has responded to challenges and broken new ground through self-development.

Since modern times, China has gradually been reduced to a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. Facing a crisis of national survival, Chinese cultural subjectivity experienced unprecedented disruption.

The Communist Party of China has steadfastly integrated the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and the best of its traditional culture (the "two integrations"), thus reshaping and solidifying Chinese cultural subjectivity.

REVITALIZING CHINESE CULTURE

According to the report, culture embodies a wealth of moral principles, values and behavioral norms, subtly shaping people's thoughts and actions while fostering an intrinsic motivation to do good and strive for progress. It serves as a vital spiritual force in advancing coordinated economic and social development.

-- Playing a Guiding Role in Inspiring Strong Spiritual Power

China remains steadfast in its commitment to forging a socialist ideology imbued with strong cohesion and leadership. Under the guidance of the core socialist values, it continues to shape the essence of Chinese identity, its spirit, values and strength.

China emphasizes the coordination between material and spiritual civilization, pursuing both material abundance and cultural enrichment. Today, customs that have endured for thousands of years are evolving with the times in an imperceptible manner. A culture rich in national spirit and vitality subtly integrates with productive capability and daily life.

-- Enhancing Cohesion to Fortify Shared Cultural Identity

As a country or a people strengthen their cultural subjectivity, they inevitably foster a powerful cohesive force. The shared identity of the Chinese nation, the familiar patriotic spirit that binds it together, and the collective aspiration for progress unite all Chinese people to become a tightly knit and forward-looking community.

The report emphasizes that cultural subjectivity fosters a strong sense of identity among the people toward their nation and country, as well as a powerful spiritual momentum toward a shared aspiration: achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

-- Fostering Creativity to Drive High-Level Cultural Development

The consolidation and development of cultural subjectivity have deeply activated the intrinsic heritage of Chinese civilization, injecting new vitality into its modern transformation.

The creative transformation and innovative development of the best of Chinese traditional culture, the flourishing of new popular arts, and the continuous emergence of "Culture+" industries stand as vivid manifestations of China's consolidation of cultural subjectivity and advancement of Chinese civilization.

-- Expanding Cultural Influence to Showcase National Soft Power

In an era of deepening globalization, the interconnectivity and interdependence among nations continue to grow. China remains committed to the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits in global governance, establishing platforms for dialogue among civilizations, advancing cultural exchanges and dissemination, and actively expanding its cultural influence.

By presenting a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China internationally, it enhances global understanding of Chinese culture, values and development path, contributing Chinese wisdom and Chinese strength to the pursuit of world peace, development and the progress of human civilization.

SAFEGUARDING CULTURAL SUBJECTIVITY

The traditional cultures of some countries have been influenced by erroneous ideologies, such as cultural nihilism and extreme cultural conservatism, leading to disruptions in the transmission of civilization, crises of cultural identity, and a weakening of cultural innovation, which in turn erode cultural subjectivity.

"For developing countries to truly forge their own path of modernization, they must transcend and overcome the myths of Western modernization, grasp their cultural subjectivity and handle the relationship between tradition and modernity properly," said Zhang Zhiqiang, director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Consolidating cultural subjectivity requires a balance of upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, safeguarding the spiritual roots of the nation while adopting an open and inclusive attitude toward other advanced cultures. Nations should approach their cultural achievements with a stance of inheritance and development, grasping the generative logic and practical value of culture in the evolution of globalization, and realizing the modern renewal of their indigenous cultures based on understanding the laws of cultural development.

The report makes a compelling case for the importance of cultural subjectivity. China's path to modernization provides significant insights for countries in the Global South seeking to achieve modernization while maintaining their independence. Modernization is neither the exclusive privilege of a select few nations nor a rigid binary choice. It cannot be reduced to a simplistic process of uniformity or mere copying and pasting. For any nation embarking on modernization, adherence to universal modernization principles must be balanced with an approach rooted in national conditions and cultural characteristics.

In the face of the dynamic interplay of global cultures, the report advocates for strengthening cultural subjectivity, which not only serves as the spiritual cornerstone of China's path to modernization but also offers valuable insights for countries in the Global South as they collectively strive for modernization. 

This photo shows a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization." The "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" was held in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on Friday. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Participants read a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

This photo shows copies of a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization." The "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" was held in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on Friday. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A participant reads a think tank report titled "Upholding Cultural Subjectivity Amid the Dynamic Interplay of World Cultures: The Spiritual Cornerstone of China's Path to Modernization" during the "Hongting Forum: Meeting of Civilizations between China and Mexico" in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, July 18, 2025. Xinhua News Agency released the report during the forum on Friday. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)
DAMASCUS, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Syria's foreign affairs authorities on Sunday blamed Druze militias for obstructing a humanitarian convoy bound for the southern province of Sweida.

In a statement, the authorities said the convoy transporting medical supplies was blocked from entering Sweida for the second time in four days, accusing the Druze armed groups of imposing conditions on the aid's entry.

Only a limited portion of the aid, accompanied by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, was allowed in, said the statement.

"The deteriorating security situation is a direct result of ongoing Israeli intervention and the withdrawal of Syrian security forces," the statement said. "This has led to a loss of control, impeding efforts to provide essential services and meet basic needs."

Emergency authorities chief Raed al-Saleh told state television earlier on Sunday that aid convoys have been waiting for days to enter Sweida but that "the complex security situation and the kidnapping of colleagues" have delayed deliveries.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the recent violent clashes between local Druze fighters and Bedouin tribal militias have left more than 1,000 dead. 
KHARTOUM, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Foreign Ministry on Saturday denounced the new sanctions imposed by the European Union on Sudanese individuals and entities as lacking "fair legal standards."

It is "not possible to equate" the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) with "outlawed rebel armed groups," read a statement by the ministry, urging the EU to adopt a more balanced approach that takes into account Sudan's unique national circumstances.

On Friday, the EU adopted sanctions against two individuals and two entities affiliated with the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including asset freezes, prohibition of the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, and travel bans.

Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country's humanitarian crisis. 
Katharhynn Heidelberg/ Montrose Daily Press

A blackened view from the South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on Friday shows the damage done by the wildfire that was sparked by lightning on July 10. The South Rim Fire had chewed through more than 4,200 acres as of Friday afternoon, with 14% containment achieved.
Chinese Embassy in Singapore rejects local media reports linking cyber espionage group to China, voices strong dissatisfaction

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 19, 2025 03:18 PM

The Chinese Embassy in Singapore on Saturday expressed strong dissatisfaction with local media reports alleging the UNC3886 group, believed to be behind recent cyberattacks in Singapore, is linked to China, citing claim of a cybersecurity firm of certain country. The embassy reiterated its firm opposition to such baseless smears.

Some Singapore media outlets, including The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, and Channel NewsAsia, reported that Singapore's critical information infrastructure has come under attack from cyber espionage group UNC3886. They cited a cybersecurity firm Mandiant as saying that UNC3886 is a China-linked cyber espionage group.

In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Singapore stated that China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with the law, and will never encourage, support, or condone hacking activities.

In fact, China is one of the major victims of cyberattacks, the spokesperson said, adding that cybersecurity is a global challenge.

China stands ready to continue conducting cooperation with all parties including Singapore to jointly safeguard security in cyberspace, said the spokesperson.

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From Concept to Combat: LANDEURO Spotlights Multi-Domain Readiness

By Shannon Collins, Army News Service July 18, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Army experts stressed the importance of joint doctrine and technology for the U.S. military, NATO and its allies to successfully operate in multi-domain operations during the 2025 LANDEURO symposium in Wiesbaden, Germany, July 17, 2025.

"A strong United States military and a strong NATO is not just a European deterrent, but a global deterrent," said Brig. Gen. Steven Carpenter, commander, 56th Theater Multi-Domain Command, Mainz-Kastel, Germany. "What we do in this theater of operations, it's exportable anywhere. That should concern our adversaries."

Communication among the U.S. military, NATO and its allies, along with the industrial base, is important, said Harald Manheim, head of defense digital, cyber and managing director, Airbus Defense and Space, Germany. Manheim served in the German Air Force with the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system.

"We need to know each other to create and build trust," Manheim said. "It's easier if you know each other, if you know the capabilities. It's a fascinating world when you enter industrial sites and armament industry across the world. The Europeans are releasing more budgets. We're ramping up."

He said NATO and the U.S. allies want to prepare the forces on the battlefield of today and tomorrow with the best technology and capabilities.

Carpenter said if conflict breaks out in Eastern Europe, everything will be contested globally.

"There's not a single thing that 56 theater multidomain commands can do to stop anti-access area denial subsurface in the Western Atlantic," he said. "Everything is contested. It's not just the military. It's not just the joint force across the different 32 nations and partners who join us. It's commercial. It's industry. It's sparking the industrial base and understanding that in order to sustain ourselves to win the fight after the fight. We need commercial industry to assist us with that."

He said it's not just a military effort. It's a national effort across all 32 nations and the partners who join the U.S. military.

Doctrine

Doctrine plays a big role in human and procedural interoperability in this military effort, said Richard Creed, Jr., director, Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, Mission Command Center of Excellence, Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The West Point graduate served 32 years as an armor officer and strategist.

Creed said because of this, his directorate is continuously updating U.S. Army doctrine that focuses on multidomain operations, combined arms, including space, cyber, electronic warfare, air defense and more. This, in turn, shapes the joint doctrine for the U.S. military and the NATO doctrine. The doctrines influence operations and training.

And with the proliferation of technology at a faster and faster pace, the operational environment is changing, which influences doctrine, he said.

"We really started updating Army doctrine in 2014, thinking about how the Army is going to fight differently," Creed said. "There was an initial multidomain battle concept and futures concept developed and socialized across the Army from top to bottom. We published the concept in 2018."

He said as the concept develops into doctrine, the Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate worked with joint force experts to ensure the language was in a form people use every day in terms of training, developing leaders and in determining materiel requirements.

"If you don't know how you're going to fight, how do you know what you want to fight with?" Creed said.

Though the updated doctrine published in 2022, the war in the Ukraine kicked off, and the Army, along with the other U.S. military service branches, NATO and its allies saw an evolution of warfare.

"The war in Ukraine evolved and other things were going on in the world. The Army was focused globally," Creed said. "We published an updated version of FM30 March 2025 and since then, we've been taking notes and have realized that there's even more things we need to change the next time around, and it will not take three years before we do it again."

He said one of those steps is as NATO updates its doctrine, Creed's team will emphasize the importance of the land forces portion being congruent with the Army's operational concept.

"We work together and train together every day over here in Europe," he said. "We have meetings all year, discussing how we're going to fight better together. Let's use the same words and make sure those words have the same meaning."

The current need on the battlefield is a bridge between existing systems to link them together for more of a multidomain, legacy world of systems, said Manheim.

"We also need to massively produce ammunition and upgrade legacy systems," he said. "Software-defined defense may be the future vision. We need speed, interoperability and combat mass communications integrated across the alliance."

Operations

Carpenter leads a theater asset that works with the other U.S. military services, NATO and coalition partners.

"As the multidomain command in Europe, we tackle some very complex problems," he said. "Within the larger global anti-access aerial denial effort, that's defeating adversary integrated air missile defense as well as their integrated fires complex capabilities. It's an extreme challenge."

He said repetitive exercises oriented exclusively on warfighting and regional plans allow the Soldiers in his command to develop leadership, expertise and build the architecture needed to win the fight. It also helps them harvest theater and national intelligence, conduct target development, maintain custody of targets and work with interagency partners to layer effects for increased success.

"We need to find, fix and finish for the theater," Carpenter said. "We establish convergence in depth. If we get it right, we create windows of opportunities for the Air Force from the ground, and we create opportunities for the alliance with follow-on operations to create an experience for our adversary that completely overwhelms them. Repetition breeds mastery."

His command has many exercises, including Dynamic Front, a theater-wide kill web data execution with 16 different nations in five different countries.

Carpenter echoed Creed's comment on the importance of the Army, other service branches, NATO and the partner nations speaking the same language.

"There's language barriers and differences in doctrine, how someone may describe a task, the outcome, how they describe an effect they want to achieve," he said. "It can add complexity to what is already a complex warfighting requirement."

With combined arms maneuvers, layering effects to achieve a strategic outcome, the reality is that in warfighting, intelligence collection, the kinetic and nonkinetic effects come from many different sources, Carpenter said.

These sources could be U.S. military, NATO, partners, interagency or civilians. Open-source intelligence comes from many different medians in many different forms.

"The question is, are we able to, with our warfighting language, paint a picture for a commander so they can make risk-informed decisions?" he said.

As part of the Army Transformation Initiative, the 56th Artillery Command and 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force combined into the 56th Multi-Domain Command.

Having a command that provides real-time targeting information; a command-and-control center that provides detailed planning, execution and assessments during current fighting and exercises; a field artillery headquarters; fuel artillery brigades across NATO; and an inbound information advantage detachment will provide layered effects to the NATO and multidomain mission, Carpenter said.

"It's an exciting time with technology and the innovation that's going on right now in our Army and in Europe," he said. "It's our job to have the leader development programs, the training programs, to build the architecture and to build the processes."

If his team builds these processes and programs, then when the new technology arrives in Europe, they will be able to employ them rapidly and decisively at the point of need.

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Transcript: Gen. Donahue opening keynote for LANDEURO

By U.S. Army Europe and Africa Public Affairs July 19, 2025

Guten morgen to everybody. One, General Brown, thank you for everything that you have done in AUSA. This is your vision to do this. Now we're at the right time, at the right place. To Alan, who, by the way, is a great, great partner of all of us here, of everything that we do in Germany, thank you for setting us up for the exact moment of what we have to talk about. To all of our allies and partners that are out there - we have allies and partners from Asia, Africa, South America, obviously Europe - thank you all for being here. As you look at our panels, we will have panels from-- and this really goes back to what Alan was discussing. All of our panels have allies and partners from other locations. Ukraine will be here, and they will talk to us from their panels. I think you'll find what they have to say will only further your desire for where we have to land. So as I look across this audience, really, all I see is opportunity. The first opportunity from our leadership is clear. Alan highlighted it. Five percent commitment. Now, what I want to talk about is, really, what is our role? As the military, what do we have to produce? The first thing is especially for the US military, but also for the 32 members of NATO, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. And you'll see many of these other four countries from Asia here as well. If you were to go across to SAG-U and NSATU, you see them there. Why? Because we understand the global threat.

So what is our role here? So as the LANDCOM commander for NATO and as the United States Army Europe Africa commander, our previous bosses, General Walters, General Cavoli, and now General George in particular, is we drive what we have to do out here. And what is that specifically? So as we talk about all these things that everybody talks about. What is the specificity required to truly make that change? Well, the first thing is those previous leaders have converged all the plans so that we have unity of effort and unity of exactly what we have to do. And they're called the regional plans. Within those regional plans, we started in the Baltics to try to get to how do you actually make it so that industry and the nations know exactly what the requirements are. Ultimately, that is now known as the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line. The Eastern Flank Deterrence Line is the capability that hinges all these regional plans together. So as we all talk about these things that are so important, the use of data, you actually can use data. So whenever we talk about how are we going to use these new forms of mass, the unmanned systems, well, how do you build that to a standard that you can actually fight it throughout an alliance? But as important, because this is global, how do you use it in the Middle East? How do you use it in the Pacific?

So all these standards have to be. And that's what the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line will bring to all of us here. And then, specifically, we've started in the Baltics, and we know exactly what we have to develop. And the use case that we're using is, is you have to from the ground. And if you now look at everything that is happening throughout the world, the land domain is not becoming less important. Rather, it's becoming more important. You can now take down A2AD bubbles from the ground. You can now take over C from the ground. All of those things you're watching happen in Ukraine. But as important for us, how do we put that into these regional plans, into the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line? If you look at Kaliningrad, that is-- you can argue back and forth, but it's about 47 miles wide, surrounded by NATO on all sides. There's absolutely no reason why that A2AD bubble, to deter Russia, we cannot take that down from the ground in a time frame that is unheard of and faster than we've ever been able to do. We've already planned that. We've already developed it. The mass and momentum problem that Russia poses to us, a problem that we could get faced anywhere else in the world. We've developed the capability to make sure that we can stop that mass and momentum problem, approximately 22 divisions worth of capability. And then, of course, all of us have to make sure that we have offensive capability, probably the most difficult.

So those three things we have developed. And we're ready to-- and we just had the Conference of European Armies over the last two days where we went over this entire concept with each of the chiefs. Many of the Chads have already seen this. So we know the exact use case that we have. So everybody can talk about how we need to use data and all these other things. So what we've done with this is we've talked about the system. NATO has already procured the system. We already know exactly what we have to do with cloud, and we know exactly the type of actual unmanned systems, brigades, and everything else that we need. So if you're industry, we can tell you exactly what we need. And then for industry, you'll also sit there and say, "Okay, well, can you help us out with a little bit more specificity?" Absolutely. So for industry, very specifically, what we would like you to start to look at is that anything that we develop, it has to be interoperable. But I want to talk a little bit more about the specificity of interoperability. The first thing that we always talk about is data. We need industry to mitigate the risk that every nation sees in data. So if we talk about cloud, you as industry have to come in and talk about how we can share data without that nation being concerned about where that data is going to be. We know that we can solve this every day.

Whenever we look at modular systems and we talk about what we need with modular systems-- and this is what the Army Transformation Initiative and Secretary Driscoll and General George are trying to push. And this is exactly what our allies are looking for as well. And I'll just give you-- everyone loves to talk about long-range fires and air defense. So, specifically, what we want to develop is a common launcher, a common launcher that is both offensive and defensive capable. We want a common fire control system so that any nation can use that fire control system. Right now, there are many nations that if they buy a platform and another nation buys that platform, they're not interoperable because of that lack of common operating system. It's trust. That's all that is. We can solve it. And then obviously, we want everything to be optionally manned. So if we look out for a air defense system or a long-range fire system, we want it to be one system optionally manned, and we want tp be able to take munitions from any country and shoot through that. That's just one example of many. And then we know that there's also a bureaucracy involved in this. And the United States has taken on reform of foreign military sales, and you're already seeing the changes that are coming. We already know that we're now having actual things that we're being allowed to move at a higher rate of speed and getting approved faster.

But the problem is, is we cannot buy things if they do not exist. And this is where we need industry. We have sent a clear demand signal to you of exactly what we need. And throughout these next two days, you will be able to talk to us, and we'll be able to tell you anything that we require. Some of the other key things that we have to have, if you sell us something, it has to be interoperable. You have to share the API. The cost has to go down. As a general rule, whatever you're shooting at, whatever weapon system or munition you shoot at another adversary's capability, it should be cheaper than what you're shooting down. The cost curve has to go down. Again, interoperability. As you talk to our allies, other than the fact of the timeliness of getting capability, the ability to be interoperable is their number one concern. And we have to solve that, especially in this alliance, if we're going to get to where we actually need to. I look forward to seeing many of you out here throughout the next two days. We know exactly what we have to do, and we look forward to working with all of you on it. Thank you very much. [applause]

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Hezbollah chief warns of US-Israeli plan to re-shape region

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 19, 2025

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has issued a warning regarding a US-Israeli agenda that seeks to diminish Lebanon and disarm the Resistance.

He made the remarks on Saturday in a ceremony to commemorate the martyred Resistance leader Ali Karaki, asserting the significance of Hezbollah in national defense.

Qassem said that the U.S. and Israel recognize the ceasefire agreement favors Lebanon and its Resistance, prompting unsuccessful pressure to modify it.

Washington seeks a new agreement absolving Israel's past violations, he said, adding that the new agreement's primary goal is disarming the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon to reassure Israel.

Hezbollah chief asserts the U.S. coordinates the war with Israel and aims to expand it regionally.

Qassem added that Israel, under the guise of security, seeks to control and attack any area, while the Resistance maintains a strong position and military strength.

He identified three dangers facing Lebanon, including Israeli occupation in the south, Daesh along the eastern border, and American hegemony seeking to control Lebanon, imposing trusteeship, and undermining its sovereignty.

He warned against dividing Lebanon between Israel and Syria, inciting sectarian strife, and annexing it to regional powers, viewing these as extremely dangerous.

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Gaza residents face starvation; 69 children die of malnutrition

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 19, 2025

The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip has announced the worsening situation of starvation due to Israeli-imposed war and siege on the Palestinians residing in this region, according to Qatar's Al Jazeera TV network.

The Gaza Information Office declared that 69 Palestinian children have lost their lives in Gaza due to malnutrition, and 650,000 children are facing death from lack of food and starvation, as reported by Shehab news agency.

The office urged the international community to compel the Israeli regime to halt its policy of imposing starvation on women and children in Gaza.

Abu Obaida, spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, criticized Arab and Islamic officials for their silence in the face of the Israeli atrocities.

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine said that Israeli occupiers pursue a deliberate policy of hunger and massacre in Gaza.

The resistance movements in Gaza called on people of the region to hold protest rallies near mosques and in main public squares after evening prayers in the West Bank, al-Quds, and the occupied territories on Saturday.

Since October 7, 2023, at least 58,667 Palestinians have been killed, and 139,974 others have been wounded as a result of the aggression by the Israeli regime.

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Hamas says more Israeli soldiers will be killed if Gaza genocide continues

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 19, 2025

Abu Obaida, the military spokesperson of the Islamic Resistance Movement, has warned Israel that it would lose more soldiers if the war on Gaza continues.

In a video, released on Friday, Abu Obaida stressed that Hamas is prepared to continue "a war of attrition" and will continue attacks across Gaza with the aim of killing or capturing invading Israeli soldiers.

The video was the first released by Abu Obaida since March when Israel resumed intense attacks on Gaza following a two-month ceasefire.

He said that hundreds of Israeli soldiers have been killed or wounded during this period, while thousands more are suffering from psychological trauma and neurological disorders.

It has become clear to us that the regime of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "has no real interest" in the prisoners because they are soldiers, Al Jazeera reported Abu Obaida, who is the longtime spokesperson of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades.

"If this terrorist regime decides to continue the genocidal war [on Gaza], it should be ready to receive more soldiers and officers in coffins," he warned, saying that Hamas fighters have attempted in recent weeks to capture Israeli soldiers.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Abu Obaida condemned the silence of Arab leaders and elites, holding them responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians who have been killed, starved, and deprived of water and medicine.

"Your necks are burdened with the blood of tens of thousands of innocents who were betrayed by your silence," he said as quoted by Al Jazeera.

He also pointed to the unwavering Western support for Israel, saying: "Our enemy is continuously backed by global oppressive powers with endless convoys of weapons and ammunition."

The Qassam Brigades spokesperson voiced strong support for Hamas negotiators engaged in talks over a ceasefire in Gaza, saying that the Palestinian team had in recent months offered a "comprehensive deal" that would release all Israeli prisoners at once, but it was rejected by Netanyahu's cabinet.

Hamas is still holding 50 people in Gaza, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The Palestinian resistance movement has time and again said that it is ready to release all of them in return for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and humanitarian aid to enter the besieged territory.

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Washington's double standard on Gaza war erodes its credibility as mediator: analysts

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 15:07, July 19, 2025

GAZA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. administration's double standard on the war in Gaza is eroding its credibility as a mediator in the ceasefire talks, analysts said Friday.

"The U.S. consistently repeats that Israel has the right to defend itself, but it avoids condemning the killing of children, women, and elderly Palestinians," said Gaza-based political expert Hussam Al-Dajani.

Washington's silence regarding mass civilian casualties in Gaza suggests that its foreign policy is guided more by geopolitical interests than by humanitarian principles, Al-Dajani said.

"The double standard fuels anger among the (Palestinian) population and undermines any trust in America's role in future peace efforts," he said, adding that Washington's "influence in the region will continue to diminish, especially as resentment grows across the Arab world over its perceived complicity in the Gaza war."

Washington's current stance "aligns with its long-standing policy of prioritizing political alliances over human rights," Ramallah-based Palestinian political expert Esmat Mansour told Xinhua.

"By ignoring the larger suffering in Gaza, they reveal a systematic bias that erodes their credibility," he said, adding that Washington's double standard compromises its "future role as a mediator."

The analysts made the remarks a day after Israel launched an airstrike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, the enclave's only Catholic church and a sanctuary for civilians, killing three and injuring several others.

On Friday morning, a church delegation entered Gaza to ensure the evacuation of the injured to medical institutions outside Gaza, and to secure access for delivering essential assistance to local families.

The remarks also came as Israel's resumed military campaign in Gaza starting from March 18 has killed at least 7,843 Palestinians and injured 27,933 others, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the start of the conflict in October 2023 to 58,667, with 139,974 people injured. The ongoing Israeli assault has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The United States, together with Qatar and Egypt, is reportedly mediating indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel.

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Palestinians in Gaza face 'acute risk of famine' as food supplies run dry

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 4:26 PM

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned that Palestinians in Gaza face an "acute" risk of famine, amid Israel's total siege on the strip.

"The population is facing an acute risk of famine, with continuously worsening conditions. Basic food supplies are no longer available in markets or distribution points," Jagan Chapagain, secretary general of the IFRC, said in a post on X on Saturday.

"The cost of remaining essentials, such as flour, has skyrocketed, with one kilogram now reaching as much as $20, making it impossible for two million people to meet their minimum daily nutritional needs," he said.

Amid the deliberate killings of "desperate" aid seekers at aid distribution centers in recent weeks, Chapagain said, "No one should have to risk their life to get basic humanitarian assistance."

The United Nations said on 13 July that 875 people had been killed while seeking food at distribution points operated by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and other aid centers since the end of May.

The number now exceeds 900, local officials said.

A report by the Associated Press (AP) has detailed how American contractors guarding the aid centers used live ammunition, stun grenades, and pepper spray against the Palestinian aid seekers.

In its late June issue, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz also reported that the Israeli regime's forces had received orders to fire on the unarmed aid seekers to "keep them away from food distribution centers."

Chapagain also reiterated a call "for full and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance" to Gaza.

"Aid must be guaranteed and delivered at scale to meet the overwhelming needs."

Israel has imposed a total siege on Gaza since March, blocking the entry of humanitarian aid into the strip.

The looming risk of famine came while the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said it has "enough food for the entire population of Gaza for over three months stockpiled in warehouses-including this one in Al Arish, Egypt-awaiting entry."

In a post on X on Saturday, the organization said, "Open the gates, lift the siege, allow UNRWA to do its work and help people in need among them one million children."

In November last year, the Israeli regime banned the operations of UNRWA, terminating the body's decades-long crucial relief practices across the Palestinian territories and putting millions of lives at risk.

The Israeli regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has killed at least 58,765 Palestinians, mostly women and children, since October 7, 2023.

Israel has long been accused of using food as a weapon of war against the Palestinians in the besieged strip.

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ISLAMABAD, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Four terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, the military said on Sunday.

The security forces conducted the operation in Kalat district of the province on the reported presence of terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement.

During the conduct of the operation, security forces effectively engaged the terrorists' location, and after an intense exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces, four terrorists were neutralized, said the ISPR statement.

According to the ISPR, a huge cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces in the area.

Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate the presence of other terrorists from the area, it added.

The military said the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country. 
Israel denies visa to top UN official in Palestine

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 3:04 PM

Israel has refused to renew the visa of a top UN humanitarian official in the occupied Palestinian territories  the latest in a string of rejections targeting senior UN staff.

Jonathan Whittall of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is denied entry to the occupied territories, said Farhan Haq, a UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres spokesman.

OCHA spokeswoman Eri Kaneko said the agency was notified of the decision last week.

Kaneko said, "It was indicated to us that our current Head of Office, Jonathan Whittall, won't have his visa extended by Israeli authorities beyond August.

"This came immediately after remarks in a press briefing about starving people being killed while trying to reach food," Kaneko said.

According to her, speaking about conditions on the ground is part of OCHA's mandate.

"Attempts to silence us are not new, but threats of reduced access to the civilians we're trying to serve are intensifying," she added.

OCHA monitors and coordinates aid in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and plays a key role in advocating for the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law.

Philippe Lazzarini, the director of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), has not been granted a visa since June 2024, according to agency spokeswoman Juliette Touma.

The local heads of UN Women and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have also been denied visas.

Humanitarian officials say the visa denials are part of a broader pattern of retaliation by Israel against UN agencies that publicly report on violations of international law.

"Each time a UN official reports on what they see, they face threats of further reduced access to the civilians we are trying to serve," Tom Fletcher, head of humanitarian affairs for the UN, told the Security Council on Wednesday.

"Nowhere today is the tension between our advocacy mandate and delivering aid greater than in Gaza."

The besieged Palestinian territory faces an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with tens of thousands killed by Israeli forces and widespread famine taking hold.

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'Ready for long war of attrition': Snippets from Hamas spox Abu Obeida's latest speech

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 11:32 AM

In his first speech since March, Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the military wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, on Friday evening, warned of a prolonged resistance battle amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

He slammed the Zionist regime for breaking ceasefire agreements and warned of intensified resistance, referring to recent operations carried out in the Gaza Strip.

Over the past four months, Abu Obeida said, resistance fighters have inflicted significant casualties on Israeli forces in response to the regime's renewed aggression and breach of the ceasefire.

He described Gaza as "the greatest military school for a people's resistance against their occupiers in modern history," adding that the resistance fighters are prepared to continue the war of attrition.

He also criticized Arab and Islamic governments for failing to stop Israel's ongoing genocide.

The following are the snippets from the Hamas military spokesperson's latest speech:

Zionist enemy resumed its barbaric, Nazi-style aggression against our people and families in the Gaza Strip four months ago, betraying and breaking covenants, turning against the agreement made with the resistance in January, lying to mediators and the world, and pursuing its so-called "victory."



For four months, the enemy has inflicted sadistic violence on (Palestinian) civilians and children, relentlessly destroying neighborhoods, cities, and residential areas. This brutal war against our people persists.



For twenty-one months, our fighters have stood firm like mountains, with the patience and pride of our great, generous nation.



The occupying usurpers have been haunted by shame and disgrace, compounded by abandonment from many in our Arab and Islamic communities, except for the sincere fighters, the oppressed and free peoples who uphold humanity.



Recently, the enemy launched "Gideon's Chariots," a biblical myth used to justify its racist, Nazi-like war, resembling the acts of devils and cowardly gangs.



We confronted "Gideon's Chariots" with "Stones of David" operations, drawing inspiration from the victory of David over Goliath, striking with precision and faith.



Our fighters, alongside brotherly factions like Saraya Al-Quds, engage in an unequal battle marked by unmatched faith, strength, and determination.



Hundreds of enemy soldiers have been killed or wounded, thousands suffer psychological trauma, and suicides among them are rising due to the horrors they face and commit. Our fighters use innovative tactics - attacking vehicles, sniping, ambushing, and raiding - with heroic success.



The world witnessed our heroes in Khan Younis (southern Gaza) reaching enemy soldiers at point-blank range, pursuing and killing those responsible for destroying civilian homes, and seizing their weapons.



Attempts to capture Zionist soldiers have come close to success, thwarted only by divine will and the enemy's brutal mass killings of their own suspected captives.



Our operations span the entire Gaza Strip, from northern Beit Hanoun and Jabalia, through Gaza City neighborhoods, down to Khan Younis and Rafah, making Gaza the greatest modern school of resistance.



After 21 months of the Al-Aqsa Flood battle, the Martyr Izz El-Din Al-Qassam Brigades affirm readiness for a long war of attrition, pledging steadfastness and heavy blows until victory or martyrdom.



Our fight is a sacred religious and national duty, relying on faith, determination, and what little weaponry we possess, performing miracles by God's grace.



Our strategy focuses on deadly, close-range operations and capturing enemy soldiers. Should the enemy continue its extermination war, it will continue to receive coffins. Their tanks and fortresses will not save them from divine justice and our faithful hands.



We honor the heroism of our fighters and share the pain of our wounded and families. However, the broader nation has largely abandoned its duty, while the enemy is armed by the world's most oppressive powers.



To the leaders, elites, and scholars of the Islamic and Arab nations: your silence makes you adversaries of God and betrayers of our suffering people. This criminal Nazi enemy acts with impunity because of your betrayal and silence.



The enemy's war crimes, collective punishment, and genocidal plans, supported openly by the US, recall the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, which the world must reject.



The false accusation of antisemitism is a scandal. The hatred toward Zionism stems from its crimes against humanity.



The enemy's use of Arab agents is a sign of failure, destined to end in regret and loss. We call on these agents to repent and rejoin their people before it is too late.



We salute the steadfastness of the Yemeni people and Ansarallah, who stood firm in support of Palestine, exposing the betrayal of many Arab and Islamic regimes.



We thank all free peoples worldwide who show solidarity, break the siege, and resist oppression despite risks and defamation.



We support the Palestinian resistance delegation in negotiations, having offered to release all enemy prisoners at once, a proposal rejected by the war criminal Netanyahu.



Netanyahu's regime prioritizes propaganda over prisoners' lives, preparing public opinion to accept their deaths. We monitor talks with hope for peace, but will not settle for partial deals.



Zionist failure is evident in its resort to war crimes and genocide. The resistance will reject these crimes and continue fighting.



Our people's patience, steadfastness, and defiance despite abandonment are a source of our enemies' rage. Victory will come with patience and ease after hardship.



We honor the elders of our nation and pledge continued struggle, trusting God's promise of ultimate victory.

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Hamas calls for global mobilization to stop Gaza 'genocide and starvation'

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 11:04 AM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has called for a global mobilization to save the Palestinians in Gaza from death by bombing, starvation, and thirst at the hands of the Israeli regime.

In a statement released on Saturday, Hamas urged the Ummah (Islamic community) and freedom advocates worldwide for a global mobilization to save the Palestinians.

The statement called for a global mobilization against the Israeli regime "through massive public demonstrations, solidarity events, raising voices loudly," to oppose the war of genocide and starvation "until this brutal aggression ends and the unjust siege is lifted."

The statement also referred to the regime's flagrant violations of all human norms, divine laws, and moral values through a brutal aggression unprecedented in history, amidst international silence and failure to stop this war of extermination and starvation.

"Let tomorrow, Sunday, July 20, and the coming days be historic global days of action and international solidarity," it said, urging freedom-lovers to "condemn the Zionist crimes of genocide and starvation against innocent civilians in Gaza, children, women, and the sick."

The statement called on Arab, Islamic, and international communities to unite in solidarity with Gaza, condemning the genocide, starvation, and brutal aggression against over two million Palestinians.

It also urged collective action to stop these atrocities and put an end to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his "fascist gang's contempt for international humanitarian law, covenants, and human norms."

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 900 Palestinians seeking aid from Israeli forces, with most deaths occurring at aid points managed by the controversial Israel-US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

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.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 58,667 Palestinians, mostly women and children, since the onset of the genocidal war on October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory.

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Court rules Trump's ICC sanctions order unconstitutional, halts enforcement

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 10:41 AM

A federal US judge has issued a ruling to block the enforcement of President Donald Trump's executive order, which had imposed sanctions on individuals associated with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Friday ruling follows a lawsuit filed by two human rights advocates in April challenging Trump's February 6 order. The order authorized sweeping economic and travel sanctions against those involved in ICC investigations of US citizens or allies, such as Israel.

In her ruling, US 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 US ally," she added.

The ICC and the White House have not responded to this development and refused to answer requests for comment.

'The executive order imposed sanctions on ICC Prosecutor Karim Asad Ahmad Khan, who is a British citizen.

Also, the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control has placed him on a registry of sanctioned entities and individuals.

According to Trump's order, US citizens who provide services for the benefit of Khan or other sanctioned individuals could face civil and criminal penalties, which have been condemned by the ICC and dozens of countries.

On May 20, 2024, Khan formally applied for arrest warrants against former Israeli minister Yoav Gallant and Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for crimes against humanity, including the starvation of civilians and the targeting of protected populations.

Six months later, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Gallant and Netanyahu.

Trump's order is not an isolated incident. It follows a pattern of political interference, pressure, and threats aimed at protecting Israel from international accountability

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Israeli strike on Gaza church sheltering displaced civilians may constitute war crime: UN Rights Office

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 9:52 AM

The United Nations Human Rights Office in Geneva has announced that the Israeli strike on a church in the Gaza Strip sheltering displaced Palestinians may constitute a war crime.

The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic Church in Gaza, came under deadly Israeli attack on Thursday, leaving multiple casualties.

The United Nations rights office called for a probe into the Israeli strike on the Gaza church sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs), including children and people with disabilities.

On Friday, UN human rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan told media that the deadly attack on a religious site hosting displaced civilians by Israeli forces raises concerns of a "serious violation of international law" and may constitute "a war crime."

"A strike hitting a site hosting 600 IDPs clearly appears to violate, at the very least, the principle of precaution in attack and in addition raises concerns of compliance with the principles of distinction and proportionality," Kheetan said.

The UN rights office called for a "thorough, transparent and independent" investigation into the deadly attack.

The attack "raises concerns of possible serious violations of international humanitarian law, especially given a pattern of such attacks on places of worship and other civilian objects since 7 October 2023," he said.

Kheetan pointed out that under international humanitarian law, "all parties to the conflict have obligations ... to take special care to avoid damage to civilian objects, including buildings dedicated to religion, and to historic monuments."

The human rights office is still verifying the details of the deadly Israeli strike, which left more than a dozen casualties, including a parish priest who was among those injured in the attack.

On Friday, leaders from the Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches visited the Holy Family Catholic Church, the only Catholic parish in Gaza, inspecting the scope of the damage from the Israeli attack.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who was accompanied by Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, said the pope personally called him during their visit to the church to express his concern about the attack.

"Pope Leo repeatedly stated that it is time to stop this slaughter, that what has happened is unjustifiable, and that we must ensure there are no more victims," Pizzaballa told Vatican News.

The pope conveyed his "closeness, care, prayer, support, and desire to do everything possible to achieve not only a ceasefire but also an end to this tragedy," Pizzaballa added.

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Israel kills dozens of Palestinians in air raids on Gaza aid distribution points

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 7:47 AM

Dozens of Palestinians have been killed as the Israeli forces struck aid distribution points in the southern Gaza Strip, amid a worsening hunger crisis across the besieged territory.

Al Jazeera reported that 41 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip on Saturday, including 29 aid seekers.

According to reports, 10 Palestinians were killed and 70 wounded in an Israeli strike at an aid distribution point on Al-Tina Street, south of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

On Wednesday, at least 20 Palestinian aid seekers were killed during a stampede at one of the aid distribution centers in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, run by the controversial US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

The United Nations reported that since late May, some 900 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid at sites that are mostly run by GHF.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, unprecedented numbers of starving people of all ages are arriving at emergency departments in a state of "severe exhaustion and fatigue." The ministry warned that "hundreds whose bodies have wasted away will face certain death due to hunger and their bodies' endurance capacity being exceeded."

Al-Jazeera's Gaza correspondent Anas Al-Sharif reported the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip, where Israel's deliberate blockade and forced starvation policies have left civilians unable to donate blood amid ongoing daily attacks.

"For the first time in history, Gaza is importing 100% of its blood units, as the severe hunger and dehydration have left the entire population too unwell to donate," he wrote on his X account on Saturday.

The controversial GHF has effectively sidelined Gaza's vast UN-led aid delivery network since it started operations in May, after Israel's more than two-month total blockade of the strip.

Israeli soldiers and US contractors working with GHF have admitted to shooting unarmed Palestinians gathering for food, according to separate recent reports by Israeli outlet Haaretz and The Associated Press news agency.

Despite the Israeli regime's claims that an alternative distribution pathway is needed as the Palestinian resistance group Hamas allegedly "steals" aid, the UN officials have said the looting of Gaza aid has nothing to do with Hamas.

The UN has categorically stated that looting is instead being performed by the so-called Popular Forces, a Daesh-linked anti-Hamas militia armed and supported by Israel.

The UN and other humanitarian groups have criticized the GHF for politicizing aid distribution, saying it is giving cover for Israel to pursue its aims to depopulate the Gaza Strip.

Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 58,667 people and wounded 139,974, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, since the onset of the genocidal war on October 7, 2023.

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Israel seeking US help to realize Gaza 'relocation' scheme: Report

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 3:14 AM

The Israeli regime has reportedly asked the United States to help it realize its so-called plan to bring about "relocation" of the Gaza Strip's population to other countries.

Reporting on Friday, American website Axios cited two of its sources as saying that David Barnea, head of the regime's Mossad spy agency, had traveled to Washington this week towards the purpose.

Barnear, the website wrote, discussed the scheme with Steve Witkoff, the US's regional envoy, saying Tel Aviv expected Washington to help it realize the plot by "convincing" various countries to take up "hundreds of thousands" of Gazans.

The spy chief told Witkoff that the regime "has been speaking in particular with Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Libya."

The regime occupied Gaza during a wholesale Western-backed war in 1967, but withdrew from the territory in 2005 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas won the coastal sliver's rule following a landslide legislative victory.

Ever since, however, Tel Aviv has brought the territory under a crippling siege, and subjected it to several similarly Western-supported wars, each of which have led to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.

The regime's last war on Gaza began in October 2023 and has continued to date, with Tel Aviv openly avowing an alleged scheme to bring about mass exodus of the territory's entire population.

In February, US President Donald Trump also fueled considerable controversy by saying Washington sought to "own" Gaza.

Washington has already been providing the war with unprecedented billions-strong military support as well as sustained political and intelligence backing.

The genocide has additionally been purportedly seeking to "eliminate" Hamas.

The group, however, has put up stiff resistance in defense of the territory, facing the Israeli military with deadly ambushes in parts, which the regime had previously alleged had cleared out.

Various Israeli officials and even those from the regime's own allies have, meanwhile, underlined the unfeasible nature of the "elimination" scheme, citing Hamas' decades-long history of successful resistance in the face of US-backed Israeli aggression.

They also cite the group's strong roots within Gaza's entire two-million-plus population that has been throwing heartfelt and sustained support behind it since the movement's inception in 1987.

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Spain welcomes signing of Declaration of Principles between Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwandan M23

Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PRES STATEMENT 070

19 Jul 25

Spain welcomes the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwandan M23 under the mediation of Qatar.

This Declaration should be a further step towards regional peace and stability.

Spain calls for the fulfilment of the commitments made in order to move towards a definitive peace.



-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-

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Houthis Say Attacked Israel's Ben Gurion Airport Using Hypersonic Missile

Sputnik News

20250719

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.

"We have carried out an advanced military operation against Lod Airport [Ben Gurion] in the occupied Jaffa region using the 'Palestine-2' hypersonic ballistic missile," Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said on social media.

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.

"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF [ Israeli Air Force]," the IDF said.

A Sputnik correspondent reported that air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv.

 Sputnik

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Central Asia's Evolving Censorship: From Physical Threats To Algorithmic Purges

By Merhat Sharipzhan July 20, 2025

Astana-based investigative journalist Luqpan Akhmediyarov was shocked when he opened his laptop and found that his widely followed YouTube channel, Prosto Zhurnalistika (Just Journalism), had been abruptly blocked.

Meanwhile, in Almaty -- on the opposite side of the country -- another veteran investigative journalist, Vadim Boreiko, discovered that his Facebook account, followed by more than 30,000 people, had also been deleted without warning in early July.

These incidents highlight a growing tactic in Kazakhstan's digital crackdown targeting influential voices of dissent using technical removals and opaque copyright claims, rather than overt censorship.

It's part of a broader trend across Central Asia, where freedom of expression continues to erode under government pressure.

"This is about control.... It's a message to journalists: your freedom of expression is conditional and monitored," media expert Diana Okremova, who heads the Legal Media Center in Almaty, said.

"These are not isolated incidents but part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism."

Once praised for allowing independent journalism to begin to take root in a region where a free press was pretty much absent, governments in Central Asia are now being criticized for backtracking.

Independent journalism  already a fragile enterprise in Central Asia  is increasingly under siege from these evolving and insidious forms of digital repression, analysts say.

Akhmediyarov told RFE/RL that before his Instagram page disappeared, he received a notice from social media giant Meta saying his account's content did not "correspond" to the company's standards.

He also said that almost simultaneously, a clone of his Instagram account appeared with content different from that of his original account.

"Days later, after we raised this issue with our international partner, Access Now, and other organizations involved in defending journalism, Meta reinstated our page without any explanation," he said, adding that the fake account on his media project then disappeared.

Akhmediyarov eventually received an official explanation citing a "violation of copyrights" related to music samples used in his videos.

The copyright complaint, he added, came from a YouTube user who had created their channel just days before filing the claim  and whose account mysteriously vanished soon after Prosto Zhurnalistika was taken down.

"That timing is highly suspicious," Akhmediyarov noted, adding that his Prosto Zhurnalistika Instagram account also disappeared.

Boreiko, who runs the popular Giperborei YouTube channel, told RFE/RL that the deletion of accounts of independent journalists looks a "new tactic" that evolved from "direct threats and intimidation" of independent reporters.

"Just weeks earlier, before my Facebook account disappeared without any warning, my Instagram account also vanished suddenly, and two clone Instagram accounts in my name appeared with blue signs verifying authenticity. One even had 134,000 followers," he said, noting that the fake accounts carried content absolutely different from that of his original account.

According to Boreiko, it took his team and him days to restore his Instagram account and eliminate the two clone accounts after he turned to the Cyber Helpline group, a nonprofit that assists with cybersecurity issues.

"It is striking to see how the methods of pressure on journalists have gradually changed," said Boreiko, who has previously received threats by text messages on his phone and had his home vandalized.

"This new tactic's goal is apparently to perplex journalists and bloggers, to impose emotional, psychological pressure, even economic pressure as many journalists use social networks as tools to earn money for living," Boreiko emphasized, adding that his Facebook account has yet to reinstated.

Analysts and journalists are quick to point out that the spate of social media account deletions comes after Kazakh Information and Culture Minister Aida Balaeva and Meta's regional public policy director, Sarim Ali Aziz, held a meeting in Astana.

The agenda included "content moderation" on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, both of which are owned by Meta, Kazakh authorities announced then.

Ministry officials stated at the time that measures were necessary to address concerns about the dissemination of disinformation. Kazakh authorities also said then that as a result of the meeting, a joint working group composed of ministry and Meta representatives was created to develop technical, including algorithmic, solutions to improve content moderation.

Boreiko told RFE/RL that although there is no information proving that the disappearance of the accounts on Facebook and Instagram originated from Meta-Kazakh authorities' cooperation, "there is a chronological tie."

Neither representatives of the Kazakh Ministry of Information and Culture nor Meta officials were immediately available for comment on the situation.

Lawmakers in Kyrgyzstan, a country once celebrated for its independent media, passed a revised media law in June, raising alarm among media watchdogs. The law reinstated registration and licensing controls that had previously been slated for abolition.

Critically, lawmakers reinstated mandatory registration for all online publications  including bloggers and news websites  under a new article that grants the Cabinet exclusive authority to establish rules, approve registrations, or revoke them.

The law also caps foreign ownership in Kyrgyz media outlets at 35 percent. Critics argue this restricts international partnerships and cuts off global support for independent outlets.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described the law as "dangerous" and urged Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov to veto it, "to give substance to his verbal commitments to press freedom."

The plea appears to have fallen on deaf ears, with authorities targeting independent broadcaster Aprel TV. A court in Bishkek on July 9 ordered the closure of the outlet, halting its social media activities and broadcasting.

Authorities accused Aprel TV of weakening state authority and having a "harmful impact" on individuals and society. The broadcaster's editors reject the accusations as politically motivated.

Similar administrative moves also have been seen in other areas around Central Asia.

In June, Kazakh authorities refused to issue accreditations to six correspondents of the local RFE/RL service, known as Radio Azattyq, and the head of the RFE/RL representative office in Kazakhstan as well.

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry cited vague "national security" grounds for its decision.

Critics said the move stems from media law amendments in 2021 that reduced accreditation terms and expanded grounds for revocation, which they say is aimed at throttling foreign and independent media outlets.

RFE/RL has filed a complaint with the Specialized Interdistrict Administrative Court of Astana seeking to declare the decision to refuse the accreditations as illegal.

As pressure mounts, regional experts warn that such coordinated measures  from legal restrictions and online censorship to criminal prosecutions  are systematically eroding the remaining space for independent journalism in Central Asia.

Nadejda Atayeva, President of the Paris-based AHRCA (Association for Human Rights in Central Asia), told RFE/RL that many journalists in Kazakhstan and their online reports are extremely popular not only in their country but across the region.

"These governments are learning from each other," Atayeva said.

"What is happening in Kazakhstan with digital pressure on journalists will almost certainly happen elsewhere."

With reporting by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-media-press-freedom- expression-rights-persecution/33473772.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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Supply chain expo highlights China's smarter auto ecosystem

Xinhua) 10:22, July 20, 2025

People visit the Smart Vehicle Chain area of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

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.

Visitors view a body structure for electric vehicles at the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

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."

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu)
OSLO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian police on Sunday arrested a man in connection with a shooting incident at the Tveita Center shopping mall in eastern Oslo, which left one person seriously injured.

At a press briefing, Knut Lutro of the Oslo Police District confirmed that the suspected shooter, a man in his late 20s, turned himself in at 1 pm local time on Sunday.

"He is now in police custody and will be questioned as soon as practically possible," Lutro said, adding that the suspect is known to the police from previous incidents, resides in eastern Norway, and is not a Norwegian citizen.

The shooting took place on Saturday afternoon after a confrontation between two groups escalated into violence.

According to the police, a planned meeting at the shopping mall led to an argument in a cafe area, during which one person pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots.

Witnesses reported hearing between four and six gunshots. The police said there were more than five people involved in the incident at the time, and investigations are ongoing to clarify each person's role.

One man suffered gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized with serious injuries. The victim was briefly interviewed by police and is expected to provide further information later.

"We have collected substantial video material from the scene and spoken to many witnesses," Lutro said. "Shooting in public spaces is completely unacceptable, and we are deploying all necessary resources to resolve this case."

The Tveita Center, which has about 60 stores, was closed for the rest of Saturday following the shooting. 
Russo-Ukraine War - 19 July 2025 - Day 1242

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 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 115 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the Russian attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

Russian zagarbniki launched four missile strikes using 31 rockets, 44 aviation strikes, dropping 72 controlled bombs. In addition, 1375 kamikaze drones were recruited to strike and carried out 4151 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the North-Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, 17 clashes with Russian zagarbnikami, five of which are ongoing so far. The Russian enemy launched four air strikes, dropped eight controlled bombs, carried out 288 artillery shells.

Today, Russian forces attacked six times in the South-Slobozhansk direction, in the areas of the settlements Vovchansk, Stroivka, Liptsi and Staritsa.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces committed four offensive actions in the area of Golubivki and Zagrizovoye.

In the Lyman direction, the Defense Forces have already repelled 13 Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Noviy Mir, Torske, Serebryanka, Ridkodub, Karpivka, Kolodyazi, Bilogorivka, Grigorivka, three more clashes are still ongoing.

In the sivers komu direction the Russian enemy three times attacked in the area of serebryanka.

Since the beginning of the day in the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces attacked three times in the areas of Chasovoye Yar and White Mountain, two attacks Ukrainian units have already repelled, the battle is ongoing.

Eight boezitknen  took place in the Toretsky direction today. Russian forces tried to storm the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Diliivka, Toretsk and Rusynogo Yar.

In the Pokrovsk direction, since the beginning of this day, the Russian enemy attacked 36 times positions in the areas of popiv yar, Novoekonomicne, Mirolubivka, Lisivka, Udaachne, Novosergiivka, Molodetske, Gorihove, Dachne, Mirnograd, Zvirove, Muravka, Oleksiyivka and in the direction of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian defenders have repelled 35 assaults, another confrontation is ongoing so far. Russian aviation launched air strikes in the areas of settlements Shahove, Rodinske, Mirnograd, Bilitske.

Today in this direction, according to preliminary data, 67 Russian occupants have been defiled, of which 51 are irrevocably. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed one motorcycle, ten unmanned aircraft and one satellite terminal.

In the Novopavlovsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 10 Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Shevchenko, Zaporizhia Andriyivka-Klevtsove, Green Grove, Voskresenka, Free Field, Green Field and in the direction of Maliyivka. Four more clashes are underway.

In the direction of Gulyaipils komu, the Russian opponent committed one unsuccessful attack in the Malinivka area.

In the Orihivsky direction Ukrainian for the current day, one confrontation near Kamiansky, in addition, Russian forces launched air strikes on the settlements of Mala Tokmachka, Chervona Krynytsia, Novodanilivka, Plavni and Primorske.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, six battles occurred, in addition, the Russian enemy caused air strikes on the settlements of Tyaginka and Lviv.





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Statement by the MFA of Ukraine on the Introduction of Cyber Sanctions Against the Russian Federation

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

19 July 2025 10:41

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the decision of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to impose sanctions on three units of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and 18 military intelligence officers for years of malicious cyber activity targeting the United Kingdom, EU and NATO member states, as well as Ukraine.

Sanctioning Russian hacker groups is a strong and timely step in response to the Russian Federation's 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 Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russian aggression. The sanctioned entities  identified through Ukraine's 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.

Since the beginning of 2022, Ukraine's 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", Ukraine's state registries, and the telecommunications provider "Kyivstar".

Ukraine strongly condemns the Russian Federation's 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.

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President: Depriving Iranian nation of its legal nuclear rights is unacceptable

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 19, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated Iran's legitimate right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, stressing that depriving Iranians of their legal rights is entirely unacceptable.

In a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday afternoon, Pezeshkian emphasized that the Islamic Republic is committed to international law and has confidence in the transparency of its nuclear activities.

Referring to the recent 12-day Israeli-U.S. war and the renewed push by European countries to revive negotiations, he said that Iran has never sought war, but has instead played an effective role in promoting peace and stability across the region.

"We were attacked by the Zionist regime, in violation of all international standards and laws. Then, while negotiations were ongoing, the United States bombed Iranian nuclear facilities that were fully subject to international inspection," Pezeshkian pointed out.

He also criticized the silence of global institutions and governments  including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)  in the face of the aggressive and criminal assault on Iran.

"At the very least, our nation expected the IAEA to issue a condemnation in line with its own regulations and legal responsibilities," he added.

Pezeshkian also hailed the relations between Iran and Armenia as historic and friendly, saying the Islamic Republic is eager to pursue constructive interaction with all neighboring countries.

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Ceasefire with Israel is fragile, Iran is prepared to respond: Araqchi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 19, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says a recent ceasefire that ended 12 days of Israeli aggression against Iran last month is fragile and the Islamic Republic is fully prepared to respond if it is broken.

In an interview with CGTN during his stay in China for a recent meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (S.C.O.), Araqchi outlined the preconditions for the resumption of negotiations about Iran's peaceful nuclear program following the Israeli and U.S. military attacks against the country's nuclear facilities.

When asked about the "conflict" and situation following the Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, Araqchi said, "It is not a conflict. It is an act of aggression by Israel against Iran. Unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. We had no way but to exercise our right of self-defense. So we defended our country. We defended it in a very courageous way. And we forced the aggressors to stop their aggression and ask for an unconditional ceasefire, which was accepted by us."

"The ceasefire is, of course, fragile. The reason is obvious. I think there is no ceasefire made by the Israeli regime, and that regime has a very bad record on that."

The foreign minister said that while Iran does not wish for a resumption of hostilities, it is prepared the ceasefire is broken.

"We are very careful. We are fully prepared. If the ceasefire is broken, but this is not our wish. That was not our wish from the beginning. We didn't want this war, but we were prepared for that. We don't want this war to continue, but again, we are fully prepared for that."

When discussing the potential for restarting nuclear talks with the United States, the top Iranian diplomat said, "We are not convinced yet that there is this real determination. At the same time, there should also be a real intention for a win-win solution. Our nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and we are 100% confident in that. And we have no problem sharing this confidence with anybody else."

"Is there any possibility of coming back to a negotiated deal? I think yes. But it needs, as I said, real serious determination by the U.S. side to put aside the military option, go for a negotiated solution," he said.

Araqchi noted that the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities last month showed that "there is no military option to deal with Iran's nuclear program. There should be only a diplomatic solution."

"And we are prepared for that only when they put aside their military ambitions, and they are compensating for what they have done to us. And then we can re-engage in negotiations," he added.

Commenting on Iran's interaction with the S.C.O., the foreign minister said, "Iran has joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a full member. We attach great importance to S.C.O. and value its effort to find the proper place of countries of the south in the international arena."

"And we all have a real intention to go down this path and address the security issues, economic issues, even cultural issues of the member states in a different way than Western countries usually address," he said.

Asked about Iran's expectations from the S.C.O., Araqchi said, "I have to say that we are very grateful to the S.C.O. secretariat and each and every member state who condemned the act of aggression by the Israeli regime and the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly against the nuclear facilities of Iran."

"We expect full support, political support, by the S.C.O. summit, upcoming support for the Islamic Republic of Iran," the foreign minister concluded.

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Envoy speaks out against I.A.E.A. double standards on Iran and Ukraine nuclear sites

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 19, 2025

Moscow, IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali has criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) for applying double standards regarding attacks on nuclear facilities, comparing the agency's response to the Zaporizhzhia plant during the Ukraine war with its silence over Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites.

In an interview with RT's Rick Sanchez, Jalali said, "When attacks were made on Iranian nuclear facilities, the first body that should have asked why [such an attack was carried out] was the I.A.E.A. itself. But they didn't."

"Look at how the agency intervened when tensions started around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, saying it must protect the site from any attack. Why didn't they act similarly when Iran was targeted?" he protested.

Jalali questioned whether there was any difference between nuclear sites belonging to members of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (N.P.T.). "Yet we see the U.S., an N.P.T. member, coordinating with a regime outside the N.P.T., Israel, to attack another N.P.T. member. Isn't that a contradiction?"

He called on international organizations to uphold their responsibilities and treat all countries equally under international law.

"We want to cooperate based on rules and principles that respect Iran's rights, but the current double standards undermine trust," he said.

The Iranian envoy described the Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as a clear violation of international law and criticized the global bodies for failing to respond appropriately.

Israel attacked Iran in an unprovoked act of aggression on June 13, assassinating military commanders and nuclear scientists in targeted strikes, and killing civilians in air raids on residential areas. On June 22, the United States also joined the war and bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. The war was halted on June 24 after the Tel Aviv regime requested a ceasefire following retaliatory missile strikes by Iran.

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Iran committed to international law, will never succumb to coercion: President Pezeshkian

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 5:15 PM

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran remains committed to international law but will never yield to pressure or accept the denial of its legal rights.

In a phone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday, Pezeshkian expressed full confidence in the transparency and peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities.

"Therefore, we have no concerns regarding inspection. However, we must stress that the imposition of force and pressure, as well as the denial of our nation's legal rights, is entirely unacceptable," he said.

He added that Iran has consistently proved the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He also reiterated Iran's commitment to the prohibition of nuclear weapons based on a fatwa (religious decree) issued by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The president, however, expressed regret that Iran's nuclear program has been judged based on false claims, misinformation, and media propaganda.

He elaborated on the establishment of a ceasefire following the end of the Israeli-US 12 days of acts of aggression against Iran and European countries' efforts to encourage Iran to return to the negotiating table.

"In accordance with its principled policies, Iran has always supported any bid leading to the promotion of peace and security," Pezeshkian said.

He asserted that Iran has never sought war and insecurity and has consistently played a leading role in fostering peace and stability in the region.

He emphasized that the Israeli regime launched its aggression against Iran in blatant violation of all international norms and regulations while Tehran and Washington were engaged in indirect nuclear talks.

Subsequently, the United States, in full coordination with the Israeli regime, bombed Iran's nuclear facilities, which were under comprehensive IAEA inspections, he said.

He criticized the UN nuclear agency's inaction over the attacks on the nuclear sites and said the Iranian people expect the IAEA to condemn the aggression in accordance with rules and regulations.

Between June 13 and 24, Israel waged a blatant and unprovoked aggression against Iran, killing at least 1,060 people, including high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.

On June 22, the United States also entered the war and bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in a clear violation of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia.

On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the illegal assault.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian pointed to historical and cordial relations between Iran and Armenia and said the Islamic Republic's policy is to have constructive interaction with all neighboring countries based on respect for the territorial integrity of all nations.

The Armenian prime minister, for his part, condemned the Israeli regime's acts of aggression against Iran.

Pashinyan reaffirmed his country's keenness to promote relations with Iran and invited President Pezeshkian to travel to Armenia to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

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Iran 'fully prepared' if Israel breaks 'fragile' ceasefire: FM Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 2:06 PM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran is fully vigilant and prepared to defend itself should the Israeli regime break a "fragile" ceasefire that ended 12 days of aggression against the country last month.

Araghchi made the remarks in a Wednesday interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Tianjin, China, where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers' meeting on Tuesday.

He pointed out that the 12-day war launched by the Israeli regime against Iran was unprovoked military aggression and not simply a "conflict."

"It is not a conflict. It is an act of aggression, unprovoked aggression by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran," he added.

"We had no way but to exercise our right of self-defense. So, we defended our country. We defended it in a very courageous way and forced the aggressors to stop the aggression and ask for an unconditional ceasefire, which was accepted by us," the top Iranian diplomat emphasized.

He cast doubt on Israel's intention to truly honor the ceasefire, which he characterized as "fragile".

"The ceasefire is, of course, fragile and the reason is obvious: no ceasefire by the (Israeli) regime is reliable because the regime has a very bad record on that," he explained.

"We are very careful and fully prepared if the ceasefire is broken, but this is not our wish. That was not our wish from the beginning. We did not want this war, but we were ready for that," he stressed.

The foreign minister said Iran does not wish for the war to continue, but reaffirmed the country's full readiness should aggression resume.

Between June 13 and 24, Israel waged a blatant and unprovoked aggression against Iran, killing at least 1,060 people, including high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.

On June 22, the United States also entered the war and bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in a clear violation of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia.

On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the illegal assault.

Iran open to talks if other side shows genuine intent for win-win solution

Araghchi said Iran will resume nuclear negotiations with the United States if it sees a real intention for a win-win solution.

"There should be a real intention for a win-win solution. Our nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and we are 100% confident in that," he added.

He emphasized that Iran has no problem sharing this confidence with others, which "can happen only through negotiation."

Iran and the United States had held five rounds of indirect talks on Tehran's peaceful nuclear program before June 13, when Israel launched aggression on the Islamic Republic.

Mediated by Oman, the 6th round of talks had been planned to be held in the Omani capital of Muscat on June 15, but was called off due to the attacks.

Firm determination can lead to a negotiated agreement

Araghchi said the opposite side's "serious and real" determination can lead to a negotiated agreement.

He stressed the need for the US to drop the military option, adding that the sides should move forward and seek a solution through negotiations.

He noted that the US attacks on the three Iranian nuclear facilities proved that there is no military solution to the country's nuclear program.

"Only one diplomatic and negotiated solution can be effective, and its realization is only possible when they set aside their military ambitions and compensate for the damages they have inflicted on us. Then we will be ready to participate in negotiations," Araghchi pointed out.

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Trump Threatens to Destroy New Iran Nuclear Objects

Sputnik News

20250719

On the social network Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said he would blast any new facilities if they were built.

"All three nuclear facilities in Iran are completely ruined and/or destroyed. It would take years to restore them to operational status, and if Iran wanted to do so, it would be much more advantageous for them to start everything from scratch in three different locations before these facilities are destroyed  if they decide to do so," he wrote.

On Saturday, the official spokesman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Ebrahim Rezaei, stated that if sanctions pressure continues, Tehran may withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and begin enriching uranium beyond the 60% level.

 Sputnik

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July 18, 2025

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Defense Secretary, Joint Chiefs Chairman Host Israeli Defense Minister

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hosted Israel Katz, Israel's defense minister, during a bilateral engagement today at the Pentagon.

At the start of the meeting, Hegseth and Katz recounted the recent successes both countries had in dismantling Iran's nuclear program.

"On behalf of our team, we want to congratulate you on the incredibly successful [Operation] Rising Lion," Hegseth said.

Spanning June 13-24, 2025, Operation Rising Lion  also known as the Iran-Israel war  was an armed conflict between those two countries in which Israel launched a number of surprise attacks on key Iranian facilities, both nuclear and military.

"[It was] a 12-day war that changed the region and the world; and was an example of why Israel is a model ally that understands the threat, is capable and will act in defense of [not only] your own country, but also [recognizes] the collective security threats that we face," Hegseth told Katz.

Both leaders also praised Operation Midnight Hammer that helped bring Rising Lion to a favorable resolution for Israel, the U.S. and allies throughout the Middle East.

During that June 21, 2025, mission, U.S. Central Command deployed multiple combined assets  including seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighter jets  to inflict significant damage on Iran's nuclear program at the sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

Stating that the three Iranian nuclear sites were "completely obliterated," Hegseth said the success of Midnight Hammer sent a message to the entire world.

"Ultimately, what you did and what we did remade the [Middle East and] created incredible opportunities," Hegseth told Katz.

He added that the U.S. is hopeful Iran will ultimately choose to make peace.

"That's the hope of your country and the hope of ours," Hegseth said.

During his brief remarks, Katz noted in addition to strikes on the nuclear facilities Israel also destroyed Iran's missile production capability.

"I would like to thank you, again, for playing a key role in the partnership and friendship between the United States and Israel," Katz told Hegseth, adding the hospitality shown by the U.S. during his visit is demonstrative of the strong relationship between the two countries.

"We stand firmly with Israel, committed to reinforcing your right to self-defense; and whether it's new capabilities [for] that defense  or a lasting peace  we look forward to working together even more," Hegseth told his counterpart.

Katz's visit comes just over a week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Pentagon.

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Pakistan extends airspace ban on Indian flights

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 18:01, July 19, 2025

ISLAMABAD, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has extended an airspace ban on Indian-registered aircraft, including those operated by Indian airlines as well as military and civilian aircraft owned or leased by India, the Pakistan Airports Authority said in a notification.

The authority said on Friday that all aircraft used by Indian airlines will not be permitted to transit through Pakistani airspace under the extended restrictions.

The airspace restrictions came into effect at 3:20 p.m. local time on July 18 and will remain in force until 4:59 a.m. local time on Aug. 24.

The ban was initially imposed on April 24, 2025.

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SEOUL, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Fourteen people were killed and 12 others went missing after five days of torrential rain battered South Korea, the interior ministry said Sunday.

Fourteen fatalities were confirmed and 12 people remained unaccounted for at 11:00 a.m. local time (0200 GMT), according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The downpour, which began on Wednesday, forced 13,209 people to evacuate their homes across the country, with 3,836 staying in temporary shelters as of Sunday morning.

The country's southern regions were pounded by the heaviest rain, with the rainfall reaching 793.5 mm in Sancheong county, South Gyeongsang province for 106 hours through 10:00 a.m. Sunday.

A total of 1,920 public and 2,234 private property damage cases were reported, including inundated roads, landslides, river facility collapses, flooded buildings and submerged farmland. 
Struggle For Peace In Pakistan's Restive Tribal Areas Faces Deadly Challenges

By Daud Khattak July 20, 2025

When Ubaid Salarzai waved goodbye to Maulana Khan Zeb, who was heading off in a different direction to invite people to a peace rally, he had no idea it would be their final farewell.

The two had stood shoulder to shoulder for years, working tirelessly to promote peace and security in Bajaur, a Pakistani tribal district on the Afghan border with a heavy presence of Islamic State and Pakistani Taliban members.

Just 20 minutes later, Salarzai's phone rang with a devastating message: "Maulana Khan Zeb and his driver had been shot and killed."

Khan Zeb's death highlights the risk peace activists in Pakistan face amid ongoing violence and political instability in tribal regions. It also has raised accusations the country's intelligence agencies are propping up various militant outfits for their strategic purposes and foreign policy goals.

"Khan Zeb was not the first and sadly, he won't be the last to lay down his life in the struggle for peace and security in this region," Salarzai told RFE/RL by phone.

Khan Zeb, like many other peace activists in the restive tribal region, which once was called the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), had been a vocal advocate for stability in his home district of Bajaur, located about 250 kilometers from Pakistan's central capital Islamabad.

There has been no claim of responsibility in the shooting, but mourners and activists gathered at Khan Zeb's funeral on July 11 chanted in Urdu "Ye Jo Na Maloom Hain - Ham Sab Ko Maloom Hain" (The ones called unknown - we know them well).

Pakistani peace activists allege the country's intelligence agencies are propping up various militant outfits for their strategic purposes and foreign policy goals.

The Awami National Party said last week that it is filing a case against the government for Khan Zeb's murder with provincial leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain saying the killing was an attack "on Pashtun consciousness, peace, and resistance politics."

The allegation is not new. The United States, a key partner of Pakistan's in the global war on terror, has accused Pakistani security agencies in the past of trying to play both sides of the coin.

"You can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbors," former US Secretary of State Hillary Clintonwarned Pakistan during a trip to Islamabad in 2011.

Pakistan's tribal areas stretch along the Afghan border in a crescent shape from east to west.

Historically, the border zone was viewed by British colonial authorities as a strategic buffer between the British Empire and the Iron Curtain before the division of British India into two independent states - India and Pakistan in 1947.

Pakistan's northwest region, including the tribal areas, is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Pashtuns, divided by the colonial-era Durand Line that separates Afghanistan from Pakistan.

The 9/11 attacks on the United States that killed thousands, highlighted the area's reputation as a hub of Taliban militancy.

Pakistan's tribal region, comprising seven districts -- Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan, has long been a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Following the US invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, many members and leaders of the Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda sought refuge in this region.

The Pakistani government has launched multiple military operations to eliminate militant groups from the region, though most were either unsuccessful or achieved only limited results while displacing nearly 1 million residents, who were forced to seek shelter in tented camps, rented accommodations, or with relatives in urban areas.

Although the military declared success, claiming it had pushed the militants back across the Afghan border, the threat never fully disappeared.

Since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, the Pakistani Taliban have bounced back, carrying out daring attacks on the Pakistani security forces.

In an interview with RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, the Governor of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province admitted that armed Taliban militants control certain areas of the region during nighttime.

Maulana Fazlur Rahman, a prominent religious scholar and leader of Pakistan's largest Jamiat Ulema-e Islam party, concurred, telling Radio Mashaal that the state's authority effectively vanishes in Waziristan and some neighboring districts after dusk.

"The state is complicit," said Mohsin Dawar, another peace activist, political leader, and former member of Pakistan's Parliament or the National Assembly from the Waziristan tribal region.

Dawar was seriously injured and two activists lost their lives when police fired on a rally he was leading in North Waziristan in February 2024.

Dawar is one of the founding members of the rights movement PTM or Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (Pashtun Protection Movement) along with two other leading figures, Ali Wazir and Manzoor Pashteen.

Wazir, also a former MP from the tribal region, and a harsh critic of Pakistan's anti-Taliban policies, has been in jail on charges of sedition for nearly two years.

Pashteen, who held dozens of rallies across Pakistan demanding peace and security in the tribal region, has been avoiding public appearances since December amid serious threats to his life.

"Public mobilization is not acceptable because Pakistan's security establishment has different strategic objectives than peace," according to Dawar.

He added that peace activists face an "extreme" level of threats because "they are seen as obstacles to those objectives."

The Pakistani military maintains that it is fully committed to combating terrorism. Officials note dozens of soldiers have been killed in attacks by militants as the government tries to curb their activities.

While the TTP and groups like Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) continue to target security forces, government officials, religious leaders, and political opponents, peace activists allege that state security agencies are targeting them.

Aftab Shinwari, district coordinator for the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in the Khyber tribal district, told RFE/RL that he's been jailed for trying to organize events and that activists routinely receive threatening calls and text messages from unknown numbers.

Pakistani authorities say they don't target activists, but they add that individuals who "malign" the military or act "against the state" will not be tolerated.

In January 2025, Pakistan's National Assembly passed amendments to existing laws, granting state agencies the power to imprison individuals for up to three years for spreading "disinformation" on social media.

Despite those challenges, peace activists remain defiant.

Salarzai says his struggle is focused on peace and security.

"We will continue our peaceful struggle. There is no backing down. We will resist any attempt to disrupt peace whether it comes from the state or nonstate actors."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33478657.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 adopts extensive 18th sanctions package

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland

19.7.2025

Press releases

The European Union has adopted its 18th package of sanctions as a response to Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its lack of willingness to negotiate for a lasting peace. The EU expands its sanctions especially to target the energy and financial sectors and Russia's shadow fleet and to prevent the circumvention of sanctions. The EU lowers the oil price cap. In addition, the EU tightens its sanctions against Belarus.

The EU adds new names to its list of individual sanctions, including business persons, entities and bodies who support or benefit from the Russian Government, who have facilitated the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories into Russia and who have supported Russia's armed forces and arms industry.

The EU sharpens its sectoral sanctions by expanding the export ban list with persons, entities and bodies that are military end-users, are part of Russia's military and industrial complex or have commercial or other links with Russia's defence and security sector or otherwise support it.

The EU adds to the export ban list new items which might contribute to Russia's military and technological enhancement and to the development of its defence and security sector. New additions include constituent chemicals for propellants (Annex VII, Article 2a). In addition, new items, such as discharge and water-jet machine tools, are added to the transit ban list (Annex VII, Article 2a). More than 180 CN codes are added to the export ban list because they enhance Russian industrial capacities (Annex XXIII, Article 3k). New additions include aluminium goods and other metal goods, various enzymes, plastics and chemicals and different kinds of machines, tools and measuring devices. The scope of the export ban is also extended to selling or providing software used in the banking and financial sector to the Russian Government or any legal person, entity or body established in Russia (Article 5n).

The EU tightens export control of sanctioned goods (the 'catch all' clause). It means that the authorities can make more sanctioned goods subject to export authorisation where there is reason to suspect that the items may be used to circumvent sanctions via third countries (Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, Article 2a(1aa) and (6a)).

The EU bans import of petroleum products obtained in a third country from Russian crude oil and all transactions involving the natural gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 (Article 5af). In addition, the EU lowers the oil price cap (Article 3n, Annex XXVIII).

The EU imposes additional sanctions on tankers and persons, entities and bodies behind Russia's shadow fleet by adding to the individual sanctions list the captain and shipping company of the tanker Jaguar and by adding altogether 105 tankers to the shadow fleet list under sectoral sanctions.

The EU introduces a possibility of an exemption for money transfers associated with the exit of subsidiaries of EU companies from Russia. The EU strengthens the legal remedies available to Member States in investor-state disputes.

The EU also extends the sanctions against Belarus to harmonise them with those against Russia. These extensions apply to the export ban list, the transit ban list and export control.

The content of the 18th package of sanctions is described in more detail in the appendix (PDF).

The EU decided to extend the validity of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 on sectoral sanctions by six months on 30 June 2025.

Sanctions regime targeting individuals and entities

Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1478

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1476

Sanctions regime targeting sectors

Council Decicion (CFSP) 2025/1495

Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1494

Sanctions against Belarus

Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1471

Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2025/1461

Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1472

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1469

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Kremlin shrugs off new EU sanctions, citing Russia's built-up immunity

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 10:33 AM

Russia says it has developed a degree of resilience to Western sanctions and learned to adapt, following the EU's 18th round of punitive measures targeting Moscow's oil industry.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov decried the new sanctions as "illegal" and warned of "consequences" for the countries that back such unilateral restrictions.

"So far, we see a fairly consistent anti-Russian line in Europe. We have repeatedly said that we consider such unilateral restrictions illegal, we oppose them," he said.

"But at the same time, of course, we have already acquired certain immunity from sanctions, we have adapted to life under sanctions," the Kremlin spokesman added.

"We need to analyze the new package in order to minimize its consequences. But, in addition, each new package adds a negative effect for the countries that join it. This is a double-edged sword."

Russian officials also blasted the restrictions as a violation of international law, praising Moscow's effectiveness in getting around them.

The European Union on Friday added 23 Russian companies to its black list as part of the bloc's 18th sanctions package aimed at dealing blows to the Russian oil and energy industry over the Ukraine war.

The anti-Russian restrictions affect 1,958 individuals and 641 legal entities, bringing the total number of names on the black list to more than 2,500, which marks a record.

The new raft of EU sanctions is also targeting Russia's banking sector to limit the Kremlin's ability to raise funds or carry out financial transactions.

The European Commission, the EU's executive branch, had earlier proposed to lower the oil price cap from $60 to $45, which is lower than the market price, to target Russia's vast energy revenues. The price cap on Russian crude oil has been fixed at $60 per barrel since December 2022.

The EU hoped to get major international powers in the Group of Seven countries involved in the price cap to broaden the effect, but the latest conflict in the West Asia region pushed up oil prices.

Also on Friday, a further 105 vessels belonging to the "shadow fleet", the tankers that Moscow allegedly employs to bypass the price cap, have been denied access to EU ports and EU services, bringing the "shadow fleet" blacklist to more than 400 vessels.

Russia launched what it called a special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, partly to prevent NATO's eastward expansion after warning that the US-led military alliance was following an "aggressive line" against Moscow.

The Western countries have been escalating the war through the unbridled supply of advanced weaponry to Kiev.

After returning to the White House in January, US President Donald Trump scaled back support for Ukraine, said Washington's aid is a drain on the US taxpayer, and criticized Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky for being an obstacle to peace.

Following months of unsuccessful efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, Trump backtracked on his decision not to send weapons to Ukraine, and on July 7, announced that he would begin approving shipments to Ukraine comprised mostly of "defensive weapons."

Since the start of the Ukraine war, the US has provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in military assistance despite Russia's warnings that continued military support for Kiev will only prolong the conflict.

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Syria: Statement by the Spokesman on the ceasefire agreement

European External Action Service (EEAS)

19.07.2025

EEAS Press Team

The European Union welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Syria and Israel, with the support of the United States and regional partners. The ceasefire must now be fully respected. We urge all parties to immediately stop all acts of violence, to protect all civilians without distinction, and to take immediate steps to prevent incitement and sectarian discourse. We also call on Israel and all other foreign actors to fully respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We are appalled by the hundreds of victims of the last days' violence, and especially by the violence reportedly perpetrated by several armed groups against unarmed civilians. We call for all perpetrators of grave violations of international humanitarian law to be held accountable and brought to justice - including with the support of relevant international mechanisms.

Now is the time for dialogue and for advancing a truly inclusive transition. Syria's transitional authorities, together with local authorities, bear the responsibility to protect all Syrians without distinction, and to take necessary steps towards disarmament, demobilisation and the restructuring of national security forces in line with international standards. The EU stands ready to assist in these endeavours and in supporting a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition.

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Israel, Syria agree to ceasefire deal halting Israeli aggression

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 7:23 AM

The US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, has announced that Syria and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, following days of intense Israeli airstrikes and violence in Syria's southwestern Suwayda region.

Barrack claimed in a post on X early on Saturday that the ceasefire between Syria and Israel was "supported" by Washington and "embraced" by Turkey, Jordan, and Syria's 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," Barrack wrote.

The HTS regime also declared an "immediate ceasefire" and called on "all parties to fully respect" the truce on Saturday.

The development comes amid clashes between HTS regime forces, Bedouin tribes, and Druze minority groups, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis and the displacement of tens of thousands.

On Wednesday, Israel launched heavy air strikes targeting Syria's Ministry of Defense in the heart of Damascus, and also hit HTS regime forces in the country's Suwayda region.

The Israeli regime claims it has launched attacks to protect Syria's Druze minority in Suwayda, where ethnically charged clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups and HTS regime forces have reportedly left hundreds dead.

The Israeli air strikes on Syria on Wednesday, which killed at least three and wounded dozens of others, came after a ceasefire agreement mediated by the US, Turkey, and Arab countries was reached between Druze leaders and the HTS regime on the same day.

Following the Israeli attacks, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of the HTS-led regime in Damascus, said in a televised speech early on Thursday that protecting the country's 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.

Bedouin armed groups are reportedly unwilling to accept the ceasefire, citing concerns about the normalization of relations with Israel.

Reports indicate that clashes between Bedouin groups and HTS forces are ongoing in the villages of Al-Mtoneh and Lahitheh on the outskirts of Suwayda.

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Syria declares nationwide ceasefire after U.S.-brokered deal with Israel

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 18:38, July 19, 2025

DAMASCUS, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian authorities on Saturday declared an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, marking a significant turning point in the deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria, which prompted a recent Israeli intervention with massive airstrikes.

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 southern province of Sweida, 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 province, which left hundreds dead and triggered fears of a broader regional escalation.

Under the truce, Syrian governmental 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 national 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."

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KMT urges 'no' vote in recall election to send President Lai a message

ROC Central News Agency

07/19/2025 09:36 PM

New Taipei, July 19 (CNA) The main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), called on its supporters Saturday to vote "no" in next week's recall election against 24 of its legislators, saying it would also send a "no" message to President Lai Ching-te ().

"Never in Taiwan's history has any leader in power initiated a mass recall campaign against the opposition -- not Chen Shui-bian (), not Tsai Ing-wen (), and not the KMT," the party's chairman Eric Chu () said at a KMT rally in New Taipei's Banqiao District.

"You wouldn't find a single democratic country in the world where a mass recall campaign is launched against the opposition. Only one person dares to do that, and that person is Lai Ching-te," he said in criticism of Lai, who also chairs the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Recall activists rally in Taipei, call for ouster of 'pro-China' KMT lawmakers

"On July 26, we must stand up and say 'no' to Lai Ching-te to safeguard Taiwan's democracy," Chu said.

He urged party supporters to cast a "no" vote in next Saturday's recall election, which targets 24 KMT legislators nationwide, including five in New Taipei, the country's most populous city.

Backed by the DPP, the mass recall campaign was initiated by civic groups that are opposed to a series of legislative measures adopted by the KMT and the smaller opposition Taiwan People's Party (TPP).

The groups have argued that the measures will undermine Taiwan's constitutional order and weaken its efforts to bolster its defense capabilities against growing Chinese military threats.

In Taiwan's 113-seat Legislature, the KMT holds 52 seats and the TPP holds 8, which gives the two parties a combined majority against the DPP's 51 seats.

After next Saturday's recall election that will decide the fate of the 24 directly elected KMT legislators, a second round of recall votes targeting seven other KMT lawmakers will be held on Aug. 23.

At Saturday's rally, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu () of the KMT said the recall election was "a totally undemocratic political movement signaling dictatorship."

"The ruling party is using state resources to recall 31 opposition lawmakers -- to recall all of them, to slaughter them all," Han told the crowd that was estimated by the organizers to be over 20,000.

"We must never allow our democracy to backslide," Han said. "We must never let the DPP lead us into one-party authoritarian rule and dictatorship."

At another KMT rally on Saturday, TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang () took the stage in Taichung later in the evening and urged voters to cast a "no" vote at the polls.

"We will make sure the DPP and Lai Ching-te understand that their actions are against the will of the people," Huang said.

The actions of Lai and his party have prompted the public to stand up and "teach the DPP a lesson," Huang said.

"What a national leader should do is bring hope and unity to the people -- not spread hatred and create divisions among them," he added.

(By Sunny Lai)

Enditem/pc

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Ex-U.S. admiral praises Taiwan's mobilization of reservists in Han Kuang drills

ROC Central News Agency

07/19/2025 06:42 PM

Washington, July 18 (CNA) A retired U.S. Navy rear admiral on Friday praised Taiwan for mobilizing more than 20,000 reservists in its annual Han Kuang military exercises this year.

It was good to see the 20,000-plus reservists taking part in this year's Han Kuang drills, Mark Montgomery told CNA.

It was a "great first step" because it is one of the key issues for Taiwan, said Montgomery, who retired in 2017 and now works as senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

"Taiwan has to redesign their active duty-reserve balance to get it right," he said. "That's how they make more effective use of the reservists."

According to Defense Minister Wellington Koo (), up to 22,000 reservists participated in the 10-day exercises this year, the highest number in the drill's history.

Montgomery expressed some concern, however, that the Han Kuang drills remained "unilateral Taiwan-only" exercises.

"Maybe there are American observers there, but really it's a Taiwan exercise," he said.

Taiwan is not going to fight the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) alone, because it is not a fight it can win, nor is it a conflict that Taiwan wants, the retired naval admiral said.

He called for bilateral military exercises between the United States and Taiwan, saying that the Han Kuang drills should integrate U.S. naval forces, along with Air Force and ground troops.

"Our Congress anticipated this, and in the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act of 2023, which was passed over two years ago now, Congress directed the Department of Defense to increase the amount of exercising with our Taiwan counterparts," he said.

The Han Kuang series of exercises is the perfect platform for such training, Montgomery added.

The U.S. and Taiwan need to do as much as possible to create the interoperability between their military forces to deter the CCP from doing "anything foolish," Montgomery said.

Meanwhile, he said, he thinks that under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. would intervene if the CCP attempted to coerce Taiwan into unification or into disavowing any type of independence or sovereignty.

"I believe that the Trump administration understands that Taiwan is in the United States' national security interest," Montgomery said.

On Taiwan's decision to raise its defense spending to 3 percent of its gross domestic product, the retired naval officer said he thinks it is sufficient for this year.

"I think 5 percent would be a good number" by the end of President Lai Ching-te's () administration, he said.

Montgomery is scheduled to visit Taiwan at the end of July, when he will take part in war games to be held by the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology in Taipei.

The simulation will focus on an energy-based economic warfare scenario, combined with cyberattacks, to examine the vulnerabilities of Taiwan's power grid and explore ways to help prevent the PLA or China's coastguard from disrupting Taiwan's imported supply chain.

(By Elaine Hou and Ko Lin)

Enditem/pc

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/07/20

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

 Date

6 a.m. Jul. 19 (Sat.) to 6 a.m. Jul. 20 (Sun.) (UTC+8)

 PLA activities

2 sorties of PLA aircraft, and 4 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1140720_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

1140720_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

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Sovereign Base Areas Specialised Committee meeting: joint statement

Joint statement following the sixth meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Specialised Committee on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Published 18 July 2025

The sixth meeting of the Specialised Committee on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus was held on 3 July 2025, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

The Committee was established by the Withdrawal Agreement to facilitate the implementation and application of the Protocol. The co-chairs reviewed the operational phase of the implementation of the Protocol since its last meeting in December 2023. This review showed that implementation is operating well in most areas.

Both sides reaffirmed their continued commitment to the smooth implementation of the Protocol and agreed to finalise further technical discussions with the objective of reaching a common understanding on the correct implementation of the Protocol in the area of taxation (Article 3 of the Protocol) and fisheries (Article 6 of the Protocol) as a matter of priority. The Specialised Committee will revert to this issue immediately afterwards.

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The first Belt and Road Conference for Overseas Chinese Cooperation and Development was held in China's Chongqing, aiming to harness the strength of the overseas Chinese communities to advance the Belt and Road Initiative.
Russia's air defenses down over a dozen Ukrainian drones heading to Moscow

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 19 July 2025 7:03 AM

Russian air defenses have destroyed more than a dozen incoming Ukrainian drones approaching the capital city of Moscow overnight.

Moscow's Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said on Saturday that Russian air defense units intercepted 13 drones flying towards Moscow in less than two hours. He has been reporting similar nightly raids since Wednesday.

Russia's Defense Ministry said more than 150 interceptions had been carried out across multiple regions.

The ministry said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces' attacks spread across several areas, including the Bryansk, Oryol, Kaluga, Rostov, Tula, Kursk, Smolensk, Voronezh, and Moscow regions, with at least 158 projectiles downed since 6:15 pm Friday.

According to Sobyanin, there were no reports of casualties or damage, with emergency crews responding to the crash sites.

Ukrainian forces had intensified attempted drone attacks on Moscow over the past week, according to Sobyanin.

The mayor told reporters last month that the city's air defense systems operate at the "highest level," intercepting 99.9 percent of targets.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explained that Russia used multi-layered air defense systems to minimize the threat posed by drone attacks.

Ukraine has been conducting UAV raids deep into Russian territory for months, often striking residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure. The Russian government describes Ukraine's strikes as "terrorist attacks" deliberately targeting civilians.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned last week that Western European leaders are leading themselves into war against Moscow.

European leaders' words and actions point to the fact that they are in favor of war against Russia.

Since February 2022, the US-led Western countries have flooded Ukraine with weapons and ammunition to arm the Kiev forces fighting against Russia.

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Nearly 400 Drones, Missiles Fired At Ukraine As Russia Shows No Signs Of Let-Up

By RFE/RL July 19, 2025

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 Ukraine's civilian population - and push forward on the battlefield - amid cease-fire efforts that have all but collapsed.

Frustration with Russia's continued attacks has fueled a shift in policy for US President Donald Trump's 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 Russia's 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 reporters that 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/RL's Ukrainian Service

Source:

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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Ukraine Proposes New Round of Talks With Russia for Next Week

Sputnik News

20250719

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - 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.

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.

 Sputnik

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Ukrainian Military Fires 2 Missiles at Residential Area in Donetsk - DPR Authorities

Sputnik News

20250719

DONETSK (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian armed forces have fired two missiles at the Kievs district of the city of Donetsk, the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) government's department for documenting Kiev's war crimes said on Saturday.

"Shelling from the Ukrainian armed forces was recorded in the direction of the city of Donetsk (Kiev District) at 2:50 p.m. [11:50 GMT]: two missiles from a multiple-launch rocket system," the department wrote on Telegram.

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.

 Sputnik

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Russia Hits Ukraine's Defense Industry Facilities Linked to Missile Production

Sputnik News

20250719

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - 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.

"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.

 Sputnik

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GUIYANG, China, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "Guiyang Big Data Hub Reaches Milestone: 1,355 Enterprises Drive Digital Economy Surge with 69 Billion Output." As the flagship project of China's first national big data pilot zone, the Guiyang Big Data Science and Innovation City has achieved remarkable progress in three years. Official data from the Guizhou government shows that by 2024, the park attracted 1,355 enterprises, with big data firms accounting for 60%, achieving annual service revenue of 69 billion (a 6.44% year-on-year increase)

Breakthrough in Data Assetization

Guizhou Data Treasure Network Technology Co., Ltd. recently assisted Wanfenglin Scenic Area in completing the first case of data asset accounting in Guizhou's cultural tourism industry. By integrating merchant operations and tourist consumption data, the company designed multiple data products that not only helped the scenic area secure a 100 million yuan credit line from Guizhou Bank but also contributed to its successful upgrade to a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Zhou Lin, a partner at Data Treasure, stated that this case has spurred more cultural tourism enterprises to engage in data assetization collaborations.

Computing Power Empowers the Film Industry

The Gui'an New Area Supercomputing Center has provided rendering services for over 100 films, including The Battle at Lake Changjin and The Wandering Earth. Equipped with 1,000 high-performance GPUs and a computing capacity of 300 petaflops per second, the center can reduce rendering tasks that traditionally took 600 years to just a few months. The 2024 Spring Festival blockbuster Nezha: The Devil's Child's Chaos also benefited from the center's computing power.

Continuous Optimization of the Business Environment

The Science and Innovation City's Enterprise and Talent Service Center has innovated a "one-network governance" model, resolving 1,489 corporate requests with a completion rate of 98.41%. By establishing a four-tier talent housing system, the zone has developed a unique investment attraction model combining "computing power + fund" strategies. In 2025, the plan is to attract 445 new enterprises and commence construction on 2.68 million square meters of core-area projects.

The zone, currently holding "Guizhou Software Park" designation, is pursuing national-level recognition while focusing on three strategic clusters: digital economy, advanced manufacturing, and new energy materials.
Gulfport, Florida , July 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Airenteed Heating and Cooling, a locally trusted HVAC company, is playing a vital role in restoring comfort and safety to a senior residential community in Gulfport, Florida, following the damage caused by last summers devastating hurricane. The 55-and-older community had been left without functioning air conditioning for nearly a year, leading to uncomfortable and often dangerous living conditions during Floridas hottest months. Now, thanks to the efforts of Airenteed, thats finally changing.





A Critical Need in a Vulnerable Community

When the hurricane struck Gulfport in 2024, the storm caused massive damage to homes, infrastructure, and utilitiesleaving many residents in the senior community without reliable cooling. The lack of functioning air conditioning presented serious health risks for elderly residents already dealing with chronic illnesses, limited mobility, and the ongoing stress of post-disaster recovery.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Airenteed Heating and Cooling committed to a full-scale restoration project in early 2025. The company began assessing the damage, developing custom HVAC solutions, and coordinating efforts with property managers and residents. The project, now halfway complete, is already transforming the daily lives of the people who call this community home.

Passionate Work With a Personal Touch

We didnt just see broken equipmentwe saw our neighbors in need, said Kelsey, spokesperson for Airenteed Heating and Cooling. This wasnt a routine job. It was a mission to bring back safety, dignity, and peace of mind to hundreds of people who had suffered for far too long.

The team at Airenteed has faced complex challenges, including damaged ductwork, outdated systems, and structural repairs. Yet theyve stayed focused, working long hours under the Florida sun, ensuring every installation is done with precision, care, and long-term durability in mind.

But what stands out most is the relationship they've built with the community. Residents have responded with overwhelming gratitudeoffering kind words, handwritten notes, and heartfelt thanks to the team thats helping them feel safe and cool again.

Voices of Relief From Grateful Residents

For many residents, the return of air conditioning is more than just about comfortits about survival.

Judy M., who has lived in the community for over 20 years, shared her experience: After the hurricane, we were scared and forgotten. But when the Airenteed crew arrived, everything changed. They treated us with respect, worked tirelessly, and gave us hope. I finally feel safe in my home again.

Another resident, George T., added, Airenteed has been a blessing. The moment the cool air came back, it felt like life returned to normal. These guys are doing more than a jobtheyre helping us live again.

Halfway There and Committed to the Finish Line

As of mid-July, the project is approximately 50% complete, and Airenteed Heating and Cooling shows no signs of slowing down. The company has set a clear goal: to have the entire community fully restored before the peak of summer ends. With Floridas unforgiving temperatures, that timeline is critical.

Our team is pushing hard, and were proud of the progress weve made, said Kelsey. But we wont stop until every home has the reliable air conditioning it deserves. Were in this for the long haul.

About Airenteed Heating and Cooling

Airenteed Heating and Cooling is a Florida-based HVAC company known for its reliability, transparency, and customer-first approach. Serving residential and commercial clients across the state, the company specializes in installations, maintenance, and emergency repairswith a focus on fast service and high-quality results.

Whether handling a standard AC repair or leading a community-wide recovery effort like in Gulfport, Airenteed brings a powerful combination of technical skill and compassionate service to every project.

For more information visit https://www.airenteed.com




DENVER, CO, USA, July 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Bitcoin surpasses the $115,000 milestone for the first time in history, the digital asset landscape is witnessing accelerated adoption across blockchain infrastructure and mining services. In direct response to this industry surge, AIXA Miner , a global provider of secure cloud mining services, has announced a major expansion of its backend systems and operational footprint to accommodate the growing demand for decentralized asset generation.

The announcement arrives at a critical turning point for the crypto mining industry, which is undergoing a rapid transition from speculative models to more structured, high-yield solutions built for mainstream and institutional investors alike. According to a recent Statista report, the cloud mining market is projected to exceed $7.3 billion by 2028, driven by demand for non-custodial income strategies and green mining initiatives.

Rising Bitcoin Price Signals Shift in Mining Demand

Bitcoins 2025 price rally is not only attracting retail attention but is also recalibrating the strategies of global mining platforms. For AIXA Miner, this means scaling up capacity and optimizing mining intelligence layers to meet the expectations of performance-driven users.

Bitcoins breakout reflects a broader evolution in how digital assets are integrated into modern finance, said Isabelle Lang, Technical Operations Lead at AIXA Miner. Weve built our systems to deliver predictable value across volatile markets, and our current infrastructure expansion is designed to scale with this momentum.

Lang added that AIXA Miner s recent updates will allow the platform to adapt to higher blockchain activity while preserving stability, uptime, and user profitability.

Blockchain Technology and Cloud Mining Synergy

The intersection of blockchain scalability and intelligent cloud mining infrastructure is reshaping how mining returns are generated and distributed. As Layer 2 networks and more efficient consensus mechanisms mature, platforms like AIXA Miner are exploring integrations that will streamline operations and reduce energy waste.

By integrating renewable-powered facilities and AI-optimized mining strategies, AIXA Miner is also aligning with the financial and environmental goals of todays investors.

Industry analyst firm CryptoCompare reports that eco-conscious mining platforms now account for over 48% of new mining capacity added globally this year, further confirming that cloud mining providers emphasizing green infrastructure and transparency are gaining a competitive edge.

High Profit Platforms Gain Traction with Passive Income Seekers

With Bitcoin hitting historic highs, users are increasingly gravitating toward high profit platforms that offer simplified access to mining returns. Platforms that can provide consistent payouts, dynamic contract tiers, and security-enhanced interfaces are being viewed as the best earning platforms in the crypto space.

AIXA Miners approach includes risk-managed mining strategies, regular audits, and a modular dashboard for both entry-level and institutional clients.

Were focused on maintaining our reputation as a trusted, transparent participant in the digital infrastructure space, said Lang. Our platform is designed to be both secure and adaptive, especially in a market where user trust and platform credibility are under constant evaluation.

Infrastructure Built for Next-Gen Crypto Mining

AIXA Miners infrastructure roadmap includes upgrades to GPU and ASIC deployment, redundancy in global data centers, and tighter API security integration with popular non-custodial wallets. The goal is to offer more streamlined onboarding, real-time analytics, and higher overall system efficiency as crypto mining demand scales.

Looking Ahead: Beyond the Bull Cycle

As the digital asset sector matures, platforms that balance innovation, compliance, and user-centered design will define the next generation of blockchain infrastructure providers.

For AIXA Miner , this expansion is not just about leveraging the current bull cycleits about laying the groundwork for sustainable, regulation-ready growth in crypto mining. With upcoming updates in AI-powered allocation, enhanced security auditing, and real-time contract monitoring, the company aims to serve as a reference point for resilient cloud mining operations.



About AIXA Miner

Founded in 2020, AIXA Miner provides secure and scalable cloud mining services across multiple jurisdictions. The platform leverages AI systems, renewable energy, and robust infrastructure to enable passive income generation for users in over 80 countries.

Media Contact:

Official Website: Browse Site

Company EMAIL: info@aixaminer.com

Company address: 5800 S Quebec St, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, US







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NEW YORK, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE: BRBR) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in BellRing, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

Why is BellRing being Investigated?

BellRing operates in the convenient nutrition category. The Companys primary brands include Premier Protein and Dymatize, which offer ready-to-drink protein shakes and powders. During the relevant period, the Company stated that Premier Protein hit an all-time high in household penetration and that demand remains strong. The Company also stated that its growth was strong in all channels, driven by distribution expansion, accelerating velocities and incremental promotional activity.

In truth, the Companys sales growth during the relevant period may have been driven by temporary trade inventory loading at several key retailers, not sustainable end-consumer demand.

The Stock Declines as the Truth is Revealed

On May 5, 2025, after market hours, BellRing revealed that starting in Q2 2023, several key retailers lowered their weeks of supply on hand, which would create a headwind to Q3 2025 growth. The Company also announced it was expanding promotions to boost sales and offset [] third quarter reductions in retailer trade inventory levels. On this news, the price of BellRing stock fell $13.96 per share, or more than 18%, from $77.34 per share on May 5, 2025, to $63.38 per share on May 6, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in BellRing you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Or contact:

Ross Shikowitz

ross@bfalaw.com

212-789-3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named Elite Trial Lawyers by the National Law Journal, among the top 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers by Lawdragon, Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
HONG KONG, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asia-based smart energy innovation award TERA-Award, organised by Full Vision Capital, has revealed the results of its fourth edition. Barocal, a British company, won the Gold Award with a prize of US$1 million for its breakthrough solid-state cooling system, using barocaloric materials that undergo temperature changes when pressure is applied.

For the first time, the TERA-Award was held outside Hong Kong. Over 100 industry leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, scholars and partners attended the ceremony at Kings College, University of Cambridge, on 18th July. Dr Peter Lee, Principal of Full Vision Capital and Founder of the TERA-Award, and Dr Martin Lee, Honorary Chairman of Full Vision Capital, led their first overseas mission to promote the TERA-Award together.

Among 785 entries from 76 countries and regions, the Gold Award went to the UK company Barocal. Their technology eliminates harmful refrigerants and boosts energy efficiency, offering a sustainable air conditioning and refrigeration solution. Based on over a decade of research at the University of Cambridge, Barocals innovation delivers up to three times the energy efficiency of traditional systems.

This years winners come from Australia, China, the UK, the USA, Singapore and Spain, reflecting the growing international appeal and impact of the TERA-Award.

Dr Peter Lee said that hosting the TERA-Award overseas is a key step in expanding its global footprint. Were building a close-knit and growing network for innovators, investors, and partners. Through targeted support and incubation, weve seen many successes from past winners, and we look forward to helping more startups thrive. He added, Entrepreneurship is a road filled with obstacles, particularly in the energy sector. The TERA-Award is a bridge between ideas and markets, where they can make transformational impacts on lives and the planet.

An innovation showcase and forum were held on the same day. The forum explored global clean energy trends and the role of collaboration in the energy transition. TERA-Award Alumni and startups also presented progress and exchanged ideas with investors and innovators at the showcase.

The fourth TERA-Award is supported by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, InvestHK, the UKs Department for Business and Trade and Kerogen CelerateX, reflecting a growing commitment to accelerate deep-tech energy innovation and commercialise zero-carbon solutions.

For details, please visit: https://www.tera-award.com/

Media Enquiries

May Tam

Tel: +852 9192 0062

Email: maytam@tera-award.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a32ca88-bb34-4974-b7c0-eb6560c056c4
Bashir Bayo Ojulari, CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, hailed China's clean energy development and the country's role in driving world economic growth during a recent interview with Xinhua.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Organon To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Organon between November 3, 2022 and April 30, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]





NEW YORK, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Organon & Co. (Organon or the Company) (NYSE: OGN) and reminds investors of the July 22, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

Defendants provided investors with material information concerning Organons prioritization of its capital allocation strategy through regular, quarterly dividends. Defendants statements included, among other things, reassurance that capital allocation through the aforementioned dividends was a #1 capital allocation priority and that Organon was committed to consistent deployment of capital. Defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of the Companys priorities, particularly, related to capital allocation through quarterly dividends. Notably, Defendants concealed the high priority of Organons debt reduction strategy following the Companys acquisition of Dermavant, resulting in a 70% decrease for the regular quarterly dividend. Such statements absent these material facts caused Plaintiff and other shareholders to purchase Organons securities at artificially inflated prices.

Investors and analysts again reacted promptly to Organons revelations. The price of Organons common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, Organons stock price fell to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025, a decline of more than 27% in the span of just a single day.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Organons conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Organon & Co. class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/OGN or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c96193e-9e8a-4e5d-878a-3e41b441e24a
Newark, New Jersey, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ETHRANSACTION, a leading cloud mining platform has launched new mining contracts that utilize XRP conversion to yield other crypto currencies like BTC. Bitcoin has always held a special place in the cryptocurrency market. It is more than just a currency; it is a cultural movement, driven by a passionate and growing community.

This release will provide all the necessary information about how the users of ETHRANSACTION can use XRP for cloud mining and earn $19,494 or more worth of cryptocurrency every day.





What is cloud mining? And how ETHRANSACTION users can yield BTC

Cloud mining is the process by which cloud mining service providers are rewarded with new Bitcoins by checking transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain. It seems simple, but it is not easy!

Cloud mining service providers process the same batch of transactions through multiple computers at the same time, but only one computer can be rewarded with new coins. The way to get new coins is that nodes add new transaction blocks to old blocks. This requires complex mathematical equations to achieve.

The first node to solve the math problem wins, it can then append the newly confirmed transaction block to the rest of the blockchain.

Most cryptocurrency mining works like this. However, BTC cloud mining differs from other currencies in some important ways. These aspects include:

Algorithm: Each cryptocurrency has a set of rules for mining new coins. These rules are called mining algorithms or hashing algorithms.

Block time: This is the average length of time it takes to check a new block of transactions and add it to the blockchain.

Difficulty: This number indicates how hard it is to mine each new block of that currency. Mining difficulty fluctuates based on the number of miners. The currency protocol also adjusts the difficulty to ensure that the block time remains constant.

Reward: This is the amount of new currency awarded to the miner for each new block.

How to do BTC cloud mining

Step 1: Choose ETHRANSACTION cloud mining service provider. The platform has a professional analyst and IT team who will analyze the computing power generated by the operation of the mining machine and replace the latest mining machine in time. Ensure that users get higher returns in cloud mining. If you are worried about missing out on investment opportunities, now is the best time to join cloud mining.

Step 2: Select the Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency contract you want to buy. The new contract is as follows:

 Invest in WhatsMiner M30S [Daily Sign-in Rewards]: Investment amount: $19, total net profit: $19 + $0.9.

 Invest in Avalon Manufacturing A1346 [Experience Contract]: Investment amount: $100, total net profit: $100 + $18.

 Invest in ElphaPex DG Home1 contract plan: Investment amount: $600, total net profit: $600 + $52.5.

 Invest in Antminer L7 contract plan: Investment amount: $1,300, total net profit: $1,300 + $236.6.

 Invest in Antminer T21 contract plan: Investment amount: $3,700, total net profit: $3,700 + $1,021.2.

(The platform has launched a variety of stable income contracts, which can be viewed on the ETHRANSACTION official website.)





You can get income the next day after purchasing the contract. When the account funds reach $100, you can choose to withdraw to your wallet or continue to purchase other contracts.





About ETHRANSACTION

Cloud mining is extremely convenient and perfect for novices. The platform's user-friendly interface ensures that even cryptocurrency novices can easily get started. For ETHRANSACTION, laziness is not a disadvantage, but a path to success. As a pioneer in cloud mining services, ETHRANSACTION has more than 100 mining farms and more than 800,000 mining equipment around the world. All mining equipment is driven by new renewable energy cycles and has won the recognition and support of more than 8.1 million real users with stable returns and security guarantees.

ETHRANSACTION Advantages:

Get $19 immediately after registration.

Users do not need to buy expensive cryptocurrency mining equipment, sign contracts, and receive returns every 24 hours.

Provide multiple cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals: DOGE, BTC, ETH, XRP, USDC, LTC, USDT-TRC20, USDT-ERC20 and other cryptocurrencies.

Intuitive interface designed for beginners and experienced miners.

The affiliate program allows users to receive up to 4% + 2% referral rewards and up to $1 million in bonuses.

No extra fees: pricing is transparent, with no hidden service or management fees.

Fund security: At ETHRANSACTION, users' funds are securely stored in a first-tier bank, and all users' personal information is protected by SSL encryption. The platform provides insurance for each investment, underwritten by AIG Insurance Company.

Security and sustainability

In the world of mining, trust and security are crucial. ETHRANSACTION knows this and puts user safety first. ETHRANSACTION is committed to transparency and legality, ensuring that your investment is protected and allowing you to focus on profitability. All mine energy consumption is provided by new energy, making cloud mining join the ranks of carbon neutrality. Renewable energy protects the environment from pollution and brings super value returns, allowing every investor to enjoy opportunities and benefits.

Summary

For investors who want to explore free cryptocurrency mining, ETHRANSACTION is the first choice because it has cutting-edge technology, environmentally friendly methods and generous free tickets.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, ETHRANSACTION welcomes everyone from all over the world to participate.

Simply click the corresponding system APP button on ETHRANSACTION to download the ETHRANSACTION application.



Media Details:

Email: info@ethransaction.vip

For more information, please visit the official website: https://ethransaction.vip

Or contact the platform official email: info@ethransaction.vip





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MANILA, Philippines, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A newly revised Shadow Report, released by the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), calls for a fundamental shift in the World Health Organizations (WHO) approach to global tobacco control. The report criticizes the continued neglect of harm reduction under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), specifically Article 1(d), which identifies harm reduction as an essential element of tobacco control.

Drawing on data from the WHOs Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025, the Shadow Report highlights a consistent failure to acknowledge and integrate tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies, despite growing scientific evidence that safer nicotine products can reduce smoking-related harms.

The report reveals that countries strictly adhering to WHOs MPOWER measures, such as Thailand, India, and Mauritius, are seeing only marginal declines in smoking rates. In contrast, nations that have embraced THR  including the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada  have experienced more substantial reductions in smoking prevalence, largely due to the adoption of vaping and other lower-risk alternatives.

According to the report, over 1 billion people still smoke globally, with more than half residing in Asia. Smoking causes over 8.7 million deaths each year and results in nearly 2 trillion dollars in economic costs. The report argues that addressing this public health crisis requires moving beyond abstinence-only approaches and embracing practical, evidence-based strategies.

Tobacco harm reduction must be central to any meaningful effort to reduce the health and economic toll of smoking, said Nancy Loucas, CAPHRA Executive Coordinator. This is not about ideology. It is about using the full scope of tools available under the FCTC to save lives, particularly in regions like Asia where the burden remains highest.

The report also condemns the misuse of FCTC Article 5.3, which has been used to exclude THR consumer advocates from policymaking. It calls for inclusive, rights-based engagement that reflects the voices and needs of people who smoke and vape.

CAPHRAs Shadow Report urges WHO FCTC member states to recognize that THR is both science-based and grounded in human rights, citing findings from Public Health England, the UK Royal College of Physicians, and the US National Academies. These institutions confirm that non-combustible alternatives are significantly less harmful than cigarettes.

This is a call to action, the report states. We must replace moralistic dogma with practical solutions. It is time to make smoking  the deadliest form of tobacco use  public enemy number one, and to deploy harm reduction as a frontline strategy. An executive summary of the report is available as well.
New York, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amid rising momentum in the digital asset market, JA Mining has enhanced its investment model to support direct participation using leading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP (Ripple). All returns are calculated and distributed based on fixed USD-denominated yields, while withdrawal proceeds are reconverted into the original crypto asset at current market ratesallowing users to gain from both daily income and potential token appreciation.

According to recent market data, Bitcoin surged past $120,000 earlier this month, while XRP peaked at $3.65, marking a significant multi-year high. With institutional capital inflows accelerating, analysts are pointing to a structural uptrend. In response, JA Mining has streamlined its platform to accept BTC, XRP, ETH, USDT, and other major digital assets for cloud mining investments, eliminating the need for fiat conversion and reducing entry barriers.

Fixed Income + Market Gains: A Dual Approach to Crypto Returns

Within the JA Mining platform, users can select from a range of cloud mining plans, each offering fixed daily returns in USD. For example, a DOGE plan priced at $2,420 delivers $86.88 in daily earnings, totaling $260.63 over three days. All returns are calculated in USD; however, when users withdraw, the system reconverts the accumulated income into the originally invested cryptocurrency based on the prevailing market rate. This approach enables users to benefit from price appreciation if the token value rises during the investment period.

We aim to offer users a stable, transparent, and flexible way to grow their digital assets, a JA Mining spokesperson said. In an environment where market optimism around BTC and XRP continues to build, our dual-income mechanism provides added upside.

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

Sustainability and Security at the Core

All of JA Mining's mining operations are powered entirely by renewable energy, and its mining facilities are located in energy-efficient areas. The platform fully complies with environmental standards and uses multi-layer security protocols, including cold/hot wallet isolation, to ensure the safety of user funds.

About JA Mining

JA Mining is a global leader in cloud mining services, enabling users to invest in mining projects using leading cryptocurrencies such as BTC, XRP, and ETH. All profits are settled in USD and reconverted to the user's original asset at withdrawal. With a focus on renewable energy, intelligent resource allocation, and financial efficiency, JA Mining delivers a secure, eco-conscious, and sustainable path to digital asset income.

Start now, no need to wait: click to download the APP and register to get $100 to start 0 cost mining
TEHRAN, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian and Russian naval forces will launch a three-day joint maritime exercise in the Caspian Sea starting Monday.

Named "CASAREX2025," the drill will be hosted by the Iranian Navy's Northern Fleet, according to a statement published on the Iranian army's news website.

The statement said the exercise, involving vessels from Iranian and Russian navies, aims to improve maritime safety and security in the Caspian Sea and increase cooperation among the region's littoral navies.

Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), which operates independently of the regular navy, and the Iranian police would also take part in the drill.

A number of the Caspian Sea littoral states would also join the exercise as observers. 
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Pope Leo XIV renews his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Vaticannews International News Jul - 20 - 2025 , 16:05 1 minute read

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following a military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Parish.

In a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State on his behalf, the Holy Father expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life and for the injuries caused by the attack.

He also conveyed his spiritual closeness to the parish priest, Fr. Gabriel Romanelliwho was injured during the attackas well as to the entire parish community.

The Pope commended the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God and offered prayers for the recovery of the injured and the consolation of those who grieve.

Finally, he renewed his appeal for peace and for a ceasefire, and expressed his "profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace in the region.

Over 60,200 people (58,313 Palestinians and 1,983 Israelis) have been reported killed in the Gaza war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, since 7 October 2023.
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Previous article: Police recruits to be posted based on operational needs  Muntaka

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'Arrest even if they claim its me'  Muntaka orders Police to tackle galamsey interference

Mohammed Ali Jul - 20 - 2025 , 11:53 2 minutes read

The Minister for the Interior, Mr Mubarak Muntaka Mohammed, has directed the Ghana Police Service to arrest anyone who attempts to interfere with anti-galamsey operations, including individuals claiming to act on his behalf.

Speaking at the 17th Regional Commanders Conference in Accra on Friday, Mr Muntaka delivered a firm message to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

If anybody calls you to say I have asked that you should let go of this operation, please ensure that you arrest that person, Mr Muntaka stated. If someone calls and claims to be me, let the CID take action and arrest that person.

He made it clear that no individual, including government officials or political figures, should be considered above the law in the fight against illegal mining.

I will not send you into the forest only to call back and ask you to exempt someone. That will never come from me, he emphasised.

Mr Muntaka also commended Mr Yohuno and his command team for what he described as their consistent efforts against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

He said the practice continues to pose a serious threat to the environment and national stability.

The Minister added that both the government and the leadership of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) fully support the police in their crackdown on illegal mining.

The President is behind you. Deal with anyone involved in galamsey strictly within the limits of the law, Mr Muntaka assured.

As part of measures to clamp down on the activity, Mr Muntaka announced that all mining equipment must be registered by July 31, 2025.

He explained that this directive follows the seizure of over 130 excavators, many of which had no identifiable owners.

We must remove this heavy machinery from our forests. If we succeed in that alone, even if people still enter mining sites, the scale of destruction will be reduced, he noted.

Mr Muntaka urged the police not to tolerate interference from political actors, including members of the ruling party.

The party leadership has made it clear that they support what you are doing. They will not allow a few individuals to damage the image of the party, he said.

Illegal mining continues to affect several regions across the country, particularly in the Western, Ashanti, Eastern and Central regions, where rivers, farmlands and ecosystems have suffered long-term damage.
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Do not spare the rod  Interior Minister orders prosecution over Ayawaso West Wuogon and Ablekuma North election violence

Mohammed Ali Jul - 20 - 2025 , 12:10 2 minutes read

The Minister for the Interior, Mr Mubarak Muntaka Mohammed, has instructed the Ghana Police Service to commence prosecutions against individuals involved in violent incidents during the 2020 and 2024 general elections, as well as recent by-elections.

He gave the directive on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the 17th Regional Commanders Conference held in Accra.

Mr Muntaka warned that delays in prosecuting electoral violence cases could erode public confidence in Ghanas democratic process

Our expectation, Mr IGP, is nothing short of seeing you start prosecution of these cases soon, he told the Inspector General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno.

Mr Muntaka indicated that investigations into several of the incidents were at an advanced stage. He urged the Police Service to work closely with the Office of the Attorney General to expedite the legal processes.

I have seen your report. In some of the cases, youve gone far. You are on the verge of prosecution. If theres anything we need to do with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, lets do it and see people being prosecuted, he said.

He recalled violent scenes that occurred during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun and referenced the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in 2019, where masked individuals believed to be national security operatives assaulted voters and disrupted the electoral process.

Just as we assured citizens in Ablekuma North, the party leadership is fully with you. Do not spare the rod. Go through the videos, identify the perpetrators, Mr Muntaka said. Let us prove to the world that we are ready to prevent violence from becoming a feature of our elections.

With the Akwatia by-election approaching, following the recent death of the sitting Member of Parliament, the Minister called for heightened police readiness to avoid disturbances.

We must make sure our personnel are not only deployed in good numbers but are properly briefed and equipped to prevent and contain any election-related violence, he added.

The Regional Commanders Conference brought together senior police officers from across the country.

Discussions included national security challenges such as illegal mining, armed robbery, police welfare, and the maintenance of peace during political activities.
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Gomashie hails Mahama as Blekusu sea defence project resumes

Mohammed Ali Jul - 20 - 2025 , 08:57 2 minutes read

The Member of Parliament for Ketu South and Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie, says the launch of Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project is a response to years of devastation and unanswered appeals from affected communities along the eastern Volta coastline.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony held at Blekusu on Saturday, July 20, 2025, Ms Gomashie said the start of the long-delayed project showed that President John Dramani Mahama had listened to the concerns of her constituents, who have endured years of destruction caused by tidal waves.

I chose not to shout because I knew that when he hears me call, hell pick it, she said. Finally, the day has come. And in between those days, years, and months when I cry, theres one person who always responds, and that is His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

Communities including Blekusu, Salakope, Agavedzi and Amutsinu have experienced repeated tidal destruction over the years.

The floods have displaced families, destroyed homes and property, and disrupted livelihoods along the coast.

Phase One of the sea defence project was completed in 2015, but the second phase stalled for nearly a decade.

Ms Gomashie, who has consistently called for urgent intervention, said the start of the second phase marked the end of a painful period of neglect.

I was only shouting because those who were in charge of this country refused to pay attention to me and my people, she told a gathering that included President Mahama, traditional leaders and residents of the affected towns.

The second phase of the project will cover eight kilometres of coastal defence and is expected to be completed over a four-year period. It will be undertaken by Amandi Holdings Limited under the supervision of the Ghana Hydrological Authority.

The works include shoreline stabilisation, dune restoration, and the construction of supporting infrastructure such as a fish market, cold storage facilities, a lorry park, and public sanitation units.

Ms Gomashie said the intervention would protect homes and help restore livelihoods and social stability in the flood-prone area.

President Mahama cut the sod to mark the official start of construction and assured the community that the project would be completed as planned.
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IGP warns against violence and police misconduct ahead of Akwatia by-election

Mohammed Ali Jul - 20 - 2025 , 09:04 2 minutes read

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has cautioned against electoral violence and misconduct within the police service as preparations continue for the upcoming by-election in Akwatia.

Speaking at the 17th Regional Commanders Conference held in Accra on Friday, July 18 2025, Mr Yohuno said a technical team has been set up to oversee security operations for the election.

He stated that anyone found guilty of committing electoral offences, whether a civilian or a police officer, would be prosecuted.

The Ghana Police Service does not condone, support, or turn a blind eye to violence associated with our democratic processes, Mr Yohuno said. We are reviewing footage from recent elections, and those involved in wrongdoing will be held accountable.

The Akwatia by-election follows the death of Member of Parliament Ernest Yaw Kumi. Parliament officially declared the seat vacant on July 17, 2025, paving the way for the Electoral Commission to begin arrangements for a replacement election.

Mr Yohunos remarks come in the wake of violence that marred the recent parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North. During that election, former Members of Parliament Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie and Hawa Koomson were assaulted at polling stations. The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has since condemned what it described as acts of intimidation against voters, journalists and female candidates.

These incidents are unacceptable, Mr Yohuno said. We are taking firm lessons from Ablekuma North. Misconduct during the Akwatia election, whether by civilians or police officers, will not be allowed to go unchecked.

Mr Yohuno also addressed concerns about behaviour within the police service, revealing that an officer recently accused of assault has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau and is now facing formal charges.

Our internal oversight systems are functioning, and no officer is above the law, he said. Indiscipline within our ranks will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Police Administration has introduced reforms such as digitised operations and upgraded intelligence structures to improve public safety and restore trust in the service.

Mr Yohuno appealed to the public to assist the police by sharing credible information and cooperating during the election.

He also called on other security agencies, the judiciary and civil society organisations to work together to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.

The Regional Commanders Conference brought together senior police officers from all regions to assess recent operational performance, discuss national security concerns and agree on strategies to safeguard upcoming elections.
Next article: 'Joshua Alabi' impostor, two brothers busted for defrauding Council of State Member of GH60,000

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Jealous husband, 60, jailed 20 years after fatally shooting wife in front of child

GNA Jul - 20 - 2025 , 15:31 2 minutes read

A 60-year-old man, Doe Fiano, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by an Accra High Court for fatally shooting his wife in the presence of their four-year-old child.

Fiano pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was also handed an additional 10-year sentence for possessing a firearm without lawful authority.

The sentences are to run concurrently, as ruled by Justice Mrs Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie.

The tragic incident occurred following an argument sparked by a phone call the victim, Grace Yorke Torku, received from a male acquaintance. In a fit of rage, Fiano entered their bedroom, retrieved a pistol, and shot her dead.

Initially charged with murder, Fiano opted to plead guilty to manslaughter under Section 296(1) of Act 30, which secured him a reduced sentence.

His defence counsel informed the court that the convict had no prior criminal record, had expressed remorse, and was the primary caregiver for the couples children.

However, the prosecution urged the court to impose a minimum sentence of 30 years, citing the severe emotional trauma inflicted on the four-year-old child who witnessed the killing. Prosecutors further described gunshot wounds to the victims head and genital area, underscoring the brutal nature of the crime.

In sentencing, the judge considered both aggravating and mitigating factors, including Fianos remorse, his status as a first-time offender, and his responsibilities towards the children.

According to the prosecution, the Assemblyman for the Okomante Electoral Area, Gordon Tsimese, had alerted the police after Fiano was reportedly seen wielding a weapon and threatening passers-by at Taaboo Line.

Police arrived to find the victim lying in a pool of blood. The murder weapon was later recovered, along with an empty magazine during a follow-up search.

Fiano was arrested through police intelligence at Nii Amui Park in Ashaiman.

A pathologist at Tema General Hospital confirmed on June 6, 2023, that the cause of death was unnatural gunshot wounds to the head.

This article was originally published by GNA.
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'Joshua Alabi' impostor, two brothers busted for defrauding Council of State Member of GH60,000

GNA Jul - 20 - 2025 , 15:18 2 minutes read

A man who allegedly impersonated Professor Joshua Alabi, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in order to defraud a Council of State member, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

Nurudeen Abdul Ganew, 40, has been charged with impersonation and defrauding by false pretences.

Ganew, a businessman, together with his two brothers; Nurudeen Rashid and Nurudeen Gafaru, has also been jointly charged with conspiracy to commit crime.

They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of GH150,000 with three sureties, one to be justified.

The court, presided over by Mrs Sedinam Awo Kwadam, ordered the accused to reappear on July 21, 2025.

According to the prosecution, on March 3, 2025, Ganew presented himself as Professor Joshua Alabi and defrauded a Council of State member, Mr Hakeem Addae, by false pretences.

Ganew, who claimed to be an official of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), allegedly told Mr Addae he could help him acquire a Toyota Land Cruiser and later ten trucks being auctioned. Mr Addae, who is the NDC Constituency Chairman for Twifo-Atti Morkwa and currently represents the Central Region on the Council of State, parted with GH60,000.

Prosecutors said Ganew was later tracked and arrested at his residence in Wa, in the Upper West Region. During the arrest, four identity cards, three pen drives, four mobile phones and cash amounting to GH14,896 were retrieved.

On July 2, 2025, Ganews brothers, Rashid and Gafaru, were arrested at Subinso, a suburb of Wenchi, by the National Signals Bureau. A search of their residence uncovered over 12 assorted mobile phones with 12 MTN SIM cards, one Telecel SIM card, and a database of constituency executives of political parties in all 16 regions  believed to be a target list.

Some of the SIM cards retrieved from the two were found to be the same numbers Ganew had used to communicate with Mr Addae and receive the money.

Further investigations revealed that the three brothers, who lived in Wa and Subinso-Wenchi, had formed a syndicate that impersonated high-profile personalities, mostly politicians, to defraud their victims.

Their targets reportedly included chiefs, queen mothers, political figures, and companies.

Ganew was identified as the ringleader who usually contacted victims, while his brothers handled withdrawals of the fraudulently obtained funds through mobile money vendors in Wa, Wenchi, Sunyani, Techiman, Koforidua, and Accra.
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Police recruits to be posted based on operational needs  Muntaka

Mohammed Ali Jul - 20 - 2025 , 12:02 2 minutes read

The Minister for the Interior, Mr Mubarak Muntaka Mohammed, has directed that newly trained police recruits be deployed across the country based on operational requirements, rather than equal numerical distribution.

He made the announcement at the 17th Regional Commanders Conference of the Ghana Police Service held in Accra on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Mr Muntaka said the new approach had been agreed with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and would guide postings in the coming weeks.

Every region, district or operational zone will receive its fair share, but obviously having in mind equity, he said.

Were not going to be sharing five, five, five, five, so everybody gets equally fine. Well share and make sure that they are posted in a very equitable distribution that will help whatever all of you are doing at your operational level.

Mr Muntaka explained that the allocation would depend on the current personnel strength compared to the required numbers in each region.

If you have 1,000 and someone has 200, and based on your own operational arrangement, all of you have shortfalls in numbers maybe your required number is 2,000, and someone has 200, his requirement is 800, he said.

He added that the aim was to address disparities in police presence across the country and support operational effectiveness at the regional level.

The directive is part of broader steps being taken by the government to improve policing.

It follows the recent graduation of new recruits from various training schools across the country.

Mr Muntaka also said government support for the Ghana Police Service would continue, particularly in the areas of logistics, housing, and general welfare. He disclosed that GH1 billion has been allocated to the security sector, with the police expected to receive a substantial share of that funding.
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Man, 31, jailed 7 years for defiling 5-year-old girl in Wa Zongo

Mohammed Ali Jul - 20 - 2025 , 14:15 1 minute read

A 31-year-old man, Issahaku Waris, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for defiling a five-year-old girl in Wa Zongo in the Upper West Region.

The sentence was handed down by the Wa Circuit Court on Friday, July 18, 2025. The case was presided over by His Lordship Jonathan Avogo.

According to the Upper West Regional Police Command, the incident occurred on Thursday, April 24, 2025.



Waris was arrested two days later, on Saturday, April 26, by officers of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service.

In a statement issued by the Command, the police said the arrest and trial followed careful investigation and assistance from the childs family and members of the community.

The statement, signed by Deputy Regional Police Commander, Mr Peter Kwamena Kamasa, said the Command remains alert to offences against children and urges the public to report all such cases without delay.

Mr Kamasa added that protecting the rights of children is a responsibility shared by all.
10,000 Berekum residents to receive free medical care

Samuel Ohene Ewur Health Jul - 20 - 2025 , 16:49 2 minutes read

Over 10,000 residents in Berekum have been targeted to benefit from free healthcare services as part of the upcoming medical outreach by Ghana Medical Relief (GMR). The initiative, scheduled to run from July 21 to July 25, 2025, will provide a wide range of essential health interventions to residents in Berekum and surrounding communities.

The President of GMR, Dr Samuel Owusu, announced the initiative during the launch of the outreach in Accra last Friday.

He explained that the project aims to close the healthcare gap in deprived communities. We have witnessed cases where people have never met a healthcare provider in their entire lives, the President said. Our goal is to ensure that individuals gain access to preventive care before their conditions become severe.

The GMR, a registered non-profit organisation in both Ghana and the United States, will deploy 110 medical volunteers, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and surgeons, for the outreach.

According to the President, the mission aligns with GMRs philosophy of providing healthcare one village at a time.

The outreach will also offer services in general medicine, paediatrics, dentistry, urology, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry.

Support, sustainability

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Dr Owusu stressed that patients diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension would receive immediate support. This will include free medication and NHIS enrolment to facilitate follow-up treatment.

Unlike many short-term medical missions, GMR has adopted a sustainability model that enables patients to access continuous care after the outreach.

We do not just hand out pills and leave. We register people for NHIS on the spot so they can seek follow-up care, Dr Owusu stressed.

Even in the United States, its rare to see a system where people walk in for free care and leave with a full year of insurance coverage. Yet, we do this every year through our volunteer-driven model , he added.

The GMRs outreach has grown significantly since its first mission in 2018, when it served 2,000 people. Last years outreach in Bortianor catered to over 5,200 patients and registered 2,500 onto NHIS. The President attributed the growth to the commitment of volunteers and the organisations evolving approach over the years.
People visit the exhibition area of the Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, July 18, 2025. The three-day Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025, held from Friday to Sunday, brought together over 30 brands, most of them Chinese.(Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

YANGON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Under the bright showroom lighting, sleek electric vehicles were displayed in the Yangon Convention Center. Shiny dashboards, AI features, and curious crowds signaled Myanmar's growing interest in a cleaner automotive future.

The three-day Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025, held from Friday to Sunday, brought together over 30 brands, most of them Chinese.

Chinese automakers draw attention at the event with EVs from BYD, Leapmotor, VOYAH, NETA, JMEV and others. The expo highlighted rising consumer interest, despite EVs still being a small part of the market, exhibitors said.

Among the most visible brands at the expo was BYD, a Chinese EV giant, imported by industry veteran U Min Min Maung, chairman of EV Power Company. With over 30 years in the automotive business, he said the BYD brand was a leading brand in both the global and local EV market.

"It's been about a year since I started importing BYD cars," said U Min Min Maung. "People trust the brand."

He noted that demand for EVs is growing, particularly in Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. However, compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, EV penetration remained very low, offering plenty of room for growth, he said.

"About 90 percent of EVs in Myanmar are from China," he said. "The government is also supporting this sector, encouraging EV adoption."

Most EVs in Myanmar are imported under Completely Built-Up (CBU) form, while only a few like Leapmotor vehicles came in Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits for partial local assembly, exhibitors said.

The biggest hurdle, according to dealers, is infrastructure, particularly consistent electricity and charging access. That's why U Min Min Maung said that the most suitable EV buyers today are in Nay Pyi Taw, the capital, where homes have large compounds, power supply is stable, and commute times are longer.

Another spotlight at the expo is Chinese luxury EVs, including VOYAH from Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Sales representative May Thazin Moe emphasized the tech features, including AI-powered cameras and smart systems. "We're only importing EVs, both luxury and budget, from Dongfeng," she said.

Angus Lin, national sales manager for Yoma Motors, showcased brands like SWM and Hongqi, saying this was their first venture into Chinese car imports.

"The vehicles we're bringing in are luxury models, and we're importing them under SKD," he said.

Min Thet Kyaw, a senior sales manager from Leapmotor, echoed the sentiment on rising demand.

"We've been distributing Leapmotor (vehicles) for over a year. Demand is growing, but people still need more EV education," he said. "Our cars come with five years or 100,000 km warranty for battery and motor."

At the expo, professional promotional models added to the atmosphere by standing beside the vehicles, guiding visitors, and posing for photos.

Visitors came to the expo with curiosity and buying intent. U Soe Kham, a 60-year-old attendee, is already an EV owner.

"I use a Leapmotor car and came here to buy more vehicles for renting. EVs are cost-effective, (and need) no fuel and low maintenance," he said. "But with so many brands, it's hard to choose."

Hein Ko Ko Aung, 39, said he was drawn to the event to explore BYD options after seeing friends switch to EVs. "Chinese EVs are dominating the market here. I believe they will continue dominating in the market," he added.

The auto expo was organized by Myanmar DPES Exhibition. Wang Zhangcheng, who is in charge of the organizer company, described the event as a platform for connecting consumers with emerging brands.

"It is the first time we are organizing such an auto exhibition in Myanmar. We're based in Myanmar, and want to help car companies promote themselves while helping local consumers make informed decisions," he said. 

People visit the exhibition area of the Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, July 18, 2025. The three-day Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025, held from Friday to Sunday, brought together over 30 brands, most of them Chinese.(Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the exhibition area of the Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, July 18, 2025. The three-day Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025, held from Friday to Sunday, brought together over 30 brands, most of them Chinese.(Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the the booth of Geely during the Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, July 18, 2025. The three-day Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025, held from Friday to Sunday, brought together over 30 brands, most of them Chinese.(Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the booth of Aion during the Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, July 18, 2025. The three-day Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025, held from Friday to Sunday, brought together over 30 brands, most of them Chinese.(Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the exhibition area of the Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, July 18, 2025. The three-day Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025, held from Friday to Sunday, brought together over 30 brands, most of them Chinese.(Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the booth of BYD during the Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025 in Yangon, Myanmar, July 18, 2025. The three-day Myanmar International Auto Expo 2025, held from Friday to Sunday, brought together over 30 brands, most of them Chinese.(Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
Eugene Boakye Antwi rallies NPP for unity ahead of 2028 polls

GraphicOnline Politics Jul - 20 - 2025 , 16:19 2 minutes read

Former Deputy Minister and Subin MP, Eugene Boakye Antwi, has issued a rallying call for unity within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging party members to put aside internal disputes and refocus on the larger task of winning back power in the 2028 general elections.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the NPPs National Delegates Conference held on Saturday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Boakye Antwi emphasised that the partys real adversary is not within, but the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

We have one common enemy and its not each other, he stressed. Victory 2028 begins with a United NPP today.

The conference, which attracted party bigwigs, delegates, and grassroots organisers from across the country, also approved key constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening internal party structures. In a Facebook post reflecting on the conference, Hon. Boakye Antwi described the amendments as a bold step in our collective journey to rebuild and strengthen the party.

While responding to media queries about a possible bid for the General Secretary position, he gave a clear hint of his ambition, saying: When the time is up, I will surely contest.

He used the platform to outline a vision rooted in technology, transparency, and organisational efficiency, stressing the importance of modernising party operations and communications to remain relevant in a rapidly changing political landscape.

The former MP said that while discipline, loyalty, and collective responsibility were not new values, they must now form the bedrock of a revitalised NPP. He warned that policy initiatives alone would not be enough to secure a return to power if factionalism and in-fighting persist.

True strength lies in unity, he wrote, echoing the sentiment of the day. Together, we are laying the foundation for lasting impact. Kukrudu  forward ever!
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Mahama breaks ground for coastal protection project to save 5 Volta communities

Alberto Mario Noretti Politics Jul - 20 - 2025 , 06:57 4 minutes read

The Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II in the Ketu South Municipality has officially commenced.

This is not merely symbolic, but rather a clear demonstration of what responsible leadership can do, when it cares, when it listens, when it acts, President John Dramani Mahama declared at a durbar prior to the groundbreaking ceremony at Agavedzi on Saturday.

He said the government was committed to protecting communities, their livelihoods, and their environment for future generations, regardless of their location.

President Mahama stressed that the Government of Ghanas initiative reflected a national resolve to defend coastal communities and safeguard lives, homes, and infrastructure.

He noted that the destruction caused by tidal waves was not unique to the Ketu South Municipality, as similar tragedies had occurred in other parts of the country, and the government could not turn a blind eye to the phenomenon.

Ghanas coastline, he stated, spanned more than 550 kilometres and was a vital asset for fishing, trade, and tourism. However, the stretch remained vulnerable to climate change and tidal wave invasions.

The Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II is expected to bring significant relief to the communities of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutinu, and Adina.

The President disclosed that the contractors, AMANDI, had been tasked to complete the project within 48 months. The scope includes the construction of 37 armour rock groynes and land reclamation to protect eight kilometres of the coastline.

Groynes are coastal engineering structures built perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sediments and reduce erosion.

Community infrastructure

In addition to the coastal protection works, which are being supervised by the Ghana Hydrological Authority, President Mahama said the government would incorporate essential community infrastructure to enhance local livelihoods.

These would include a modern fish market, cold storage and processing facilities for fisherfolk, fish drying and smoking platforms, a car park and lorry station, public sanitation facilities, and a waste collection system.

So, this is more than just coastal protection; it is a comprehensive resilience initiative, blending environmental protection with socio-economic infrastructure, the President emphasised.

He appealed to the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ghana Hydrological Authority, the Ketu South Municipal Assembly, project contractors and consultants, and the chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities to work together with unity and purpose to ensure the success of the project.

Let us uphold the values of accountability, transparency, and community engagement throughout the implementation of this project.

I urge everyone, especially the youth, to take ownership of this project by respecting the construction zones and timelines, and by refraining from harmful activities such as illegal sand winning, he added.

Modern market for Aflao

President Mahama further announced plans to extend the coastal protection project to Aflao. He also revealed that the construction of a modern market (Asigame) in Aflao was in the pipeline, with support from the Government of China.

The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, earlier assured the gathering that work on the project would progress smoothly and be completed on schedule.

The Member of Parliament for the area, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described the project as clear testimony of the governments resolve to fulfil its promises to the people.

The Makorsor of Some Traditional Area, Togbuiga Adama III, noted that tidal waves had also destroyed roads in the area and deprived residents of access to potable water. He appealed to President Mahama to intervene and extend support to other affected communities.

Project background

In 2015, during President John Dramani Mahamas previous term, the government commenced the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase I.

That phase covered a 4.3-kilometre stretch involving the construction of groynes to protect the coastal communities of Azizadzi, Horvi, and Blekusu from tidal wave impact and coastal erosion.

Following the successful execution of Phase I, other vulnerable communities remained exposed to tidal devastation, worsened by rising sea levels due to climate change and variability.

This situation necessitated the urgent commencement of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II.
The EU now requires that all smartphones and tablets sold in the Union have the new Energy Label on their packaging. It also created a database called European Product Registry for Energy Labeling or EPREL for short. That is valuable information and we are now including it in our specs pages to help you research phones before you buy.

EU Energy Label info is now included in our specs pages

First things first, this is an EU thing so only models sold in the EU have this data. Also, the data is provided by the manufacturers with the tests performed either by the manufacturer itself or by a third-party lab.

This means that the data doesnt come from an independent source. That said, any inaccurate info should be updated as soon as it is spotted  the EU will hold manufacturers responsible for providing accurate information and it may use third-party labs to do its own verification.

It should also be noted that some makers  the biggest one being Apple  are not happy with how the testing procedures are defined. Cupertino claims that some tests are under-defined or even undefined. You can read more about that here. The European Commission will take input from manufacturers and may update the testing procedures in the future.

To help you better understand what all these numbers and letters mean, we have updated our Glossary with explanations and details on the key info listed on the label. Start here: EU Energy Label. Then, you can get into the more detailed articles on energy efficiency class, battery endurance (both endurance on a single charge and longevity in terms of charge cycles), screen protection (measured as hardness on the Mohs scale), repairability and free fall repairability (the latter focuses on functional damage over cosmetics when a device is dropped).

You can find the EU Energy Label info for phones and tablets (where available) listed at the bottom of the specs table under the EU Label heading.
Beyond the festivities: How Guam Liberation Day came to be
The Guam Power Authority said Attorney General Douglas Moylan cant move a conflict case from local court to the District Court of Guam because it lacks jurisdiction.

GPA, through its legal counsel Marianne Woloschuk, filed on July 17 a motion to remand.

GPA filed a suit in Superior Court of Guam against the Office of the Attorney General to order the AG to appoint a conflict-free attorney to review bids for power installations at the planned Mangilao hospital project site.

The AGs office in response filed a motion in federal court to take over the lawsuit, citing the request violates the Organic Act of Guam.

GPA argues Moylan has shown he has a conflict of interest when it comes to the Mangilao hospital project.

Moylan sued in December, alleging illegalities in the use of American Rescue Plan funds to secure land for the hospital and associated medical campus, and in the condemnation of land for the project.

The AG has asserted he has no conflict in the hospital power bids, and has called it an attempt to remove him from the project.

By law, the AG must be involved in any government procurement over $500,000, and GPA has three bids it wants to push out related to power installations at the hospital.

Illegal

According to the AGs office, the Consolidated Commission on Utilities authorization for GPA to take $35.4 million in ARP funding from the Guam Economic Development Authority was impermissible.

The AGs office has argued that the CCU itself is illegal, an assertion Moylan last made in a 2023 legal opinion.

According to the opinion, the elected CCU, which oversees GPA and the Guam Waterworks Authority, deprives the governor of her Organic Act authority to supervise the appointment of the heads of executive branch agencies.

Guam law authorized the creation of the CCU, but the governors powers, laid out in the Organic Act, are provided by Congress.

Woloschuk argues that a dispute over the validity of a local law, despite referencing a federal statute, does not automatically qualify for federal jurisdiction.

Whether the CCU interferes with the governors role is a matter of local law. Referencing the Organic Act does not turn GPAs writ action into a matter with federal question jurisdiction, Woloschuk wrote.

She also argued that it was the governor who obligated the federal funds, not the CCU.

The CCU did not expend the funds; the funds remain unspent, she wrote.

GPA has standing to sue the AG from a recent Supreme Court of Guam ruling that government of Guam agencies aggrieved by the AGs conduct in procurement reviews have the authority to bring a writ action against him, she argued.

Woloschuk also argued that GPAs petition does not identify a federal question. The court lacks federal question jurisdiction, regardless of any federal counterclaims asserted by the AG.

The AG has also argued the matter is subject to removal because he qualifies as a federal officer under the removal statute.

However, GPA argues that Moylan isnt a federal officer and the Organic Act doesnt designate him as one.

The mere fact that federal funds will pay for the procurement at issue here does not transform the attorney generals procurement review duties into a federal task. If that were the case, then every state and local official with access to or oversight of federal funding would be a federal officer, Woloschuk wrote.

Besides GPA, GWA also has $62.9 million in ARP money to install water and sewer at the Mangilao hospital site.

Bids for water and sewer will likewise require Moylan's review, if bid amounts are worth over $500,000.
History was made Saturday night as reggae legends The Wailers brought their music and message of peace, love and unity to the Guam stage for the first time.

Guam came out for the greatest reggae band in history, continuing the dream of its founding members that included Bob Marley, Aston Barrett, and Bunny Wailer, of spreading their message and legacy around the world.

When the Wailers come, we dont just give you good music, we give you something to think about, The Wailers lead vocalist Mitchell Brunings told the Guam crowd. The Wailers have been on this mission since the 60s. The message is simple: the world needs change. It is time for the people to be heard. It is time for the people to rise. (We are) one people, one destiny, one love.

The crowd at Ypao Beach Park was treated to a night of good vibes and good times.

Led by Aston Barrett Jr., on the drums and Brunings on lead vocals, The Wailers delivered music that was good for the soul and food for thought.

One by one, they performed their classics that have transcended borders and generations, from Is This Love to No Woman No Cry, Stir It Up, Wait In Vain, I Shot the Sheriff, Three Little Birds, One Love, Redemption Song, Stand Up for Your Rights, and Buffalo Soldier.

Concertgoer Jared Okada said the concert was the closest thing to seeing Bob Marley.

I felt like they were the most real, Okada told the Pacific Daily News. You hear people all over the world cover Bob Marley all the time, but this one felt legit, authentic, from the source. It was great experience.

Although the weather was between heavy and light rain at the start of the evening, the crowd remained energized and excited for the reggae legends to take the stage.

Prepared with umbrellas, raincoats, and dry fit clothes, everyone in attendance stood out in the weather for a historical experience.

Nick Sebastian, a member of the Guahan Drum Circle, simply said the rain did not matter.

The weather didnt make a difference, because its The Wailers, Sebastian said. Initially, there was a heavy downpour, but later on, nobody cared. I think the weather helped keep us cool when it became more crowded.

As the clouds cleared, hundreds of reggae fans flooded the front of the stage, on their feet, in personal folding chairs, and picnic mats. Heads bobbing and shoulders swaying, the music united the crowd.

The sound of the cheers almost rivaled the volume of the speakers.

When the Wailers started playing, they barely passed the first few notes of their opening song, Lively Up Yourself, before all of Ypao was on their feet cheering for more.

As the night continued, the energy only grew. Guam called for more music, more love as each song started and ended.

Chris and Jayme Greene attended the concert in support of their son, one of the opening artists, Forgiving November. As they watched The Wailers from the crowd, they could only describe the experience as beautiful.

Nothing more articulate, Jayme Greene said. It was beautiful, and we need that in the world right now. Love, unity, and peace.

In addition to the message behind the bands music, Chris Greene appreciated how their presence provided an opportunity for local artists.

I dont know if Guams a big deal to them, but as bands like that come to Guam, theyre opening up a lot of opportunities for a lot of local guys around here, Chris Greene said. They probably never get to play venues or crowds like this, so their message is good, but its [also] good for the community, for all the local musicians, for everybody.

Coinciding with Guam celebrating 81 years of liberation, the message of the Wailers music, traditionally a call for social empowerment and cultural engagement, hit the hearts of the crowd, solidifying a legendary performance.

Im still processing what just happened, Sebastian said. Its a once in a lifetime experience. Im just kicking myself to make sure whether Im dreaming or not. What they say, we really feel it when we listen to the music. Its not just a slogan or something. We really felt it by heart, and we felt what they meant. Theyre doing the right thing, spreading one love, connecting with everyone.

After the concert, Barrett admitted he was blown away by the people of Guam and promised to return.

I already knew that people would greet us with such great energy, but you guys gave us more than expected, Barrett said. We really love it, and we appreciate the love, so we feel honored, and we will be back.
A group of more than 20 people from the "Bridge 2 Harmony" Choir at Roosevelt High School in the U.S. state of Iowa visited Shijiazhuang, a city in north China, from Friday to Sunday to experience Chinese culture.
As Guam commemorates the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day, our family is filled with gratitude. We reflect on the beautiful oral history of our mothers journey through Guams wartime, a story that continues to inspire us all.

Margarita Paulino Duenas Diego, the 11th of 12 children, was born on Dec. 31, 1943, in the village of Inalahan, Guam.

She was only six months and 21 days old when Guam was liberated on July 21, 1944. While she was too young to remember the hardship details of that time, her survival, and the love that made it possible, remains one of the most cherished stories in our family.

When the Japanese occupation reached southern Guam, Margaritas parents, Manuel Mendiola Duenas and Ana Cepeda Paulino Duenas, were forced to leave their village home in Inalahan. As they journeyed over the hills toward the location of Merizo Elementary School then, our mother was carried in her fathers arms, and as an infant, still needing nourishment.

In the commotion and confusion of having to move quickly for their safety, Manuel and Margarita and two older children became separated from Ana and her other young children.

For two long days, Manuel and Ana could not find each other. With no food for the baby, Manuel turned to fellow villagers for help. Three kind women Maria Chargualaf, Antonia Taitague, and Lolita Diego Meno, stepped in and breastfed baby Margarita until she was safely reunited with her mother.

These women gave without hesitation. Their kindness saved a life, and our family honors them always. While Margarita was still very young, Maria and Antonia passed on, and Lolita relocated to the U.S. mainland. Though Margarita never got to meet them, we remember and thank them with deep love and appreciation.

Now, 81 years later, we celebrate our mother, who has lived a life full of purpose, faith, and grace. She is a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie and nina, and a guiding light to all of us. Her survival is a living testament to the strength of family and the enduring spirit of our island people.

This year, on Aug. 1, 2025, Guam will also mark a major milestone, the 75th anniversary of the Guam Organic Act of 1950. This landmark legislation is a cornerstone of our journey toward greater self-governance, dignity, and democratic inclusion.

In 1949, the Guam Congress walkout, led by Speaker Antonio Borja Won Pat, became a defining moment. It was not an act of rebellion; it was a stand for dignity. Their courage reached Washington, D.C., where the message could no longer be ignored.

That hopeful movement led to a transformative result and on Aug. 1, 1950, President Harry S. Truman signed the Organic Act of Guam into law. It granted U.S. citizenship to the people of Guam, and established our civilian government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches we have today.

It was a new beginning, a first step toward civil rights, self determination, and greater hope for future generations.

To the youth of our island, I hope you will read this story not as a lesson, but as a gift. You come from a people whose history is filled with strength, compassion, courage, and community.

These are not just events in a textbook. They are your inheritance. Let them stir your heart. You are the heirs of this journey, and the future of our island depends on how you honor and shape whats been passed down.

May these anniversaries of liberation and of the Organic Act remind us all of the goodness, unity, and resilience that define Guam. And may we move forward with hearts full of gratitude, embracing the opportunities before us, and continuing to honor those who came before us by building a future worthy of their legacy.

Biba Guam! Biba i taotao-ta!




Haiti - FLASH : Colombia will train 1,000 FAdH soldiers





Since taking office in November 2024, Jean-Michel Moise, Minister of Defense, has stepped up efforts to strengthen the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H), convinced that their mission is essential to Haiti's sovereignty and security, emphasizing modernization and international cooperation.



The visit to Haiti by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accompanied by his Minister of Defense, Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez Suarez, confirmed the successful conclusion of negotiations regarding enhanced collaboration, particularly in terms of military training.



Although no agreement was signed on Friday, July 19, Colombia, responding favorably to Minister Moise's approach, has committed to training 1,000 recruits for the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H) in the coming months (pending the official signing of an agreement).



Furthermore, Minister Moise confirmed the upcoming departure of 150 new FAd'H recruits for Mexico, where they will receive high-level training.



This dynamic regional partnership, also including Panama and other allied nations, aims to provide Haiti with a modern, better-equipped, better-trained, efficient, and fully operational army.



"Our young men and women are proud to serve their country in the army. They will soon be responsible for ensuring our security. We will do everything possible to strengthen our armed forces. We pay tribute to their sacrifices and their commitment to serving the nation. The Haitian Armed Forces are eternal," declared Minister Moise.



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Far North : Launch of the PSJET project which aims to finance 300 companies





On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Mayor of Acul du Nord, Ms. Ziky Delcemond, launched the "Private Sector Jobs and Economic Transformation" (PSJET) project, aimed at boosting the creation and strengthening of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in 60 municipalities across the five departments of the Far North (North, Northeast, Northwest, Center, and Artibonite).



Through the Haitian Business Support Grant Fund, financed by the World Bank, the project aims, among other things, to improve business competitiveness, strengthen sectors, and stimulate innovation and research.



Ms. Delcemond, who is both President of the Association of Mayors of the North and Secretary General of the Federation of Mayors of Haiti (FENAMH), strongly expressed the hope that this project would be a genuine investment in the sustainable development of the Grand Nord.



The presentations by Diony Pierre, President of the Northeast Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Josselin Val, Rector of the University of Technology of Haiti (UNITECH), expressed the need for capacity building for young entrepreneurs to ensure their long-term viability.



Alfred Fils Metellus, Minister of Economy and Finance, appreciated the ownership of the PSJET by the university, mayors, and chambers of commerce, who will thus ensure that the project truly engages in the battle for employment so that everyone can have only one desire: to continue living and prospering in Haiti.



A meeting has been scheduled for the end of the year to assess the progress of the PSJET in its ambitious plan to finance 300 businesses in the Far North.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Justice : Towards the establishment of specialized judicial centers





On July 17, Patrick Pelissier, Minister of Justice and Public Security, and Jean Joseph Lebrun, President of the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ), chaired a working session to discuss the progress made in the establishment of specialized judicial centers. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44549-haiti-justice-reopening-of-the-court-of-first-instance-of-port-au-prince.html



This working session also included identifying the next steps to be taken and the challenges to be overcome.



This was an opportunity for the two leaders of the Haitian justice system to present to donors the various steps already taken and those that will be taken in the coming weeks to complete the implementation of this ambitious project, which will enable the State to contribute to reducing the phenomenon of impunity in Haiti.



In his speech, Minister Pelissier highlighted the decree of April 14, 2025, which established the creation of specialized judicial centers. He firmly believes that the implementation of this project will have a positive impact on the efficiency of the public justice system, as has been the case in other countries, particularly in Europe.



For his part, Magistrate Jean Joseph Lebrun emphasized that specialized judicial centers represent a powerful lever capable of helping us build a powerful and modern justice system.



The dates of September 23 and October 6, 2025, have been set for the inauguration and official opening of the specialized judicial centers.



In the meantime, the Ministry of Justice and the Council of Justice (CSPJ) will continue to work on issues related to logistics, human resources, and training of stakeholders .



Learn more about the two specialized judicial centers :

1 - A center competent to prosecute perpetrators and accomplices of mass crimes committed against the population, as well as sexual violence against women and girls.

2 - A center specialized in the fight against financial crime, responsible for prosecuting perpetrators and accomplices of financial crimes and combating corruption and the misappropriation of public funds.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















YANGON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A Bluetooth speaker left charging sparked a fire that destroyed eight homes in central Myanmar's Mandalay region, according to the Mandalay Region Fire Services Department on Sunday.

The fire broke out around 7:53 p.m. local time on Saturday in Mahaaungmye township in Mandalay region, an official from the department told Xinhua.

The fire started while a Bluetooth speaker was being charged. Its battery burst and ignited nearby clothes, causing the fire to spread, he said.

A total of 37 people from 13 households were affected. No deaths were reported, he added. 




Haiti - News : Zapping...





FLASH : PM evokes reinforcements from Kenya

Prime Minister Fils Aime announced the arrival of a contingent of more than 200 SWAT agents in Kenya, trained and equipped by the United States, who are awaiting orders to join the Mission in Haiti. Fils Aime stated that he had asked the Americans to send them to Haiti as soon as possible.



Kapenyen attacked, at least 17 victims

On Saturday, July 19, around 4:00 a.m., the locality of Kapenyen, in the Estere commune of Artibonite, considered one of the strongholds of the resistance against armed gangs, was attacked by heavily armed individuals from the "Kokorat San Ras" gang. The unofficial provisional death toll is at least 7 residents dead and about ten injured.



Kenya : Visa Lift for Haitians

Kenya's President William Ruto announced the lifting of visa restrictions for Haitian nationals. This decision comes in response to the Trump administration's deportation campaign against Haitian migrants in the United States.



USCIS : New Fees for Certain Services

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) warns that new fees will soon be applied to certain applications for immigration benefits. USCIS has released a new edition of Form G-1055, the fee schedule. Download the new fee schedule : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/g-1055.pdf



Reason for Ruto's shortened trip ?

Fritz Alphonse Jean, President pro tempore of the Transitional Council (CPT), explains that President Ruto's stay was shortened due to Colombia's national holiday, which is celebrated this Sunday, July 20. Since this was a planned event and not an unforeseen one, one might question the seriousness of this explanation...



22,878 Haitians repatriated from the DR in June

According to data compiled by the Support Group for Repatriates and Refugees (GARR), 22,878 Haitian nationals were repatriated by Dominican authorities during the month of June 2025. Among them were more than 300 nannies and over 900 unaccompanied minors.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Until now, anyone who wanted to work with Apple's useful machine learning framework MLX had to use a Mac with as much M-Chip power as possible. Fans of tools such as LM Studio, which can be used to run local LLMs, swear by it on macOS and use MLX-optimized versions of Llama, Qwen or Mistral, which are designed to make better use of Apple SoCs and their unified memory. If some developers have their way, MLX could now also spread to other platforms. The GitHub project behind MLX is currently working on a CUDA backend. This means that Nvidia-based systems could use MLX in the future.

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Develop on the Mac, run on the cluster

However, the project is still in its infancy. If it reaches product maturity, it is conceivable that MLX-optimized models could be adapted comparatively easily for the more powerful Nvidia GPUs, for example as part of training. In addition, MLX models could at least theoretically spread more quickly, as CUDA has a much larger community behind it.

MLX is specifically optimized for Apple Silicon and its Metal GPU interface. In the case of Nvidia GPUs, there would then be a switch from Metal to CUDA (which stands for Compute Unified Device Architecture). MLX comes with bindings for Swift, C and C++. The main developer behind the CUDA backend with the user name zcbenz comes from Japan. According to him, Apple is financing parts of the work.

Developer: Apple involved in the project

"There are two main reasons for a CUDA backend," says the developer. "Firstly, CUDA supports unified memory. (...) Secondly, Nvidia hardware is widely used in the scientific field and on large computing clusters ["Massive Computations", writes zcbenz in the original]." It would therefore be useful to be able to write and test code locally on your Mac and then run it on supercomputers. "That would be a good developer experience."

It remains to be seen how quickly the project will progress. It was launched in the spring. This week, zcbenz announced that the CUDA backend is still under development and has not been officially released." More information will be provided "when things are in better shape".

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Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen. Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden

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Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The ten nurses and two doctors were part of an international recruitment programme that brought them to Finland last year to help address staffing shortages in the regions healthcare sector. Their contracts were terminated within months.

A group of foreign nurses and doctors dismissed during their probationary periods by the wellbeing services county of North Savo have accused the authority of discriminatory treatment, misleading recruitment practices, and public defamation.

North Savos welfare authority said in a public statement that the dismissals were due to concerns about the workers' language proficiency and professional competence.

But five of the nurses, interviewed by Yle, strongly rejected those claims. One said the dismissal had nothing to do with her skills.

I dont think the reason for the dismissal was my skills, but something that is more difficult to prove: discrimination, she said.

The group, whose identities are known to Yle but withheld from publication, described a pattern of isolation, hostility, and inconsistent expectations in the workplace. Some said the situation began affecting their mental health.

We werent allowed to show what we could do, another nurse told Yle.

The nurses had recently completed a degree in Poland and came to Finland through a recruitment programme involving the North Savo wellbeing services county, the regional ELY Centre, and BBI Finland.

Although hired as nurses, they were not permitted to perform many nursing duties due to Finnish legal restrictions. Under current regulations, healthcare workers must hold certification from Valvira, Finlands supervisory authority, which includes passing the national Finnish language test (YKI). Without this, tasks such as medication distribution and unsupervised care are prohibited.

I asked if I could distribute medicine, and they said no, one nurse recalled. What if I hadnt asked, and had done something illegal?

Despite being restricted in their roles, some were allowed to carry out more advanced tasks under supervision, including inserting IV cannulas.

The group also said they had received mixed or no feedback before their terminations, while some were even praised during their probation.

One nurse, given the pseudonym Mary, told Yle she expressed doubts about participating before travelling to Finland. She received email reassurances from the employer, but said the reality was far from the promised support.

Yle reviewed several email exchanges that suggest the nurses were told mentoring would be available and that communication would occur in English. In practice, mentors were instructed to speak only Finnish, and the mentoring programme was ended after one month.

Mary said she spent around 20,000 preparing for and joining the programme. The cost included fees, training, and relocation.

Many friends warned me not to come to Finland, but I trusted the employer. I thought they were committed to us. Sadly, those who warned me were right. Finland turned out to be a very hostile place, she said.

She also said the experience felt closer to being trafficked than professionally recruited. We were brought here, given no chance, then blamed, she added.

Some reported overt hostility from local colleagues. They didnt want to work with us, didnt give us tasks, and ignored us, one nurse said.

The group also criticised media coverage, which they said wrongly focused only on Zimbabwean nurses, ignoring the diversity among those dismissed.

The county declined to comment further when contacted by Yle. In an earlier statement, Sami Remes, a spokesperson for the North Savo authority, denied discrimination and said the decisions were made to protect patient safety.

The affected healthcare workers said they are now struggling to recover both professionally and financially, with their reputations damaged by the public statement linking them to incompetence.

HT
Helsinki Region Environmental Services (HSY) maintains 67 vesipostit, or water posts, across the capital area, offering free access to drinking water throughout the warm season. While some residents use them regularly, others are only just discovering how simple they are to use.

As summer temperatures rise in the Finnish capital, residents and their dogs are turning to an often-overlooked solution for quick relief: public water taps.

At Fredrikintori in central Helsinki, Olli Leppanen fills a container to take back to his office.

I get water here every day, he said. It tastes better than what comes from my tap at home. I think its because it hasnt been sitting in pipes  fewer metals dissolve into it.

Leppanen began collecting water from the post two months ago and has continued the routine, even through colder weather. He noted occasional issues in winter but praised HSY for its quick maintenance response.

Fredrikintoris water post is also a popular stop for local dogs. Niko Lipsanen, sitting outside a flower stand with Anni, a dog hes looking after, said the tap is part of their daily routine.

Whenever were here, I always get water for Anni from the tap, he said. I havent tried it myself, though.

Others are still adjusting to the system. Barbara and Vivian Castilla, originally from Rome, said they were familiar with public taps from their home city but found the pressure of the water in Helsinki slightly too strong for their small dog, Simon.

Next time well bring a bottle with us, Barbara said. Its great not to have to buy water.

Sonja Jusi had hesitated in the past due to the stiffness of the taps but was surprised by the ease of use after recent updates.

Theyve been improved, she said. The handles used to be tight, but now its much easier.

HSYs online map shows all functioning water posts in the capital area, marked with blue dots. Residents can also vote on where future taps should be installed through a survey on the HSY website.

HT
AN entrepreneur has won three awards for her playing cards business.

Emma Sweet, founder of Ace Places Playing Cards, was recognised for her cards which illustrate Henleys amenities, businesses and interesting characters and places.

She was named start-up businesswoman of the year in the Berkshire Business Awards and best marketing, PR and advertising start-up in the South East by the UK Start Up Awards.

Ms Sweet, 43, who lives in Knowl Hill, was also awarded an excellence in innovation accolade by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, the largest business awards programme in the region on Wednesday.

She founded her business in March 2023, a year after having the idea and launched them at the Old Fire Station Gallery in Market Place, with super-sized versions of the cards on display.

Ms Sweet collaborated on the design with Nicola Metcalfe, an artist and illustrator, to bring the project to life and since its launch, more than 8,000 packs have been sold, with 25p from each pack supporting a charity in Henley.

The designs include Jacobini Wine Gallery in Hart Street, the Chiltern Centre in Greys Road, the Cheesy Grape in Market Place and the Kenton Theatre in New Street.

The cards have been sold in as far as Australia, New Zealand and America including by former Henley residents who moved there and she launched a Marlow deck of playing cards in November 2023.

Ms Sweet, who lives with fiance Mark Dunlop, the landlord at the Angel on the Bridge in Henley, said: As a start-up, you work away on your own quite a lot of the time and to suddenly have public recognition from some of these awards companies, who know what theyre talking about, feels really special.

When I floated the idea of doing the pack of cards, I did a Facebook post that explained the idea and by the end of the day, I had seven businesses signed up [to appear on them].

One being the Henley Festival as the ace of spades and the Rewind Festival as the ace of hearts and thats when I thought this was a goer.

When we got the sample pack, they packed me two packs of cards with no box and my fiance and I were playing with them and we thought, people are going to love these.

Ms Sweet now has plans to franchise the business, expanding to launch packs in other UK towns with residents who can help co-ordinate them.

She said: Im trying to expand to go across the UK and find the leaders of the pack, the best people in their towns who can co-ordinate the cards like I do and make sure they are selling and everybody knows about them.

This feels like the turning point now where I have been busy working away on my own and looking after my two packs of cards and suddenly, were going to have more people involved and more towns involved so the awards are really a catalyst for that.

They have to be people who really love where they live and want to champion it.

I entered the awards because it will give people confidence that it is a recognised business but also make you aware of them.

Its trying to get beyond Henley and Marlow, really.

Ms Sweet, who moved to the area in 2012 after joining Brakspear as its marketing manager, said the cards have been important in showcasing business and events in the town.

She said: I didnt know Henley before 2012. Id heard of regatta but I didnt really know much about it.

I had the idea of the playing cards about 10 years ago to include pubs but Brakspear have more than 100 so it seemed way too many for a pack of cards.

Thats when I was looking at Henley, thinking Henley is famous for the regatta and not everyone knows all of the other great stuff about it like the Henley Literary Festival, the Henley Show and the Thames Traditional Boat Festival so I decided to make it town-specific.

People are buying them because if theyre a local, theyre proud of where they live and they want something for that but also the visitors to the town because theyre then getting this useful guide.

Ms Sweet said the playing cards were a good way to market the town away from the advances of AI.

She said: I was so excited about the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce award because at the moment, AI is taking over the world and thats great because were making some amazing improvements to our lives but at the same time, these packs of cards take people away from their screens and thats also very important.

The more stories I hear from people is that you will get teenagers playing with them and people in their early twenties and they can be quite hard to market to.

Its so nice to be seen as cool.
KABUL, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have dismantled two drug processing labs and discovered more than 580 kg of illicit drugs in western Afghanistan's Farah province, the office of the Deputy Minister of Interior for Counter-Narcotics said in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, counter-narcotic police launched separate operations on the outskirts of the Bakwa district, where they destroyed two drug labs and confiscated 589 kg of illicit substances. Nine suspected drug smugglers were detained.

The Afghan interim government has stepped up its crackdown on illicit drugs and those involved in the business. 
ISLAMABAD, July 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and over 60 others injured in two separate road accidents in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Sunday, said police officials.

One of the accidents occurred in Thatta district where a bus carrying picnickers overturned due to over-speeding, resulting in six deaths and over 20 injuries, police sources from the district told Xinhua.

Separately, a passenger bus travelling from the southern port city of Karachi to northwest Mansehra district overturned on the National Highway in Khairpur district, killing four people and wounding 40 others, including women and children. 
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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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An initial analysis of the cockpit voice recorder recovered from the Air India flight that crashed last month reveals that the younger co-pilot asked the captain why he had turned off the planes fuel-supply switches, according to a US media report.

First officer Clive Kunder had the controls of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for take-off and at the time of the crash moments later outside Ahmedabad airport, according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal citing sources in the investigation, and it was he who asked flight captain Sumeet Sabharwal why he had flipped the switches, starving the engines of fuel.

It represents a potentially important new detail, emerging several days after a preliminary official report in the crash revealed only that the brief interaction had taken place, without naming who said what or quoting them directly.

Air India Flight 171 crashed into a medical college less than a minute after take-off from Ahmedabad in western India heading for London Gatwick, killing 241 people on board and another 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived the crash.

The preliminary report, issued a month after the crash in line with international regulations, has sparked controversy with a pilots association accusing it of trying to place the blame on Sabharwal and Kunder without conclusive evidence.

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) on Thursday said the 15-page report released lacks comprehensive data and appears to rely selectively on paraphrased cockpit voice recordings to suggest pilot error and question the professional competence and integrity of the flight crew.

open image in gallery Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed on 12 June shortly after takeoff ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Assigning blame before a thorough, transparent and data-driven investigation is both premature and irresponsible. Such speculative commentary undermines the professionalism of highly trained crew members causes undue distress to their families and colleagues, it added.

The Journal did not say if there was any evidence that Sabharwal did move the switches, beyond the verbal exchange it cited.

But it quoted US pilots who have read the Indian authorities 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.

India's Air Accident Investigation Bureaus (AAIB) preliminary report said the fuel switches both switched from run to cutoff, one second apart from each other, just after takeoff. It does not say how this occurred.

open image in gallery Wreckage of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane sits on the open ground, outside Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport ( REUTERS )

It said an analysis of CCTV footage shows the planes backup engine, known as the RAM air turbine, deployed almost immediately after the plane lifted off the ground, indicating a loss of power from the engines.

The London-bound plane began to lose thrust, and after reaching a height of 650 feet, the jet started to sink.

The fuel switches for both engines were turned back to run, and the airplane automatically tried restarting its engines, the report said.

The incident has also rekindled debate over whether planes should have video cameras in the cockpit, a demand that pilots have pushed back against.

Aviation safety expert John Nance said investigators likely would have benefited greatly from having video footage of the cockpit during the Air India flight.

Supporters of cockpit video cameras say they can help fill gaps left by audio and data recorders, while critics argue that privacy concerns and potential misuse outweigh the limited investigative benefits.